GOODNESS & MERCY :: FROM PSALM 23

The odd thing is, for this famous Psalm, the best known parts (for me anyway) is the Shepherd bit, the still waters part + dark valley bit. But on this particular day (and a couple days before that) the hymn inspired by that psalm got stuck in my head. Just the chorus. Over and over.

surely goodness and mercy shall fooollloooww meeeee, all the days, all the days of my liii-iiffee

Over and over. I kept singing it to Indigo so many times I knew I had to doodle it out of my head so my mind could move on!

FORGIVE AS YOU HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN.

Forgiveness was on my mind, not just of others, but of ourselves. Sometimes, we are our own harshest critics, no? The theme of forgiveness continued on Day 31

FORGIVE/N (FROM THE LORD'S PRAYER)

I was blessed with a longer nap break so I took out the white ink to play on some simple black paper. It's so nice how simple pleasures like a blank piece of paper (black OR white) can be such a blessing.

• I'm blessed & VERY grateful for baby naps (no matter how rare or random) and time to feed my creative spirit
• I'm blessed to have these moments of play
• I'm blessed & grateful for all the love, encouragement (and likes) on Instagram and Facebook for this Lentoodle project
• I'm blessed with lots of ideas to experiment with doodles, ink and paper
• I'm blessed with an amazing husband and cheeky bubba (sometimes she even naps for a couple of hours!!)
• I'm blessed to have this space to share my doodle artwork, to inspire your day

Another song that got stuck in my head (like this one the previous week). I'm not sure the composition is as well done as it would be if I got to go on my trusty mac and play with it a bit more. On the other hand, I'm liking the looseness I'm achieving doing all this by hand. I can see more confidence in my lines & doodles with this practice to just go with the first draft. It's like how sometimes, the first draft in the sketch always seems to have more magic than the redrawn 'proper' final version. You know what I mean? Anyway, I digress. This song. Yes. It got stuck in my head. But I didn't mind. I needed to the reminder to reset my mind and heart after long days of busy chaos. Plus it was a song that really helped me connect spiritually during my praying-having-a-cuppa-with-Jesus time. How are you resetting your mind and Refreshing your Heart?

some ideas just come to me in a flash.

Others I have to mull over a few days and even then there is a high percentage that just never quite translates on paper. 

This one was a bit of both. I was mulling over another concept over a few days and just as I could feel my mind clicking into place and the solution was juuuuust in my grasp, this amazing grace concept flashed across my mind and I had to decide.

 Grab hold of the clear new vision or release it to go after the elusive solution I had spent hours trying to find. 

URGGHHH!

I use to go after the elusive, hated to waste all those hours I had already spent. 

As a new mama, surrendering and trusting that good will come back to me seems to be a daily practice so I grabbed hold of the new flash. 

Outside of Lentoodles, I would have liked to spend more time designing this on the computer, use a proper font, straight lines etc... The beauty of this challenge meant I had to get it down in paper quickly, hold onto that flash firmly as I sketched it out and doodled like a fiend until it was done. (I did have to take a couple breaks cos I could feel cramps starting up in my hands!)

FREE PRINTABLE POSTERS FOR YOU

EDIT: I also used this concept and recreated it to make a printable poster for my Insider List members. 

Go download it now in the Insider Library

(Not a member? Go sign up to gain exclusive access to a gorgeous library of artwork and printable posters for FREE!)

One of my favourite things to do is work with amazing clients on a special drawing. Add in one of my favourite bible verses & an old friend as a client, and it's a beautiful fun process for everyone. I had changed schools and we lost contact, so it was amazing to hear from this lovely lady after so many years. 

This client needed a custom drawing for her friend's ordination graduation. So a really special event which needed an equally memorable artwork to mark the occasion.

(1) we start with a chat

For commissions, the client and I make a plan for the artwork.

Here, we'll chat about Who it's for, what words are important, any additional elements etc...

The best clients gives me the freedom to use my expertise to inform the final design, while knowing exactly what they don't want. In this case, Jo wanted to have a hand illustration included with the text.

(2) drafts & final designs are decided

Jo was pretty awesome - she was both flexible and knew what she liked straightaway.

This is where we chat tweaks on colour/design/hidden words and check we're still on the same page about the final artwork.

