Signs that Indicate Summer is Over

I've been in serious denial that summer is really over. In fact, until just a couple of days ago, I have been driving around with my trunk full of beach gear (umbrella, chair, towels, etc). I guess I thought that as long as that stuff was in my trunk, summer wasn't actually over yet.

Anyway, I've finally had to come to terms with reality - the evidence is all around me! Here are some signs that indicate Summer is really over for this year:

1. Cardigans are making a regular appearance in my wardrobe again.
2. I switched to the fleece bathrobe.
3. The down comforter is back on the bed.
4. I've said "Brrrrr" every day for 5 days straight.
5. I've had the first fireplace fire of the season.
6. Frost on my car windows!
7. I've put away the bronzer and got out the blush. Ditto lipgloss and lipstick.
8. Use of warm bunny rabbit as hand warmer.
9. Less ice water - more hot tea!
10. Ice cream doesn't sound good anymore.
11. I'm starting to ponder my Christmas list.
12. We are deep into football season!

Bye for now summer! See you next year at the beach!

The Smell of Purple

I have read the connection between the sense of smell and memory is the strongest of all sensory connections and I believe it! Here is a perfect example - when I was pretty young, I had several Kologne Kiddles that I LOVED, particularly Violet (pictured here). I can clearly remember sitting in the back seat of my Mom's car, entertaining myself by opening the bottles and smelling the little dolls inside. Whenever I think of it I actually feel like I'm there again which isn't very common for me. Somehow in my child's brain, I connected the smell of Violet the Kologne Kiddle with the color purple and 30+ years later, when I think of how purple should smell, this is it.

As an adult, the memory of these early toys has stayed with me and it always seemed like it was an experience from the past that could never be re-captured. However, thanks to the magic of Ebay, I was able to own Violet for a second time. It was unbelievable to open the bottle and experience the "smell of purple" again so many years later. Connecting with your childhood self as an adult can be a very powerful thing.