Scents of Paradise

Last night I wrote up a great big monster blog piece on power, non-violence and the way of the cross. I posted it and then deleted it, as I had a feeling it was way less coherent than it needed to be and far too long. (Apologies if this confused anyone!) I'm still working on, and wrestling with, those issues (partly for my work) and will probably post on them soon, but today I'd rather post briefly about perfume.

Perfume is a love that can quickly become a passion which can turn into an all consuming affair. My first introduction to the world of perfume beyond glitzy bottles in the department store was Patrick Suskind's sensual but incredibly dark book Perfume, followed many years later by the fascinating romp through the world of science and scent in Chandler Burr's The Emperor of Scent. I have come to see and admire perfume creations as a type of artistry, and yet love the fact that at the end of the day all the genius in the world doesn't mean you will fall for a perfume--you come to love it because it resonates at a personal level.

And that is what scent does, isn't it? It evokes, recalls, reminds, encourages, uplifts....it can even communicate to others where we are....demure, elegant, feisty cheerful, somber, fresh, outdoorsy, meditative....take your pick and there will be scents to discover. And the uplifting impact of a truly gorgeous scent on the people around it is undeniable--have you ever walked into a room in a bad mood perhaps to be met by the warm doughy crusty smell of fresh baking bread, the richness of newly cut lilies, or vibrant juiciness of a freshly sliced pink grapefruit and in an instant you were reminded of the beauty and abundance of the world around you? A Sufi friend of mine and I were sniffing perfumes one day and he told me all beautiful smells come from paradise. I am inclined to believe him.

Today is a dreary grey day in New York with a barren landscape. No leaves, no snow, no peeping green flowers. Just grey. But you can revel in a day like this with a perfume that only works at this frost-bitten time of year...say Guerlain's fabulous Spiritueuse Double Vanille...a lush, boozy vanilla with notes of ylang ylang, rose, incense and spices. It's rich and warm and endlessly comforting. Or you could go another route with Une Rose by Frederic Malle. It's not just any rose, but a deep red rose that can stand up to cold weather with decidedly green, fresh notes combined with a chunky earthiness (truffle accord anyone?). I don't recommend it for the office, but it would certainly bring a bit of life, color and a certain fascino to a dinner party--just don't apply too much! (Both perfumes have been reviewed at Now Smell This as well as perhaps at other perfume lover's blogs such as Bois de Jasmin, Perfume Smellin' Things and Perfume Posse)

So for those of you who feel you might be interested in exploring a new hobby (and if you are, make sure to visit the above mentioned blog sites)...and because I don't think there are too many people reading this blog yet, lol, I will be happy to send a sample of either the Guerlain SDV or Une Rose to the first three people who are interested and would love to hear what you think. Just leave a comment and/or send an email to me with your address at discoveringfire@gmail.com

A lovely weekend to all!