Sniff?

Close your mouth and suck a lung of air in through your nose. Now exhale through your mouth.

What did you smell?

I smell orange/cranberry candles, red wine, fabric softner, chocolate, and a dusty heater. Glorious.

It's funny how smells can trigger a mental image of loved ones, isn't it? A sniff of dropjes (black licorce) and cigarettes makes me instantly warm and happy as I think of my Opa. The smell of coffee and spiced chocolate cake makes me think of my Oma D. Channel No. 5 perfume makes me think of my mother, and the smell of leather makes me think of my Dad and his leather gloves. These are all smells that have been built into my memory from a young age, irrevocably reminding me of elders.

It's not just people that smells can connect to. The smell of turkey makes me think of Thanksgiving. The smell of pine trees triggers the memories of Christmas. The smell of salt in the air brings back memories of the ocean. The smell of smoke reminds me of the cottage and campfires.

There's also those super pleasant smells. Flowers, strawberries and trees. Lakes and moss. Coffee and freshly baked cookies. Apples, cinnamon and steak. Bacon frying! Cologne, fresh sheets, cut wood, new cars and lemons. Scents and smells like these are enough to make your toes wiggle and your spine shiver. Admit it: you can't help but smile at the thought of these scents, let alone smelling them yourself!

Of course, there is also those smells that make you wrinkle your nose and shudder. Skunk spray, or sulphur. Burnt toast or popcorn. Spoiled milk or cheese. Smelly feet. Rotting compost. A backed up well or toliet.... You can stop making that disgusted face now ;)

The sense of smell is a powerful and suggestive device to have in one's body. My nose can detect a skunk two kilometers, and fresh baked cookies at five kilometers away. No only does the nose affect one's mind and appetite, it also affects one's emotions. I can't count the number of times a scent tied to a lost loved one has brought me such warmth and yet sadness in the same moment. Likewise, those happy smells of those I still have with me bring a rush of happiness to which nothing can compare.

I do believe we take for granted all that we have in the human body. We are truly fearfully and wonderfully made. And yet we don't always know what our body can do until we lose that ability. Imagine not smelling the scent of your lover in bed next to you. Imagine not smelling that new baby smell of your newborn. Imagine not smelling the food cooking on your stove or the flowers in your garden. Do you not think your day would be less fulfilling if you couldn't smell and experience such wonderful scents that are around us?

I for one will take great advantage of my abilty to sense scents. Take a deep breath of winter air tomorrow morning, and feel your boogers freeze instantly!

xo <3 p="p">