Coloring the Chihuahuan Desert: Finding Inspiration, Harmony, and Animal Medicine in the Heart of the Southwest
My second organizing-related coloring book is nearing completion! I’ve set out to draw 52 animals, and am currently almost finished 33 of them. Here is a draft of my intro. Please take a look and let me know what you think!
When I first moved to the Chihuahuan Desert, I was struck by how alive everything felt. The light was different- golden and clear, with shadows that changed the shape of the landscape by the hour. The air carried both stillness and song: the rustle of a lizard darting through the brush, the hum of an insect in the afternoon heat, the quiet whoosh of an owl’s wings at dusk. It didn’t take long to realize that this place was its own kind of art gallery- alive with texture, color, and spirit.
This coloring book, Chihuahuan Desert Animals, is an invitation to experience that world through art, reflection, and presence. It’s more than just a collection of animals to color- it’s a gentle guide to slowing down, connecting with nature, and rediscovering your creative flow. Each page celebrates one of the desert’s extraordinary creatures, paired with mindful reflections and space for your own color story to unfold.
The Creative Power of Connection
In my earlier book, Color to Declutter, I explored how creativity and mindfulness could help bring harmony between your inner and outer worlds. That same spirit runs through this collection. Just as organizing your home creates physical clarity, coloring helps create emotional and energetic clarity. When you give yourself time to sit with a design- choosing colors, feeling textures, reflecting on patterns- you also give your mind space to breathe.
Each desert animal in this book carries its own message of balance and adaptability. The roadrunner, with its quick, confident stride, reminds us to take action and trust our instincts. The owl symbolizes wisdom, observation, and seeing beyond appearances. The fox represents curiosity, play, and creative problem- solving. Even the smallest creatures- the jackrabbit, the dragonfly, and the moth– teach lessons about patience, focus, and resilience.
Coloring these animals is a way to honor their energy while learning from their natural wisdom. The desert may seem harsh at first glance, but it’s one of the most life-filled and adaptive ecosystems on Earth. Its inhabitants have learned how to thrive in challenge- and that same strength lives in you.
Art as Mindful Practice
There’s something deeply grounding about coloring by hand. As your pencil moves across the page, your breathing slows. Your thoughts settle. You begin to notice small details you might otherwise overlook- the curve of a feather, the pattern of a reptile, the shimmer of imagined sunlight.
This simple act of focused attention activates both sides of your brain: the creative right side and the logical left. It brings your nervous system into a balanced state- a gentle, meditative harmony. In a world filled with screens, noise, and constant motion, coloring reconnects you to a quieter rhythm: the rhythm of nature, of your heartbeat, of your breath.
I often describe coloring as “organization for the mind.” Just as we sort, arrange, and let go of clutter in our homes, coloring helps us do the same internally. It gives us a space to release mental noise, soothe anxiety, and realign our focus on what truly matters.
A Conversation Between You and the Desert
Each animal illustration in this book was inspired by real moments of connection- encounters while hiking, sketching, or simply observing. One of the most unforgettable was with a fox who appeared just a few weeks after my beloved dog passed away. The fox lingered nearby, calm and curious, hamming it up for the camera. There was a sweetness and familiarity in her gaze that felt like a message from my dog- a quiet reassurance that everything was okay. In that moment, I felt an unmistakable sense of peace and continuity, as if the desert itself was speaking through her. Encounters like these remind me that nature is always in conversation with us, if only we slow down long enough to listen.
Each animal brings its own kind of lesson, even the smallest ones. My Jack Russells have a special fascination with the toads that come out after summer rains. They’ll sniff them out with great excitement, determined to investigate every puddle and shadow. I can’t help but laugh watching their enthusiasm- but I also find myself thinking about the toads’ quiet resilience. They emerge from the earth only when the conditions are just right, patiently waiting for the moisture they need to thrive. There’s wisdom in that rhythm: knowing when to rest and when to act, when to retreat and when to emerge.
