The other day I was driving down the street, window down, Les Nubians CD playing, and my hair flying in the breeze.  I passed a lawn service crew busy at work.   Instantly, I was hit straight up my nose, with a huge whiff of fresh-cut grass. As I savored the aroma, the biggest smile spread across my face.  I love, love, love the smell of fresh-cut grass. That smell is the season of hot unhurried days, and all kinds of goodness growing out of the ground.  To me, it has always signified vacations, good eating, family reunions, concerts in the park, relaxation, and fun.  I went straight to my happy place.

There are smells, sounds, sights, and even thoughts that often affect me that way.  I have many that I have collected over my lifetime.  Some forgotten until a gentle reminder comes along.  Then there I am with a big smile on my face, a big smile in my heart, and happy tears around the rims of my eyes.  Each reminder is held closely and cherished for the happiness it brings me.  It seems no matter my mood at the time or the stressors of the moment when these triggers arrive, I experience new heights in gratitude and a sense of wellbeing.

Youngsters do that to me too.  Whether in person or in a picture, all of that cuteness really makes my heart happy.    When I receive a text with a picture of a grandchild, great-grandchild, or Ziva, the newest, juiciest member of the family, my heart feels as though it will burst.  Friends proudly show me pictures of their grandchildren or newest family member.  All so adorable.  At times, a picture might startle me at first glance, for the little wrinkled one has not yet grown into their looks.  Nevertheless, the precious bundle warms my heart with joy.  Erin, my PT, showed me a picture of her new nephew, Marvin.  So cute, ‘making me want one just like him!’   I could not hold back the awww’s and the smiles while looking at her four-legged fur nephew.

Darrel says the smell of freshly baked bread puts him in his happy place.  To him, it means ‘home.’  It takes him back to his childhood when his family would make the trip to his grandfather’s homestead. Darrel remembers the wood stove and cauldron in the back of the house, used to wash clothes with lye soap and a stick.  He and his siblings would pick fresh vegetables and climb the many apple, pear, and plum trees.  Darrel always knew he was close to his grandfather when he could smell the freshly baked bread coming from Hart’s Bakery that they passed on the way. 

Whenever Darrel sees a good fishing ‘hole,’ it brings back fond memories.  Darrel enjoys fishing and the company of his fellow fishing partners.  His brother Danny first introduced him to fishing when he was 27 years old.  At 5am, they parked on the side of the road and climbed through a farmer’s field of tall grass, cows, and snakes to get to a fishing hole.  Darrel said the fish were bountiful; Danny even caught two at one time.  Another favorite fishing partner was his Cousin Bonnie.  Bonnie had a rickety plastic boat that Darrel fell out of on one of their many outings.  Darrel said that when they teamed up with their friend Dusty Road aka The Dream, there was a lot of fishing and a lot of trash talking.  He said they talked so badly to each other, but it was a real competitive and fun time.

Like us, we are sure you also have golden moments of your own that continue to bring you happiness.  Relish them when they revisit you. Keep making new ones. If someone full of doom and gloom tries to rain on your parade, encourage them to “Gather your good stuff and let it take you to your Happy Place!”

Darrel and Amanda 🎣 😊

Photo by Ákos Szabó from Pexels. Thumbnail Photo by Alexandr Podvalny from Pexels