Day 13 - Birthday Cake Ice Cream Illustration Watercolor - Doodlewash
By Charlie

Another Year Older

Written by Charlie O'Shields

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.

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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!
 Birthday Cake Ice Cream Illustration Watercolor - Doodlewash

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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78 thoughts on “Another Year Older”

  2. Charlie, no matter how hard you try to catch up to me in years, you will continue to fall far short. Enjoy your celebration – I bet cake made by Philippe is out of this world delicious and worth every calorie of the second and third pieces. Happy Birthday, young man, and on to another year of accomplishments. Now, paint this day HAPPY.

    Reply

  6. Happy Birthday!!!! I hope you’ve enjoyed the cake and that decadent dinner; your birthday only comes around once a year so celebrate!!!! Wishing you many, many more birthday celebrations!

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  8. Happy birthday, Charlie! Here’s to never growing up! <3 Sounds like you've a great evening lined up, so make the most of it; it's one day where any amount of ice cream is allowed 😉

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  9. Happy birthday fellow Aries! (mine is Thursday). Do you think your hubby would Fed Ex me one of his gorgeous gateaux’s in advance?

    Hope this day, this year brings all joy and lots of color, Charlie. You deserve that and so much more.

    Fanna Turano

    Reply

  11. Happy Birthday! Thank you for getting me started painting in a style I love. Purchased your book and am loving it. Enjoy that 🎂

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Beth! And, Aww that’s so wonderful to hear! 😃💕 And thank you so much for purchasing the book. I’m so happy you’re enjoying it! I have a fun one coming out later this month that’s about DOing art. 😉

      Reply

  21. Happy birthday! Cake! I’d always rather have cake. Strawberry shortcake is my first choice, but any cake will do. Since I know perfectly well how to make a cake, it’s surprising that I don’t have it more often. My grandma Mabel used to make me an angel food cake for my birthday every year. I loved the ones with the colored confetti in it. I was her first grandchild and she was my Godmother. I got extra special treatment for those reasons. People who grow up with grandparents are the luckiest people I know. All that unconditional love, and an ear always tuned to the concerns of a little person! What could be better?

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  23. Looks like a good birthday meal to me. Give me a good burger and I am a happy camper. I don’t dwell on getting older, otherwise I will start to feel older. I am a kid at heart and will always be. You know they keep saying people are living longer….so I guess 50+ is the new 30+. 😉 Again, Happy Birthday!

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  33. The best of the best:

    Charlie says, “Growing old as I always say isn’t something one can avoid, but growing up is entirely optional”

    May you never grow old but may you have a zillion more happy birthdays.

    Reply

      1. Charlie,

        I just watched the spires of Notre Dame fall into the flames and my heart is breaking. I can only imagine how awful this must be for Phillipe and you to see. My heartfelt sympathy to each of you and to all the world. To see such a monumental icon so injured is devastating.

        Reply

    1. Thanks, Jodi! 😃💕 Yep… it’s the big “6” this year! I felt like I’m finally ready for first grade! hehe… okay… yeah… it’s really the 4-8, but in my heart that means 12 at best! 😉 hehe

      Reply

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