Written by Who knew that lemons were rather difficult to paint? I realize now that I’ve never painted more than a slice, but the actual lemon itself is a subtle descent into madness. And I only had a few short minutes to paint, because it’s the official start of a delightful 4-day holiday weekend. I’m excited for the food that will come for Thanksgiving tomorrow, of course, but I’m perhaps even more excited to have a long extended break. Friday, for some will be another descent into madness if they brave going to physical retail stores in search of deals. For decades, the day after Thanksgiving has marked the official start of the holiday shopping season here in the States and is referred to as Black Friday. Philippe asked me why, as it does sound a bit odd, and I had to admit that I didn’t really know. Apparently, the first use was in reference to the heavy traffic caused by people and cars, but many have since attributed it to the profits that retailers expect to make, moving from “in the red” to “in the black.” Either way, we’ll be avoiding the crowds and shopping online instead.
There’s also Cyber Monday, which was created as a way to keep the shopping frenzy going even past the weekend. Though I have to admit to never really having that many gifts to buy. My family stopped giving individual gifts years ago and my immediate family is rather tiny. That said, I do realize now that I’ve not given Philippe a full and proper shopping list, so I should probably correct that. I’m pretty sure he knows that the little child and total geek that I am I would like a Lego BB-8. That would be a reminder if he actually read my blog posts, so if he’s forgotten, then I can only hope Santa actually does read my blog. That would be pretty awesome actually! Santa, if you’re listening, stay tuned for more! But, in truth, I really just like the unwrapping of a gift and am tickled by whatever is inside. Surprises are just fun in their own right. Though seriously, one of them really needs to be a Lego BB-8.
For Philippe’s part, he’s looking at various things for the kitchen, but I will simply insist that he also has toys. The second you get only sensible things for Christmas is the second you realize you’re just getting old. That’s why I always request something childish and awesome each year. Sure, like a kid, I’ll play with it in the moment and forget about it before the New Year, but that’s the entire point! It’s such a beautiful experience to enjoy something intensely for a moment in time. It’s transformative. Sensible things will always be around to remind of us of real life, but getting something silly and fun reminds us of being alive. Of having those dreams that only kids could possibly believe in, and thinking, no knowing, that the world will somehow bend our way. So, yeah, I’ll always believe that life is generally awesome and fantastic and all good things are possible, even on those days when I just end up with a bit of lemon.
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About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Da Vinci Yellow, Red Rose Deep, and Ultramarine Violet. Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with sepia ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book. |
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A very happy Thanksgiving to you and Philippe and Phineas – I am very grateful for all that you create and share.
Aww thanks so much, Karen! 😃💕 Grateful to have met you along the way!
No need to make a sour face–your lemon is sweet! I hope Santa does read your blog. It would be terrible if you ended up with some other Lego set.
Thanks, Sandra! 😃💕 haha! Yeah, well, I guess any Lego set would be cool, cause it’s Lego, but still. lol
Happy thanksgiving!! To all three of you!
Aww thanks so much, Lisa!! 😃💕
How could I not love this CITRUS fruit? It doesn’t look like you had any difficult to me. Easy peasy lemon squeezy 😉
Black Friday is very much a deal here now, too. Having seen some horror movies of the stampedes at certain stores, I’ll be staying indoors methinks!
Yes, definitely stay safe indoors! Protect yourself!! 😃💕 hehe… and if only you could do so with Citrus Polos. 😉
Ahhh….the Christmas list and the descent into shopping. For our part we just bought a LeCrueset casserole (something for the kitchen 😉) and we said it was for Christmas. However, I’m also hoping for something extra whimsical for Christmas. A new telescope is on my list. Just putting it out there! Love the lemons!
Thanks so much! 😃💕 And yay to French cookware! Excellent choice! hehe… but yeah.. way too early… it doesn’t count… I say you simply must get that telescope as well! Awesome!
Happy Thanksgiving, Charlie. So thankful that I found this site and all the good work you have created to bring people together in a fun and creative way. Enjoy your four day holiday. Your lemon looks good to me.
