What’s That Smell? & an Aromatic Giveaway
Published August 31, 2011The winner of Emily Freeman’s new book Grace for the Good Girl is: Michele Wilt. Please send your home address to kim@proverbs31.org along with what it is you won. We’ll get your prize out to you right away.
Aroma:
noun
1. a distinctive usually pleasant smell, esp of spices, wines, and plants
2. a subtle pervasive quality or atmosphere
[via Latin from Greek: spice]
Of all our our senses, smell is the most connected to memory.
Even now, when I stand next to a woman in line at the grocery store wearing White Shoulders perfume, I miss my Aunt Patty.
When I smell leaves burning, I am transported back to high school and it is suddenly football season and my friends and I are walking to the game after having a burger at the A & W.
When I smell cinnamon, I think of canning applesauce with my friend Carmen the one fall we used to much of the spice and the entire house smelled of it.
And I will forever associate Lilly of the Valley with my mom. I can’t even remember why. I don’t know if her Avon perfume smelled like that or she grew them in her flower garden.
Smells have a strength that creates lasting memories.
In my Bible this morning, I came across this:
“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
Are we spreading His fragrance? Does the ‘smell’ we emit to others match His?
Unfortunately, many times I know my actions downright stink. And they don’t always reflect Christ. Oh yes, maybe I hold it together when the dry cleaners ruin my favorite sweater, but when one of my kids or the husband ticks me off?
Oh, buddy…..
If we are to spread the fragrance of knowledge of Him EVERYWHERE, that means even in our homes.
And our cubicles.
And at the intersection when someone cuts us off.
This week, let’s watch our aroma. Others are watching.
And even sniffing.
Does our aroma match His?
One of you who leaves a comment on this post will win the following aromatic giveaway:
~A Bath & Body Works green tea & white pear candle
~ Some simmering wax bars from At Home America in Fruit Smoothie scents
~ A copy of the New testament in the English Standard Version. Perfect to keep in your purse or car.
Just leave a comment telling us a scent that you associate with something or someone from your past.
Winner announced Tuesday.
Yep. I’m unplugging until then.
Happy Labor Day Weekend everyone!
127 Responses to What’s That Smell? & an Aromatic Giveaway
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I have the strongest association with smells. Some not so great ones that I have had to allow God to help me with as they are associated with deep trauma from my past.
However, I have a lot of pleasant smells that bring smiles (smells = smiles!
~The smell of listerine breath strips remind me of my Daddy as he LOVED to have those all day every day.
~Aqua di Gio cologne reminds me of my husband. I love getting a whiff of that at stores when he’s not with me.
~The smell of Geranium flowers remind me of my Mom as they would sell them on the streets in Pakistan and my Mom would always stop to get some to hang in the car or to put in a bowl in our house. They also remind me of my childhood as sometimes my Mom would get us “bracelets” made out of those.
Have a wonderful holiday weekend. Love ya.
Hi Karen,
Love the illustration.. Straight from a chapter in my book-to-be ;D
Aromas are actually particles in the air of the substance doing the emitting. So our aroma ought to be little bits of Jesus radiating from our souls. A foul odor is a reminder that we need more of Jesus. Ouch! A pleasant odor is Jesus Himself inhabiting our DNA.
I associate Palmolive dish detergent with my mom. I usually buy Dawn. I recently purchased Palmolive (on sale lol), and one squeeze of the bottle sent me back 30years in time!
Hope you have a joyous relaxed weekend!
Susan
My mom used to love Bayberry candles. I look for them every Christmas. They are hard to find now, but I love to smell them and remember her. Thanksgiving to New Year was her favorite time of year.
When I was little, my Papa used to smoke a pipe. You don’t see those much anymore, but occasionally I will pass an older gentleman smoking one and I instantly am back at my Granny and Papa’s house.
I love love love the smell of Johnson’s baby shampoo and powder. It takes me back to when my babies were actually babies. Every time one of my friend’s has a baby, I have been known to be caught just holding and smelling them.
The smell of sawdust and wood stain. It takes me back to “helping” my dad with his projects in the garage. He always had something for me to work on so I could be his Helper.
Finally, my husband. It doesn’t matter what soap or shampoo or aftershave he uses, there is always this base scent that is just him and it relaxes me as soon as I breath deep when he hugs me.
Cool Water cologne brings me back to when I first met my husband. He was wearing it then and still wears it for me now!
The smell of harvest in the air reminds me of spending time on the field with my dad when I was younger.
Jergens lotion reminds me of my mom. And geranuims of grade school – there were usually some growing on the window sills. Fresh turned soil is spring and corn is July. The forests in the midwest have a different smell than the ones is the northeast – more evergreens in the northeast. Both remind me of vacations and hiking. What a great devotion, Karen. Thanks for the reminder to give off the fragrance of Jesus.
For me – its fresh cut grass – as i breathe in deeply im transported back to my southern illinois town where i grew up and have so many childhood memories (think mayberry). It gives me a sense of calm in my otherwise hectic life!
Isn’t it strange, the smells that we link with certain people or places. My strongest associations are with my grandmother — rose cologne and Jergen’s hand lotion. When I was little, there was a local bakers strike. When they went back to work, I was totally bummed. My mother? Thrilled! But the smell of homemade bread still says, “home.” Poor, Mom.
