Sweater Weather. Black Cherry Merlot. Fresh Balsam. All fragrances marketed by Bath & Body Works in forms of moisturizers, body sprays, and my favorite, candles. It’s probably a repetitive gift for people to give their loved ones — a bowl of wax with a wick in it — but for me, I’d take a candle every day if funds allowed. The strong aroma filling a room the moment a flame appears or the light flicker through the stained glass jar on a dark, meditating evening. I love everything about candles, except the part where you have to burn them.
For those who know me, you know I’m a penny pincher. I am quite frugal, and when it comes to spending money, I can be a bit difficult and hesitant. I don’t think I’ve ever bought a blouse for full price, nor a grocery that wasn’t on sale. The brand “Great Value” is my lifeline and while Little Debbie is a heck of a marketing mascot, her Oatmeal Cream Pies are made in the same factory with the same ingredients as the Dollar General twin sitting on the shelf right next to her. It’s comical; the brand power that certain colors can hold. Marketing professionals believe that yellow and red are superior in food consumption rather than let’s say, green. McDonalds. Heinz Ketchup, Taco Johns as opposed to Burger King, Del Monte, or Taco Time -- you tell me which group has better consumer perceptions. However, these items all have an expiration date or if you live in my house, it’s just a suggestion. I have no problem consuming the milk that will expire in 10 days or the mustard that I’ve had since 2020. Contrarily, candles do not. They can sit on your stove or preside over the bathtub for months, even years depending upon their usage. Every time you light that wick, however, you are giving the melting wax an expiration date. Memories fade with every inch of liquid wax disappearing until eventually you are just left with a jar. Such is life, right? We live vibrant, glowing lives with sparks of adventure and love, until one day, the flame burns out. I suppose that’s why I don’t like to burn candles.
As I sit watching the final farewell to former President Jimmy Carter, a correspondent who covered the White House during the Carter era walked through the highlights of his Administration. In an interview many years after he left the highest office in America, he stated that he never went to war. He kept peace in America and for that, he is somehow forgotten. Now, granted, you could argue that a man who lived to be 100 and was consistently a figure of world peace and marvelous character, is not forgotten, but I see his sentiment. President Carter mentioned that presidents who go to war are remembered. For the youngsters like me, let’s look at that cold image of Bush in the kindergarten classroom when he found out about the Twin Towers. What else did President George W. Bush do? I have no idea besides Iraq, Al Qaeda, & Dick Cheney. President Carter has a point. To keep peace, to go with the flow, to live a good and honest life doesn’t rank you higher than anyone who drives too fast, parties too much, or speaks their mind to what they believe is unjust. We’re all just a ‘candle in the wind.’
All of these words, to say live your life. Candles are meant to be burnt. Little Debbie snacks are meant to be ate. Humans are meant to make mistakes and learn lessons from them. Let your scent of personality fill a room. Have a burning desire to make your life and the lives of others better. Be a touch of light during dark times. We can all relate to being a candle, whether we are bought on a semi-annual sale for 75% off or we’re purchased at full price. Just a candle who will one day, be an empty, smoke stained jar.
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