Written by When I saw our prompt of “simple things,” I wasn’t immediately sure what to choose. This small vase of tiny daffodils we’d picked up at Trader Joe’s was sitting right there in front of me, but for some reason I looked right past it at first and didn’t think to sketch it. I think that’s the very nature of simple things. They’re nothing flashy or iconic, but a little piece of happy that sits off to the side waiting to be noticed when we take the time to stop and think about them. The actual little daffodils are truly quite tall so I had to reinterpret them a bit so they’d fit in my sketchbook. Also, they’ve been living with us for a week and I just now thought to check the care and feeding label. It suggested that we water them “constantly” and turn them about on a regular basis throughout the day to ensure proper growing. A ridiculous list of demands for a bit of home décor that sounded as if instead of flowers, we’d somehow adopted a puppy. Yet, despite our inability to give our daffodils that level of quality care, they were standing proud and looked the same as when we purchased them last week. It was inspiring to see such perseverance and a good reminder to always make the most of what we are given.
Though I’m excited for the weekend, we also just found out our only car won’t be joining us this weekend. Repairs are still needed and so we won’t be reunited with it until next week. Since Philippe and I refused to pay for a rental car, we’ve had to become masterful problem-solvers. Public transportation in the United States leaves much to be desired and once you’ve left the two large cities that are set up that way, the rest of the country pretty much requires a car. Between walking, buses and a very occasional Uber, we’ve managed to get through the week. Since we normally buy our groceries for the week on Sunday, I asked Philippe what we should do about that. His first response instead was to say that we may not have enough flour left for pancakes on Sunday. In that moment, I fell in love all over again. Out of a week that was filled issues, hardships, and problems, the only thing that leapt to his mind was the sudden extinction of our second day of pancakes. That’s when you know you’ve married well. I’m with just the right someone who understands that no matter what happens in life, it’s those simple things that really make it all worthwhile.
So, I’m thrilled and happy to be heading into our uncertain weekend. Whatever needs to happen will somehow manage to do so once we figure out a clever plan to make it so. In truth, Philippe and I have had a bit of fun trying to riddle everything out. While most people would be banging their head against the wall to be carless for a week here, we’ve reveled in our clever alternatives. And, more than that, we’ve enjoyed those moments that shook up our routine and gave us the chance to find a new way to look at things. Or, I guess, you could also say that we’re just cheap and why the heck didn’t we get that darn rental car! But, weirdly, I’ve enjoyed this week of unusual events. I’m certainly a creature of routine and I love my little expected moments that come each day. But, I also love a bit of adventure and trying things that I’m not used to doing. Today, for example, I shot my first video with no knowledge, completely on the fly and well… during a loud thunderstorm! I was encouraged to try a video presentation by my lovely friend Karen Abend and if you’d like to see it, then reserve your spot for this free event and check out the Sketchbook Revival online workshop! I hope you’ll join me at my kitchen counter for a fun bit of play and coloring! And I also hope you have a fabulous weekend as I leave you now to go enjoy these daffodils on the table.
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Oh, Charlie…I know exactly how you feel. I have a landmark birthday coming up soon, and listening well, my husband (Frank) heard me gasp about one of Angela Fehr’s paintings showcased via Doodlewash a week or so ago. (“…Trees From the Forest…?”), so within short order, Angela’s painting will fill my studio with light and love. That’s love! (but I am a pancake fan, so I’m envious!).
Great post! I bet by now you’re a pro re: public transportation. If I’ve learned nothing from not having a vehicle for years back east, I loved and looked forward to many characters on a bus. Marvelous subjects for paintings!
Hope you get your wheels back. Uber and buses are both fascinating a la carte menu choices, but I wouldn’t want a steady diet.
🙂
That’s so wonderful Fanna! 😃💕So thrilled you found one of Angela’s paintings you adored! She’s a gem! And yes, we’ve become pros rather quickly with the public transport. It’s been a totally enjoyable experience! But, true, in this country, it’s still good to have a car, just in case. 😉
My favorite simple thing? I’m sure there are thousands, but the first one that jumped into my brain, was random glimpses of children p!aying. Recently we were driving to town when I spotted a young boy on his 4 wheeler in the middle of a field. There was a good sized low spot where water had frozen into a temporary pond and the boy was out there spinning donuts on his 4wheeler. It looked like great fun, and I bet he was giggling.
