It Makes Total Scents

It happens when I least expect it. A certain waft of fragrance brushes against my nostrils and I am immediately transported to another time and place; bringing to mind whatever past experience is associated with it. Spring brings an abundance of those scents, with endless opportunities to travel back in time and bask in the memory.

Recently we were walking through the park, and my husband stopped and drew in a deep breath. “Do you smell that?” he inquired. “That takes me back to your parent’s house in Bellevue; they had that exact bush on the side of the house.” According to the sign at the park it was a Viburnum bush – I think we just called it a snowball bush. He was right – and immediately I was back in my childhood home on Ward Avenue wandering through the side yard.  A few days later I had a similar experience with honeysuckle plants; as a child my sister and I used to pull the thread out and enjoy the droplets of nectar.

A restaurant that we ate at with friends not long ago had some rooms attached that were filled with “antiques and other stuff.” Several of us were meandering through the shop and recognized the unmistakable musty smell that often accompanies such things. My friend commented that the smell was bringing back memories for her and that she needed to leave the room soon. The scent had brought back some sad memories of life lost. Not all scents transport us to happy places.

For as long as I can remember I have loved trying to manipulate the aromas in my environment by burning candles, using potpourri, essential oils – you name it. I love using lavender to relax and wind down after a long day. Peppermint somehow invigorates and recharges me. Cinnamon is comforting and reminds me of yummy things baking in the oven. Coconut and mango make me think of the beach and all of the wonderful feelings that go with that experience.

I’ll have to admit that there are also products that I use – not because they are so much better than others – but simply because I love the scent. Have you ever walked past the dryer vent on the outside of your house when a load is in the midst of a cycle? I love that. Fresh smell of sheets that have hung to dry the clothesline? One of my favorites. The air after a fresh rain? A sweet little baby, fresh out of the bath?

Scientists say that the sense of smell is more closely linked to our memory than any other. Which causes me to wonder; what smells and aromas did I provide my own children with that they continue to carry on in their memories? What scents can I incorporate into my home to elicit fond memories for my grandbabies?

I would LOVE to hear from you! What are some of the scents in your life that are still etched into your mind and bring back experiences from days gone by? Do you purposely incorporate any of them into your environment? Take a deep breath in. Does that remind you of anything? I hope you’ll share.