Ode to the Odors of Violets

Michelle Krell Kydd, whose interests run to the olfactory and gustatory, sends an email when she posts something new to her blog, Glass Petal Smoke. Today I followed her link to a delightful ode to viola odorata and other members of the violet family. Her paean to the little blue flower muses over violet candy, liqueur and lavender violet vanilla bean sugar, and even includes two stanzas of Pablo Neruda’s Ode to a Cluster of Violets, that ends with the words we all cherish, “Better than any word/is the pulse of your scent.” A visit to Glass Petal Smoke is a fresh reminder of the undeniable links between flowers, food and fragrance. The personal care industry has certainly made connections between bakery and confectionary goodies, creating a patisserie of perfumes, creams and lotions for our enjoyment. I urge you to visit the site. I'd be very surprised if it didn't inspire a new flower and food scented beauty product.