Friendships are everything to me, and I have made some really great friendships since starting Sketchbook Skool. Susanne lives in Canada and she drew an awesome portrait of me riding a Vespa in Paris! So I drew her standing by a Frida painting in Mexico!
These flowers are mementos of bouquets my best friend from childhood, Patty, gave me last year.
We are drawing flowers this week and next at Paper, Paint, Pencils & Pens! So it was fitting to do these and my choices evoked lots of great memories for me of my dear friend.
We are in readiness for a trip of a lifetime, planning to pack small, as we will be walking a lot so will be carrying everything on our backs. I am trying to keep this to a minimum of clothing and art supplies, and am averaging around 18 pounds right now.
My dear husband is reading travel books up the kazoo! I drew some of them to color when I am on the plane!
Packing is a big deal when wanting to travel light. Just how few clothes can one get by on?
I have narrowed it down and narrowed it down again.
My 18 lbs. contains toiletries (tiny containers of shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, (DH can pack the deodorant), tiny tube of tooth paste, manual toothbrush, hair brush;
All clothing is packed in three small cloth cubes, rolled for optimal space saving.
It all fits in one 40L backpack.
Clothing consists of: Pants: two pairs of nylon long pants with zip off legs, (one to wear, one to pack. They wash and dry quickly); One pair of outer waterproof pants for rain; one pair of black tights. Jackets: One thin, lightweight down jacket with a stuff bag; One Polypropalene rain jacket with hood with a zip in pocket pouch; 2 long sleeved hoodies of light wt. materials; one long sleeved T-shirt; one blouse Polypropalene wash and wear. One set of long johns for warmth and to sleep in; three pairs of nylon underpants, three pairs of sox. One pair of Mary Jane Keen dress shoes; and hiking boots to wear. Camera, art supplies. Important papers, $, etc.
It gives me peace of mind to know our house will be being house sat, as well as our cat.
Our house sitter will be home around the clock too!
I think we are almost ready!
Work out, get in condition to walk, and walk and walk carrying my
worldly belongings on my back!
I can do it!
I can!
oh, your upcoming trip sounds wonderful! i can't wait to see all the drawings you post. i haven't been to Europe in years. I used to backpack every summer in my 20s and 30s. Lately though, I've been doing more U.S. vacations. So many things here that I've yet to see!
ReplyDeleteWe too travel a lot in the states and love the history we get to learn about and see. It's been way too long since I've been to Europe as well, and am so glad I get to return this year!
DeleteLooks like you are going to have a blast. Bon voyage.
ReplyDeleteI love the , trains, planes automobiles ,ferries and FEET. lol great pre paintings. What fun you will have sketching the sights.all great work here.
ReplyDeleteWow, how long will you be gone for? Sounds like a wonderful trip.
ReplyDeleteLovely art this week Lynn! Thanks for the invite to PPP&P...will see if I can get around to it! Wow your trip sounds exciting, love Rick Steves.
ReplyDeleteLove your driving style Lynn and the way you use aquarelle to color is truely amazing, enjoyed your sketches. Happy PPF, Ruth
ReplyDeleteWow, your creative output is amazing!! Just love the lily - they're my favourite flower :)
ReplyDeleteHappy PPF :) x
You are so organised! I love how you have prepared drawing pages to colour too.
ReplyDeleteI love that you are taking on Liz Steele's drawing your packing idea... great fun to see what you are taking... and the trip is going to bring us all so much pleasure as you manage to share your sights with us through your drawing... getting excited to see what you draw... and Patty's flowers are lovely... a nice way to remember her...xx
ReplyDeleteIts funny Tracey, I did not know Liz did this, so I am not a copycat. Just did it on my own. But Kate at SBS pointed that out to me too. Funny. Like minds! I'm excited to see what I draw there too! ;-)
DeleteI am so excited for you. Packing light is an art. I too am looking forward to seeing your drawings. How fun!!!!
ReplyDeleteNicole/Beadwright
I love that you are travelling like a teenage hippie in the 60s. That rocks. I travelled light across Europe, too. I only took one book and ended up abandoning it under a bridge, as well as the extra pair of shoes. After a while, you can feel every extra ounce in that backpack. :)
ReplyDeleteLovely paintings from your week!!! You seem much better at packing light than I am. I fill a small carry-on suitcase and a backpack. Don't know it we will carry a bit more seeing that we are doing a cruise too. I haven't figured it out yet. Looks like you are going lots of places.
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping your vacation is exciting and many memories made. I love that drawing of your friend standing next to Frida's painting in Mexico. Lovely. Enjoy yourself Lynn. Beautiful flowers from Patty.:)
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome adventure you are going to have! Your sketches really look good this week, enjoy your trip!
ReplyDeleteOh, how fun to see all the drawings of your preparations for the big trip! The rainproof clothes are a good idea seeing that you will be going to Europe in the fall .... Enjoy your trip, I'm sure you'll have fun and am looking forward to all the wonderful sketches I'm sure you'll make on the way :-)
ReplyDeleteYour flowers are beautiful! I know you must miss Patsy soooo much... Can't wait to hear (and see your drawings) about this trip!
ReplyDeleteLovely flowers water painting.
ReplyDeleteGreeting from Belgium.
* http://retriever-louisettesblogs.blogspot.com/2014/09/costumes-de-legendes-20-ans-de-creation.html
Honors costumes Opera with the textiles museum of Lyon
* http://louisette.eklablog.com/-p842116
Mons in Belgium My city
I LOVE the way you are documenting the preparations for your trip. That will make an excellent treasure throve of memories. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteLynn, it's so wonderful to see you back! I've always loved your watercolor work - totally makes me smile! :)
ReplyDeleteI adore your sunflower--I have a sunflower friend, too--she's one of the best gifts God has ever given to me. (grin) Have a lovely day, and thank you for sharing your wonderful art with the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteI just love this gorgeous post in all it's colorful glory! Good for you packing so light! My daughter always packs light so she can take only a carryon, that way she never loses her bag... Plus when she takes an extra bag to check in for bringing things back she still packs all her essentials in the carryon in case the big one is lost! I suspect you will be able to carry on too!! It will be fun to watch your trip! Enjoy!!
ReplyDeleteHugs Giggles
Hugs Giggles
Lynn, your post is teeming with wonderful sketches. I love the flowers. So gorgeous. And the birthday pages are fantastic.
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