I hope that those of you who can, have gotten or plan to get vaccinated so that life can go back to a new level of normal. I will post more coloring pages as needed (stressful things happen in our society or politics), but will not be posting 2 each week for the summer so that I can spend more time outside with my family, in my garden, on my bike, and hopefully with friends who I have not seen in 15+ months. Be well. 

Monday was Memorial Day and I was busy with my family, so I didn't get to post the coloring page.

Here are both for this week...

New Free Pandemic Coloring Pages #128 & 129!

Carpe Diem - Seize the Day 

Have you always wanted to try something? Try it. Have you always wanted to learn something? Find a class or YouTube video and learn it. Need a career change - do it. Life is short and your daily happiness has value. Start Today.

 New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #127!

Copy, Print, Color

 New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #126!

Copy, Print, Color

#stopthestigma #MentalHealthAwareness

In case you haven't seen my other May posts for Mental Health Awareness month, check them out by scrolling down. Today's coloring page isn't just about mental health, it includes other invisible issues including illnesses and injuries. Don't judge. Don't assume. You are better off giving everyone the benefit of the doubt and just be nice. You never know what someone is going through or what they have been dealing with. Choose kindness. Offer support or even just a shoulder to lean on. Be present for your friends and family. Be present for others - even if you don't know them. Imagine what our world would look like. 

Personal story - Last week, I was at an outdoor garden with my family and it was 3 or 4 miles of walking. I have bad knees, so I use a cane when walking distances. While taking pictures, I tossed the cane to the side and a group of women sitting and enjoying the mountain/garden view said, "Yea, you don't want to look like you need a cane." I've thought a lot about this. I do need a cane. There is no way I could have walked for 2 hours through the gardens and up and down stairs without it. I didn't need her comment - she should have kept it to herself. She didn't know me or have any clue what my injuries are or why I need the walking support. Keep it simple. Don't judge. 

 New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #125!

Copy, Print, Color

This is the last full week of school for this year and after a full year of remote school, I know my kids are ready for the summer. 

Teachers, you are welcome to share this page or any of my free coloring pages with your students. 

New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #124!

Copy, Print, Color

I want to make sure that you all know that if you are figuring out your journey, on a journey, taking a side adventure in your journey, or even just starting your journey, these are all great choices. Take the time you need. Create your adventure. Figure out your journey. I have changed careers several times. I have earned several college degrees. My focus has always been about improving the world for children, but that doesn't mean that any one career will keep me motivated or that I want to do the same thing for the rest of my life. One journey, many adventures. All the best to all of the high school and college grades this week and over the next few weeks. 

If you love this saying as much as I do, I have a different design of it on t-shirts and hoodies in my Etsy and you can see that listing here: Doodling Rocks. If you like this design better and think I should add it to my shop, leave me a message or tell me on Facebook. Thanks!

 New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #123! 

Copy, Print, Color

Today is day 439 of quarantine. Shavuot starts this Sunday, May 16th and ends on Tuesday, May 18th.  I created this page for The Blue Dove Foundation (as seen here:  https://thebluedovefoundation.org/shavuot/) and I'm sharing it here for both Shavuot and Mental Health Awareness month. 

For those who don't know what Shavuot is - it is also known as the "feast of weeks" and it celebrates the day that the Torah was given to the Jewish people on Mt. Sinai (this is why I drew mountains) more than 3,300 years ago; 7 weeks and one day after the second night of Passover (the weeks). It is associated with the grain harvest (the feast). It is typically celebrated by lighting candles and staying up late at night reading the Torah. 

This holiday is typically celebrated with the study of the Torah, but in my family, we will celebrate educational achievement. While the school year isn't quite over, my children have worked very hard during this strange year attending school from home on their computers. They have had to adjust their method of learning, modify their organizational methods, and figured out how learn with little to no kinesthetic tools or manipulatives to enhance their learning experiences (I'm not counting filling out a worksheet as a kinesthetic experience). This holiday also celebrates the harvest of the grain, so I will bake fresh bread and we will have our own "feast." Adjust and celebrate.  

I wrote "You can move mountains" because I believe we all can. When presented with a challenge, review it, study it, tackle it, but don't go around it. Don't avoid it. That's what this year has been for most people. We constantly have to review the situation and adjust our approach. It might be one pebble at a time, but you can move mountains. 

