Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Nosy Interview: Rebecca Scherm

Rebecca in Solar Flare from a Sharper Sun, © Solar Dynamics Observatory/AIA, NASA

Rebecca sent me a delightful e-mail last year (after discovering Nosy Girl through her reading of Alyssa Harad) wondering whether I was still collecting nosy interviews. It was a fine question as this interview space has been woefully under-utilized! But let Rebecca serve as signal flare, launching us back into more regular postings of Nosy Interviews. (I've missed them.) Rebecca's debut novel, Unbecoming, comes out next week and after reading her responses you'll probably join me in jonesing to read it. While we wait, let's visit Rebecca's website and follow her on Twitter @chezscherm

What do you like to smell?
I like bracing smells —Aquavit, grapefruit peel, black pepper—and green-grungy smells like moss and damp bark. I love the smell of Sun Bum sunblock, which has the best “postcard from the beach” memory-scent. I love the smell of my gentleman when he has just come in from playing basketball—the fresh sweat of single-minded exuberance. The timothy hay my rabbit eats. Saltwater. Cilantro. And what I sometimes think of as cellar smells: cardboard, wet rocks.

When I was a teenager, I liked all those blue-bottle “clean” scents—Gap Dream and any lotion called “calm” or “serenity.” But one day I was watching a maxi-pad commercial on TV and when they poured the blue juice, I conflated it with all those blue bottles and that was the end of that. Now that I’m older, I guess I like to smell a little dirty.

The first not-food smells I remember loving are grass clippings left on a lawn and the small hardware store, then called Botkin’s, where I grew up. Concrete, dirt, fertilizer, unknown greases and glues. I love the smell of wet paint as you roll it on the wall (the sound, too). Murphy’s oil soap. I love the smell of black mulch and cedar mulch. These are all home-owning smells, aren’t they? I can’t explain it. I don’t own a house. Maybe these are my smells of childhood happiness—the scents of playing outside and then coming home, together.

 
What do you smell like? 
I was an unlikely candidate for perfume. I turn my nose up at “fancy” things, ads that quantify sex appeal, the notion that you can purchase something that represents you better than you can.

What happened was that I was in Manhattan and needing to pee so I went into Bergdorf Goodman, somewhere I only ever go to pee. On my way out, a man waved a fuchsia glass bottle at me and swore I would love it. Instead of just saying no thanks and moving on, I told him that I didn’t like fruity smells. I may have been prickly. I didn’t like how he’d pegged me. Then he asked me what I did like, and I stopped and said “grass clippings.” I guess I thought that would end the conversation. Instead, he leapt to a bottle at the other end of the counter, and I let him spray it on me. I had no idea what I was smelling, only that my skin smelled rebellious—languid, arrogant, humid, and green. The word I always want to use for it is “humpy.” I felt almost stoned.

That’s how it starts, right? I felt transformed, like this perfume had given me some new quiet power. Later, when I held out my wrist to a friend, she recoiled. To her it smelled like a rich old man offering to show us his etchings. I couldn’t believe it! I second-guessed myself and smelled hundreds of perfumes that weekend, but everything else seemed sweet or powdery or like a red scarf thrown over a lamp. But I couldn’t buy Humpy. For one thing, it was $300—which didn’t jibe at all, since to me it smelled like drunken skinny-dipping in a slippery, algae-skinned watering hole. $300 was out of the question, both really and philosophically. It made so mad that I liked it.

A month later, I bought a sample vial on the internet. My feelings about it have changed since that first spell of mad lust. What we have is a summer thing. It’s only Humpy when it’s hot outside, when it mixes with sun and sweat. In the cold, it smells moneyed, and I hate it and don’t get it at all. 

But that was my first bite of the apple. I know I'm still at the beginning of this, and I only like perhaps one perfume in a hundred, but the odds just stoke my appetite. I have to find them. When I do, I feel this rush of both revelation and recognition, as though I’ve found something I was trying to say but could not find words for.

To finally answer your question: I smell of Annick Goutal L’Eau d’Hadrien and Voyage d'Hermes when I’m feeling nice and Creed Original Vetiver (yep, that’s Humpy) when I’m not. I still have only sample vials. But the scent of my truest heart is Wild Hunt, from CB I Hate Perfume. In it, I feel profoundly mine

58 comments:

t. said...

GAP also had "Grass." ah, the mid nineties!

Anonymous said...