–SueBE
The scent of peonies reminds me of my grandmother’s home. She had them ringing her front yard and I used to love playing there and making bouquets of the flowers for her. I miss her greatly but I praise God often that I will see her in Heaven!
Everytime I smell pine trees, I think of my grandparents who are now in their eternal home. The west side of their house had a huge row of pine trees, and when I stayed there as a kid, playing under the trees was my favorite place at their house. Also, even it is kinda gross, moth balls remind me of them!! Grandma always had moth balls in all the closets. Even though it is not a ‘pleasant’ smell, I still like to stop and smell it at the store, because it reminds me of them! Miss them so much!!
The smell of roses remind me of my mom, they were her favorite flower. Every time I smell them I am taken back to when she was still alive and she would cut roses from the yard and bring them in the house.
And the verse following, which is one of my favorites, “For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” 2 Cor. 2:15
I hope that I am that sweet aroma!
Whenever I smell Tabu, I think of my grandma. When I was small, grandma gave me a scarf that smelled of her. I carried that thing around and held it to my face for quite a while until it was very dirty. My mom washed it and no longer did it smell of grandma. I was sad/mad.
Growing up, I always took note of sweet smelling ladies. The ones from church always smelled the best and I wanted to be like them when I grew up!
I love this. Smells are powerful. We are in my favorite scent season – fall. When I open up my baking cabinet, I smell the pumpkin spice and I think of football, bonfires, sweatshirts, kids running around in costumes, comfort. Now when smell my favorite fall scents it will be a reminder that I am to leave Christ’s pleasant fragrance.
Have a blessed labor day.
I love the smell of fall. Pumpkins and the cool crisp breeze in the air. I live in the south now so I miss that time of year.
O the smell of this pink hempz moisturizing lotion takes me back and reminds me of the days spent with my aunt. It is the lotion I rubbed on her legs and arms the last weekend I spent with her in the hospital before she passed away nearly 2 years ago. I just got back from visiting her family a few weeks ago and found a little left in the bottle. This whole trip was because my uncle felt it was time for me to go through her clothes and shoes to see what I wanted.
A smell and it’s association…there are so many things! But probably the most interesting (and not so girly I might add) is that of a 2 stroke engine! Now for many of you reading this you may be thinking…what the heck kind of smell is THAT????? There just isn’t anything like it and whenever I smell it…I am transported to the woods on a snowy day….Now I know you ARE asking yourself….what the heck????? hahahahaha…. Ok…let me explain…I am “lady sledhead”! I LOVE TO SNOWMOBILE!!! and not the 2 on a sled, hubby is driving and I’m just along for the ride kind of snowmobiling either….the let ‘er rip! Kind of snowmobiling that the boys do…ONLY I don’t go quite as fast as they do and I am careful when I ride! Afterall, that is a pretty powerful piece of machine I’m driving!
So…..when I smell a 2 stroke engine (and it can be on a coat or hat or an actual engine running)… I am immediately transported to a beautiful wooded trail wind whipping around me and the sound of my engine in my ears….all the while singing praises inside my helmet for the beauty that is flying by….
That is my smell and it’s association…a little unorthodox I know…but it IS all mine indeed!
Bread baking reminds me of my Grandma Neal, makes me want to sing the hymns we used to sing together. Chanel No. 5 reminds me of my mom. Murphy’s Oil Soap reminds my of my mother-in-law cleaning – I use that to clean too so it feels like she’s not so far away!
My favorite aroma or scent is the Fabuloso Lavender fragrence. It leads me to a place of peace, for a moment anyways, as it causes me, in that moment, to relax, relate and release all of the days stresses/stressors while engaging in some long over due and much needed cleaning up of the apartment that I share with my 3 sons, ages 14 years old, 13 years old and 16 months. Move over Calgon, Fabuloso has taken me away…smile…
There are so many scents that take me back…my grandpa used Listerine everyday. I always think of him when I smell that. My grandma always used Breck shampoo- it smelled so good!! My favorite aunt always wore White Shoulders, and every once in a while I walk by someone who is wearing it and remember her. Thanks for this “walk down memory lane” of scents and smells. I needed it!!
Next to songs, smells are my strongest memory triggers…
Old Spice & British Sterling remind me of my dad since those were his signature scent.
Cigars remind me of my grandpa.
Everytime I drive through the country and smell that “country air” I’m transported back to summers at the Illinois State Fair where my family showed ponies.
The smell of fried dough takes me back to the Fall Festival where I grew up & always had a funnel cake.
I could go on & on
I feel like its kinda silly, but Cinnamon Glade airfreshner reminds me of going to my great grandmothers house in Tucson Arizona
Even after all these years when we spray it in our house I remember her 
Bath and Body Works Country Apple reminds me of when I was dating my husband and we were camp counselors at Word of Life Bible Institute in Florida
I love the smell of pumpkins. It instantly makes me think of fall, the warm colours, crisp air and cozing in a. Warm anklet on the couch to read a book. Excited that this season is just around the corner!