New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #122!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

#StopTheStigma

Today is day 437 of quarantine and down here in Georgia our local schools are finishing up units, taking end of year tests and milestone tests, completing end of year projects, and preparing EOCs and final exams. Kids and teachers are ready to be done, ready for a break, ready for summer and I don't know about your family, but I can feel the stress in my house. It's Okay Not to Be Okay. I don't just mean about school stuff, about anything and everything. You are allowed to be unhappy, stressed, worried. It's okay to have bad days. Breathe. Call a friend or seek out a therapist. Talk. You can lean on someone to help you through the bad days so it isn't all on you. You are not alone in whatever you are feeling - even if it may feel that way. I'm not a therapist, but I'm always available to talk to my friends and there are many great professionals out there who are ready to talk to you. #StopTheStigma

New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #121!

Copy, Print, , Color and Give this one to Mom!

Day 432 of quarantine. Today's post is a day late because I was volunteering in and participating in a Pitch event on Twitter yesterday to pitch my middle grade graphic novel and was pretty focused on that. Sorry. Today's page is for the MOMS out there. Thank you. I hope you print it out and slide it over to the kids to color for you. 

Stay well. 

Monday's post will be another for Mental Health Awareness month, so check back here on Monday!

Here's a copy of last year's MOM page...

 New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #120!

Copy, Print, Color

    Today is day 429 of quarantine and it's May 3rd. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and with the pandemic year being soo challenging for many and those with and without mental health challenges are all feeling additional stress. I started these coloring pages last year because drawing them helps me handle both the stress and anxiety created by everything happening during the pandemic. I'm not going to list what has been causing stress, because I'm not sure that is helpful, but here's a list of just some things that could help you reduce stress or anxiety - 

seeking a friend to talk to, coloring or drawing, listening to music, crocheting or knitting or painting, reading a book, doing a crossword puzzle, taking a walk, playing with a pet, baking, watching a funny movie, etc... 

    Whatever you use to reduce stress is for you. If these suggestions are not enough and you need more help, please contact your doctor and get a referral to a therapist - we have many great ones here in Atlanta. 

The Blue Dove Foundation is a wonderful group that helps people with mental health and substance abuse. 

"The Blue Dove Foundation was created to help address the issues of mental illness and addiction in the Jewish community and beyond. Based in Atlanta, we work with people and organizations across the United States and around the world."

If you'd like to learn more about the Blue Dove Foundation, check out their website by clicking on the photo below:  

If you'd like to make a donation, click here - thebluedovefoundation.org/donate. 

New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #119

Today is day #423 of quarantine and rather than focus on the pandemic, masks, quarantine, being safe, etc... I'm dedicating this one to our heroes. Today is National Superhero Day, but let's talk about our heroes - our every day heroes. Who has gotten you through this pandemic. I know doctors, nurses, teachers, and all the other front line workers are truly amazing, but I want to hear from you about your day to day heroes. Who has been your support, your backbone, your go to person during the pandemic. Mom? Dad? A grandparent on the phone? A close friend? Post a comment and tell me who has been your lifeline. 

New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #118!

Copy, Print, Color

Today is day 421 of quarantine. This page speaks for itself, so I won't lecture you. Be safe. Be smart. Be kind. Stand up for equality. Stand up for what's right. 

New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #117!

Copy, Print, Color

Today is day 416 of quarantine and tomorrow is Earth Day. I've also included last year's Earth Day page, in case you'd like to color that one, too. 

Last year's page - 

New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #116!

Today's page is in honor of a good friend, Andy, who is battling colon cancer. He is incredibly strong. Positive. Confident. He hasn't given up. The love of his life hasn't given up. I haven't given up and neither have dozens, if not hundreds, more of his friends and family who love him. He is the bravest and strongest person that I know. He amazes me every day. Keep fighting Andy! You have got this. 

Life throws you curve balls, challenges, things that you can't fathom how you will get past, but don't give up. 