Once I presented 3 digital design options, we had a quick chat and the final design was decided very quickly. We decided on the style of illustration, talked about what letters will be silhouettes and which will be filled in. Plus I confirm this is a luxury watercolour paper & ink original.

(3) i begin the artwork

So the fun part can begin! I transfer the design onto paper and that's pretty much the end of the process where I have complete control. That's why I always ensure there is flexibility in the design when I chat with the client for the doodles to work their magic.

My job is walking the fine balance & juggle of working within the design boundaries while allowing the drawings to flow freely. Otherwise the drawing will end up looking lifeless and flat.

I send regular updates via email, with images and sneak peeks during the drawing process.

If I do my job right, this will mean growing excitement and anticipation by my client. Plus they get to also see the drawing come to life before their eyes. (As well as sneak peeks on any secret messages and where they are hidden in the drawing!)

FINALLY - The artwork is done!

When the last line is drawn (and my name & copyright is also hidden inside the doodles) I let the drawing sit and settle overnight.

I always like to sleep on it and look at the final artwork with fresh eyes

This is when I use my left brain to check that the flow feels right and what the client and I discussed. Are the text clear, the important words stand out? Does any section feel 'heavy' or need a boost? I don't like to add to much too quickly, there is no Undo button on original artwork! Once it's done, I send a final image update and wait for the happy approval email back. (I'll admit it's another favourite part of the process for me)

Depending on the package chosen by the client I would do the final arrangements for packaging it up for shipping. Whether that's getting it framed, organising an unveiling, gift wrapping etc.. In this case, Jo just needed an archival mat for the print & we even arranged for an in person pick up so we could catch up!

Here is Jo's words on her experience during this art making adventure:

Words are powerful, and I love the way that Brenda makes the words the main event of many of her pieces. I wanted a piece that would underline a significant event in my friend's life, and I wanted it to be a constant reminder to him of the source of his ministry.
I wasn't really sure how it would all turn out. I'd seen Brenda's work on the website, but even that didn't quite prepare me for the beautiful intricacy of the finished product - all of those little doodles filling in the piece. It reminded me of the way the body of Christ works: each one beautiful but small and (in a way) insignificant on its own, but coming together in a wonderful tapestry when formed by God. 
I loved how quick and easy it was (from my end!). It was a very smooth and clear process to transform the kinda vague concept I had into a few solid options that were all so great that it was difficult for me to choose between them. I loved getting updates on progress and it was all finished very quickly.
My friend was a bit nervous about my gift because he's not great at pretending to like things, but there was no issue with that here. He loved it!
If you're thinking of reaching out to Brenda, Go for it! You won't be disappointed!

How sweet is that? Thanks Jo!

have a special celebration coming up?

Commission your own original drawing! Use inspired words that have deep & powerful meaning for you. Create a personal gift that will be a beautiful reminder of a significant event. As you've seen above, it's an easy and fun process. Taking what Jo said so beautifully, lets work together to form a wonderful tapestry which can only happen when you and I collaborate.

Your heart, my hands, together we can create something beautiful.

Contact me and we can arrange a (no-obligation) chat!

My drawings aren't easy to do. Well they can be a bit easy, depending on what you mean by easy*. With the intricate details and small linework I want it to have means it still takes a bit* of time regardless of how quick and efficient I become with the hours of practice. This piece, well, it totally blew up my wild expectations of how long it would take.

There were moments I did think,

Why do I bother?! Why such intricate details?

Why not just giant shapes repeated over and over again? It would be easier!

Yes it may be, but it wouldn't convey what I want it to. That is, the notion of the vast and intricate emotions, nuances of feelings, memories and perspectives that each word means to each of us. The abstract intentions and feelings behind the words. As well as the meaning of the whole piece within the context of the whole quote/verse/paragraph. There are some repeated patterns there, but it isn't quite quite exact. Just like life may have repeats because we have to learn the same lesson, but it isn't EXACT the same. We grow and change right?

Basically, doing it the way I do it helps express all that and gives you more layers of meaning. If I half-assed it because it's easier, How can I ask you to even spend a minute of your precious time to look at it? Let alone have it hanging in your home. Full-ass effort here only thank you very much!

