odors

You know how there are certain odors that when you smell them it takes you back? Like the day before we started school in Bartlesville. Our cat, Toby, got sprayed by a skunk. And then ran through the house. So anytime I smell a skunk it reminds me of being SOOOO nervous about starting high school. And not having any friends. Then I tried to cover up the smell with some expensive home spray my Mom had. It was vanilla. Bad idea. So now anytime I smell vanilla I gag a little.

Well, one of my new neighbors likes to smoke. Mary Juana that is. In the evenings. So everytime I go out in the backyard in the evenings I smell it. It's not all the time, but it's frequently. I'm pretty sure I know which one it is. Not that he leaves his porch light on, but I think I know. And pretty sure he's not using it for 'medicinal' purposes.

So the first time I smelled it, we were in London. Laura and I were staying in a really small hotel room together. It was Spring Break of my freshman year of high school. Mom had taken us on a whirlwind tour of Europe in 8 days. Most of it seen through the windows of a tour bus. But it was fun. But now everytime I walk in my backyard it takes me back. It was a good trip and I have good memories but the smell, not so much. But at least I can smile.

And if you need to relax, you know where to come in the evenings. . . .