What do you do while listening to audiobooks?

[Emma B]

Hi, all! In regard to coloring, well, I wasn't sure if it was okay to post a site, but I was at Amazon one day searching for "paint by numbers" (and yes, they still have them and are rather pricey from what we bought as kids), and Dover coloring books appeared at one point. There are other publishers, too, but Dover has a large (and inexpensive) selection of books, and is a favorite.

The more I clicked on the various coloring books, the more I realized how popular this has become among adults. Lots of reviews for the various coloring books and of instruments to color with (gel pens, Prisma pencils, etc.). You can start with a mandala search, such as "mandala coloring book," and go from there.

Amazon used to allow users to upload photos of finished coloring pages and it was fascinating to click through them (I think the site has discontinued this feature for many products, unfortunately)

There are Facebook pages for both colorists and for Dover, also. Dover also holds coloring contests.

I ordered some coloring books and gel pens, and found that the hobby was addicting and fun! I use cheaper Crayola liquid markers now - 50 colors. :)

Don't mean to sound like a commercial, but hard to mention specifics without mentioning the names of sites/publishers, etc.

[John, Moderator]

As your friendly moderator, I approve of your being specific. Now I'm off to check out Dover's offerings myself!

[Emma B]

Hi, John! Thanks! Dover has a website, but Amazon always sells cheaper and when I first started doing this, Amazon had a fabulous buy 3 get one free deal (no longer, alas!):

http://store.doverpublications.com/

You can also check Facebook for the Dover pages (there are several depending on your interests, but "Coloring with Dover" is the one for coloring books), and "Colorist Community" on FB. It's small but people upload their coloring pages there all the time.

As mentioned there are other coloring book publishers, and you can find them on Amazon. Such variety - who knew!

Oh, there are some rather off-beat "adult" content coloring books, but that's not what Dover publishes, LOL!

[John, Moderator]

I looked at Dover to see what kind of selection they had -- truly impressive! A while back I recall going through the anatomy, biology, botany, etc. ones that seemed popular offerings at bookstores.

[Emma B]

Yes, a lot of variety, plus a new line of one-side only designs coloring books!

[Amanda]

I cross stitch while listening to audiobooks. It helps me to concentrate on the stitching and the book.

[Gitte]

Amanda wrote: "I cross stitch while listening to audiobooks. It helps me to concentrate on the stitching and the book."

Sounds cozy and very relaxing, Amanda!

[Cherie]

Fran wrote: ..."However! I happily iron any clothes for the family as a result of audiobooks. Before audiobooks I was only friendly with the iron on a personal as needed basis. My ironing skills did not extend beyond my wardrobe. Now the whole family is looking quite crisp! Who would have thought..."

Not about audio books, but your comment about ironing Fran, brought back such a wonderful memory for me.

My 2nd sister and I were pretty much in charge of the laundry and ironing for my family of six when we were in middle and high school in the '60s.
We loaded up the stereo with LPs (that we would play over and over) and spent all day Saturday taking turns at the ironing board - singing along to the music while we worked. I still sing to myself when I fold laundry - not much ironing these days. :)

[Vicki]

Like many of the others I listen to books while I color too. I like to say that I am multitasking when I have my TV on mute, a book in my ear and my coloring books, quilt books or design program on the computer running. LOL

[John, Moderator]

I bought a set of pencils and coloring books also - great for evening as I like to go to bed at a certain time, but don't usually fall asleep for a while.

[Alana]

I crochet scarves during the fall and winter months while I'm settling in for the evening. Very pleasant way to just "read" but still feeling like I'm accomplishing something.

[Fran]

Cherie wrote: "Fran wrote: ..."However! I happily iron any clothes for the family as a result of audiobooks. Before audiobooks I was only friendly with the iron on a personal as needed basis. My ironing skills di..."

I've noticed lately that I don't mind buying clothes that may need ironing. I'm still shaking my head at the turn of events.

[CatBookMom]

John wrote: "I bought a set of pencils and coloring books also - great for evening as I like to go to bed at a certain time, but don't usually fall asleep for a while."


I started doing those tangles (trademark name is Zentangles) last week, and found myself still up at oh-dark-hundred, with a couple of finished fancy-doodles, and much happy use of my fountain pens and different inks.

You can find some really interesting free coloring-book sort of pictures to print out online; Dover Publications has some nice ones.

[John, Moderator]

Most designs are repetitive enough that I can only color for a while before becoming a bit bored, or at least feel I've done enough. Some of my color schemes are a bit more ... '70's than "classical" but oh well ...

[Kristie]

Fran wrote: "Cherie wrote: "Fran wrote: ..."However! I happily iron any clothes for the family as a result of audiobooks. Before audiobooks I was only friendly with the iron on a personal as needed basis. My ir..."

Fran, that is hilarious. I love my audiobooks, but not enough to iron. Dishes, laundry, sweeping, mopping, cleaning bathrooms? Sure. But I don't think there's any motivation in the world strong enough to make me want to iron. I always say, I'm too lazy to iron and too cheap to dry clean. :)

[John, Moderator]

Ironing works out well for me in terms of audiobook listening, but it does get tedious even so after a couple of shirts.