Inspired by such powerful people like Andy in my life, I don't give up. I was told, 25 years ago, that it was likely that I wouldn't walk again after I crushed my femur and lost the cartilage in both knees. I walk, not fast, but I walk. I was told that I'd have little functional use of my dominant arm after I broke the ulna and dislocated the radial head (same accident as the leg). I've spent more than 20 years drawing with that arm (I have since had to switch to my non-dominant arm, but I'm still drawing almost every day). Don't give up. A favorite quote is "The bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you fail to make the turn." I know that I can walk, I just walk shorter distances and sometimes use a walking support. I know that I can draw, I just had to change how I do it. I wanted to learn how to crochet 4+ years ago and I taught myself as a righty because my left arm doesn't rotate enough. 

There is almost always a way around the obstacle. Find it. 

Today is day 414 of quarantine. I've had both doses of the vaccine. I'm still at home. I still wear a mask on the rare occasions that I go out. I'm not going to restaurants. We need everyone to get the vaccine, but sadly, Many Georgians aren't planning to get the vaccine. I don't know why and I really don't want to know. It is their decision. It just makes me sad. The sooner we can get herd immunity, the sooner we can get some semblance of a normal life. Stay strong. Get vaccinated. Wear a mask and continue to social distance. We CAN do this.

 New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #115

Today is day 409 of quarantine. You might be stressed, you might be nervous, you might be sad because you haven't seen family and friends in awhile, but know that there are also many things to "Bee Happy" about. Here in Georgia, everyone over 16 can get the vaccine (with a little computer dedication to finding a location). School down here is out in just over 5 weeks. The sun has been out and plants are starting to sprout or even bloom. Grocery stores are stocked with toilet paper. If you are stressed, angry, sad, nervous, find some little thing to be happy about and celebrate it. If you need more coloring pages, there are 114 more below this one, so scroll on down and pick one you like. 

Today, I got dose #2 of the vaccine, so I am happy, and relieved. My plants are looking okay in the garden - not great yet, but this is very early for the garden, so I am happy. My kids are almost done with school for this crazy remote learning year and this also makes me happy. 

New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #114!

Copy, Print, Color

Today is day 408 of quarantine. Friends and family are getting vaccinated. I have hope. I get dose #2 tomorrow. I have hope. In case you can't read this page, instead of doodles and patterns around the edges, I have written these words...

HOPE

Health

Vaccine

This ends

You get well

My kids can get vaccinated soon

The sun comes out

Family is Okay

Friends is Healthy

COVID stops mutating

We can get past this

Today is day 407 of quarantine and I spent all day in my garden so I am unable to post a coloring page today - please check back tomorrow for page #114. 

New Pandemic Coloring Page #113

Copy, Print, Color

Today is day 402 of quarantine and the sun has been shining all week. We were expecting thunder storms today and it's been cloudy, but the rain hasn't started yet. My garden could use it, so I'm actually hoping for a little rain. Have a great rest of the week! Stay safe! I hope you enjoy today's page. 

Today is Wednesday, April 7th and day 401 of quarantine. We are in the middle of Spring Break and the weather is beautiful - sunny and upper 70s here in Georgia. I spent the morning at a park with my daughter and the afternoon working in the garden, so I'm sorry, but you will have to check back here tomorrow for the second coloring page for this week. In the meantime, enjoy some time outside this evening.  -Alison

New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #112

Copy, Print, Color

Today is day 398 of quarantine and my daughter and I did the most normal thing we've done in a year. We went to the skate park. We had our masks, in case it was crowded, which it wasn't. She had posted on social media that she was having a meetup at the skatepark and invited others to join her. We went, met new friends (keeping socially distant), she skated for 2 hours, and it was a great event. What a nice thing to see after a year of remote school and almost no social interaction with kids her age. I hope you are all being safe this spring break, but also getting to do some normal-ish stuff. 

In world news - This week the Pfizer vaccine announced that it is 100 percent effective for 12-15 year olds and we are looking forward to my teens and their friends getting vaccinated. 

New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #111!

Today is day 393 of quarantine. We are in the middle of Passover, so I thought I'd post a quote today. This brings up some interesting concepts. When you are close, do you reach for your goals? Running a marathon, do you push that last mile to reach the end? Absolutely. Make a goal, and reach for it. A couple weeks ago, I posted my goal of riding my bike 500 miles in 2021. Yesterday, I rode another 8 miles. Every mile counts. Go get vaccinated. Get out and exercise (with a mask unless outside and socially distant). Let's push through this pandemic. 

