Some songs can magically transport you back to a particular time and place. It may have been years–heck decades– since you last heard that song.  And suddenly you are back at that high school dance or some other random memory you thought was all but wiped from your cerebral cortex.

They–whoever they are– say the sense of smell produces the greatest memory triggers. I’m convinced that’s how dogs remember they have met you before- even if it has been years.  A whiff of a scent can transport us back to some place buried deep in our memory. For example my grandmother’s house with a crazy combination of smells; rose perfume, baking bread and cigarettes. Not really pleasant, but distinctive.

The memory trigger from visual stimuli is actually one of our weaker recall links, but one we rely on the most.  We all love to look at old pictures.

This fabulous pair of shiny candy apple red boots is a memory trigger for me. Several Christmases (maybe 12?) ago these boots were a shining beacon on the top shelf of the shoe department. I was in Nordstrom in a completely different department, men’s I think. I was trying to find something for my father for Christmas, that he would not hate. (Notoriously a challenge to shop for) I looked up and like a lighthouse lantern on a foggy night these spectacular boots pulled me into port aka the shoe department. —And if you are a shoe lover, Nordstrom’s shoe department is always a safe haven from the holiday chaos. These shoes remind me of holiday shopping, and the glee of finding something perfect– even if it was for me. Be safe out there —holiday shopping can be a battle. Be kind and patient– really that is more the reason for the season.

Laura