Written by Some of the best things in life come in the most assuming forms. For example, one of my favorite things to enjoy in autumn and winter is a cup of hot cocoa. As a kid, there would be a few marshmallows added on top, but I never seem to have any on hand so I just drink it plain and simple. In honor of plain and simple, today’s doodlewash was quickly created with just two colors. Probably should have added marshmallows as it’s hard to tell the difference between this and a cappuccino, which is also a lovely drink. But I’m running late, as ever, and we have friends coming over soon for dinner. I don’t think hot cocoa is on Philippe’s menu this evening as I’m not sure how well it pairs with the bœuf bourguignon that he’s currently making. It smells amazing and earlier the dog was sitting with his nose in the air, slowly inhaling the scent. I thought he might start floating off the ground toward it like in those cartoons, but thankfully that didn’t happen as, in truth, it would have been unsettling.
There’s a local shop called Christopher Elbow Chocolates that sells the most amazing drinking chocolate around. I got a tin of it for Christmas from my boss one year and it was awesome. As a kid, my cocoa wasn’t fancy at all, but I thought it was because it was called Swiss Miss, which made me think it was from Switzerland. When in reality, it was made in Wisconsin. You could get packets with tiny freeze dried marshmallows in them that magically transformed back into gooey goodness when you poured hot water over it. That was always the fun part, though they were so small, it wasn’t possible to chew them so you just swallowed them along with the drink. It’s been years since I tried this kind and I can’t even remember how it tasted, but I loved it back then. Another memory that probably tastes better than the real thing ever could.
Yikes, time is running out and I still have to find the dining room table. By that, I mean it’s covered in watercolor tubes, sketchbooks and empty Amazon boxes because we rarely have company. I’m always impressed when people seem to keep a tidy house at all times, but ours isn’t that kind of house. For a brief moment tonight, the clutter will be cleared away only to somehow reappear in the days that follow. But we don’t mind. We live here. We’re not staging it for a real estate agent to show, we’re just letting life happen and life is always a bit messy. But I should rush off now and tend to the clutter. Outside, I can hear the sound of thunder and my phone has informed me that there’s a severe storm alert for the next 45 minutes. Perhaps, it’s the perfect evening after all, for that cup of hot cocoa.
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About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Terra Cotta and Cobalt Blue. Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with sepia ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book. |
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I agree, Charlie. Hot cocoa on a cold, blustery day is wonderfully comforting.
Yes! The best way to fix a cold day! 😃💕
Wonderful art, wonderful expression!
Thanks so much, Meenakshi! 😃💕
I like the image of your dog floating and enjoying a delicious meat scent!
haha! Yeah… maybe one day I’ll try to sketch that! lol 😃💕
This is wonderful and delicious looking art.
Thanks so much, Laura! 😃💕
Hot cocoa! Swiss Miss was my favorite as a kid too, and we actually have some in the pantry. Maybe I’ll make some tonight.
oooooh! Now I’m jealous, Kati! 😃💕 Make a cup for me!!
One of my favorite memories, from when I was nine and had walked home from school in a rainstorm. Mom had a fire in the fireplace and hot cocoa waiting. I dressed in my jammies and we sat in front of the fire, drank cocoa, and listened to ‘I Remember You’ on the radio. There is a quality of light in that memory that I always attempt to capture in paintings, but of course I never can. Your painting of cocoa is almost as lovely as the cup in my memory! Have a wonderful dinner.
That is such a wonderful memory! I love the idea of catching that quality of light! A beautiful way to approach painting, Sandra! 😃💕
Sit was definitely this kind of day. I actually had some also. With marshmallows. Uwonderful sketch Charlie.
Awesome, Teri!! hehe… and with marshmallows! Yay!! 😃💕
Another lovely painting. I’m impressed by the way you carve out the time for art even when you are busy and preparing for guests. I hate winter but one of the few good things about it is the excuse to have hot chocolate. I’m not keen on it with marshmallows but I do like some cream on top as a treat.
Thanks so much, Laura! 😃💕 Yeah, I figure there’s always a little time to steal each day to do the things you really love! And yay to ice on top!! Of anything actually! hehe
Ah lovely Charlie, I’m not a fan of autumn usually but a cup of hot cocoa helps
Oh wow, not an autumn fan, eh? hehe… I don’t know why but I just love it! Maybe it’s just all the cocoa! 😊💕
Yay for clutter – creative folks live among clutter! (That’s not scientific – it’s Shari-ific.) Your chocolate cup looks delicious but it’s too late for a snack – so now I’m going to bed with chocolate on my mind. Could be worse.
hehe… could be much worse! LOL You’re welcome. 😃💕 And yes, yay to clutter… it’s a sure sign of creativity!!
I love your articles. I don’t have much time in the morning to browse but I always pause long enough to read what you have to say. Love your art work. Very charming.
What a lovely thing to hear! Thanks so much for stopping by to read these, Sheri! 😃💕 I’m so happy you like my posts!
The image of your precious pup floating up on the delectable smells made my day! The hot chocolate looks delicious – marshmallows or not!
Thanks so much, Ellie! 😃💕 hehe.. yeah, in my head I can totally see him floating. One day, I’ll sketch that! LOL
Great job with two colors!!
Thanks so much, Tom! 😃💕
It’s a rainy day here right now. Nothing beats having a cup of hot cocoa in your hands. Cool art! Now this made me hungry all of a sudden.
hehe… yeah, I think cocoa can help with any rainy day! It was rainy here as well, but cocoa makes everything better! 😃💕
Cocoa is such a soothing drink and quite a bit of fun.
Yep!! I totally agree! Love it!! 😃💕
for me it’s all about the marshmallows. Cocoa powder with marshmallow powder is even better, probably totally bad for you but everyone needs a treat. I just ordered some hot chocolate cup pods for just that indulgent purpose.
Awesome! Well done, you! I totally approve!! hehe 😃💕