Our Noses Can Smell A Good Story

by Kimberly A. Cook             (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

Turkey time! My favorite holiday of the year brings joy to my nose. The scents of the season remind us of  both good and crazed memories from our lives. Every story needs to include the sense of smell, so let’s go on a smell-adventure this week.

Every year I bake the pumpkin pies for the family. Only Libby’s recipe will do and I have to add the spices, eggs and evaporated milk to make it perfect. There are some traditions one should never mess with.

When my Mom used to make the pies, the leftover pie crust would be rolled out, then sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, dotted with butter and rolled up into mini cinnamon rolls. They never lasted long when they came out of the oven. But I remember the smell of cinnamon, crust and hot butter.

One year my friend from Australia celebrated Thanksgiving with us. It was a first for her and she decided it was a right brilliant holiday. From the turkey and stuffing smells in the house to the table practically breaking with the weight of food, she talks about that day decades later. Smell makes an impression.

While you go about your holiday week, concentrate on what smells touch your emotions and try to figure out what memories they bring up. Our most powerful sense, smell can take us back to a single memory in a flash, like a jump to hyperspace. Be aware of smells all around this week and let me know which ones really resonate with you.

Watch out for the fun part of the holidays too. My sister and brother-in-law’s cat, Comet, has been on a diet. He is down to fighting weight but still wants to eat all the time. The vet suggested plain pumpkin. Comet loves it. Who knew even a Pumpkin Puss appreciates the smell and taste of pumpkin, without crust. Comet will be in great shape for his holiday flight if Santa Paws calls.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!