The Wonder of Life, Death, and yes, the Emergence of Brood X
Does anyone else feel the buzz of excitement as more and more of us get vaccinated and are emerging from our under (or above) ground quarantined abodes? Literally the cicadas are serenading us as they do their 17 year thing and we start to test the waters of group gatherings! Eating at restaurants! TAKING OUR MASKS OFF!?
It's as exciting as it is scary if you ask me. Each of us has had so many varied, and even very difficult experiences during these last 14 months. Don't even get me started with being a teacher in a hybrid Kindergarten setting. How did we make it through that mess??! Imagine trying to herd 10 cats in front of you while also trying to virtually herd 10 more cats via Zoom! Actually, I promise it will give you a headache and raise your blood pressure, so don't think about it for one more second. Truly, thank God for supportive and hardworking colleagues, parents and families. I am so blessed and grateful!
Back to cicadas. I made a point of helping the students learn as much as they could about the fascinating insects, their life cycle, and just feeling comfortable seeing them- and holding them. (For anyone who knows me, this is a true selfless act- I am not usually the first one to offer to deal with bugs. Well I do love honey bees, but I digress...)
As we revel in the wonder that is this crazy life of ours, let's not forget to stop and smell the roses; to pick up a cicada and say hello, and to remember that the only moment we have is now. Cherish your loved ones, as well as the little things like a smile or a really great hug.
Look at my friend Jess Michetti's recent Instagram post :
Actually, check out ALL of her posts, and her Etsy Shop as well. She is AMAZING.
When I came across her Brood X illustration I thought two things:
1- this is stunning and
2- maybe Jess will help me design my next tattoo!
To me, the beauty and significance of the cicada is that it takes such a long time to reach its natural ability and inclination to emerge. And when it does, oh man! does it have fun! But then it goes back underground, nourishing the trees at their roots, and the life cycle continues in a beautiful circle.
And now, as anyone who knows me is aware, my beautiful Mom (Mom/Nanny/Mary as she always referred to herself) passed away in early May. It was a powerful, beautiful, harrowing, life affirming, emotional and surreal experience. And truly, she was so peaceful. And beautiful. And loving. She was wise, witty, graceful, honest, and would make you feel like you were the most important person in the whole world when you talked to her. You can read a little more about her here: Mary Wilmer Boccella. She liked to sing old songs. I'm sure she is reading this in heaven with a delicious cup of coffee (omg and maybe even a cigarette!!) and singing 'Let's Call the Whole Thing Off' (you say potato, I say pot-AH-to...).
Love you so much Mom!
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