that our sense of smell is the strongest trigger of memory. Today I rearranged one of my bookcases. Leafing through some of the old hardcover books, their particular musty smell transported me back in time. I was suddenly in my childhood public library searching through thick and weighty tomes to find information for a school project, rewarding myself with the knowledge I'd soon be picking out a stack of novels to take home.
May 11, 2009
They say
that our sense of smell is the strongest trigger of memory. Today I rearranged one of my bookcases. Leafing through some of the old hardcover books, their particular musty smell transported me back in time. I was suddenly in my childhood public library searching through thick and weighty tomes to find information for a school project, rewarding myself with the knowledge I'd soon be picking out a stack of novels to take home.
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I think I might have to agree with that. There are some smells that I simply can not place, but the feeling I am catapulted to is undeniable.
Next to scents for me, there are songs. Musical melodies that can make every vein in my body expand to an unknown memory specifically, but to the memory of time.
Old books have a smell all their own- n the older they are, the more I'm allergic to them! Usually via dustmites n tiny book-lice (even dead ones). This hasn't kept me from collecting tons of them, tho, including my Dad's completely obsolete electronics college collection. they reek bad! They were in the basement in the old house when we cleaned it out. I never throw out or trade books- just keep them. Guess I'm part squirrel myself-
Someday I want a many-roomed home with a library for them-
Oh, nice collection pic there... I want to read "Works of Art"
I love old books, too, and I love that you have the book "The Complete Book of Garden Magic." It's clear from your photographs that you are creating magic in your own garden.
Oh there is such a magic to that scent, transporting us back to a wonderful comfort. Some books I can read over and over throughout life ... I see Daphne du Maurier in your bookshelf, and feel it's time to give Rebecca another read.
Yes the sense of smell can take us back to significant memories. I think the generation of today is missing much by not having to go to libraries and research books. There is a special magic in having a book in your hand that cannot (for me anyway) be replaced by the internet or a Kindle device.
Senses are opening wider, like the flowers that surround souls in springtime. The fragrances open the mind and spirit and invite the world to taste the sweet perfume of existence.
Great picture and intriguing thoughts.
So true, Mia. Music is so powerful - it pulls out all sorts of emotions tied to all sorts of memories.
Snaggle, I love obscure books. I have quite a few from my Dad, too, like that "The Complete Book of Garden Magic". I had to whittle some down...my family started to think we were LIVING in a library!
"Work of Art" by Sinclair Lewis (Nobel Prize for Literature) is about the trials and tribulations of a hotel manager trying to make the hotel perfect.
Thanks, Lynn. That old volume is full of practical advice that still holds true decades later. Any magic in my garden is thanks to the generosity of Mother Nature and maybe, just maybe, a bit of TLC from me :)
Joanne, I'm like you. I love re-reading. I have "Rebecca" on my summer reading list. I figure it's a perfect summer re-read!
Mark, I totally relate. There's something about the whole book experience that is lost in electronic translation.
Liara, scent definitely awakens all the senses!
Hey, stranger! Thanks, Ricky. You know how much I love books - they're some of my best friends.
Yes, indeed on scent.
I remember the scent of cassette tapes.
Takes me back to my early teen years taping songs off the CBC radio late at night!
Jannie, I still have some cassettes!
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