What triggers our memories?

I've read that our sense of smell can often bring back good and bad memories and though I am certain there is truth in that, I have found that it is often "things" that bring good memories back to me. 

I was already a devoted antique shop visitor when I lost my mother but I wasn't really an avid collector until after she was gone. I was browsing an antique shop one day when a simple plate with a cheerful pattern of  yellow poppies and black roses brought such a warm rush of memories, it nearly took my breath.  The cost of the plate was prohibitive so I jotted down the information on the back of the plate and started a long internet search through thousands of  Homer Laughlin pieces.  It wasn't the plate that I wanted anyway...it was an oval bowl in that pattern....a bowl like Mom used to serve scambled eggs.

We had no other pieces in that pattern and I have no idea where Mom acquired that one random bowl.  Who would have guessed that just a plate, in such a random pattern, brought me such a special nostalgic glimpse back into my childhood.  From the time I found my first Homer Laughlin Poppy & Rose piece, as you might suspect, I have never stopped looking for and purchasing other pieces.  I have quite a collection of those dishes now and even occasionally sell some of the pieces in my shop.  Like these plates for example:

I have found such fun and joy in hearing similar stories from customers who have found their special memories from often the simplest things in my shop!