Countdown to a painting HOLIDAY...

I love how the Europeans call vacation "holiday". Now I can have the same privilege of saying so. I am embarking on a lifelong dream in a few weeks...A painting "holiday" in Wicklow, Ireland (same place from P.S. I Love You!). Aside from visiting London and Dublin first for some worldly inspiration, Wicklow will be where I put my brushes to work. Or play, more like it. My "satchel" is packed up with goodies; tiny tubes of travel paint, a handful of odd-sized chunky and thin canvases, sketchbooks galore, watercolor pencils from the 70's ,brand-new, loooong and elegant brushes and so much more to keep me busy. The biggest mishap would have to be a shortage of art supplies during a moment when awe-inspiring, Irish hillsides roll before me like a curvy hip on Matisse's odalisques, begging to be painted. I must be prepared. Marjorie is my travel mate, a loving friend since elementary school and someone who has shared my want for visiting Ireland since we were twelve. As a writer, I have no doubt that this trip will impact her as well. All will finally be a reality after 14 years...11 days and counting...