In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Smell You Later.”
Humans have very strong scent memory. Tell us about a smell that transports you.
In the late 70s, Cinnabar was a very popular scent and one of my mom’s favorites. It was strong, spicy scent, with a woodsy, cinnamon smell. It lingered. Thankfully, my nose was more tolerant back then and I enjoyed the smell. Allergies began to assault me in my late 20s and now my finicky nose can only tolerate the lightest scents.
My mom, my sister and I, and my aunt and two of my cousins all wore Cinnabar at some point during the late 70s and early 80s and I will never smell it without being whisked away to my teenage years.
We would spray it on before any of our frequent outings to the movies, roller skating or dinner. I would imagine that when we were all together, as we often were, that we unknowingly wreaked havoc on many poor unsuspecting noses.
I don’t smell it often, but when I do it brings a smile to my face and the realization of how blessed I was to have all of them in my life. I knew it then, but not in the way I know it now. Sometimes I think I will order a bottle so I can sniff it at will, but then that would take away the fun of my chance meetings with the lovely Cinnabar.
Daily Prompt: Smell You Later
The writing prompt today was as follows:
Humans have very strong scent memory. Tell us about a smell that transports you.
My sister and I getting ready for a dance recital in the 80s
Think 1980-something, in the fall and early winter.
Teenage girls, donning Gloria Vanderbilt, Sergio Valente or Sasson jeans and fuzzy sweaters, and coating soft, supple, unspoiled skin with Merle Norman makeup.
The bathroom mirror is shared to capacity, each girl straining to get the best view. Makeup stains, and hair filled brushes line the formica countertop along with curlers and Aqua net hairspray. Speaking of hair, it had been determined by those who determine all trends that as for hair; the bigger the better.
Thus, the girls bent upside down, with luscious locks falling all topsy-turvy, and hairspray creating a fog so thick, we were dangerously close to needing a lighthouse. But coat it we would, ensuring that it last through Endless Love and Keep On Loving You and Celebration and whatever else our cassette tapes held.
Glossy lips shimmering, Bette Davis eyes complete, gaudy earrings hanging, charm necklaces bulging with charms, which continually caught in the sweaters, and finally everyone is ready.
It is at last time for the last touch, the scent. Our favorites at the time were Cinnabar and Ciara. It was always one or the other. I have never been able to smell Cinnabar without it bringing me back to those carefree, teenage dating days.
My mom, my sister and I and many of our friends wore it. It’s funny how a scent can transport you to a special time and place filled with such delightful memories.
Memories as sweet as the scent of Cinnabar.
Long walks and dark chocolate 