Written by Had I been paying closer attention to our art challenge prompts this month, I would have realized that the prompt today was actually “drinks.” Yesterday’s post qualified as well, but I figured I’d follow up with one of my favorite drinks as a kid, which came in the form of a strawberry milkshake. It was basically a bit of pink heaven in a tall glass, topped with whipped cream, and only one little straw that stood between me and nirvana. Well, that’s how I remember it at least. It’s been too many years to count since I’ve actually had one. They’re a bit of a calorie bomb at my age that explodes in the most inconvenient of places so I’ve been avoiding them. As many of you know, I often paint these fantasy desserts as a way of consuming them calorie-free. But back then, it was such a wonderful treat, right down to the last little futile slurps, attempting to get every last drop. I would position the straw in various places around the glass to ensure nothing went to waste. And if I were with friends at the time, that unmistakable chorus of slurping sounds meant that the joyous event was about to come to a close.
The best part about these milkshakes when I was young was that they took a bit of effort to make. There was lots of scooping of ice cream followed by the blender moment. This bit was agonizing and thrilling at the same time. I remember watching it, willing it to be done while simultaneously hoping it didn’t go too quickly as I was rather enjoying the process. This is probably why I love watercolor so much, because our relationship is roughly the same. It’s a constant battle of wills and a test of my patience that is always surprisingly fun and fulfilling. But there’s always magic to be found in things made by hand. We now live in a world where there’s a machine to help you do just about everything. And then there’s those endless single purpose machines that can clutter a kitchen and make it look more like a auto repair shop. Add to this our virtual assistants helping us find information and even decide what to do next. While I’m a huge fan of technology, as it’s what makes this site and my connection with you, dear reader, even possible, it’s not surprising I created a site that is about anything but technology.
No matter how advanced computers get, they simply can’t seem to catch up with creative folk like us. Yes, that’s anyone reading this, as we’re all creative creatures capable of doing amazing things. There’s yet to be an algorithm invented that can replicate actual personality and creative thought. I find a lot of comfort in this. I’d hate to think we humans were quite so easily replaceable. I’ve no idea why this post has taken me on this particular tangent other than to say that there’s a reason why I love looking back on my childhood. Amazing things happened and new inventions were created each and every day, but they were never considered necessary. They were fascinating additions to life that worked in tandem with the life we were already living. Today, they’re the center of it all and have begun to alter our behaviors in the process. Perhaps that’s why for all the technology I surround myself with, I still engage in activities that seem a little bit retro. I still just like to write stories and paint with my hands, perhaps show up for a radio broadcast. All the while, enjoying moments as they reveal themselves, like when I’m thinking back to memories of a strawberry milkshake.
About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Nickel Azo Yellow, Opus (Vivid Pink), Quinacridone Red, Leaf Green, 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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Charlie that looks like a very tasty SUNDAE!
well done
Thanks so much, Tao! 😃💕
Listened to your podcast interview and you sound just like you paint, colorful, natural and inspiring.
Aww that’s the most wonderful compliment in the world!! Thank you SO much! 😃💕 I was a bit nervous appearing on audio, but now that I have, I’ll be back very soon! Glad you enjoyed it!
You didn’t sound nervous at all.
I did think that the “interviewer” talked a bit too much and turned into a “sharer”. But then again I wanted to hear you, not her . . . the older I get the more I tend to look and listen with “critical” eyes & ears.
Thanks so much! 😃💕 I always take a back seat when other artists are involved, it’s more my style and probably more a side effect of that. But I’ve decided to try a little podcasting of my own soon which will just be me at first, so stay tuned!
Your milkshake looks yummy! I think even if it weren’t for the calories, it would be hard to meet the memory. Milk isn’t what is was, ice cream isn’t what it was, and milkshakes aren’t either. The downside to so much of that technology – it’s aimed at maximizing profit rather than enhancing our lives. But it seems we have to do things that way, off-kilter, until we discover the damage caused by doing it wrong.
Thanks so much, Sandra! 😃💕 So true… tech when it comes to food has only produced bad things. That’s why we rarely eat out. You just can’t replicate the taste of natural things in an unnatural way!
