This past weekend I had an escape. I was in a deep coniferous forest surrounded by the scent of fir trees.
I felt the moist earth along with the crisp crunch of pine needles under my feet.
The air was clean and the smell of the forest was so invigorating.
In the midst of the quiet, cool forest I built a fire with more glowing embers than flame. I found the perfect stick on the forest floor and with my small pocket knife whittled the end to a sharp point. Upon that point I skewered the freshest marshmallow ever, and toasted it to a golden brown.
What could be better than a marshmallow melted by an open flame, I thought, than to pair it with a bit of creamy chocolate? And to sandwich it all between two squares of graham cracker? They call that delectable treat a s’more. Anyone who has been camping, and even many who haven’t, know the utter delight of this taste treat.
Such satisfaction I felt, deep in the woods and indulging in the gooey lusciousness of a s’more.
Except I wasn’t in the woods at all. And there was no campfire and no marshmallows. I was busy pouring candles in my studio all weekend long. But my work took hold of my imagination and I was transported.
It wasn’t an accident that I poured a large batch of Northwoods Dream pillar candles, a lovely fir scent that takes you deep into the woods of northern Minnesota, a batch of Toasted Marshmallow votive candles and a batch of German Chocolate votive candles. The three scents took me away from what would normally be considered work into the fantasy of a lazy afternoon in the peace and quiet of nature, not to mention the decadence of s’mores.
The sense of smell is one of the most powerful of our five. One whiff past the nose can take you back to your childhood or to a cherished place. Never underestimate the influence of scent and the primitive power of a single flame.
Auntie B’s Wax has a variety of scented candles. Check them out and come back often as there will be additions to the shop periodically.
I never liked s’mores, but your description makes them sound wonderful!
Good for you! I just went tent-camping for the first time a couple of weeks ago. It was amazing! No s’mores, but a romantic campfire and more bright stars than I ever remember seeing…
I love gazing into the universe from a place unlit, like the woods. Sometimes I don’t think people realize how many stars are out there because half the time we can’t see them for all the light around us.
But tent camping? I think I’ve had enough of that for a lifetime. Congratulations on your virgin camping trip!
Thanks! I’m posting a blog tomorrow in which I mention the stars! 🙂
I can hardly wait!
Sara you took me there with that wonderful description and I agree smell can trigger so many memories. Loved this post friend, now I want marshmallows.
Marshmallows are fat-free, so have at it! I’m a little nervous about going to the studio today as I’ll be pouring Macintosh Apple scented candles, along with some Gingerbread ones too. With those two scents I’ll be transported forward a couple of months into the cool days of autumn. When that happens I lose all track of time and forget where I really am on the calendar.
Thanks for spending some time on my blog, Kath. Your presence makes me happy.