If you’ve been peeking at my Instagram feed, you might know that I’ve been in Portland, Oregon this week. Pater had meetings here, and I accompanied him in anticipation of playing flâneuse — and getting a jump on spring in a city 500 kilometres (315 miles) south of us.
Alas, no spring here yet, although perhaps the rain that has poured all week will usher it in. And at least we got out of Vancouver just before the snow fell there. . . .
We’re packing up this morning, and hoping the roads will be clear for our drive home, but I thought I’d show you what I do when the weather keeps me indoors in a hotel room. . .
First of all, note that I came well-supplied for this weather siege:
I packed knitting (two projects: a hat, almost finished now, and socks, just begun), a bag of pencils, markers, eraser, pencil sharpener, glue stick. . . and my trusty mini-palette of watercolours, plus a water pen.
I brought several sketchbooks and notebooks. Packed that big art book I talked about last post along with the travel journals I referred to there. My MacBook, my iPad Mini. . .
Oh, and I even packed our little Jawbone Jambox (mini-speaker that Bluetooths to the Spotify on my iPhone)
We’re trying to get out of here by a reasonable time this morning, and I’m not quite packed yet, so I won’t transcribe notes until later — and then only if a few of you request that. . . .
The page below isn’t finished yet. . . .
but I thought you’d like to know that I brought along the kettle I talked about in this post— bought last year in Portland when I was frustrated at not being able to make up my cuppa in the morning and afternoon — now that post generated quite a conversation!
I did make sure to get out and walk a few times each day — and had my umbrella turned inside out by the wind far too often! Refuge was taken, and I even sketched on site (prolonging the refuge before having to brave the wind and rain to wend my way back to the hotel). . .
I wasn’t always sketching — I found spots for lunch, went for dinner with Pater — last night we even went to a club for some live jazz/blues!
I got to Powell’s books and added to my TBR list. . .
Read the very good book I’d brought with me (Anna Burns’ Man Booker prize-winning Milkman), knit most of the hat I began the morning we left, watched three or four episodes of Frankie and Grace. . . . wrote Tuesday’s blogpost and did some work on my second draft. . .
And still had time for one more sketch. Yes, the effrontery! I decided I had to follow Tuesday’s post with an attempt to capture the Modigliani painting referred to there, his Jeune Femme Assise au Corsage Bleu. And I know that “a poor worker always blames her tools,” but this paper is really not meant to take much watercolour, and the waterbrush doesn’t offer much finesse against its not-at-all-toothy surface. . .
Moving right along,
here I am, getting ready to leave the room . . . I’ve found yet another way to wearThat Sweater. I’d forgotten about this J Crew silk blouse until I found it tucked under a jacket on a hanger in my closet. Hadn’t missed it much because I don’t like the way it buttons (there’s a tendency to gape in awkward spots). This is such a comfortable get-up, thanks to those wide-legged, high-waisted, cropped pants (Aritzia) being knit — so kind to my tummy 😉
And now I really must pack. Chat soon. Happy weekend and all. . . .let me know if you’d like transcriptions of my journal scrawls. Let me know, also, if you’re so inclined, whether you ever pack a similar arsenal when you travel. . . or am I the only one?
Packing for a road trip is so different from packing for air travel. We usually go to Belgium for Christmas, a 10-hour drive (if all goes well; usually it's more like 12). We pack so much food because my husband will stop only once, only long enough to fill the tank. And blankets. And pillows. Not only for the car but also because there are never enough where we stay.
Why don't clothing companies make shirts that don't gap? Is it so hard?
FYI, I have noticed a trend here of wide-legged cropped pants. Worn with ankle boots (like the ones in your sketch or Doc Martens). A strip of leg (bare or with crazy socks/tights) is revealed between pant and boot. Often there's a kind of Annie Hall/1920s newsboy vibe, thanks to the fabrics. I like it. Comfortable and attainable regardless of one's figure.
It's SO different from packing for air travel — and it always amuses me that while I can travel carry-on-only for a 6 to 8-week trip (10 weeks, once!), I will take three times that for a week (or three or four days!) if we're taking the car. . .
We've got that same trend happening here, especially among the younger women and especially through the winter. I wasn't sure at first, but I like it very much now as well — as you say, comfortable and attainable regardless of figure–for now, the looks has an appealing insouciance.
That looks like it has been a lot of fun. Imagine that journal being handed down in years to come. I tend not to pack like that but it might be a good idea. It would be books (of course) and a book of cryptic crosswords, plus a pashmina or two, I think. When the children were small and we went on holiday we used to get them to keep scrapbooks – postcards, photos, sugar wrappers, tickets, sweet wrappers- and write a few words every day. They must still be here somewhere in a deep cupboard. Perhaps I should try doing the same. I kept a journal in China and am glad I did. Now you have given me a project for the rest of the year. Thanks!
