You Got to Stop and Smell the Roses along the way

This evening, as the sun began to set and the cool winds replaced the GORGEOUS warm breezes of the afternoon, Drew and I hopped on our bikes for a quick ride around the largest loop of our neighborhood streets, or what we affectionately call "The Big Block".

I don't know why it dawned on me to do this. But as we circled and pedaled the streets, I began to make a mental note of the fragrances I smelled along the way.

A barbecue grill. Either steaks or chicken, I couldn't be sure.
Then the distinct and heavy fragrance of a magnolia blossom.
I'm no gardener, but the next few scents were from various blooms and bushes.
As we made our way around the bend, I detected the unmistakable smell of dryer sheets.
Ah, and another family had just begun to fire up the grill - the smell of charcoal lingered in the air.
Not every smell was pleasant - I got a few whiffs of car exhaust and garbage.

But this sensory exercise really made me stop and think tonight about how much goes on around me. And how much I usually miss.

There were no roses along our route tonight, but the fragrance was just as sweet as if there had been.

I think I need to get my other senses in on the action. Perhaps tomorrow, I'll try listening on for size.

Wanna play? I'd love to know if you've had a chance to stop and smell the roses lately, too!