Another Year Older

Yes, today is my birthday and I didn’t feel shy at all about making the prompt “cake” for today! I truly can’t think of anything better than lots of cake. Philippe is making my birthday cake now, though I tried to get him to make it earlier claiming I needed it as a reference for this doodlewash. He just smiled at me as he often does in the way one regards a little pet and said nothing. So I had to imagine what the scene would be like later and assemble my own version of what I’m about to enjoy. A bit of white cake, some ice cream and a single candle because lighting the appropriate number would amount to a fire hazard. Ice cream scoop at the ready, of course, to get a little more ice cream when that bit is finished. Right now, the entire house smells like a cake, so it’s both wonderful and frustrating all at the same time. But, I’m thrilled and excited to celebrate in just a few moments! I was so excited about the cake, I almost forgot that I’m actually getting gifts as well. Just little toys, I’m sure, that any big kid like me would enjoy, though I haven’t opened them yet. Growing old as I always say isn’t something one can avoid, but growing up is entirely optional.

Tonight, is just a simple little party of only Philippe and myself. I’ve opted to just do group parties for each decade at this point. And only the champagne this evening will signal that this isn’t actually a child’s birthday celebration. Beyond that, Philippe is making burgers and fries, which sounds totally decadent and it is a bit. Though, as ever, he’ll make the portions small to balance everything out, which I adore because it will look even more like something ordered off the children’s menu. I had a choice between that and spaghetti and meatballs, and honestly couldn’t decide so, in the end, he just made the decision for me. I’m thrilled! Though, yes, tomorrow will be a day of salads to further compensate, but it’s totally worth it. Birthdays only happen once a year, thankfully I guess or we’d age like dogs, and should be enjoyed to the fullest. Speaking of dogs, our Phineas has been a bit antsy today as he knows something is happening. No doubt he thinks it’s actually his birthday and will be expecting presents later as well. He’s never been very happy when he’s not the center of attention.

I’m equally a bit reflective when I hit these yearly milestones. I think about all that I have hoped to accomplish and wonder how I’m doing on that front. We only have so much time on this little planet and I DO always try to make the most of each day. But, there’s so much left to do still. Then I saw all of the wonderful messages from friends and realized I’ve done everything I could hope for after all. I’ve connected with wonderful people who add so much joy to my life and inspire me with their creativity each day. I feel very lucky. Thanks to you all for supporting me in my art journey, and most of all, for supporting each other along the way as well. I love that we’ve done so much together and I can’t wait to see what we’ll all do next! And, I hope with every birthday I’ve grown a bit wiser, as they say that comes with age. But, mostly I’m just happy to start another year of chasing dreams and following my heart. There was a little boy once upon a time who had high hopes for what we’d become and I’ve no intention of letting him down. In so many ways, I’m still that little boy, after all… just another year older.

Join Us For The April 2019 Art Challenge!
Click Here To Learn More! 

About the Doodlewash Da Vinci Paint Co.: Yellow Ochre, Opus (Vivid Pink), Cobalt Turquoise, Cobalt Blue, and Terra Cotta.  Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with black ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book. Want to purchase a print of this doodlewash? Send me a note with a link to this post, and I’ll add it to my shop!

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!

See author's posts