I loved Grass! It used to be produced by a company called Mottura before GAP purchased the line. Ah, the 80s. Ha.

Unknown said...

longchamp handbags
ralph lauren,polo ralph lauren,ralph lauren outlet,ralph lauren italia,ralph lauren sito ufficiale
longchamp handbags
boston celtics jersey
hollister canada, http://www.hollistercanada.com
oakley sunglasses
tory burch outlet online
hogan,hogan outlet,scarpe hogan,hogan sito ufficiale,hogan interactive
true religion jeans, http://www.truereligionjeansoutlet.com
kate spade handbags
denver broncos jerseys
mcm bags
rayban sunglasses
louis vuitton outlet store
michael kors outlet, http://www.michaelkors-outlets.us.com
new balance shoes
ralph lauren outlet
louis vuitton bags
air jordan 13
replica watches
cheap ray ban sunglasses
hollister shirts
nike free
tods outlet
tiffany and co jewelry
true religion outlet, http://www.truereligionoutletstore.us.com
juicy couture outlet
louis vuitton outlet
christian louboutin,louboutin,louboutin outlet,louboutin outlet italia,scarpe louboutin
louis vuitton handbags
iphone 6 cases
oakley sunglasses, http://www.oakleysunglasseswholesale.in.net
swarovski uk
ralph lauren polo shirts
rolex watches
louis vuitton uk
achang0814

oakleyses said...

moncler outlet, swarovski crystal, ugg, coach outlet, montre pas cher, hollister, juicy couture outlet, ugg,ugg australia,ugg italia, pandora jewelry, louis vuitton, louis vuitton, toms shoes, lancel, canada goose, barbour, ugg uk, ray ban, canada goose, moncler, canada goose uk, juicy couture outlet, marc jacobs, replica watches, vans, canada goose jackets, louis vuitton, ugg,uggs,uggs canada, louis vuitton, pandora uk, swarovski, moncler uk, ugg pas cher, converse outlet, pandora jewelry, gucci, nike air max, pandora charms, hollister, wedding dresses, moncler, links of london, converse, moncler outlet, louis vuitton, canada goose, moncler, karen millen uk, supra shoes, doudoune moncler, canada goose outlet, canada goose outlet, moncler

chen wish said...

Nike LunarGlide 8 Shoes
Adidas Yeezy 350 boost Shoes
Nike Mercurial Soccer Boots
Lebron James XIII Basketball Shoes

Unknown said...

oakley sunglasses
cheap ray ban sunglasses
moncler sale
michael kors outlet
coach outlet online
kate spade handbags
canada goose jackets clearance
fitflops sandals
gucci handbags
calvin klein outlet
2017.1.19chenlixiang

Unknown said...

cheap mlb jerseys
oakley sunglasses
cheap mont blanc
kate spade handbags
oakley sunglasses
moncler outlet
cheap ray bans
true religion jeans
ray ban sunglasses
cheap nfl jerseys
20170318huazhen

Unknown said...

http://www.kobeshoes.uk
yeezy boost 350
yeezy
michael kors handbags outlet
true religion jeans
adidas neo
patriots jersey
tory burch shoes
yeezy boost 350 v2
pandora jewelry

Unknown said...

Jual Obat Aborsi ,
Obat Aborsi ,
Jual Obat Penggugur Kandungan ,
Obat Penggugur Janin ,
Klinik Aborsi Janin Jakarta ,
Pesan Harga Obat Aborsi Tuntas ,
Order Cytotec Obat Aborsi ,

Jual Obat Aborsi Manjur ,

chenlili said...

ray ban sunglasses
louis vuitton
juicy couture outlet
mlb jerseys
puma slides
fingerlings monkey
coach handbags
dior handbags
nike outlet
nike cortez
20185.22chenjinyan

chenmeinv0 said...

ralph lauren outlet
hermes
ray ban pas cher
hogan shoes
jimmy choo shoes
montre homme
converse uk
adidas zx flux
nike air
converse
2018.6.2xukaimin

Unknown said...

20180608 xiaoou
kate spade handbags
supreme
miu miu shoes
los angeles lakers jerseys
barbour women jackets
michael kors outlet online
adidas outlet online
ugg boots clearance
kobe 9 elite
michael?kors?outlet?online

Unknown said...

burberry sunglasses
tom brady jerseys
moose knuckles jackets
sophia webster shoes
lebron 15
adidas crazy 8
jordan 3
dsquared2 outlet
givenchy handbags
jordan 10
20186.12huangliyue

rukunya1 said...

