Packing Prep

The evening before I leave for my "Women's Journaling Retreat" in the lovely Sierras. I'm dreaming of the wide spances of granite and glorious blue sky. I'm imagining five creative women loving the mountain air and each others company. The new ideas and perspectives shared enlarge and enlighten each of us. Who said there were only two instructors, Jean & I? I believe there are five teachers coming to this retreat!

I've been watching the weather. At first I was getting frightened when I saw the thunderstorms icon on the weather predictions and then, when I called Lake Alpine and the manager said the weather was, "cold, with a chance of snow". But now there are sunshiny icons with highs in the 60's and nights, invigorating at low 40's.

I'm packing from long underwear all the way to swimsuit. I'm prepared. I remember reading in some astrology column that a Virgo will have every thing in their purse that you could ever need, even Alka-Seltzer and band aids. Well, yep, I DO have those in my tiny purse . . . so you can guess I'm not missing anything in this packing assignment!

Then, there's the food. Since each participant is bringing their own breakfasts and lunches I have to plan for that and also, Jean and I are preparing two meals of the retreat too. I'm blessed in that my wonderful husband, the best chef in the house, is helping me prepare the toasted walnuts, quiche and helping (not controlling) my packing.

I've already prepared the Handbooks for all the weeks agenda. Writing out and finding illustrations for most of the exercises and ideas . . . I really DO love writing these up. Some people have suggested I write a book on my journaling . . . perhaps this in somehow preparation for just that.

Anyway, can't see how I could be any more prepared. Now I just finish the last minute things before 7am tomorrow and then, I'm off. The drive from here to Lake Alpine is just about 8 hours, so I'll take a couple breaks and turn up the music as the trip reaches its end. But by then, I will be floating on air . . . just being in the mountains again.

So wish this "mountain momma" a happy reunion with her element, safe travels and a successful, fun workshop. Cheers . . . off into the wild blue wonder . . .