I can’t smell a campfire without thinking of camping trips with my hubby to Michigan!
i once was driving out of our complex and almost to the street and i smelt the most beautiful smell ever . upon entering the street.. i proceeded and as i was driving a truck came around the corner and was comming in my lane head on. i was praising the Lord as usual the man in the truck was stareing at me in awe and just missed me as he passed by. i will never forget the look on his face. I believe the Lord was saying “Im here ,its okay by the aroma. the strange ,look was just because he saw all of Gods angels all around my car. lol it also says in His word that when we are praising something to the affect of He will be in our midst.
The smell of jergens original lotion reminds of my uncle. He worked on cars and had dry skin all the time. He always kept a bottle in his car and every Friday night when we went out to eat with him he would put it on in the car.
I will forever associate the smell of classic chapstick with my grandfather. He always used it when I was a little girl and still had a tube on his dresser when he passed away in June. It always reminded me of comfort and fun times!
Love the smell of Tresor perfume…reminds me of friend who gave me my first sample of it and now it is only fragrance I wear. I once had a young salesclerk tell me O I love this perfume, reminds me of my grandmother! and since I am a grandmother, it did not offend me at all – It is a classic!
I loved your thought today. As I was reading it I thought of many aroma which mean something to me. But the one which I love most is the smell of bananas combined with wax paper. It reminds me of my kindergarden years, my lunch bag had this smell. My mom always wrapped my sandwich in waxpaper and putted a banana in the lunch bag.
Be blessed
The think I love best about some smells are that they can transport you to a time and place that has been lost to your memories. To a mother that her youngest is over 20, smelling a newborn can take her back to the day she held her own….. The smell of a fresh bouqet of flowers can transport you to the day you were the bride and smelled the one that you clutched so tight as you walked down the isle to begin you newest adventure in life. So never be to busy in life to just stop & breath in all the smells around you….you never know where they will take you…..
My mom used to drag us to the mall, kicking and screaming, to buy White Shoulders. After she was done shopping, we’d sit in the car, she’d uncap the perfume and put on a couple spritzes. We used to gag and cough and generally overreact to tease her. But mom died in 1993, when I was 13 and my brother was 7. Everytime I smell White Shoulders, I think of her. My dad used to wear Jovan. He would pour it on his hands and splash it on his freshly shaven face. So when he gave me his car when I turned 16, I always smelled him because the steering wheel had absorbed that wonderful smell from his hands. My daddy died in Nov 2009, so his smell still brings tears to my eyes. But when I smell it, I always think of daddy getting ready for work, looking so handsome in his uniform.
Smells are so powerful! I too am reminded with just the touch of certain scents that “bring me back” to special times shared with my family.
Dove body bar takes me to the many baths I had by my grandma as I stayed with her as a child..oh how I loved those clawtub baths, she would wash my back and just talk, I miss her.
Then there is the lotion that followed those baths, Jergens-the original cherry scented one., this smell takes me to Grandma J and my sister Deb, who is with our Lord now. My sister and I use to rub this all over us cause it reminded us of Grandma J.
Then there is the “smell of Thanksgiving and Christmas” oh my, these are powerful and always bring a smile to my face, why? because it tells me that I will soon be sharing time with my family who mean the most to me, and most importantly, the celebration of the birth of our Savior is right around the corner. I just loved hearing everyones comments. Great post!
Ahhh… Yes how I love the smells that bring back such wonderful memories from my life. I have lost many that were closet to me, my Momma, Daddy, and brother, so there are certain smells that make me feel close to them when I encounter them…My Momma’s home made custard when I make it, was my childhood favorite and now my girls, the fragrance of the lake when out on a boat ride because my Daddy loved to fish, and fresh peanut-butter cookies that were my brothers favorite. I thank God for the little things. like familiar smells, that help to remind us of just how blessed our lives were and are…
My mom’s best friend wears Sand and Sable perfume and when my grandmother stopped smoking, she wore it faithfully and daily for the last 10 years of her life. My mom’s best friend ALWAYS reminds me of my sweet Gronnie and how much I miss her and her friendship!
I did not have a close relationship to my biological father. So, male role models were sometimes difficult for me. But my high school Spanish teacher was one of the few who I deemed trustworthy. He always smelled of some sweet smelling tobacco he smoked in his pipe.(when not at school) Not the nasty smoke smell of cigarettes (which makes me nauseous) but sweet calming smell. He and his wife were such a blessing to my life! Thank you Senor!
There’s a certain scent – I’m not sure what it is – maybe old wood, or old fabric, or something like that – reminds me of my grandmother’s old house. She lived in the same house for 50 years and anytime I smell the scent of how her house used to smell, I am reminded of my many wonderful memories of spending time at my grandmother’s old house.
What a great reading for us today as I am inhaling the wonderful smell from the beautiful pink roses my office gave me for my birthday!! I will think of what you wrote for us today and try and always smell like a rose instead of a toad!!! I hope your sister in law is doing okay–I just found out one of mine has breast cancer–Please keep Mary Martha in your prayers.. Have a wonderful Labor day!! And many Blessings to you!!! From Barb ( who likes to smell good!!)
