Getting to New Mexico Step by Step

Santuary de Chimayo is along "The High Road", between Taos and Santa Fe. A magical feeling place, it lends itself well to stirring the imagination.

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Here is my method of working up to the actual painting journey to New Mexico, since my thoughts are so focused on it. Each "step" implies a block of time I have spent thinking it through, and enjoying anticipation of the BIG EVENT. I'm already talking to myself about where I want to travel next in my Plain Air sojourns.

 Step #1. UPS shipped my art supplies and equipment out to Taos
               NM to precede my arrival at my hotel, which is walkable to
               the Plaza, and close to   many of the locations where I plan to
               paint , the week after this one.
Step #2. I brought my larger suitcase upstairs to begin packing on
                Monday, bit by bit. That's my style. I have to "think it" into
                my luggage, putting all the pieces together over several
                days.
Step #3. I rechecked the weather averages and records for the days I
                will be there. It seems that everything from the 20's,
                evenings,  to 80 degrees, daytime, and everywhere in
                between, might be possible, but I think I chose the stretch
               of time, initially,  because generally there is little rain during  
               that time period, which is good, expecially if you are painting
               watercolor.
Step #4. Spent time copying travel information (such as directions)
                off the internet. Compiled paperwork I completed weeks 
                ago  regarding the painting locations where I'll be situating
                myself, searching for inspiration.
Step #5.Involved myself in daydreaming about the adventure to
               come. I even painted some very terrific paintings "in my 
               dreams", complete with color and imagination.
Step #6.Purchased a seemingly warm hooded sweatshirt lined in
               fleece to help deal with every possible weather situation that
               may arise, and spacious enough to accommodate layered 
               dressing when necessary.

MORE TO COME.......