You Did It!

And back from my week-long ski trip! And how wonderful it was. After my trip from Japan and subsequent unexpected business deals at work that really stressed me out, I was not keen on having to travel again. The hotels, though, had already been booked with no refund so it was not possible to get out of it. Besides, my partner would be disappointed. Then of course there was the trauma from that knee injury I had two years ago from a ski fall in Switzerland which made me want to avoid this risky winter sport again. “Take some ski lessons first,” my partner insisted, “then you will get more confident. Those new skis we got you will also be safer”. It was concluded that apparently, it was the fact that my older skis which had no more grip which caused me to lose control on the slopes. After some coaxing from him, reluctantly then I went along…

But I am glad I did after all! Five consecutive days of two-hour ski lessons certainly put some confidence in me. I began recalling all the techniques for safe skiing such as leaning forward and towards the valley below. Never stand too straight or lean backwards or you’ll lose control and eventually fall! So all went well further enhanced by practicing and warming up on the baby slopes. I got my mojo back and although I did come across some scary slopes (though they were the easy ones), I knew how to handle it. At one point though, I did manage to fall on my backside whilst exiting the ski lift as was not paying attention which limited my movements like bending down excessively. But even that didn’t stop me from getting more enthusiastic than envisioned and continue on Friday and the morning of our departure on Saturday!

And by the time the week-long ski break was over, I was just another person! Getting the confidence back from skiing in turn boosted my overall self-confidence which of course made me a happier person. Less worked up about things. The adrenaline rush is not what I had in mind but it was the endorphins from all the workout and movements that gave me a buzz. Since being back home two days, I am less stressed and although I have lots to do both at home like tidying up and unpacking even from my trip to Japan, not to mention all the paperwork and organizing for work, I can safely say that I can just relax a bit and pace myself even if my physical surroundings are a mess!

I even managed to set some time aside to paint all about it! After having a good doodle over it during my vacation (see last post), I decided to enhance it all on my larger sketchbook on a two-page spread of my Strathmore Mixed Media sketchbook. Supplies used include Ecoline blue ink for the sky and Kremer’s Pigment pearlescent white for the snowy ground. A selection of Acryla Gouache was for the outfits and skis whilst Caran d’Ache Neocolor watersoluble oil pastels for the face and hair. Textures were then added with metallic gold Faber Castell Pitt Artists Pen, Acrylic Gouache shimmer paint and Ranger’s Stickle glitter glue. Colored pencils were also used here.

How excititng to get my energy back and be able to take charge! Glad especially to be back to getting creative again which was very much needed to help clear my mind. I do look forward now to our next winter break this weekend, this time to Switzerland although we will not be downhill skiing. It will be an even more chill time by the spa along with some cross country skiing and walks in the snow. So watch this space!