P.S. I forgot to tell you I love the smell of dirt–right after it rains!! Kind of silly and I also like the smell of books–now you do think I am kind of nutty!!! I used to go downtown in Grand Forks,North dakota when I was growing up and go to the libray and smell the books!! Hope I amde you laugh with my silly scents!!! Thanks again,Barb
While this may sound silly, most of the smells that bring back the best memories are associated with food. Thanksgiving food, mostly. My grandmothers were and are 2 of the best cooks I know. We have a fairly large family, and we don’t all live too close anymore. There are now times that I don’t get to “go home” for holidays, but when I am doing the cooking in my own house, it makes me think of all of the family that is scattered here and there doing their own celebrating. The smell of pumpkin pie and turkey totally make me think of family.
Family was made very important as we were growing up and is still very important to me. I can only hope that what I am showing to my kids will stick and they will see how important family is because right now I have 2 who are at the age where their lives seem to revolve around their friends, and it doesn’t seem as though they value the family. I pray (literally) that I am giving them the fragrance that the family gave to my siblings, cousins and I as we were growing up.
Have a great weekend
When I smell caramel, I smile and think of my MaMa’s caramel cake.
I love the smell of lilacs! When I smell them it takes me right back to my backyard as a child. We had lilacs that lined the back edge of our yard. We couldn’t wait until they bloomed. It was such a short time but it was a wonderful time!!! It is so true how a smell can take us right there!
baby lotion ..(:
What a wonderful question! Scent is so important! There are so many that transport me to wonderful, loved filled memories! Like so many others Fall is my favorite time of year because of the scents associated with fall – pumkins, leaves, cold air, apple orchards, apple cider, baking pies, etc. But there are so many others that I have recently smelled that come to mind.
They are:
Chicken baking in the oven – that is my grand ma’s kitchen in Pennsylvania! There was always a place at her table and everyone was always welcomed.
Baby Powder and Baby magic lotion – the smell of my clean babies. Pure love and innocence and unconditional love all rolled into one smell right there.
English Leather Cologne – oh my, that is my daddy and his strong, safe, loving arms around me! He was a pastor for 50 years and not just taught me about God’s love, but he showed it to me. He lived it every day. I miss him so much; as he went to be with the Lord in 2003, but that cologne reminds me I am loved by God every time I smell it. In a way I think that God smells like English Leather cologne too!
Sand, the ocean, and Coppertone suntan lotion – that is my childhood – it was filled with fun and laughter and family. We lived at Rehoboth Beach, DE every summer and everytime I smell any of these I am reminded of simplier times! Pure happiness through and through!
The smell of sweet candy sugar and French Fries frying in peanut oil – of course – the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk! It always makes me smile uncontrollably!
Last but not least – Constant Comment Tea – its sweet orange aroma with the tea and other spices reminds me of my dear sweet mother. She is a loving, caring person who I cherish. She taught me, at a very early age, all about tea parties. But more importantly about hospitality and taking the time to enjoy life and friends and family. Of course I didn’t know I was learning hospitality then, but now I understand that a pot of hot constant comment tea, a few cookies or scones and a dear friend can make an afternoon magical.! My mom always took time to have tea with me and my dolls and teddy bears and she always made us Constant Comment tea like the grown ups! When I’m feeling down or alone or trying to work a problem out in my head I always turn to Contant Comment and let those simple memories flow over me and suddenly anything is possible.
Thank you for a wonderful question! I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend! My birthday is on the 6th – sometimes falls on Labor day, but not this year! All in all a wonderful time of year! Enjoy!
I grew up in the south. I now live in Texas. I know it is also part of the south but not the same. I love gardenias and magnolias. The smell takes me back home. And honeysuckles remind me of my childhood. I like to simmer cinnamon and cloves on my stove. Many that visit my house remember the smell.
Hm, there are so many smells out there that instantly take me back. One being fresh cut grass. I remember mowing our lawn when I was younger. I loved doing that as we had a riding lawn mower and I loved pretending I was driving and listening to tunes while doing it. Thanks for the memory today and have a blessed holiday weekend!
Oh how I love to smell a peppermint. My Papa always smelled like peppermints. He always had them in his pockets. I recently have been reminded of his love and his legacy. I did not grow up in a home were we learned that we should put the Lord first in your lives. I did not know what having a personal relationship with him was We did not attend church. My Grandparents were so dedicated to leading my family to the Lord. It would anger me the many times they would tell me that I needed to have my family in church. Little did I understand. Fianlly as a 24 year old I made a commitment to the Lord. They attended my baptism , my husbands , and 4 of our 5 childrens. On the day of my son Matthew’s baptism they were there. I remember sitting next to them smelling my Papa’s peppermints and hearing him sing Victory in Jesus so loudly. I remember at that moment that I had to remember the way he smelled and the way he worshiped. I just watched him through the entire song. He showed me the meaning of TRUE worship. That was the last time I saw my Papa. He passed away unexpectidly a week later. My Grandmother passed down his church coat to my husband. I was looking at the coat a year later and I couldnt beleive how it smelled just like him still. I reached in the pocket and what did I find? Peppermints… In September our youngest son Josiah will be baptized. It has sparked feelings of loss, love, and an extreme amount of thankfulness for my grandparents legacy.
