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Use All the Crayons!: The Colorful Guide to Simple Human Happiness
"Use All the Crayons!" is an interesting and amusing trip through precisely 501 wide-ranging tips on life surrounding thirty-three short essays that are thoughtful and insightful.
Arnold Palmer
Chris Rodell likes to consult with a five-year-old anytime he needs a reminder as to what is important in life. In his uplifting, humorous, and spiritual guidebook "Use All the Crayons!," Rodell encourages others to become universally happy by becoming more colorful, interesting, and, most importantly, fun!
Rodell insists that colorful people are invited to the coolest parties; with that goal in mind, he presents over five hundred tips and entertaining, Dale Carnegie like anecdotes that provide a glimpse into how he has successfully transformed his life into one not focused on money or fame, but instead on inspirational experiences, laughter, and fulfillment. Accompanied by personal diary entries, Rodell shares simple ideas for living a more colorful life, including adding the title Rev. to all subscriptions and charitable donations, keeping handfuls of confetti ready for impromptu celebrations, and understanding the advantages of getting a $75 wrist tattoo of an $18,000 Rolex instead of the real thing.
Like a box of crayons, we are all born with an astounding range of color options. This effervescent guidebook combines populist common sense with a healthy dose of optimism in the hopes of teaching others how to make every day as vivacious as the brightest crayon in the box.
Arnold Palmer
Chris Rodell likes to consult with a five-year-old anytime he needs a reminder as to what is important in life. In his uplifting, humorous, and spiritual guidebook "Use All the Crayons!," Rodell encourages others to become universally happy by becoming more colorful, interesting, and, most importantly, fun!
Rodell insists that colorful people are invited to the coolest parties; with that goal in mind, he presents over five hundred tips and entertaining, Dale Carnegie like anecdotes that provide a glimpse into how he has successfully transformed his life into one not focused on money or fame, but instead on inspirational experiences, laughter, and fulfillment. Accompanied by personal diary entries, Rodell shares simple ideas for living a more colorful life, including adding the title Rev. to all subscriptions and charitable donations, keeping handfuls of confetti ready for impromptu celebrations, and understanding the advantages of getting a $75 wrist tattoo of an $18,000 Rolex instead of the real thing.
Like a box of crayons, we are all born with an astounding range of color options. This effervescent guidebook combines populist common sense with a healthy dose of optimism in the hopes of teaching others how to make every day as vivacious as the brightest crayon in the box.
- GenresNonfictionSelf HelpHumor
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2012
7 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Chris Rodell
22 books42 followersChris Rodell is the author of "Evan & Elle in Heaven & Hell: A Long Distance Social Media Afterlife Love Story." His other books include, "Arnold Palmer: Homespun Stories Of The King,” the quirky book about his oddball friendship with one of the planet’s most popular and beloved men; In addition, he's written “Use All The Crayons! The Colorful Guide To Simple Human Happiness,” and “The Last Baby Boomer: The Story of the Ultimate Ghoul Pool,” a novel that was bestowed the 2017 TINARA Award for Outstanding Satire. In Rodell’s career as a freelance writer, he has wrestled alligators, raced Ferraris, gone skydiving, lain on beds of nails, and gained twenty pounds in one week eating like Elvis. He blogs at www.EightDaysToAmish.com. He has written for many of the most prestigious magazines in America and been rejected by the rest. He lives in Latrobe, Pa., with his wife Valerie, their daughters, Josie and Lucy, and a small loud dog named Snickers. He will write for anyone who’ll pay him. He is a PROSEtitute.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 22, 2021
Alternating ways to brighten and color the world around you, Chris Rodell adds in his Colorful days diary entries elaborating some of his suggestions more fully. Lots of both thoughtful and humorous ideas are interspersed throughout. I know many of them are worth revisiting and will be in the future when my life needs some more color. Laugh out moments as well as more seriousness can be found throughout, but don't forget No. 501, either. Enough said!
Oh, and one more thing: I actually do know the number of the local pizza place where I went to college. Jerry's Pizza is 419-634-6356 although I'm not sure Jerry's still exists!
Oh, and one more thing: I actually do know the number of the local pizza place where I went to college. Jerry's Pizza is 419-634-6356 although I'm not sure Jerry's still exists!
June 4, 2012
They say money doesn’t make you happy, and until now I believed and aspired to the contrary. An acquaintance of mine, sent me an autographed copy of his book-Use All the Crayons!-simply a list of suggestions to make one’s life better. This book doesn’t promise to make you happy nor does it guarantee a better life from reading it, but it does create endless amounts of special moments that you will cherish.
