A Return To

Yesterday, in a crowded coffee shop, a scent from a passing stranger opened a door to yesterday releasing another memory.

It was a hot July morning more than half a century ago when I arrived for my interview at the renowned salon on Fifth Avenue.

After certifying at Katie Gibbs I listed the beauty industry as one of my employment preferences.

Within 48 hours, an 11 a.m. appointment was scheduled in the second floor office hidden behind the distinctive glossy Red Door on 54th Street.

Upon exiting the elevator and heading toward the personnel office, I immediately became aware of the intoxicating fragrance of Blue Grass, a gentle soothing combination of lavender and jasmine.

Several weeks later, after a series of interviews, I was a Junior Secretary in the sales department of the famed company,. Admittedly, I was rather surprised at one of my immediate assignments, and realized it was obviously one not taught at Katie Gibbs.

It was now my daily responsibility to eject a gentle spritz of the iconic cologne throughout the length of the second floor corridor before the arrival of the famed female cosmetic CEO and legend.

I must admit I totally enjoyed the pleasure of the gentle fragrance and soon adopted it as my own.

Several months later, as winter approached,, I learned the illustrious and impressive legend’s favorite scent. Surprisingly, it was not the famed Blue Grass but another of her creations, the lesser known Mille Fleur.

Needless to say I had become quite impressed with my employer and female role model and hoped to emulate her. Therefore, young and in awe, of life and its many complexities, I, too, switched my preference to Mille Fleur.

Thus my personal trail of scent remained static throughout my changing world for several decades. That only changed when my Anam Cara after a trip abroad, presented me with a flask of another famed icon’s creation, the unique No. 5.

My new choice of fragrance remained for most of my adult life. It only ended abruptly with the arrival of a virus called Covid in 2020.

Isolation didn’t deserve any pleasures, or so I foolishly believed.

Consequently, a chance encounter with a passing stranger yesterday resurrected more than a memory, but perhaps also reopened the door to hope.

This morning I returned to once again spraying a gentle spritz of the famed Coco Chanel’s No. 5 before beginning my day. Perhaps this may be an attempt to chase away fears and memories of the other dreaded C.

I do admit to being uncertain if it also reflects a recovery of optimism or is merely a frivolous gesture, Yet somehow the distinctive aroma is quite soothing.

As is the gentle return of optimism, I must admit,