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I’ve been writing about summer lately. The first kiss of 62 degree weather will do that to you; you remember, all at once, the matchless feeling of sun-warmed skin. My mind immediately swims to the beginning of July, when the languid heat of the Midatlantic summer has unpacked and put away its suitcases: it has settled in, with no plans to leave, and it is hot and still. Around that time of year, the fireflies in our trees are a glittering marvel. We walk outside once the sun has set and gape at the majestic display while swatting mosquitos, tumblers of rose sweating in our palms. The flagstone path to our front door is still-warm from the day’s sun; the night sky is not yet black. We are barefoot and unwinding. Everything, including Mother Nature, is lazy and loose. And in front of us, thousands of tiny winged creatures improvise a light show for about seven consecutive nights between late June and early July, after which I suppose they die in great numbers? But what a life, anyway: built to shine. Effortless, ecstatic streaks in a dark world. Of course, we show up nightly for their frontyard performance.
I realized as I wrote this paragraph that this particular tradition has become one of my favorite seasonal rituals. It is, truly, magic — the fireflies exist in such unbelievable numbers; you wouldn’t believe it. There are thousands and thousands glowing in sequence, like a silent set of fireworks, or a abrupt visual morse code cluing me into the vastness of the ecosystem around me.
This made me wonder – what are your some of your treasured off-beat seasonal rituals? I’m talking things like “The Nutcracker Lounge” (scroll down) one of our Magpies shared with us last year — the narrow and hyper-local ways we mark the change in seasons. Maybe it’s gathering peaches from your uncle’s peach tree, or canning fruit with your grandmother, or planting the spring garden. Maybe it’s the swimming of the horses in Chincoteague, or tapping trees for maple syrup. Whatever it is, would you share? Sometimes I feel we are so disconnected from the natural world and its mountainous and minute rhythms. I’d love to celebrate the ways we still connect with our turn around the sun.
Post-Scripts.
+More on the firefly phenomenon here.
+Imprints of a new lifestyle (reflections on our move from NYC to suburban MD).
Shopping Break.
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+You all loved this denim shirt last week — resharing here and also offering a look for less. I LOVE denim on denim — try it! Matching washes gives a polished look, but mixed can also work well.
+Gap has some great new arrivals — this barn jacket feels like Doen but less $$, this denim dress is reminiscent of La Ligne, and I love all the color options for these barrel jeans — especially the khaki!
+Related to the khaki-colored jeans: I was just looking at Ulla Johnson’s spring collection and loved all the utility-inspired colors/pieces, like these statement jeans, this jacket, and this skirt. I’d urge you to consider the jacket. A statement jacket like the Ulla can do a lot of work for you during this transitional period. I just got my Loeffler Randall jacket late last week and it completely transforms my uniform of a white tee and jeans.
+We’re getting to the time of year where this becomes my friend top layer over athleisure / jeans / etc for casual wear. Love the silhouette, colors, stripes, etc. A perfect sweatshirt. I have in two colors and gave to my mother and MIL.
+It’s going to be a skirt-heavy season for me this spring. I’ve already been styling my Doen skirt, but I also ordered this pretty linen skirt in ecru. Will look SO polished with brown leather sandals, a white tee, and a straw bag.
+ICYMI: Hill House did a big drop two weeks ago and I’m especially into this green pattern in either this style or this one. Selling out!
+CUTE Target find. Love several of the colors! The green especially!
+Ordered this cute gingham top ($54!).
+Bought my daughter these purple jeans and she flipped out. She loves the baggy sihouette!
+Gorgeous statement earrings, and on sale!
+I love statement earrings — often wear chunky gold ones — but on days where I one something lower key, my two go-tos are these Luciens from Dorsey and these delicate crossover huggies from Dana Rebecca.