By Chris Hansen.
In the morning, often of a weekend, the sounds of mowers could be heard as far as you might wish to travel through the suburbs. My father’s mower was a Victa. Tried trusty and true it kept pace for twenty-five years. The sound of the mower would soften once the grass had begun to be cut. And soon enough as each blade would signal its distress via scent, all the scents would combine to create an aroma, the crisp smell of freshly mown grass. The smell may linger for a short while, advantage being taken on a summer’s day with all the windows open allowing the scent inside the home. The fragrance may also linger for a short while on your clothes and your shoes may have a smell for far longer.
About the author:
Chris has a love of language and writing – scriptwriting in particular and enjoys being involved with Geelong’s internationally renowned Back-to-Back Theatre, working alongside Bruce Gladwin. His interest and involvement in writing began at a young age, with his story the Cars that ate Norlane being published in the Geelong Advertiser’s Poppykettle Press.
Chris has a range of interests, including photography, as well as a passion for supporting others with disabilities to be considered on their merits.
‘I’ve been playing guitar for 35 years and enjoy improvisational music collaboration and producing art pieces. I fight against having my disability overlooked and not taken into account, and I advocate for others in similar situations.’
Bruce Gladwin
Great work Chris. I love the smell of freshly cut grass. The fragrance from my childhood that I feel so fond of is tomato plants. Playing hide and seek my favourite hiding spot was amongst the rows of the tomato bushes. Being up close to gave me a close up to their aroma.
Caz Calthorpe
This is beautiful Chris. The scent of freshly mown grass, geraniums and marigolds, petrichor – the earthy smell before rain are the aromas of my childhood.
I’ve never really thought about the sounds until reading your piece. I think most kids would have grown up to the sounds of an old trusty Victa pervading the air on a Saturday morning.
Guenter
Chris, you re-kindled my love for the scent of grass – freshly mown or not. And your story has brought back enjoyable memories of me rolling around and play-fighting in grass with my boxers (that a breed of dog, of course, and not my underwear!).
Jo Curtain
Beautiful story. Freshly mowed grass is one of my favourite smells, reminiscent of a summer day hanging at the local swimming pool and a BBQ lunch.
Karen
This is great Chris. I too have fond and vivid memories of that Victa lawnmower:)