Take a Deep Breath

Reasons to go to the Northern Neck on a spring day: the smells.

To watch a storm rolling across the Rappahannock River, changing the day from muggy and sunny to gunmetal-silver and blustery in a matter of moments. Changing the smell from the sweetness of flowers and bushes blooming to impending precipitation. I smelled it before I saw it. Afterwards, the smell of freshness.

To bring home armfuls of lilacs, my favorite flowers, and the ones that have always made me feel like anything is possible when I smell them. They perfume my apartment in the same way a Christmas tree does, except it's far more romantic. Driving back, their scent filled the car, much the way Car Mix #2's excessive volume did.

To be a good daughter, talk with my my parents and make them laugh (when they're not obsessing about me being mate-less). It's not so much about their smell, though; that hasn't changed since I've known them.

Timeless smells all, making for a most satisfying day.