Scentsations

Though I enjoy life as I can amidst swirling pandemic clouds and virus storms, my road down memory lane is well-traveled. I won’t argue that with anyone. Many times I’m prodded by clever marketing strategies. Especially enticing to me are triggers targeting my sense of smell.

How many of you remember those days when air conditioning was almost nowhere? Warm temps meant open windows and warmer Fahrenheit readings meant fans were running night and day, pulling steamy air out and inviting fresher and hopefully cooler air in. Summertime smells didn’t stick around. I have a few seasonal triggers associated with coconutty trails of suntan lotion, wet beach towels and the lighting of charcoal grills and fireworks.

It’s the mountain of scents associated with late fall and winter that initiates random mind aerobics for my memory muscles. My list would start with bacon frying, would include Pledge sprayed on my dustrag (part of my 50-cent allowance chores), the smell of freshly-cut Christmas trees and chocolate cake in the oven. Since my little sister was born in October, I could add precious scents associated with babies and the not-so-precious ones from stinky little brothers born mid-winter, the burning of wood inside and leaves outside. The long list interests only me.

These days scents of all sorts can be added to more than laundry detergent and candles. Like Chapstick. I grabbed a trio of lip ices labeled S’mores with tubes marked chocolate, marshmallow and graham crackers. I love all three. Should graham cracker smell linger? When it does, a recollection of my happy s’more outings is quickly squelched by grimaces remembering…dare I say the ‘stench’ of dirty bath towels? On my lips, right under my nose, it’s a stench that lingers. That’s a memory road less traveled, for good reason.