Memories,,,,

A comment on one of my Facebook pictures a week or so ago got me to thinking...

Norman and Thomas spent the last few weeks making me a screen door for the back door of the house. When I posted pictures of my beautiful custom made door, someone asked if it slammed, and it just made me think about the amazing way certain sounds and smells bring to mind such strong memories.

My slamming screen door reminds me of Wednesdays with my Grandma and Grandpa during the summmers when my brother and I would visit my dad. The front screen door there slammed and sounded JUST like mine does now. That first slam of the morning would be followed by the smell of freshly baking homemade chocolate chip cookies. Yep, after we ate our small "variety sampler" choice box of cereal, Grandma always had a large, hot from the oven cookie for my brother, my cousin, and me. Each baked and served on a square of aluminum foil with the edges upturned.

Other sounds and smells are just as vivid at evoking specific memories. I barely actually remember my great-grandma, Bobe, but the smell of White Shoulders perfume reminds me of her bathroom where she had old-fashioned perfume bottles with atomizer bulbs on them, and the bedroom where there were two twin beds with white chenille bedspreads. And the smell of Suave Strawberry Essence shampoo and conditioner smells JUST like the bottled strawberry soda we drank there.

It's amazing how many smells bring specific times or people to mind...

Banana bread always makes me think of Christmas, even though I haven't been able to eat it for 20 years...

Cigarette smoke brings a smile to my face, as it reminds me of fun, though wild times....

I think of my dad when I smell English Leather or Aqua Velva...

I get melancholy when I smell Matchibelli or Grey Flannel, mind filled with the people they bring to mind.

The smell of mimosa trees reminds me of summer evenings in the front yard with friends...

Clean Linen and cucumber melon flavors remind me of my sweet friend D, who indoctrinated me to into the world of candles and the enjoyment of their fragrant flicker...