[Cherie]

John wrote: "Ironing works out well for me in terms of audiobook listening, but it does get tedious even so after a couple of shirts."

When I think of the ironing, my sister and I did, I can "see" the doorway where we used hang each piece of clothing as it was completed. I can still feel the sense of accomplishment as the space filled and we had to stop and put the clothes away. I believe I could be totally happy doing it all over again, as long as my audio books never run out. :D

[Amanda]

Gitte wrote: "Sounds cozy and very relaxing, Amanda!"

The reason I started listening to audiobooks was because I picked up cross stitching one summer.

When I was in college, I would make a list of books I wanted to read in between semesters. Then one summer, a new friend introduced me to cross stitching.

I started to struggle between reading and stitching. One day, I went to the library and found the audio book of the book I was reading.

I was worried that I would have a hard time concentrating on the book (I would put background noise on while studying). I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to keep my attention on both the stitching and the book.

Then I realized that I could still keep reading during the school semesters! I would would listen to the books in the car while commuting to and from school. Which I still do now, except the commute is to work.

[Patricia]

Cherie wrote: "John wrote: "Ironing works out well for me in terms of audiobook listening, but it does get tedious even so after a couple of shirts."

When I think of the ironing, my sister and I did, I can "see"..."
I think I've read about this "ironing" thing in a historical ficton book I read a long time ago...

[Cherie]

Patricia wrote: "Cherie wrote: "John wrote: "Ironing works out well for me in terms of audiobook listening, but it does get tedious even so after a couple of shirts."

When I think of the ironing, my sister and I d..."

At least we don't have to heat the irons in the fireplace any more. :P

[Cherie]

Joy wrote: "Come on over, Cherie, I've a few hundred audiobooks and a good closet full of ironing..."

LOL!

[Alana]

Cherie wrote: "Patricia wrote: "Cherie wrote: "John wrote: "Ironing works out well for me in terms of audiobook listening, but it does get tedious even so after a couple of shirts."

When I think of the ironing, ..."

Amen to that! But I still don't care to do it :)

[Chrizette]

Not even an audiobook would make me like ironing!

[Karen]

Amanda wrote:

The reason I started listening to audiobooks was because I picked up cross stitching one summer....I was worried that I would have a hard time concentrating on the book (I would put background noise on while studying). I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to keep my attention on both the stitching and the book.


I used to be a cross stitching fiend but haven't done much of it in recent years. Seeing your message about listening while stitching makes me think I'll take up stitching again!

The last present my mother gave me before she passed away was a cross stitch design of the Eiffel Tower. I am determined to finish it in her honor and now plan to do it while listening to a book.

Yesterday, I was creating a Shutterfly photo book that I am giving my husband for Christmas (ssshhh! don't tell!). I usually only listen to books while walking my dog or swimming, but I decided to try listening to a book instead of music while working on the layout of that photo book.

I kept up with the big plot progressions of the story but missed some or many of the details as my attention was directed more at the photo book layout. I'll try it again and see if my concentration improves.

Thanks for the inspiration about listening while stitching!


Cordially,
Karen Commins

[Carol/Bonadie]

I second practically every activity mentioned here so won't repeat them. Except for coloring (fascinating!) and cross-stitching. But I'm compelled to add that my iPad opens up a whole new world of entertainment, games for instance, but the one I want to highlight is puzzles.

My dad and I used to do puzzles together, but when he passed I found they were no fun (for me) to do alone. But when I discovered apps for puzzles on the iPad I never looked back. Very relaxing to do while listening to audiobooks.

[Alana]

it's been years since I cross stitched;, but I always enjoyed it. never did it with books tho. it would depend on the book and design I think, because some of them take more concentration than others. my scarves are usually very simple :)

[Amanda]

Karen wrote: "Amanda wrote:

The reason I started listening to audiobooks was because I picked up cross stitching one summer....I was worried that I would have a hard time concentrating on the book (I would put..."

I hope you do pick up cross stitching again! Between that and audio books, anytime I feel stressed and exhausted from work, I go home, stitch and listen to books and the stress just melts away....until I go back to work!

Good luck!

[Mirkat]

Recently, I had to do a large (200+) mailing, and usually, I dread doing this because I can feel my brain dying from the boredom. This time, though, I listened to a Librivox recording of Frankenstein while stuffing the envelopes, and I ended up getting them done in record (for me) time.

[Alana]

Ugh, stuffing envelopes is the worst!

[Verena]

Yesterday I was listening while wrapping Christmas presents... =)

[Tensy (bookdoyen)]

Amanda wrote: "Karen wrote: "Amanda wrote:

The reason I started listening to audiobooks was because I picked up cross stitching one summer....I was worried that I would have a hard time concentrating on the boo..."

