Hi all! Happy May. We’re in the southeastern part of the States, and things are heating up! Shorts, cute dresses, and sandals are being pulled from the back of the closets as we speak. Pools are being opened, picnics are being planned, and people are doing all the outdoor things. I love it!
But am I taking notes on what’s happening around me as far as trees blooming? The brownish Bermuda lawns slowly turning that beautiful green color? What kind of smells are happening? Honeysuckle? Gardenia? These are the things I try to pay attention to in my novels. I have to admit, as a writer, I’m probably worse at writing the smell sense. But I need to up my game on that one because the sense of smell is connected to memories more than any other sense.
What a cool tool (Ha!) to have in our arsenal when writing. So much of our lives involve memory, and nothing triggers those memories like the sense of smell. For me, one of the strongest smells that consistently triggers memories is cut grass. Not onion grass so much, but when I smell cut grass, my brain immediately tries to land on a place that I always associate with my grandparents, yet it’s elusive.
It’s like as a child I always envisioned living in a house with a lot of grass. (We didn’t.) When I see rolling hills of grass, smell that freshly cut grass, this particular house and landscaping comes to mind. A house I never lived in, but probably imagined. It sounds weird I know, but that particular memory happens a lot. But isn’t it weird that it’s not an actual memory. It’s a hope, dream, maybe?
But it’s still real and connectable to a part of my life. Whenever I smell certain perfumes I think of certain people. And houses have smells, too. My dad and stepmom’s house always had a certain smell. I have some of their furniture and it still smells like their house. It’s a comfort.
As writers this is a great tool to use in writing as everyone can relate. Readers understand and have experienced that for themselves. And if you’re reading or writing a romance where the past is involved, the sense of smell can be a great gateway into bringing up good, or not so good, memories. And even if a story isn’t a reunion story, or a return to hometown story, we all have memories that shape our world now.
When I smell cookies baking, I think of my grandmother.
When I smell coffee I think of my dad.
When I smell rain, I think of creating, being alone. I love rainy days. (When I can be at home!)
How about you? Are there any particular smells that conjure up memories? I’d love to hear about them. To one commenter, picked at random, I’ll give away an e-copy of my novella, Sweet Love of Mine. It’s about a chef, and food, and all the yumminess! Comment by Friday night, May 20th, at midnight to be eligible.
Ausjenny says
I can’t handle the smell of Johnsons Baby powder as mum used it all the time and it now reminds me of the nursing home she ended up in for her final years. Other baby powders are fine but not that one.
Some cooking smells remind me of mums cooking (She baked cakes, cookies, fruit buns and the smells take me back).
Lilly says
The smell of roasted chestnuts reminds me of my childhood when we ate with my family in winter in Spain. I can also identify the fragance that my grandmother usually wears, I don’t know the brand but I remember the smell.
I also remember the perfume I used when I was 18 years old, back then I liked it, it smelled like peaches…now I can’t stand it, it was a bad year for me.
Linda Herold says
I hate tomatoes. But the smell of tomatoes reminds me of the huge gardens my dad always had!!
Lori Smanski says
Welcome today. Wonderful post. Smells really are connected to memories. My sister in law cant smell skunks. LOL I have told her how wonderful that is, because it is a smell that is never forgotten. I love the smell of cut grass. Reminds me of when we lived in Pasadena, CA and we had a large front and back yard. When dad cut the grass it was like the smell of home. Baking cookies – sweet lovable mom. Coffee – my grandfather (moms dad). Pipe – dad. So many smells growing up that bring such wonderful memories. Thanks for the reminders
Jeannette Harbottle says
I love the smell of damp earth after the first thunder storm of the season. It’ s so earthy and yet fresh and speaks of newness.
Trudy says
I don’t associate smells with my memories. Songs, yes, locations, yes, but not smells so much. Maybe it’s because with my allergies, I’m “clogged” more and have a difficult with subtle scents!
Megan says
There’s a certain perfume my Grandma wears, I can’t quite describe what it smells like, but whenever I smell certain flowers it reminds me of her.
Mary says
I love the smell of lavender. It reminds me of my grandmother.
Deb Galloway says
Outside smells make me want to get inside as fast as possible! I have so many allergies and almost all of them are outside. The last time I was tested I had 3 or 4 pages of them! I’m one of those strange people who loves cold temperatures anyways so unless I’m in a boat fishing I’m good inside! The smells that bring me memories are kitchen ones. Coffee, bread baking and bacon frying remind me of my paternal Grandparents, along with fresh fish frying at the cabin. Coffee & homemade spaghetti sauce take me to my maternal Grandparents. Coffee, bread and any number of other smells bring me home to Momma & Daddy. My girls say coffee, homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, any cookies, spaghetti sauce & hard salami makes them think they are home with me. I guess there are a few definite common smells I learned from the best! I am happiest if I can be in the kitchen, partially because of my passion for baking and the pleasure I see in the faces of those I love to share the results with! I know of nothing I enjoy more. Smells bring me the best memories and most smiles! I love having those mirrored in books because I obviously relate to them well.
Shelia Hall says
the smell of Honeysuckle reminds me of my grandmother as she used it as a perfume. also the smell of fresh turned dirt and hay reminds me of my dad and his gardens and hauling hay in the summer.
bn100 says
not really
Debra Pruss says
When I smell roses and lilacs, I think of my Mom. Those are two of her favorite flowers. Thanks for sharing. God bless you.
Lindi Peterson says
Jenny, I can relate! The sweet and the bittersweet.
Lindi Peterson says
Lilly, the perfume thing can def remind us of people. And also, like when you were young you can’t use a smell that reminds you of a bad time. I totally understand.
Priscila Perales says
The smell of melted chocolate or chocolate cake baking reminds me of my mom. The smell of empanadas reminds me of my grandma and all the baking she used to do.
Amy Perrault says
Living in the country I love the smell of Bonfires & wet grass
Sylvain Perrault says
I love the smell of fresh cut grass as well as bonfires
Jessica B. says
The smell of diesel fuel always brings to mind riding the shuttle at the airport and the excitement of getting to go on vacation.