Written by For our prompt of “Candle” today, I made a quick little doodle of a single votive candle and some holiday decorations. There’s something magical about lighting just one candle. Even though it doesn’t provide a ton of light it often seems to shine the brightest. Today, I spent a few hours writing as I’m working on a new idea for a storybook series. It was coming along quite well and then I suddenly noticed the time and that it was getting a bit late. So this sketch was lightning quick, but I rather liked how it turned out. Mostly that it did actually turn out to be something at all, since I was moving so quickly. But I was in a creative zone all day and that is absolutely one of the best places I could hope to spend a day. I feel like I accomplished quite a lot and I’m excited about my new book, though there’s still lots of work ahead before I can complete it.
As with most things I create, my new storybook idea is built around a rather elaborate concept. But today was a breakthrough so I can see the finished product in my mind. Though it will take quite a few more sketches so I’ll have to find some extra time to create them. Mostly, I was just thrilled to have a new project again. I thrive on new creative projects and I haven’t had one in quite some time. I’m not quite ready to share the idea, but I can share that it came to me in a dream. I dreamed the first few pages and even the design of the cover. I woke up the next day and designed the cover and typed up all that I could remember. And today, it was finally starting to really come to life. I’m thrilled and I don’t know how long it will take, but it’s something I’m excited to work on so that’s always a great sign. It means I’ll be able to sneak in time in the most unexpected of ways.
I didn’t have a candle burning while I was writing, but I had all of the Christmas lights on. I think being surrounded by all of that sparkling light was very inspiring. Tonight, I think I shall light a single candle in honor of a successful creative day. I think that kind of day is one that’s definitely worth celebrating. At one point I rushed upstairs and wanted to share something I’d written with Philippe, but he was too busy on a project of his own. He was creating a 3D animation of a Christmas Card that had a sparkling foil embossed design. It was impressive, but seemed way harder than what I was doing at that moment. So, I just went back downstairs to continue writing. There’s something special about this season that brings me fresh inspiration. I know a lot of it is my inner child doing backflips all of the time and giving me permission to play. Not to succeed, but simply play. And that was all I needed today, to experience just a bit of light.
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Wonderful candle Charlie! And here’s to creative projects that light us up! Sending you positive energy!
Thanks so much, Karen! 😃💕 Sending you positive creative energy as well!
Your new project has got me excited as well! All the best, Charlie! Can’t wait to see the new book! Your lightning-fast doodle is awesome. I can’t imagine ever being to do that great a sketch in such a short time.
Aww thanks so much, Zertab! 😃💕 I’m excited about it too! And all those days of sketching stuff made this one easy. I was going to add a critter, but I’m still practicing those! hehe
Ooh! I can’t wait to see your storybook! And you’ll have to share Philippe’s sparkling foil embossed card too – that sounds amazing!
Thanks so much, Sandra! 😃💕 Yeah, I’m excited for this next idea. I think it’s really cool. Even if it’s going to take a ton of work! hehe And, I’ll have to see if that card he made is going to be posted on social. It looks really cool!
Hey Charlie I hope your inner kiddo keeps that flashlight beamed out for you all the time. When something comes to you in a dream that could be divine guidance. If it sounds like that could be then follow it. Take care.
Thanks so much, Linda! 😃💕 Yeah, I think this idea was definitely meant to be… I’m excited to see where it leads!
How wonderful, Charlie, about your book! Yay! How exciting! I bet it’s going to be wonderful! 🎉🎉🎉 I can’t wait to see it!
Wow, Philippe ‘s card sounds awesome. Being a card maker and stationery aficionado, that got my attention. 😀 Does he design cards as a profession, Charlie? It sounds awesome.
haha haha Know what else would be a great Christmas card? A picture or painting of Phineas donning his hot dog costume. haha haha Please, oh, please, Charlie, paint Phineas in his costume. 💜
Lovely candle, Charlie!! Isn’t it wonderful when your creative muse shows up and you’re so focused on a project that you lose all concept of time? Those are the best days.
Thanks so much, Mary! 😃💕 Those are totally the best days. They make so happy!
Thanks so much, Marisela! 😃💕 Hehe… Philippe’s card was SO cool… I was like… I wrote half a book, but it didn’t seem as cool as what he just made! lol It was a 3D animation of an existing card, but still awesome. I’m not sure if we even have a pic of the hot dog costume… he never keeps it on for long! 😉
I used to light candles all the time, but then we got a cat with long hair and she jumped on the table where the candles were, and all I could think about was what if her tail caught fire and she ran through the house lighting everything on fire as she went. What a nightmare! No more candles for me!!
Oh my goodness! That would be nightmare! hehe! Yikes! Yeah, we mostly have the kind with a remote control. Way safer to leave lit! 😉
Best of luck with your book Charlie! I know what you mean about dreaming an idea. That has happened to me a few times. Crazy, but so exciting when it comes to fruition. Can’t wait to see your dream come true!! 😁👍
It is so amazing that you can sketch these so quickly. Takes me hours to draw like the 4 year old I am inside 😉🤣. Just beautiful Charlie.
Thanks so much, Zoie! 😃💕 It’s just nearly 2,000 days of sketching stuff! It gets way easier! But I can’t seem to sketch animals as quickly so they tend to disappear from the quickies!
That’s such a beautiful painting, Charlie. That’s exciting news about your new picture book. We usually light a candle for birthdays and anniversaries of our departed parents.
Thanks so much, Gary! 😃💕 Aww that’s such a lovely tradition!
Ahhhh, the return of glass! Always love your glass sketches! Have a wonderful creative weekend!
Aww thanks so much, Lori! 😃💕 It was fun to paint glass again! hehe Have a fabulous weekend!
I have just bought a relax candle with a piece of sodalite and a piece of amethyst with the smell of Lavender breeze mmm!! My bath time pleasure. Light off bathing on bath salts. Close to Heavenly. 😊🕯️🛀
Oh wow! That sounds heavenly indeed! 😃💕
Nice Candle, I really like how the pine boughs draw your eyes into the candle. The ornaments add a lot. I am still waiting for my “Grinch 2020 Stink Stank Stunk” Christmas Ornament. Its gonna be fun to look back at it over the years and remember how lousy of a year 2020 was.
Thanks so much, Shawn! 😃💕 That ornament sounds awesome!
Even the smallest light will brighten the darkness of a cold winter day. We’ve been having very cool days here in Southern California. I keep reminding myself that it is December, after all.
Indeed! 😃💕 Well some cool days can even make SoCal feel like December!
Beautiful
Thanks so much, Shristy! 😃💕