Aroma’s are so important- and they can bring about memories you never even knew you had such as:
The smell of cinnamon reminds me of my grandmother
The smell of paint reminds me of my mother who is an artist
And the smell of cooking also reminds me of my mother.
I am watching my aroma this week for sure!
The smell of roses. My grandpa had rose bushes climbing up the side of their house. And if the roses didn’t get you, grandma’s baking did! The house always smelled like a bakery. Everytime I smell fresh baked goods I can hear my grandma “have another one, what’s wrong? you don’t like my baking” Loved it!!
I love fragarences. I hope I am putting off a pleasant Jesus aroma but I know sometimes I stink. I have so many associations with aromas. So are good and some are painful. I love the smell of a bon fire. It reminds me of camping. Leaves burning always remind me of my grandma. Every year she would be inundated with that smell, which she hated, but for some reason it just reminds me of her. Pfeffernusse remind me of my Grandpa. We bought a box to give to him every Christmas. There are many more! Thanks for the illustration! Made the message really easy to understand.
The smell of baby powder reminds me of one of my grannies ( God rest her soul). She always had baby powder in a pretty pink container on the back of the toilette. Also, speriment gum reminds me of her. Her purse smelled like it as she always had some ready to share. Smelling good, looking good, and acting good were examples my granny set forth. I love my granny so much and miss her dearly. Not to leave out my other granny….. She always smelled good too. She smelled like (caress the pink one) and suave shampoo (it was for white or gray hair or should I say silver for her hair was a very pretty silver color and I have 3 silver strains so I will be tickled if my hair is silver someday but I’m not ready yet lol). Thank you.
The cologne my husband wore while we were dating and the first few years of our marriage still gives me butterflies. I am taken back to the whimsical days of courting, and it makes me love him that much more.
I love the smell of fall….pumpkins, apples…campfires and getting ready to cozy in with my family. I know that winter is coming and we will all be inside and close to eachother for months. Fall is my favorite month the enjoy God’s glory. The beautiful leaves and fresh clean air inspire me to accept that seasons come and go…and to slow down and learn to love life! God is Great!
My first aroma memory is Estee’ Lauder Youth Dew….the oil, not the cologne. My mom would dab the oil behind her ears and in the bend of her arms. She said the oil lasted longer. The second is of a certain Trapp candle that we burn often in our house. If it’s been a while, my daughter, Abbie, will come in the door and say,” Mom, light the candles. Our house is losing OUR smell!” And the third came when my daughters were 3 and 5 years old. They wanted to rub my arms and legs with lotion one day; and I , in turn, rubbed them down with my lotion as well. One of them looked up and breathed in REALLY deeply, and said, “Oh mommy, I smell MARRIED!”
My Grandmother’s house always seemed of coffee. Her house was my safe place as a child and even as an adult. When I stepped into her house and smelled that special aroma, I knew comfort, acceptance, love and a warm welcome were waiting for me in the form of my petite Grandmother. No matter how many times we moved around growing up and no matter how unstable my childhood years were, I knew my Grandmother loved me. She was consistent. She respresented love. She was my rock. The last time I stepped into her house was not long after she died. Even though I didn’t smell coffee, I knew the sweet aroma of her consistent love would linger in me all the days of my life. I love the smell of coffee and I loved my Grandmother : )
Patti Jackson
The smell of Old Spice makes me think of my grandfather. My father smoked pipes and whenever I smell a pipe, I remember being a little girl and him smoking. Cranberry and apple smells remind me that Christmas is coming! And a little pumpkin spice goes a long way to help me remember fall back east. Living here in CA, we just don’t get the fall smell. Smells are one of the greatest gifts we have. They can evoke pleasant memories and not so pleasant memories. I am so thankful I still can smell!
The smell of fruit flavored candles always brings to mind one of my bestest friends ever – Shannon. She has been worshiping our Lord and decorating my future mansion in my forever home, Heaven, for some years now. I sure do miss her!
Thanks for the memories today!
I love to smell sweet peas. My grandmother always had boquets of sweet peas on her table. They smell so wonderful. Sage always reminds me of her homemade stuffing and how yummy it was.
It is amazing how smell can transport us back in time and ease the cares of the day. Thank you for reminding me of this today. Hope you have a wonderful holiday.
Great blog post!
I have the sniffer of a bloodhound! Sometimes it’s more curse than blessing to have such overactive olfactory nerves…if my windows are open the acrid odor of exhaust fumes (especially diesel) blow in and send pain signals to my head! The diesel smells remind of me of my school days, riding the bus through the countryside for an hour each night! That smell was mingled with sweaty kids, corn chips and Doritos as we all snacked on our way home.
One of my favorite scents is in Autumn, when the morning dew covers the grass, fields and either lawns or crops have been recently cut. It brings me right back to the days of living on my parents farm…there was a sweetness that followed me down our half mile driveway where I waited for the bus.
I’m also addicted to all candles that smell like fall, apples, apple pie, cinnamon and apples…mmm!
