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Today is the last day of November, and the final day to celebrate this month. I figured since I started with an Irish gentlemen like myself (who came off looking too much like Travolta), I would end with something French for Philippe. So we’re celebrating this impossible-to-find-the-origin-of national day with a French dark chocolate mousse, or a rough facsimile of the dish.
As we move into the last month of the year, my painting time is getting shorter and shorter, so I’ll probably be loosening up and moving lightening quick from here on. With regard to what the next project will be, I’m on the fence and haven’t quite decided. It’s entirely possible I could continue this one because I’m sort of addicted to this silly “day” thing and don’t want to leave it. But there’s still a bit less than 24 hours before either of us will find out. I’ve never been good at planning.
When Philippe and I were in Paris during Christmas a couple years ago, I loved seeing all the various desserts in French bakeries. They were always so elegant, and beautifully designed. Coming back home to corner donut shops was a bit of a culture shock and I longed for grease-free desserts with a little more panache and less needless fat.
My favorite dessert experience came when we were visiting Amboise, France and I had café gourmand for the first time. This is a brilliant idea to combine multiple small desserts on a single plate. When we got back home, we tried it out with friends during our Café Phineas nights when we would serve them multiple courses. Turns out it’s a pain in the ass and something that should be enjoyed only at actual restaurants, but was a great success with friends for the short time we tried it.
If you’re going to have chocolate, dark is the only way to go! I wasn’t a fan of chocolate ice cream growing up, always opting for vanilla, because I don’t care for “milked” chocolate. It tastes like a watered down version of the real thing. Although Philippe has me beat, as he favors the chocolate that is so dark it looks like black-brown enamel and shatters as soon as your teeth make contact with it.
Thanks to all who’ve joined me on this silly tour and don’t be shocked if you’re stuck with more as I’ve really had fun with it! It’s incredibly cool to just select a topic and run with it rather than having to come up with anything on your own. A bit lazy for sure, but it fits well with how my mind works. And it’s so wonderful to see what memories and thoughts these goofy days evoke in you dear readers. I honestly believe that each day is worth celebrating, so let’s keep doing it, however you choose to make that happen!
Nice sketch and funny commentary. You’re killing me with “Cafe Phineas” and “pain in the ass.” I nearly always laugh when I read your stuff.
Awww thanks Kirk! I’m so happy to hear that! Some days I’m not sure what to say at all and feel like I’m just blabbering. 😊hehe
YUM! beautiful doodle and I’m so impressed with the subtlety of your plate shadows and modeling.
Awww thanks Rachel!! 💕😃I think my lack of time paid off for this one as I didn’t overwork it like I tend to do! Lol 😊
I’ve enjoyed ever single day, learning something new or laughing out loud! What ever you decide for December, I’m sure it will be fun!!
And mmmm on your doodlewash.. I’ll have a bite! ❤️
Thank you Kari!! 💕😃Glad you liked this month and thank you so much for joining me on the ride!! It made it so much more fun!! ❤️😃
I just finished dinner and I’m ready for dessert. I’ll have the mousse from Cafe Phineas. Wonderful doodle wash. Looking forward to what ever surprises are ahead, Charlie!
Hehe…you and me both! Still haven’t decided! Lol Thanks Sharon!! ❤️😃 You’re welcome at Café Phineas anytime you like!
Well, here come those bedtime cravings again 😉 But indeed, it is glorious. I approve of National Mousse day, even though I am not in the country.
Another spectacular series, Charlie. I still think Cliché Day goes down as being simultaneously the best and most infuriating blog post I’ve ever read… but they’ve all been a lot of fun.
Look forward to more/a new series tomorrow!
Thanks Jacob! 😃Sorry again for giving you those bedtime cravings. Hehe… And I have to admit that Cliché Day was probably the reason for choosing this project! Who could resist it?! Well…any sane person I’m sure, but I thought it was fun! 😊
I’m glad you did – it was a heap of fun! I just went and read it again. Same unique reaction: laughing and seething! 😀
Charlie just roll with it! I think you have a great following that’s thrilled with whatever you surprises us with and you do such an excellent job. No worries if you have to short cut a little, it is December after all and so much is going on plus aren’t you on the middle of a new job?! I’m just so appreciative that you find something wonderful to doddlewash and added humorous commentary daily! Thank you many, many times over dear Charlie! Now, it’s time for dessert!
