Written by Today, we went out to enjoy a mid-afternoon performance of A Christmas Carol by Kansas City Repertory Theatre. It was a wonderful production and Philippe and I both left completely filled with the holiday spirit. Though I was giddy before, I’m now officially losing my mind in precisely the same way I did as a kid. That said, there’s still much to do before Christmas Eve arrives in just one week from tomorrow. (wow… that went by fast!). I’m missing a few little gifts that I’ll have to hurry up and purchase so they’ll arrive in time. In answer to today’s prompt, I opted for an ornament reflecting the fireplace I wish we had for this doodlewash. Ours is just a black box with dark gray tile surrounding it, rather than the brick and stone fireplace I had when I was a kid. So, I made that version instead and then placed Phineas curling up in front of it, which does indeed happen often this time of year. He loves the warmth, and I enjoy the warmth my heart feels when seeing him there, resting peacefully and snoring lightly. Those little cozy moments are what make this season so magical. As the lights gently flicker on the tree and everything is cast into a beautiful glow, I’m just thrilled by the love I feel in each and every moment this time of year!
Tonight, Philippe and I are dashing through the holiday tunes on Spotify, choosing the various Christmas songs we like best. The absolute best album we enjoy each and every year is Christmas With The Puppini Sisters, an album I thoroughly recommend! The tunes are gleeful and fun and I would defy anyone to resist smiling while listening to them. As we are listening to them now, we’re enjoying a bit of baguette and fondu, so it’s a rather beautiful evening indeed. That’s not our dinner, by the way, but just an appetizer. Though, we’ve just finished it and I’m rather fuller than I anticipated. That seems to happen all of the time during the season. The food is my favorite part, but I always manage to overindulge in it. Restraint is a curse word when it comes to the holidays. There’s a naughty bit of excess that comes with all of that nice. And that’s the part that I secretly enjoy most. So much of the year is spent with a practical mindset, so having just a few days to go a little nuts is a fitting reward. And no matter what holiday you personally celebrate, I hope it comes with equal loads of joy and good cheer.
I’d like to believe that I’m the sort of person that always embraces the spirit of the holidays. But each and every year, I’m reminded that there’s always more to give and more to love. Those glittering lights shine on all of the things I appreciate most in life during this time of year and remind me of what truly matters most. There’s a huge world out there with tons of things happening every single second. But it’s the seconds spent in our own tiny worlds that make for the most beautiful moments. It’s in this little orb of life that the most incredible memories are made, burning their imprint on our hearts. As I look back on my life, you’ll often find me telling stories of those silly simple moments. That’s because those times are the ones that I remember most clearly. I’ve done a lot of things in life, but I’m continually amazed at how even the most notable accomplishments fail to obscure those little things that happen each and every day. And, as we enjoy the tunes of the season with candles burning, eating perfectly fabulous food, I wish you all a very cozy happy holiday.
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About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Quinacridone Red, Azo Yellow, Leaf Green, Terra Cotta, and Cobalt Blue. 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! |
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My favorite thing to do this time of year is to give something away. It forces me to pause and acknowledge how blessed I am. Where I live, what I have, food, health such as it is, family, etc. Then I either give money or gifts to a charity, or, as I did this year, to a person who has a need. It’s fun, and if it hurts my pocket book a bit, all the better. And these gifts have come back to me many fo!d. I would recommend the practice.
I totally recommend that practice, Lisa! 😃💕There’s no better feeling in the world than giving back! Most every tiny bit of profit made on this very site is given to kids who need art supplies. It’s the best feeling in the world!
My mother let it be known that she wanted one of the fancy crafty handmade Christmas cards this year. So much for the watercolor one I already had done. I’ve done origami, resin, and cardboard cut-outs but I was always on a design team and had lots of crafty supplies. Not so much anymore, so I had to run out and get something. Decided to try quilling because I’ve always thought about it. Never done it before so I’ve got a tight deadline and not the least idea what I’m doing! Love it! What says Christmas better than diving in and making something by hand for someone? And I’m quilling while listening to the Puppini sisters that you just introduced me too and thank you for that!
Yay for jumping in with absolutely no knowledge whatsoever! lol 😃💕Your mother will LOVE it! I adore and highly support that approach!! And, have to admit, find comfort in it, since it’s pretty much how I approach everything! hehe Yay for Puppini sisters… glad you enjoyed them!
Wow…I love this!!! It is so pretty!!
Thanks so much, Leah! 😃💕Hope your holidays are wonderful!
Your ornament is so cool! The details are amazing. This time of year becomes magical to me too. I get so excited for Christmas. I don’t know if it is because I can’t wait to give our son his gifts. Or wondering what is in those packages with my name on them. I love presents as much as I love candy. And I LOVE candy.
Thanks so much, Lori! 😃💕 hehe… candy and gifts are the best things ever!! lol I adore this time of year. It really doesn’t matter what we’re truly excited about in the end, even gifts with our own name (heck yeah!)… it’s just joy all around!!
Yeah, I think you and I could get into some serious silliness if our paths ever crossed. ;p
haha!! SO true!! So, you know what that means right? That day needs to totally happen one day!! LOL 💕
Okay! Tee Hee Hee!
Wow! I love the “view” into your cozy home.
Thanks so much, Sharon!! 😃💕 hehe… I wish I had this cozy home… I love painting a bit of fantasy! (not just desserts! hehe)
Love this painting, Charlie! The colors, the whole idea is just brilliant! Have a happy holiday Season!🎄❤️
Thanks so much, Ann! 😃💕 What a sweet comment to receive! I hope you have a perfectly happy holiday season as well my friend!
This is a beautiful painting, Charlie – a perfect holiday card. And a charming view into your life.
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕It’s a bit of an imagined view since I’m still wanting that fireplace… hehe… but like most things I first invent in my head, maybe it will come true one day! 😉
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! I love that painting. It pulls me into a beautiful world.
Charlie says, ” As the lights gently flicker on the tree and everything is cast into a beautiful glow, I’m just thrilled by the love I feel in each and every moment this time of year!”
Those words wrap the world in peace…
Thanks so much, Sarah! 😃💕 I liked how this one turned out… it was a terrifying thing to attempt! lol I tend to do that… jump into things without wondering if they might be too difficult. I like to see that as a good trait, though. So thrilled you enjoyed it!
such a beautiful Doodlewash and beautiful words and thoughts. Merry Christmas Charlie O! Sending love!
Thanks so much, Jodi! 😃💕 Sending you HUGE hugs and love my friend!! And yeah… more than a little depressed that I won’t get to sample any of the fabulous cookies I’m certain will make an appearance during your holiday season. hehe… one day… MARS… here I COME!! ❤️
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Beautifully written. I love Christmas, it is the best time of the year. Hindus don’t usually celebrate Christmas but we surely do. Even as a child I was always fascinated by the Christmas trees, plum cakes, Santa, stocking, carols and lights. That’s the beauty of the festival which makes everything merry
Thanks so much!! 😃💕 Yeah, the beauty and idea of the season is enough to make anyone smile. I adore it for that!
Beautiful painting.
Thanks so much, Snehlata! 😃💕