The toads remind me that growth doesn’t always happen in constant motion. Sometimes the most important part of the creative process- whether in art, organizing, or life- is the pause. Just as the desert toads know how to conserve energy during dry spells, we too can learn to honor our need for stillness and replenishment before we leap into what’s next.
And then there was the horned lizard, or “horny toad” as many of us affectionately call them. I spotted one while driving a tractor for the very first time at my friend’s horse farm- a moment that felt both grounding and exhilarating. The tractor rumbled beneath me, the air was filled with the scent of hay and dust, and there she was, perfectly still and camouflaged against the sand. Her calm presence amidst all that noise made me slow down and really see her.
Horned lizards are ancient little beings, perfectly adapted to the desert. They remind me of strength through stillness- how we can be both protected and gentle, fierce and patient at the same time. There was something about that encounter that felt like a blessing, as if the desert was acknowledging my willingness to try something new, to be present, and to trust the process.
Just like organizing a home or starting a new creative project, driving that tractor- and meeting that wise little lizard- taught me that confidence grows from showing up with curiosity, even when the terrain feels unfamiliar.
One evening at dusk, Charlie and I were walking along the Ocotillo Nature Trail when he unknowingly passed a Western Diamondback rattlesnake. I was just a few steps behind him and caught a glimpse of movement near the trail’s edge- its thick, patterned body blending perfectly with the desert floor. I didn’t realize what it was until later that night, when we looked up photos and felt that shiver of recognition. In hindsight, I understood why the air had felt so electric in that moment- my intuition had known before my mind caught up.
The rattlesnake carries potent symbolism in many cultures: transformation, healing, and respect for boundaries. That experience reminded me that not all beauty in nature is meant to be touched, and not all lessons come softly. Sometimes awareness itself is the gift- the understanding that every step we take in the world is part of a much larger dance between caution and curiosity, fear and trust.
Like the process of decluttering or creating art, the desert asks us to stay awake to our surroundings- to pay attention, to listen, and to recognize that even our moments of fear can bring insight. The diamondback’s silent presence was a powerful teacher in disguise, reminding me that transformation often begins in the quiet recognition of what we didn’t see at first.
And then there was the tarantula– large, still, and perfectly at home on the trail one evening. For a split second, I honestly hoped one of the little boys down the street had left his toy tarantula behind. But when I looked closer, I saw the slow, deliberate movement of its legs, and realized it was very real. There was something almost meditative about its steady pace, completely unconcerned with my presence. The tarantula reminded me that fear often melts into fascination when we allow ourselves to pause and observe. What first seemed unsettling became strangely beautiful- a lesson in how curiosity and courage can coexist.
One evening, not far from home, I met another unforgettable creature- a vinegaroon, also known as a whip scorpion. I was walking down the road at dusk when I spotted something large and shiny moving across the pavement. My heart jumped; I wasn’t sure what I was seeing. I called Charlie to come get me, even though I was only a few hundred feet from our driveway. Luckily, one of our neighbors happened to be outside and came over to take a look. “Oh, that’s just a vinegaroon,” she said with a calm laugh, as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world.
I had never seen one before- part scorpion, part spider, entirely prehistoric-looking. Once I knew it wasn’t dangerous, my fear gave way to awe. The vinegaroon reminded me how often our first reactions are rooted in misunderstanding. Sometimes what looks frightening at first glance turns out to be simply unfamiliar. In life, as in the desert, curiosity can be the bridge between fear and fascination.
The Chihuahuan Desert stretches across parts of New Mexico, Texas, and northern Mexico. It’s a land of contrasts: wide-open skies, resilient plants, and bursts of unexpected color after a rainstorm. At first glance, it might seem stark, but when you take time to look closer, you see how rich and full of life it truly is.
That’s what I hope this book helps you experience: a deepened awareness of the quiet beauty that exists all around you-and within you. As you color, let yourself imagine the warmth of the desert sun, the smell of creosote after rain, the sound of a hawk circling above. Each line and shade can become a meditation on presence, patience, and wonder.
