Now that spring is upon us, I can’t wait for my lilacs to bloom. I have a big, beautiful lilac bush in my front yard. For about three weeks, we keep a full vase of lilacs in every room, filling the entire house with their lovely scent.
It is amazing to me how some scents, fragrances or aromas instantly transport you back in time to reminisce about a fond life memory.
When I was a child, our family often went to the beach along the shores of Lake Michigan. My mother doused my sisters and me in Coppertone Suntan Lotion before we took off for the water. Even today, all I have to do is take the cap off a bottle of Coppertone and take a big whiff. It may be freezing cold outside with snow on the ground, but that scent takes me straight back to those summer days of my childhood.
Before my grandparents passed away, our family often traveled to Germany to visit with them. I remember bathing there in water all warm and bubbly with a product that was called Schaumbad. That bubble bath brand had a pine scent that made us feel so fresh and clean. Over the years, there have been two occasions when the overwhelming scent of Schaumbad wafted briefly through my house. I know this doesn’t sound possible, but I could swear it was my late Oma (grandmother) paying me a visit when I needed it most.
When I was in my late teens, I discovered the delicious aromas inside authentic delicatessens. I could literally spend hours in a Chicago or New York City deli. The combination of pastrami, corned beef, salami and other meats, along with cheeses of all description, and fresh baked rye and specialty breads provide amazing aromas. This, not to mention the big fat pickles, homemade potato salads and more. My mouth is watering just thinking of it.
My dad always wore Old Spice aftershave and my mother’s perfume was Chanel No. 22, two fragrances that bring back loving memories of my parents. I have two preferred scents. One is a lemony-fresh body spray called 4711.
Just like certain songs bring back fond memories for some people, most of my best memories come from a host of wonderful smells.
I first got a hint of it from the Lufthansa flight attendants on flights to Germany when I was a child. I knew that when I grew up, I would have to wear it, and I often do. My favorite perfume is Paloma Picasso, named after the famous fashion and jewelry designer and daughter of famed French painter Pablo Picasso. One day a few years ago, I went into a Fenton store and the woman behind the counter smelled wonderful. I asked her what perfume she was wearing and she told me it was Paloma Picasso. I have been wearing it ever since.
Just like certain songs bring back fond memories for some people, most of my best memories come from a host of wonderful smells. Now, I need to go find a Reuben sandwich.
