This particular post was inspired in large part to Danny Smith's latest blog, which was inspired by Colleen Kulikowski original post of What Makes A House A Home? So, I guess this is a pretty inspired post indeed. I was thinking about this very thing on my way to work this morning. Quite frankly, it got me feeling very nostalgic.
As youngster growing up in the small town of Clarion, Pa.....my recollections of my youth are abundant. But one of my fondest memories is stepping foot in my Grandmother's home. This was back in the day when I still had my 'Sweet Tooth' in tact and she always had homemade cookies waiting for little old me. But to this very day, the thing I loved the most about walking into that home was the scent of what we began to refer to as 'Grandma's Chicken'.
It is that very scent that made that house seem more than just a house, but a home. One that always felt safe, secure, and full of joy. I remember sitting in my little rocking chair rocking my little soul away as I soaked up the scents of her homemade chicken floating in the air. When she passed away, I was too young to really feel the emotional impact of it. But her memory lives on, years later her recipe was found and now it is my own mother who makes Grandma's Chicken.
Every couple of times a year when I visit my parents in Raleigh, NC...I can be sure when I walk into my parent's home, the scent of Grandma's Chicken will be lurking in the air. In addition to the loving & welcoming arms of my father and mother, it is this scent that makes that house in Raleigh, a home to me. It is that scent which transcends four walls, a floor, & a roof into a palace of heart churning warmth. It is the simple sense of smell that makes the simple walls around me feel like a sanctuary of life's completeness. To me, that very scent makes much more of an impact than a growling stomach, it's a intangible highway back to an age of innocence.
Somewhere out there my late grandmother is cooking a Feast for the Gods.
Here's a link to the activity on this subject... What Makes A House A Home?
Meleny - I can say that your cooking is legendary here at FCEGI.
Colleen - Thank you!
Danny - That is for sure and I didn't think it would take me that route initially.
I remember 'home'. It was around when I was a kid.
I think wifey (#2) and I live in a house.
Nice post. When's the next caravan to NC? Heck, even I can smell the chicken from your writing.
Rob - Thanks Rob, next trek to NC will probably be Thanksgiving, they are coming to visit me late in June.
Sarah - You and me both.
So the next time we have an office gathering, I think you should make Grandma's Chicken!
Jason..... I liked this post because it brought back memories of going to my grandparents house in Wisconsin. The home cooked meals and just being at a different home. But so welcomed, that you felt that it was your home also. Thanks for sharing this. And it's good to see a few loan officers also in this contest....not just realtors.
Jeannie - I love aromas that make you feel at home.
Ann - I don't have the recipe personally but maybe I'll surprise you one day.
Jeff - Thanks and have a great holiday weekend. Also, thanks for the heads up on the rules of this contest.
Paula - I miss them, they were/are great memories though.
Brian - Well put my friend, those moments truly are priceless.