from the annals of OFMD obsession
I've been inadvertently creating a literal potpourri out of scented leaves and blossoms that grow in the neighborhood to try to capture the scent of Stede Bonnet, and forthwith I shall continue to do so consciously and joyfully. I've seen a startling level of accord amongst fanfic writers that Stede definitely has a LAVENDER thing going on (inspired perhaps by Ed's ask about Stede's "yummy lavender soap", which some geniuses also thought meant that Ed had literally eaten or tasted the soap, which... dude c'mon, he knows what soap is about; he can use idiomatic descriptions just fine), but I also strongly believe that JASMINE has to play a part for Stede; it is so very romantic, and it was fashionable in the early 18th century, and also heck it grows around the corner from where I live. To this I have also incorporated some BAY LEAF, but I don't think it's enough - I think what I actually need is BAY RUM, the rummier the better. What else, though? Beeswax? Black tea, definitely. I think "no" on oranges, but perhaps ORANGE BLOSSOM WATER? I can get that at the H Mart, probably the same brand as the rosewater I got. I have no idea what I'm doing except maybe, kinda, I've read about perfumes a lot, I almost never wear any myself but I'm a huge fan of certain scents, yada bada bing bong autodidact.
This is ridiculous and hilarious, but I am also the kind of person who ordered a tester imp of David Bowie's signature scent for the last 20 or so years of his life - and I can't wear it myself, it really does not smell nice on me - but now and then I will spritz some on a card, and have a moment of imagining. Actually creating a scent, though, is a much more complicated thing, but I can at least try to create an admixture of these plants etc. that makes me think of Stede.
To no real purpose obviously :) It's fun!
I don't think that anything grows in my yard that could create a scent of Ed Teach, or Blackbeard, or god help me Izzy Hands, more's the pity. I wouldn't even know where to start.
