{The Neon Herd at South of the Border}
The countdown clock is ticking. After attending the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators Winter Conference in New York City this weekend, I am driving south in search of warm weather and hugs from grandchildren. (I will post more on the SCBWI conference next week.) This morning I pulled out my TSA approved carry-on suitcase to start the task of packing for my month long travels. While I do own larger suitcases, I have committed to not over packing. My thinking aligns with the Girls Scout admonishment that you pack your own bag and be able to carry your own stuff. Sounds pretty simple until you start to do it.
Clothes, shoes, computers, cameras and backup drives are neatly laid out on my bed as I question the need for each item. The funny part is that as I age the piles of clothes and shoes are getting smaller and the technology pile is getting bigger. Dressing in layers and requiring that a pair of shoes be comfortable is the limiting effect. I no longer carry a comfortable pair of shoes for walking and a separate stylish pair. These days all my shoes need to be comfortable and stylish. The technology is harder to cull. My work requires that I tote a computer with all the ancillary devices. And I never leave home without a camera but I do work hard to keep the technology in check where I can.
As I review my final packing list, I remind myself that this trip is about embarking on an adventure and not jockeying stuff from place-to-place. I will follow all the savvy travelers suggestions like carrying trail size toiletries and leaving home the nonessential clothing but in the end, it comes down to changing my thinking. One of my favorite films is The Darjeeling Limited. It is about 3 brothers who travel to India to reestablish their relationship and have a meaningful experience together. It is only after they literally and figuratively let go of all the baggage they are carrying that they are able to connect.
I will definitely share my adventures with you from the road but I would also love to hear about your February adventure?
Hugs,
C