Back from Kauai

Posted on | November 13, 2007 | 7 Comments

Well, we’re back! We had a much-needed vacation. Lots of relaxing and enjoying island breezes and island food. Dave and I both came back relaxed and refreshed. We stayed at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, which is located on Shipwreck Beach. We spent much of our time relaxing – taking naps by the beach, taking photos, and enjoying time alone. We sat in a cabana along the beach, swam in the hotel’s salt water lagoon, and just laughed and smiled a whole lot.

We went on the vacation because Dave had a conference to attend at the Grand Hyatt. It was a good excuse for us to go and it also gave me a chance to see my friend, Connie, again. We met online, and this past March, when I went to Kauai the first time, we met in person. Each time we meet, I feel as if I’ve reunited with a long-lost friend. Connie is so easy to talk to and with. We had brunch at the hotel, where I gave Connie a present I had made for her. Connie turned 55 on Tuesday, while I was there. She and I met for brunch on Thursday. I made this doll before we left using the kimono fabrics from Katie’s Vintage Kimono. I had hoped Connie would like it and, well, from her reaction in person and again on her blog, I was certain of it! I had a ton of fun making it.

One of the more exciting things I did this trip was to purchase and watch Beginning Watercolor Journaling, a DVD with some great instruction and encouragement for people who like to journal. The DVD is fabulous, and you’ll really learn a lot from it! I’ve been working harder on my drawing skills for a while, thanks to Danny Gregory’s CREATIVE LICENSE, THE: GIVING YOURSELF PERMISSION TO BE THE ARTIST YOU TRULY ARE. Drawing more was one of my 2007 goals, so I wanted to be able to do more of it with the beauty of Kauai as my inspiration.

I did not, however, want to schlep a ton of supplies across the Pacific Ocean and throughout Kauai wherever we went. So I created a kit of journaling supplies. Before I left, I made a four-signature book with one parent sheet each of hot press, cold press, and drawing papers. I packed only my Sakura Sketchbox Watercolor kit, several different tips of Sakura Pigma Micron pens in black, seven Lyra Polycolor Pencils, a 6B pencil, an eraser, and a pencil sharpener.

I was determined to do some art so I didn’t go crazy, but not to have to carry a ton of stuff. I really never felt like I was denying myself the opportunity to be creative with this little kit in my purse. Each day, when I found time — on the plane, at breakfast, from the poolside, at the beach… you get the idea — I created at least one page. You can see more of my drawings from this trip here.

I’m still on Hawaii time, but I’m getting used to being back. I hope to get into the studio tomorrow to do some more art with my photos and to get reacquainted with my art supplies!

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