Written by Truthfully, I considered skipping painting today for the first time in more than a year. I wasn’t in the mood after the shock of the recent election. The new one-sided regime has big plans that could harm my family and others who are not exactly like them. This has been clearly promised and it’s scary to think of what lies ahead. A night spent hoping for a carrot, ended with the stick. But painting daily is part of who I am and I’m not going to let anything keep me from what I love. Nobody should ever let that happen. Not sure if my little doodlewashes can combat all of the hate, but together I’m confident we can spread a message of love and acceptance as we paint the world!
In this turbulent and uncertain time, I’ve chosen to focus on the good things that I can still find in the world. Luckily, I don’t have to look far. Our astounding World Watercolor Group on Facebook now has nearly 23,000 members from all over the globe and is a daily beacon of beauty, hope, and inspiration. Thanks to all of you! We’ve come together, regardless of our countries and religious backgrounds to celebrate a medium that makes us all happy. Choosing to elevate the wonderful things we have in common rather than vilify the differences, we’re a shining example of what’s possible in the world.
I can’t thank you enough for all of your wonderful support! It gives me so much hope and makes it possible to find happiness again. Your comments lift me up and make me smile. Your stories shared alongside mine fill my heart each day. We each couldn’t be more unique, yet there’s always something we can find that unites us. Many people are trying to make sense of the world today, but I think I’m starting to figure things out. As long as there are good people around you, there’s always hope to be found. When I went looking for carrots, I found all of you. And I really couldn’t be happier about that.
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About the DoodlewashSennelier L’Aquarelle: Red Orange, Carmine and Payne’s Grey. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon with sepia ink in a little red cloth hardbound l’aquarelle journal I found in a Paris shop. |
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I agree! Every person I spoke to today was in shock after last night, as well. It’s incredible how this could’ve happened and went the way it did when so many I know was hoping it would not turn out like this! I enjoy the daily doodles and it’s inspiring, thank you for doing it.
Thanks so much! So happy you like my daily doodlewashes! 😃💕 Yes, the day didn’t turn out like many of us were expecting, but here’s hoping that things will still be okay.
I am so glad that you trudged on regardless 🙂
Thanks so much, Margaret! 😃💕
From “down under”, we are just as shocked as you. Whilst it seemed impossible it would happen – it damned well did. Sincerest sympathy to you guys.
Really enjoy your posts Charlie, keep them up.
Chris
Thanks Chris!! I really appreciate that! 😃💕 The world is an interesting and often surprising place. Hoping for the best in spite of the uncertainty!
Oh Charlie – Your carrots are amazing – just like YOU!!! Don’t let this defeat you or beat you down. I was quite in shock myself last night and this morning. Had a bit of a hard time getting started and wondered what was going to happen. But then I realized that nothing had really changed about me today. And Charlie – nothing has changed about you either. Please keep being the wonderful Charlie you are. You are loved by many – just the exact wonderful way you are. No one individual can change that. And if we each remain true to who we are – we can – one person at a time – be the love and peace that makes the world and our country a wonderful place. Interestingly, I turned to watercolor painting at midnight last night when I could no longer deal with the stress of the news…… I am just now writing my post for tomorrow morning and sharing the story of how the art helped me through it. You have been such an encouragement to me. Not sure I’d still be at it if it weren’t for you. You shared my amateur, simple art so long ago when I couldn’t call myself an “artist.” You, through love and encouragement, REPEATEDLY, but lovingly, showed me that I am. You are so special. Don’t you dare let this get to you. We will paint the world peaceful and loving and happy. HUGS from Mars! xoxo
You are SO sweet!! Thank you for this amazing and uplifting comment, Jodi!! 😃💕 hehe… yeah… I kept on dogging you and calling you and artist until you finally caved and admitted it one day. That was an awesome day, I’ll always remember!! ❤️ And wise words as always. The thing that I’m most bothered by is the uncertainty. There’s no “real” agenda… just words used to win an election. Not knowing what’s coming next is the part that causes me the most concern. But we can just keep on painting through it and standing together in love and friendship! That is something that nobody can ever take away!
Yes, Charlie, this election is a nightmare. I’m so glad you did paint. I did too– for that time I was painting Thanksgiving invitations I was at peace, thinking only of the colors and shapes. Doodlewash is a wonderful place. Thank you so much for it.