I hope, the hours of lines and effort creates a deeper impact every time you look at this piece. To spend a moment to look deeper, to reflect what this verse means to you. Go beyond the 'WOW' factor of the effort to the meaning behind this text, which I did meditate on for the hours I had that pen in my hand.

Based on the bible verse: 1 Peter 1:16 " for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy."

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.  ~ Psalms 37:4

These drawings are Lentoodles created as part of my challenge to draw a doodle a day for Lent. Click Here for more posts on my Doodles for Lent.

Sometimes life is a bit intense Sometimes people are just too much. Too insensitive. Too ignorant. Too selfish. Too focused on the details when the bigger picture is all wrong Sometimes I'm one of those people Sometimes just laying in bed and letting life pass by seems to be the only way forward Sometimes all it takes is a sudden laugh from a little baby - and sunshine seems to crack through the dark nights of the soul Sometimes something catches your eye and catches your breath and you're reminded - Life is beautiful Sometimes it's ok to just not have any idea what to do next Sometimes, surrendering to the flow and giving up letting go is the answer Sometimes it's the little things (a car park right at the entrance, the kindness of a stranger when you ran out of baby wipes), that will be your double rainbow for the day. Sometimes it works Sometimes it doesn't Sometimes the only thing you can hold onto is Love and that will be enough.

[EDIT] This print can now be purchased in the shop : LOVE never fails fine art print

This is a Lentoodle created as part of my challenge to draw a doodle a day for Lent. Click Here for more posts on my Doodles for Lent.

Remember this LOVE print I did last year? Well this mini doodle is from the same verse/inspiration/idea

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. -- 1 Corinthians 13:13

It was 11:30pm and I had finally finished up for the day, running on 5 hours sleep and my bed was just looking SO GOOD. But I hadn't done my doodle for the day *sigh* So I did a quickie with my new favourite nib pen. When I'm tired and don't know what to do, I remember this verse. In the end it's Love, though having a little Faith in someone watching over us and holding onto Hope for more sunshine tomorrow is nice too.

Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. --Matthew 6:33

Sometimes I find I have so many goals, dreams & desires I don't know where to begin. Do I focus on my health? My art perhaps? No, really my number 1 priority is Indigo and being the perfect mother! Right?  Am I doing the right thing? All these questions whirl around in my head so much I end up dizzy with overwhelm and want to hide in bed forever. When I finally break down and really ask the question, I always find comfort in this bible verse. It brings me back to my core values and anchor myself within. It helps to have ONE thing to focus on when life is spinning a little too fast and for too long. I want to focus on something that I know will only lead to good things (like the 'things' promised in the bible verse)   This is a Lentoodle created as part of my challenge to draw a doodle a day for Lent. Click Here for more posts on my Doodles for Lent.

This Year I wanted to participate in Lent. The idea of 'giving something up' was tripping me and I couldn't settle on what I will fast for the 40 days*. Then I found some questions and words(and a book I've yet to have enough baby nap opportunities to finish reading) that really helped change my perspective of Lent. Rather than a denying of self, Lent was to be a time to set something aside to focus on my relationship with God. To learn to listen.

How I came up with this Lent-doodle/project/challenge/fasting thingy

When I use to go to the occasional lecture at university, I found that it was easier to listen and focus on the speaker and their words by doodling in my book. It's a blend of daydreaming while being focused only on the important points. The daydreaming helped to connect dots and the focus helped with distractions. Plus I wanted to do more drawings with what little time I could snatch from nap times, but the need for perfection always got in the way. (hands up if you know what I mean?!) This Lent practice has meant release from the pressure of creating for my shop + totes brilliant as an exercise in setting aside my time and attention to focus on my spiritual health and relationship with God. Less on 'getting it right' and more on just practicing sitting and being present with my inner reflection and with Spirit. Doodles help me to focus as well as to get out of my own head. I find it's a great balance of right brain free-flowing thought with left-brain boundaries created by the design/composition, silhouettes or typography. Having a deadline also helps to move forward instead of using imperfection as an excuse not to finish.

