Day 31 - When Time Stands Still - Hourglass - Doodlewash
By Charlie

When Time Stands Still

Written by Charlie O'Shields

As we head toward the last hours of 2017 or if it’s already arrived where you are, I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year!! I always find myself pausing a moment to reflect as the year closes. Not about politics or the state of the world. That’s all pretty much gone to rubbish and not worth dwelling on in this moment. Instead, for these final moments of the year, I like to think of all the wonderful and happy things that happened. For me, the silliest and simplest moments pop to mind first. Philippe, sitting and putting together a Lego set while happily singing something in French, only occasionally pausing to shout «putain!» when something doesn’t quite go together as expected. Taking Phineas out for a walk while first waiting for him to circle the house five times like he has some sort of obsessive compulsive disorder or is looking for a purse he thought he might need in case we do a spot of shopping along the way. None of these are unique events and they’ll all be back in the New Year, but they’re the first things that my heart remembers most. Each year is nothing more than a series of moments, each one following the next, until it’s time to say goodbye and start all over again. Best to make the most of each of them!

There were a handful of other larger milestones, of course. I was rather pleased that this year I managed to figure out how to create community features right here on Doodlewash, and was even more thrilled to see people actually using them! We celebrated another very successful World Watercolor Month in July with amazing support from brands we all love and got twice as many art supplies for underprivileged kids who need them this year. I discovered even more amazing watercolor artists, which always makes me incredibly happy. And best of all, my own watercolors are improving a bit each day thanks to all the fabulous tips and examples from our featured artists, each offering their own unique style and approach. Our DO Shop was launched late this year featuring a Watercolor Boutique where featured artists can sell their work here as well! And Philippe and I also managed to complete our tiny illustrated cookbook, and will be publishing that it in January once we’d had a moment to proofread it a bit.

But as the clock ticks down to the end of the year, my focus shifts to savoring each last little moment. There’s music playing in the background and very shortly our friends will be arriving as we celebrate by avoiding large parties and going to see a Star Wars movie instead. Then we’ll head to bed before the clock even strikes midnight, and likely be asleep when 2018 arrives. We’ve learned that it tends to come with or without us, and our attempts to remain awake in previous years were more painful than celebratory. Without the help of crowd of revelers it’s just staring at the clock and staying up for no good reason. But tonight will be lovely and I’ll enjoy each moment with friends and family. A simple toast of champagne and a chorus of “Happy New Year!” will kick off the evening and we’ll have a nice dinner before heading to the theatre. And while many will enjoy a lively party with a pending countdown, my heart will always favor these tiniest of cherished moments when time stands still.

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About the Doodlewash

Da Vinci Paint Co.: Quinacridone Gold, Terra Cotta and Cobalt Blue.  Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with sepia ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book.
  Day 31 - When Time Stands Still - Hourglass - Doodlewash

Charlie O'Shields

Creator of Doodlewash, founder of World Watercolor Month (July), World Watercolor Group, and host of the Sketching Stuff Podcast. Sharing watercolor illustrations and stories while proudly featuring talented artists from all over the world!

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57 thoughts on “When Time Stands Still”

  4. As the Old Year slides into a New Year…Thank-you for all of the Doodlewash posts past, present and future. May 2018 be filled with Peace, Joy and Love.

    Reply

  6. I must share a memorable moment that just happened as this old year closes.
    I had just posted my, and what do you think the title was?

    Yep…”When Time Stands Still”

    As soon as I read your post, I went back and changed my title to “400 Miles from NYC”
    If ever you are browsing about, check it out. It will be there for at least 365 days. : )

    I love the tone on your article, and the way you articulate it. I love the concept of the hour glass on its side.

    Wishing you a bounty of blessings in 2018!

    Reply

  9. Leave the bad,keep the good,grasp today,look forward to tomorrow..
    I love your story Charlie,,Happy New Year…to you and Philippe and Phineas..✨

    Reply

  14. I love the concept of time standing still Charlie. Because, so often, we don’t allow ourselves to focus on this moment. Preferring to dash onwards, ever quicker, towards death. Worse, we spend precious moments worrying about futures that may never happen, or wishing that moments that have already happened hadn’t. The only time we can influence is now. I will try to use ‘now’ wisely.

    Reply

    1. That’s so true, Rod! Now is really all we affect and the little moments happening all around us are so important. And yeah, I’ve no desire to speed towards death… I’d rather take it at a nice leisurely stroll. 😉

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    1. hehe…. thanks, Lisa! 😃💕 Yeah, the good news is it’s New Year’s somewhere every hour so you can celebrate with whatever country works best with your sleep schedule! lol Hope you have a very Happy New Year!

      Reply

  16. Charlie, I’ve had so much fun following your blog for the past year, reading your posts and pausing over the art. You make me laugh and think, and sometimes you lift me out of the sour moods that get me down. Happy New Year to you, Philippe, Phineas.

    Reply

  17. <> That exclamation sums up how I felt about many things in 2017, but I like your positive approach better, Charlie. I will do my utmost to emulate you in the year ahead and be more mindful and present for those little moments of joy. My best to you and Philipe in the year ahead!

    Reply

  18. Love your hourglass! Too, taking time to savour and appreciate those special moments of the previous year is a wonderful gift, and something that I hope to practice more often in the coming year. Thank you for the gift you’ve shared with us all: Doodlewash! May it continue to grow. Happy New Year Charlie!!!

    Reply

  21. I’ve been wondering about the cookbook. I hope it comes together relatively smoothly, and that it will be very successful. I’m looking forward to some nice soup recipes, especially Philippe’s squash soup you painted and wrote about in October. I was hoping the 2 of you hadn’t given up on the project.

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Elizabeth! 😃💕 The cookbook is complete… we just have to proofread it and get a test print first. It was far more work than we expected and it’s only 40 pages. 😊 Squash soup is the first recipe though! 😉

      Reply

  24. That’s pretty cool, Charlie, and a good idea. I always feel like I wouldn’t know what to do with a huge palette, haha, but I like blues, greens, reds, and yellows so a “few” extras have snuck in! 😁

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  25. Oh, I think this might be my favorite of your daily paintings so far! It says something to me, though I wouldn’t be able to put it into words – I just like that sand/time isn’t going either way, it’s just staying where it is.

    Reply

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