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Who among us doesn’t have a childhood memory of getting a brand new box of 64 Crayola Crayons complete with the Built-in Perfect-tip sharpener? I can still smell those never before used crayons as I could hardly wait to get to work on my masterpieces that usually came in the form of ponies, hearts & flowers or endless pages of coloring books. Over the years, sadly, my coloring has been limited to doodling on an office note pad or stealing a crayon from my kids as they colored in a restaurant kiddy menu.

So, imagine my surprise at finding an adult coloring book section at my favorite bookstore. Dozens of sophisticated art work masterpieces just waiting for splashes of color. A total resurgence of a childhood staple was right in front of me. If you were to Google adult coloring books, you might find many trending stories on the subject: 1. Adult coloring books are topping Amazon best-seller lists. Information about Johanna Basford, the Scottish illustrator, who is responsible for mega-popular titles like Secret Garden and Enchanted Forest. 3. How coloring books fit into the broader Peter Pan market of adult nostalgia for childlike pastimes. 4. How adults are drawn to the activity as a low-tech antidote to the stress of our frenzied, increasingly digital, lives.

Nonetheless, and at its core, coloring keeps us young and brings us back to a simpler time that doesn’t include balancing a check book, running late for work or running errands. And the creativity that crayons and coloring books once inspired in us is no longer reserved for those under the age of ten.

Starting this month, The Tea Smith will have complimentary coloring pages/pencils available for customers at both store locations. Stop by, grab your favorite cuppa and settle in for a session of total relaxation and fun!