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Mrs. Wattles’ Favorite Cozy Things

Picture Books, Word Puzzles, and Coloring

By Kristen BarenthalerPublished about 13 hours ago 3 min read
Follow along on Instagram @mrswattlesadventures

Every adventurer needs a few comforts; little joys that make the world feel softer, brighter, and more magical. For Mrs. Wattles, our knitted koala explorer who recently traveled all the way from Australia to the Boston area, those comforts come in the form of picture books, word puzzles, and coloring. These simple pleasures have followed her across oceans and time zones, becoming familiar threads woven into her new life in New England.

Today, we’re taking a closer look at the cozy hobbies that make Mrs. Wattles who she is: thoughtful, curious, and endlessly delighted by the small wonders of everyday life.

A Lifelong Love of Picture Books

Long before she boarded a plane and set off on her grand adventure, Mrs. Wattles spent many afternoons curled up in the warm Australian sun with a stack of picture books. She has always adored stories with bright illustrations, gentle lessons, and characters who feel like friends. Whether it was a tale about a brave little wombat or a magical journey through a eucalyptus forest, picture books were her window into worlds both familiar and fantastical.

Now that she’s settled in the Boston area, her love for picture books has only grown. She visits local libraries with wide‑eyed excitement, discovering new stories filled with animals, kindness, and imagination. She especially enjoys reading with her friend, Baby Blossom, who listens intently and occasionally snuggles closer during the sweetest parts.

For Mrs. Wattles, picture books aren’t just stories; they’re reminders that wonder can be found in the simplest places, and that even the smallest characters can have the biggest adventures.

The Joy of Word Puzzles

If picture books feed her imagination, word puzzles keep her mind sharp and curious. Mrs. Wattles has always loved the satisfying click of finding the right word, spotting a hidden clue, or solving a tricky riddle. Back in Australia, she often worked on puzzles during quiet evenings, her tiny paws tracing each letter with care.

Here in New England, word puzzles have become a comforting ritual. She enjoys them on rainy afternoons, snowy mornings, or anytime she needs a peaceful moment.

To Mrs. Wattles, word puzzles are more than a pastime; they’re a way to explore language, celebrate curiosity, and share cozy moments with the friends she loves.

Coloring: A Calm, Creative Escape

Of all her favorite activities, coloring might be the one that brings Mrs. Wattles the most joy. There’s something magical about watching a blank page transform into a burst of color under her careful paws. She loves choosing just the right shade, blending soft hues, and filling each space with intention.

Coloring has been a constant companion throughout her journey. She colored during long flights, during quiet moments in her new home, and even during her first snowstorm, when the world outside turned white and still. Baby Blossom often sits beside her, offering moral support and occasionally pointing (with her tiny stitched hand) to a spot Mrs. Wattles missed.

For her, coloring is a way to slow down, breathe deeply, and create something beautiful, a reminder that creativity doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful.

Cozy Hobbies for a Cozy Heart

Together, these three favorite things, picture books, word puzzles, and coloring, form the heart of Mrs. Wattles’ cozy lifestyle. They connect her to her past in Australia, comfort her in her new home, and bring joy to the friends she’s made along the way.

As she continues exploring the Boston area and beyond, these simple pleasures will travel with her, tucked safely into her little knitted world. They’re proof that adventure and coziness can go hand in hand, and that even the busiest days are better when you make time for the things that make your heart feel full.

Mrs. Wattles can’t wait to share more of her favorite activities and maybe even discover new ones as her adventures unfold. After all, every great journey needs a few quiet moments of joy along the way.

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About the Creator

Kristen Barenthaler

Curious adventurer. Crazed reader. Librarian. Archery instructor. True crime addict.

Instagram: @kristenbarenthaler

Facebook: @kbarenthaler

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