100 Things I LOVE about America!-The Third 20

100 Reason I LOVE America-- Part 3

Sounds and Smells of America

Many of the first 40 reasons (places, traditions) have 

sights and smells involved.

I tried to make sure

there were

no repeats,

but if there are,

that is just because they

are extra-special American.

On to Part Three:

1.  The sound of the American language.

The nuances and idioms,

the homophones and alliterations,

the Southern drawl, the Northern nasal,

the Prairie twang.

The power of the words, 

the softness of the sounds,

the message behind each word.

2. The smell of simmering cider at Christmas.

3. The sound of waves;

whether they are huge coastal waves,

or the waves from the lake,

there is something soothing

listening to the rhythmic waves.

4. The sounds of an acoustic guitar.

The simple vibration of strings.

No matter whether the guitar belongs to

a cowboy, a church group,

or rock and rollers,

the pure vibration of the guitar 

is wonderful.

5.The smell of popcorn.

The smell almost forces a 

person to get a bag of popcorn.

Is there anything better at

movies or ballgames?

6. The smell of sweet gardenias

in the South.

There is nothing to match it

unless it is a lilac tree

beside a bedroom window in Kansas.

7. The sound of a marching band,

at a parade

a ballgame

or a pep rally.

8. The smell of newspapers

fresh off the press.

You can still feel the warmth

of the ink 

meeting the newsprint.

It is a smell I recognize easily

and it brings a 

smile to my face.

9. The sound of 

mooing

cattle

on the farm.

10. The smells of thunderstorms.

The rain that blows in sideways,

the crackle of the lightning,

the wind bringing

in the pure, clean smell of rain.

11.  The sounds of a 

cheering crowd

as they watch

high school boys play ball.

13. The smell of

pure American oil,

as it comes fresh out 

of the ground.

14. The sounds of 

rustling sacks held by 

children

as they giggle,

and laugh

and run till they are out of breath

and suddenly

yell out

"Trick or Treat"!

as the door bell is answered.

15. The smell of 

turkey roasting

in the oven,

as part of the 

Thanksgiving feast.

16. The sounds of a crackling

 campfire

as we gather around

to roast hot dogs

and make s'mores.

17. The smell of fresh cut

wheat fields

for endless miles,

as you drive through

the Midwest.

18. The sounds as the 

engines roar and

the flags flap

in the wind

while the Patriot Guard

surround and honor,

a fallen war hero.

They hum of the engines

drown out

the sound of

the nay-sayers,

and give the family

of the fallen hero, 

peace, comfort

and protection.

19. The smell of leather.

From boots

to baseball gloves, 

from old books

to chaps, 

from new cars

to well-used chairs,

the pungent smell of

leather is 

classic American.

20. The sounds of family.

Generations.

Husbands and wives.

Grandparents.

Cousins.

Sons and daughters.

Pets.

Special friends.

The blended souls that

bring the melody of 

the American family

to life.

Next week:  Part 4

Foods and Favorites