Written by One of my favorite times of childhood was when I got to go to the local Dairy Queen for an ice cream sundae. For those who are unfamiliar, DQ is a chain of soft serve ice cream and fast food restaurants. And one of my favorite menu items was a strawberry sundae, though it was really impossible to choose just one. This consisted of some soft serve vanilla ice cream and a delicious bit of strawberry topping. No nuts, whipped cream or other things to complicate the offering, just a simple bit of sundae. You could, of course, add those things, but like most desserts I adore, the simple version was the most satisfying for me. That little loop or curly cue at the top is a DQ signature look that still exists today. Even now, the unique flavor of this ice cream makes it one that I’ll still seek out from time to time. It’s super yummy!
It’s been a rather eventful week and so I’m happy to be heading into a weekend. There’s been a lot of activity on social media based on the recent election, but I’m secretly thrilled that for my part the last couple of days, I was able to encourage people to add cupcakes and sundaes into the mix. In between all the news items, tweets, and other things that felt frightening or depressing, little bits of sweet desserts kept popping up in my feed. Happy little images illustrating the simple joys of everyday life. This is why I find art such a powerful medium of communication and therapy. We can come together in the most abstract of ways, during even the most uncertain of times, by simply painting the same little thing. Some lovely little bit of happiness and a memory of something special that we all share. Showing what we all share in common, rather than that which divides us.
So tonight, this dessert feels particularly sweet. Sometimes, when things seem tense or confusing a little spot of painting can make everything suddenly fall sharply into focus. Life is essentially good. People, as a whole, are as well. Thanks to all of you who create beautiful things with your art. The world needs you to do that now more than ever. Grab your brush and tell a counter story. In the midst of fear and ugliness, you can tell a story of hope and send images of beauty. This is your gift. Make the most of it. Show this little green planet what matters most in the images you create. Simple things like ice cream sundaes and love and decency that can never be shaken. Whenever you find yourself in doubt, rest easy knowing that the answer is sitting right in front of you. Simply smile, and paint the world!
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About the DoodlewashSennelier L’Aquarelle: Carmine, Red Orange, Indian Yellow, 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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This is lovely, Charlie! That strawberry syrup looks perfectly sticky-sweet. 😀 Great words for the end of a long, hard week. I’m so glad that our art community is putting beautiful things out into the world and sharing them with each other. I know I’ve needed that in tough times. <3
Thanks so much, Annie!! 😃💕 Yes! Thank goodness for art! It really makes everything better!!
That looks amazing. You’ve captured the textures perfectly. Thank you for your positivity and enthusiasm. It’s a gift you give your readers.
Aww thanks, Laura! 😃💕 I’m typically only ever positive so this week was a challenge for me. But I’ve rebounded… determined that it’s time to paint some smiles back into the world!
Charlie, your words and images, like a strawberry sundae, are inspiring and comforting. Thank you.
So glad you enjoyed this Lois. Thanks so much! 😃💕
Yay! Dairy Queen and the best ice cream sundaes. Okay the best soft ice cream and how about those ice cream cakes. Although rare fond memories indeed. FYI Dilly bars my ultimate childhood fave.
Thanks, Susan! 😃💕 Oh my gosh… Dilly bars!! Yessssss!! hehe… yummy!!
LOL
What a lovely article, Charlie. You are right and maybe if we can hold our heads together, we can hold our anger in check and make something wonderful.
But for now, you made me hungry for soft serve ice cream. Good thing I can’t drive yet.
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕 And a little soft serve ice cream is equally good for comfort. Hmmm… they should really have an ice cream delivery service like pizza. hehe
They do – they call it milk delivery.
Red topped ice cream, you have seen red and screamed …Comfort food with some comfort words, just like your ice cream I hope this feeling melts away, and in the future you will look back, and recall these moments, of worry, and instead feel jolly. ❤️
Thanks so much, Rebecca! 😃💕 Comfort food is the best!! And yes… I hope so as well. Guess that will all depend on what the future actually brings with it!
Oh my, this looks wonderful! Beautifully done.
Thanks so much, Teri! 😃💕
Stunning drawing of my favourite as well only difference is I liked a flaky inserted into the centre!
Thanks, Di! 😃💕 hehe… yay… glad you’re a fan as well!
#painttheworld with hope!!
Cheers to that, Beverly! 😃💕
As always, Charlie, your words are spot on. Thanks so much. And thanks for this delightful sundae. So many childhood memories came back – I, too, loved the soft serve sundae with just strawberry sauce. (although I suspect that now I would find that topping to be way too sweet) We didn’t have a DQ in the little mountain town where I grew up, but we did have a little place with a drive up window where you could order ice cream. I called it the ice cream station, much to the amusement of my parents. (This was back in the day when gas stations were all full service)
Thanks so much, Ellie! 😃💕 There was a little place like that on the way to my grandparent’s farm. It was at the half-way point of the drive and we always stopped there on the way home. hehe… love the ice cream station! That’s perfect!
Always reach for the ice cream when things don’t seem to be going the way you expect, Charlie – it makes any situation far, far better! Good Doodlewash once again!
Yep! Ice cream can make just about anything better! Thanks, Tom! 😃💕
This looks very naughty indeed! I’ve not encountered terribly many sundaes but I’d certainly plump for this one! Glorious all round. Have a Simple Sunday tomorrow. <3
Thanks, Jacob! 😃💕 It’s still made with ice cream though😉… hehe… but it’s so delicious!
Mmmm. I loved them, too. You captured it perfectly.
Thanks so much, Andrea! 😃💕