New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #110

Copy, Print, Color

Today is day 391 of quarantine. Happy Pesach. I know that the vaccine rollout is here and I've even had my first dose, but I also know that friends are struggling. While many of us are eligible to get vaccinated, many are not. We have kids at home who can't get vaccinated yet. We have versions of the virus evolving and changing and we don't know if the vaccines will protect us from them or for how long. This is stressful. Mental health is important. You are enough. I am enough. Believe it. Say it. Color it. Post it somewhere that you can see it. 

Some ways to safely handle stress during the pandemic - doodle, color, crochet or knit, read a book, take a walk, listen to music, spend time with a dog or cat, talk to a friend on the phone, dance it out, ride a bike, bake something you love and eat it while it's still warm out of the oven. We all have bad days and that's okay. Choosing an activity that will make you feel better can turn things around - one day at a time. 

May is Mental Health awareness month, so look for more positive pages coming soon.

New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #108 & 109!

Copy, Print, Color

Today is day 386 of quarantine, and I just saw on the news that Georgia is opening up vaccine eligibility to everyone over 16 starting tomorrow. This is great! 

High school students can get vaccinated. 

College students can get vaccinated. 

Young adults can get vaccinated. 

Friends in their 30s and 40s and early 50s can get vaccinated. 

Roll up your sleeve and do your part. 

Let's wipe this thing out and get our kids safely back in school. 

Since Passover is starting this Saturday evening - Here's a Passover Seder coloring page. There are 3 hidden pictures in it (not hidden too well so the little ones can find them) - Elijah's cup, a piece of Matzah, and the word L'Chaim!  

Free Coloring Page #109!

New Free Pandemic Coloring Page # 107!

Today is day 384 of quarantine and in the last few days, I have had several things to be thankful for. 

1. I attended an online event that renewed my energy through a shared art project. Thank you, Illyse. I had the opportunity to see how 40 different women take this one statement and turn it into art. All individual. All unique. All fantastic.

L'Chaim! To Life! 

2. I received my first dose of the vaccine last week and I feel a sense of relief, of thankfulness and gratefulness. 

3. I planted my frost hardy plants in my garden and working in my garden gives me great joy. 

In addition, Passover is approaching this weekend and this holiday brings a feeling of power and survival - and a sense of joy in the new life and new hope that comes with spring and plants sprouting and flowers opening. 

*Be healthy. Be thankful. Be grateful. 

Passover Coloring Page coming this Wednesday!

*If you have lost friends or family this week, I am sorry for your loss.

 New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #106!

Today is day 379 of quarantine - Every day is a new day. I hope you saw yesterday's post and are celebrating small moments. The pandemic can be stressful, so take the celebrations you get. Today's page is about learning. You can learn something from anything and everything. Think about this one. You learn something from everyone, even if it's what not to do. You don't have to judge. You don't have to get angry. You do you. Learn from others and figure out something to use or something to remember not to use from that information, but whatever you choose, you will continue to grow. 

In my Get Out and Go challenge for this year. I have ridden 16 miles and I have 484 to go. When we have better weather, my number will go up, up, up. Make a goal. Do your best. Celebrate your progress. #GetOutandGo If you want to join me, leave a message. If you don't walk, bike, swim, jog, skate, *insert any other activity* 500 miles, then celebrate what you do get done. 

New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #105!

Celebrate the small moments. They all count. They all contribute to your quality of life and feeling of self worth. 

I rode my bike yesterday. 7 miles. It is an ebike, but contrary to popular belief, that is not the same as a moped. You have to pedal, even if you have turned on pedal assist, you have to pedal the whole time (unless you are coasting down hill). I live with permanent damage to my knees, wrist, and elbow and riding a bike (without excessive pain) was taken out of my ability range for a long time, but with level 1 pedal assist for the giant hills in my area and my super cool vertical ergo grips, I can ride. I have ridden 168 miles since getting this bike last October and I plan to ride 500 miles in 2021, so yes, I'm celebrating 7 miles. 

Challenge yourself and celebrate every step toward that goal. 

