Lilacs and the blessings of the sense of smell

 


Those who have been friends with me for a while know that every spring about this time, you can count on seeing this kind of photo. In fact, our daughter Sarah asked this week why I hadn't posted it yet. 🙂 Turns out we have a variety of lilac at our current home that is kind of a late bloomer, so I have to wait (while enjoying other specimens that I see around town).
The aroma of this bloom is nothing short of heaven for me. I could stand by the bush with my nose buried in a cluster of vibrant purple for hours on end, oblivious to the world around me. I don't really have any strong personal nostalgic memories from childhood, or emotional connection that I am conscious of - though I do vividly remember a large, gorgeous bush in the neighborhood in Payson where I grew up. But it's really been in the second half of my life that I've come to adore this plant's springtime gift.
I #GiveThanks for lilacs, and for the blessing of pleasure that can come through senses! It's very interesting to ponder the different kinds of enjoyment that come through each of the senses - the fragrance of lilacs, the sound of beautiful music, the sight of a glorious landscape, the taste of fine ice cream, the soft feel of a baby's skin. I love them all!

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