For the past ten days or so, I have been re-visiting patterns I learned early in my Zentangle “career,” but have stopped using. Some fell into disuse because I simply didn’t like them; others because I couldn’t make them work for me; still others for reasons I have forgotten. Using the Zentangle Primer to guide me, I simply started at the beginning.
Yesterday, a Primer exercise (#zp1x16) directed me to draw a tangle I either don’t like or have trouble drawing to my satisfaction. I selected a pattern that looks simple but that gives me trouble, ‘nzeppel. 
‘Nzeppel is a simple enough looking pattern that is drawn in a grid of exes. But it has given me a lot of trouble because I can’t get the corners to curve instead of come to a point. This tile shows my best effort in the 10 or 11 months I have “known” it. I posted it on the Zentangle Mosaic app with an explanation, figuring that was the end to it for a while. I was incredibly surprised to learn how many experienced tanglers–individuals whose work is incredibly artistic and beautiful–had difficulty with this pattern as well! Their admission left me feeling so much less klutzy! I am so grateful to them all.
Some CTZs offered suggestions (privately) on how to draw ‘nzeppel better–tips that they used themselves. These made me think about the pattern differently. So I redrew it. 
This is much closer to the effect I was trying to create all these months. It reinforces my feeling that tangling with a group has many significant advantages over tangling alone. Other tanglers can offer advice based on personal experience or contact with other tanglers. It also made me realize that I am not simply having a unique and personal difficulty with a simple pattern. So often, the most complex patterns turn into an easy exercise (my experiences with Way Bop before seeing the step-out, for example), while the simple, easy-looking patterns are challenges for even artistically gifted tanglers. It is such a relief to know that I am not simply an untalented klutz with a pen and pencil.
Several of the tips and suggestions I received after uploading the first tile yesterday included references to personal difficulties with the pattern and the tip or instruction that yielded that “Aha!” moment. But it came from group participation and sharing.
And sharing is just another important aspect of Zentangle. We all get by (and get better!) with a little help from our friends!
If you live on the island of St. Martin, in Sint Maarten, or are planning a visit to the island, let’s get together and tangle under a palm tree or beach umbrella by the sea!
Until next time, Happy Tangling!
TangleSXM 
Dear Ellie,
as a yoga-teacher, I often speak to people who think they are on a good way to learn from DVDs or even the www. That’s ok, but a teacher with its experience and hands-on is really indispensable. Yoga can cause injuries and is sometimes dangerous, not so Zentangle. 😊 But the way to learn is much easier and more comfortable with help and support.
Thank you for your invitation to your wonderful island, perhaps we will meet us there ….
Greetings from sunny Germany today
Barbara
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Thank you so much, Barbara! The group aspect is just one of the reasons I am hoping to spread Zentangle around the island! For personal reasons, it would me nice to have someone to tangle with. I am so grateful for all the help and support I receive on The Zentangle Mosaic app, from you more than from many. And I love the videos posted by founders Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts. It is close to, but still not the same as, tangling with others. Happy tangling!
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