If you want to join me in the Get Out and Go challenge to ride, walk, jog, skip, dance, swim, skateboard, roller skate, etc.... 500 miles (or any amount you complete) in 2021, Comment on this post or the post from last Wednesday to let me know. #GetOutandGo 

On a different note - Today is day 377 of quarantine and while everyone around me is claiming to be eligible for the vaccine, I suspect many are not being truthful. I am not yet eligible. I will not sign up until I am. I realize that starting today in Georgia, if I had gained 20 lbs during the past year of quarantine, I would not be over 25 bmi and qualify - however, I did not. I stayed fit. I worked hard to stay fit while baking cookies and brownies and breads for my family. My group is next. I've waited a year, I'll wait for my group. You do you.

New Free Coloring Page #104!

Let's do this!

I'm going to ride my bike 500 miles in 2021 and I have the whole rest of this year to do it. 

Then, I realized that others might need a little push to get out and go, too, so...

I'm inviting all of you to join me!

Get Out and Go!

How far?

500 miles in 2021

How? 

Bike, Walk, Run, Skip, Skateboard, Scooter, Roller skate, Hike, Swim, Dance, etc...

Any way you choose. Any time you want. 

Keep track on your Phone or FitBit or Smart Watch,    Pedometer App, etc... and log it in. 

I'll create and share a log for you to chart your miles.

We will cheer each other on.

Will you get in trouble if you don't accomplish 500 miles this year? 

NO. Of course, not. Do your best. 

Get out of the house. Get out of the office. 

Move around. We will celebrate whatever distance you accomplish! 

This is NOT a diet - 

this is a movement about movement. 

All ages are welcome.

Comment here and I'll add you to the official Get Out and Go participant list!  - Just write "I'm in!"

I promise, I will not spam you with emails or anything.

If you want to donate a prize such as a gift card, let me know and we will give prizes to participants who have joined the challenge.

Share this on Social Media and let's make it a thing!

#GetOutandGo2021

I'll even design a shirt/tank top, and wrist band, and if you want to purchase, I'll figure out an appropriate non-profit to donate the proceeds to. 

Join me by commenting below!

 New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #103!

Today is day 370 and I have seen all over the news that it is International Woman's Day. Really? Never heard of this before. I think every day should be Woman's Day - we should celebrate girl power and woman power every day! We have amazing women who are doctors, scientists, inventors, astronauts, teachers, doctors, nurses, and VICE PRESIDENTS! There is nothing women can't do. When I was a toy designer, I was paid less as a woman at 3 different companies. Women should NOT be paid less for accomplishing the same task. It's time for gender equality. 

New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #102!

Copy, Print, Color

Today is day 365 of the pandemic. It has been a YEAR! 

What do we need? 

We need to persevere. 

We need to care about others. 

We need to continue to be safe, be careful, wear a mask, show empathy, and soo much more to get through this. 

Instead of filling the page with patterns, 

I filled it with very important words. 

We can do this. Together. Separate. 

Thank you to those who have been sharing my coloring pages with others. I will continue to create them until we are vaccinated and until our families, children, friends, and neighbors are safe.

New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #101

YOU DECIDE...

Today is March 1st and day 363 of quarantine and it feels like March 2020 never ended. Cases each day are fewer, but still horrible numbers (70,000 a day) and we have spring breaks and Easter coming up, so YOU DECIDE. 

You choose. Are you getting relaxed on quarantine restrictions? I know you are tired of being stuck at home, but we need to continue to push forward with staying careful and gets these numbers much lower. 

We can't plateau this high. 

Will you have a family gathering with no social distance this Easter? Are you taking a spring break vacation? If you can figure out a way to do those things safely - wearing masks, staying far from everyone outside your household, hosting your event outside, then go for it, but if you can't follow CDC guidelines - please don't wreck this for the rest of us. We are all tired of it. We all want our lives back to something remotely normal, but to do this, you need to think outside your circle. 

New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #100!

Copy, Print, Color! Happy Purim!

Today is day 358 of quarantine and this is the 100th free pandemic coloring page that I have posted. I'm posting it a day early so that people have a chance to print it and give it to their children to color for the holiday. This page is for Purim, which begins at sundown on Thursday evening (February 25th, 2021) and will end on Friday evening at sundown. 

