Written by For our prompt of “Quokka” today, I made a sketch of a Quokka and her little baby with some flowers. I just love these little critters. Their sweet faces always look like they are wildly happy to be here and it’s impossible to avoid smiling myself when looking at photos of them. I’ve never met one in person, but it would be a fabulous experience, I’m sure. Though the faces on these tiny creatures seems to be plastered with a permanent smile, it’s actually their friendly demeanor that completes them and gives them the moniker of “the happiest animal in the world.” That’s quite something. I’m generally pretty happy most days, but I don’t think I can sustain that level of happiness all of the time. That said, whenever I smile or laugh, my happiness level shoots upward. So, I think that quokkas are simply here to remind the rest of us to spend more time smiling and enjoying the world around us!
Philippe and I have been spending quite a bit of time at home this winter and mostly indoors. While this also brings a lot of cozy moments that I cherish, it can get a bit dull, as our pup Elliott will be the first to tell you. However, these past few days have been a bit warmer and there are signs of spring showing up in places. There was a lovely patch of purple wildflowers that we saw the other day. They came up a bit too early as there was another cold snap and freezing temperatures the day after that. Yet, when we walked by that same spot yesterday, they were still there, even larger than before, and blooming proudly. Though it was admittedly a silly and simple thing, it filled my heart with glee. For much of the winter, everything is gray and there isn’t much color. To see a sparkling sea of purple wildflowers was a beautiful and welcome sight to see. It made me smile all of the way back to our house.
Our dog Elliott tends to smile a lot, or at least the cute and dopey dog equivalent, complete with tongue flopping out to one side. Seeing him grinning up at me always makes me feel a bit lighter, no matter how much stress I just endured that day. While I was waiting for Philippe to pick me up at work, I saw lots of people roaming about on the street. Not one of them was smiling, though one looked fairly content and less surly than the rest of the passerby. In that moment, I wondered what would happen if a group of little quokkas appeared. Would there be anyone on the street who wouldn’t immediately brighten up at the sight of them? Surely, that wouldn’t be possible! Then I got a little lost in my own imagination as I pictured an entire quokka parade marching down the street, complete with a drum section. That’s not likely to happen, to be sure, but simply imagining it made me feel more joyful. I was instantly relaxed and even the gray sky seemed to get a touch bluer. There’s really nothing better in life than seeing happy little smiles.
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They are beyond cute!
Thanks so much!! 😃💕
Never heard of quokka! So of course Googlifier to the rescue. They certainly do look smiley.
Thanks for sharing, Charlie!
Thanks, Linda! 😃💕 Yeah, they’re unusual little creatures, but super cute!
It would be difficult NOT to smile when you look at one of these sweet critters! Beautiful painting, Charlie!!!
Thanks so much, Mary! 😃💕
Just the idea of a quokka parade would bring smiles to everyone’s face. It would have been perfect for one of the old Disney cartoons.
I know, right? hehe 😃💕 Some day I’ll make a sketch of quokka parade!
Just what is needed for today 🙂
Yay! I’m glad you enjoyed this post, Mary! 😃💕
I lived in Western Australia for many years and am very familiar with the Quokkas who live on Rottnest Island just off the coast from Perth. The early European explorers named the Island “Rottnest” as they mistook the happy quokkas for rats!!! They are very friendly critters and like nothing better than hanging around a tourist’s barbecue begging for treats! They are marsupials (like kangaroos) but only small – about the size of a cat.
Aww that’s wonderful, Katherine! 😃💕 They are such fun little creatures. I’ve only seen videos of them, but they seem sooooo friendly and actually quite happy!
Great doodle, Charlie.
Thanks so much, Gary! 😃💕
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I’m not sure what the question is? hehe 😃💕
Lovely..
Thanks so much! 😃💕
Hello Charlie,
I love the quokkas and love love love your imagination even more! A quokka parade complete with a drum section! Wow!!! I pictured them in band uniforms co.plete with smart caps☺.. And one with a walrus moustache🙂.. Am back in the jungle Charlie and heard a tigress roar behind my cittage last night! Be ready to hear of some adventures… big hug to you my dear friend❤
Love,
Mugdha
Thanks so much, Mugdha! 😃💕 hehe! Wouldn’t a quokka parade be soooo awesome!? I love the walrus moustache… that’s awesome! Hope you have a safe and wonderful time in the jungle my friend. Send notes and pics!! Big hug and much love to you! ❤️
Absolutely delightful Charlie! I can’t imagine someone looking at these Quokka and not beaming from the inside out. So much fun! Like Mercats – they are fun too. Watching them pop in and out of their holes, pop up and down in the grass. Oh we are so blessed with so many wonders nature gives us right?!!! So much beauty and so much joy!
Thanks so much, Zoie! 😃💕 Yes, nature really does have some of the cutest and more interesting beings. I love meerkats as well. So fun to watch!
🙂
Well I learned something today. Had to Google “quokka”! Thanks Charlie
My pleasure, Sally! 😃💕 hehe… quokkas are so cute!
They are too cute 🥰 Charlie. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much, Tammy! 😃💕 Happy you enjoyed this one!