Our art often does being us back to a simpler time when there was a lot less technology in our every day world. Just the actual motion of painting is such that we have time to reflect and remember the way it was or the way a strawberry milkshake used to taste.
Whenever I try something that I used to like in childhood, I find the taste has changed. They have modified recipes to make foods supposedly healthier and they just don’t have that same flavour. Dare I mention Kraft Dinner? It was a favourite lunch time meal in our house. Every now and then, actually, about once every five years, I get a craving for it but it no longer tastes the same nor are the noodles the same anymore. I wonder if that would be the case with your strawberry milkshake?
No matter, we can always find joy in painting our memories. Cheers from Ottawa, Canada. Et bonne nuit!
Aww, Merci beaucoup, Louise! 😃💕I totally agree… painting brings us back to those simpler times so easily. And what they’ve done to food is likely a pure crime, but it’s nice to know that some things can still be experienced as they once were!
Yummmy. Strawberry milkshake. I indulge once in the summer. Then once for a chocolate one. Ihave to behave.haha, hard for me.
Thanks, Karen! hehe… behaving is definitely overrated! LOL 😃💕 And I think I’ll have to indulge in a milkshake this summer. Perhaps to celebrate World Watercolor Month! hehe
Aww…memories! Love this one, but a Strawberry malt for me, please. Sadly, just a juice glass size nowadays 😒
Awww so you’re a malt type… hehe… I actually enjoyed malts as well, but still lovely the plain old version most I think!😃💕 And yes, these days… I order off the child’s menu.
That is one scrumptious looking milkshake and wonderful memory. Oddly enough I actually had one of those recently…the first one in many, many years and it was every bit as good as I remember.
Thanks so much, Mary! 😃💕 And yay to having a shake! hehe… you’ve inspired me to have one again very soon!
Charming both.strow+ barryli.
The shake although very good tasty.
In childhood but when I make this.
Small glass and then no sweat at least 10 days.so nice every thing.oh ya wating for
July.congrats.
Thanks, Snehlata! 😃💕 hehe… yeah, a small little shake is fine I would guess. I’m definitely going to have one again in honor of World Watercolor Month in July! 😉
My problem with technology is there’s no stopping it. It began as a novelty, became a useful tool and suddenly the machines are dehumanizing us bit by bit. Only the arts keep civilization civil and human. (just my opinion) It is hot and humid here…if your painting disappears from the screen, you will know that I was successful in devouring it! It looks way toooo delectable to turn the page without at least one sip and a gulp and before you know it one final slurp!
Thanks, Sarah! 😃💕 I totally agree! Technology has become so much of the fabric of our lives that it’s often difficult to remember to touch real fabric every now and again. That’s why I love sketching and painting so much. Some things, delightfully, never change.
Yum. That looks heavenly.
Thanks so much, June! 😃💕
Your milkshake is stunning! Gorgeous color and looks delicious.
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕 So happy you enjoyed this one!
Make a milkshake, paint a watercolor, open a machine shop, ask Siri for assistance – yeah, I can see the connection – or maybe not. Anyway, my milkshake had to be chocolate, maybe vanilla, but strawberry is a fruit and must be eaten off the stem. However, your Doodlewash is truly tempting – I could be persuaded to take a little sip.
hehe… thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 Yeah, the connections can get a little stretched when my brain starts to ramble! Not a strawberry shake fan, eh? hehe… yeah, for some reason I also considered chocolate a bar that should never be diluted. lol
That milkshake took me directly back to my own childhood. Fantastic! But even more fantastic is hearing you on the podcast!!
Thanks so much, Ellie! 😃💕 Aww I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the podcast! The positive reaction means I’ll be back with more audio in the future! 😉
My go to is usually a chocolate malt, but this has me thinking!
hehe… glad I could tempt you, Lisa! 😃💕 Yeah, I had chocolate malts as a kid, but still preferred chocolate dark and whole. Never liked milk chocolate as much. I also take my coffee rather black and strong as well. lol
I just love the simplicity of your food drawings!
Aww thanks so much! I’m so thrilled you liked them! 😃💕