Preview of Coming Attractions

I leave for Madrid this afternoon and am surprised that I haven't been as stressed as I normally get before an international flight. Maybe its because I'm meeting C and the entourage? Its usually my job to negotiate all details in advance and I've decided that would be a pointless task when there are so many other factors to consider:

C and her responsibilities
the winter weather here and abroad
strikes
travel complications
art and inspiration!

Ruth and Charlie invited me over one night and lent me a number of travel books on the Alhambra, Seville, Madrid, tapas, etc. My head started to spin with excitement but after thinking about past winter excursions I decided to play it by ear this time.

Before departure there is always the last minute list:

deadlines (a few competitions and fellowships I feel compelled to enter... remember FAILBETTER!)

bill paying

plant watering

guest preparations (we have a new housemate in the guest quarters! She's great.)

credit arrangements

packing

airline security measures

kitty concerns

harryman measures

travel itinerary and resources

Ok, now its time to start checking it twice. Its work, leaving town... but its always worth it. With luck, my muse will travel with me on this journey.