Thanks so much, Mary! 😃💕 So grateful you’re with us here! Appreciate all of the encouragement and support!
How awesome the lime is and a piece
Cuted woh the flowers seen wonderful.
Carlie wah wah wah ….
Aww thanks so much, Snehlata! 😃💕
Simply beautiful!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks so much, Violeta! 😃💕 It’s been a wonderful day!
Your attempt is better than mine. I agree that gifts should be the frippery that you can’t justify spending money on – the rest you can save up for! Have a good weekend.
Exactly!! 😃💕 hehe… Frippery for the holidays is the best thing ever!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks so much, Mary! You as well! 😃💕
May be the lemon is hard for you….but it seems outstanding for me…:)
Aww thanks! I’m so glad you liked it! 😃💕
Beautiful lemon, Charlie….
Thanks so much, Pamela! 😃💕
Beautiful. Very pretty.
Aww thanks, June!! 😃💕
The lemons are gorgeous. May you and your family-near and far-have a wonderful Thanksgiving! PS. Yay for toys!
Thanks so much, Laura! 😃💕 To you and yours as well! and definitely a big yay for toys! hehe
yep, lemons are notoriously hard. That’s because there are less yellow colors and quin gold isn’t exactly the right color to do shadows of lemons. I did a bowl months ago and yep was HARD to do the shadows accurately. Oh, and by the way, to give Philippe an accurate definition of black Friday – It’s the day that retail stores used to hit “black” in their ledgers, specifically stores like electronics, toys etc where the rest of the year was piecemeal, the time from Thanksgiving to Christmas was where the gravy was made. NOW though it means that if you haven’t made it in the black you can make up for it and clear out the old to make room for the new and possibly make it into the black that way. lol. Happy Thanksgiving Charlie.
haha! Wonderful definition! Love it! Thanks so much, Jennifer! 😃💕
Those lemons look good, Charlie! Do art supplies count as frippery? They’re on my list for Santa……. 😉
Thanks, Susan! 😃💕 haha! Art supplies under the category of required delights! lol
Lovely lemons, Charlie. Now stop reading! Pssst, Phillipe, if you are reading, the LEGO BB-8 is $20 off with Amazon Prime 😉
Thanks, Carol!! 😃💕 Double thanks for the tip! He won’t read this, but I think it will get to him either way. If not Philippe, then Santa! I’m sure of it!
Citrus is quite amazing to paint because of the texture. enjoy guys!
Thanks so much, Tom! 😃💕 yeah, it was fun and probably needed more time than I could give it. hehe… but we are having a wonderful break! Hope you’re having a fabulous time!
I like your bright yellow lemons too.
I have NEVER had the urge to join in with the crazies shopping on Black Friday. But I do think it’s kind of fun to shop for bargains the day after Christmas, while you just might be playing with your new legos at home.
Thanks, Kaye! 😃💕 hehe… yeah, it’s much safer to sit behind a computer screen and snatch up deals than brave those crazy crowds!
Charlie, I never tire of your lovely paintings or your commentary. Sometimes I feel like you’ve read my mind. Scary, I know!!
I’d like to think that Holiday shopping has lost some of its luster because we’ve done it for so many years, or, as I like to remind my family, ‘we are blessed to have everything we need and most of what we want’.
Anyway enjoy the Holidays and all the days in between.
Thanks, Lois! 😃💕 hehe… I’m sure we have a ton in common! And I love that quote! Perfect!
Your lemon looks awesome.
I don’t descend into the madness of Black Friday or holiday shopping in general. I have my own madness, every year I spend the month of December handcrafting presents for my loved ones. And this year I may have scheduled too much to get it all done. All part of the fun.
I love that!! A much better gift! And you’re much like me… I have grand plans that are always far bigger than time will ever allow! hehe 😃💕
It always works out but at least this year I will be relaxing every night with a little watercolor 😄
Gorgeous shadow.
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕
Your lemon is making my mouth pucker – but I love them sliced over chicken or fish or in my tea. And your lemon Doodlewash is perfect – you made it look easy to paint.
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕 And yessss to chicken and fish… it’s the perfect compliment with lemon!