The smooth, warm smell of a vanilla candle yanks me back through time.
Those have been my favorite candles for as long as I can remember, because amidst the trauma of my upbringing, that smell was sweet and comforting.
The pungent scent of a juniper shrub, it reminds me of the many apartments we lived in. Seems like very complex had them.
The taste of cinnamon buttered toast reminds me of a small but significant bond between my father and I. Something we both enjoyed together.
A large mug filled with hot earl grey, or constant comment tea and milk, reminds me of calm movie nights with my mom. Where stress of being yelled at would temporarily melt away with each sip. Bringing warmth to my sensitive soul.
The sound of metal jingling from our dog’s collar, always brought a smile to my face, knowing she was near. Now that she’s gone, it brings a bit of sadness to the memory.
And the sight of Christmas decorations… reminds me of all the holiday cheer our house held, even if no one was happy. The joy of waking up and turning on the tree lights each morning, moving the little Christmas mouse in the countdown to Santa calendar, a feeling I’ll never forget.
It’s amazing how a simple smell, sound, sight or touch, can bring you rushing back to when you were a child. For a moment your soul teleported into the past, the memory brought to life once again.
Sometimes I find myself struggling to remember, “where have I smelled this scent before?? I remember it from when I was a kid.” Sometimes you just can’t place the sense in your timeline.
These little glimpses to the past have shaped my life. I still hunt for a true vanilla candle, I still have a dislike for the smell of juniper shrubs, I still eat cinnamon toast and drink a large mug of tea when I need to warm my heart. Each time I hear the jingle of dog tags I am reminded of home and I still decorate for Christmas, turn on the tree each morning and have my son help me do the countdown to Santa.
The little things in life are never lost on me, and I never take them for granted. They are some of my most treasured memories.
Have a wonderful weekend my friends, treasure the little things.
~A
Ink & Embers 
I purchased a cinnamon-spiced vanilla candle for the Christmas season this year. Vanilla is such a lovely smell. I haven’t had buttered cinnamon toast in years, but I recall it as being very tasty.
Nice post, Alexandra. Memories are powerful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much! You’ll have to have some toast again, it is indeed, very tasty.
LikeLiked by 1 person