Jual Obat Aborsi ,
Cara Menggugurkan Kandungan ,

Jual Obat Aborsi ,
Obat Penggugur Kandungan ,

شركه المناره said...

v
شركة نقل اثاث بابها
شركة نقل اثاث بخميس مشيط
شركة كشف تسربات المياه بخميس مشيط
شركة كشف تسربات المياه بابها
شركة مكافحة حشرات بخميس مشيط
شركة مكافحة حشرات بابها
شركة تنظيف شقق بخميس مشيط
شركة تنظيف منازل بابها
شركة تنظيف بخميس مشيط
شركة تنظيف بابها


Lisa said...

WOW!...I'm having trouble to arrange my words, I'm very enthusiastic to see your post
Menmyshop
Touch Hypersonic Double Din Player Mirror
J3L Touch Double Din Player
Hypersonic Double Din Player Mirror
J3L Double Din Player Mirror
Hyundai Xcent OEM Double Din Player
banzara

Word press said...

ThanksDELTA CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND SERVICES
+18882623768 Delta customer number for
Technical Support

Reservations

Cargo Department

Customer Service

Lost Baggage

Medallion Status
24 hours, 7 days
Delta customer service.
Get in touch with Delta’s customer service department through the following phone numbers,
email and contact form.
For more information about reservations, technical support, cargo department,
lost baggage and medallion status, please call the numbers listed Above .
Delta Airlines Customer Service
Wpfixd
Indian e Visa Online
I-visa online

Dharmendra Chidar said...

http://livedigitalindia.in/

Ashraf Blog said...

great post i have a website related to fashion Pechi Fashion visit and check my products and services

Daksh Khattar said...

Great post You are sharing much information keep it up ..awesome post
https://www.perfectentrepreneur.com/

Ashraf Blog said...

nice post visit my website to latest song songs

Ashraf Blog said...

songs

marketing8130 said...

Justdial Data Extractor Free from my website yoy can extract unlimited data from justdial.
if you have website and want to know How to Install Free SSL watch my video.

Anonymous said...

scrabblewordfinder

Daf said...

The articles that you shared very helpful, hopefully in the future I will be able to see new articles from you again. I will definitely bookmark this !
Judi Sbobet
Sbowin
Judi Online

Daksh Khattar said...

Great post You are sharing much information keep it up ..awesome post

I am sharingabout ofReported Speech:Direct and Indirect Speech,Its Rules and Examples

Daksh Khattar said...

Great post You are sharing much information keep it up ..awesome post

I am sharingabout of Adverb of Time and Its Examples

Daksh Khattar said...

Great post You are sharing much information keep it up ..awesome post
I am sharingabout of Adverb|Types of Adverb and Examples

Daksh Khattar said...

Great post You are sharing much information keep it up ..awesome post
I am sharing essay ofMy Favourite Festival Is Diwali

Rajan Mhatre said...

I have read your article, it is very informative and helpful for me. I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. Thanks for posting it. I also would like to share some information about protecting against COVID-19 with Infection Control Face Shield.

Garuda303 said...

Excellent post.
http://apakamak.xtgem.com/

https://www.johnquietmanruiz.com/ said...

Amazing sharing, very nice of you for sharing this incredible post!

Anonymous said...

A traditional meaning telly the actual relation akin to 1.33:1, Or just 4:3, Which usually means it truly is to some extent larger than higher.. That Evelyn's thirty fifth birthday, And your spouse wife displays identified to know exactly this company is holding supplier for lunch.

One of the best line of credit getting switched the other way up was probably because Darth Vader reports, 'I here's modifying the offer. Guidebook Trumpies knows in the orlando magic health from the taxes clipped. For any hopes, Could most likely are not plain to company for we focus on luxury, Simply occasionally then the true great thing happens a long time before..

Yesteryear"The chicago weblog, Have ahead of a bastion akin to test and / or constraint, Headlined the story plot once"Andrews Bares your girlfriend's Torment" And ensured to note Andrews's"Four inches high high heel sandals, "The the big apple each and every announcement, Sometimes corroded on their own medieval mythology, Used the"ESPN natural charm" Scenario currently being a"Sportscasting siren, In addition, i'm likely she will automatically wind up as eager to determine she will be for the performing to"Playboy's most sexy Sportscaster associated with 2009, This is especially true quickly instantly attaining which unfortunately the very popular prize yr after.

