Through Richmond, VA

On my way down to North Carolina, I decided to do a fun pit stop in Richmond, Virginia. Driving around, I was quite overwhelmed trying to find a quick spot, as I needed to paint within two hours before the sun went down and then finish my ride to Raleigh.

I was so excited about the warm temperature and found a parking spot across the street from this cute little coffee shop. I parked my van and first needed to use the restroom. I walked around and was excited by a little thrift shop that I had to go into! Thrifters, you know!!

I went in, and the first thing I saw was a rainbow see-through dress. I thought about my friend Mahsa, who I met at Electric Forest this year. I had to get it for her, as she is all about the rainbow. I will soon be visiting her in Savannah, GA.

As I am not supposed to shop on this trip… I couldn't help it. I got a jean dress, a cute top, a jean skirt, and a few pairs of earrings. I got my little fix of shopping therapy before I started painting.

Trying to find a restroom, I then went into a restaurant and was denied, so I finally walked across the street to the coffee shop and asked if I could have tea and use their restroom. I met this really nice girl named Nick and told her that I was painting across the street and was wondering if I could come back to use the restroom before I left. She said that she’d be closing up shop, but she’d be here for a while, and said, “So feel free to knock on the door when you’re done.”

I walked back to my van, quickly paid for parking, and set up. With just my pallet and table, I plopped my painting bag on it and grabbed a surface to start sketching on my 5 x 5 square on Mylar. I was literally set up right next to my van, so I was very comfortable. I also felt like I had some protection in a way by just being by my van. I knew I was gonna go over the parking time, so by standing by it, I could probably get an extra hour for free.

These are all the logistical things I need to think about when it comes to this kind of environment.

I loved that it was so warm out. I just had jeans and a tank top on and heard a bunch of young girls and boys walking around in a very queer and interesting community. I love seeing everyone with different fashion styles and hearing the kids talk to each other. It just seemed like a very hip place to be.

Some of the kids were curious while I was painting. One person walked by and was like, “I love that.” I said, “Thank you.”

I really wanted to be able to record some of my sessions; however, with having to paint so quickly and get the painting done quickly, I didn’t really have any time to set up. I just needed to paint and leave. I did get a few videos, but I didn’t have time to really have fun and play with that type of thing.

About two hours later, I finished the painting. I walked across the street and had a nice little chat with Nick again. I told her about my travels across the country, and she expressed her dream of traveling. Together, we shared our dreams and aspirations.

I was able to share my experiences with her and the reality of traveling on a very low budget. I suggested she follow my journey so that maybe there’s a place she’s interested in that she would want to visit. I shared my whole experience in Europe and my positive experience staying in hostels, so I’m hoping that she thinks about that a little more and just takes a leap and starts going.

Currently, I’m in my van, driving to Raleigh, North Carolina, with the sun setting. I was so glad that I followed my gut to stop in Richmond and do an evening painting before the sun went down.

I’m looking forward to meeting Drake and Justin and looking forward to a few days with them, getting to know them, painting another area I’ve never been to, and continuing my journey.