Intermezzo: Reminiscences

Tendrepoison

Can one pack up an entire apartment, complete with a vintage fragrance collection in less than 72 hours? From my personal experience, I can tell that this is not a pleasant enterprise; yet, the ballet training has instilled stamina and discipline in me. Every morning when I wake up in the apartment filled with boxes and suitcases, I feel a pang. This was the place where I spent several years, which might seem perfect in the retrospect. I sat down for many hours at this table writing, reading, memorizing chemical formulas and studying aroma-materials. I walk from room to room, observing familiar details that will soon blur into the memories of the past. In a few days, the new routine will engulf me, but right now, indulging in reminiscences seems appropriate. …

The packing process unearths several journals that I kept consentingly between the ages of 8 and 22. Then, writing became a part of my profession, and my attention to journals has waned. A glass of wine and an hour to peruse through the pages densely covered with florid cursive, and I am already feeling the wave of nostalgia coming over me. As I turn the pages, my glance falls upon a short description of Dior Tendre Poison that might perhaps count as my first fragrance review.

“…I am fascinated by the transparent emerald flacon concealing within itself a delicate, fresh and alluring scent tinged with a disconcerting bitterness…” Although a brief re-acquaintance with Tendre Poison confirms that it is neither delicate nor fresh, the scent catapults me back into the sweltering day in 1994, when–much like I am doing right now–I was writing amid the chaos of packing for the United States trip.

Yet, now the journals and perfumes are packed away, waiting to be transported to the new location. I am looking forward to whatever might anticipate me in the future. Given the hectic nature of the move and a number of deadlines, I will continue the intermittent posting till the end of the month. As always, thank you for visiting and sharing your thoughts with me.

Tendre Poison ad from Images de Parfums.

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22 Comments

  • violetnoir: I am sending you my best wishes, V, for a successful transition into the next phase of your fragrant life!

    Hugs! August 18, 2006 at 2:52pm Reply

  • Elle: I know just what intense, marathon packing feels like, but the future you’re moving towards will be wonderful I’m sure! Best of luck w/ everything! August 18, 2006 at 3:11pm Reply

  • chaya ruchama: Dear V-

    Upheavals of any kind seem to unearth all sorts of emotions and mementos…

    Even so,I’m sure that you possess all you need to make the necessary transitions gracefully.

    Good luck in your new place and the upcoming adventure… August 18, 2006 at 3:21pm Reply

  • Madelyn E: Dear Victoria,
    What a relief–I missed you this week and was wondering if you were okay. Good luck with your move- ther’s a well known expression..”the more things change, the more they stay the same” You will be making new memories in your new home. Once you are unpacked and settled, you will probably sigh with relief that you have a wonderful, new opportunity to experience positive change! I always missed my old car, old house, old apartment– however I was always excited about a new (operative word) syart. I will be thinking of you- and wondering how you are organizing all your myriad scents! By the way, where are you moving to ?
    Best to you!
    Your perfume buddy from Roslyn–
    Madelyn E August 18, 2006 at 5:44pm Reply

  • amandampc: Victoria – great good luck with the move and preparations for the move (at least the L’Artisan F d’O comes pre-packed in its own little “crate” – how handy!) and everything else. And thanks for sharing a little peek into your writings past. Personal journals, diaries, notebooks and the like can be so much fun, so amusing, so reassuring in their ways. The diary I kept my freshman year in high school is one of my favrotie treasures. Keep writing and again, all the best to you in your move and new locale! August 18, 2006 at 6:20pm Reply

  • Dusan: The most wonderful thing about memories is that one does not need boxes or suitcases to transport them from one home to another. Packing mementos like diaries, ballet shoes or dusty accordions is usually a painful and tiresome ordeal, but it is also a singular occasion to rekindle bittersweet memories like your first essays in creative perfume writing 🙂
    Good luck with the move and, who knows, maybe your heart will settle at last in your new home! August 18, 2006 at 6:31pm Reply