Alex
Thanks, Alex! 😃💕 I’m so happy to hear that!! Yay to painting on through this crazy world. It’s truly a gift to have that to turn to!
I hear you Charlie. I was going to ‘go on a break’ but rethought it. Charlie, I had tears in my eyes reading your words. I want to tell you, how impressed I am at your art, your enthusiasm. Commitment. Your posts of inspiration. of Hope Shining!!
Thats what Artists Do!
You have brought 23, 000 very different peoples…. together, all united, to share art. Keep on doing just that 🙂
Awww… you’re so sweet, Debi! 😃💕 Thank you so much for your kind words. It’s been such a roller coaster and ended with so much uncertainty. But I do take solace in the beauty of art and being surrounded by so many wonderful artists friends like you! Thank you!
God does not make mistakes. It is up to us to make peace in this country and in this world. Everyone I know is devastated and some of us are checking our passports. But this is MY country and YOUR country and I will not be bullied out of it and I will stand up for anyone being taunted or threatened. We are better than that. When Elijah went searching for God, he didn’t find him in the fire or the thunder but in the still small voice inside. I hope we all reach deep inside ourselves and find the decency that’s there.
Thank you for the beautiful carrots tonight, Charlie. I’m reminded of the Golden Book story of the hungry lion who wanted to eat bunnies but was persuaded to try carrot soup instead and found he loved it. Win-win. I’m hoping that we can find ways to create win-win here as well.
Thanks so much for that, Sharon!! 😃💕 I was just having the same conversations yesterday when people immediately asked me if I was moving to France. I told them, if I do, it will be on my own terms and not because I felt like I was forced out of my own country. And I love that story!! I hope for the best here still. I truly do!
Charlie, we have art to counter the hatred that is arising in this country. It’s frightening. Don’t feel compelled to post art every day — do it only when you feel inspired (but know that we love it). We’re all in the same state of shock.
Thanks so much! 😃💕 Yes… art heals so much and it’s wonderful to have that to counteract all the negativity. And now, we wait and hope that everything will somehow mend. It’s going to be a long road ahead.
Charlie – you are 24 “carrot” gold! I was just as shocked, dismayed, and disappointed as you this morning, but together we can stand united. I truly believe there is good in everyone and good can prevail. God loves us all equally, and I will do my best to reiterate that. I am glad you decided to create today because no one had the right to take that joy from you. Also, please know that what comes around goes around, especially love! 💖😘😍💖🇺🇸💖
Thank you so much for that, Carol! 😃💕 You are SO right… and there’s so much to be happy about and hopeful for when you know that you’re surrounded by loving friends!!
I said what I wanted to on instagram. But please keep on doing what you have been doing Charlie. Making the world a better place just being you. Hugs.
Thanks so much, Susan! 😃💕 Let’s all make the world a better place by putting beauty back into it!! Hugs to you as well!
😉💕
Please know that there are many of us who are stunned to the point of physical distress by what happened yesterday and what it might mean for all of us. I am a senior, white, highly educated woman, not an American, however so I fear for the future here. However, I love having the artists like you who post doodlewash and artwork to elevate us all.
Thank you for that message!! 😃💕 I really appreciate it! And yes, I know many of my friends were shaken by the news, so I wanted to share something about looking for the positive in life.
I am feeling something akin to grief. Right now I am pivoting between the shock and anger stage. For the sake of my kids, however, I am trying to be optimistic. I have told them that while we have to accept the results of a democratic election, we do not have to accept the policy and legislation that follows. Part of democracy is our ability to reject and protest and argue. We, therefore, have to become part of a new Civil Rights movement. As an immigrant, I didn’t get to vote in this election but as a resident of the US I refuse to stand by and do nothing but observe. And maybe I will take up citizenship earlier than planned to give more weight to my voice. Anyway, I said these words of hope to my kids even though inside I had zero hope and optimism, just screaming despair and tears that have flowed whenever I have been alone. But I hope that if I say them often enough and, in time, act on them that it will give me hope. I have to hope that enough people have evolved enough that they will not and cannot accept legislation that drags this country back decades and removes hard won rights, protections and freedoms. As an immigrant and a woman, I felt a little more vulnerable today than I did yesterday. And if I feel that way, with all of my anxiety about the future, then I can only imagine the fear felt by Muslims, Latinos, refugees, those in the LGBT+ community, the disabled, and all those groups who Trump has not only disparaged and attacked but who are the focus for his an Pence’s policy platform. It’s when I think about that that I feel real terror and rage. Right now I am too much in shock and too focused on soothing my kids to translate those feelings into anything more productive but I hope that enough of us will feel electrified enough to move and act and ensure that, while the values we hold so dear might not be reflected in our President, we uphold this values and fight tooth and nail for them. I have had only a single hour of sleep so my thoughts are probably rambling and coherent. Just know that you are not alone.