I'd love to think it gets handed down, but I see my kids keeping fewer and fewer treasures beyond the daily needs — space is at such a premium in our city (second most unaffordable housing in the world, according to latest Demographia survey!). . . I envy you your deep cupboards (and then remind myself I used to have those as well 😉 I imagine your journal from China (the year of your Ultra?) is great to wander through now. . .
I like your journals as they are, impressionistic, and I kind of enjoy being able to read only what I can make out on the page. Is that weird? It's an ephemera thing maybe?
Thanks! I don't think it's weird — at least, it's how I'd approach someone else's, but I know that some might find the illegibility a problem 😉
You've done a lot of art! Yes, I think that your journal sketching qualifies as art now. I usually take books, stitchery and online Jeopardy for rainy days. Your Jack London outing looked like fun. You haven't missed anything here as we're in the messy hard to walk around stage right now.
You're so kind. I won't call it art myself, but it's sweet to hear.
We hadn't been in a club forever, and it was fun — guessing it's a more regular part of your life, with having a musician as a partner.
I always take a pillow when traveling by car. Pillows at destinations never as comfortable. A few books and tea bags, and never forget a corkscrew. I have also been know to slip in to my bag a tiny cheese board and knife. One never know…
Ali
It's true, pillows can make all the difference to a night's sleep. And imagine not having a corkscrew! 😉
Your journal published will rival "The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady." by Edith Holden. What a lovely thing you've created. I'm having a moment of journal envy and I'm not one who is susceptible to envy. Oh maybe I am after all…looking at you big bag of Powell's City of Books on the table. Never been there but I heard all about Powell's Books from my cousins who are in Portland. The size of a city block? Would love to get lost in there for a day or maybe two days…:) And the Modigliani drawing is outstanding. Love it. Amelia
Powell'c City of Books is a very cool place — I love the way it mixes used and new books, so that there are always serendipitous and unlikely treasures to be found. (thank you for the kind words about my sketch journal )
Almost all the trips I have taken in the last few years have been by air, so that limits what I can bring. The one thing I always bring my own tea bags and I try to stay at places that have an electric kettle, so I totally understand why you brought yours along for the ride–because who can stand lukewarm tea? Other travel items I bring along: tablet (books), journal, pens and perhaps some knitting.
Another tea granny! 😉 A kindred spirit. . . Your packing list sounds like mine.
I recently found some old travel journals that I kept when I was in my early 20s. What a revelation of my young self! What adventures! I wish I had kept up the journaling (is that a word?). I quit daily journaling about ten years ago. And have not done travel journaling since my 20s. Hmmm … you may have inspired me to take it up again. Then, again, yours are so much more charming with all your sketches.
slf
I wish I had travel journals from that far back — And if you enjoyed it then, I suspect you'd enjoy it again now. No sketches necessary!
We travel mostly by train so I tend to pack a small, light case which can be hauled easily on and off the overhead racks. As long as I have tea bags and books I'm happy and although I prefer to read from an actual book, I always take my Kindle on holiday to prevent the worst happening (running out of decent reading material)! I finished Milkman the other day and it's still running through my mind. I thought it was brilliant – vibrant, disturbing, sad and often funny even within the same paragraph. My new book seems somehow pallid in comparison.
Your journal sketching is full of life and the watercolour of the woman is instantly recognisable as one of Modigliani's works. Also, I love the shape and colour of your burnt orange jumper (sweater), it looks perfect the way you're wearing it. Wilma D
We're the same, normally, and most of my travel is restricted to a carry-on size. Tea bags and books, such a luxury, and also a necessity! (and e-books such a boon for travellers who read too quickly — remember the days of trying to strategize how many books could fit in a suitcase)
I just finished Milkman, and agree absolutely with your description.
Ooh.. I love being holed up in a hotel room when it's raining. As long as I have toys (books and i-pad), a kettle to make tea, and Stu is out somewhere else and not chaffing at being confined indoors. Sounds like you had a great time despite the weather. Love your sketchbook as always, and the Modigliani.
The view and the level of light (very low) were rather depressing, to be honest, but there was a living-room and a bedroom with a door that closed so I could get up earlier (hours earlier!) than he did in the morning and still do my thing. And I had my toys and my kettle — not chafing at the confinement at all 😉
An eventful trip! Have been deprived of your blog because of a week of full on work coupled with funeral arrangements for a very dear uncle who passed away this week. So no time for commenting but just to let you know that I'm savouring this window of reading back through posts I've missed. A much-needed balm in my week. xx
So sorry, Linda. It's hard to lose a loved one, but especially one of that generation which is passing away now, taking a slew of memories with them. I know your family gathered 'round him a good week or two ago. The funeral will be following an intensely busy and emotional time, I'm sure. Take care.