Written by Today’s challenge prompt is “courage” and I had no idea what to choose upon opening my sketchbook tonight. I started thinking about things that require courage and then I spotted a nearly used up bottle of Tabasco sauce in the fridge. I didn’t so much immediately associate the bottle with the prompt as think, “damn, we’re almost out of hot sauce!” But then I thought back to all the times I’m eating at Thai restaurants and they ask what level of “heat” I would like for my noodle dish. Usually the options are a simple mild, medium, or hot, but one place offers a fourth option called “blazing.” This is the one that I’ve always been curious to try, but have never had the courage. I like spicy foods, but I’m not a fan of burning my taste buds off in the first bite. Still, it’s something intriguing that I’d like to try one day. This made me wonder how I’d rate my approach to the things I do every day. Is my approach to life mild, medium, hot, or blazing? Am I holding back from taking that last step there as well? Yep, even a bottle of hot sauce is enough to send my mind into contemplations on courage.
But now, I’m seriously wondering what type of life I lead. I see others who seem to always run at a faster pace, nearly running circles around everyone else with what they can accomplish. I’ve managed to do some cool things, but I think I’m still in the medium range most of the time. Sometimes edging to hot, but never what one might refer to as blazing. Or if I’ve ever managed it, it’s more likely a spark that burns out rather quickly. The thing holding me back, so to speak, is the personal life that I love and enjoy. I think I always stop short when anything comes along to sacrifice the wonderful time I get to spend with my little family. Plus, the dog would be super pissed. Well, he’s like that naturally, so that’s probably not the best gauge. But when we are chasing our dreams, it’s always good to remember to include the people we hold most dear in that chase. And because of that, I doubt my life will ever be blazing, but maybe it is rather hot after all. And that’s a pretty wonderful thing!
I truly believe that our lives are their hottest when we focus on not what we love, but who we love most. Maybe we didn’t accomplish that amazing thing we hoped we would, but if we managed to spare time for those we care about then our lives are still a wonderful success. As I rush to sketch a nearly empty bottle of tabasco from the fridge, I know that in just a moment, I’ll be enjoying a bit of family time. Sure, there are a million other things I could or should be doing, but they’ll still be waiting for me when I return. Actually, the more I think about it, my life might just be a little blazing after all. It’s filled with just the right amount of everything I love and I never lose focus on what’s most important. No matter what happens in life, some things should never be comprised. So maybe I’ll never truly run at a blazing pace, but that’s okay. In the end, some might prefer to more adventurous life, but some just like it hot!
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About the DoodlewashSennelier L’Aquarelle: Red Orange, Sennelier Red, Viridian, Olive Green, Phthalocyanine Blue, 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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The general rule in The Workshop is that if it doesn’t make you cry and sweat, it isn’t spicy enough! Our collection of hot condiments include everything from Banana Ketchup from the Philippines to tiny Thai Chilies that we “pickle” ourselves in fish sauce and rice vinegar. We even have a recipe for Oatmeal Raisin cookies with Jalapeños that is a huge hit at the holidays! 😎👍
Lol… I like that rule! Sounds like a delicious assortment you have there. Never tried cookies with peppers, but sounds intriguing for sure! 😃
I’d say your life has plenty of spice! And all the best kinds. (K)
Thanks so much, Kerfe!! 😃💕 Yeah, I think it does! The best kinds are all that matters in the end.
Yesterday you painted a food my 11 year old thought looked good enough to munch; today you’ve picked my 13 year old’s favourite condiment. He will heartily approve. That kid puts hot sauce on anything and everything.
Have you ever been to the Tabasco plantation on Avery Island? I went when I was pregnant with my now 13 year old which, come to think of it, might explain the obsession. It was a pretty cool place to visit.
As for the spice of life, I think we find it whenever we follow the things that make us feel happy, content and fulfilled. It doesn’t have to be adventurous or particularly challenging, just the things that make us feel fully dimensional and that we are living rather than existing.
Thanks, Laura! 😃💕 Yeah, I think that’s totally the best way to spice things up! I’ve never visited the plantation, but would be fun to see. But, yeah… I think that might explain the obsession your 13 year old now has! Lol That’s awesome!
Focus on who you love – a great focal point for one’s life. Getting the priorities right. Thoughtful post tonight. And nice bottle of the hot stuff!
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕 Yeah, I spent my youth running after “what” I love, but the older I get I realize focusing on “who” you love is far more rewarding in the end.
Hot stuff Charlie …..on fire!😀
Do you mean me? Or the bottle? 😉💕 LOL Yeah, you probably just meant the bottle. Thanks, Rebecca! hehe
Lol hey both of course ❤️
Maybe we didn’t accomplish that amazing thing we hoped we would, but if we managed to spare time for those we care about then our lives are still a wonderful success.
Loved the above lines .They are actually motivating and I can understand your pleasure on spending time on what you wanted to do
Thanks so much! 😃💕 I’m so happy you could connect with this post. Ideally, we’d get to do everything in life we wanted, but there’s only so much time in the day. Reserving time for loved ones is the only way to true happiness.
Agreed with your point
“Sometimes edging to hot, but never what one might refer to as blazing. Or if I’ve ever managed it, it’s more likely a spark that burns out rather quickly”. 😅😅😅😅 love it!
hehe… thanks, Jenn! 😃💕 I think we can all relate to having times like that! 😉
“Actually, the more I think about it, my life might just be a little blazing after all. It’s filled with just the right amount of everything I love and I never lose focus on what’s most important. ” … The best truth! 🤗
Aww thanks! 😃💕 I feel like life is at its best when we are surrounded by not just the things we want, but always the people we love most.
Wow this bottle of hot Tobasco is perfect! In any case it is always good to spice up a little…. 😉 <3
Thanks so much, Carolina! 😃💕 Yes!! It’s definitely always good to add a little spice to life!
I mean Tabasco sorry my phone choose the word! 🙂
hehe… phones do that… sometimes I wish they would just go ahead and right my posts for me. It would be amazing to see what comes out! 😉Lol
Ahaha that would be fun!