Do you have a memory that’s linked to a smell? The smell of something can immediately trigger a detailed memory or an intense emotion. Read on for my thoughts on this question, and share your thoughts with me.

As a child, my Dad used to wear Obsession by Calvin Klein. I’ve been told by those selling cologne and perfume that the scent in the bottle smells unique on each person because it mixes with that individual’s natural scent; this makes perfect sense because I remember smelling a unique, comforting scent when hugging my Dad. The scent wasn’t exactly like what was in the cologne bottle. It was special to him. I guess you could say it was a blend of Obsession and Cavacini.

Being Italian, the smell of food is another familiar scent that brings comfort, precisely that of my Dad’s tomato sauce (not gravy) cooking on the stove. I love the smell of sausage browning in a pan. It smells fantastic! There are so many excellent culinary smells that I could go on and on.

There are also bad smells that people associate with memories. These can include the smell of burnt hair, trash, or those gifts our cats leave us in their litter. With a young child in the house, I’ve become accustomed to the smell of formula, among other gag-inducing odors (use your imagination). Thankfully, Oliver (and our cats) make up for their stinky moments with an overabundance of cuteness.

Do you have a memory that’s linked to a smell? If so, what is it? Smell is such a powerful sense that I hope most of your memories are associated with good odors, not bad ones. The act of breathing is what keeps us alive. I hope today when you take in a breath of crisp winter air, the smell that greets you brings a smile to your face.

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