marcoujor: Tea Time Pastimes

Mike Friedman, of Mockingbird Books, was kind enough to send me his thoughts on Sannel Larson's latest book, Teatime Pastimes: Adult Coloring Book.

Imagine my surprise when the mail arrived and a package, addressed from Mockingbird Books, was amongst the bills. The package was from abroad, which added to the mystery. When I opened it, I found a book, my favorite thing, even higher on my list of favorites than Rocky Road ice cream. Not only a book, a book signed by the author. In this case, the author is Sannel Larson.

Many of you may know Sannel Larson. I first knew of her from a website named Hubpages. She was moving away from there, just about the time I was arriving. Word of her and her talents remained, in her wake. She is a gifted writer, illustrator, and photographer.


Her children’s books, Bea's Busy Day, Tim and His Out-Of-This-World Adventure, Angels can be silly and playful too!, You Are Perfect Just the Way You Are, and Melvin. . . Bad, bad kitten! has made my Christmas shopping for nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren easy, for several years now.

She also has created beautiful illustrations for, Sunnie Day’s, An Angel and a Pair of Shoes, Vinaya Ghimire’s, Amazing Alphabet, Leah Woods’, Shelby's Closet: Personal Prayers To Jesus, In Jesus' House, and Ramona The Reindeer.  If I missed any, my apologies.

Back to my book, well, her book.

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Teatime Pastimes - Adult Coloring Book: Stress-Relieving / Fun Tea Themed Designs to Color (Volume 1)

​I see that the pages are numbered through 56. The reverse side is blank, to prevent bleed through to your next artistic creation. The pages are a large 8 x 11.5 inches for your coloring pleasure.

Sannel chose for her cover, one of my favorite illustrations that she has produced. I suspect it is one of her favorites also, as it inspired an entire coloring book. A young miss sitting at her table, teddy bear in hand, and a serving tray heaped high with sweets. The tea is made, and she is enjoying a celebration as attested to by her rose adorned hat.

Inside my copy, there is a postcard, which states, ‘Hoping you or someone else you may know, will enjoy my very first coloring book.’

Yeah, like someone is going to get my signed copy. Ha, right.

There is such a refreshing feel to the work. Sannel took the time to add some historical notes regarding the tea plant and tea etiquette. She also spiced up the pages with birds, flowers, and little girls stretching their imaginations. Oh, and did I mention, teacups?

Find your box of colored pencils, put on a pot of tea, set the radio to your favorite channel, and let your mind escape into a playtime, teatime pastime. It's like a cup of happiness.  

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Thanks, Mike--what wonderful feedback to share with my readers.

I happen to agree with you, as I am hooked on adult coloring books and have purchased several over the last year, from craft stores and magazine aisles in the grocery store.

Sannel's book is completely different to me. The personal flourishes on each page are whimsical and charming, showing much care and thoughtfulness in the designs.

This book is rife with positive affirmations and reminders that tea can be a relaxing ritual of comfort and stress reduction. Facts about tea are gently strewn throughout as well.

I have shared with some friends who enjoy and appreciate this book as much as Mike and I do. If you have ever wondered if adult coloring is your 'cup of tea', this is where to start. This is a work of art and a stress buster in one.

Here are some of my creations!  Thanks, dear Sannel, for making me feel like Monet.

​Couldn't resist this classic song by the Kinks, "Have a Cuppa Tea"

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ShoutOuts

☙Quicker Cabbage Rolls via WarnerWords

☙Free Kindle/Free Nook For Your Smart Devices via flashPress

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Until next week, be peaceful and have a cuppa tea... sending special thoughts and prayers to Linda Bilyeu and family - RIP Randy.

 Hugs,

mar