Purim is usually celebrated with a carnival, but due to the pandemic, temples are not hosting carnivals this year. Kids and many adults dress up in costumes of characters from the story of Purim (or any other character they like) for this festive event. A temple member, often the Rabbi, reads the story (also called the Megillah) aloud. Everyone listening to the story shakes a grogger (a noise maker) when they hear the name of the bad guy, Haman, the evil advisor to King Ahasuerus (Ah-ha-shu-air-us). Listeners also yell "YAY!" or clap or give a thumbs up or something similar when they hear the names of King Ahasuerus or Queen Esther. While, at first glance, you may think that this story is all about these two men, it is actually about brave Queen Esther saving the Jewish people. The interactive story is great fun every year. A story of girl power.

When I was little, we would dress up and go to temple where adults would run carnival booths and give little prizes to the kids. Most of the other kids dressed as Queen Esther or King Ahasuerus, but what did I dress up as? Well, I would dress up as the King's dog (with a crown that I made from foil and cardboard) or a Hamantaschen - the delicious triangular cookie filled with fruit or chocolate in the center (triangle in shape to replicate the 3 pointed hat worn by Haman in the story). 

In my coloring page, you can see "Purim", two Hebrew words that say "Happy Purim", Hamantaschen, a crown (for the king and queen), and a grogger - our noise maker. 

If you would like to learn more about Purim, check out this link at My Jewish Learning.

 New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #99!

What's out your window?

Today is day 357 of quarantine. Most of the country was hit with a huge snow storm last week, but here in Georgia, it was just really cold. My friends post pictures of beautiful snow scenes out their windows that looked like snow globes. This coloring page has the window blank so you can fill in what's out your window. 

On the other side of this storm - I am sorry that those in Texas are going through horrible conditions and I hope things improve asap and that my friends out there are okay.

FYI - Straight lines are wonky, because I don't use a ruler - all of my coloring pages are freehand with my non-dominant hand as I work to improve non-dom coordination.

New Free Coloring Page #98

Today is day 352 of quarantine. With all of the January 6th info continuing to come out, more video, more audio - it is difficult to watch the violence. Sadly, there is a lot of hatred in our world, but we can make a change, if you care. Care about other people. Show kindness. Help others. Small things count. Donate your gently used toys and clothes to those in need. Deliver food and necessities to shelters. I crochet hats for Cancer patients. I know that this is a little thing, but if I make one person feel less alone, then all 200+ hats I have made and donated is worth it. Every little bit counts. Helping one person counts. Think of what the world would be like if each person helped one person, one stranger, one neighbor, anyone who needed help. Just take a moment, a half hour, an afternoon, to find a way to help others. BE THE GOOD.

FYI - I was unable to post a page on Monday because a current project that I am passionate about needed my time.

Wednesday, Feb 17th, I will post this week's coloring pages. I am super busy working on a project that I can't talk about just yet. Please check back on Wednesday for Free Coloring Pages. Thank you for understanding.

New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #97!

Today is Thursday, Feb 11, 2021 and day 346 of quarantine. I wasn't able to post yesterday because it was about 70 degrees here in Georgia and I spent the day preparing my garden for the spring. Pulling weeds, turning soil. Lots of work. Obviously, this was the inspiration for today's coloring page, too, even though it is about 50 degrees and raining today. 

Stay safe!

Due to the amazing weather in Georgia today, please check back on Thursday, Feb, 10 for Free Coloring Page #97. Today, it was about 70 degrees, so I spent the day preparing my garden for the spring. Stay safe. I'll create and post the coloring page tomorrow. 

New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #96!

Today is day #343 of quarantine. Valentine's Day is on Sunday, so I created this page inspired by hearts. Please tell your loved ones how much they mean to you every day and not just on this  holiday. Stay safe.

New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #96

Today is day #338 of quarantine. I don't want to look back at the last 4 years of mayhem. I would rather Keep Moving Forward. Improving myself. Helping those in need. Learning new things. Getting healthier. Taking care of my family. etc...

New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #95!

Today is February 1st and day 336 of quarantine. Let's talk about hobbies. I garden, I crochet hats for Cancer patients, I just added making baskets to my skills list, I paint, I draw, I write, I juggle, I bike,... People often ask me things like, "You're making a basket? How do you know you can?" My response is simple. "I don't know that I can, but I'm going to try. What's the worst that could happen?" TRY. It is a small word with a big meaning. I ask my kids to try to foods, try new skills, try challenging homework before asking for help, try. I challenge you to try something new. (not something that is a danger to you or others) You cook something that tastes bad? So what? What if it ends up being delicious? You try a new instrument and sound terrible? Keep practicing. I guarantee you will get better. You plant something and it dies? So what? Try again.