Energy, Emotion, and Color
Color is vibration- it’s energy made visible. When you color, you’re engaging not just with pigments, but with emotion and intention. Every hue carries meaning:
- Earth tones ground and stabilize.
- Blues and greens bring calm and renewal.
- Reds and oranges ignite passion and creativity.
- Purples open intuition and reflection.
There’s no right or wrong way to color these designs. Your choices tell a story about how you feel and where your energy wants to go. Some days, you might crave bold contrast; other days, soft pastels. Pay attention to how color influences your mood-it’s one of the most direct ways to connect with your own emotional landscape.
You can even use these pages as part of a self-care or home-organizing ritual. Try coloring for a few minutes before decluttering a space or rearranging a room. Notice how much easier it feels to make decisions when your mind is calm and inspired. Creativity fuels clarity.
Lessons from the Desert
The desert has taught me so much about resilience and flow. Plants and animals here don’t waste energy- they adapt, conserve, and thrive through balance. The cactus stores water so it can survive long droughts. The owl waits silently for the right moment to act. The honey–bee follows instinct and purpose, contributing to something larger than itself.
In the same way, we can learn to live with more intention- to align our actions with our energy instead of constantly fighting against our environment. The desert reminds us that simplicity is strength, that beauty can flourish even in scarcity, and that creativity often grows best when we slow down.
When I first started drawing these animals, I found myself thinking about how their behaviors mirror our human experience. The roadrunner’s playfulness is a reminder to find joy in momentum. The bobcat’s stillness reflects the need for quiet observation. Even the birds, singing at sunrise, seems to echo the message: every voice has a place in the song of life.
Coloring as Energy Work
Each animal in this book also has an energetic presence- just as the water crystals in Color to Declutter carried intention. You might notice how certain animals call to you more strongly than others. Trust that instinct; it’s your intuition guiding you to the energy you need most.
If you’re feeling scattered, you may be drawn to color the tortoise, whose steady pace and grounded nature symbolize patience. If you’re feeling stuck, the jackrabbit might remind you to leap forward with courage. If you’re seeking healing, the owl or fox may invite reflection and renewal.
Coloring is a subtle form of energy work- it brings alignment between mind, body, and spirit. The more you tune into your creative process, the more you strengthen your own internal balance.
Bringing the Desert Home
My hope is that these pages become a space of sanctuary for you- a way to bring the calm, beauty, and wisdom of the desert into your everyday life. Just as you color these animals, you might begin to notice their energy showing up in your home and routines. Maybe you’ll feel inspired to simplify your decor, bring in natural textures, or create a small “creative corner” where you can unwind.
Organization and creativity go hand in hand. Both are about alignment-bringing the outer and inner worlds into harmony. As you color, you’re not only creating something beautiful; you’re also reorganizing your thoughts, emotions, and energy.
Chihuahuan Desert Animal Teachings & Animal Medicine
The animals in this book represent both the longtime residents of the Chihuahuan Desert and a few visitors or introduced species who now share its landscape. Some are truly native, perfectly adapted to the rhythms of heat, wind, and wide open space. Others have arrived more recently, carried here by migration, weather, or human influence, becoming part of the desert’s evolving story.
There were, of course, many more animals I could have included- but these are the ones that wanted to be here. Each seemed to step forward in its own way, showing up in dreams, hikes, conversations, or small everyday moments until I knew it belonged on these pages. Whether native or not, every creature here carries its own kind of wisdom- a reminder that creativity often begins with listening, and that inspiration has a life and timing all its own.
Beyond their physical presence, the animals of the desert carry healing energy– what many traditions call animal medicine. Each species holds a unique vibration, a wisdom that speaks not only to the mind but also to the body and spirit. When we open ourselves to their energy- through observation, imagination, or even coloring- we invite that medicine to work within us.
