Preparations have begun for travel to Australia. The plan for October is to travel to the southern hemisphere, a location that has been a personal destination for many years. After a difficult winter in 2013, I knew I wanted to be in a physically sunnier and warmer place the following winter. As an artful traveller following my heart, this journey begins.

Camera and tablet are charged, working well in a wireless world. Backup electrical converters and plugs, and extra AA batteries are packed. My skills are being tested in the operation of electrical devices however the odd practice in photography has turned out pretty spectacular!

Practicing with the camera. Looking good!

Home is looked after. Puppy is going to Vancouver to be with family. Airplane tickets have been purchased, and accommodations for most of the travel is complete. Hospitality includes staying in people’s home (Airbnb website), living at a boarding house, and the odd hostel or two. The rest I will make up as I get there. As the Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins says, “I am going on an adventure.”

In reference to Bilbo Baggins, I have scheduled a tour of the Hobbit film for the beginning of November in Auckland. Additionally I have a half day cake decoration/piping class set up, to teach me how to use piping tools. Little do they know that I plan to use the techniques for my paintings.

Sunyata