Thursday, December 29, 2011

Finding Joy

It's funny how the smallest things are what bring the most joy. I've written about it before and probably will again. A package arrived from my parents yesterday and it brought joy, but not for the reasons you would think.
The package had a few items for Mr. K and I-ornaments I used to hang on my parents' Christmas tree; a new  Tinker Bell  ornament; my kitchen rooster (it is Portuguese tradition to have a rooster in your kitchen. Apparently it brings good luck); a singing Snowman that goes in the bathroom and harasses your guests while they are doing their business Etc. I loved every single gift, including the small Christmas house that plays music that Santa, elves and a train move to, but the funny thing is that the towels wrapped around everything made me the happiest.
Towels are a great gift. I mean, everyone could always use more bath towels, but it wasn't their functionality that made me happy. When I pulled the towels out of the box, careful not to drop any of the breakable items wrapped in them, I caught a familiar scent. I pressed the towel up to my nose and breathed in deeply. Not all of the gifts in the world could top the aroma of your childhood home. Sounds a bit silly, but breathing in the fire smoke that helps heat my parents' house made me a bit giddy. There is not another house that smells like my parents' home; at least, not one that I've found. Being on a completely different continent and being apart from my family for the Holidays for the first time, smelling those towels made me feel so much better. It's so funny because now I don't want to use them or wash them because they will lose that smell.
It's not easy being so far from home during the Holidays, but the smallest-or smelliest-of gestures brings so much happiness.

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On a somewhat unrelated note, I wanted to let everyone know that I will be making an announcement soon about an event I, and other members of the blogging community, will be hosting in order to, hopefully, bring joy to someone else's life. I will definitely be needing help in order to make the event a success. This particular person is a truly impressive individual and I hope that we will be able to assist her. She gives herself so fully to others and I hope that we can give back to her in the name of thanks for what she does. It should be a really fun event. So, stay tuned for details. :)

8 comments:

Baloo Da Doxie said...

If your mom put in a face cloth, perhaps seal it in a ziplock baggie so the scent won't fade as fast. or cut a corner off one of the towels. That way, you have a little soothing package to smell when you need it :)

FANCY the Red Standard Poodle said...

Hi Y'all,

Yes, scent certainly can evoke wonderful feelings and memories...

Y'all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog

pattib said...

I can totally understand the "smelling" part! The scent of things can bring back the strongest memories. Funny thing happened to me not too long ago, when we had to buy a new washing machine. The new one takes a different kind of soap, so I gave my almost full box of laundry soap to my sister. She told me her girls remarked, "Our clothes smell like aunt patti!" Made me feel good, as I'm sure your folks would too at their unexpected gift. :)

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

You know what they always say....There is no place like home for the holidays. Even if it's just a smell on a towel.

Scooter said...

Wow, what a sweet story! A rose by any other name. Memories of home are the best. Can't wait for the big event!
Grr and Woof,
Sarge, COP

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

OH I do Understand the Smelling of those comforting Scents.

So somethingy SPECIAL is going to happen in Blogville?? I can NOT wait to hear MORE about it!! hehehe

K9 Katastrophie said...

Hello there! We have experienced that same feeling too! Thanks for sharing!

Licks,
Ruthie

Becky Andrews said...

What a year indeed you have had!! Scents are amazing what they bring back to us. Much love in the new year.