14 days in and it's been nice to carve out a few moments to reconnect and recover my spiritual relationships. There has been some days I've had to dig deep to find some teeny scrap of perseverance to choose to sit down with the ink pen and paper instead of crashing in bed. Some days, I have bigger doodles, others are mini only-just-mangaged-to-get-10 minutes doodles. Some will be private & personal only to be seen by me and thrown away once it's released from my mind/hands. Other days I may even miss my deadline - hopefully that will be rare and I can catch up. To be honest it has been hardest to show work that hasn't had the time to be finessed to my high standards. No photoshop to do touch ups. No ctrl-Z.  It's vulnerable and scary. BUT, to surrender to the challenge and not expecting perfection (whatever that means?!) has released the pressure I put on myself. It has also invited more fun and JOY into my work again. I'm hoping the JOY will spill over to you too? p.s See all the Lent doodle drawings here.   *Traditionally it's 40 days from Ash Wednesday until Good Friday, with Sundays being rest days.

Dear Indigo, It's such a cliche but wow! Time HAS flown by! You're so grown up now - I look back at our photos of you when you arrived and I almost don't recognise the little tiny baby I held that afternoon 4 months ago.  You were so little and delicate. Now you've grown into such a beautiful little girl. You learnt quickly, this new world with its strange sights and sounds. Mama's had to learn quickly too, though my clothes got extra washes those first few weeks from your surprise nappy explosions! It was a tough first couple months - I won't deny it. Some days I really struggled as I was learning how to be your mama. Some days I went to bed in tears, you and I hadn't quite worked out the whole sleeping, feeding routine. But we made it through, you and I. We're both getting better at our new dance together. You've been sleeping a lot better these days. Though I won't be making the mistake of thinking it will be like this forever! You change so quickly, so I'm just going to enjoy the good days. And what good days we have! When you smile at us, oh your smile! Daddy and I just melt and explode at the same time with such joy - we have to laugh. We will make whatever silly faces and sounds just to see your big smile. We're like addicts, we will do anything for one more beautiful Indigo smile. Everyone is still talking about how much hair you have - I can't wait to plait it and put it up in piggy tails. It won't be long now! though you keep positing and vomiting after your feeds, so cleaning up the spit up from your hair isn't as fun. You are funny little thing though, you don't fuss at all when all that vomit comes up. Sometimes I wonder if you're doing it on purpose! Smiling at me as the milk dribbles out the corner of your mouth. Such a cutie! I can't get enough of your cheeky cheeks and I'm forever kissing them all the time. You've taken to closing your eyes now because mama kisses you so much all over you face. I can't get enough! During my sleepy days, sometimes I feel bad because I'm so tired I get lazy and we don't get to go out much. Though you don't seem to mind, you seem to enjoy watching a little tv with me. Though not for long, you love being carried around the house too much to let me sit for long. I love watching your face and eyes as you marvel at the way the leaves on the trees in the garden dance in the wind. You're still too shy to reach out to them yet. But I imaging you won't be for long. You've started to be more confident with your hands grabbing mine. I love it when your hands search for mine as I change your nappy. I give you your spew towel to hold but you don't want just anything to hold, I realise you are specifically wanting to hold my hand. (well, about two fingers of my hand) When you do get a grip, you look straight into my eyes with the sweetest smile and sweetheart?! your mamma just melts in a huge puddle of love for you. Oh bubba! do you know ho much you are loved? You are so so loved. You are so lovely and so beautiful and so feisty and so adoringly impatient. You know what you want and aren't afraid to demand it - and loudly. You are teaching your daddy and I huge doses of patience and kindness, we are really learning & practicing kindness and compassion especially for each other as well as for this new life you have brought us into. I'm so grateful to God for this perfect gift that is you - I'm still a little scared some days I won't be good enough. But I don't want to forget, this privilege to be your mama. Thank you for choosing me to be your mama. with all my love & huge kisses xo mama

*** see more cheeky photos of Indigo over on Instagram or Facebook

Some days, there are no words. Just going with the flow. The trick is to just put pen to paper and START. Once you start, it may take a while, you'll find your groove and your pen will find its way. A life of its own. The lines will grow and connect and shapes will form until you know what the end picture will be. You didn't when you started, and you wouldn't know if you didn't start. Just trusting the process and having faith that you will find your way. Some days is all about that. Trust and faith when facing the unknown. 