Hi Laura 🙂 all my thoughts are with you, and I have a lot of hope. As long as there are people such as yourself and Charlie – who cares and still feel in the world, then there is hope!
As artists you can still see and share the beauty of people and the world around us. You can turn on the light on all the darkness and lit people’s world. Artists bring light when there is none, and show us the beauty and the magic that we couldn’t see before! So don’t give up, you are changing the world by sharing its beauty with the rest of us 🙂
Lots of love to you and your family!
Thank you for your lovely words, Noemie.
Beautifully said, Noémie!! Much love to you as well! 😃💕
Thanks so much for that, Laura! 😃💕 And your thoughts were wonderfully stated. I only got a single hour of sleep as well. My mind was running through all of the possibilities, but the truth is… we simply don’t know what will come next. There were no real policies stated, just random and contradictory words to get elected. No actual or indeed, executable policies were ever really stated. We’re thrown into the abyss and can just wait and watch to see what actually happens. This is the first time in history a candidate hasn’t actually had a real plan, so I now we just wait and see what unfolds. In some ways, I think, it’s best to just assume nothing will happen at all and that might be the silver lining we’re all looking for.
I think that uncertainty is part of what is making me so restless and anxious. It is impossible to determine what Trump truly believes as an individual let alone as President Elect with the party behind him. The fact he has Pence as his VP and who, as an experienced political insider may well be the person driving policy, frankly terrifies me. These are strange, challenging, trying times we are living in and so much is unpredictable and unknowable. That is very destabilising and scary. I feel like I am now going to have to react in the way I have to every crisis and that is to just put one foot in front of the other and take one day at a time.
It’s all we can do now. Wait, watch and keep moving forward. Hopefully they won’t march us into the stone ages.
I’m with you. Shocking revelations everyday of the campaign and then this. So scary!
Thanks, Teri! 😃💕 yeah… now we wait in wonder to see what happens. It’s the not actually knowing that makes it all rather terrifying. But maybe things won’t be as bad as they seem in the end. We can only hope.
Your carrots are beautiful they seems so real! I am happy that you choose happiness I did too <3 we are lucky to be creative and artists because we have our wonderful planet to live in and is called "CREATIVITY" you can do everything with it, no matter what surround you. With creativity you can bring happiness and give joy and have bright days if you choose. I choose that for me long time ago and nothing touched me today. I will be always me and happy, enjoying my life and so you, do that too, you hare in charge of your happiness! <3 Love you all! 😉
Excellent, Carolina!! 😃💕 Wise words… as love as we have art and creativity, we have the ability to rise above anything. We’re lucky that way!
Carrots. How appropriate. They make me want to smile and cry at the same time.
I know… 😃💕 But, I think that we need to make more art and keep smiling!! It’s all we can do now!
That’s true! Your carrots helped my mood pick up. 😀 Or maybe it was the comforting reassurance that there would be a Doodlewash to look forward to no matter the dire circumstances. 🙂
We are with you ! Trump can’t make things alone. Hope the chambers will be more reasonable, responsible. Have again and again very good carrots !!
Thanks so much, Laurence! 😃💕 Yes, it was a stunning reversal. But all we can do now is hope for the best. And eat more carrots. 😉
Ars longa vita brevis, Charlie. Keep it going. There will be another person of empathy and compassion in the White House before too long.
Thanks, Michael! 😃 That’s always my hope… living in this country that’s not really “united” at all is often a bit of a roller coaster. Things will return, but so much damage can be done in the interim.
I fear you may be right but let’s hope that sense prevails.
Charlie, we feel the shockwaves here too. A terrible result for the entire world. Hopefully, goodness and tolerance will shine through.
