doodles

A doodle is a type of sketch, an unfocused drawing made while a person's attention is otherwise occupied. They are simple drawings which can have a meaning, a shape or just irregular forms. (source: wikipedia)

Hi, my name is Diana, and I'm a doodler. (Now in unison; hi Diana) Just take a look at my sermon notes each week, or the folder I was given at Jake's parent orientation, or my prayer journal from my Moms In Touch group. Yes, I doodle. I think there's two reasons I doodle; I am an artistic person (with schooling in graphic arts) and I'm bored. I know it's not always a matter of being bored, but sometimes it is. Some times it's the white space on a page that beckons me to fill it.

I came across a post stating there's a new study that says doodlers tend to concentrate better, learn more easily, have better memory, and are less stressed. It goes on to say that what you doodle can signify any number of deeper, psychological issues. For example, if your scribbling are thick and heavy- could mean you're having a rough day. Light and airy- maybe your day is light and airy as well. here's what some say all those lines and scribblings may mean:

Arrows: ambitious;strong personal drive
Boxes: stacked boxes- methodical; closed boxes - self-centered; open boxes- open mind.
Cats: complex; playful or aggressive?; look at the drawing itself.
Circles: self-protective
Curly-ques: very imaginative, good natured.
Dots: can mean life is not very well connected.
Eyes: you think you're good looking.... or everyone is watching you.
Faces: either you are a people person... or outgoing yet very private.
Flowers: you romantic, you.
Guns: scary
Houses: how you feel about life at home; an open front door- welcoming; closed- private; if things are weirdly drawn or there are no doors or windows- that's an unhappy home.
Intricate Patterns: meaning detailed to the max; can mean obsessive/compulsive; introverted; detail-oriented.
Name: could use a little boost in self-confidence.
Question Marks: just what you might think.
Robots: you are bored with your life and your routine.
Spider webs: complicated and high maintenance.
Stars: once again, a romantic; and a dreamer.
Trees: a tree without leaves- isolated and alone; full- so is your life.
Zigzags: life is tough right now.

How about you... are you a doodler?