That feeling of home.

I was having a conversation with a friend the other day....about my* favorite* smell, and how that smell made me feel like I was home. Only I didn't mean home like the house I live in, I meant more like the feeling you get when you are comfortable, safe, cozy, happy. That feeling of *home* is priceless.  Because that feeling of comfort means you are *home* no matter where you are.

There are no smells that bring me back to my young child hood home except perhaps being out doors...crisp cold air. that reminds me of home in an odd kind of way since we lived in Teepee's and tents for quite some time as a child. This photo here was my home in 5th grade, I was 10, my sister was 4, my brother was 2. The green tent you see on the side, that was my room. I demanded to have my own space, so i got a lovely green spot of my own...I never had a single friend over that year, big surprise. I never talked to the kids at school much about where lived either, I don't think any of the kids would have understood.

Years later we finally moved to southern California, to a house an actual home. I remember our first Christmas there...and my mom baking bread, and cookies. Anise cookies, a recipe passed down from her grandmother. The smell of anise...that brings me back, but it makes me feel bitter sweet not happy...i am not sure why.

Years later, now that i have a home, and now that i am a mother. I conciously create what i hope will bring back warm and comfortable feelings for my kids when they grow up....Like the smell of coffee every morning, that means mom is up and ready to give moring hugs and kisses every day(and occasionally give me more energy than they are ready to deal with at the crack of dawn)...the smell of dinner coking every night, means we will sit together and talk about *who knows what* and *no subject is taboo* over a homecooked meal. Cinnamon means Christmas.  Bacon means it is Sunday morning.  I want my girls to close their eyes one day, smell a hot cup of coffee, and think of me.

I hope that my girls will cook dinner every night for their families, because that home made dinner smell that fills their houses will make their children feel like they are *home*...the real feeling of home.  Safe.  Warm.  Comfortable.

So i would love to know...what makes you feel like you are *home*. what smell brings that feeling to life for you?

Comments

[Kristianne]

My dad has worked at California Cedar Products as long as I can remember. He would come home from work and smell like cedar, it's such a calming scent. It totally brings me home anytime I catch a whiff.

[Elisa K]

When I smell Cinnamon I always think of home. My dad would make cinnamon tea when it was cold and I soooooo loved waking up to that smell.

[Aimeslee]

Cinnamon and pumpkin do it for me every time!

[Bonnie Rose]

such a heartfelt post Marah.
HOme to me is where I see pics of my children.

[Janelle]

Bread or cinnamon rolls baking--my mom makes the best. Coal fires also remind me of home, we had a coal furnace.

[Mindy]

Okay.. here's a random smell for you.
Boiled Orange Peels.

Growing up my Mom always boiled Orange Peels on the stove. (I know if sounds funny, but it creates the most wonderful clean smell.)

I love it so much, that I now do it in my own home:)

[Dawn Morris]

For me, home is the smell of cold weather mixed with Patchouli. The sound of a warm furry heartbeat always makes me smile and feel at home when I've been away.