Written by After sketching an Airstream trailer recently, my mind drifted to another of my dream recreational vehicles, which would definitely have to be a VW camper van. Though I’ve never once owned one, I occasionally see them passing by and think it would be amazing to have one as they just look super cool. Admittedly, my dream of owning a van one day started as a child when I was watching Scooby Doo cartoons. The Mystery Van was just incredibly cool, and so, I vowed in that moment that when I was old enough to drive I would have a van just like that. This, sadly, never actually happened and my first car turned out to be a borrowed old blue truck instead. It was a bit rusted out and not really something you’d be proud to show up in were you about to solve a mystery with your dog and friends. But it still gave me that early sense of freedom one feels when driving alone for the first time. I would never end up getting a camper van, much less a cool Mystery Van, so it’s still been one of those fond dreams that I’ve carried with me to this day.
Along with these Scooby Doo dreams came a wish to one day write mystery stories or maybe even write for television. I very briefly learned about writing for television in college, but before I could even practice what I’d learned, I ended up getting distracted with computer graphics instead. This would lead to a life of following each new little distraction and lots of really fun experiences. But now that I’m getting older, it makes me think back and wonder whether I was actually on a mindful journey or simply a joy ride. I think, in truth, it was the latter, and though I have no regrets on that front, there are many wishes that went unfulfilled. Sometimes when things fail to happen in life, it’s easy to write them off as simply a missed opportunity. Then, I think, that’s perfectly weird and doesn’t make any logical sense at all. The very fact that I’m still living means any one of those long lost dreams are still actually quite possible. It’s never too late to try again.
Though I’ve not written another book yet, I will definitely write one in the future. And it’s been fun to write and illustrate stories each and every day on this very blog! As many of you know, I started a podcast called “Sketching Stuff” last month where I create bi-weekly audio collections of some of the favorite stories that have appeared here. I’m also perfectly rubbish at promoting myself, so if you know anyone who might like a podcast like this, please help me spread the word! Also, if you yourself are someone who enjoys my podcast, it would be awesome if you could leave me a 5-Star rating and positive review in iTunes. Apparently, this helps ensure it doesn’t get totally lost in the sea of other podcasts, and one is supposed to ask people who like them for their help according to an article I read today. So if you like me, please help! Thanks, in advance! It’s been an amazing journey of watercolor and stories and I’m excited for the next chapter. And though I might have much I’d still like to accomplish in life, I’ve happily come a pretty long way since those early camper van dreams.
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I haven’t used iTunes in forever, but I’ll see if I can figure out how get back on so I can leave well-earned 5 stars! Love your VW van. I have to say that they aren’t necessarily as cool as they seemed. As they got older, the camper portion had a tendency to collapse. You could still sleep on the platform without raising the top, but you had to remember not to sit up too fast or you’d bump your head.
Hehe… Thanks, Sandra! 😃💕 Yeah, I’m learning most of my followers aren’t actually on iTunes… lol… but apparently for podcasts that’s still the most important thing. And yes! I imagine the VW is one of those things that is even cooler in one’s imagination! 😉
I loved your VW bus, Charlie! Brought back lots of memories. Thank you for your daily paintings. I look forward to them along with my fantastic morning coffee. 🙂
Aww thanks so much, Fanna!😃💕I’m so happy you enjoy them!! And that I get to have coffee with you! Fun!
Lovely sketch! Here’s to hoping that you have your dream camper van one day!
Thanks so much, Zertab! 😃💕 Hehe… I’m still hoping maybe one day I’ll get one!
VW bus brings back memories of my hippie days! You’ve come a very long way in your life, Charlie. I’m glad you’ve come to create this space and to share your art and writing each day. I’ll try to leave a review of your podcast soon – I do enjoy it.
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕 I didn’t realize how important reviews were on podcasts until I read an article. I’m totally figuring all this stuff out as I go along. The usual! lol And yay to your hippie days… that sounds like a blast! 😉
I used to love driving. I gave it up a while back after my legs quit working, but I do miss it. I never drove anything cool, just cars, but I could totally get behind owning a vw bus. When I was in my late twenties before cell phones became a way of life, I would get in my car on Sunday morning, go to town for breakfast, and then just drive back roads, and enjoy the feeling of being totally lost to the world. I don’t think people get to experience that any more, and that’s a pity.
Oh wow… you really brought back memories for me, Lisa! 😃💕 I used to do the same… just drive down those back roads and get a bit lost in them. These days, with GPS and smartphones, you can’t ever really get lost anymore. And there’s always some other kind of distraction. 😉
Wonderful camper van! It sure does bring back memories.
Thanks so much, Mary! 😃💕Yeah, these are the coolest campers ever!
What fun! Love the sketch!
Thanks so much, Delores! 😃💕 Glad you enjoyed this one!
Love this! We own a ’69 Meyers Manx, which is a dune buggy. When people don’t know what we are talking about, we always say it’s a Scooby-Doo car. Everyone knows what that looks like. 😉
Thanks so much! 😃💕 And yay that you have a Scooby-Doo car! I’m jealous! lol
Who doesn’t love a VW camper van 😊. Something so optimistic and romantic , a about them and a hint of adventure, lovely painting Charlie !
Thanks, Phil! 😃💕 I adore that description of them… YES! That’s exactly why they fascinate me!
This is the neatest van. Yes, you should get one for sure. I tried going on itunes but for some reason I can’t download. I will work on it some more so I can give you the well deserved 5 star rating.
Thanks so much, June! 😃💕 hmmm… I’m not sure what could be wrong on the Podcast, it seems to work on my end. I’m sure if you even have to download it there to rate or review it though. hehe
Very clear lines , i am sitting on my table n thinking from where to start.
Its fabulous.
Thanks so much lie.
Aww thanks so much! 😃💕 This one started with a much fuller sketch…. hehe… I’ve been aching to sketch more lately.
Love your painting! I am in my 60s and just got a 1984 Dodge Conversion van. It’s not a VW but I am living my dream. Donxt put it off!
Thanks, Nancy! 😃💕 Awww…. that’s awesome!! Yay for you! And inspiring! I may just get that dream one day yet!
I love it! We go past a place every week that has a Scooby mobile parked outside. They did such a great job making it look great.
Thanks, Viki! 😃💕 That’s so awesome!! hehe… yeah they really made these look wonderful. I still want one some day!
great title! (K)
hehe… thanks so much, Kerfe! 😃💕