It’s a simple chime heard around the world.
They say that memory is most easily invoked by the sense of smell.
Sometimes, it’s about a sound.
Old Main. Penn State University. Photo by Alina Gluck.
It’s the reason I like to walk around a local university campus. A few years ago, they installed the bells.
At every quarter hour, they replicate the sounds of that old clock tower, the one donated to my Alma Mater in 1904.
It’s the sound that I associate with education, hope, a life renewed.
And most of all, the sound of the place where I met my husband.
Something magical happens while walking a footpath, surrounded by well manicured lawns, on a beautiful sunlit Spring day.
I am taken back.
It’s a wonderful thing.
vanbytheriver 
I can imagine that also sounds bring back memories. Such lovely memories you link to those bells, Van, and a lovely place!
Thanks so much, Erika. 🔔
You are welcome 😊
I have a grandfather clock that chimes this same tune. I agree with you that sound can elicit as pleasant a memory as any of our other senses. Nice to see a post about joyful memories. Thank you for sharing.
My pleasure, Doc. 🔔 Thanks for chiming in. 🔔
😀
People don’t write much about auditory memories – guess it’s not as romantic as other types of memories. My home growing up was near railroad tracks. Now every time I hear a train, I think of home.
That’s funny, CM. I lived on a block that sat close to a steel mill on one side, and RR tracks on the other. We blocked all that sound out growing up. When the mill went on strike and shut down…there was a spooky silence. ☺
Hi friend
I’m still laughing at Chewbacca Lady, do you mind if I reblog? I’ve found several great ones to add to conga line!
🙂
M
Go right ahead, M. Glad you enjoyed. I still laugh if I look at her. ☺☺
Let’s spread the laughter. I’m thinned to find a video with Spanish sub-titles. The lady is on the media tour and everyone is laughing on Facebook.
H
🙂
Have a great day.
You can tell my brain is in Brain made! Nothing looks like the correct spelling. I would loved to be thinned, about 2 years away.
🙂
I hear ya, M. 💕
She was on late night, they recreated her scene in the car with JJ Abrams (Star Wars director) in the back seat wearing that mask…he cracked up as well.
I remember the college bells, Van. You’re right that sounds can take us back in time. We are filled up with memories 🙂
I turn into 19 again, Diana, with a broad smile on my face. ☺
Oh, how lovely, Van 🙂
💕
You my lady, are a sweet romantic. That sounded so good. The chimes in the video remind me of the old Cathedral we attended Church as a small girl and my First Holy Communion there.
I grew up in a small town full of church bells, but this one is a bit different. Thanks, J. ☺
Beautiful, Van. xoxo
It’s always the simple things, Kelly. 💕
Sure is ❤
So many memories … thanks Van for inspiring some of my own today 💛
🔔 My pleasure, Val.
You’re right about sounds bringing you back, Van and you expressed it so eloquently with your words.
It always creates a moment. Thanks, George. 💘
sort of ‘return to splendour’ I suppose
Absolutely. Thanks, Geoff. 💖
Beautiful!
💖 Thanks, Robert.
Van, I love the sound of bells too. I have a temple bells chime hanging in my yard. It’s very soothing! 💛 Elizabeth
I’d love to find a really nice wind chime, E. (that wouldn’t drive my neighbors crazy). 🔔
(smiling) I like the smell of spring blossoms and the sound of chimes in the wind, not sure why but both make me feel light and blessed. ❤
Diana xo
That’s a pretty special combo, for sure, Diana. 🔔 🌺 🌻 🌹 🔔
I have never thought of bells chiming for education but why not?
On a huge campus, 40,000 students, the bells rang at every quarter hour. It helped get us to class on time, or at least allowed us to realize how late we might be. 😕 Thanks, Norah.
I thought it could be rather distracting! 🙂
Those little trips back are wonderful.
It happens to me all the time, I count on it. 💖
Sounds great!
🔔 🔔 🔔
I love this Van! Those sounds and smells that bring things back, so special!
Things that we might have buried deep, living our busy lives… the senses serve to resurrect them all. It’s a good thing. ❤️
Yes so true! I love your description and I can feel it too!
Reblogged this on lynz real cooking and commented:
Really loved this one!
💕 Honored by the reblog, Lynn. Thanks.☺
Most welcome! I love your writing dear Van! This one really brought memories!
💕
I came over from Lynz Real Cooking. I have a grandfather clock in my house and love to hear the chimes – very relaxing. Have a happy day! 🙂
Glad you enjoyed.Thanks for the visit and comment. You have an interesting name. ☺
Thanks! There is a story behind it! 🙂
There always is. ☺ Will pay you a visit.
Sounds can bring back memories, they are strong enough to churn the brain… a nice post… 🙂
Churn the brain…I like that one. Thanks. 💕
🙂 ….
I can’t be entirely sure but I think we also had those chimes at Sydney University when I was there. They also play them for weddings I think or am I making all of this up?
That’s the trouble with being a writer!
xx Rowena
The sound is based on the Westminster chimes, the classic used on Big Ben.💘 And no, I’m sure you wouldn’t be making this one up. ☺
Oh sense of smell is my number one memory-minder. Instantly and completely transported. But you know, auditory memory is keen too, because music can often do the same.
I had bells on campus, too, and they still use them today. Love them!
You paint a pretty picture in this post. Makes me smile 🙂
Thanks, Joey. I time my walks on that campus to hear it a few times ! ☺ Always makes me smile.
So beautiful. Love your writing
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