Question of the Week
Your Proustian Moment
Do you have a particular memory that's prompted by a sensual experience (that is, a smell or taste) similar to Proust's experience with madeleines?
To refresh your memory, here is the passage from Proust in which he describes memories evoked by the bites of madeleines.
Replies (5)
Posted by
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I come from a farming family. My fondest memories are from farms and farm families, and especially my Dad. Consequently most farm smells bring back wonderful memories. Of these the most pleasant, for me, is the sight and smell of fresh plowed earth. Taking a handful and feeling its weight, texture, and moisture in my hand. Seeing the deep rich brown, nearly black, color, and then smelling that earthy smell. It's the stuff of life itself.
Jul 12, 2011 5:51 pm
by fbales -
I tried a s'more and I knew it was the best thing I would ever taste! The soft, warm, squishy marshmallow melting the Hershey squares between two graham crackers...still reminds me of being a kid...and still the best thing I ever ate!
Jul 14, 2011 9:02 pm
by moengey -
champaigne mangoes -- it is reminiscent of a beautiful, perfect morning with my love.
cardamon - reminds me of being young, restless, and hopeful for adventure. I tried Jamaican bread (also, "Barbadian conbread" and other names). It was deliciious and sold in West Indian bakeries that smell of cardamon. My friend's mother mailed me 2 loaves, and I lived off of bread and water for a week! heaven!Jul 15, 2011 10:15 pm
by AngelaD -
The smell of rain.It takes me back to the time when my grandparents used to live in a house away from the hustle of the city, surrounded by a beautiful garden...When it rained, I and my cousins used to cuddle together in a large blanket and watch the rain pouring, and smell the damp rainy air...such beautiful memories !!!
Jul 16, 2011 11:17 am
by pachhu -
Pipe tobacco. Not many smoke pipes anymore, but this puts my right back in my grandfather's house, sitting with him on his large back porch in my mother's beautiful hometown in Massachusetts.
Jul 20, 2011 7:59 am
by cjkschrick