I needed this book for several reasons; I am in a pivotal moment in my life, as a senior in high school I need to start perusing what I want to become, and the respective education that would be a prerequisite. This book helps me realize, that life is what I make it and how I go about doing so. I would “color” my life in one or two dull colors and now this book gave me more of an arsenal consisting of crayons to add a bit of color to my life. Also, I’ve been a stick in the mud. I’ve lost the childhood inspiration that I use to have, the purpose of life as a result of being stuck in a rut of high school, and a complicated family/home life. I can honestly say that I am a changed person after reading this book.
Going through the book I highlighted my favorite entries so that I can just open the book to a random page and pick one. So when people ask what I want to do for the summer, I can say make the world a better place-one person at a time…with nothing but happiness. (I am now tempted to make a guide book to my high school, and keep it in the school library for all those who wish to reference it.)
Having known the author for a little over a year, I can say, this man is a genius. He is a great man, a fantastic writer, and has changed my life for the better. He is a man of many trades, a wood-cutter, a philosopher, freelancer, father, and mentor. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be happy which is our one and only duty as a human being. Contact Mr. Chris Rodell (at storyteller@chrisrodell.com) if you want a copy of this book and cannot purchase it because you are going through a hard time, or you are or know a US serviceman who you think can benefit from this book to brighten their days. According to his book, he doesn’t believe a book that aims to make someone happy should be withheld from someone over a few dollars.
I implore those who are bored, unhappy, or depressed, to read this book, and give it a try. It will make a positive impact on your life and create precious memories that you will always remember. Mr. Chris Rodell thank you for your generosity in giving me a copy of this book, and more importantly writing this book-by doing so, you have brightened my dark days and impacted my future. You have inspired my writing and gave me an example of a career that would be interesting to pursue.
I needed this book for several reasons; I am in a pivotal moment in my life, as a senior in high school I need to start perusing what I want to become, and the respective education that would be a prerequisite. This book helps me realize, that life is what I make it and how I go about doing so. I would “color” my life in one or two dull colors and now this book gave me more of an arsenal consisting of crayons to add a bit of color to my life. Also, I’ve been a stick in the mud. I’ve lost the childhood inspiration that I use to have, the purpose of life as a result of being stuck in a rut of high school, and a complicated family/home life. I can honestly say that I am a changed person after reading this book.
Going through the book I highlighted my favorite entries so that I can just open the book to a random page and pick one. So when people ask what I want to do for the summer, I can say make the world a better place-one person at a time…with nothing but happiness. (I am now tempted to make a guide book to my high school, and keep it in the school library for all those who wish to reference it.)
Having known the author for a little over a year, I can say, this man is a genius. He is a great man, a fantastic writer, and has changed my life for the better. He is a man of many trades, a wood-cutter, a philosopher, freelancer, father, and mentor. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be happy which is our one and only duty as a human being. Contact Mr. Chris Rodell (at storyteller@chrisrodell.com) if you want a copy of this book and cannot purchase it because you are going through a hard time, or you are or know a US serviceman who you think can benefit from this book to brighten their days. According to his book, he doesn’t believe a book that aims to make someone happy should be withheld from someone over a few dollars.
I implore those who are bored, unhappy, or depressed, to read this book, and give it a try. It will make a positive impact on your life and create precious memories that you will always remember. Mr. Chris Rodell thank you for your generosity in giving me a copy of this book, and more importantly writing this book-by doing so, you have brightened my dark days and impacted my future. You have inspired my writing and gave me an example of a career that would be interesting to pursue.
February 22, 2016
by Chris Rodell Thank you to Goodreads and the Author for the opportunity to read this book which I won from the First reads program for an honest review.
Wonderful concept and one which I hold very close to my Heart as part of life and how we should all live it with "All our colors". If everyone used all the crayons and shined all our colors in bright, positive and joyful ways to each other, the changes we'd see in a world full of chaos, greed, rat races, lack of compassion, understanding and simplicity.....by simply taking the time to share our colors and random acts of kindness would be Beautiful!!! It's infectious and truly more meaningful knowing you've left the mark of smiles and lives/hearts changed by simple acts written in this book and by your own creative minds. 'WE' All hold the power within to truly live by what the Author is giving us with his ideas and to leave behind a chain reaction of Love and fun, finding pure Joy in your heart by living with these lighthearted ways .......So get out there, shine your colors, brighten yourself on the inside and shine it to the world!! What's the worst at could happen? Somebody whose life is shattered into pieces may be touched and smile, maybe laugh a little or a lot, decide to get back up and fight as opposed to giving up because you've acted on what you pulled from this book and made a difference for yourself and somebody around you whether you know it or not. Or maybe you also need a reminder to stop, breathe, have some fun, laugh and truly deeply 'live'.........there is no lose situation here......it's all a win for yourself and the world, plain and simple. <3
Lighten up, fly free and fearless, make the colors bright, inspire others to do the same and read this book......share it along :)
August 9, 2016
Sometimes a good laugh is all it takes. In 501 snippets and essays interspersed, Chris Rodell captures the joy in the most mundane. This book is one smile, one laugh, one guffaw, then some contemplation. Then it repeats all over again!
