By Charlie

Opening A New Jar Of Jam

Written by Charlie O'Shields

There’s really nothing better than the feeling of popping open a fresh new jar of jam. That first bite tastes so amazing, for absolutely no reason at all other than the fact that’s it’s brand new. But reasons are only for those who feel they need them. I’ve found when enjoying something sweet and delicious, it’s always better to check reason at the door and simply enjoy the moment. One of my favorite options for jam is Bonne Maman from France, which has so many flavors, it’s nearly impossible to choose just one. So, I went with apricot today, but tomorrow you might find me feasting on strawberry, peach or black currant. In truth, I don’t indulge in jam on a daily basis, unless we’re on our annual trip to France, in which case, all inhibitions are lost. Vacations are a time specifically created to engage in all indulgences possible. It wouldn’t be much of an escape if approached in any other fashion. So I insist on enjoying mine with a bit of jam on top.

Now, of course, I can’t think of anything except being in France and enjoying a daily trip to the bakery. Jam is wonderful, but when you combine it with a fresh croissant or baguette it reaches new glorious heights. I’m often sad that America went the route of mass-produced baked goods. They just aren’t very good at all in comparison. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I grew up with a Twinkie in my lunchbox, so I’m no snob, but once you discover real baked goods, there’s really no going back. We luckily have a local bread company here that stocks our grocery stores with fresh bread daily. Unfortunately, their baguette, while good, is slightly undercooked. We realized why when the checker smiled while scanning it and said, “Oh, yum! I love garlic bread!” In America, it’s far more likely a baguette is being purchased to be recooked in the oven with a bit of cheese and garlic. I’m sure this company would have received complaints had they not been wise enough to undercook the bread anticipating this end result. So, a perfectly cooked baguette is still one of my favorite treats!

And if you’d like a little treat, then today might just be your lucky day! Tonight, I’m giving away 10 Stonehenge Aqua Samplers, which include a sheet of all the Coldpress and Hotpress papers (US Only for this one). These will go to the first 10 artists who comment below with “That’s So Sweet!” to let me know they one one and who have never received anything from Legion Paper here on Doodlewash! Be sure to watch for my reply as if you win (or even better, click the option to ‘notify me of new comments via email’), as I’ll be requesting your address so I can have your prize sent to you! Life is certainly better when you can receive a lovely treat now and then. Yes, definitely in moderation, because too many treats at once would run the thrill entirely. But if you ever have a day where you need just a little smile to help you get through it, I would highly suggest opening a new jar of jam.

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Da Vinci Paint Co.: Yellow Ochre, Quinacridone Gold, Benzimida Orange, Da Vinci Red, Ultramarine Blue and Payne’s Gray.  Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with sepia ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book.
 #WorldWatercolorGroup - Day 11 - Opening A New Jar Of Jam - Bonne Maman - Doodlewash

Charlie O'Shields

Creator of Doodlewash, founder of World Watercolor Month (July), World Watercolor Group, and host of the Sketching Stuff Podcast. Sharing watercolor illustrations and stories while proudly featuring talented artists from all over the world!

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54 thoughts on “Opening A New Jar Of Jam”

  3. That’s so sweet! Lovely post and painting as always! Now I’m craving jam and croissants as well, and thinking of baking some. As always, thank you for your beautiful paintings and writing every day, it’s always a pleasure to read through your interesting thoughts.

    Reply

      1. Ah, I’m so sorry, I didn’t see the US only on the post (too busy craving jam, I suppose!) Thank you for your generosity and effort, but please don’t trouble yourself if the sponsor doesn’t ship to Canada! I’m perfectly happy just reading your posts. Thank you again for your entertaining and reflective writing and beautiful paintings, I can never say it enough. And congratulations on 800!

        Reply

  9. I couldn’t have gotten through childhood without grape jelly, but this jar of apricot jam on a croissant – I’m trying to get a bite of it but my computer refuses to cooperate. The color alone is delectable.

    Thank you for the many lovely little presents received in the mail over the last months – very generous of you and the companies offering them.

    Reply

  10. “That’s So Sweet!” My alto ego is “The Jam Lady”. If it doesn’t move I’m planning to turn it into jam or jelly. How about Lilac Blossom (that was a pain as there can be no green parts included), rose petal, Black Forrest (cherry, brandy and chocolate), Strawberry Daiquiri, Hawthorn, Rowanberry. I made cucumber jelly once, only once. It was disgusting. I’m working on Chokeberry or Cotoneaster this year. Come November I’ve usually accumulated about 200 jars so off we go to a local craft fair. 4 generations, myself, my son, his daughter and her son. There is at least a dozen taster jars on our table. We have gathered quite a name for ourselves. I don’t take orders, I make what ever takes my fancy and sell the left overs. I think if I make it a “business” the fun will be lost. I feel you would understand that Charlie. I belong to a small art group and they had a show and sale at Christmas, I was persuaded to put some of my watercolours up for sale. I hated it, it was like selling part of myself. The best way to eat a good jam is off a spoon. Love to try the paper. Thanks Charlie, Blessings.

    Reply

    1. hehe… I totally understand that!! What a fabulous story, Jan! 😃💕 And now you have me wanting to try those jams!! YUM!!! This one was only for U.S. with this sponsor, but I’ll check to see if they might ship to Canada as well!

      Reply

  15. Delicious!! I’m not an artist, so I’ll settle for a black currant jam sandwich (unless of course there is elderberry
    and then I’d be having that!) Your painting makes me hungry!!.

    Reply

  18. FYI Charlie, I never received an email notification today! I hope I didn’t get kicked off the list. I finally came to your website to check. (I did receive the email about Jean Haines, just not the one with your doodlewash.

    Reply

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