Scent of a Woman
Can you find my dog? |
Recently my nose was almost assaulted by the smell of honeysuckle while on a morning walk and I instantly thought of my mother and a specific memory came to mind. I was in the sixth grade and Avon had come out with a perfume compact. The perfume was sort of a cream gel that you would swipe your finger over and rub on your pressure points (neck, inside wrist, etc.). I got one and the scent was, you guessed it, honeysuckle. Unfortunately, I couldn’t wear it much because it made my mother sneeze like crazy every time she smelled it. Now every time I smell honeysuckle I think of my mother.
This made me think about the connection between smells and memories. I wonder what other specific memories I have that are triggered by smells? It will be interesting to find out.
I have a specific song which, when played on the radio, reminds me of the bus ride to Marine Corps bootcamp on Parris Island in South Carolina. O how that one song brings back some rather "sore muscle" memories from years ago.
And I'll also never forget those famous last words from the Marine who put all of us on that one way bus ride to hell…"so long, goodbye and good luck."