When I catch a whiff of Aramis cologne I remember my Grandpa who lives in Texas, after one of his visits when I was 7 we all cried all the way home from dropping him off at the airport. When we got home and prepared ourselves for bed, we used the hand towel in the bathroom and it smelled like his cologne, we of course began to cry again…but our tears turned to laughter and then cycled through more tears and giggling because of our emotions. I’ve been tempted to purchase the cologne just to remember his visits!
I LOVE the smell of freshly laundered towels and clothes (No matter what detergent or fabric softener I use) But for some reason when I fold my husbands white t-shirts they smell different than the rest of the laundry, They retain his personal scent…mingled with his deodorant and the clean laundry smell! I usually sniff each one as I fold them and think of him lovingly while he’s away for the day.
God Bless!
Brandi
I loved your post this morning. I love aromas. One of my favorites is lavendar-vanilla, it reminds me of my Mom. We both got attached to it about the same time and since she is now gone, I really enjoy the reminder of her.
I also love that we can give the Aroma of Christ. May I always share His aroma. Thanks again and blessings to you today.
Smells to me are very much like God, because you can’t ‘see’ either one, but you know they are there. My favorite smell is the combination of my grandpa’s cologne and my grandma’s face powder. You can’t create the scent any other way. It reminds me of getting to sit on my grandparents’ bed whie they were getting ready. Such a simple thing, but such a HUGE priviledge! My grandpa passed away last week, and we were all on the farm. Just being in that bedroom brought his presence to the place – what a great gift!
I love when my husband wears Lagerfield…the smell takes me back to a time long ago when we first dated. Also, I walk a track around a park in our community. As I walking, others walk or jog past me & they each have a different smell/aroma. I often wonder, what is my aroma/smell that is left as I pass them. Even more so, what aroma is God receiving from me (Genesis 8:20-21).
Cinnamon, my mom loves cinnamon so it reminds me of my youth. We both love to get cinnamon fragance items and bakery treats too.
The smell of Wrigley’s Doublemint gum will always remind me of my mom. She kept it in her purse and used to give each of us kids a half piece so it wouldn’t be gone quite so fast.
Jergens lotion…original scent….reminds me of my Grandmother. We used to stay with her while our parents worked. around 2pm after lunch and all the chores of the day were done…she would set down to watch her stories…and out that Jergens would come…and we had to go somewhere, sit down and be quiet….lol
Have an Awesome Labor Day My Friend
Watching my aromas this week…thank you for the reminder!
I always remember my sweet grandma when I bake our family’s favorite: apple crisp. It was a special recipe handed down from her and it makes me remember her with a sweet sadness.
Is it me or do smells seem to affect women more than men? I’m constantly looking for candles and air fresheners for our home because the smells just make me feel good inside. Your blog post today definitely made me reflect about how I “smell” to others. I always want other people to feel good inside when they are around me. I want them to “smell” Christ!
One of my strongest scent connections is gingerbread and molasses. I have a Dutch background and my family is from Michigan. My grandma always had (and still has!) Dutch “windmill” cookies or gingerbread for all of her grandkids. When I smell that molasses and cinnamon smell, I think of sitting around my grandma’s kitchen table, yakking it up with all my aunts and just feeling so loved and connected. At the beginning of the Christmas season, I make a double batch of gingerbread dough with my daughter Annabelle, and we keep it in the freezer to make cookies often. Even though we leave far away in Nevada, the smell of gingerbread makes me feel close to my family and reminds me I’m building sweet memories into my daughter as well!
Since we put up grapes every fall, one of my favorite smells is concord grapes. My husband’s, Kevin, vineyard (fifty vines) matured this year and we were assaulted with the smell of grapes as we walked between the rows. My mind goes back to when our son, Samuel, was 2 years old and we had just picked up our grapes from the farmers market and he was stuffing his mouth full one grape after another, his beautiful colorful striped shirt, the brilliance of the blue sky and the warm comfort of a September day. God is so good to give us such a mind to connect aromas with emotions. It is a reminder to set no vain thing before our eyes . . . nose
One of the strongest ‘smell associations’ for me is quite strange: it is the smell of hot tarmac! I worked on a flower farm when I was 16 and there was a particular patch of tarmac which melted when it was hot. The smell takes me right back to that summer when I did a fair bit of growing up.
Otherwise, the smell of ‘pepparkakor’ – Swedish ginger cookies – is just CHRISTMAS!
When I smell vanilla hand lotion, body spray, candles, I think of a time in life when all was so simple. I was a teen and the only thing I had to worry about was- when or how I was to get to the beach, did I have enough change to buy some wax for my surfboard, and what boy was going to give me a high five for the waves I caught. Life was so simple and I made it so difficult……..
Karen, what a great post. Certain smells just take me back in time and spark my memory. I like to do that for my kids now by baking. I hope when they smell cookies baking or cinnamon they think of home.
My dad cherished his guitar, and when you opened the case it just had this smell that I can’t describe, but I love that smell.
I love the smell of fall. There is just something in the air, that distinct scent that change is coming, summer is over and time to bring out your warm comfy sweaters and favorite crochet blankets to snuggle on the couch. Things will be baking in the oven, like turkeys, cookies, pies, (my Mom’s cooking), families gathering together to eat and tells their stories about the summer. Attending high school football games and watching the band perform, parades, kids bringing home school projects made with pride. I love fall.
