Written by Today is the start of the October Doodlewash Adventure, The Simple Things, and though today’s prompt was homemade cookies, I didn’t have any of those today. Instead, we went to visit Philippe’s brother, Charles, and his partner, Audrey, at their home in the Paris suburbs for a fabulous lunch of homemade crêpes. The fun part was that we had a crêpe maker in the center of the table where we could each prepare our own, one by one, and choose what delicious ingredients we wanted inside. Starting with savory flavors, we had cheese and ham or salmon and then moved on to my favorite part of any meal – dessert! Though there were many options, including Nutella®, but there was also whipped cream which I can never resist. So, I opted to have that along with some raspberries and it was the perfect end to an amazing meal.
Though my comprehension of French is improving here, I still can’t really speak much of it at all. I feel a bit stupid, but in my defense, even French people will admit it’s a rather difficult language to master. I’ll definitely have to work on that before we return next year, but in the meantime, I’m still having a perfectly fantastic time. Since food is my favorite thing to doodlewash, it’s really the perfect place to visit. I’m hoping to get even more walking in during the coming days so I can continue to sample all of the food I can without regrets. By regrets, I mean not fitting in the new clothes I bought here, but so far everything seems to be fine. There are just so many wonderful delicacies to sample here and it’s amazing to be in a country that treats food like an art form.
Last time I was here, I was rushing to tourist spots to see everything I could and this time, I’m simply relaxing and enjoying time with family and friends. Time is moving slowly this way, and I don’t feel rushed or stressed. I find some time to sketch and paint when I can and each day is still a fun new adventure. Even though we’re an ocean away from our house in Kansas City, we still get to live like we always do. Taking each day one moment at a time and enjoying the simple things that make us happy. Those little things you’d miss if they were gone, but can often take for granted. Like a fun afternoon where you simply have to choose what to put on your next crêpe. I leave the decision of what to put on yours up to you, but for me, there’s really nothing better than delicious raspberries and a little touch of whipped cream.
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About the DoodlewashSennelier L’Aquarelle: Opera Rose, Carmine, Perylene Maroon, Indian Yellow, Phthalo. Green Light, Olive Green, Ultramarine Deep, Burnt Sienna, and Payne’s Grey. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon black ink in a 5″ x 8″ 140 lb. (300 gsm) Pentalic Aqua Journal. |
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Your dessert definitely looks delicious. Fresh crepes are always amazing. I love them with bananas and syrup or berries and cream. I love that you are painting food so much as a way of recording your time in France because my husband, kids and I all say we travel on our stomachs. Sometimes when we are trying to prompt each other to remember a specific time or place the key aide memoire turns out to be what we ate that day.
I commend you for trying so hard to learn another language. I am one of those people who can only speak English (unless we count Scots) and I blame an education system that introduced my brain’s synapses to language when I was too old. My only language qualification is in Latin. I can successfully order order food in a few European languages. Travel stomach again! Anyway, I believe one of the keys to learning any language is to completely immerse yourself in it so hopefully this trip is helping you. Maybe Philippe should only speak French to you once you are back home. Ha ha!
Thanks, Laura!! 😃💕 I am definitely traveling with my stomach here… and hoping it doesn’t get larger in the process! Lol But it’s all soooooo delicious and I don’t want to pass up anything. Especially the things that I simply can’t get easily back home. Totaly agree on languages… Americans typically get exposed to foreign languages when it’s way to late to learn them properly. Feeling like an old dog trying to learn a new trick, but hopefully I’ll eventually learn enough to converse some more. Yeah… I think I should make Philippe speak more French at home… hehe… it definitely makes a difference when you’re immersed in the language!
So divine. Loving this trip for you Charlie O!
Thanks so much, Jodi! 😃💕 It’s been so fabulous and love spending time with Philippe’s family!
I’m hungry just looking at that!
hehe… then yay! It worked! Thanks so much, Sarah! 😃💕
I totally get your thoughts:)
Awww thanks so much, Monique! 😃💕
Raspberry and cream sounds like a perfect topping…just one? 😋
uhmmm… no…. it was more like three. 😊 This one was just the first. Lol
Lol, and I would have done the same 😀
Wonderful !
