Fragrant Reminders

Old Spice deoderant probably isn't the first product, or the last, to play on the notion that fragrances evoke memories better than input to any of our other senses. A whiff of the classic Old Spice after shave lotion, and I'm in my father's embrace, kissing goodbye. He did that for the last time a few weeks after I turned 17. The smell of Old Spice deoderant (classic) reminds me of a husband, in our youthful, erotic years. Aqua Velva blue takes me to my grandparents' kitchen, so long ago, when my grandfather emerged from his after work bath to join us for dinner. Staying with them during summers is my happiest, safest childhood memory. If Gran smelled like anything, it would have been flour; but the scent of their home was apples and bacon and stewed chicken. Occasionally I buy bacon and fry it with a sliced apple, just to relive those moments, to recapture those warm feelings before the knowings of adulthood ripped away childhood dreams. Authors often forget to include references to fragrance in their writing. It's an important part of life, too important to omit.

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