I gathered a number of the scents found in my upcoming novel Tree of Life and put them here. :o)
eye-watering fumes from cleaning blood off of stone
spiced rum that smells like his wife
lavender to soothe a crying boy
sizzling elk and wild onions
pancake batter and syrup
nectarine and peach
blood on soft hair
sulfur
market spices from a man she loves
fruity breath
burning flesh
pine tar
cardamom
night air / peace
vanilla
a bucket of tobacco spit
fresh leaves, lemongrass, and berries
from a man she should hate
stone ground chocolate–earthy, saccharine, and reminiscent of cedarwood
a strong camphorous voice
with the coolness of pine
a beloved who smells of ginger and mint
cinnamon on the headboard
almost-sweet, earthy mold
orange and apple pomanders
dirt on her hands
official documents
books
a towel that smells like love
juniper geranium incense
spicy yarrow to stop the bleeding
a cedar chest filled with dresses
a peppermint and lavender laugh
fishy air
citrus air
oil paints
sweet soap
paper and ink
fir trees and morning skin
sugary evergreens
pastries and sweet tobacco
rose tea, sweet and tangy
wood smoke and coffee
castor oil
chicken soup
subdued white tea
an innocent’s death
glory in her hair
honeyed-rose in a room filled with rich experiences
fennel and garlic spiced sausage and maple syrup
religiosity and strict upbringing
Photos by Sharon McCutcheon , Annie Spratt, Jaclyn Moy, Carolyn V , Ricky Turner. Linda Söndergaard
