Tuesday Spotlight: Patchouli

As is our tradition, dear reader, Patchouli is the scent for the week of 4/20. If you know, you know. For those of you who don't know, it's National Pot Smokers Day. I'm unsure if that is the official title, but that is what I call it. Patchouli is beloved by many a hippie. It has taken years, but the scent has finally grown on me. I especially like it on one bib-overall-wearing-wonder-buns. His chemical make-up blends delightfully with the scent of patchouli.

Patchouli is believed to help those with skin conditions, repel insects, and cover the scent of marijuana and body odor. It was embraced by hippies in the 1960s as a rebellion against mainstream culture. Whether you are an old hippie, embrace a Bohemian spirit, or simply love the strong, earthy scent, this week should make you smile. 

As much as I enjoy the jokes of my goats being hippies, and celebrating National Pot Smokers Day, we are not what you would call "pot heads." Believe it or not, I didn't try smoking pot until I was thirty. I am always late to the game. The Bibbed Wonder took me to a Jimmy Buffett concert. He and a friend of ours were headed off into the crowd so our friend could find some weed. I announced that I wanted to go too, but Eric, rather tersely and authoritatively, told me to "Stay put. You don't need to be exposed to this." 

Never one to be told what to do, I fumed over his thinking that he could boss me around. So, I stomped off alone, looking for weed myself. My friend caught up with me and said, "Tonk, what do you think you're doing?" I replied, "I'm going to find some weed! He's not the boss of me!" Hallie informed me that I wasn't going alone, so she tagged along to make sure I was safe. I found a group of people hanging out in a small wooded area that smelled distinctly like skunk. I tentatively approached a guy with a tye-died bandana tied around his head and asked him if I could smoke what he was smoking. He looked at me and said, "You're a newbie. You don't want this stuff. It'll mess you up." Here, as he pulled another joint from his pocket, he said," Try this." 

Bill Clinton and I have a lot in common. I, too, cannot inhale. However, I did my best, coughed my head off, and didn't feel a thing. That is my first experience with marijuana. I believe in the medicinal effects, and I truly believe in Delta-8, but a recreational smoker I am not. However, no judgment from me on what you choose to do. If patchouli scent is your vibe, this week is your week. 

On this Tuesday after 4/20, stay safe, be smart, don't be irresponsible if you do smoke for recreation, enjoy the patchouli soap, and keep washing your hands.