In this way, every creature becomes more than a symbol; it becomes a teacher and healer. The fox might stir your intuition, the tortoise might help you slow your racing thoughts, and the hummingbird might awaken joy in a tired heart. Even the rattlesnake, with its fierce power, offers transformation- guiding us to shed old energy and renew our strength.
Some of this communication happens in ways we can see and name. But much of it belongs to the quiet realm of feeling- the realm of sprites, spirit messengers, and subtle guides that move between worlds. I like to imagine that these beings hover near each animal, amplifying their healing essence. When we tune in- when we color, walk, or simply listen- they whisper reminders about balance, courage, and harmony.
Every encounter with an animal, whether in the desert, a dream, or a drawing, is an invitation to receive healing energy. It’s a conversation between your spirit and theirs, a dance of awareness that restores something ancient and essential in us.
Badger – The badger teaches determination and courage. It reminds us to dig deep for truth and not shy away from the messy work of transformation.
Bat – The bat symbolizes renewal and intuition. Emerging at dusk, it teaches trust in your inner senses when the path ahead isn’t clearly visible.
Bear – The bear teaches introspection and renewal. It reminds us to honor cycles of activity and rest, courage and retreat.
Blue Heron – The heron teaches patience and purpose. Standing still before taking flight, it shows us the power of contemplation before action.
Bobcat – The bobcat teaches focus and independence. It shows how to move confidently alone while remaining attuned to the rhythms of the world.
Burros – The burro teaches perseverance and humility. It reminds us that steady effort and quiet endurance can carry us great distances.
Butterfly – The butterfly teaches transformation and trust in the process of becoming. It shows that beauty unfolds naturally when we surrender to change.
Coyote – The coyote is the desert’s playful teacher. It reminds us to laugh, adapt, and find creativity even in chaos.
Coachwhip – The coachwhip snake teaches alertness and speed. It reminds us to trust reflexes and stay attuned to subtle changes in our surroundings.
Decollate Snail – The snail teaches us the beauty of slow progress and carrying home within ourselves. It reminds us to move with intention and ease.
Deer – The deer teaches gentleness and grace. It reminds us that true strength is often quiet and compassionate.
Dragonfly – The dragonfly is a messenger of change and clarity. It teaches us to reflect light and truth, reminding us that transformation can be graceful.
Dove – The dove teaches peace and forgiveness. It reminds us to soften the heart and bring calm to both ourselves and others.
Fox – The fox teaches adaptability and grace- to stay curious, move quietly through change, and trust your intuition even in unfamiliar terrain.
Gecko – The gecko teaches regeneration and lighthearted resilience. It reminds us to let go of what we’ve outgrown and keep climbing toward new possibilities.
Golden Eagle – The eagle embodies vision and courage. It teaches us to soar high with focus, seeing far while staying connected to the earth below.
Grasshopper – The grasshopper teaches leaps of faith. It shows that forward motion sometimes means leaving comfort behind to explore new ground.
Green June Beetle – The beetle teaches renewal through cycles. It reminds us that even the smallest creatures play a vital role in rebirth and balance.
Ground Squirrel – The ground squirrel embodies preparation and joy. It teaches us to plan ahead but also to play, balancing practicality with delight.
Honey Bee – The bee teaches devotion and community. It reminds us that small, consistent efforts build something sweet and enduring.
Horned Caterpillar / Tomato Hornworm – The hornworm teaches transformation through challenge. It reminds us that growth often looks messy before it becomes beautiful.
Horned Lizard – The horned lizard embodies strength in stillness. It teaches grounded courage to stand firm, calm, and unshakable amid life’s noise.
Horse – The horse symbolizes freedom and partnership. It teaches balance between strength and sensitivity, will and trust.
Hummingbird – The hummingbird reminds us to savor the sweetness of life, to move lightly, and to find joy even in fleeting moments.
Jackrabbit – The jackrabbit teaches agility and awareness. It reminds us to stay alert yet light-footed, ready to spring forward when opportunity calls.
