We’ve all had it happen. Been transported back to a time and place by a smell. Whether it be the smell of fresh baked cookies reminding you of a time past or leaves and balsam fir smelling like an autumn hike. Smells can be one of the most amazing senses. Also one of the most emotional. My Mom and I were sitting on the couch last night when she said, “do you smell cigarette smoke?” Knowing that clearly I don’t smoke and no one in our house does or ever has, I shook my head and with my very nasally, congested voice said, “nope, sure don’t…” she paused and said, “it smells like Grammy used to when she smoked…but then, I guess it would. Tomorrow would have been their anniversary. That’s why.” 

    You see, my Mom and I have always gotten what you might call “signs” from people who have passed. Especially from my grandmother when she wants our attention. Sometimes it’s in the form of a ringing doorbell…even if the doorbell is not hooked up, (she was a very crafty woman) or sometimes she finds other ways to say “hello”. Oftentimes with smells. But she’s not the only one. I have a bottle of perfume that I’ve kept since I lost my childhood best friend when we were in college. It belonged to her. I haven’t taken the top off to smell it in years as I’m sure the alcohol in it turned quite some time ago but sometimes I still smell her. I get a whiff of it as I’m walking somewhere and I’m sure it’s her I smell. It brings me joy and happiness, like she’s trying to get my attention and say “Hi Mandy! I’m here. I see you. I love you and I’m still with you.” There is no sweeter smell than that one. 

   Or how about the ocean? It still brings me wonderful memories. Too many to count. The salt in the sea air brings me 10 years of joyous recollections that are vast and so in depth I couldn’t possibly begin to list them all. Some day, try and list your top 5 favorite smells. If you have to trouble, you’re not doing it right. And if you can’t choose just 5, then by all means, pick 10. Then try and put a person or a place you associate with each smell. It’s a really fun exercise to do and something that makes you appreciate the experience just that much more. It’s all part of the beauty of life. And life is full of so much really “GOOD STUFF”. 

My list of Top 5 favorite smells: 
1.) Autumn Leaves – Potsdam

2.) Banana Republic Perfume – Laura

3.) Rose Water – Sagamore

4.) Ocean Air – San Diego 

5.) Oscar’s Bacon – Childhood lunches