Written by One of my favorite things to paint are shiny or reflective surfaces, so this month makes me extra happy. For today’s prompt, we have a bit of tinsel and some ornaments. As kid, I remember silver tinsel dripping off every branch of our Christmas tree. While the glittery effect was certainly festive, it would often overshadowed the ornaments. I remember seeing a tree of my neighbor’s that was literally drowning in silver tinsel. It was definitely sparkly and looked like it was alive and moving with a nearly blinding glow of silver reflection. Rather than portraying a holiday feel, though, it looked more like twenty cheerleaders had somehow gotten stuck in the branches and were trying to climb out. These days, a simple rope of tinsel winding down the tree is more what you’ll find in our house. Just enough sparkle to provide a lovely backdrop while the ornaments take certain stage.
Each day, I grow more and more excited for the coming holiday! While I’ve gotten all the gifts for Philippe, they were all purchased online, so now comes the first part of the surprise which is waiting to see if they all arrive in time. This happens every year, since neither of us like being in a crowded shopping centers, wait a bit until the last moment, and then often end up with a bonus gift or two after Christmas. There’s never actually a bad time to receive a gift, so that still works out just fine. While on Amazon today, I saw an ad for Oprah’s Favorite Things. Oprah was wearing a shiny couture dress while gleefully standing on a sleigh full of gifts pulled by six dogs. While I remember enjoying The Oprah Winfrey Show in the late 80’s and 90’s, her lists always fail to sway me. I just have trouble connecting to someone with whom I share so little in common. Namely, I’m not a multi-billionaire and I’m more than a little jealous to now learn that she also has her own sleigh.
When I do go in search of gift recommendations, I choose to get them from people much more average like myself and my friends. Regular folk who understand that budgets aren’t optional and anything over $100 is actually something that needs to be considered very closely. And though I wouldn’t mind being a billionaire, the reality is that it simply wasn’t in the cards for me. My riches came in other, equally wonderful forms that include a lovely community of watercolor friends, a nice little home, a surly yet lovable basenji, and a French spouse who cooks like a 5-star chef. In truth, getting anything more for Christmas almost feels like an embarrassment of riches. But I won’t be turning down any gifts this season. That’s just crazy talk! Instead, I’m going to revel in the simple joys of my life, full of thankfulness for everything I do have. Even if you’re not rich, when you’re surrounded by close friends and family, all that glitters is always gold.
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About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Quinacridone Red, Da Vinci Yellow, Cobalt Turquoise, Cobalt Blue, and Payne’s Gray. Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with sepia ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book. |
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You definitely have your priorities straight. I don’t know any billionaires, but I know a few people who have more money than anyone should have – it doesn’t make them happy and it causes as many problems as it solves. You have a great community, a loving family, and the ability to paint killer metallic shiny objects! Now that’s something to be envious of!
Aww thanks so much, Sandra! 😃💕 Yeah, our community alone makes us all rich in a way! It’s so wonderful!!
Oh Charlie, that was just delightful. I’m lovin’ that tinsel and Christmas ornaments!
Thanks so much, Mickey! 😃💕 hehe… I’m so happy you enjoyed this!
This is definitly a beautiful piece of tinsel with the balls shining so bright. I love your humbleness Charlie. The siimple things in life are truly the best things for sure if you embrace them. All the money in the world couldn’t buy that kind of happiness.
Thanks, June! 😃💕 Yeah, money can only buy so much. It’s joyous to think of all the things we can enjoy without it!!
Lovely colors on the tinsel rope and an overall delightful painting!
Thanks so much, Sharon!! 😃💕
A lovely essay! And a bit of glitter does make the holiday bright?
Thanks, Lisa! 😃💕 A bit or a ton… it’s definitely the season!!
Terrific reflections, but done so quickly. Now that is riches beyond compare!
Aww thanks, Rod! 😃💕 Yeah, I work super quick… hehe… just hoping everything comes together. Glad you liked this one!
Beautiful painting because you are the king of painting sparkle and shine..the story is wonderful.Faith and Family the best riches….
Thanks so much, Pamela! 😃💕 This is definitely the season that sparkles most!
The king of reflection! (words and art) (K)
Aww thanks, Kerfe! 😃💕 I love reflection, both in art and prose! 😉
We are indeed rich with the things that matter! I have to chuckle at the comment about the 20 cheerleaders! Love it!! I remember all the silver tinsel on our trees!
hehe… glad you liked that bit, Delores! 😃💕 Oh my how they were covered! LOL Sometimes I like it when times change. It’s lovely to actually see the ornaments! 😉
Now that’s glitter and shine! Fabulous tinsel and ornaments, Charlie. Happiness and joy are not found in things, but in surrounding ourselves with those we love, and being thankful for the many blessings we have. Nicely written.
Thanks, Susan!! 😃💕 Yes to that! Life only glitters when we have the people we love near us.
I’m happiest standing in a pasture with horses and nature. Probably with mud on my clothes and boots. No glitter here, just pure and simple amazement. And for that I am extremely grateful!
In that situation… I would have to say that mud counts as glitter my friend! 😃💕 Beautiful!!
Well said Charlie! I only covet oprah’s pajamas anyway, hehehe.
haha! I saw those in the list!! Much more affordable than the Vodka Serving Set. You should go for it!!! 😉💕
Ooh, there was a vodka serving set???!! Damn. If only I drank. ;o)
(I like shiny things!)
Me too! But yeah, I don’t drink vodka either so it’s hard to justify $190 no matter how shiny! lol
Such an intricate work, so delicate, beautifully made.
Every painting of an ornament that you create looks prettier and prettier. you make me wish that we would have celebrated Christmas in Israel as well. 😉
Aww thanks, Liza! 😃💕 I think that any time is a good time to celebrate the sparkle of life! That’s something we all share!
So true Charlie, so true 😊💗
The shine on these is just spectacular!
Thanks so much, Teri! 😃💕 You know me… I love all things shiny!! hehe
I’ve always liked the humility which is at your core,Charlie. You take such pleasure in simple things, especially if they remind you of your childhood or something else that’s close to your heart.
But the cheerleaders climbing out of your tree – no one has ever described a Christmas tree like this, I’m Jewish and no expert on Christmas trees, but I’m still certain your perception is exceptionally unique. And really hilarious. I’m going to have a very hard time looking at everyone’s tree this year and not imagining cheerleaders exploding from the needles. I’ll never be able to explain.
Thanks, Sharon! haha!! I’m so happy I could give you that image! 😃💕 Yeah, we used to go a little extra crazy with the tinsel, but in general the idea might still apply! 😉
Your talent and family are Treasures, Charlie!
And you fearlessness to paint the tinsel rope is impressive (in a positive way!).
Aww thanks, Violeta! 😃💕 yeah… I really had zero clue as to how to make tinsel rope appear so I just went for it! lol Glad you liked it!
Oh my gosh, that is soooooo beautiful, and what a story to go with it!!! Twenty cheerleaders in a tree, you just can’t beat that! 😁
Thanks so much! 😃💕 Lol… yeah, my mind works in comparisons much of the time.
That’s a good way to think!
I would never turn down gifts either, especially from people who love you.
Yes to that! 😃💕 Giving and getting gifts is such a wonderful thing!