A World of Octobers
And seagulls, crullers, and lists
Greetings!
Coming to you live from the coast of Maine. Things are looking rather different at Top Note HQ–we’ve swapped twanging guitars for crashing waves and seagulls, and cloying heat for fresh sea air, thank God. (But don’t worry, joke will be on me in about three months when it’s dead of winter in my cute-but-poorly-insulated 1800’s cottage). I’ll do a little tour of my apartment/surrounding area on the Top Note Insta soon.
E.B. White once said “I’d rather feel badly in Maine than good anywhere else,” and while I’m a New Hampshire gal at heart, I get the point. But beyond that, I think most people have their version of that idea: maybe ocean air isn’t for you, but the hum of city traffic, the hush of a still mountain morning, or the “good morning!” from your neighbor across the cul-de-sac brings that feeling of “I don’t want to be anywhere else but here, right now.” What does that look like for you?
Anyway, I hope you’re enjoying your October wherever it finds you. And if you need inspiration for a little extra enjoyment, I’ve got you covered. Here’s what I’m loving lately, in no particular order:
Eating and drinking my weight in crullers and coffee at Lil’s Cafe, a staple of the southern Maine cafe scene. It’s named in honor of the late Lillian Mangos, who worked the window at nearby Bob’s Clam Hut for over 20 years and won the hearts of the neighborhood. Be sure to check out the teeny tiny vinyl record shop tucked inside an old bank vault in the back.
Visiting old houses, of which there are plenty where I’m living. The Warner House was the most recent exploration.
Joan Didion’s packing list. If you know me you know I love a good list, and Joan’s got packing down to a science.
Everybody Digs Bill Evans. Jazz for autumn? Groundbreaking. But pick a cloudy afternoon, find a walking route bordered with foliage, and put on some headphones. You’ll thank me later.
The NYT Top 100 Books of the 21st Century. Again, love a good list, and I’ve already devoured My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante. This list was compiled from suggestions by over 500 authors, critics, and other assorted bibliophiles (supposedly Stephen King suggested a few of his own books for the final list, which I guess if anyone’s allowed to do that, it’s him).
I’m doing sober-ish October which has been great for my energy and sleep. “Ish” allows for a cozy Manhattan, accompanied by a good book or good company.
If I’m going out for the aforementioned Manhattan, I’m adding a little After Hours by Antica Farmastica. She’s sultry, she’s mysterious, she’s notes of blackberry, amber, and tobacco in a sexy little purple bottle. Wear with a leather jacket and heels, position yourself at the end of the bar, and let the night come to you.
Vlogs are my guilty pleasure–something about seeing life through someone else’s eyes and watching them romanticize the everyday is really relaxing for me. And inspiring…Top Note vlog soon? Maybe? Until then, enjoy one of my favorite channels by NYC digital creator Christie Tyler.
That’s all for now! Stay cozy my friends, and I’ll be back in your inboxes soon.
xoxo Em
