Smells Like Memories

Trips to the beach with my Grandma and Grandpa Owen were a highlight of my childhood.  The sand squeaking as my brothers, sister, cousin and I scurried down to the cold water; the sun shining warm and bright on my back.  I remember grandma with her dark sunglasses and short brunet hair smiling and watching us play.  The scent of Coppertone sunscreen filled the air.  

Those days were the best.  

Recently I was cleaning at my parent's house and came across an old, Pepto Bismol-pink Coppertone sunscreen bottle with a faded picture of the iconic puppy and little girl on the front.  I popped open the cap, put it up to my nose, and inhaled deeply.  It smelled like wonderful childhood memories.  

I love how certain aroma's take me back: 

The hopped aroma of Miller Light brings to mind sunny Sunday afternoons in North Muskegon and images of my Grandpa and Uncle relaxing on the red bricks of the back patio.  

The fresh, citrus notes of Calvin Klein's Obsession for men, brings to mind my GQ, technologically savvy Uncle Jim.  I loved his style, the way he was always playing with the coolest new tech gadgets, and his sophisticated demeanor. 

The brisk, musky smell of oak leaves on the ground, and fresh cut grass in the cool air, takes me to fall at Shanty Creek resort where my family has gathered once a year for as long as I can remember.  I rest with the images of tall wooden condominiums, bright fall colors splashed around the grounds, and restful sunset views from the back deck overlooking Lake Bellaire. 

I've been searching my heart, trying to understand myself better, and dreaming about what to explore as a new adventure in my life.  I'm finding my heart drawn back, often, to memories from my mom's side of the family: my Grandpa Owen, Uncle Jim, and Shanty Creek.  I don't really understand why, but it's been a relaxing, aromatic walk down memory lane.