It has been almost 2 years since Jim’s death. I have survived so far, even managing laughter at times. This month was snowy, a prelude to a bad winter with a lot of ice and snow.
I have copied an excerpt from my Windows Blog the day before Thanksgiving, Nov 26, 2008.
“Yesterday as I was grocery shopping and choosing some celery my thoughts drifted back to when I was young. Many times in those silly little email quizzes we all get we are asked what our favorite smell is. I don’t like celery to eat raw but my favorite smell is the smell of celery and onions cooking in broth in preparation for stuffing. For some reason this always takes me back to being young and mom cooking in the kitchen. Even now as I prepare the broth for stuffing I have a feeling of contentment for just a minute. That feeling of contentment fades fast when I look at the pile of pots and pans I am accumulating.”
Oh, I know I have jumped from the present back into the past in my posts for this blog. And now I am going back in time even more.
I grew up with 7 siblings in a poor family. When I think back to that time when I was a small child I can’t for the life of me figure out how my mom managed. Daddy tried, but at that time there wasn’t much work for him. Lots of times I remember being hungry but then, most of our neighbors were hungry too. Mom, I miss you and daddy. beth
I have heard that our sense of smell is the one of our five senses most connected to memories. Just reading about the smell of celery and onions cooking for stuffing makes me excited for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Hope you have a good week!
ReplyDeleteAh, Beth, I know the feeling of an aroma or something that triggers memories of long ago. So many times i just wish I could talk to mom or dad even for a little while. We never really get over losing someone we loved and who was so much a part of our lives and happiness. This is another good post. Thinking of you tonight.
ReplyDeleteI just hope the nation isn't beginning to go through a time when there are going to be many people who don't have enough to eat. It sure seems that way. I remember being hungry when I was a kid, but we at least had biscuits and jelly if nothing else.
ReplyDeleteOh, and one more thing. One time I was mowing in my mom's front yard, and I all of a sudden got a whiff of Mennen Skin Bracer. It made me spin around. I would have sworn my dad was standing there. He wasn't, of course. He had died 2 years earlier. But, that aroma will always be my dad. Juicy Fruit gum is my grandfather. Doublemint gum is my mom.
ReplyDeleteHi Beth,
ReplyDeleteTrips down Memory Lane, I went on one of those yesterday. My first visit to the overcrowded flat I lived in with my Mum, Dad and three brothers, bought back quite a few memories. Your post here reminds me that although I can never remember being actually hungry, the quantities of food where much less. Also showing my grandsons, where the wood yard was and the coal yard, bought back memories of taking an old pram to both to collect supplies for our boiler and open fire, when I was around the ages they are now.
Some things are easier for the youth today, although some things I think are harder.
Hugs Nita.
Memories are treasures, both the good and the sad. I always wonder why we never write down the daily things. They may seem so unimportant at the time but can be so important to many later.
ReplyDeleteHi Beth, and good morning to you. I just turned on my computer and checked my blog, and I am greeted first thing with your cheerful and wonderful comment. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteIt's a sweet way to start my day.
Going through hard and hungry times is a struggle (I've been there, too) but what I have found is that there is a very sweet blessing that comes from hard times. I have a heart that is always thanking the Lord for the many blessing that I have now. In the last 38 years I have never gone to bed hungry (unless I was dieting) but I know hungry times. I have never been without running water in my house, but I know what that is like. All the times that you have done without, make you appreciate the now times. Even better they make you look around you to see if there is anyone that you can help. I was too proud to ask for help in those days, but every now and then someone would see through my proud outer shell and drop off milk or eggs from their farm, or a friend would have some (extra) fabric on her shelf that she "just didn't have a use for anymore".
So, now I pray each day for someone to help. Without those hungry times I might not even have a thought for the needy . . . who knows. When I look around at all the wastefulness in this world, I thank the Lord for the lessons I learned from those times, and for the lessons that I was able to pass on to my daughter.
I am so happy that I found you. Your lovely personality shows in your writing . . . have a wonderful week,
Connie :)
I made several blogs on Spaces about smells and how they affect me to this minute. I love seeing yours and even those commenters that I don't know, memories brought about by aromas.
ReplyDeleteMine (most evocative) are linseed oil, hot road tar, burning coal, friend chicken, ivory soap, mown grass, gasoline.
Hi Beth, I just checked the comments on my Strumming and Singing blog, and was delighted to get your comment. I'm happy that I could spark that memory. That must have been in the late 60's or early 70's.
ReplyDeleteI am delighted that you are following this blog . . .
keep a song in your heart, Connie :)