Written by For our prompt of “Mouse” today, I made a sketch of a mouse in a Santa hat handing out gifts. When I was a kid, I loved being able to find gifts for my family under the Christmas tree and hand them out to each person, particularly if it came with the added bonus of being able to wear the hat. Though I loved getting gifts, of course, it was always more fun to give them. I still feel that way today as I diligently search online looking for little unexpected things to get for Philippe this year. I found some fun stuff! I always make a list of this year’s contenders before I actually make a final decision. He never reads my posts, so it’s probably safe to reveal them, but just in case, I’ll be keeping the specifics secret until after the big day. In truth, with my wild enthusiasm, I often forget what’s inside each gift after I wrap them up, so I’m just as excited to see what actually appears when he opens them!
We’re heading off to visit my family in Texas tomorrow, so today has been a mad dash of trying to make sure I have things done before we leave. I’ve actually managed to complete everything on my list, except laundry, but that always gets shoved to the end as it’s my least favorite. Also, I’m currently wearing the pants that I need to wash so it’s best to wait, lest I embarrass myself while taking our pup Elliott out for his final pee. This will be the first time we’ve left Elliott overnight at the pet resort, so there’s also a bit of trepidation. Though I’ll definitely miss him, I’m going to be so happy for even the tiniest little break from taking care of a puppy. Elliott would say that while we’re good when it comes to the gift of treats, we could really use more practice in the gift of playing, which he wants to do every second he’s not sleeping.
While, in my heart and mind, my Inner Child is currently doing backflips, my middle-aged body wants to spend some time being lazy on the couch and enjoying a cup of hot cocoa. It’s true though that one of the greatest gifts we can ever give to one another is the gift of simply being present. I always tell my mother that I’m her Christmas gift when I arrive, even when I’ve already sent something in advance. She smiles and hugs me in agreement. There’s really nothing in a box that could ever compare with quality time spent with those we love. These days, it seems to be one of the rarest gifts we can give. That’s why I’m so excited to spend time with family and return to spend more time with my closest friends. And, I hope that you have lots of loving, quiet moments with the special people in your life this month. Time spent together is a beautiful reminder of how little we really need, and how the littlest things in life can make the biggest difference in this season of giving.
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About the DoodlewashSketching Stuff Coloring Set – Da Vinci Watercolors: Charlie O’Blue, Yellow Ochre, Quinacridone Red, Opus (Vivid Pink), Vermilion, Leaf Green, Terra Cotta, and Indigo. ZIG Cartoonist Mangaka Pen with black ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book. Want to purchase a print of this doodlewash? Send me a note and I’ll add it to my shop! |
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Ahh the lure of the couch..our fuzzy family member is old and presently on the couch. Enjoy the play times.
Thanks so much!! 😃💕
Have a great time in Texas, Charlie! I suspect Elliott will be little uncertain about staying at the pet resort, at first, but he’ll have the time of this life once he gets used to it!
Thanks, Sandra! 😃💕 Elliott was uncertain… they said he growled at the other dogs at first, but then found some fun playmates and enjoyed himself!
Have a wonderful time in Texas, Charlie! Love these two little Santa Mice!
Thanks so much, Mary! 😃💕
Enjoy your cocoa, Charlie and have a blessed time with family!
Thanks so much, Linda! 😃💕
Wow, Texas is where I am from, actually my dad drove from Louisiana to Texas to have me born here.
Enjoy your family and yes being present is the greatest gift.❤️
Thanks so much, Bren! 😃💕 Sounds like you were destined to be Texan!
I hope that you and Phillippe have relaxing and wonderful time in Texas and give your Mom hugs from me too telling her that is for having such an awesome son. Love your little mice 🙂
Thanks so much, Zoie! 😃💕 We had a wonderful time!
You’re our gift, Charlie. The only thing missing in this exchange is a great big hug to close the deal. 💜 Eventhough I am in Texas, it’s still too far away from you that keeps me from crashing your family get together to get a crack at that bear hug. 😂😂😂 That and also because I might freak out your family. 😂😂😂 Enjoy your visit. Big Texas sized hugs!
Hey! Charlieeeeeeee! Down here! No, no, Charlie. Look South. I said, look South. Yeah, down towards San Antonio. Over here!!! Can you see me? I said, can you see me??? I’m the one waving! Yeah, that’s me, Charlie! That’s me! (emotional short pause/whispering) Hi, Charlie, my friend. You’re so close yet so far, oh, but I do love you, Charlie. Even if from afar.
One day, we’ll close the deal with a great big hug. One day. 💜 Feliz Navidad, my friend. To you and yours.
I did look south and send hugs!! hehe I hope you got them! Just catching up again after being off the grid for so many days. Texas is soooo huge… I was right there in the same state and still over six and half hours away! Much love to you!! ❤️
Great doodle, Charlie. Have a great break in Texas.
Thanks so much, Gary! 😃💕
Hello hello Charlie,
Pleeeeeeeease have an extra cup of cocoa on my behalf too! Now that the proper behaviour is out of the way, let’s move on to other stuff. 😆I love the mice. They reminded me so much of my Sylvanian Family mice that I’m gonna pull them out of their box and play with them. And your festive mood is infectious! It’s pretty warm where I live but I still want to wrap myself in a cozy blanket and tomorrow I’m gonna go and get a huge frosted cinnamon bun to enjoy with hot chocolate (or maybe I’ll have iced chocolate shakes – it’s really too warm for hot chocolate😉) Have a wonderful and safe trip my friend! Many hugs,
Love,
Mugdha
Hugs to you, Mugdha! 😃💕 Getting caught up after being off wi-fi for days (it’s not the jungle where my mom lives, but it comes close in terms of remoteness!). Yum to the huge frosted cinnamon bun and hot (or iced) chocolate. Hope it was delicious! I didn’t have hot chocolate yet, but I’m still hoping to have some over my next holiday break. Much love to you my friend!! ❤️
What a joy to be with your family! I’m so happy for you guys to get go be with them! We all are really grateful to be doing those simple things that mean so much!
PS mice are my absolute favorite, and I see three of yours at my house everyday! So much joy!!
Thanks so much!! 😃💕 Yeah, we missed 2020, but have been sure to get back each time since. It’s wonderful to be with family again! Happy Holidays to you and yours!