Javelina – The javelina teaches cooperation and kinship. It reminds us that even the fiercest spirits thrive best in connection.
Kestrel – The kestrel teaches precision and adaptability. It reminds us to hold steady in the wind and stay alert to opportunity.
Lesser Prairie Chicken – The prairie chicken teaches the power of ritual and community. Its dance reminds us to celebrate life’s cycles together.
Lizard – The lizard shows us how to rest and regenerate. It teaches adaptability and the art of basking – knowing when to act and when to simply be.
Millipede – The millipede teaches gentle persistence. It moves steadily through the earth, reminding us that even slow progress creates strong foundations.
Minnows – The minnows teach cooperation and flow. They remind us to move with the current of life and find safety and rhythm in community.
Moth – The moth teaches faith in the unseen. Drawn toward light, it reminds us that transformation happens when we trust our inner pull toward growth.
Mosquito – The mosquito, though bothersome, teaches awareness and boundaries. It reminds us that small irritations can awaken mindfulness and presence.
Mountain Lion – The mountain lion teaches leadership and quiet strength. It reminds us to move with confidence, trust instincts, and command our space with calm authority.
Oryx – The oryx teaches self-reliance and resilience. It reminds us to conserve our energy and face challenges with quiet power.
Osprey – The osprey teaches perspective and precision. It reminds us to rise above challenges to see the bigger picture before diving into action.
Owl – The owl is wisdom in stillness. It shows us how to see beyond appearances and trust what intuition reveals in the quiet.
Pelican – The pelican symbolizes balance between giving and receiving. It teaches grace in teamwork and faith that abundance will return.
Porcupine – The porcupine teaches healthy boundaries and self-protection. It reminds us to keep our softness inside safe while exploring the world with trust.
Pronghorn – The pronghorn teaches freedom and momentum. It reminds us that speed is most effective when guided by clarity and direction.
Quail – The quail reminds us of family and connection. It teaches protection, warmth, and the comfort of moving together through life’s landscapes.
Rattlesnake – The rattlesnake teaches respect for boundaries and transformation. It sheds what no longer serves, reminding us to renew and protect our energy.
Ringtail Cat – The ringtail teaches curiosity and cleverness. It reminds us to find delight in exploration and balance work with play.
Roadrunner – The roadrunner reminds us to act with confidence and purpose. It teaches quick thinking, joy in motion, and the courage to follow instinct.
Scissortail Flycatcher – The flycatcher teaches precision and timing- to move with grace, seize opportunity, and trust your wings.
Scorpion – The scorpion teaches protection and emotional clarity. It reminds us to honor sensitivity as strength and set healthy boundaries.
Swan – The swan embodies elegance and inner peace. It reminds us that grace arises from self-trust and emotional balance.
Tarantula – The tarantula teaches patience and creative timing. It invites us to face fears with calm curiosity and move deliberately toward what matters.
Toad – The toad teaches patience and timing. It reminds us to wait for the right conditions before leaping forward and to honor rest as part of growth.
Tortoise – The tortoise carries the wisdom of patience. It teaches steady progress, grounded presence, and the strength that comes from persistence.
Vinegaroon – The vinegaroon teaches discernment. Though it looks fierce, it is gentle- a reminder that appearances can mislead and calm understanding brings peace.
Vulture – The vulture teaches cleansing and perspective. It reminds us that endings are part of the natural cycle, and through release, life renews itself.
A Closing Reflection
The Chihuahuan Desert is a teacher in disguise. It shows us that life doesn’t need to be crowded to be full. That even in the quietest moments, beauty endures. And that with a little patience, intention, and creativity, we can bloom wherever we are planted.
So as you color these pages, let yourself slow down. Let your colored pencils wander. Let your thoughts soften into stillness. Each stroke is a breath, a grounding, a celebration of life’s resilient beauty.
May this book remind you that creativity isn’t something separate from daily life- it’s woven into how you live, how you love, and how you make space for joy.
