Few things evoke such wonderful childhood memories for me like the sight and smell of lilacs. There were a few large bushes outside our home growing up, and when they bloomed, it signaled that summer (and more importantly, vacation!) wasn’t far away. I still feel that same sense of joy as an adult when it’s lilac time but for different reasons. To me, it’s eye candy but better with a scent so rich and sweet that I can hold a lilac bloom up to my nose, close my eyes, inhale deeply many times over, and be immediately transported back to my childhood. And then, the gentle reminders of a time gone by come swooping in, like my mom sitting on the front steps enjoying the fresh air, my brothers coming and going to baseball and softball games, a lawn mower buzzing in the distance, and my friends who lived a stone’s throw away and always eager to play outdoor games in the neighborhood until it got dark. So when the lilacs are in bloom, I bring as many stems into my house as I can. The aroma thrills me, and don’t even get me started on the heart shaped leaves….. sigh …….
For me, the lilac season is much too short, so photographs are the next best thing. If you follow me on Facebook, then you know what I say every year ….
If heaven has a scent, it must surely be of lilacs.
The smell of moist earth and lilacs hung in the air like wisps of the past and hints of the future. –Margaret Millar
Jane is a photographer capturing love and laughter in Southern Maine, New England, New Orleans and beyond. Contact Jane at jane@janeberger.com
LOVE THIS!!…and you too!!
Such a sweet memory, Janie. I could see Ma sitting on the porch, lilacs blooming and wafting their magic fragrance as the family came and went.