Smells--slightly cliche

I believe the next couple of posts will finish out the senses and their relation to other ideas and/or events. The subtitle of this post is just that: slightly cliche. It was brought to my attention that teenagers speak only of themselves on a continual basis. Billy Collins, you are right on that aspect. Thus why he writes about dogs on occasion, so that he'll get away from himself for 2.5 seconds. Yes, this is true. However, considering one speaks of what they know the most about, I'm going to talk about smells and their relation to other ideas and/or events. There.

Abercrombie "Fierce"--scares me slightly. It's a smell that has both a positive and negative connotation in life. It's intoxicating and, like the analogy implies, it can used for both good and evil. Vague much? Yes! Several important people in my life have worn this cologne. This is still my favorite no matter the memories but some of them include: talking with my best friend for hours, playing in the snow, Christmas presents, and surprises.

Florida--and the transference of my physical home. When I went back at Thanksgiving I just wanted to drive with the windows down and drown myself in the rich smell of the beach and salty air, even though I was 45 minutes inland. Home is where your heart is and you feel safe. Home is where your family is and isn't. Home is a state of mind and for now mine smells of the Florida.

Vanilla/Chocolate--results. The obvious fulfillment of a sweet tooth or the chocolate attack. However, the absence of such smells is the sweet satisfaction of success. The rearrangement of thought processes and ideals can be embodied in the engorging smell of vanilla and chocolate.

Airports--nostalgia. Because of my background and dad's career path jet fuel is almost comforting. It's the smell of escape and adventure as well as the cuddly smell of an impending family visit. It means Europe and Wichita Falls. I can smell it from miles away and detect it whenever I'm close by. Some may find it repulsive but airports are like an old pair of jeans: familiar, understanding, and forgiving.

Coffee--cliche. I love them. I use them much more often than I should even though my very first journalism professor preached so highly against them. He used to make us say the "three things" before every class. "Never assume, get it right, and no cliché's." Well Professor Chimbel, I'm sorry but they work so well that I don't feel the need to show you the analogy or lesson any other way. Coffee is a reminder of that and the lovely few moments in the morning when the world stands still and sings for you. It doesn't belt out like lead soprano at the Paris Opera House or whisper on the backstage's of Broadway but rather is similar to the noise you hear just before you fall asleep, present and dismissible. Coffee, you are fabulous, sweet elixir of life.

That's all for now folks. Go blow your nose.
B