Yes to that! 😃💕 There’s hopefully still more of us demanding goodness and tolerance and we will prevail!
Hi Charlie – couldn’t write yesterday. (did manage to do some figure studies last night though!). Following our recent Brexit vote – I was struck by an awful sense of deja-vu as I watched events unfold. I’m afraid I don’t have any special words of solace… (even though I’ve just tried writing some but had to delete them for being so utterly trite…) but be assured Charlie, you’re not alone…. and your carrots are great!
Thanks, John! 😃 Yeah… the world just got really weird seemingly overnight didn’t it? I guess Brexit was just forshadowing to this new way of thinking. I’m not a fan… I really want to the world to come together, not be split apart. I guess we’ll just see what happens next. (And glad you liked my carrots!! hehe)
I felt like chomping on those carrots ! they are cutee 🙂
Awww thanks so much! Glad you liked them! 😃💕
“As long as there are good people around you, there’s always hope to be found.” Thank you for being one of MY good people, Charlie. Your optimism and perseverance give me hope.
awww… thanks, Heather! 😃💕 Thanks to you as well! I can’t thank you enough for the support and friendship!
Right back at you, Charlie. Even when you profess to be having a down day, you somehow always lift the spirits of those around you. 💕
I’m not sure how my gay and transgender family members and friends will fare with the “New World Order”. Not sure how we all will fare with healthcare and taxes either. Maybe it won’t be as bad as we think… or fear I should say.
Yeah… being part of that community is why I’m feeling the fear. But there’s also so much more at stake. Here’s hoping our worst fears are simply unfounded! 😃💕
Dear Charlie, I realize now I made my comment in the wrong Blog post. I feel slightly embarrassed (but not much really). Of course I had no idea where you stood in the Gay Rights issue, and hope you have found someone special to share you life with. I certainly hope Trump realizes what a mistake he made with Pence at the helm. I have several gay cousins and one transgender. It’s not fair and UnAmerican for things to move backwards with this issue. Love is love after all, and I can’t seriously think God would object as long as it’s consensual and no one gets hurt. Why would I object? It’s none of my business who other people love. I’d just like to think we can all live in peace.
Thanks so much for that! 😃💕 I do think we can all learn to live together in peace. And it still confounds me that people want to be involved in choosing who other people love. What a bizarre thing indeed. I’m still hoping it won’t be as bad as it seems it could.
Me too Charlie! Although Pence will probably do his part to make folks miserable.
True… I can only imagine he must feel miserable all the time and somehow wants others to share in that.
Thanks, Charlie, for the painting and the words. Yesterday I could hardly speak, but today I’m finding comfort in so many people around me – IRL and in this amazing online community – that I can feel some hope. Kindness, compassion, creativity can be our standard bearers as we move into this new reality and work to bridge the chasm of hate that threatens to take us all down.
Thanks, Ellie! 😃💕 Yes!! Exactly! There is always hope to be, even in these crazy times. There are still plenty of good people who don’t fall prey to hate and choose acceptance and love!
Charlie, thanks for your carrots and your words! I do believe that if we all continue to create in our own way and pour our love and spirit into our art with authenticity and grace that this is often the best thing we can do. Thank you again for your spirit and wonderful creations!
Thanks, Chris! 😃💕 Yes! That’s exactly what we must do! Together I think we can offset a lot of the darkness that has spread across the minds of people in this world.
I missed this one Charlie…thinking of you, I was watching from here in the uk, shocked to say the least. Lots of love ❤️ Keep hold of the good things.
Thanks so much, Rebecca! 😃💕 Yeah, it’s a very scary and uncertain time here. But that’s why it’s a better time than ever to be an artist and just paint through it!
I don’t know if I can add much that hasn’t been said already – I keep waking up thinking the last few days were some awful dream. Pretty gutted for you guys. All we can do now is wait and see what happens, unchanged, united and optimistic that it’ll all turn out okay. YES to the Doodlewash light shining through no matter what, for it is the perfect prescription! <3 Carrots have never looked more inviting! And we know that carrots help us to see in the dark.
Thanks for that, Jacob! 😃💕 Yeah, it’s been quite a week here, but here’s hoping the future isn’t as grotesque as this candidate described to get elected. Still optimistic and eating lots of carrots! hehe