Lys Mediterranee

Last summer I tried Frederic Malle Lys Mediterranee and it struck me as cool, literal and refreshing. Crisp. Elegant but earthy. Refined but approachable. Exotic a bit and certainly sensual. And I felt that at my best this was “me.”

But then I decided I maybe wasn’t that sensual. Maybe wasn’t that literal…? Not like Lys Mediterranee. …And so I tried others. And eventually I came to Casablanca Lily.

I questioned it… I loved the name. It felt comforting. Like a truly parental hug, almost.

…

But by this spring it felt off as a signature fragrance. And as the air grew warmer again I tried Lys Mediterranee once more and as I edited my novel the other night…it occurred to me why I thought this Frederic Malle lily was so “me.” But I hate making mistakes and I was determined not to do so again, so I waited for a day or two to think.

Today I asked my daughter for her objective opinion: “Which one smells more like mommy?” She smelled several. And she chose Casablanca Lily. And at first I thought this might mean that that really did signify my personality well. My children know the real me. I resigned to perhaps just wearing Casablanca Lily as my signature. But then…I realized that…as my daughter she sees only a part of my overall personality. The mommy. Of course. *eye-roll* It was silly to ask her, except it did shed light on the truth, none-the-less.

So which one was really more me? Who to ask… *sigh* My ex-husband is practically anosmic. Ghosts?!? *le sigh* *eye-roll*

…

The thing is, when I chose Casablanca Lily I was talking to a ghost. Or a demon? …Either way…it may have been someone who accidentally sees more of “the mommy” side of my personality than…the overall idea of me.

Yes. Not your typical post about fragrance selection. I know. Sorry?

…But no, the fresh sea water, warm musk and vanilla…lace-like ginger and orange blossom cooled by lotus surrounding a delicate, complex white flower that both signifies the Virgin Mother and is lethal if ingested…is…me.

…

I think in a way…I wish it wasn’t. Seeing yourself is lovely…but it’s also challenging. Isn’t it?