SO MANY LITTLE THINGS that are so easy to forget! As the “organiser” of a trip for more than just me this year, I’ve more of a responsibility to be more organised. To have all my ducks in a row. I’ve been trying to juggle home, yard, book and trip. I think it’s time to let go of the house and yard, tuck “book” away by putting the manuscript into my bag and stop trying to edit until the trip begins … and focus completely on the trip. There are quite a few important “little things” that should be dealt with before we step onto the plane. Things like car rental (usually have that done by now), map out the first couple weeks of sightseeing and set up one more accommodation … (again—usually done by now …) plus figure out when we’ll do the event (ceihli) at the Jameson Distillery in Dublin—there will be three opportunities: in the first couple days, just before heading over to the UK or once we return to Dublin (a day or so prior to our return home) … now to figure that one out.
And there’s the ritual of packing, unpacking, repacking, packing—ad nauseam till I’ve got it down to the least amount of stuff. Also something I’ve usually started to do—but have not.
Time is quickly dwindling down to time-to-leave, but not quite yet—thankfully. I’m getting my pre-trip jitters and excitement is … well, let’s just say the level is up there (insert enormous grin).
There’s one more book/art event I’ll be squeezing in before my departure—actually, more of a meet and greet, letting the public know I’m still here, as an artist and writer. I will have my books available for purchase, but plan on demonstrating a little bit of book arts—working on creating (at least starting) a couple small books for artwork and journaling for our trip. Joyce and I will be in one of the Aromas gardens on Saturday (12 May), for the Aromas Hills Artisan’s Country Garden Tour from 10am-4pm. If you are in the area, come to the Aromas Grange to pick up the map so you can poke around some delightful gardens, beautiful artwork … and (of course) find the two local authors.
Aaaah—before I forget, I’d like to wish all mothers, mothers-to-be and mothers-in-waiting and -wanting a blessed and joyous Mother’s Day! May it be filled to overflowing with precious memories!
Until next week, have a blessed Friday and weekend! Cheers!
I hope all goes smoothly in your final days to departure.