We are holding an open studio this weekend, showing our photography in our living room. But this isn’t about that … this is about my testing the clothing I’m thinking of bringing with me. I thought that sitting around for hours and hours would be a good way to see if what I’m thinking I will wear on the plane will be comfortable, or if it is too scratchy (I have very sensitive skin: I think it has to do with “Senior Citizen Skin” to be honest!).

So yesterday it was the black wide leg linen pants I purchased this past week at The Gap Outlet. I suspect they aren’t all that flattering, but of most importance is comfort. These were quite fine for that. Of course, because I am who I am, I purchased the black pair and a white and black striped pair. Do I take both? Do I take only one? THAT is yet to be determined. But I’m happy to report these were pretty comfortable. Perhaps I should have bought the small instead of the medium size, but I do like to allow for a bit of weight gain when on a trip! Plus I tend to wear very loose fitting clothes.

In some ways this reminds me of oboe reeds. Yeah, I know … a stretch! But students want to choose reeds on what SOUNDS the best and sacrifice response. But response is #1. What good is a great sounding reed if it doesn’t respond? Same with clothing. Looks are great, but if things aren’t comfortable, who cares?!

Okay … I’m rambling … but writing about all of this helps me process and decide what to do.

I’ve heard that linen wrinkles too much. I’ve also been told (by one of my lovely family members) that I have to just go with the wrinkles. So we’ll see. In the past wrinkles have bugged me, but linen is supposed to be excellent for hot weather, and we will definitely be dealing with hot weather!

For tops I have to think about what will survive my bag straps. On our last trip two tops I purchased (and really liked when the trip began) that weighed next to nothing didn’t survive: I just left them in a hotel room because I was horrified by how damaged they got from my bag strap. Because I do carry on only, and always have a camera bag even when not carrying a backpack, I need to think about how clothing responds to that constant rubbing.

I realize many don’t have to think about this — or just don’t care to think about it — but it’s where my brain goes as I prepare for this Big Trip. I think I’ve mentioned before, I “pack in my head” quite a while before a trip actually happens.

That’s why my brain is so very full. 🤣