Written by Today is apparently National Pumpkin Day for those who celebrate it, so we have this quick little doodlewash of a variety so you can choose your favorite. I don’t know of anyone who actually celebrates this day, but suggestions to do so include everything from pumpkin pudding to pumpkin lasagna. Of course, here in the States, pumpkins carved into jack-o-lanterns are all the rage so you can feel free to do that as well. Like many words, the word for pumpkin originates from a Greek word, pepon, which literally means “large melon.” For me, the significance is merely the arrival of my favorite season. Once the stacks of pumpkins start showing up, it’s a clear signal that autumn has officially arrived. And this little fact always manages to make me very happy.
When Philippe came here for the first time, he’d never carved a pumpkin. Halloween is not really something that’s celebrated in France so this tradition was brand new to him. Though he did it with glee several years ago, we’ve yet to replicate the experience. So, perhaps this year we’ll grab one on the weekend and make something suitable for a proper Halloween celebration. The actual carving of a pumpkin is really the most fun. After that you simply light it and look at it as it withers before your eyes. We made the mistake of carving one too early in our enthusiasm that first year and it was rather tragic by the time Halloween night arrived. A once rather happy face was suddenly disfigured and looking like someone who had missed the last several dental appointments.
This year, if it happens, we should have a lovely face to greet the holiday ahead. Part of the reason for extreme pumpkin deterioration is pure laziness and not wanting to deal with disposing of it. So, this new carved pumpkin will likely become something dark and unnatural in time to usher in Thanksgiving, another new holiday for my French partner. But, this is such a fabulous season here. It’s fun to have something new to celebrate at the end of each of the three final months of the year. Of course, I’m just biding my time until Christmas which is my absolute favorite time of the year. I’m like a child again and so excited to experience the magic. Each of these holidays brings me one step closer. Even the ones that nobody has ever heard of help usher in the end of year. So, may you all have a wonderful Pumpkin Day!
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About the DoodlewashSennelier L’Aquarelle: Carmine, Indian Yellow, Phthalo. Green Light, Red Orange, Burnt Sienna, Ultramarine Deep. and Payne’s Grey. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon with black ink in a little red cloth hardbound l’aquarelle journal I found in a Paris shop. |
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Your beautifully painted Doodlewash looks like a pumpkin shrine – I note the wooden architecture supporting and surrounded by the pumpkin gods and goddesses. Perhaps one may worship there with lit candles tucked among the gourds. My favorite would be the ultimate sacrifice – all of them scooped to provide the essence of pumpkin pie. I bet Phillipe can make a really mean pumpkin pie, replete with dabs of cinnamon and dollops of whipped cream, baked on the altar of autumn holiday, otherwise known as an oven. Oh to be tempted by such decadence. T’is the season for ghoulishness – or foolishness at least.
(Sorry, I couldn’t resist – but you set me up, Charlie.)
well, you’d be fun at a party or just sitting at McDonalds…love your suggestions..!
Awww thanks!! 😊💕
Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 hehe… pumpkin shrine… I LOVE it!! Lol But mainly you just have me seriously craving some pumpkin pie!!! YUM!! I’ll definitely have to make sure that’s on the menu soon!
Great bunch of pumpkins! Charlie, if you get around to carving a jack-o-lantern this year, rub the inside and cut edges with cooking oil. It will last much longer!! 🎃🎃🎃
Thanks, Carol! 😃💕 What a great tip! I’ll have to try that this year! If we actually get around to it😊… hehe… we’ll see!
What a fun and creative composition. And fun commentary.
Thanks so much, Teri! 😃💕 Glad you liked it!
Funny and beautiful painting! So funny to paint pumpinks, nice shape, nice colors, and after all, nice soup !
Hehe… thanks, Laurence! 😃 💕I’ve been following my own prompts since I got back from Paris and so I’m just as surprised as to what comes out! Lol Glad you liked this!
Happy Pumpkin Day to you too! Did you know that the traditional orange pumpkins are actually no good for cooking with? We grow them just for decoration. The pumpkins used for pies and breads and other goodies are actually smaller and pale in color (white or tan). This is the kind of stuff you learn when your son works at a farmers market. 😊
Thanks, Nancy!! 😃💕 Hehe…it’s just as well then. Would be a shame to carve faces into perfectly good food! Those the seeds roasted are delicious! Hehe