A Snow Day

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 Doodlewash Da Vinci Paint Co.: Terra Cotta and Cobalt Blue.  Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with sepia ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book.

Charlie O'Shields

Creator of Doodlewash, founder of World Watercolor Month (July), World Watercolor Group, and host of the Sketching Stuff Podcast. Sharing watercolor illustrations and stories while proudly featuring talented artists from all over the world!

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