Thanks soooo much, Cathe! I love doing these, but some days it gets a little tough. I think I blame time and yes…a new job, but it’s usually just my squirrel brain having trouble focusing that creates the issue. 😊 I’m so easily distracted. Can’t thank you enough for joining me friend! ❤️😃
I love chocolate mousse! Your painting makes me crave one! Lol! 💖💕 Dark chocolate is the best! 😊 I hope you do more of these celebration days as you make them all FUN, humorous and full of wonderful surprises. 😄🎨💜 I look forward to your posts each day, my friend! 🎉
Yay! You’re in the dark chocolate camp! I knew I liked you! Hehe…thanks Jill! ❤️😃 I can’t imagine these little trips into wherever it is I go without you! Appreciate you being with me so much my friend! 😃🎨👍🏻
It’s been such a fun month! You know – the company I work for does a monthly calendar for our customers with this crazy holidays on and our salespeopel pass th
them out each month and they are an absolute favorite! there is something to celebrate every single day! Like the rest of your “fan club” has said 🙂 We all love your art and stories
Hehe…that last comment was a cliffhanger! 😉Thanks you Jodi!! ❤️😃 I do love the idea of celebrating something every day, even if it’s bizarre! Probably even more so when it’s bizarre actually, but that’s just how I roll! Thanks for you constant, loving support! Can’t thank you enough my friend!
Awh. Right back at ya. Like that cliffhanger eh??!! Lol. Obviously accidentally hit send too soon. 😕
All month I’ve looked forward to each of your new “days” and I learned all kind of interesting things! Who knows what else you might come up with?
BTW, please don’t judge, but I’m a milk chocolate girl. I’ve never been able to acquire a taste for the dark kind. My only defense is that I grew up in Hershey country. 😊
Thanks Nancy!! So happy you like these! 💕😃 And I’m not one to judge…hehe…that would be weird coming from me. And a Hershey country upbringing is a perfect defense! Lol
Fabulous Finale!
Awww thanks Nicole! It may just get sequel, still don’t know yet. I have several more hours to procrastinate. Thanks so much for showing up each day for the ride!! ❤️😃😃
I think you should paint random items, but only use one paint color….stretch the limits of each color 😉 or paint a different Christmas ornament each day 😉
Hehe…I think I would miss mixing colors too much for that. 😊 And Philippe mentioned the ornament angle, but I wasn’t sure if I could write something interesting then. Lol Who knows… Guess we’ll see come tomorrow. I still don’t have a clue. Hehe
I agree on the color thing…..last suggestion…a doodlewash of something Christmasy from a different country each day…common gift given, food, ornament, special clothes or something from an interesting story pertaining to Christmas from that country…. Or Ugly Sweater Month lol that might be easier….maybe
Hehe! Thanks for all the suggestions! I think I may end up doing bits of everything and you gave me an idea of something to try! 😉 Hehe… But could be too elaborate, hmmm….we’ll see…
It’s been a great month and I have enjoyed each and everyone of your posts. Whatever you do next I’m sure will be equally entertaining, can’t wait to see what it is 😊
Me either! Lol Thanks so much Tori!! I’m so happy you liked this series and joined in for the fun! 😉💕😃
Chocolate Mousse (the real one : dark chocolate, eggs, butter, sugar) is the best dessert ever. I will have mine with a strong expresso (no sugar please) . Blah! it’s ten in the morning …but I can dream 😉
Thank you Charlie , I loved this month of beauty (your doodlewashes) interesting stories (I like your way with them) and the educating/entertaining factor of daily “sillies” 🙂
Whatever you decide to do this month , whichever frequency still gives you pleasure and not stress , will be received as a lovely gift from you to us
Enjoy December and Turtle Hugs
Awww thanks so much my friend! What a wonderful thing to say! 😊💕😃I’m thrilled you’ve enjoyed the journey with me. And even more thrilled that you also like strong espresso!! Me too! Hehe… I’m still wrestling with what’s next, but just hope you’ll stay along for another ride! 😉👍🏻
I’ll stay along …ride or not 😉
Yay!! Happy to hear that! But there will be a ride after all! 😉👍🏻
I don’t often comment but I do enjoy your posts. And I’m sure you will come up with something new and interesting in the future ……. doesn’t need to be every day though. You deserve a break after all those great posts.
I’ve just started a daily diary which has motivated me to do something each day and I’m now thinking of themes , such as Portrait Tuesday, animal Wednesday, landscape Thursday or something like that.
Another fun month! And often mouthwatering as well. Looking forward to more of whatever comes up. I’m with you on the not planning well, too. (K)
Thanks so much Kerfe!! I’m so happy you joined me…hope you’ll hop on the next ride in December! 😉❤️
I am looking forward to whatever comes next. Hopefully at some point it includes dark chocolate!! 🙂
Hehe…I have no idea, but it could!! Thanks Susan! 💕😃
I’m trying to stay off blogs (reading and writing) but had to comment for your grand finale doodlewash for November! I’ve not had or made chocolate mousse in so long…yours is every bit as delicious looking as the real thing tastes (and much less fattening)! Bravo, good sir! xoxo
Awwww thanks Teresa!! ❤️😃I’m so glad you hopped back on for the final. A shame you won’t be on the next ride with me. It starts tonight! Hehe 😊