When I was kid, the best part about winter was when you realized there was enough snow falling to get out of school that day. The idea of getting a snow day was a cherished event and one of the most exciting surprises of childhood. I woke up to more snow falling today and even though I’m off work this week, it still had the same thrill. So, I make this quick little 2-color doodlewash to mark the occasion. I’d been wishing all month for snow on the holidays as it just feels a bit more festive that way. I stuck with regular wishing, though there are actually other ways to make snow appear, like turning your pajamas inside out and wearing them to sleep. I’ve no idea why this would work, but it’s part of child folklore. A more related way to conjure snow is to place a cube of ice in the toilet and flush it. At least this is related to something cold. Each cube and flush represents the number of inches of snow you’d like to receive in exchange for acting so weirdly. Apparently, you can also put a spoon under your pillow to bring snow, but I can’t for the life of me understand the point of that one.
These superstitions are simply updates of the much older tradition of the snow dance, which is another option for the rhythmically inclined. I didn’t have time to prepare a proper dance routine, so luckily the snow came without the need for all those rehearsals. Unfortunately, it also brought bitter cold, that wasn’t really on the wish list, so we’ve been hiding indoors all day. The dog is less amused by the snow and cold temperatures. When I took him out for his morning pee, he just stopped and looked up at me as if to say, “what the hell is this? Fix it!” I honestly can’t blame him, as I wouldn’t want to pee in such weather either. Later, when Philippe tried to coax him into his winter jacket, he cowered under my legs and wouldn’t come. Thus, stubbornly starting what we refer to as “a poop strike” and running upstairs to curl up on the bed instead. Phineas is now snoring on the couch, no doubt dreaming of being adopted by parents who live in Florida.
But I’m personally thrilled for a day of beautiful snow and lots of time to play with Christmas toys. Or, as is more accurately the case, bounce from one thing to the next and then look at the clock wondering where the time has gone. I spent so much time just mindlessly doodling today, that I almost didn’t have time to complete anything for this post. That’s the sign of a snow day well spent, in my opinion. Just a bit of goofing off and not taking life too seriously. Though, I tend to live most of life that way. As the New Year approaches, I make the usual resolutions to be sensible and try to focus a bit more. These are harmless promises I break to myself at the first sight of something shiny and new. It’s not that I’m reckless, it’s just that I choose to live life with a constant bit of glee. Life is a silly thing to worry too much about as it doesn’t last long enough to raise any real concern. So for me, I’ll just keep on bobbing ridiculously through it and living each day like it’s a snow day.
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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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What a cute doodlewash. Perfectly fitting for a snowy day. And I’m very jealous of your day. Looking forward to my days off to snuggle up with my books!
Thanks so much! 😃💕 Yeah, I’ve been doing just that! It’s been ages since I had time to read properly and I’ve already finished one book and am on to the next! hehe… wait…now it just sounds like I’m gloating. 😊
Ha ha! Well, I’ve got no problem with you’re gloating! 😄
The Adventures of Phineas – hilarious! As for all the snow inducements – I think you’ve been had. We’re trying to bring rain out here in California with no better luck. Your squirrel is darling with his snow cap.
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕 But have you actually done a rain dance? hehe… please do so and then report back (be sure to also capture it on video! lol). Yeah, I don’t think of that really works. I have been had.
Yep, an Israeli folk dance called Mayim Mayim: “Joyfully shall you draw water from the fountains of triumph.”
That is one very cute squirrel! Enjoy your snow days!!
Thanks so much, Mary!! Totally enjoying them! 😃💕
I love that squirrel! Your painting just keeps getting better and better.
Aww thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 I’m so happy you think so!
Love your squirrel and your story,
Thanks so much, Pamela! 😃💕
So cute. Love the snow on the squirrel’s head. So very nice.
Thanks, June! 😃💕 hehe… yeah, tried something a little different. Glad you liked it!
You and Phineas are BOTH hilarious Charlie!!