The Greatest of these is Love Print available in the Shoppe

It's less than month before Bubba's due date. I've been feeling the urgency to finish projects and the nesting instincts are starting to take over. So many to dos on my list and increased in scope instead of being crossed off! Yet I've also instinctively been working on surrendering that urgency to just focus on being mindful of this present moment. Yes, preparations need to be made but I'm also practicing letting some ideas and opportunities pass so I can focus on simplifying the number of plates I have spinning. It's a new sensation, to relax into the space I have created for the unknown.

I'VE BEEN MINDFUL TO FOCUS ON LOVE AS AN INTENTION.

(It's also the wallpaper I made for Society members this month.) With all the preparations I've been making, for the house, the nursery and my business as bubba is on the way, some days life can seem a little overwhelming. I'm barely threading water and fearful that I will drown in the sea of unknown challenges and I have to stop myself before I hyperventilate! I focus back to love.

ALL THAT REMAINS WILL BE LOVE.

Love for my child, my family and my art. Love will be an anchor during the stormy days and foggy days. When it all starts to crowd out my pregnancy sieve of a mind, I will focus back on it. Because I can't hold too many thoughts in my head now, I guess it's my bodies wisdom in making sure I focus on the important things.

WILL YOU SEND ME SOME LOVE + ENCOURAGEMENT JUJU?

As I wind down to begin my maternity leave in October, I will be a little nervous for my little biz during this time. I don't have concrete plans, I have SOME plans but a lot of it is just me winging it + creating a lot of room for the unexpected. Like my lettering sketches and drafts, there is a huge element of trust in not knowing what will turn up but having the faith it will work out for the good.

I hope to maintain our connection here on the blog and in my  email updates to Society membersas much as I can for the rest of the year.

So make sure you're on the list!

xo brenda 

It's Spring here, new buds are blooming. A time traditionally of new life, stretching out from winter. Yet I am slowly retreating into a kind of hibernating mode. Normally I would feel guilty for not being 'productive enough' (whatever that means). Seeing my endless to do list as a heavy burden of 'shoulds' and 'have tos' But lately, I'm indulging in letting it go without guilt! It's a big thing for me - I hate feeling lazy (which for me = 'not being good enough, doing enough, not being perfect). But now I'm practicing simple routines of self-care. Being mindful of how my body feels. Doing little things that feels like I'm flowing (easily) with what needs to be done, rather than fighting against the grain of shoulds and musts. I think I am practicing surrendering. Surrendering to changes in my body, my mind and my perspective of my life & family. Looking forward to Bubba's arrival. By going slowly with the flow of things, I'm learning to forgive my pregnant brain's slowness.  Learning to embrace the fear of the unknown with a kind of nervous excitement + buzzy anticipation. It's resulted in a calmer mindset + increased creativity.Normally I'm fighting, rushing forward.  That came from a place of fear that if I don't get my perfect to do list done, the opportunity will disappear! Disaster will strike! I will fail and everyone will point at me and laugh! The horror! The horror! etc... But I'm realising that actually, no, the art is still here. Giving time and space to what works for me now has resulted in increased depth in my work. I've allowed the work time to mature. I'm allowing play + time spent with my muse, which has led me down different solutions to what I would get when I rush through madly avoiding fear. The results? More fun and better work. All this retreating and playing has meant I'm working on a few projects before I wind down for maternity leave. I hope to share them with you soon. Previously I would have more concrete details. Now, I'll have to ask you to indulge me in a little flexibility. To flow with me as the work grows and develops in its own time. I'll be updating Society members first so be sure to sign up!xo

What are you practicing this new season? What can you surrender and allow time + space for?   

Hubby and I went north to escape the cold Melbourne winter for a few days of sun and relaxation. Otherwise known as a babymoon - our last trip with just the two of us in the family! (Jelly was enjoying his own little holiday with the grandparents) We're use to having long fornightly vacations away, but this became one of our best trips mainly because we really took the time to chill out without too much pressure with only one anchor activity a day. This meant we could take the time to enjoy each other's company and most importantly, notice all the little details around us. Yes, the sun was shining and the temperature was perfect shorts weather. But the joy was in being able to notice the small details because we weren't too busy being busy!

