Written by When thinking of our prompt of “Picnic” today, I first thought of a lovely picnic basket, but when I thought about the food inside, memories of childhood came flooding back to me. There were many types of food that I remember from family picnics when I was older, but I went a bit farther back in time. So, we ended up with a peanut and jelly sandwich, an apple, and a juice box. This was my fave meal as a little kid, and for some bizarre reason, the juice box was my favorite part. There’s just something cool about drinking out of a box rather than a glass. It always felt more unique and special. Certainly, these were only things I received on road trips or family outings and never at home, so perhaps that added to the allure. The little juice box was much more elevated as it became synonymous with fun! Or, yeah, maybe I’m just easily amused. It truly takes very little to make me smile as my imagination can take even the simplest of things and turn them into something extraordinary. I’ve found it just makes life more fun to live and each day more interesting that the next.
Yesterday, we went to see Toy Story 4, which for a fourth installment of a trilogy, turned out to be very enjoyable. The premise of the entire franchise lies in the wondrous idea that toys come to life the moment we leave the room. And, better still, they are doing everything they can to look after us and make us happy. The little kid inside me still wants to believe this is true, though the adult screams it’s perfectly impossible. My inner child just giggles at the adult and says, “proof it!” This makes the adult confused and concerned as he realizes it’s not possible to either proof or disproof. The toys never move when anyone is present, so we’ll never really know for sure. That’s a magical thought indeed, but that’s the way my mind works. It’s not about truly believing in magic, it’s about reminding myself to always imagine the possibilities in life, no matter how impossible something might seem. It’s often far too easy to discount something and move on. Yet, with just a touch of magical thinking, new possibilities begin to appear. That’s nothing truly profound, and it’s really just the definition of creativity itself.
The other day, I was told by someone, “I’m not creative like you,” to which I immediately thought, “Why not?” Why on earth would someone think they aren’t creative? I firmly believe that we were all born creative, so if someone no longer feels that way, what changed along the way? Perhaps, like sketching and drawing, creativity is something that just takes daily practice. What was an everyday event as a child can become a rare treat as an adult. So, that’s why my goal has been to try to get as many people as a can to sketch stuff with me. And why it’s been such a joy to watch people just starting out experience the thrill of creating something new. So much of life is filled with things we don’t understand yet, but when it comes to creating things, we already know more than we think. And there’s a real power in that natural creative ability that we all possess. Sure, it may not make us actually believe that toys can spring to life when we leave the room, but it can make us see the world in a much more hopeful and productive way. It’s why, today, you’ll suddenly find me taking a moment to marvel at the magical qualities of a juice box on a childhood picnic.
Want To Sketch Stuff With Me? Check Out My New Activity Book!
About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Aureolin, Vermilion, and Indigo (my “Vintage” Trio!), + Cobalt Blue. Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with sepia 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! |
 |
|
I did see the original Toy Story and loved it!!!! I’m always making up stories for inanimate objects or even animals that seem to be on an adventure…I mean, who’s to say they aren’t. (I may have been influenced by Tom Robbins’ book Skinny Legs and All…one of my all time favorite books…just sayin’ 🙂 )
Aww that’s awesome! 😃💕I’ve not read that book, but now I want to check it out!
Great picnic Charlie. When people comment about not having talent I respond that it is just learning to see and being willing to put in the time practicing but most importantly is to relax and have fun! I usually get “not likely” looks.
Thanks, Karen! 😃💕 Yeah… it’s funny how people refuse to believe it’s just that easy. 😉
Sweet little picnic!
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕
I have to admit I’ve not seen any of the Toy Story movies. As a child, I was convinced that toys came alive when we weren’t looking. I’d lie awake, afraid to close my eyes because they might sneak up on me when I did. I don’t have that problem anymore, but I’m still vaguely creeped out by the idea of living toys, lol.
Oh wow! You haven’t seen them? 😉 They’re a fun trip, but indeed, this last one was the first to bring the creepy living doll thing to life. That is a bit unnerving! lol
People are very kind about my art. Kinder than I am to myself if truth be told. I send a lot of my paintings away to people who like them. I call them refrigerator art. But then I see one framed and hung on a wall and it turns out the painting was good. Funny how that works. My friend who was here last week reminded me about how when we lived together she took up drawing. I don’t remember all the circumstances, but she did mention that she studied Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain and had a breakthrough when she began drawing things upside down. I’ve been artsy from the get go, but she wasn’t, yet she figured a way.
That’s so true! I never think of my own sketches as art until I’ve seen a pic of one framed. It makes it all feel more real that way! 😃💕 And yay to drawing upside down, I include that in my recent Activity Book… it’s a fun exercise to break away from what we think we see.
Charlie says, “It’s not about truly believing in magic, it’s about reminding myself to always imagine the possibilities in life, no matter how impossible something might seem.”
I do think that is profound!
Aww thanks, Sarah! 😃💕 It’s fun to read your quotes of me… I write things on the fly and hit publish, so your quote is the first time I reread them. 😊That was a good one, right? hehe… I totally stand by that sentiment!
Love the lunch! My family (parents and 5, then 6, then 7 kids!) piled into the station wagon or later, the van, and would go on a trip. The picnic stops looked more like a medieval feast laid out at the rest stop! Dad was a black and white photo nut and we have some hilarious snapshots.
We all do have that creative spark; maybe we have to search for it, but then add some tinder and watch the fire take off! You urge us to try a sketch, maybe read about perspective or color or another art topic, try the lessons and we can be surprised at what follows. Thanks for the encouragement!
My pleasure! And thrilled this little stories inspire you, Bob! 😃💕 Love yours about your picnic trips… a medieval feast at a rest stop is pure gold! Love it!