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Is there a certain song, scent, or taste that immediately triggers a fond memory for you? 

Tangerines do that for me. “Santa” used to leave them in our stockings every Christmas when we were kids. Sure, we got chocolate Santa Clauses and peppermint candy canes as well, but that immediate aroma that escapes the tangerine as soon as it is peeled immediately triggers memories of Christmas’s past.

“Tangerine Tango” was one of the lessons I taught in my monthly online course (Unlocking Color Secrets), and as I painted it, I thought about those childhood Christmas’s with my family. I love how painting can have such deep meaning beyond just putting brush and paint to panel.

Here are some tid bits about some of our senses that you might find interesting:

Color can manipulate your emotions…blue is soothing; green can feel jarring; pink can be a cry for comfort; and orange tends to be sensual. Next time you ponder over a painting, think about this and be aware of how it makes you feel!

Memories associated with smell rarely fade. I love buying perfume from other countries for this very reason…every time I spritz my perfume from France, it brings me right to the Jewish quarter in Paris where I bought it.

Music can change your mood…it always helps me get in the mood to paint; and just recently I started listening to jazz when I cook. I don’t know why I didn’t start listening to music much sooner when preparing dinner, but I’ve found that it’s actually made cooking (something I don’t like to do) so much funner!

 Taste relies on texture and aroma…think about how juicy and tasty a steak can be…until you put it in a blender. (yuck!). And how disappointing is it when you have a cold and can’t taste your food?

Finally, the power of touch; I’ve heard that a hug can relieve anxiety.  I think that must be why I love to hug my family and friends so much! I really do feel the stress leaving my body during a warm embrace.

I‘d love to hear how a scent, song, or even a piece of art triggers a memory for you in the comments below!

Susie varner on February 13, 2022 at 12:23 am

I love this so much Chris! I too love the smell of tangerines or oranges. It takes me back to my Christmases as well and eve. Hearing the stories my dad would tell us of living through the depression and the I my thing they got for Christmas was an orange or an apple. Something that would fill their bellies. I may have already replied…because I know I read it already at Christmas.

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  Chris Brandley on February 13, 2022 at 3:18 am

  Thanks, Susie! I can’t imagine what they went through during the depression. We have a lot to be thankful for. Thanks for sharing! Hope you’re enjoying your new home. <3