One of our best meals was when we walked to the local Coles (grocery store) to buy some supplies and had ourselves a simple BBQ next to the pool (where we were staying). It wasn't gourmet but we were relaxed, we laughed, we took our time, indulged in soft drinks and (this is key) gave ourselves permission to enjoy the present moment. Mainly so we didn't burn our lunch!

PLUS THE JOY OF RECONNECTING WITH THE OCEAN!

We agreed there was something rejuvenating about being in the presence of such expansive energy. Breathing in the salty air, walking barefoot on the finest white sands and looking out to the endless watery horizon - it's the cliche romantic walk along the beach. It made me wonder if the romance wasn't so much in walking hand in hand with your lover, but giving ourselves the permission to have this space + time to enjoy the actual moment. The way the warm water feels as it crashes along the shore and swirls around your feet. The scrunchy way the sand gives way under your soles. The warmth of sunlight on your skin while the light breeze cools it down at the same time. Plus, everyone walks at a slower pace along the beach.

love this man!

It's made me ponder on the need for our creative minds to have rejuvenating space. Finding a moment away from the chatter of our busyness is what we need to live a full vibrant life. It's why I'm an artist! I create art to inspire and give you that moment to meditate and reflect on the beauty around & within you.

Tell me in the comments, what little ritual do you have to enjoy a quiet moment?When did you last take a little time to get away from your busy mind chatter for some space? I find even 5 minutes being present + grateful for a hot cup of milo helps me 'get away' + rejuvenate my creativity. That busy mind chatter can be exhausting! xo

I'm super excited about this new print in the shop - You can personalized it with the name + birthdate of your Darling baby. I like 'Darling' as a term of endearment for it's old-school charm and it's sweetness for babies + lovers alike.

There are many kid's prints out there that only focuses on the name + birth dates. I wanted to create something that also spoke of the love from the parents. Making it unique to the baby + it's a sophisticated addition for the modern nursery.

Personalized Darling Baby Name Prints Available here.

This print is also the result of many hours I've spent in the studio trying my hand at creating my own lettering. I still love the endless fonts available created by my favourite typography designers. But there is something special about putting my own hand in making a single word into a piece of art. I have missed the joy of typography and the way line and form can make a word visually more expressive. Add my doodle drawings into the mix and you have a Sashé Studio print bursting with Brenda Mangalore specialness! Did I mention I was excited?! 

I loved combining both my love of typography and doodle drawing into a simple piece of art. Now, in the comments below - I'll love to hear from you

Who are the darlings in your life?

xo

Wanted to share a couple videos I've found which have shaken up + encouraged my inspiration library and creativity

PHIL HANSEN - EMBRACE THE SHAKE

I love the TED talks - there are some incredible ideas and experiences shared freely that opens my mind to new perspectives. Phil Hansen is an artist that developed tremors in his hand, destroying his dream to be an artist - or so he thought. When he 'embrace the shake' he was able to see how limitations opened his world and his art in ways he didn't imagine + how we can apply it to our lives too. Sometimes limitations can be a form of liberation. We should seize the limitation + 'embrace the shake' to really get our creative juices going!

Watch Phil Hansen's talk on the TED website

----------

JOHN MAXWELL - INTUITION

John is an internationally recognized leadership expert, speaker, and author who has sold over 21 million books. I love his straightforward way in sharing his expertise and knowledge. I receive his free daily coaching emails with short Minute with Maxwell videos and have enjoyed his quick notes on certain words for the day. (plus he has a beautiful deep voice!) I loved this particular minute on intuition for a simple, yet insightful perspective on what I've always believed. That we're all intuitive, but in different ways!

Watch John Maxwell's talk on Intuition on his websitel.

What do you think ? How has this changed your ideas of your own creativity + intuition?

xo brenda  

Looking back on some of my instagram shots, I wanted to share our journey the last few months + the visual inspiration I've been noticing that continues to feed my creative well. Take time out today to notice the colours and little details that is around you everyday. They feed your creative well too! Only by taking the moment to pause and notice + appreciate the colours and little details, you'll see just how blessed and creative your environment really is. It's a cliche because it's true! There are amazing details + inspiration in overlooked everyday things all around us. xo brenda