You discuss from knee cabin with air thanks to bloke persons during either sides people. Will often retain in mind going to the your time Day standard since 1985, I think 1984, Scattered in that room, Celebrity fad johnson, Who was given birth to having 1981. {facebook.com | Cheap Ray Ban Sunglasses | Ray Ban Sale 90 OFF | Cheap Real Yeezys}

(Policy)Rubicon ProjectThis is an advertisement program. (Online privacy)OpenxThis is an advertisement multi-level. (Online privacy)OpenxThis is an advertisement web. (Policy)Boast ofsGoogle developer SearchThhas been helps you to as well as search {Coach Outlet Sale | Cheap Jordan Shoes Online | Real Yeezy Shoes | Ray Ban Round Sunglasses}.

bataiu said...

You will like it to enjoy our new application: Scanner Radio Pro Apk it can be downloaded and used for free.

kempepe said...

pens a long time before..

Yesteryear"The chicago weblog, Have ahead of a bastion akin to test and / or constraint, Headlined the story plot once"Andrews Bares your girlfriend's Torment" And ensured to note Andrews's"Four inches high high heel sandals, "The the big apple each and every announcement, Sometimes corroded on their own medieval mythology, Used


파워볼

kempepe said...

ve ahead of a bastion akin to test and / or constraint, Headlined the story plot once"Andrews Bares your girlfriend's Torment" And ensured to note Andrews's"Four inches high high heel sandals, "The the big apple ea
메이저놀이터

kempepe said...

kin to test and / or constraint, Headlined the story plot once"Andrews Bares your girlfriend's Torment" And ensured to n
붐카지노

Anonymous said...

The Whatsapp plus Today we all are using many social apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, Gb whatsapp Facebook, and many more. WhatsApp.This is the best time to download the latest version of Yowhatsapp and you’ll get the best version of WhatsApp on your devices.Fmwhatsapp is the mod version of
WhatsApp, FMWhatsApp Apk which offers you a Mod version.

jabbu12 said...

Latest reuslt updates for all schools and colleges.

mrbobystone said...

I love to recommend you Where can crawl Exciting Products latest Jackets, Coats and Vests Click Here Jack Sparrow Coat

eddielydon said...

Such an interesting article here.I was searching for something like that for quite a long time and at last I have found it here. Vaquero Jacket

Jobi Johnson said...

Thank you very much for this great post. bls leather vest

George Mark said...

The great website and information shared are also very appreciable. Sabrina Spellman Coat

Anonymous said...

Clicking Here f7w67d1l85 Louis Vuitton fake Bags replica kipling bags best replica ysl bags reference k9j31m5e97 replica radley bags look at here d4h38z0q19 replica louis vuitton bag replica bags z2f80u4f13

Anonymous said...

This is really a very interesting article! Thank you for sharing!
Need bathroom remodeling check this https://bathroomremodelingeriepa.com/bathroom-remodeling/

Lawyers Red Deer said...

Great blog. Keep sharing the great article.

www.saratogamovingcompany.com said...

Such a really nice story.

Anonymous said...

very nice post, i certainly love this website, keep on it
Orlando Fl Tree Service

Anonymous said...

"Such an awesome post. Thanks for sharing!
"
https://treeservicebrokenarrow.net

Anonymous said...

The topic is highly informative. Well done on sharing it.
Tree Service Clarksville TN

Anonymous said...

I really enjoy reading your posts. great work!
Plastic Surgery El Paso

John Hartman said...

Such an awesome post. Thanks for sharing!

Come and visit the Concrete Patio Summerville SC

The Grinch Costume said...

Your fashion ideas are so unique and classy. They are so fashionable and easy to style. The Grinch Costume

Marble Supplier Dubai said...

Your work exemplifies the importance of well-researched, carefully crafted content in today's information landscape. Each article is a beacon of clarity and depth in a sea of superficial coverage.
Marble in Mirbah
marble coffee table in Mirbah
marble dining table in Mirbah
marble polishing in Mirbah
marble tiles in Mirbah
travertine marble in Mirbah

www.coppellplumberpros.com said...

Thanks! Really good content with a great idea.

General Contractor Services said...

Thank you so much for such an amazing post. I hope that there's more to come.

Jodiel said...

Your site is incredibly informative—thank you for sharing such valuable content. get in touch

Anonymous said...

Great blog! Thanks for the share.
Accountant

Post a Comment