Written by One of the fun parts of being a kid was trying to do things just like adults did. Like wearing my dads shoes or, more impressively, starting a business and finding a way to make my own money. When I was young, this often came in the form of a lemonade stand in the summer months. I realize it’s a spring theme this month, but it’s simply what came to mind first. I initially thought the neighbors were just being polite, but soon realized that when it’s hot as hell, lemonade is quite a compelling product. Though the prices were much lower when I was little. For example, in the Peanuts cartoons that were especially popular back then, Lucy offered Charlie Brown “psychiatric advice” for only five cents! I think these lemonade stands were supposed to teach early business lessons, but since my parents provided all of the materials and rent for free, it wasn’t quite a perfect simulation. But each time I see a pitcher of lemonade it still brings back fond memories.
I’ve moved outside to the terrace to complete this post, as the weather is absolutely beautiful today. There’s no lemonade in front of me now, just a lovely glass of wine. And the combination of the two is completely distracting. What was I talking about? Oh yes, selling lemonade. Or rather, that experience of spending a childhood trying to be like an adult. Now that I’ve become an actual adult, or mostly, I realize there are many things that I don’t particularly enjoy. Like today, when I had to renew my driver’s license. It’s not that the experience was horrible as, miraculously, they weren’t very busy. But, I managed to lean too far backward in front of the camera and now have a bit of double chin on my photo. I was, at first, appalled as I don’t have one in reality, but then figured it will be nice in the end. Now, when anyone looks at it, they’ll smile and nod approvingly at me knowing that I must have succeeded in my diet goals. And I’ll just look back at them and smile confidently, basking in my fake success.
I think when I was little, I assumed that one day my tiny business would boom into something that would make me rich. I’m sure that as I sat there, peddling my lemon drinks from a mix that my mother helped me make, I was certain this was the beginning of something great. In a way, I was right. I’m not rich. That never actually happened. But I think I’ve learned that there are other ways to feel rich in life. Like having the people you love most around you and feeling the gently cool breeze of a perfect spring day. These moments, the ones that seem so simple, are the real riches that life can bring. Sure, I have wild and wonderful goals that I still want to achieve, but right now, in this moment, none of that matters. I’m simply content. Living in the now, and enjoying the fact that what actually happened isn’t such a bad thing after all. It’s all part of my story. A story that’s still unfolding with each passing day. Who knows, maybe I’ll kick things up a notch and get those dreams on track this summer. Or, if nothing else, maybe I’ll just open a lemonade stand.
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About the DoodlewashSennelier L’Aquarelle: Indian Yellow, Phthalocyanine Blue, Dioxazine Purple, and Payne’s Grey. Lamy Safari Al-Star Fountain Pen – Extra Fine,
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with Platinum Carbon black ink in an A6 
What a refreshing doodlewash and refreshing post. Being happy, content, and reaching goals makes for a rich life, indeed. May your lemonade stand ideas continue to evolve; I am eager to read about them for years to come. 💕
Aww thanks for that, Carol! 😃💕 I really appreciate it! And the same to you as well!
Kids still sell lemonade in the summer around here…always gets a smile from me.
And yours looks delicious! (K)
Thanks so much, Kerfe! 😃💕 Yeah, it’s still happening here as well… just the prices have gone up! hehe
No kidding! Well I made 50 cents an hour back then babysitting too…
Looks delicious
Thanks so much! 😃💕
Do lemons work with vodka? Just thinking – that pitcher COULD hold vodka – now that you’re an adult. Wink. Wink.
Always enjoy your watercolors & your pondering.
Thanks from central IL
Hehe… thanks, Nancy! 😃💕 Actually, if you add a lot of vodka you could make Limoncello I think! lol Never tried it, but my sister did once.
Aahh, I could do with some of that right now. Looks delish. 😘
You and me both! Loves me some lemonade! Thanks, Janina! 😃💕
Actually, having much material things isn’t what makes one rich. A wise man puts it this way, ‘the life of man does not consist of the abundance he possesses.’ Having nice people people and good atmospheres around you can give you a wonderful feel of being rich. Thanks for intelligence. Keep it on.
Thanks so much! 😃💕 And what a wonderful way to describe it. So true!
My Son asked me the other day if he could have a Lemonade stall. We made the homemade Lemonade but I immediately put him off saying no-one passes to buy it. Perhaps I should let him try…would have to be a hot summer day though. Things just aren’t the same nowadays…such a shame!
Aww yeah, things are a bit different these days. Seems like fewer customers than before. Perhaps if you let some potential “customers” know so they’d come by just to help him out! 😉
Enjoyed your post, Charlie! ❤ I remember the Lemonade stands we had as kids too! 🍋 Thanks for reminding me! 😄 Wonderful Doodlewash too!
Thanks so much, Jill! 😃💕 hehe… it was such a fun time! Though I can’t remember making very much even for a kid. lol
How wonderful. to recognize the riches in your life and to understand that lemons are sweet and lemonade a wonderful indulgence. And your painting is wonderful, a perfect pitcher of lemonade waiting for a cup and a friend.
Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 This one actually turned out a bit more interesting than I thought it would at first. And glad you liked the post!