I Smell a Stereotype
It threw a tremulous pattern of light against the table and walls—peacocks fanning out luminous feathers. Above the glass the steam swirled, filling the bedroom with the scents of lavender and sweet orange—the bedroom, the hallway, the foyer, the family room. I had no idea that these candle diffusers were so effective.
The next time I tried organic patchouli. When I had made the same Rose Mountain Herbs order that brought the diffuser, I chose patchouli over the many other essential oils listed. It was a fragrance about which I had heard often but never knowingly smelled.
When I first told Mama of my choice she said, "Oh, patchouli always reminds me of hippies—but not the stinky underarm kind."
I laughed.
"They always have that smell in those shops with all the feather things."
"Dream catchers," I supplied.
This wasn't the first (or last) time that a stereotyped scent (or song or piece of music or artwork...) became an interest or favorite of mine before I learned about the stereotype—to the amusement of the more informed. It was not long after I placed my order, in fact, that I read in a news article a reference to the kind of man who wants to save polar bears and wears patchouli. Still, I was determined to keep my mind clean of prejudice and to judge the scent for itself.
My box arrived and amid the fragrant herbs and corked bottles and the beautiful soapstone diffuser was nestled the vial of patchouli. Anticipation is my favorite part; only after admiring and arranging and rearranging my other purchases did I return to the patchouli and slowly twist it open, relishing the crackling of the breaking seal. I waved the bottle beneath my nose like a professional aromatherapist. It was warm, woody, spicy with hints of sweet fruitiness. I liked it—hippies notwithstanding.
After sharing all this backstory, I return to the account of my first use of patchouli in the candle diffuser, a week later. It smelled lovely, I thought, but most of my siblings made a great show of gagging as they passed, complaining that I was fouling fresh air.
"Alright, alright." I laughed. I wouldn’t use the patchouli in general company again, but I was determined to enjoy it now.
I was in one of my evening domestic moods, and I was tidying, dusting, plumping sofa cushions, breathing patchouli. Next Sister put on some soft music, and I moved to the plaintive melody of an “Adagio.”
I screamed.
I do not scream often. My siblings gathered around, wanting to know what the matter was.
"This is horrible," I cried, divided between disgusted squeals and hilarious laughter. "I'm barefoot, I have long braided hair, I’m studying herbal medicine and midwifery, I'm burning organic patchouli, and I’m listening to New Age music."
"Papa's right," Next Sister teased. "You are the hippie child."
But not the stinky underarm kind.
Not yet. We will see how well the natural deodorant works.
It is true that "Adagio" by "Secret Garden" is listed under the New Age genre, but it is inspired by Maurice Ravel, and I like it.
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ELISSA said...
*GIGGLE* That is so funny! My daddy calls me his crunchy, or his little hippie, because I like herbs and “all that stuff.” :-)
And new age or not, the song you posted is quite beautiful!
You’ll have to tell me how the deodorant works; it would be very useful while traveling. I don’t wear deodorant anymore, because of all the chemicals, and plus it just didn’t work for me. Now I use the simplest thing you can imagine: baking soda, cornstarch, and a few drops of lavender essential oil mixed up into a body powder. It works very well, but it really becomes a nuisance when traveling!
Thanks for the laugh!
Elissa
Wednesday, February 16, 2011 12:49 PM
HANDMAIDEN said...
I am glad you enjoyed this little story, Elissa. :-)
Conventional deodorants never worked for me either. The only effective thing was antiperspirant, and I am really bothered knowing that aluminum salts are being absorbed by my body. Still, I haven’t been brave (or inconsiderate ;-) enough to go without.
I’ve tried homemade powders before, and they dry and itch; but my father has used my herbal baby powder as a deodorant to good effect (arrowroot powder, baking powder, rice flour, powdered chamomile, lavender essential oil). Those natural crystals and tea tree deodorants do not work, for sure. ;-)
I think the Weleda natural deodorant spray would be more effective. I am going to look for it at Whole Foods, and I’ll let you know how it works when I’ve tried it.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011 05:16 PM
HANDMAIDEN said...
I just found out that iTunes also classifies the pianist David Nevue under the New Age genre. I don’t feel so bad anymore. ;-)
Friday, February 25, 2011 09:49 AM
HANDMAIDEN said...
I’ve been using the Weleda Natural Deodorant (citrus scent) for several weeks now, to effect. I can recommend it to anyone interested in purchasing a safe but effective deodorant.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011 09:07 PM
Tuesday, February 15, 2011