​        Montezuma author Jamie Brennan is shown with her newly published farm-life coloring book entitled “Diamond B Ranch: Life on the Farm.” The paperback book features 27 pages filled with cute farm animals, bold, easy-to-color pages, and fun activities, all of which are perfect for young artists. Animals featured in the book include horses, cattle, pigs, chickens, cats and dogs. The book is available on Amazon for $9.99 or can be purchased directly from the author.

​By J.O. Parker
 
      An opportunity to learn more about creating user-generated content has led to a Montezuma woman publishing a farm animal coloring book.
      Jamie Brennan was recently taking part in a course geared toward creative projects when she came up with the book idea.
       “It was one of those lightbulb moments where everything just clicked,” said Brennan.
Her new book, “Diamond B Ranch: Life on the Farm,” was released in March and is based on Brennan’s love of farm life.
        Brennan said the user-friendly coloring book is geared toward children, but it can be enjoyed by a range of ages.
      “The illustrations area simple and fun enough for younger kids, while still being engaging for older children who enjoy coloring.”
        When asked how she came up with the book title, Brennan said, she and husband, Chris, have a small hobby farm on the south edge of Montezuma that they call “Diamond B Ranch.”
          “I wanted something simple, so “Diamond B Ranch: Life on the Farm” just seemed to fit.
           The book illustrations were created using AI tools to generate the initial images.
       “I then customized each page in Canva by adding my own elements and details,” noted Brennan. “I worked through every page individually to make sure it reflected my vision and the feel of my own farm.”
The paperback book features 27 pages filled with cute farm animals, bold, easy-to-color pages, fun activities, all of which are perfect for young artists.
           Animals featured in the book include horses, cattle, pigs, chickens, cats and dogs.
Brennan said this is her first published book.
          “Being my first books makes it especially exciting and meaningful to me,” she said.
          When asked, Brennan said she would love to continue creating more books in the future.
          “This experience has definitely inspired me to keep going and explore new ideas,” said Brennan.
      When asked what she enjoyed the most about putting the book together, Brennan said the most rewarding part has been seeing an idea come to life.
       “Taking something that started as a simple concept and turning it into a finished book has been incredibly fulfilling,” she said.
        “This project has been a reminder that it’s okay to try something new and put yourself out there,” added Brennan. “With my kids getting older and an empty nest on the horizon, I’ve been trying to explore new creative outlets and find things that keep me inspired and busy. I hope this book brings a little joy, creativity and fun to the kids and families who use it.”
         The book is available on Amazon for $9.99 or can be purchased directly from the author.

by J.O. Parker
 
     Mark your calendar for the upcoming Roots Market at the Poweshiek County Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The first 50 shoppers will receive a fun swag bag.
       The market is under the direction of Channing Fraker, owner of Channing’s Customs and Company, which is located at 803 4th Avenue in Grinnell. 
      “Now that I have my brick and mortar building in Grinnell,” said Fraker. “I wanted to bring an event to town for my customers in the community.”
       The market is based off a similar event which is called Roots and River Market and is currently held in Marengo in the fall.
       “We have had three successful events that have brought us 450 shoppers in Marengo,” said Fraker. “It made sense to bring that kind of event to Grinnell.”
        Some of the items that will be available for sale at the Grinnell event include custom signs, woodworking, boutique clothing, fragrances and vintage goods.
            There will also be a coffee truck, food truck, adult beverage truck and live music.
          Channing’s Customs and Company is a marketplace that offers hand-crafted, vintage and repurposed gifts and décor.
            “I have over 10 Iowa-based small businesses selling their goods at my store,” said Fraker.
            The store opened in 2024 and moved to its current location in the spring of 2025.
            Admission fee to the market is $8 with $2 being donated to Mason’s Light House.
        “We hope to see everyone at the first Roots Market,” said Fraker. “Come enjoy hand-crafted and boutique good, live music, food and drinks from local vendors.”
            For more information, contact Fraker at [email protected].