Bookended

Maiden and Crone went shopping together

each carrying fragments of foundation and future

for Mother's upcoming adventure.

"Remember the tooled leather backpack we had? Ooh, it was soooo pretty! That was the look I wanted when we wore that," young thing reminisces.

"Pretty it was, but not very practical. This time waterproof, zippers, pockets and comfortable straps that don't dig into your shoulders." Old one nods sagely.

"And it also looks cool."

"You bet your ass it does."

Young one rummages through possessions, "One pair of jeans ought to do."

"Three pairs of yoga pants instead." Anticipating, old one raises a 'wait' finger. "With pockets. In fun colors!"

"Ooh, there's pockets in everything now! I wish we'd had these when we were fresh."

"Lack of pockets taught us to prioritize for mobility. It was a good lesson."

Young one nods. "Which bra?"

"Oh, honey," old one cackles, "we stopped wearing bras two years ago."

"Thank the goddess. Those were miserable. How about underwear? I vote no. It's sexy and adventurous."

"Yes underwear. It may be sexy and adventurous, but chafing and peri-menopause is a thing in our life now."

"Sandals?"

"Boots. And don't forget socks, gloves, and a rain poncho."

"Can we get a green one?"

"Good idea" Old one clicks the link.

"We can't go without art supplies," young one brings a stack of paper and paint.

"Very true. This time let's pack them carefully so they don't break."

Young one peers, "what's in the bag?"

Old one sighs, "meds."

"Wow, that's a lot of meds. We don't feel sick."

"We're not. But they help us be our best after years of pushing limits and overlooking our own needs."

"Nutrition is important," young one confirms. "Let's not overlook our needs anymore. We used to be good at putting our needs first."

"You're right. It's a time for remembering as well as learning."

"Granola bars?" Young one munches.

"Some things never change." Old one crunches.