I also enjoy the smell of Old Spice, soap on a rope, it reminds me of my Dad. I miss him, its been almost 4 years.
Thanks Karen for taking me down that sweet memory lane this morning.
Oh my goodness, I just love this post! I have really been trying to hold my attitudes and actions captive and not allow myself to get ruffled. This is an excellent was for me to remember to keep myself in check! Thank you!
I was actually just thinking of being at my grandparents house as a child over the weekend. Their house always smelled like Pinesol and campbells vegetable soup! I still love them both to this day and am tearing up just thinking of them! I can not wait to be rejoined with my grandfather when Jesus returns, I miss him so much! <3
When it comes to remembering different fragrances from my past, my mother comes out on top. She loved flowers and planted them all along the sides of our home and out in front as well. Her all time favorite and mine too were her beautiful, white gardenias. Oh how they released a wonderful smell. Her second favorite were her roses. She had roses of multiple colors each embellished in their own special scent. Whereever I go and I see these two special flowers, they always take me back to my mom, who was and forever will be my best friend.
The smell of Dove soap reminds my of my Grandmother who went home to be with Jesus in 2001. She was the sweetest, kindest, and best example of a woman after God’s own Heart! I can’t wait to see her again someday.
When I Smell Holiday meals cooking I remember sleeping on a pallet in the kitchen because the house was so full of family the night before a holiday and smelling the turkey cooking all night.
I love the smell of rain. It has always been a special smell for me because for a long time, I thought I was the only one who could smell it. As a young child, my mother thought I was making it up that rain had a smell, she told me that rain did not smell. Since my mother knew everything, I thought I had a smell that was just my own since I knew I could smell it. Fast forward a few years and I found out that there were other people who could smell rain and my mother is not able to smell it. A simple childhood memory that makes me smile.
LILACS!!!
My childhood home was adorned with Lilac bushes (but so big could pass as a tree!) and I always looked forward to their blooms. Perhaps it was the challange of climbing the huge hill in my backyard to cut them or that amazing smell they brought forth? Either way lilacs will forever remind me of my childhood.
Maybe that is why at my home I have started my own collection.
I even found a Lilac bush that blooms throughout the spring & summer
-Colleen G.
It probably sounds silly but I associate the smell of bacon cooking with my Great Grandpa. He cooked bacon every morning for as long as I can remember. It seemed the smell lingered all day long, so no matter what time you came over, it still smelled like bacon. I will catch myself closing my eyes when I cook bacon sometimes, and I am 5 years old, standing in my Great Grandpa’s kitchen, looking up at him. Scent is a strong sense, that is for sure.
Love the imagery. Never really thought about it before, but the sense of smell really does trigger strong memories. Thanks for the reminder!
Pine Sol and my Grandma’s house. Grandma’s house always smelled for the original Pine Sol. I’ve often said, you could blindfold me and drive me around for hours, but if you dropped me a Grandma’s house, I’d know exactly where I was! I still clean bathrooms with it just for the nostalgia! Can always burn a candle for guests…just sayin’… : )
Coffee….I was raised by my grandparents, and I would wake up in the mornings smelling my grandfather’s coffee. I loved the mornings we would sit on the porch watching the world wake up while he drank coffee!
Scent of freshly laundered baby clothes, brings me back to the time when my own children were small. That sweet scent reminds me of how fleeting life is and how precious each moment with our children is. I have been blessed to have three.
The aroma of cinnamon reminds me of canning applesauce with my mom And the smell of pumpkin pie reminds me of family gatherings around Thanksgiving
It’s almost apple season. I love the smell of apples & cinnamon baking in a crisp or pie.
The smells of cooking a homemade breakfast reminds me of my grandmom! She always made me a hot breakfast on the coal stove when I was a little girl and she baby sat me.
I don’t smell this anymore but I remember the smell of Aqua Velva – smells like my sweet dad. He still uses it after shaving to this day! And even better, my grandfather used it too so it reminds me of both of them.
I love this not only because I get to hear others experiences as I sell candles but because it is so true! The aroma of my mom: roses she loved growing and vegetables from the garden for us to pick and eat, cookies baking in the oven for company; family and friends she hosted for.
The aroma of my children: ‘is like a field the Lord is blessing’; tickling time, football, volleball, hugs and enoying life.
I will put that verse in my bathroom and when I spray on my Red cologne in the morning it will remind me to spread the fragrance of Christ wherever I go…Roses and lilacs remind me of my grandmas…both home with the Lord and the smell of pine trees reminds me of vacation…We now live in the pines and I sometimes think I am still on vacation…Love it!!!
The smell of coffee brewing reminds me of my grandma and my cousin. Both are gone now so the smell always brings fond memories back. Great question!
Smells, I love the memories that smells bring. So many happy smiles on my heart.
I love the smell of a smoking pipe; this always reminds me of sitting on my grandfathers lap as a child.
I love the smell of rain; it reminds me of my grand parents sun porch.
I love the smell of fresh cut grass as it reminds me of summer times on my grandparents ranch and riding shotgun on the hay baler.
