Day 1204

Smells are so important to our pups. For Sammy, it seems that the smell of my shoes brings him peace. At least, that is how he fell asleep this morning!

Smells are special to humans as well. Although we are not as attuned as our dogs, odors bring memories back in a heartbeat. I honestly can’t conjure up a bad memory initiated by a smell…

Of course, there is my own Nanny’s home. Stepping through the door, you were enveloped by a mixture of supper cooking, baked goods cooling on racks and something else I can only identify as safety and love.

Walking into my old elementary school, even 60 some years later, the smell is the same. Perhaps paper, books, cleaning fluid and another ingredient meets my nose. I believe that extra part might simply be the pure joy of little children that is mixed in with the learning.

The old Carnegie Library in Anoka (long gone) still holds a strong memory of “smell” in my heart. I remember entering and the odor of old books, leather and “basement” greeted me. Walking down the stairs to the Children’s Library was almost a spiritual experience. Knowing the magic of books awaited was a beautiful feeling indeed and that cemented the olfactory memory deep within.

My dad’s pipe, Anoka Dairy, the neighbors' houses, the cabin and so much more can uncover memories of old like they are right here with me today. I love those smells.

Hopefully, The Big White House has “Memory Smells” uniquely its own for my own children. Go on a “Memory Smells” tour of your own. You might be surprised what surfaces!