Good luck. What's the worst thing that can happen? 

New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #94!

Copy, Print, Color

Today is day #331 of quarantine. 

A friend recently posted a photo of two older people wearing masks while driving. He probably took the photo when he pulled up next to them. He posted this photo on his Facebook page with the question "Why?" My immediate response was why what? Why are they wearing masks? Maybe they are immunocompromised. Maybe they don't live together and are being cautious (though not 6 feet apart). Maybe they just came from a doctor visit and don't want to touch their masks until they get home and wash their hands. Maybe they are just following science! Please don't make assumptions about people. Don't judge people for following the CDC guidelines. In the thread of comments, he commented on his own photo that he thinks that people are living in fear. FOLLOWING SCIENCE IS NOT LIVING IN FEAR. Wearing a mask has proven to slow the spread. Wearing a mask shows that you care about other people and their health. Wearing a mask shows consideration and empathy. In the words of Nike, Just do it.

New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #93!

Copy, Print, Color

I always begin a new sketchbook with a page for my name. If your name is Alison - spelled this way, you are welcome to print it and use it as a coloring page. 

Today's Coloring Page is...BEGIN

Today is day 329 of quarantine. Today, I created a new crochet hat pattern that I'll upload to my Ravelry Store and made one and half samples of it, crocheted several inches of a junk yarn basket, and illustrated 2 new coloring pages for my brand new (old, but unused - I did not go out - there's COVID out there) sketchbook. I get asked often how I work on my garden, crochet hats and create patterns, draw coloring pages, paint in my journal, write children's books, create recipes for cookies, etc... and my answer is always BEGIN. Just start. You want to learn something new? Watch a YouTube video and begin. You have nothing to lose. If the crochet stitch looks terrible, try again. If the cookies taste terrible, change something in the recipe and try again. If the hat looks funky, change the pattern and try again. The only thing you have to lose it time. There is no big secret. Want to try something new? Begin. 

Now - go create something.

New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #92

Copy, Print, Color

Today is day 324 of quarantine and it is FINALLY inauguration day! New day, New President, New Vice President, New Cabinet, New COVID task force, New mask mandate, ... Things can only get better from here.

 New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #91

Copy, Print, Color

Today is day 319 of quarantine and while I was tempted to create a page about the pandemic or the inauguration or love or peace or new beginnings or the vaccine, it is Martin Luther King Jr Day, so this day is for him. This quote by Martin Luther King Jr. sums it all up nicely. 

If you missed the NEWS!

In the next week or so, I will be adding a button inviting you to get my Newsletter each week! I'll be bundling my coloring pages and offering them as a weekly newsletter sent directly to your inbox. 

If you subscribe to my Newsletter, you'll be able to: 

• Print my coloring pages (always free)
• Get updates on new products and sales in my Etsy shop (with special discounts)
• Get links to other special things like process videos created just for my VIPs. 

For those of you who followed my paint journaling in 2019, I'm starting a new paint journal on January 20th, so if you want to paint with me, get yourself a mixed media journal (any size) or some loose mixed media paper and subscribe to my newsletter to paint with me. 

Stay tuned, this is all coming soon! 

 New Free Pandemic Coloring Page #90

Copy, Print, Color

Today is day 314 of quarantine. I hope you are safe from the craziness happening in DC and safe from the virus. 

NEWS!

In the next week or so, I will be adding a button inviting you to get my Newsletter each week! I'll be bundling my coloring pages and offering them as a weekly newsletter sent directly to your inbox. 

If you subscribe to my Newsletter, you'll be able to: 

• Print my coloring pages (always free)
• Get updates on new products and sales in my Etsy shop (with special discounts)
• Get links to other special things like process videos created just for my VIPs. 

For those of you who followed my paint journaling in 2019, I'm starting a new paint journal on January 20th, so if you want to paint with me, get yourself a mixed media journal (any size) or some loose mixed media paper and subscribe to my newsletter to paint with me. 

Stay tuned, this is all coming soon!