Scent

I have read references before (here is an example-caution with this link's evolutionary leanings) about the fact that our sense of smell is the strongest catalyst for our memory. I mentioned this phenomenon in my post about enjoying the bouquet of peonies we recently purchased at a local Krogers. It was also referred to twice in the touching video "Making a Difference" that I posted yesterday. (watch it if you haven't already) So, I have been reminiscing a bit about what some of my favorite smells are because of the sweet memories they evoke. Here is a partial list:

1) Apple pie: My Dad...he is known for his special recipe of Dutch apple pie and we request that he make one whenever we get to spend some time together. We got to work on these together.
2) Dove Soap: Last year I bought a bar of Dove Soap for our shower and was surprised at the memories of my Grandmother that flooded back to me each time I walked into our bathroom. She used Dove Soap in her bathroom... and now we do also. :-)




3) Peonies, daffodils & Lilacs: Reminds me of a happy childhood and having those gorgeous flowers in our yard while growing up.




4) Pears & Raspberries: Same as above...these were in our yard when I was a child.





5) Fall: Yankee Candle scent of Spiced Pumpkin: I have burned this scent every fall for the past umpteenth years. I would ceremoniously light the candle on October 1st each fall....although, the last few years I haven't been waiting until October 1st. One year I began the tradition on Sept 1st...now I pull it out from time to time and light up. (I know...sacrilegious) Our daughters love the smell as well. Fall is one of my favorite seasons and I really miss having a "real" fall living here in Texas so I import it through smells and decorations. (We grew up in Ohio)

6) Yesterday I was in a store and noticed a display of pretty, old fashioned cans of talc. I picked up a rose scented one and was amazed that it reminded me so much of my grandma. (the same one with the Dove soap) I wonder if she used this very same brand of powder? So...I paid over $8 for this can of powder to bring home a "touch of grandma". (Ok, maybe it's silly I know)
7) Campfires: Fun, fun memories of camping with family and friends. Also, memories of Period Craft shows during the fall up in Ohio. (Prairie Peddler)





8) Loved Ones... I love to hug Brad or the girls and smell their (usually) wonderful scent :-) I still remember when the girls were babies, with that special newborn smell. (no, I'm not talking about full diapers or throw up here ;-) My Mom wears Jontue perfume and whenever I smell that scent I think of her. I remember years ago I got a whiff of someone wearing the perfume that my piano teacher used to wear when I was a young girl taking lessons. I immediately thought of Mrs Pretzman, even though I hadn't thought about her for years.


These are just a few that I can think of off the top of my head. What about you? Do you have any smells that you love for the memories they trigger?


And now...since I'm on a roll... :-) Here's another tear jerker:


Do you ever get depressed over the constant diet of doom and gloom from the news media? It seems like everywhere we turn we are confronted with the latest reminder that we live in a fallen world. I wanted to share with you this news clip I watched today about an artist named Kaz*iah Han*cock. Her gift to the families of fallen solders are a personalized painting to immortalize their loved one's memory. Watch here to see if this woman's compassion touches you, as it did me. (You'll have to look past her speech peppered with cussing to see her heart of compassion) Gosh, my life can seem so self-centered at times!! God, how can I reach out to show your love to others?? Kindness is a Virtue, Compassion is an Art.