I love the smell of bbq and bon fires; it reminds me of family. We bbq year round and bon fires on the deck with 4 foot of snow or -20 degrees we’ve had some fantastic family times. It is so good to remember these times as the kids get older and start moving away one by one.
I love the smell of Aqua de Gio when I’m at the mall or the gym because it is the cologne my man wears and I love the way he smells.
I love the smell of fresh cut grass and hay. It reminds me of being a kid and my biggest concern was if I would finish my homework and chores in time to ride. Even now if I see someone mowing I will roll down the windows just to get a sniff
I love the smell of a fresh cut pine tree. It reminds me the Christmas that my family and I literally treked through the snow to find our perfect tree. While my allergies didn’t agree, I’ll never forget making that memory.
One of the clearest and most pleasant smells in my memory is that of the yellow climbing roses that grew around the mailbox at my grandparents farm. It was such a sweet, warm smell, and when I think of it now I can see my grandparents old house, with the huge maple tree in the front. Thanks for the reminder of that lovely place, and also for the reminder that I should be leaving the fragrance of Jesus wherever I go.
HI Karen, I have learned quite a bit from your book on being a good host. I really have and recommend it to more women like myself who have gotten off track a bit with “life” in this fast paced world where popular tv shows aren’t of the “hallmark” type
I also am pretty influcenced by the sense of smell. My mother passed away a few years ago and there was some family turmoil…and me being close to my parents was very hard for me to not be there with them every day. It was really hard and i treasure family memories and some scents bring back really warm family memories…
Lilac: reminds me of when i was at home with my parents as a teenager and enjoying wonderful summer breezes in our backyard swing, talking about anything, talking about nothing
Burning leaves: Fall high school events, get togethers, thanks giving and Dad’s stories of when he was growing up
Horse..umm…farm smells: The country, how i grew up and whenever i visited my Dad’s side of the family (mostly farmers) and my aunt’s dairy farm, picking blueberries, swimming in the river, laughing with my cousin Ben (on my Mom’s side of the family); Also of the times i spent in nature with Dad…that smell of horses just feels home
(and horses are herbivores so they really don’t stink as much as other big farm animals, lol)
Jean Louis Ferrer perfume: my sister Louise…she’s very artistic and dramatic, LOL. NOT a country girl
Incense, Musk, Estee Lauder White Shoulder perfume: my sister Christine…she’s very mystical, bohemian, fun, caring, citizen of the world
Listerine: yes, that reminds me of Dad, trying to get rid of the cigar he enjoyed on the front porch at night (he didn’t smoke alot but about half a one each evening as a way to unwind), LOL. He always knew I love him just the way he is! It’s nice that he made the effort though for my mom
Apple pie: my mom and watching her make those growing up; our talks as she was making apple pies, simple things, no drama, just fun times
Curve men’s perfume: my ex boyfriend Jason..a cowboy…who proposed to me and then didn’t know what he wanted. LOL. If only he could make up his mind once and for all….ohhhh
OK, that’s enough i think. I’m getting lost in the memories of these scents. LOL These are my immediate memories…I hope some of you enjoyed reading
Thanks Karen,
Julie
…those are all times when I’ve thanked Jesus for being there for me and allowing me to have these experiences. Now when i smell these I still thank Jesus for reminding me of those wonderful times.
Certain smells bring back memories and one of my favorite is the smell of newly sawed wood. My dad was a builder and it reminds me of how hard he worked to take care of us. I miss him, (1 year ago Aug. 28th he passed away).
I have love the smell of vanilla bean that they only have in the fall time for Christmas. I have been buying it for years. It just smells fresh, clean to me!! I also burn vanilla candles alot in the fall and winter time.
Today, a custodian at the school where I work threw away a box of special classroom materials that belonged to me. It was an accident. He thought he was doing his job; I had placed the box in a bad location. When I found out what had happened I was not happy and made sure several people knew my feelings. Then, I was forced to go dumpster-diving to find my stuff. Later, as I drove home, I was ashamed at how I had reacted over a bunch of stuff. The truth is , I belonged in that dumpster with my stinky attitude. Some apologies are in order tomorrow!
What an awesome prize pack!
The smell of pine needles that have fallen on the ground in the forest and have been warmed by the heat of the sun, brings to mind my beloved grandmother that has been gone for 30 years. That smell reminds me of the kind of woman she was…one who would give all sh had to others and also loved me unconditionally.
Any type of flowers remind me of my mother’s flower gardens. She has never had a large yard but boy she packed a lot in those small space. She put vegetables and herbs in between and the smell of dill reminds me of her every time.
Lavender has an immediately calming effect on me as does rosemary.
the smell of soil, and potatoes, always reminds me of my dear departed Big Grandma… No idea why we called great grandma this but i do know she had a big garden and those smells remind me of her and my childhood always going down to visit her every sunday after church.. what a wonderful memory ?
the smell of soil, and potatoes, always reminds me of my dear departed Big Grandma… No idea why we called great grandma this but i do know she had a big garden and those smells remind me of her and my childhood always going down to visit her every sunday after church.. what a wonderful memory ?
The smell of Night Blooming Jasmine reminds me of when I was a child. We had a hedge of them growing under our front window and on cool evenings the strong, beautiful scent filled the whole house.