Enjoying Smells.
The sense of being able to smell something is arguably a gift with numerous benefits. Ranging from potential danger to more sensual pleasurable scents, the world of aromas awaits.
While I can appreciate how evocative and significant this subject can be, however I myself have a distinct lack of smell. What I mean by this statement is that I have been told repeatedly and I know myself that I seem to miss what should be normally recognisable smells. I have for example in the past, completely been unaware of people wearing perfume, much to the frustration of family members.
Some people, such as my nephews, have an acute ability to recognise identical toys or objects of belonging as being their own simply by smelling the toy in question. I must admit after putting aftershave on I do feel a more pleasant reaction to my presence, but as far as the scent, I am more often than not, the person not to ask.
As a child, I did have a better ability to smell and recall the smell of roasting chestnuts and particularly even the smell of a new set of racing car toys. The newness of a slot together castle was another delight and the smell was an experience of happiness, on top of that I had great joy of firing my cap pistol and I recall the pungent acrid smoke.
A chapter of smells that I remember fondly are the times when I visited my grandmother, as she had a smallholding that my family intended to rejuvenate and my senses were awakened. A regular activity was preparing the wet washing to put through a mangle and hang it on a line in the yard. I remember the powerful smell of the waiting baskets of wet washing and just for fun a number of my grandmother's cats would peruse the items waiting to be cleaned. In one corner of the yard there was an unmistakable smell of cat. On the far side of the outhouse there was a row of four stables. There were no horses but still a pungent smell lingered in the empty stable. At the bottom of the front garden was a chicken run complete with an assortment of different coloured chickens. In the back garden was my grandfather's pride and joy of a glasshouse complete with earthy smelling tomatoes and numerous other vegetables.
Inside the house was a scullery that was cold with a tiled floor. There was a distinct smell of various foods awaiting to be used. Only used for special occasions, the front room was hardly ever entered but on one rare visit I recall the atmosphere of entering a room where time had looked to have stood still. The best china ornaments and patterned plates were on display in glass fronted cabinets. I often smelt the wood of two miniature grand pianos and that was a part of my memory of smells.
Smells undoubtedly define and help to transport back to an event, experience or memory. Good, bad or simply something recollectable, a small snapshot of my personal enjoyment of smells include childhood and more besides. I encourage others to explore their own treasure of memories sparked by smells and hopefully you can make some more positive and permeating aroma experiences.
While I can appreciate how evocative and significant this subject can be, however I myself have a distinct lack of smell. What I mean by this statement is that I have been told repeatedly and I know myself that I seem to miss what should be normally recognisable smells. I have for example in the past, completely been unaware of people wearing perfume, much to the frustration of family members.
Some people, such as my nephews, have an acute ability to recognise identical toys or objects of belonging as being their own simply by smelling the toy in question. I must admit after putting aftershave on I do feel a more pleasant reaction to my presence, but as far as the scent, I am more often than not, the person not to ask.
As a child, I did have a better ability to smell and recall the smell of roasting chestnuts and particularly even the smell of a new set of racing car toys. The newness of a slot together castle was another delight and the smell was an experience of happiness, on top of that I had great joy of firing my cap pistol and I recall the pungent acrid smoke.
A chapter of smells that I remember fondly are the times when I visited my grandmother, as she had a smallholding that my family intended to rejuvenate and my senses were awakened. A regular activity was preparing the wet washing to put through a mangle and hang it on a line in the yard. I remember the powerful smell of the waiting baskets of wet washing and just for fun a number of my grandmother's cats would peruse the items waiting to be cleaned. In one corner of the yard there was an unmistakable smell of cat. On the far side of the outhouse there was a row of four stables. There were no horses but still a pungent smell lingered in the empty stable. At the bottom of the front garden was a chicken run complete with an assortment of different coloured chickens. In the back garden was my grandfather's pride and joy of a glasshouse complete with earthy smelling tomatoes and numerous other vegetables.
Inside the house was a scullery that was cold with a tiled floor. There was a distinct smell of various foods awaiting to be used. Only used for special occasions, the front room was hardly ever entered but on one rare visit I recall the atmosphere of entering a room where time had looked to have stood still. The best china ornaments and patterned plates were on display in glass fronted cabinets. I often smelt the wood of two miniature grand pianos and that was a part of my memory of smells.
Smells undoubtedly define and help to transport back to an event, experience or memory. Good, bad or simply something recollectable, a small snapshot of my personal enjoyment of smells include childhood and more besides. I encourage others to explore their own treasure of memories sparked by smells and hopefully you can make some more positive and permeating aroma experiences.
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