Written by For our prompt of “Pearls” today, I ended up with a little crab juggling. I often feel like I’m juggling a lot of projects at once, and each one seems equally precious and important. So, it’s often tough to prioritize. In the end, I just try to make a little progress on each one and try my best to not get distracted too much along the way. This is infinitely difficult as my inner child runs the show most of the time and any shiny new idea that appears in my mind can send me skipping down a lovely path of dreams. It was one of those crazy dreams that led to the founding of World Watercolor Month in July! I hope you’ll be joining me throughout the month as I’m going to be back with daily posts all month long. I’m rather excited to jump back in, and adore seeing all of the beautiful things that everyone creates. I’m just the biggest fan boy when it comes to art, and I’m always so thrilled to see what other artists create!
The weather these last few days has been incredibly warm, which makes me want to hide inside in the air conditioning. But last night, Philippe and I went out with friends to a happy hour at the local zoo. It was an after hours event for only adults, and it was super fun. My favorite bit was that it came with a free carousel ride, as I hadn’t ridden one in years. Admittedly, moving slowly up and down while traveling in a tight circle isn’t something adults might find fun anymore. But, when your inner child kicks in and you realize that you get to choose whatever animal you like, things get infinitely more engaging. This particular carousel had all sorts of animal options featuring different zoo animals. Philippe chose to ride an ostrich while our friends were on a tiger and a seal. I chose a red panda which was comically in proportion to the other animals and likely meant for a rather small child.
This didn’t phase me in the slightest as by that point Little Charlie had taken over my brain entirely and everything made perfect sense at the time. I looked perfectly ridiculous and I had a total blast! I never take life too seriously, except in moments like those when something silly suddenly becomes seriously awesome. Our dog Phineas, however, was not very pleased at being left home for the evening. Not that he would have enjoyed riding a carousel as he would have referred to all of the creatures as “monsters” and not wanted any part of it. He was just bummed about missing out on a few extra treats. I returned home super happy. Though I’ve been extremely busy lately, taking time to be with friends made the week so much better. And today, I felt much more productive as well. Sometimes in life, it’s impossible to say no to something precious and wonderful, and I think it’s just fine grab for every one of those moments that we can. There’s a certain magic that comes from juggling pearls.
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About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Yellow Ochre, Terra Cotta, Opus (Vivid Pink), Vermilion, Phthalo Blue, Cobalt Turquoise and Indigo. 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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Crabs and their eyestalks came up earlier today (as they so often do) so it’s a nice coincidence to see this charming character here, and what a talent too – juggling with those pincers can’t be easy. It’s hard enough for me as it is!
Big yay for the seal on the carousel, obviously! I will forgive you for choosing the red panda. 😉
Hehe!! Thanks, Jacob! 😃💕 My friend got to the seal first so there was nothing I could do! lol But it was super fun!! hehe
Love the juggling crab, Charlie!!! How wonderful to get out with friends!!! One is never too old to ride a carousel!!!
I’m a big fan of letting the inner child come out and play. That’s why I love Disneyland so much! Your crab makes me think of vacations at the coast.
Aww so glad you enjoyed this! 😃💕 Yep… Disneyland is super fun indeed!
I love carousels, and would be happy to ride one anytime. Of course, I love zoos, too! Poor Phineas. Like so many pets, he’s become used to having his people around a lot more, and it’s hard when they start leaving again.
Hi, Sandra! Did you find your Gansitas? Warm hugs.
Not in Florida. The store usually sells them, but was having trouble getting them. We have plenty here in Oregon, though.
So true! Phineas was getting used to the routine of us always being around and even though he won’t admit it… he likes it! 😉
Nice to see you know how to have fun, Little Charlie! Carry on!
Hola, Linda! Yay! We get Charlie back every day! Warm hugs!
Hi Marisela! Nice to hear from you. Hugs back. Take care.
Linda, I hope that you are not part of the heat dome plaguing Canada. I just wanted to check in and see how you are. Be safe, Linda. That kind of heat is really bad especially for those who aren’t used to it. I hope you are well.
Thanks Marisela but heat is not alien to us in British Columbia (BC). This area is the Okanagan where world famous wines are made and peaches, apples, cherries and other orchard fruits including grapes grow in abundance. Tourists come from all over the world. We rarely ever reach 40 C although we did a year or two ago. It’s usually in the 20s and 30s. Lytton, BC reached 49.6C yesterday (121.28 F). Tomorrow brings a risk of severe thunderstorm. But a risk is not a watch so it might miss us.
I am very well thanks as I hope you are.
Thanks so much! 😃💕 Yep… always fun with my inner child comes out to play!
Yay! We get you back on the daily! Yay! 😀 Those pearls are gorgeous especially the purple one! 💜 Your trip to the zoo and carousel ride sounds awesome! I’m with you- screw the acting-your-age thing. We only live once. Sending you hugs, my friend. Stay cool.
Thanks so much, Marisela! 😃💕 Hehe… yeah, acting one’s age is totally overrated! Way more fun to play and have fun! Sending you hugs back my friend!
Yay, yippee, and yahoo to playing with friends Charlie! Finally we get to be with some family and paint and make art and play! I do look pretty much like your little crab, only he’s more coordinated!
hehe!! Yay to getting back with friends and playing. It’s going to be more fun this summer for sure! 😃💕
Hello Charlie,
Awesome Doodlewash and awesomer post! The crab is so cute I wanna kiss it. And the pearls are very lovely too. I wonder which lady crab he’s trying to impress by first of all juggling anything properly at all, and two, pearls of all things! Your carousel ride sounds like a lot of fun and I love that you think being ridiculous is the best thing of all. 🙂 Your post oozes happiness today and I wish you tons more of it.SO looking forward to your daily posts again. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Lots of love,
Mugdha
Well said, my friend. Warm hugs to you, Mugdha.
Thanks so much, Mugdha! 😃💕 Yeah, I think this crab is definitely trying to impress another! hehe It was so much fun to just be out with friends again… something that hasn’t happened in more than a year. Add a ride on a red panda on a carousel and it’s a perfect night indeed! hehe
wonderful
Thanks so much, Pat! 😃💕
Nice illustration!!
Thanks so much, Shawn! 😃💕
Don’t care how old I am I still love riding a carousel! Always will. The carousel in Balboa Park, San Diego is my all time favorite. They still (Or did) put out the brass ring. Used to snag them and win free rides for my son. Awesome!
Oooh, Balboa Park! I love it! My favorite place in all of San Diego. 💜💜💜 Warm greetings, El Paso Mark, from Marisela in San Antonio, Texas.
Totally awesome! 😃💕 I agree… riding the carousel is still fun as an adult. And the brass ring sounds so cool… they didn’t do that on this ride.