Sure a lot of this is commonsense -- being in the moment, taking notice of what matters to us, our health, our family, community and friends. But isn't commonsense in shortage what with all the distractions and busy-ness in this world? It's nice to be reminded. And challenged.
Check out the full review on my blog Guiltless Reading.
Sure a lot of this is commonsense -- being in the moment, taking notice of what matters to us, our health, our family, community and friends. But isn't commonsense in shortage what with all the distractions and busy-ness in this world? It's nice to be reminded. And challenged.
Check out the full review on my blog Guiltless Reading.
October 24, 2014
This book may be good for some of my clients. I think they might find it entertaining and a good way to focus on other things.
February 2, 2024
Review title: Dad jokes, bad puns, and such
In between all the dad jokes and bad puns, Chris Rodel sneaks in enough thought starters and sometimes true wisdom to earn four stars from me.
Chris Rodel is a free lance writer from Latrobe, PA, not far from where I live, a starting (and staying, you learn in this book) point he has used to for both his published books. This, his first, is foreworded and includes a cover blurp by golfing great and Latrobe native Arnold Palmer. I had the opportunity to see Chris at a presentation on his second book about Latrobe's other most famous son, Fred Rogers: Growing Up in Mr. Rogers' REAL Neighborhood: Life Lessons from the Heart of Latrobe, PA.
Crayons despite a few references to each isn't beholden to either but is all Chris Rodell's own. It is a random collection of 1001 things to do to enliven the colors of life, interspersed with 50 or so short essays called "Colorful Days Diary" that relate to the numbered list the way a tangent is anchored to a straight line by a starting point then goes off in a, well, tangent. See, if the writing style of my reviews echoes the writing style of the book I just read then that was a sample of a typical Rodell sentence, so don't be too hard on me--or him. Sure there's all those bads and dads , plus enough typos to occasionally distract, and too much cheerfulness for me, but maybe that's a stylistic choice because just when I was grimacing while reading too many of those bits he slipped in the wisdom and true humor.
That last example made me laugh out loud for its sudden flash of insight. I'd never thought about it but who in that audience in their living rooms would have been thinking of Ed Sullivan? Each reader will uncover their own subset of the 1001 that does the same for them.
Perhaps his best Colorful Days Diary was one where he describes an encounter in a convenience store with someone who mistook Chris Rodell for long-lost friend Bill and asked about "Bonnie" and "Mark". Rodell played along, with vague assurances that he, Bonnie, and Mark were doing OK and he would be sure to tell Bonnie hello. Then after presenting this story in his essay, Rodell wondered if he had done the right thing by not confessing the truth. He concludes: "I think my bigger sin was not the lies. It was the size of them. They were all too small. . . . I should have told him that this Christmas everything was going to be all right. Because, really, that's what he wanted Bill to tell him. It's what we all want to hear." (p. 88-89). Indeed it is.
In the end, I suppose the connection to these bits of fluff and wisdom is that I come from the same place (geographically and chronologically), have been known to make jokes and puns of similar d'oh-ness, and even like many of the same musicians (he name checks Springsteen, Dylan, the Rolling Stones, and Buddy Guy, for example) and read some of the same books; when he mentioned that he loves histories by Tony Horwitz, Erick Larson and Simon Winchester, I looked at my Goodreads reviews and counted up a total of 18 books by those authors.
So read between the jokes and puns, find the ones that make you laugh or think, and enjoy this book for what it is.
In between all the dad jokes and bad puns, Chris Rodel sneaks in enough thought starters and sometimes true wisdom to earn four stars from me.
Chris Rodel is a free lance writer from Latrobe, PA, not far from where I live, a starting (and staying, you learn in this book) point he has used to for both his published books. This, his first, is foreworded and includes a cover blurp by golfing great and Latrobe native Arnold Palmer. I had the opportunity to see Chris at a presentation on his second book about Latrobe's other most famous son, Fred Rogers: Growing Up in Mr. Rogers' REAL Neighborhood: Life Lessons from the Heart of Latrobe, PA.
