These posts are some of my favorites to look back on. The anticipation of this biennial trip is wonderful and I love packing and making lists and planning for it! This year is my first year to attend since getting National Board Certification. I will now need to focus on specific professional development opportunities to maintain my certification in 5 years.
My Studio Bag
I will be attending the workshop most of the day and am bringing supplies to work with. This bag will be my main go-to and I will supplement it on my off-time to go out in the wild to paint after class.
Watercolor
Just for fun- Golden glow-in-the-dark, mica flakes, and Winsor iridescent medium
Pastels
Oils
Spooky, Cozy Time
My absolute favorite time is after dinner, after my last hike right as the light is running out. I’m back in my room, clean and in my pjs having tea in bed and watching spooky movies while I put finishing touches on the day’s art. It’s truly a lovely time.
Mountain Clothes
I love to wear comfortable hiking clothes. I usually wear leggings in the chilly mornings and change to shorts after lunch for the hot afternoons. I try to hike everyday I am there.
Paring Down
Now that you’ve seen all of it- I have to pare some of it down. I’m definitely happier dealing with less on these trips as parking is usually quite far from my room at the lodge and even farther from the studio spaces. Hauling things around can be exhausting! I usually leave quite a few things in the car such as my rain boots, and cold-weather gear. I will leave my oil painting things in the car too since I’m not sure I will even have time to use them.
Special Auto-Immune Things
I also have flares to contend with. I will be bringing Prednisone, Gabapentin, Ibuprofen for pain, my usual medications, a heating pad, and hand warmers. All of these things make traveling work for me. The tea helps a lot too.
End Notes
It sure is a lot to think about! Of course there are my toiletries, socks, well, you get the picture. And every year I’m afraid I will forget my phone charger! One thing I almost forgot was my little crossbody phone bag to hold my phone and room keys! I can’t live without that “pocket!”
I write all these things down in a big master packing list. It really helps so much to keep me organized and feeling calm about traveling.
Off I go to have an adventure!
-Jaime
