Written by Today we spent much of the day shopping, looking for after Christmas deals, so I didn’t have much time to make a post. Thankfully, we didn’t go crazy and just got things we actually needed like shoes and such. When it comes to footwear, I don’t actually own a pair of ice skates, since I’ve only ever tried it a couple of times in my life. Unlike roller skating, which I’m horrible at, I could navigate ice skates much better. That said, I still wasn’t good and being on them was more than a little terrifying. Since I’m tall, my butt has a long way to travel before slamming into the ice, thereby increasing the intensity of the impact. I was never really into sports of any kind so my abilities were always limited. As I hobbled across the ice, pleased with myself for remaining upright, kids more agile than me would be literally skating circles around me, jumping and pirouetting with an irritating sense of mastery. But I didn’t mind. I was still out there, trying it, in my own way. And while perfection for them might be landing a perfect salchow, for me it was the joy of making it around the full perimeter of the rink without falling on my ass.
It’s been several decades since I attempted ice skating, but the one and only rink I’ve ever been to is outdoors and still in operation a few blocks down the street. I just passed it today and could see a crowd of people happily sliding around in circles on an inch and half of ice. I’ve often wondered what it would be like to try it again, but I’ve never managed to do so. My horrible lack of ability isn’t really what’s stopping me, as they never really stops me from doing anything. I think it’s more that I found it rather boring going around in circles and never quite managed to fully grasp the allure. Perhaps if I’d taken lessons and learned how to perform little jumps it would have spiced things up a bit. Also, had I not been scared for my life the entire time, I’m sure the experience would have been much more enjoyable. I much prefer just sitting at home and painting for a bit of fun. Granted, I’ve not taken lessons in that either, but like ice skating, I’m content with others more skillful skating circles around me.
I’ve never really compared myself to others when it comes to things I do. I’m simply too busy wrapped up in the idea of doing the things. I love watching ice skaters perform amazing feats that seem almost impossible, just as much as I love seeing my fellow painters create things so astonishing that I can’t figure out how they managed to do it. I don’t worry that my work doesn’t quite look like theirs. I’m instead, thankful for the inspiration they give me to keep right on trying. Even if I’m just going in circles, they’re my own little circles and I’m content with that. Sure, part of me still wishes I could perform some of the daring techniques I’ve seen, not on the rink, but in my little kitchen art studio. Perhaps one day, I’ll find more time and patience to make a more elaborate painting, but for now, I’m content with my little daily doodlewashes. Rapidly attempting the impossible by sneaking in a painting and post even on my busiest of days. Posts like this one, rapidly completed in the 45 minutes just before dinner, once again, experiencing my own personal thrill of skating on thin ice.
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About the DoodlewashSennelier L’Aquarelle: Indian Yellow, Burnt Sienna, Cobalt Turquoise, 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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Oh Charlie I like them very much love the color and everything! <3 🙂
Awww thanks so much, Carolina! 😃💕 I love this color… hehe… just love to find any excuse to use it!
That’s a wonderful color I love it too and I love ice skating I wish I could wear them and fly on ice! 😉 <3
I love your skates! The details are wonderful. I too am not very comfortable on a pair of ice skates, although I did try it last year just to say I did. By the end, my toes and fingers were cold and I was ready for some hot chocolate, a soft chair and a good book! So much for that adventure!!
Thanks so much, Nancy! 😃💕 Hehe… that’s exactly what I remember from the experience! I felt like my toes were going to fall off… the the hot chocolate reward sort of made it all worth it!
Charlie, I’m always impressed with your art talent. Your shapes of everything you paint are accurate, your use of color is perfect, and you are a master at elements like glass, metallic, and reflections. You’re teaching yourself and you are a great student .
Awww that’s such a sweet thing to say! 😊 Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕 I admit that it’s been sort of fun just mucking about and exploring on my own. I’m sure I’ll dive back into a lesson or two one day, but right now I’m happy staying in mad scientist mode! Lol
You painted my skates! These are exactly the ones that my sister had and finally passed down to me decades ago.. I grew up in the mountains but never went skiing. I skated and skated and skated for years. Mostly forward, sometimes backward, occasionally a little spin. But it was all good. As always, thanks for a wonderful painting and lovely words to go with it. And thanks for bringing back a memory for me today.
Oh my gosh!! That’s awesome Ellie! 😃💕 Yay! These are such lovely skates! I’m sure you looked lovely skating in them! Fun memories!!
Charlie,
these are beautiful! I would hang them on my wall!
Awww thanks so much, Dessa! 😃💕 So happy you liked them!