Today is the final day of our November challenge. I hope you’ve enjoyed this bountiful month of food. Next up, we have all the familiar icons of December and lots of good cheer. I arrived in Texas today to visit family and this and the next few days of posts will be attempted entirely from my phone. And this is a super quick 15 minute doodlewash dash. There’s no wifi at my mom’s place so it always feels a bit like going camping here, albeit with more humane toilets. Thankfully, my art studio is tiny and perfectly portable and doesn’t require an internet connection. And my phone can occasionally locate itself and allow me to make a quick post.
The great part about this annual trip is that there’s always a bit of down time to paint. I always demand this, of course, no matter where I am because the introvert in me can only take so much human interaction. At some point each day I have to retreat entirely so I can recharge. Watercolor is such a wonderful and relaxing way to escape for a bit. And my mom likes to see my paintings. She still talks about how last year I managed to make popcorn look just like popcorn. “I don’t know how he does that!” It’s always nice when you can impress your mother. Even nicer that it gives her a story to tell about the adult me. Sorry, Little Charlie, it can’t all be about you.
Best of all, I’m happy to have a few days off to spend with family. We’ll eat at the same little local Greek restaurant and the woman will miraculously remember me, even though I only show up once a year. We’ll attend the local dinner theatre one evening for a show as we always do. It’s whichever one happens to be playing that year, whether we like it or not. We’ll put together puzzles, drink wine and be generally silly. And though we’ve heard them a thousand times before, we’ll tell the same stories that we always tell. They are what binds us together no matter how little we get to see each other. Nothing very adventurous and new. Just the same things that make us happy. Simple and comforting, like a bowl of carrot soup.
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About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Yellow Ochre, Benzimida Orange, Leaf Green, Red Rose Deep, and Cobalt Blue. Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with sepia ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book. |
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Your 15 minute soup is super! It sounds like you are going to have a marvelous time!
Thanks so much, Sandra! 😃💕 very fun so far!
You reminded me of a Little Golden Book, the one where the Hungry Lion (that may be the title) comes to the home of the rabbit family, intending to eat them. They persuade him they must first cook a huge pot of carrot soup, and he loves it so much – well, even if you have never read the story, you can guess the sweet ending. Carrots are good for our bodies, our eyesight, and our soul. It is nice to impress Mom and the Hungry Lion. Thanks for your bowl of carrot soup, Charlie.
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕I love that!! What a lovely story… actually not sure I’ve ever read it and now I want to!!
It’s definitely comforting to do the same family traditions, year after year. And what could be better than a mother’s praise? Enjoy!
Exactly! Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕
Wooo….yummy…nice texture…!!!!
Awww thanks so much! 😃💕
Have a wonderful time with your family, Charlie! Your carrot soup looks beyond delicious!
Aww thanks so much, Violeta! 😃💕
Hi at least u have reached u r destination.
Although u r older as u says but for Ma always kid. And her first question is oh u r not eating properly looking so weak.ha ha that’s called Ma.
Carrot soup is nice. Enjoy with the family.
Good luck.
Thanks, Snehlata! 😃💕Hehe!! Yes! That sounds just like a mother! We’ll always be just kids no matter how old we get in their eyes!
One bowl of soup at a time,family love and memories…have a great time..I have enjoyed Watercolor Challenge November and am looking forward to December…Thank you Charlie.😀
Thanks, Pamela!! 😃💕 Yeah, I always look forward to December… lots of sparkling things to paint! Hehe
What great times you have ahead of you! I too am an introvert and can relate to the need to have some alone time. Enjoy your valuable time with family.
Thanks, Delores! 😃💕 Yeah, I just need a little break here and there and then I’m ready to mingle again. Hehe
You are probably very outgoing as I am. As you mentioned, we just need a little break here and there.
Actually, in person, I’m terribly shy… but tend to compensate for it so nobody thinks so. 😊
Yum. I make a spicy peanut carrot soup that rocks 🙂 Enjoy your stay in TX.
Thanks, Tom! 😃💕 Yum!! That sounds delicious!!!
Carrot soup= delicious. Have a wonderful visit!
Hehe! Yes!! Thanks, Susan! 😃💕
What a nice post and pretty, yummy looking picture! Have some wonderful days with your family, Charlie! (Btw: My aunt is saying exactly the same words about my pictures as your mom about yours, just in Hungarian: “Nem tudom ö ezt hogy csinál…” 😊🍜❤️
Aww, thanks, Ann!! 😃💕 And your aunt should say that … your work is fabulous! But so cool to see it in Hungarian. I say “see” as I’ve no clue how to pronounce that. 😊hehe
stopping by for good soup and good vibes…
both very satisfying…
Yum!
Thanks so much! 😃💕
I hope you had fun with your family, there is such comfort and happiness in spending time with people you love.
So much! It was a wonderful time. Thanks so much, Sandra! 😃💕