Scent of a Memory

After reading Ellen’s post about perfume-making, I was wafted back to a happy scented memory from childhood. I had the chicken pox or the measles … something that itched. I scratched and I whined. I had even tired of my favorite “when-sick-at-home” tv program, Leave It To Beaver. I languished on the sofa, pitiful. In an attempt to keep my hands busy and not scratching, my parents presented me with the most perfect get-well-present-ever … my very own official no-kidding “Make Your Own Perfume Kit.” At that moment, through my eyes, mom and dad suddenly became even more wonderful than Ward and June Cleaver.

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The box seemed huge. (Although today I’m guessing that it was about the same size as a Candyland box.) Inside were thousands (okay, probably tens) of bottles and dobbers and all things needed to make your very own perfume. It was like a floral candy factory and I was Cathy Wonka!

And, to my parents’ delight, it kept me busy for days. I became a mad scientist of perfumery. I created every blend imaginable, and then some. Labels were provided, so I could design the packaging and name my inventive aroma blends: Geranium Girl, Smell The Daisies, Cathy’s Love Potion. To this day, when I smell certain sweet smells, I am transported to the short time in my life when I was a prolific and successful perfume manufacturer.

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When my chicken pox (or measles) finally went away, it was perfect timing. The oils, bottles, cottons and labels provided were all gone. I was ready to share my discoveries with the world. Off I went to third grade … smelling like a garden!

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Do you have a memory of a favorite game or present you received as a child? If so, please share it with us. And, you might want to share the link with the person who gave it to you … perhaps he or she will be surprised and delighted that a little something given has remained a part of the fabric of your life all this time.

And, if you need a distraction for a sick little gal, you can buy a kit full of scented surprises here or here. (Caution: You may have to put your little inventor in the backyard to “air out” from time to time.)

3 Comments

  1. Ellen October 17, 2011

    I love the flying braids!

  2. Cathy Camacho October 18, 2011

    Cathy I loved your sweet story and illustrations! My favorite memory is much like yours. I was 6 years old undergoing open heart surgery. (Ventricular Septal Defect- hole repair) All I could think about during my hospital recovery was my one toy request: the Hasbro Sno-Man Snow Cone Maker. The commercial on tv would send me over the edge! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpk-RQrfRF8 I remember walking in the door to a family welcome home party, disoriented from a 12 day hospital bed camp out, and I bee-lined for my much anticipated Snow Cone Maker. It was the sweetest thing I ever saw (and tasted)! I made snow cones for everyone for days! A memory I will never forget! Thanks Mom!

  3. Author
    Cathy Heck October 20, 2011

    And I love your sweet story (literally!) … we are snow-cone lovers in this house, too! … And, wow, open heart surgery at 6 years old … I am sure your mom was so very happy that you were well enough to even want a snow cone! :-)

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