« smells and sounds »
Do you associate smells with certain memories? Because I really, really do, which is somewhat shocking to me, because I generally don't consider myself has having a particularly good memory. But a great smell, man, can just send me rushing back to my past. Some good ones off of the top of my head:
Chanel No. 5 -- My grandmother. Until the day I die.
Pipe smoke -- My grandfather. I hate smoking, but I love the smell of a pipe. LOVE.
Vanilla -- My mom. She used to bake a lot.
Old Spice -- My dad. Again, from my childhood. I don't think he wears it anymore.
Men's cologne in general -- Walking through the men's dorm on a Friday night. Occasionally, when I was at university, I would have dinner at the student centre, and the fastest way to get there from my women's dorm was through the ground floor of the men's dorm. I loved walking through there on Friday evenings because the halls were filled with the smell of men's cologne as they were getting ready for their dates, I presume. I loved the idea that they were taking extra care.
On Monday mornings, the dorm generally returned to smelling like a combination of sweaty socks and regret. So, you know, it was good while it lasted.
Sandy beaches -- Manzanilla, Mayaro, Trinidad.
Coconut -- summers in the United States. It reminds me of suntan oil.
It's because of this that when I find a scent I like, I tend to wear only that scent, every day, for years. I love the thought that as people come and go through my life, years from now, that scent will make them think of me. And I especially love the idea that my daughter will associate that scent with me when she's an adult.
Is that crazy?
* * * * * * *
Because I've become intimidated by the thought of coming up with a new song every day for the rest of this month, I'm going to ask for some help (and hopefully avoid another Miley Cyrus debacle like yesterday): can you tell me your favourite song and artist in the comments below? I'll happily find and listen to all of them -- I'm always on the hunt for new, good music -- and the ones I love I'll happily feature here on Chookooloonks, with credit to you, of course, and a link to your site, if you have one.
Thanks, all. Have a great day.
Song: Right as rain by Adele
Image: a fountain I passed yesterday while walking home from voting. Photographed with Nikon D300, 50mm manual lens.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 12:00AM
Reader Comments (60)
Just one?
I'm listening to the Jack Johnson Curious George CD a lot at the moment. My favourites are 'Wait Here for you' and 'Lullaby'
I think I'm going to have a very chilled out baby...
The smell of cinnamon reminds me of making out. The first guy I kissed alway chewed Big Red when he knew we'd make out.
I'm loving Priscilla Renea right now. Her acoustic version of Dollhouse is amazing. And Hello My Apple is so sweet--makes me nostalgic for new/young love.
The smell of cement and freshly oiled wood reminds me of my father, every time I smell it - and he hardly ever smells like those anymore. It's the only smell I associate with a person, other smells mainly remind me of moments and situations.
Songs? I currently have a crush on the soundtrack of (500) Days of Summer, specifically the songs "Quelqu'un m'a dit" by Carla Bruni, "You make my dreams" by Hall & Oates, and "Mushaboom" by Feist. Oh, and a song called "Green Grass" (not from the soundtrack) by Cibelle, although it's a little sad.
Good luck with the November-posting!
The smell of fresh basil reminds me of my Italian great-grandmother.
A song I'm loving lately is the duet Boa Sorte by Vanessa da Mata and Ben Harper!
love love love reading your blog. your photos are gorgeous and your words inspirational. thank you!
my favourite songs at the moment...
"last day on earth" kate miller-heidke
"we won't run" sarah blasko
"watch over me" bernard fanning
"i'll stand by you" the pretenders
enjoy!
x
The smell of fig trees, even in cold London, reminds me of my grandmother who lived in the South of France.
I'm listening to 'I've Changed My Ways', by Wayne Gidden - beautiful, beautiful voice:
www.myspace.com/waynegidden
Thank you for your positive spirit!
These days I am listening to a lot of Josh Ritter. My favorites are "Baby That's Not All" and "Snow is Gone." Dar Williams is one of my all time favorites, with "When I Was a Boy" and "Iowa" at the top of the list. And Eva Cassidy. Anything by Eva Cassidy.
One of my favorite smells is a mixed on: salt air and sunscreen and funnel cake. It's what I smell as I approach the Santa Cruz Boardwalk every summer, and it's just the perfect smell of summer and I start getting excited because I know I am about to get to ride my favorite roller coaster.
Like you, when I find a fragrance I love, I wear it for years. My current fragrance (which is relatively new to me, just 2 years now), is my daughter's favorite. Whenever I put it on she says something about how she loves the smell and it reminds her of me. I love that.
Heavy rotation these days:
Death Cab for Cutie
Bat for Lashes
Soundtrack from Nick and Nora's Fabulous Playlist
And because I'm lame, I still play the soundtrack from Magnolia a lot.
Stuck on Fireflies by Owl City...and I really mean stuck!
The smell of Brute cologne (yes, I know, gah!) is always welcome to me because it makes me think of my grandpa. And sawdust--love sawdust!! Makes me think of my dad in his workshop, crafting beautiful things for people he loves. Anything lemon reminds me of my mom.
Favorite music for me these days? Hmm...
Back to Indiana by the Elms
Chelsea Dagger by The Fratellis
Peace, Love and Happiness by G. Love and Special Sauce
anything by James Morrison
There's Gotta Be a Change by Jonny Lang
and Hang On Little Tomato by Pink Martini