A second one for good measure. The first time every spring when I hear the ululation of sandhill cranes returning from their winter vacation. They give me hope and melancholy in equal measure.
I adore both of those simple things!! 😃💕Particularly, of course, seeing little kids play. It’s my whole approach to art! lol I love the sense of fun, freedom, and complete lack of rules that are involved! hehe
Taken in small doses, unexpected changes in one’s daily life can be quite the adventure. It shakes things up a bit, makes you appreciate what it truly useful in your life, and realize some of the things that aren’t! I signed up for the Sketchbook revival and look forward to it!
So true, Sandra! 😃💕 It’s been a grand experience, but yep… we definitely want our car back soon! hehe Creature comforts! And yay, glad you’ve signed up to Sketchbook Revival… my video is as off the cuff and untraditional as you might expect. I should have rehearsed, but doing so wouldn’t have felt like me! 😉
I love that Philippe remembered the flour for pancakes above all else! I signed up for Sketchbook Survival (I participated last year as well) and am looking forward to your appearance.
Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 hehe… yeah, flour for pancakes should be one of the most important things in the world! I loved it! And hope you’ll enjoy my appearance… it’s the first time ever and probably isn’t the same sort of approach that most take, but I hope people who know me will just expect that. 😉
Beautiful bit of Spring and wonderful glass!!! Looking forward to the video!!!! I’m signed up for Sketchbook Survival and am sharing it with my friends…sounds like a wonderful project!
Thanks so much, Mary! 😃💕Yay! Thrilled you’ll be joining in. I am not an art teacher, so I’m showing up as just good old me. hehe… It coincides with a new book that I have coming out in April! 😉
Simple pleasures. It’s hard to believe but all our wild daffodils have come and gone for another year.
JP
Wow! Really? That’s wild… today, it actually snowed here in the morning. I have no idea how weather is meant to work anymore. 😊
I love new adventures like that, as long as it doesn’t last too long. Lol It’s like when the power goes out, your world comes to a sudden stop and you have to make the best of it. I too have stumbled with this prompt, however as I unpacked some Easter decor yesterday. I came across a ceramic bunny that will work as my simple prompt. Yeah!!! I picked some of my daffodils last week that had fallen from the rain. 🙂 I am excited to see what this sketch school is all about!! ( I hope you show us how to paint glass, like this lovely vase!)
Thanks, Lori! 😃💕 So true… we are having fun in the moment, but if our car is delayed any longer it will start to be a drag! lol And yay to your ceramic bunny… that’s so awesome! As for Sketchbook Revival… it’s me at my most ME….. hehe… so it’s random and fun and like going to recess on the playground. And while I don’t talk about painting glass specifically there, it coincides with my new book where I DO! 😉 But SO not in the same way that others have… you probably won’t be surprised as to how though.
I can’t wait for you “real” appearance and your book!
Charlie says, “Today, for example, I shot my first video with no knowledge, completely on the fly and well… during a loud thunderstorm!”
You must be very special…You shoot a video and Ma Nature provides the background music. That’s what I call having friends in high places.
I commend you for getting through the week without your car. I must admit, I would still be sitting here waiting for a cab, and in this little community where I live, it would probably take about a week for the cab to arrive!
The daffodils are a sure sign that spring has arrived.
haha! Thanks, Sarah! 😃💕 Yeah, I’ve no idea what sounds happened on the video, but the house actually shook during my brief painting demonstration. I was just glad the power didn’t go out! lol But between that and the lack of car, I think this week definitely counts as an adventure. (but yeah…. truly… this country requires a car at all times as you know).
Daffodils are so cheerful…just like you Charlie! (and resourceful, too) (K)
Thanks, Kerfe! 😃💕hehe… yeah, this week has been all about being resourceful. It’s been a blast, but I’ll also be happy when life returns to normal again.
Normal is often a relief…
you painted daffodils too! 🙂
Yes! hehe I was so happy to see yours! They were so gorgeous!! 😃💕 And loved that we were on the same wavelength… fun!!
Lovely daffodils and vase. Wonderful sketch of the spring flowers. I missed where your car won’t be ready until Monday.
You both, certainly are adventurous. Looking forward to the video and your on line workshop.
Thanks, June! 😃💕 Glad you liked the daffodils. Yeah, the car is still being fixed… tomorrow looks likely. But it makes for some fun adventures in between. And online workshop is probably a bit too much to describe it… hehe… it’s more me appearing on video being me, so… it will be fun at least! 😉