Lol… awww thanks, Sheila! 😃💕
Playful squirrels are so much fun to watch scampering around, especially in the snow. Love this cute little furry guy, Charlie 😍
They are! So much fun! Glad you liked mine. Thanks, Carol! 😃💕
I read somewhere that crinkling your eyes when you smile releases endorphins that reduce stress levels and act as a natural pain reliever. I cannot look at that squirrel without a smile crinkling my eyes and the world seeming like a really great place to be. Thank you!
Aww yay! That’s a wonderful reaction, Sarah! Thanks! 😃💕 I rather love the thought of a therapeutic squirrel! hehe
Can’t really blame Phineas for his feelings about winter. I’m guessing when people used outhouses before indoor plumbing, many of them felt the same way! 😂
Lol… Yeah, I’m pretty sure they did! At least Phineas can simply squat and doesn’t have the danger of getting stuck to a cold toilet seat! 😊
Have fun in the snow Charlie!
Thanks so much, Jennifer!! 😃💕 I shall!
Oh yeah. Basenji and snow – not a happy mix! I’m glad at least one person in the house is enjoying the weather! I love your snowy little squirrel.
Thanks, Sandra! 😃💕 Yeah, Phineas would far prefer a more desert climate for sure.
Lovely squirrel, Charlie. I haven’t seen our Chicholina for over two weeks and getting now seriously worried about her 🙁
Thanks, Violeta! 😃💕 Oh no! I hope Chicholina is okay!!
That’s a great squirrel! He must be searching for those acorns he buried last fall. Snow days were the Best days!!
Thanks so much, Susan! 😃💕 Yay for snow days!!
I love your squirrel playing in the snow. I love to live life with glee also! We have so many wonderful opportunities of which to avail ourselves! I often have friends comment they wish they did as many things as I do (classes mainly) and I often wonder why they just do not sign up instead of sitting at home wishing!
P.S. Poor Phineas! I am wanting to move someone warmer myself!
Thanks so much, Delores! 😃💕 Yes, living life with glee is the best way. And I agree… it’s funny how people look at others with envy while entirely forgetting they can simply do it as well.
Adorable! And all with just two colors…. ( : Growing up in the Colorado mountains, we never ever had to flush ice cubes or sleep in inside-out pajamas with a spoon in order to get snow. Lots of snow. However, we also never got a snow day. Ever.
Thanks, Ellie! 😃💕 Ahhh yeah, that’s the trade off… when it’s snow all the time they’re used to it. My mom lives in north Texas and even a dusting of snow will cancel school! lol
So dang cute!
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕
Such a cute squirrel! I still enjoy the falling of snow, although I’d rather not drive in it. When we were kids, we’d shovel the big driveway behind our house, but the reward was then a GIANT pile of snow to make forts. Now, I just clear enough to move the cars and not get too bad of a backache, lol.
Thanks, Jill! 😃💕 lol… too true… snow is very different as an adult… that’s why I went condo! haha
Those snow superstitions have me LOL. Great job with 2 colors!! My lil frenchie Brie is right there with Phineas. She hates the cold! Enjoy your time off.
Thanks, Tom! 😃💕 Hehe… yeah, these poor pups. Phineas always stares up at us when we open the door as if to say, “Fix it!!”
We don’t get very many snow days in Idaho. Don’t get me wrong, we get a fair amount of snow, but school and work rarely gets canceled, we get to suck it up and truck on. So instead I randomly declare “jammie days” which may or may not actually involve staying in jammies all day, but there is no going out or doing anything remotely adult like. And there is generally lots of art and or reading involved.
Ohhhhh… I LOVE the idea of Jammie Days!! That’s awesome!! I think that’s what I’ve been celebrating a lot this week! hehe 😃💕
You need to have jammie days at least once a month, more if the mood strikes you 😛
What a lovely read which I’ve connected to in so many ways. Well happy snow days to you!
Aww… I’m so happy you enjoyed this post! 😃💕 Happy snow days to you as well!
Back in my day, we would walk to school in the snow, uphill both ways while carrying our younger and smaller siblings