Prior to Rona craziness, I’d planned to spend my birthday/birthday weekend in Osaka, Japan for a weekend girls trip that would’ve included other celebrations. Post/during Rona craziness, the trip to Osaka had to be cancelled and I was able to return home to the US. At that time, public spaces had not begun their initial reopening stages. If restaurants were open, they were only accepting take-out orders. Bars were still closed and most shopping centers had not yet reopened. Since I couldn’t go out, my friend and I were able to do a virtual wine and paint session through a company that I love – Wine and Design. 

We took a mini road trip the day prior to the class to pick up the supplies where we were given a canvas (with an outline), paint brushes, and paint. The day of the virtual painting class was very enjoyable. After eating a crab boil meal, we prepped for our class. The name of our painting was called “Diva”, and our instructor guided us on how to paint her via Zoom. During the entire course, we had more than enough of our share of wine. My friend and I have completed 3 virtual painting classes so far this summer, and I love that our mantra is “the more you drink, the better your picture will look”. Participants are able to mute their microphones and/or cameras. The more everyone in the class drank, it was hilarious to hear those who did not mute their microphones in the background.

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Although we were unable to paint in the studio, I am thankful that classes are still being offered. The major downside of not having the instructor being physically there is the fact that if you mess up, you are responsible for fixing it. Despite that, it has been fun to learn how to paint a picture with others around the US virtually. My birthday plans didn’t go as I’d initially planned, but I am grateful that I was able to enjoy it during this crazy pandemic. Hopefully I’ll be able to travel to a new city/country next year!

Cheers to future traveling!