This made me think of a series of science fiction books that I love (The Liaden Universe)
Local Customand several characters in those books use "stitching" as a relaxing practice. What's so funny is that some of the character are large men who are warriors/mercenaries. I love the juxtaposition of brawn with a hobby normally associated with women. Makes me think of the football player, Rosie Grier who used to needlepoint.

[Chrizette]

I have been doing some peyote beading (beading done with a needle and thread) today while listening to Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh - I have forgotten who much I love this series!

How long does it usually take you guys to listen to an average book (12 - 15 hours audiobook)?

[John, Moderator]

Moderator message: please be sure to add title along with cover picture, as users on smartphones apparently see only a black box instead.

[Chrizette]

John wrote: "Moderator message: please be sure to add title along with cover picture, as users on smartphones apparently see only a black box instead."
Did not know that, John - I added the name :)

[Valerie]

I actually have a hard time listening to audiobooks while driving. :( Crafting is one of my best times for listening, as well as while doing housework.

Something I do while working around the house, instead of earbuds/headphones, I put my iPhone in a mug. It sounds really good and is portable. I set the mug down in the room I'm working in and do my thing.

[Cherie]

John wrote: "Moderator message: please be sure to add title along with cover picture, as users on smartphones apparently see only a black box instead."

On my iPod all I see is a "blank space". If I touch it just right, it will go to the book link, but sometimes not.

[Emily]

I listen on my short commute to work, my mile walk to my office, while during chores or anything that requires little concentration.Any chance I get to listen I do. I tried running the other day and I liked it, but it was to Catching Fire which I'm re-reading.

[Peter]

Hi, I am a GR newbie and English is not my first language. I learn English by reading and listening to audiobooks.

I prefer walks in the wood with my dog while listening. I listen while driving too. Ironing - yes.

There is one activity when I have to switch my player off - it's the photography.

peter

[Nicole’s Needlework]

Driving, bike riding/walking and needlework.

[Brittany]

I work in a cancer research lab so while I'm doing mundane tasks like cell culture or an experiment I've done a dozen times before I love to listen to audiobooks. They make work feel less like work. :)

[Patricia]

I recently bought a small bluetooth speaker so that if I am listening at home I don't always have to wear a headset with my phone.
So last night for the first time - I listened to my book in the shower!
By the time I had showered, dried off, fixed my hair, got my pjs etc on it was about 30 minutes of listening time.
I love multitasking and finding ways to get more "reading" in.

[Jeanie]

Patricia wrote: "I recently bought a small bluetooth speaker so that if I am listening at home I don't always have to wear a headset with my phone.
So last night for the first time - I listened to my book in the sh..."

I put Bluetooth speakers on my Christmas wish list for the very reason you named. But I have to admit my shower/hair-washing/drying/fixing time goes longer than thirty minutes... hey, more listening time!

[Kristie]

Jeanie wrote: "Patricia wrote: "I recently bought a small bluetooth speaker so that if I am listening at home I don't always have to wear a headset with my phone.
So last night for the first time - I listened to ..."

I don't have bluetooth speakers, but I do have a small dock I use sometimes...it's great! I also now have bluetooth headphones, which I love. No more cords getting caught in my laundry, in the dishwasher rack, etc.

[Patricia]

OMG yes, the cords! The other day I was wearing the headphones and bent down to get something and the cord got caught on a handle of a drawer.
So when I stood up the phone flew off in one direction, the headphones were yanked off my head in the other and I had a minute of standing in the middle of the kitchen thinking "WTH just happened?"

[Kristie]

Patricia wrote: "OMG yes, the cords! The other day I was wearing the headphones and bent down to get something and the cord got caught on a handle of a drawer.
So when I stood up the phone flew off in one direction..."

That happened to me so many times. Seriously, the bluetooth headphones are life-changing. :)

[Alana]

I think if I got Bluetooth headphones and Bluetooth speakers for Christmas, I would be set for life! Do the Bluetooth speakers work better than an ordinary dock, though? Is there a big price or quality difference?

[Patricia]

I've only ever had the one bluetooth speaker, so I don't really know about brand comparisons. I did a bit of research and paid around $50 for the one I got, it was recommended as being easy to use with good sound quality. I've been happy with it.
I like it because it's small, wireless and has good range, so I don't have to move my iphone or ipad around, if I am playing music or a book, I just take the speaker from room to room with me.
I have this one: http://mygearreview42.blogspot.com.au...
(Just a random review I found to show you a picture)

[Brittany]

:-O I must get blue tooth headphones. Those would be a dream at work!

[M.A.]

I allow myself the guilty pleasure of listening to my novels while I'm ironing and cooking. They don't seem much of a chore while listening to a good tale.

I listened to Bet you can't... Find Me by Linda Prather yesterday and my ironing got done in record time. LOL
:-)

[Kristie]

Brittany wrote: ":-O I must get blue tooth headphones. Those would be a dream at work!"

I have these, and they work great! Not very expensive either. I'm sure there are some that are better somehow, but I don't feel the need for high audio qulaity on audiobooks.

http://www.amazon.com/Kinivo-BTH220-B...