Smells
Smells, or if you want to be fancy and call it aromas, can evoke many memories.
Several days ago, I began messing with some wood stain on woodwork that needed TLC. The area adjacent to where one steps out of the bathtub, the area next to to the bathroom sink and the spot next to the kitchen sink . . . it gets tough use. Splish splash year after year on the mop boards and the trim. Treatment was needed on the window sill in the bathroom. Just a few too many times not having the window shut when unexpected rain could blow in. In years past we had an ice damn on the bathroom roof and water had found its way to drip down the wall where the octagon window is. Of course. The water pooled on the flat surface. Those areas had been cleaned, scuffed, stained and ready for a new look.
Using polyurethane is sweet on flat surfaces. Truth to tell, I did not have many flat surfaces. How much thinner could the product be! I will also anti-up the rest of the story. I can’t do much on my titanium knees. Kneeling on one spot is doable. Having to move along over lineal feet . . . not so much. Bending from the waist is where my best bet is. I warned Dennis that I would be in my nightie most of the day. Having had multiple surgeries in the abdomen area, the scar tissues can and do remain tender. Bending over with underwear, jeans and a belt, as my pants do not stay up on their own is very uncomfortable over a fairly long period. There are choices to be made. My choice was underwear and a nightie. The nightie floats down on its own and it’s a feel good moment of only one soft layer of cotton next to the skin.
What I was getting at with smells . . . is that as I worked, it reminded me of Dad’s work shop. He loved to work with wood and the finishing of wood. Of course Mom would be right at his side as the finishing of the wood surface was not his favorite of the projects. Mom made sure the drips were tended to as the poly would be applied. His shop was in a room in the basement of their home. When I would stop in for coffee, I knew the elves had been at work. Depending on the time of the year, both Mom and Dad would beat feet it into the kitchen as there were surprises underway in the shop. No peeking.
My sister, Elvera, went through a decoupage era. Her home would have the poly smell going as the holidays or a special event was ramping up. Decoupage crafts started with small pieces or wood intended to be wall decorations. Depending on who the item was meant for, appropriate paper images were glued onto the wood. Multiple layers of a special poly were applied until the image looked as if it were floating off of the wood. Times past remain fresh within me.
The smell I had going on these last days were not about crafts or special gifts. Actually that may not be accurate. Having gotten tended what was needed, does feel like a gift from me to ME!
Yup, I can talk myself into most anything. Come to think on it . . . I do talk to myself quite a bit while I am busy. Encouragement is always welcomed.
It’s a Thursday that has brought about good feelings. I hope that may be true for all of you as well.