February 2023 Newsletter
Candalada
Canadalada’s NEW Book: Beautiful reject the Coloring book cognitive distortions
I am proud to announce that my new adult coloring book, “Beautiful Reject: The Coloring Book, Cognitive Distortions” is available at Barnes and Noble. The vision for the book came to me in a dream in 2019. A year after the dream, I attended a dinner at my aunts house. I connected with my cousin Zaria who I hadn’t seen in years. She informed me that she was an artist and shared some of her latest designs with me. I asked if she would be interested in working together to create a book. It took us one year to complete the collaboration.
2021 Party : Zarias’ Mom, Zarias’ Brother, Zaria
One of the most challenging things was trying to narrow down which distortions to illustrate as there are many more than the few I listed in Beautiful Reject: 7 Years of Delusional Dating. We ultimately decided to stick with the ones listed in the book and add one more bonus distortion we felt was overlooked.
Another contributor to the design of the book was Dr.Miles Davis. During our recent meet up in Winchester,Va we discussed the progression of education and he informed me he was a contributing author the book, “ The Evolving College Presidency”. When I told him about the coloring book and its purpose, he encouraged me not to miss an opportunity to let participants reflect on what they were learning. Just like that it went from a book in understanding level to reflective level.
Dec 30th 2022: Winchester with Dr.Davis
The characters are not based on anyone in particular with the exception of the character on page six for '“Black and White Thinking” which is me and page 24 for “Personalization” which is Issa. While we try not to live in these lenses, those are the distortions we have the hardest time with.
The coloring book has a publish date of 2/14/23 exactly two years from my first book. The date was symbolic to me because in 2021 I detached from an unhealthy situation on Valentine’s Day. While many were opening their chocolates, I was focused on the book going live and starting a new chapter without someone special.
Holiday's despite the origin or intent bring joy to some and misery to others. I find for me the best gift is always self-love, however, it can be a complex journey. I wish I learned about distortions when I was younger verses in paid therapy session at 36! It is my desire they become commonly discussed in the Black community so people can identify what is happening to them and work their way out. I encourage you to share this book with the younger people in your lives whom you think can benefit from this psychological perspective.
The advanced readers copy event was held Feb 18th, 2023 in Woodbridge, Virginia (pictures below). Copies were not available online from the 14th -19th. As of today the book is available online stateside with international distribution to come.
Additional merchandise including blank accompanying journals and 12 hour water bottles will be available on the Hair Therapy store.Thank you to everyone who made this possible. Looking forward to your feedback.
For more videos and info follow my personal page IG @Candalada
Thank you for reading!