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Let me paint the scene (literally):
I was sitting in a hotel room in Seattle, waiting for a site visit the next day, when I realized something. I had hours of quiet, uninterrupted me time—but my brain was still buzzing from work. Scrolling socials or watching another re-run wasn’t going to cut it.

I needed something that grounded me. Something tactile, soothing, and personal.

That’s when I remembered a watercolor set I had picked up a few weeks earlier—Emily Lex’s Watercolor Workbook and Paint Set. Her calming, simple style and approachable prompts had caught my eye online. I loved how it wasn’t about being perfect—it was about playing, pausing, and painting with intention.

I tossed the set into my carry-on… and my creativity-on-the-go journey began.

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🎨 Why Watercolor?

• Portable: All you need is a small pad, a brush pen, and a travel palette.
• Forgiving: Mistakes turn into magic. The blendy, imperfect nature of watercolor became a metaphor for embracing the unexpected—something I needed as a recovering perfectionist and frequent traveler.
• Low barrier, high reward: No prep, no cleanup (seriously—just blot and go!).

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🧳 How I Fit It into My Travel Routine

1. I made a “hotel hobby kit.”
In a small pouch, I pack:

• Emily Lex Watercolor Workbook – I am using the tropical one for summer!
• 1 travel palette (Winsor & Newton has a good one!)
• 1 water brush pen
• Micron pen (for outlines or journaling)

2. I blocked 15-minute windows.
Post-dinner, pre-bed, or during airport delays—these “transition times” became perfect pockets for painting.

3. I lowered the pressure.
Not everything needs to be a masterpiece. I painted airport gates, my coffee cup, random leaves. The goal? Just be present.

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✍️ What It Taught Me (Beyond Painting)

• Focus: When I paint, my thoughts slow down.
• Balance: Creativity is a counterweight to the analytical mindset I bring to engineering.
• Mindfulness: Travel is full of chaos. Watercolor is my quiet anchor.

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🧠 Creative Energy = Career Energy

Ironically, my creative habit made me a better leader and engineer. It reminded me to embrace process, not just results. That slowing down can accelerate your clarity. And that even amidst meetings and milestones, your imagination deserves a seat at the table.

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🚀 Want to Start? Here’s My Hobby Hack:

Start with a small “analog ritual” when you travel:

• A sketch
• A 5-minute journal
• A hotel room dance party (no judgment)

Whatever brings you joy, bring it with you.

Your work bag might be full of laptops and chargers—but there’s always room for creativity. 💼💡

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Have you discovered a hobby on the road?
Tag me with your #CreativeTravel moment or share your hotel-room art studio setup.

#WatercolorOnTheGo #WorkTravelHacks #MindfulMoments #WomenWhoTravel #STEMinistUnplugged

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💡 The Set That Started It All:

If you’re curious where to start, I can’t recommend Emily Lex’s watercolor sets enough.
They’re beautifully designed for beginners and packable for travel. Check them out here:
👉 Emily Lex Watercolor Kits