We have had a week around here. Y’all, it’s been two trips to the pediatric neurologist (everything’s fine, it’s all fine), every single person in our house has had a cold, we moved John’s office from one location to a different location (he has a lot of books is what I’m saying), and I’ve been preparing for a big launch next week.
Maybe you had a week too? If so, I want to offer you one simple way to take a soul breath this weekend.
Color.
I know, I know it’s a thing right now. And maybe you aren’t on the adult coloring book bandwagon but I SO AM and I just bought a bunch of new pencils for me and my big self and it’s been a delightful way to slow down, embrace my smallness, and let my soul catch up with my body.*
If you don’t have a coloring book, I have a page for you to print right here. (Simply click the image below to download).
image from artist Jennifer Tucker
Recognize it? It’s actually the cover of our new coloring book releasing this spring (illustrated by the lovely Jennifer Tucker) and I can’t wait to share it with you.
It’s Simply Tuesday started in January 2015 as a simple hashtag on a Tuesday morning months before the book, Simply Tuesday, even released.
Now #itssimplytuesday on Instagram is like an online bench where we gather to remember that most of life happens not in brightness or in darkness, but in the medium light of our regular days.
So if you need a little extra dose of quiet this weekend, maybe you’ll want to print this page and color along with me.
For those of you who are regulars around here, I won’t be sharing weekend links this week but we’ll be back at it next week! May you find beauty and encouragement in even the smallest moments today.
Let’s Connect!
If you color this page and want to share it? Well I’d love to see it. As a thank you for sharing, we’ll choose one of you at random to receive a 30 minute call, Skype, or voxer session with me – whatever you prefer!
Maybe you’re a writer with writerly questions?
Or maybe your whole small group read Simply Tuesday and you want to have a ‘chat with the author’ night over Skype. All of you could enter and increase your chance! I’d love to meet you and your Tuesday people.
Or maybe you just want to talk about Alaska the Last Frontier and/or This is Us? I’m your girl. All the instructions are at the bottom of the coloring page you can download right here: Its Simply Tuesday – Coloring Page.
*That’s a line from Eugene Peterson that I just can’t quit.
Stacey Pardoe says
February 17, 2017 at 3:13 PMThanks for this reminder, Emily! I only follow a handful of blogs, and I’ve been following yours for about six months now. I so appreciate the fresh insight you bring by embracing small moments in a fast-paced world. One of the most relaxing activities I share with my 6-year-old daughter is filling her coloring books with vibrant life together. It slows us down, creates space to talk, and we both thoroughly enjoy it. I’m generally not apt to pull out a coloring book and get to work on my own, but your post today is a reminder to slow down. My daughter is playing in the other room, and your post reminds me it’s probably time for some coloring! Thank you!
emily p freeman says
February 17, 2017 at 3:59 PMOh I’m so glad! I tend to be disappointed with how my pages turn out (coloring challenged) but I’m always grateful for the impact on my soul 🙂
Chantal says
February 18, 2017 at 8:58 AMI did send you a mail telling you that I didn’t manage to enroll for the new kind of course starting next week. My email address was not accepted as valid, you have not answered. But the course does seem good.
emily p freeman says
February 18, 2017 at 9:02 AMHi Chantal! Sorry about that! We did get your email and responded to it on 2/13. Wonder if it went to your junk mail folder? We’ve added your name to the list and you’ll be notified with the course doors open. Thanks for letting us know!
Julia says
February 18, 2017 at 9:32 AMI find a soul breath in scrapbooking, reading Anne Voskamp, Kristina Kennison and you.
Melinda says
February 18, 2017 at 9:43 AMI am so proud you are taking good care of yourself after such a week! Thats also good example to set for your children – they are watching and learning when we dont even realize it. Blessings!
Linda Chontos says
February 18, 2017 at 11:28 AMWhispering a little prayer for rest and peace this weekend.
I love coloring but keep passing the coloring books by thinking I just don’t have time for that right now. But of course I do. I am desperately trying to learn that a few minutes here and there really do add up to something. I’m always of the mindset that if I don’t have lots of time there’s no sense even starting. I’m looking forward to your new coloring book. Seems like a good place to start.
Marion says
February 18, 2017 at 5:20 PMThis is a lovely post. Thank You hope everyone is doing okay now.
Marion
Jessica Letchford says
February 18, 2017 at 5:47 PMThanks Emily! I might just try this today! And I pray your week ahead and all the bean meals 😉 is filled with peace and sayisfaction. Xo
Lisa Swanson says
February 19, 2017 at 7:28 AMSending you hugs and loves from Montana You are on my mind…….. and in my heart…………..
K Ann Guinn says
February 19, 2017 at 1:00 PMThanks for the lovely coloring page, the encouragement to slow down and savor the simple, and even a chance to win an extra-special, personal prize. 🙂
Jacinta says
February 20, 2017 at 2:48 AMI’ve been having such a week and it’s not letting up yet! Coloring is a good idea. 🙂
Kitty says
February 24, 2017 at 1:03 PMI like to color with people. I tried by myself but it was just not fun, all I could do was think of the time wasted. but when I do it with friends or grandkids it’s fun. a way to connect and a way to make talking together easier.