Thanks so much, Magny! 😃💕
not fair – i keep trying to lick the crepe on my computer but all i taste is dust – feeling sorry for myself – love your painting – yum!
Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 haha! and ewww… Lol But love that you found it so appetizing. It was soo good in person. And still managed to be a bit lighter than some of the desserts I’ve been sampling. After this trip, I’ll need to switch to licking my computer screen as a way of dieting! 😊 LOL
Looks yummy! Interesting how you say that even the French say that their language is hard to master. Have you ran across anyone who has had an attitude with you because of not speaking much French? I have heard that and wondered if it is true or not. Remind me, how long will you be in Paris? sounds like you are having a blast!
Thanks, Margaret! 😃💕 I’ve really only been with friends and family and Philippe can order and ask for whatever we need in stores, so I haven’t encountered a problem. Thankfully my friends and family are sweet with me… hehe… though I have promised to learn more. I’m still here all week and return on Saturday!
Fantastic yummy looking sketch. The French certainly know how to make and enjoy food.
Thanks, Teri! 😃💕 They do! It’s like a whole different planet when it comes to food here.
YUM!! Looks delish! Love your colorful Doodlewash, Charlie! So glad you are having FUN! I’m enjoying hearing about your wonderful trip and all the delicious food you are eating! Cheers!! 🍷😊🎨🍰
Thanks so much, Jill! 😃💕 It’s been so fun!! I wish I was here for a full month… hehe… but then I’d be as big as a house so it’s probably good there’s only a week left. 😊🐷
Wonderfull 🙂
Miam miam, monsieur! 🍴
This is one of your best doodles, charlie! So elegant yet colourful and sublime. Your new tools are working wonders for your Art. PS: How do you pronounce phthalo…
(Sent via my phone using the WP login app…fantastic!)
Thanks, Janina!! 😃💕 It’s been fun using a new set of colors while I’m here. Figured I should use French watercolors while in France… hehe… As for Phthalo…good question as I never say it out loud and had to practice even spelling it. It’s short of Phthalocyanine which is even more of a mouthful. According to YouTube it’s pronounced liked this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25ii8W-63hg
Yes, we have entire meals made of crepes, I know it can seem a little too much, but it’s so easy and fast to make and so delicious! Even we don’t do that every week actually, when my children was young, we made it as a habit each Sunday evening, it was our way to close the weekend ;)) Your watercolor is perfect, really beautiful , reallistic in the colors, and make this crepe so desirable !
Thanks so much, Laurence! 😃 Yeah, this was a special weekend family gathering… it would be way to much to do every day, but made for a wonderful afternoon of eating! hehe So glad you liked my rendition! It was a nice way to capture the moment of a perfectly wonderful day!
Oh,oh,oh this watercolor looks so appetizing, so colorfull, Sennelier?
It,s my favorite though I should eat only the whipped cream and some fruit or the pancakes must made with Cream instead of milk.
Seeing those colors I think you are very happy at the moment Charlie.
About speaking French, at least you try it and have the courage to try it, My respect!
And what a catch the words Paris Country Club, love that subtile thing on the dish with the little tree!
Un Beau Dimanche Charlie!
Margriet
Awww thanks so much, Margriet! 😃💕 Glad you liked this one! I totally support the idea of whipped cream and pancakes! hehe… yum!! And yes, I’ll just keep trying French and one day I’ll be able to say more than hello and goodbye. lol As for Paris Country Club, Philippe’s father used to work there so the family has some plates with that on it. 😉
mouthwatering painting Charlie.. And you describe the simple pleasures of just being, taking each day as it comes, enjoying whatever you discover so well, lovely!
Thanks so much, Phil! 😃 Yeah, it’s been such a great trip… totally relaxing and not stressful at all. Loving it!
This looks as pretty as it does totally scrummy! And how fun to have all those ingredients up for selection; hmm, so many possible crepe concoctions! I like the cropped nature of this one, although it’s possibly slightly torturous that we’re so close to it and can’t tuck in!
Thanks, Jacob! 😃Hehe…that was the idea…what to pull you in and tempt you! It was so much fun!! Loved it! Just one more day of eating everything in sight and then back to reality! 😊
Aw, well I hope there’s something extra special on the menu for your last day! Fingers crossed!
I change this to be my favorite 😛
hehe… thanks! 😃