The lilacs are in bloom.  Some are past peak already but others are majestically framing houses throughout the seacoast, their purple blooms carrying a scent like no other.  That scent has been artificially recreated by air fresheners, sprays, and candle companies.   

I found myself enthralled with that smell to the point of needing to start taking allergy medication as a result.  But I love those lilacs.  They remind me of my childhood.  Specifically, I recall the day that my brother retrieved a baseball in the lilac bushes in our backyard - only to be chased away my dozens of bees that had made their nest in one of the bushes.  I don't recall if we ever got the ball back but my brother was stung a few times.  The sight of him running and flailing his arms is one that will stick with me for a long time.  We nursed his stings with meat tenderizer.  We had several lilac bushes in our backyard growing up.  They are still there, continuing to reward my mother every spring with their purple presence.

It's unfortunate that they simply don't last long enough to be enjoyed.  That's why we have candles to burn when we feel like we need their comforting, sweet, light fragrance.

In the meantime, I'll be rolling my windows down - just to catch a whiff while I still can.