yesterday i stumbled upon what looks like junk you’d rake up in the yard after the snow melts. the jar said patchouli and at first i didn’t believe it. i thought patchouli came from the vial in the back of my medicine cabinet. the one i struggle to open every morning because the resin like substance gets stuck in between the cap and the jar. as it turns out, patchouli is just an average looking herb in the mint family.

i’ve been wearing the oil for years and people are always commenting on it. i get two strong reactions from others – they either love it or hate it most people that hate the smell are reminded of a former partner they would like to forget. or dirt. people really like to tell me i smell like dirt. or dirty hippies. or cleaning solution. or bug spray. those are the haters. the lovers will inhale deeply in my presence, smile and walk away with what looks like a feeling of peace. that’s what i do to someone wearing it, and they always give me an understanding nod.

i could go on and on about lovely patchouli, but the day is calling. do i have to start getting up even earlier now?