Written by There’s really nothing better during the winter months than enjoying a cup of hot chocolate. Actually, Philippe would say there’s nothing better than chocolate in any form it comes. But being able to drink melted chocolate always brings back fond memories of childhood. We, of course, had those little packets of powered cocoa, but they weren’t quite the same as the rare occasions when I was treated to a cup of pure chocolatey goodness. I’m rather sure this would be the main, if not only, drink served in heaven. And yes, a cloud of whipped cream on top is a definite requirement for me. As wonderful as chocolate may be, that dollop of cream is, for me, what truly adds the magic. This, however, is an imagined drink as I perfectly failed in getting Philippe to make some for me. His reasoning was indeed sound as he said, “we’ve eaten like pigs these last few days,” but that did nothing to assuage my cravings. Nor does it mean that I’ll likely give up on this new quest and will certainly be trying again very soon.
It’s true, though, that the holidays are a rather gluttonous experience. From gifts to food, everything seems to come in a wild abundance. This is, of course, the entire reason the holidays are so spectacular, and why the New Year always comes with an onslaught of ads for exercise and fitness. This pairs well since the top two resolutions made for the New Year are always to exercise more and lose weight. And the trick is that none of that needs to start until the clock strikes midnight next week! These next few days are thankfully still considered holiday time and diets need not apply until after that last party. Though controlling one’s weight is certainly important, I was pleased to read that something else good for the heart appears in the Top 5 resolutions. This one is “to learn a new skill or hobby,” which I think is the best resolution of all! And if you read my posts and haven’t yet tried to make your own doodlewashes, then I hope you’ll make it your resolution to join us in 2019!
In all honesty, I don’t love the term “resolution” as it sounds a bit oppressive and can come with feelings of disappointment and failure. Instead, I simply make a little “dream” list in my head of things I’d like to DO in the coming year. My dreams are fluffy and imprecise things, like whipped cream, sending me down a particular path, but never demanding that I can’t take a fun fork in the road should one appear. Rather than thinking about things with a surgical precision, I just phrase things with a more hopeful “I’d like to try…” For example, I’d like to try writing another book next year. Sure, this gives me a bit of an out should a book not actually be completed. But, most importantly, it simply gives me permission to do something I’d love to do. It’s a beautiful treat waiting for me and my inner child to enjoy together, rather than some stern demand from my ever-irritating adult brain. Just a little something special to enjoy that’s good for the heart and soul, like drinking chocolate.
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About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Yellow Ochre, Terra Cotta, and 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! |
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I’m with you on chocolate, though I’d add a spritz of peppermint rather than cream. Although … if no one is looking I’d probably add both! And boo on resolutions. Mine is to not make resolutions, thus I always succeed.
haha! I vote for BOTH, of course! 😃💕People are SO easy to distract. lol And yeah, there’s no need to ever be so resolute. Far more fun just trying things and seeing where they take us!
Well, as I’ve got a mug of hot chocolate with me right now, I daresay I approve of this post! 😉 I enjoy it pretty much all year round but it does feel a little extra special over Christmas (well, everything does I guess – hence the gluttony!)
Yay to your mug of hot chocolate, Jacob! 😃💕 And may I daresay I’m quite jealous! hehe… I really want one, but can’t convince Philippe that gluttony should last a few more days.
Oh come on Philippe… it’s Christmas!!
Exactly what I said! Lol
LOVE that hot chocolate! Just looking at your painting makes me want to go make a cup.
Yay!! That’s a wonderful compliment! Thanks so much, Mary! 😃💕
Your hot chocolate looks yummy! I remember when my mom made it from scratch, but I always served my kids the packets you dissolve in hot water.
Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 Yeah, my mom was partial to the packets as well, but on the rare occasions when it real thing appeared, it was awesome!
So glad you know there is a heaven we may all go someday, but this drink you so much cherish will be a million times lest than the least meal/drink served up there. A like your posts.
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoy my posts! 😃
I do love hot cocoa! I’m a marshmallow kind of gal though. And none of those little packets, it must be homemade cocoa where I can control the sugar so it’s not too sweet, and add a pinch of salt because that adds a depth of flavor that’s missing with plain. You wouldn’t think I’d have all these rules for a simple winter treat would you? I surprise myself sometimes.😄😄😄
haha! Those are a lot of rules! But they seem quite sound and delicious! Yum! 😃💕As I kid I was all about the marshmallows, but as an adult it’s whipped cream all the way!
Perfect winter treat!
Yes! Nothing better than a nice mug of hot chocolate! 😃💕
True!
Yum.
hehe.. thanks so much, Laura! 😃💕
Charlie says, ” I don’t love the term “resolution” as it sounds a bit oppressive and can come with feelings of disappointment and failure. Instead, I simply make a little “dream” list in my head of things I’d like to DO in the coming year. My dreams are fluffy and imprecise things,”
I love that…it is both forgiving and inviting and because of those qualities it inspires one to DO and to be the best that they can be. It makes me feel a heck of a lot better about the new snugness of my clothes. (I fear a change in eating habits is a must but I refuse to diet)
haha! I’m with you… diet is an equally oppressive word… I prefer to just do a bit of course correction instead. 😉 And much love to you my friend. I hope all of your fabulous dreams come true in 2019! 😃💕
” prefer to just do a bit of course correction instead Yes!!
And all good things to you, too, Dear Charlie.
To you as well my friend! 💕
I’m with both of you. I don’t make resolutions. However, I do make a wish list every year. Since these are wishes and rarely shared, it can be more than a desired object. It can be anything from an action to a result. For example, wanting a more organized space for painting; this would be supported by sorting, maybe a kind of new organizer (bought or made), or even eliminating unused items.
The rules for my Wish List are:
* It must be written on paper and kept to review occasionally. Phones fail, computers crash; you get the idea.
* The thing listed must be deeply and earnestly desired. That way action is taken to support it.
* The wish must be reasonably achievable. For example, no one is going to be a Rembrandt in the next month or so but perhaps it’s a possibility in your lifetime.
* There is no time limit of one year. Some wishes take a while.
* Sharing it with someone else is optional.
* Review the list next year. It’s amazing how many come true. For wishes on a longer horizon, keep the list longer. I keep them all.
Sandy,
I think you are on to something. A wish list sounds much more forgiving than a resolution, but still a good boost for will power and direction. Ok, I’m going to try it. thanks for the tip!
That’s an amazing list Sandy! Love it! 😃💕 A beautiful approach to goals. Thanks so much for sharing it here!
This cuppa hot chocolate looks absolutely delicious – lovely colors. I especially love the delicate rendering on the cup and saucer – we know they’re white but almost no white is actually evident. Painter’s magic here.
My oldest grandson found about 6 flavors of hot cocoa mix in his stocking this year – made him a very happy young man.
Yay! Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 I was playing with that “no white” idea with this one! So thrilled you enjoyed how it turned out! And yeah, your grandson and I have much in common. That would have sent me over the moon! hehe