Book & Wine Wednesday: Adult Coloring Books (obviously with wine)!

Book & Wine Wednesday: Adult Coloring Books (obviously with wine)!

Unless you have been living under a rock this past year, then you know that adult coloring books are all of the rage. Admittedly, I first heard about them from my mom – so wasn’t entirely convinced of the cool factor (no offense, Mom!), though I completely supported her doing them as a meditative experience. After a couple of other friends started raving about their coloring books, I decided it was time to get on the bandwagon. I am so glad that I did.

In case you have been living under a rock, I will fill you in and try to convert you: coloring books are totally in and totally awesome right now. The Secret Garden, an Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book is #6 on Amazon’s Best Seller List for 2015. It’s sequel, Enchanted Forest, a Inky Quest and Coloring Book is #10.  Another coloring book is #15, and Balance, the one I chose, is #20. Adults love coloring. Maybe some of this has to do with the goal to unplug from technology and try to get some stress relief from our daily lives and computers (though of course you are likely to see people’s art on their Instagram and Facebook accounts – and here on my blog). If you are not ready to convert yet, you might be interested to know that George RR Martin is overseeing a project for a Game of Thrones themed coloring book (coming out in October of 2015) – tagline “All Men Must Draw.” This coloring book craze is a thing – and I do not think it is going away anytime soon.

I bought the book Balance by Angie Grace, she has a series of similarly titled books such as Centered, Whimsy, and Cool. Balance was the first, and honestly, what I was seeking through this coloring experience.  There are many other options (if you are also into this and can give me recommendations, please do!), but some seemed a little too detailed or specific. In addition to the book, I also bought new gel pens in many colors so that I could really let my creativity fly.

Before I show you my current drawing, I feel that I need a huge disclaimer: I am NOT an artist! I do not color inside the lines all of time.  I do not even really understand what colors harmonize together. But guess what? That doesn’t matter! So, please don’t judge, I do not expect my husband to hang these masterpieces on the refrigerator anytime soon, but I love it!

I have not had the opportunity to color every day yet, but have found myself drawn mostly to find “Balance” when I come home from work. I have been around people all day, faking being an extrovert, and am finally able to sit at my dining room table and have some peace and quiet. I am keeping my hands and mind busy, while taking a break from reality and the world around me. It is the perfect opportunity for unwinding. In addition to that, it is utilizing a different part of my brain than I use at work (which will hopefully lead to positive long-term great memory!)

I have also found drawing to be a great break from reading. It trains your mind in a different way. I let my mind wander for a bit, and then bring it back to the moment. It really is a quiet, meditative time to focus on something mindless (in a different way that is much more restful for me than watching mindless television). I love reading, and reading relaxes and inspires me also – but sometimes my eyes need a break.

Curious about something else that is great about adult coloring books? No one is telling you what colors to use, this is not paint by number – it is your creation. Sometimes I find myself using darker and deeper colors, other times I grab the glittery pens. This ability to express my emotions, whether I am conscious of it or not, is actually quite relieving. I do not overthink it, I just draw.

Wine Recommendation: Coloring and Wine go together like peanut butter and jelly, my friends. It is still hot here in Denver, so tonight I am drinking a white wine that I have had chilling for the past two weeks waiting to drink. As you can see in the picture above, it is the Honey Beast 2014 Roussanne from Paso Robles, California (2 hrs north of Santa Barbara). Here is the description from the back of the bottle: “Delicate yet robust, Roussanne has a well-deserved reputation for being a difficult grape to grow. However, once you taste the Honey Beast’s golden liquid, you’ll be drawn in by the full-bodied texture, honeyed richness and distinct apricot flavor. Drink it now, or age if for the next 4-6 years.” Yeah, thanks, I’m going to drink the golden liquid now.