Crayons despite a few references to each isn't beholden to either but is all Chris Rodell's own. It is a random collection of 1001 things to do to enliven the colors of life, interspersed with 50 or so short essays called "Colorful Days Diary" that relate to the numbered list the way a tangent is anchored to a straight line by a starting point then goes off in a, well, tangent. See, if the writing style of my reviews echoes the writing style of the book I just read then that was a sample of a typical Rodell sentence, so don't be too hard on me--or him. Sure there's all those bads and dads , plus enough typos to occasionally distract, and too much cheerfulness for me, but maybe that's a stylistic choice because just when I was grimacing while reading too many of those bits he slipped in the wisdom and true humor.
148: "Pick a historical hero, someone you can admire without reservation. Learn all you can about that long-ago person. Then pick a living person, someone in your family or living in the neighborhood and do the same." (p. 46)
261: "The difference between right and wrong is confusing to young children. Instead, teach them light and dark. Use your own examples for dark, but for light use The Muppets." (p. 65)
425: "Wonder aloud if anyone who watched the historic February 9,1964 , U. S. Beatles TV debut said 'When I grow up I want to be just like Ed Sullivan.' " (p. 99)
That last example made me laugh out loud for its sudden flash of insight. I'd never thought about it but who in that audience in their living rooms would have been thinking of Ed Sullivan? Each reader will uncover their own subset of the 1001 that does the same for them.
Perhaps his best Colorful Days Diary was one where he describes an encounter in a convenience store with someone who mistook Chris Rodell for long-lost friend Bill and asked about "Bonnie" and "Mark". Rodell played along, with vague assurances that he, Bonnie, and Mark were doing OK and he would be sure to tell Bonnie hello. Then after presenting this story in his essay, Rodell wondered if he had done the right thing by not confessing the truth. He concludes: "I think my bigger sin was not the lies. It was the size of them. They were all too small. . . . I should have told him that this Christmas everything was going to be all right. Because, really, that's what he wanted Bill to tell him. It's what we all want to hear." (p. 88-89). Indeed it is.
In the end, I suppose the connection to these bits of fluff and wisdom is that I come from the same place (geographically and chronologically), have been known to make jokes and puns of similar d'oh-ness, and even like many of the same musicians (he name checks Springsteen, Dylan, the Rolling Stones, and Buddy Guy, for example) and read some of the same books; when he mentioned that he loves histories by Tony Horwitz, Erick Larson and Simon Winchester, I looked at my Goodreads reviews and counted up a total of 18 books by those authors.
So read between the jokes and puns, find the ones that make you laugh or think, and enjoy this book for what it is.
January 8, 2019
Fairly humorous, but then again, I like puns.
November 9, 2019
Ending up being less inspiration and more dad jokes, but it still brought some smiles.
June 21, 2012
This book offers 501 little nuggets of wisdom about how to live a more colorful life, and the nuggests themselves are quite colorful. Some are supplemented by stories or essays about why Chris thinks the advice is good, or how he has put these tidbits into action himself. These are my favorite parts of the book because Christ has a funny, fresh view of the world. Some of the suggestions are different ways of looking at mundane things. Being happy is really all about how you look at things.
Chris says he has never made much money. Neither he nor his wife have nine-to-five office jobs. He'd prefer to nap, play with his kids, or drink beer with friends. He says he's happy, and his life is colorful. I don't doubt it. I have several friends who don't have "real jobs." They always seem to be out doing fun things, and enjoying life. I'm jealous. I'm definitely open to suggestions about how to make this happen. By the way, Chris says he doesn't care about money, and it must be noted that he offers to send anyone who wants one a copy of his book for free. I got my e-copy on Barnes & Noble for less than $3.50. It's a steal.
I've already put some of the tips in this book into play. I put the Dalai Lama's Art of Happiness on my "to read" list. I tried brushing my teeth with the left hand today. (Chris argues that in addition to shaking things up, there are medical benefits to training your non-dominant side) I didn't feel like my teeth were getting clean, but I'll try again. When I went to Starbucks this morning, I kept my eye out for any fat lady who might be struggling with her grocery bags. I'm fairly certain I will not hold my cell phone to me ear and scream, "No, no, make the incision behind the left ear." Not all things work for all people.
I did take issue with Chris' criticims of Brad Pitt. He's not whiney. He's hot, and Chris, you're just jealous! But I do agree that Clint Eastwood has made lots of great movies.
Read this book if you are in the mood for a quick read, a good laugh, and a reminder to stop taking life so seriously, and to appreciate the small joys all around you.
