A Packing List for my (neglected) Artist Self
For when parts of yourself are throwing a tantrum.
I have moved into packing mode over here as my family is off for a couple night in our little RV camper that could. It has bunk beds for the kids and well, I just think that is neat.
The artist in me is having a bit of tantrum these days as I have made little space for myself and expression the past couple weeks. She is kicking her feet right now as we speak.
So I asked the artist within, “and for you, what would you like me to pack”?
Here is what she said:
Journals, at least three.
Multiple pens.
Your child’s watercolor markers (ask for permission, you know how she gets).
An open mind.
Whimsy.
The key to unlock your imagination. At what age did you just lock it up? And why?
Binoculars.
‘Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver’ (in hardback)
Water.
No shoes.
Temporary tattoos. Promise.
Honesty.
The ability to start again.
A picture of you as a kid.
The matching mushroom set.
Rick Rubin’s ‘The Creative Act’
No bras. Please.
Pack all your desires that got stowed away and hidden in corners and closets and nooks and crannies. Check under the bed, too.
Toothbrush.
Lemon. One is fine. Lime works, too.
Natural bug spray.
A large brimmed sun hat.
A hat hat.
A fantasy romance book.
Those t-shirts you keep cutting the bottom half off of.
I see you have shampoo there but the shower is cracked soooo…..
Baby wipes?
Maybe one more journal.
“That should do it”, she said.
And already, I feel my shoulders relax. My belly uncurl and unfurl ever so slightly. And my asshole even de-puckered a bit (it does that…). I so often forget that all the parts of me need tending. And my body will speak up when one is being forgotten.
I am listening. And I am communicating and making space.
To the road we go, markers, journals, whimsy and all.
Love this a lot
Love the list ❤️❤️ and the reminder. Safe travels, have so much fun