When I am going places I start by trying to control all that is going to happen. I want to bring my electronics, and some music, and food that I like, and books that I might have time to read. As the moment of truth comes closer plans begin to change. This time …

… is not going to turn into this …

I rushed around looking for other ways to pack the things I believe I need. One very unhelpful action is to find a container with something in it already, and decide that it is just what is needed for the trip. This little trap results in coming home to a very messy house. I think I avoided that problem … mostly.

It’s much more helpful to decide that what’s going to happen can’t be controlled way ahead of time. Somewhere in the packing, I reach this moment. It’s helpful if I reach it several hours before we leave, rather than several minutes. Long driving trips with people who trained with Captain Nemo** are important lessons in giving up control. One must seize the moment if the car actually stops. Otherwise, letting go of earthly desires is the preferred modus operandi.

I did go out and buy toys for any small people who might be in the car with me.

A whole blog post about how you can point your toes over and over, and it is great exercise for everything, was timely. Good to know in the immediate future that wiggling my feet will improve my life.

Reading in the car makes me sick, but I did load my Kindle. Evenings can get long! There were some random things on sale. Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter Miller, which I’ve never read. The Supper Club Saints by Claire Swinaraki. New to me author but recommended by a friend. The latest Lady Hardcastle Mystery (13), Murder on the Rocks by T. E. Kinsey. I got two different translations of Homer plus a book by Edna Ferber from Project Gutenberg. Hence, they came in as titles like pg6015 plus images – Document. Well, okay. Also, the Letters of John and Abigail Adams.

And I’m not going to be writing for about a week unless I do it with pen and paper. I finished my short story, and am letting it marinate. It needs a title. “Saving Grace” is a possibility. Or “Amazing Grace”. Or ???

** Captain Nemo says, “When you come aboard the Nautilus, you will never get out!”