About 10 years ago I had the chance to visit the Louvre in Paris. It was a warm summer evening and the daylight hours were longer. I think I was there around 10pm, and I just remember walking around the museum, and the sun was coming through the windows. It was beautiful and peaceful.

What connects me to that visit though is the scent. The scent of the linden trees that lined the walkways leading to the Louvre. Their scent filled the air almost like a welcome gesture to enter the museum.

I’m reminded of that visit every year here in New York City, in the spring, when the linden trees are blooming in Central Park. We have some trees lining my street as well, and when I take in the scent, I’m immediately transported to that summer night at the Louvre in Paris.

The scent makes me feel relaxed because of the softness and complexity I smell. It also invigorates me because it’s bright and draws me in more. It makes me want to sit under the tree and just take it in.

The scent is spring, blue sky and freedom to me.

If the scent had a sound, what would it be? Wind chimes.

If the scent had a color, what would it be? Yellow & pink like it was a watercolor merging together.

If the scent had a texture, what would it be? Velvety, wet tactile part of a flower petal.

If the scent could give you advice, what would it tell you? Slow down and appreciate the simple things that surround you in nature.