Chris says he has never made much money. Neither he nor his wife have nine-to-five office jobs. He'd prefer to nap, play with his kids, or drink beer with friends. He says he's happy, and his life is colorful. I don't doubt it. I have several friends who don't have "real jobs." They always seem to be out doing fun things, and enjoying life. I'm jealous. I'm definitely open to suggestions about how to make this happen. By the way, Chris says he doesn't care about money, and it must be noted that he offers to send anyone who wants one a copy of his book for free. I got my e-copy on Barnes & Noble for less than $3.50. It's a steal.
I've already put some of the tips in this book into play. I put the Dalai Lama's Art of Happiness on my "to read" list. I tried brushing my teeth with the left hand today. (Chris argues that in addition to shaking things up, there are medical benefits to training your non-dominant side) I didn't feel like my teeth were getting clean, but I'll try again. When I went to Starbucks this morning, I kept my eye out for any fat lady who might be struggling with her grocery bags. I'm fairly certain I will not hold my cell phone to me ear and scream, "No, no, make the incision behind the left ear." Not all things work for all people.
I did take issue with Chris' criticims of Brad Pitt. He's not whiney. He's hot, and Chris, you're just jealous! But I do agree that Clint Eastwood has made lots of great movies.
Read this book if you are in the mood for a quick read, a good laugh, and a reminder to stop taking life so seriously, and to appreciate the small joys all around you.
Want to read
July 9, 2014Maybe it was the audio format that made this one painful for me, since so many others gave it rave reviews. I found it irritating to hear the numbers spoken before each "tip". I suppose it's meant to be whimsical and fun, but advice such as to buy your partner's favorite expensive ice cream, share one bite together and then secretly eat the entire thing and place the empty container prominently in the freezer seemed weird, even though he added "make sure there is a spare container in the back". Just not my type of humor I guess.
Also, the tip to pile a bunch of worthless papers on your desk so that when your kid comes into the office to interrupt you, you can pick up the papers and shred them all and throw them in the garbage can and say "You are more important to me than anything my boss wants me to do" is just plain manipulative. Not to mention displaying a lack of respect for your superior in front of your child (is this the value you want to instill?) I'm likely taking it too seriously, but all in all this book wasn't for me, so I scrapped it.
Next!
Also, the tip to pile a bunch of worthless papers on your desk so that when your kid comes into the office to interrupt you, you can pick up the papers and shred them all and throw them in the garbage can and say "You are more important to me than anything my boss wants me to do" is just plain manipulative. Not to mention displaying a lack of respect for your superior in front of your child (is this the value you want to instill?) I'm likely taking it too seriously, but all in all this book wasn't for me, so I scrapped it.
Next!
March 13, 2013
This book is not about Crayolas, nor is it about coloring. It's about living with gusto and enjoying every minute. It's one of my most precious purchases. I bought it because of a Sign. I noticed the book on the Red Room author site. What a cool title, I thought, clicking on to the book page. One line in the sidebar caught my eye: "I'm a Latrobe, Pa., writer ..." Latrobe is half an hour from where I live.
Within two minutes I opened an email to forward to a writing group about an event in Ligonier this weekend. Ligonier is up the road from Latrobe. Then I noticed the name of the speaker for the event and dots connected. Chris Rodell is going to teach us to write funny.
Yep, the Universe spoke. I listened. I bought the book, read half in not long, and will be opening it each time I need a laugh. I can't wait to meet Chris in person and have him autograph my iPad!
Within two minutes I opened an email to forward to a writing group about an event in Ligonier this weekend. Ligonier is up the road from Latrobe. Then I noticed the name of the speaker for the event and dots connected. Chris Rodell is going to teach us to write funny.
Yep, the Universe spoke. I listened. I bought the book, read half in not long, and will be opening it each time I need a laugh. I can't wait to meet Chris in person and have him autograph my iPad!
February 1, 2013
Chris Rodell hasn't had an easy time of it the past couple of years-like many people his family has been affected by the economic downturn. Yet he tries to find joy and happiness wherever he goes. He gives funny insightful suggestions throughout the book to help people find their own happiness (Adopting a new pet from a shelter every ten years; celebrating Larry Linville's birthday by embracing your inner crank) My favorite was figuring out your phone number by letters. For Mr. Rodell's information, mine is BUGG-HUGG. An inspirational pick-me up without being mauldin.
August 21, 2012
A fantastically uplifting guide to personal happiness. A perfect coffee table book, you can open it to any page and find useful suggestions for making your life more joyful. The author, Chris Rodell, gives away copies for free when contacted. A wonderful idea and a great book.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews