Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Quirky Things





They say your sense of smell ignites your memory above taste, touch, sight, and hearing. I find that to be true.

I have long hair (to the middle of my back) that requires a conditioner to comb through it after washing. Always looking for something a little different to try, a few months back I bought a shampoo for children. It was a new fragrance, and not one to endorse products that spend a king's ransom on advertising I must tell of this one.

The scent is cocoa. Now I know what you're thinking, who wants to run around with a head smelling like chocolate. But this liquid's secret ingredient inspires such memories it's hard to explain.

It takes me back to Sunday evenings when I was young. Dinner was over, my sister and I fresh from the bath, jammies on, we sat down to the TV. The Wonderful World of Disney was about to unfold.

Davey Crockett, Pollyanna, Mickey Mouse, Hayley Mills... we sat transfixed. Mom was in the kitchen making hot cocoa. You know the real kind; Fry's cocoa mix, sugar and hot milk. (Long before we cared about waistlines and cholesterol.) I could smell it all the way into the living room. And when it was delivered there were little marshmallows or a dab of whipped cream on top.

That's what this shampoo smells like. Heavenly, divine, delicious...

It takes me back to a time of innocence, contentment and simplicity.

So when ever I feel stressed, overwhelmed, or just wanting to return to those Sunday evenings I reach for the little bottle of child's shampoo and wash my hair!

8 comments:

FrenchGardenHouse said...

What a wonderful post! I am your age, and your memory is one of my favorites, too! (no sister though)

I love when a certain smell takes me right back to there...that time in the past. I agree that smells take you back instantly.

I will be on the lookout for this chocolate hair heaven.:)
Lidy

Katie said...

How wonderful! I know exactly what you mean about smells. One of mine is the smell of piles of leaves burning during fall time...walking home from school during those first few wonderful days of a new year, and stepping through the smoke as I passed homes where they were burning their leaves.
I love that you are always reminding me of "the old days" and how wonderful it is to have such good memories over something so simple.

KE said...

Ooohhhh...That sounds divine. I have long hair too and I am always trying new products.....I have to try this one!!!!

Kimberlee

Donna O'Brien said...

Susan, this is a great post. You always have thoughtful stories. And I so agree, smell above all the other senses. But your description (Wonderful World of Disney, etc) brings it all back for me, too. Sunday nights were great when we were kids.
Chocolate conditioner, huh? I have vanilla. Maybe we can get together. You know, two heads are better than one :)
D.

Mom of 2 Roses said...

What a sweet blog you have! Thanks for the sweet message on mine. I love old movies!

Laurie

Dorian Fletcher said...

Geez...the mention of Davy Crockett and Hayley Mills triggered a memory of my mom making us Jell-o parfaits for after dinner on Sunday night! No hot chocolate - but the Jell-o and whipped cream was pretty delightful while watching the Disney show! Chocolate-scented shampoo - what a deal! Scents are definitely a strong memory trigger.

oldflowers4me said...

hello dear 1- i just loved sunday nights- disney land was on at 6.30 in australia-i remember green apple shampoo , mmm, the small was so nice- singing and skipping love jo anderson.

Lana Manis said...

Love your memories Susan. Mom always made the "real" hot chocolate too, no instant mixes for us!