The Power of Smell

I recently came across the word petrichor (the smell of earth after rain) and was surprised that I'd never heard it before because I think most of us will agree that that is just about the most magical smell in the history of ever. I just recalled it again when I sat down to write this post (having no idea what I was going to be writing about again) and thought, of course. The sense of smell is such a powerful weapon that can instantly trigger memories of places we've been, people we've known, and sometimes even people we used to be.

I can get a whiff of an old perfume or lotion I was fond of once upon a time and will immediately recall that period of my life, what was going on with me then and the people who were closest to me  and I'm always taken aback each time it happens. The smell of Johnson & Johnson Lavender Bath Wash makes my heart ache a little because it takes me back to Devin's baby days, and a time before I knew the least thing about how deep the rivers of heartache and grief can run. 

Coffee brewing, popcorn popping, vanilla extract, freshly mown grass, dog paws, and rosemary all evoke warm fuzzies within me, while wild honeysuckle, Play-Doh, and lemon Pledge all bring back the happiest of childhood memories. 

One day last week I was out and had a little bit of time to kill before picking up Dracen from school so I walked around one of my favorite thrift/antique spots where I bought a few very old books for the bargain price of one to three dollars a piece. That old book smell gets me every time. I think it even surpasses the magic of petrichor for me.

Smells just like magic. 

Day 26