  • Anya: Good luck on the move, V, and have fun settling into the new place. This is all very exciting for you, and funny as it sounds, try to relax and enjoy this time. It is sentimental and fresh, a great combo to help realign the inner soul. August 18, 2006 at 2:51pm Reply

  • Dmitri: To move into a new flat equals to a fire case. That’s a Russian proverb. Let it be most comfortable both for you and your collection! August 18, 2006 at 9:37pm Reply

  • Ina: Vika! I can so relate! Except, in the midst of packing chaos, I didn’t sit down to write perfume reviews. ;D It’s a true calling of yours. Good luck with everything! I’m looking forward to getting together soon. 🙂 Priyatnogo pereyezda! August 18, 2006 at 5:51pm Reply

  • k-amber: Best wishes and may smooth sailing into the new world! All the best 🙂

    Kaori August 19, 2006 at 1:12am Reply

  • koneko: Dearest V,
    Best wishes on your move! I hope you settle into your new home very comfortably. Having just moved myself less than 2 months ago, I can sympathize very much!
    I hope you love your new location and I am sure it is bound to be a wonderful start for new experiences! August 19, 2006 at 12:23pm Reply

  • annE: Good luck with your move, Victoria, and best wishes for a happy start to the next phase of your life! August 19, 2006 at 1:35pm Reply

  • Oxana: I have been reading your blog since I got the link. I was missing your reviews this week and yes, as it was mentioned, what a relief to know you are ok. good luck with the move. I have experienced it already twice this year. Luckily or au contraire 🙂 I do not have such a huge collection. 🙂 August 19, 2006 at 6:19pm Reply

  • Katie: Good luck with the moving out and moving in process, V. I know it can be a pain. I love that you shared that early old impression of Tendre with us. How interesting, and what a neat way to keep a time capsule of yourself. Maintaining a journal going from 8 to 22 is still pretty impressive, and keeping ahold of them through the years is even more impressive. Most 8 year olds lose everything! Which I say because my twins are 7, and I just can’t see them not destroying or misplacing something like that eventually 😛

    This here blog is really a journal as well, though obviously limited to one topic in specific. So perhaps your attention to journaling hasn’t waned, it’s just changed a little 🙂 August 19, 2006 at 4:36pm Reply

  • patchamour: I’d been concerned about you, too. Good luck in your new spot! August 20, 2006 at 12:17pm Reply

  • marchlion: Bread and salt to you, Victoria — luck for your new home. I am trying to translate that into perfume — how about En Passant and Sel de Vetiver? 😛 August 20, 2006 at 7:35pm Reply

  • Nick: A change is as good as a holiday!

    In your new abode, you can consider a brand new place for your perfume! Better arranged than ever.

    Best Wishes, August 21, 2006 at 2:26am Reply

  • BBliss: Good luck with all the chaos that goes along with moves! And, enjoy your new home!
    Thank you for sharing your “review” on one of my v. old favorites. It also can catapult me straight to the mid-90’s! I still wear it – but lightly! 🙂 August 21, 2006 at 4:17pm Reply

  • Marian: Ah V….as one flacon leaves the residue of amber liquid memories, another perfume waits to be uncapped, adorned, experienced…

    The possibilities are endless, forever fragrant.

    Marian August 22, 2006 at 12:11am Reply

  • helg: Hi Vic!
    Best of luck with the move. (Just new home or new city BTW? lost track…)
    I know reminiscing has a bittersweet aspect to it and hope for the best for you in your new home. August 22, 2006 at 4:37pm Reply

  • Judith: All good wishes for your move, V! I hate moving–but I love new beginnings: may yours be everything you hope! August 23, 2006 at 8:36am Reply

  • kyahgirl: Hi Victoria-just want to wish you all the best in your move. Thank goodness I can always find you here still. I love your perfume reviews.

    best,
    Laura August 23, 2006 at 10:38am Reply

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