Hi Reader , A common theme keeps popping up for me lately, and it resonates deeply with one of my main ideas — Process over Product. When I encourage people to doodle, I often hear, “I’m just not creative,” or “I don’t know how to doodle.” But here’s the thing — creativity isn’t about perfection or polished results. It’s about process. Roxanne (aka @SuperDoodleGirl) recently shared a post that gave me a fresh perspective. She talked about ways to make “ugly art.” Her list included things...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader , This week started off with a holiday for some and a change of pace for others. It occurred to me that the rhythms of Africa and the rhythms of the Indigenous peoples of America are not so different. They all point to the same rhythmic beat that lives in us all — the steady beating of our hearts. That’s why doodling feels so grounding to me. The rhythmic repetition of lines is a simple, soulful practice that brings calm and clarity. I hope you found a few moments this weekend for...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader , Most of the time when I doodle, I lean into familiar patterns — the ones that come easily to my brain and pen. I love the comfort that comes from those well-known lines. No matter how many times I draw them, each doodle turns out a little different… because that’s just how doodles are! I also rarely start in the same place or with the same “string” (those little spaces to doodle in). Once a year though, I’m intentional about stretching myself with new patterns. In October, a...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader , The fall weather has been absolutely amazing, and I’m trying to soak up every single sun ray while I can. (12.5 miles on my eBike this weekend for the win 🚴). This weekend I also loved participating in the Wellness Expo at the university where I work—thank you to everyone who stopped by my little corner! I’m a self-proclaimed “doodle evangelist” and I’ll happily extoll the benefits of doodling to anyone who will listen. Why? Because doodling is just that good—for your brain and...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader , I hope you had a fabulous weekend. Did you get a chance to experiment with rhythm and doodles? We enjoyed some rain with lightning and thunder—a powerful show of nature and its own random rhythm. More rain is coming this week, reminding us of the rhythm of the seasons. Mowing will soon be behind us, and raking season will arrive with a vengeance. The next monthly DoodleU is tonight (Monday) at 7pm Eastern!I love these intentional times when we pause for more than a few minutes and...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader , Right after I wrote my email earlier this week, I was paging through a book I’ve had for a while to prepare for a student life experience where we used data points to create self-portraits (such a fun exercise—the students loved it!). I came across an activity that plays perfectly into the idea of rhythm and doodles. There are so many things around us that are rhythmic: the flapping of birds’ wings, the cadence of waves at the beach (or in my case on beautiful Lake Michigan), the...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader , Recently, I wrote an article for a magazine about how the rhythms of Africa—the drumbeat, the sway, the patterns—are grounding and calming. I find the same peace in the simple lines of doodling. There’s something about steady repetition that brings balance. It got me thinking about teachers too. The school day and school year have their own rhythms, and those patterns give comfort and structure. Students thrive when they know what to expect. And just like a predictable schedule,...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader , Happy Tuesday! From the messages and photos I'm seeing, the school year is off to a busy and happy start for many of you. New beginnings always hold so much possibility. I hope that as you navigate this school year, you keep your tool belt well-stocked with the possibilities and opportunities of doodling. This week is my monthly Doodle-along inside the Time-Out for Teachers membership. I've chosen to offer it as a stand-alone class (limited seats) for a while to help teachers...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader , Happy Tuesday! I have a feeling your August and mine are on similar paths—busy, full, and maybe a little scattered. Hopefully, we’re also aligned in taking a few moments to doodle, keeping our minds calm and our thoughts clear. Gift for your Prep Week The beauty of doodling is that we know how to use it—not to produce but to pause. That’s the key. Because let’s be honest… we’re teachers. Which means sometimes doodle time turns into “I’ll just whip up something for my classroom.”...
4 months ago • 1 min read