once begun is half done

All four of us go about preparing in our own ways.

One daughter is packed perfectly with thought to every contingency with an ease a week before any trip.

The other daughter much the same, but the day before.

The papa, he prepares for every contingency mechanical and technical.

As for me? A month ago when the trip was getting closer I made a few lists on blue post it notes and, comforted, set them aside.

Tea . green and black tea. loose herbs. honey. Infuser cup for each person.teakettle

First aid. Anti-infection blend tincture. Ginger tincture. Band-aids. Salve. Charcoal. Arnica. Rescue remedy. Aloe Vera gel. Lavender oil. Yellow dock tincture. Tweezers. Gauze & Tape.

Make sure Sadie knows how to pick the Calendula.

Packing tape and sharpies. In case we need to ship things home. You can always find boxes and packing materials, but no one at the post office will let you touch the tape gun.

personal gear. contacts, glasses, toiletries, clothes, etc.

I always prioritize things you can't easily get on the road. It seems like no matter how light I pack, I still never use everything I bring.

I set these aside and began the harder part; work stuff.

work 1. schedule for three weeks without me

work 2. payroll the day I leave and payroll for while I am gone

work 3. stock the store with as many lovelies as possible

done.

Last minute supplies

Having raised the girls super natural and organic, going to the drugstore, at their request, was full of negotiations.

One girl wants deodorant and toothpaste. One girl wants insect repellant.

We need shampoo and conditioner.

All of this seems ridiculous and yet, open minded at the drug store I stand.

One girl holds deodorant and toothpaste, both of questionable origin and ingredients. I look at them and back to her. She begins, “I know it’s poisonous and I understand all about it, and I don’t want to be sweating in the south and I know this kind works.”

Pause.

I look at the toothpaste. She looks at me. I counter with “I’ll buy the poison deodorant if you put back the poison toothpaste and use mine”

Done.

Girl two is set on the poisonous bug spray.

"Oh my god," I begin, "you’re kidding right?”

She’s ready.

“Mama, I know, but I get eaten up and it ruins my whole summer, then I scratch them and I get scars and..."

"ok fine."

On to the hair care aisle.

I say we need smallish bottles. One girl needs mondo conditioning for super long hair, the other girl needs it to be not tested on animals.

And we all want it to smell good.

Quickly and efficiently we check labels and then open and smell from bottles.

Done.

We leave tomorrow.