Learning lessons from cicadas

Greetings from balmy Nashville!

Summer is in full swing in Music City: the sun is shining, the trees are lush and green, the cicadas are singing–well, this year, screaming. A fun fact I discovered only recently is that millions of cicadas have been living just below my feet this entire time. These red-eyed insects exist on 13- and 17- year life cycles, spending most of this time underground before emerging as adults for a few clamorous weeks of, well, doing what cicadas do, before their offspring descend back into the earth to start another cycle. 

Of course, I had to look up the earliest documentations of emerging broods–turns out it goes all the way back to Mayflower days:

“It is to be observed that…there was a numerous company of Flies which were like for bigness unto wasps or Bumble-Bees; they came out of little holes in the ground, and did eat up the green things, and made such a constant yelling noise as made the woods ring of them, and ready to deafen the hearers; they were not any seen or heard by the English in this country before this time….” - William Bradford, 1633 (Source: Wikipedia)

Ol’ Willie Bradford didn’t know what to make of these buggers anymore than I do.

Anyway. There’s a bit of change on the horizon for Top Note Headquarters–more on that next month, but right now I’m taking as much time as possible to stay present with what is and celebrate this moment of the season and cycle of life. Maybe there’s something to be learned from these cicadas after all.

On that note, I’m going to put on a little Pretty Machine in all its white linden glory, throw on something breezy, and find the nearest early evening spritz (here’s my favorite spot in Nashville for a sidewalk apéro moment) to enjoy with a good book or good company. I hope you find a way to celebrate the early hours of summer in your own way! I’ll leave you with some things that are inspiring and delighting me at the moment.

Until next time, 

Em

Top Note (for enjoyment):

• Maybe it’s because I grew up on a farm and lived the literal cottagecore life, but I’ve never felt particularly drawn to dress like a milkmaid. This summery stunner from Doen, however, might change my mind.
  Try if you like: meadows dotted with wildflowers; farmers markets; instant style with minimal effort

• If you can’t tell, it’s officially spritz season! My current favorite:

  - 1 part Gran Classico Bitter
  - 4 parts sparkling wine
  - Splash of club soda
  - Serve in a wine glass over ice with an orange crescent

  Gran Classico has a similar flavor profile to Campari, but without the artificial coloring–and I think it tastes better, so that’s a win-win in my book. Cin cin!
  Drink up if you like: not too sweet; La vie en rose; patio seats

Heart Note (for connection):

• Where’s the best place in Nashville for dancing, live western swing music, and celebrity spotting? Hint: it’s as far from Broadway as you can get. Welcome to the American Legion Post 82, where the decor and the beer prices have hardly changed since 1970. Every Tuesday night, Nashville locals put on their boots and head to Honky Tonk Tuesday at the Legion and two-step until the wee hours of morning. Fun fact: I spotted Robert Plant very unassumedly lingering at the bar one night, and that was by far the only time I nearly lost it seeing a celebrity in Nashville.

  Go if you like: corona extra; Christmas lights; “can I have this next dance?”

• I love fashion, but in today’s influencer-rife landscape, it can be hard to find inspiration that goes beyond imitation. So when I find someone with a truly authentic sense of style (and self), I pay close attention. NYC-based digital creator Christina Grasso is one of those figures for me–her Instagram, @thepouf, is one of my favorite follows, not only for her playfully noir approach to style, but also her desire to make some positive changes in the fashion world (she co-founded The Chain, which offers peer support for women in the industry who are struggling with or recovering from eating disorders).
  Follow if you like: Stevie Nicks; white lace collars; permission to have your own creative voice

Base Note (for contemplation):

• I revisit Pretend It’s a City about once a year, whenever I need a good dose of straight-talking mixed with New York City romanticism. Fran Lebowitz has social commentary down to a science.

  Watch if you like: Martin Scorcese films; old book smell; airing grievances

• Virginia Oliver may have convinced me to cancel my gym membership and take up lobstering. At age 104, the Rockport, Maine resident is getting her boat and traps ready for her 96th summer spent as a fisherwoman on the Atlantic. I watched some of her story and was struck by the spark in her eye and how quick she was to laugh. Turns out the secret to longevity may not live in the $5.6 trillion dollar wellness industry, but rather in a mix of life purpose, positivity, and maybe a little sea salt air.
  Watch if you like: old Maine accents; worn wooden docks; perspective on what matters