I’ve seen this concept around the internet of Glimmers and wanted to try to incorporate them into my life more. Deb Dana, who coined the concept of Glimmers says, “They’re micro moments that begin to shape our system in very gentle ways.” A glimmer in effect is the opposite of a trigger. Where triggers push our bodies into a deregulated state of fight or flight, a glimmer calms our nervous system and helps to keep us regulated.
September Glimmers
Looking back on September, here are the things that brought me joy, peace, pleasure, and/or gratitude.
The Beach
My first glimmer took place at the beach. It is hard not to be at peace when you are having a mimosa while the sun comes up over the water.
Cole turned 19
Cole’s birthday tradition (after going to the beach) is pizza at Cane Rosso. The only thing missing was Jalyn. Our standard order is the Honey Bastard followed by the Lady Bird for dessert.
Chapter 54
Sometimes you don’t need the whole book to make you smile (or cry a little). Sometimes it is just one chapter that brings you that glimmer.
New Tattoos
Helping Diamond Tattoo Parlor give back to the community by getting 2 new tattoos was a no brainer. Both were bookish — a wyvern from the Throne of Glass series (among others) by Paula and Illyrian wings from ACOTAR by Elise. I plan to get Angel wings from Crescent City soon. Paula also tattooed my Lehabah, Lord of the North (You do Not Yield), my Eight Point Star/Fireheart/Moon phases, and my Book Stack. (I have another post in the works all about my tattoos.) Check them out for your next tattoo!
The moon
The harvest moon was gorgeous. I wasn’t able to get a picture until later in the evening, but even then it was amazing.
5k around the neighborhood
On Sept 21 I needed to walk a 5k but didn’t want to do it alone. Luckily, I have friends that will randomly walk 5ks with me! The weather was perfect and the conversation even better.
The Fall Equinox
Celebrating the equinox/solstice is a new thing for me, brought about by Stacey, who loves to mark the change of seasons with friends. We had a lovely brunch with good food, conversation, and crafting. I wrote a blessing and spoke it over everyone (which was out of my comfort zone). We released old thought patterns and behaviors with leaves and later that night I burned a few just to make sure the message stuck, along with stating my fall intentions with a white candle flame.
Bling with Deadra
For the past 4 years, Deadra and I have celebrated our birthdays by going to a Ranger game. This year we got replica World Series rings. The bling is substantial. I love these set times we have to connect.
Friends that bind books
While I read a lot, I haven’t read much fan fiction. One that I’ve been meaning to read forever though is the fic of A Court of Mist and Fury from Rhysand’s point of view. Dejah sent me the link so I could get it on my kindle and I thought I was set. Until she showed up with a bound copy she had made for me! This glimmer was pretty bright and it’s one that gives me another boost every time I see it on my shelf.
1000 day reading streak
I keep track of my reading a few different ways. I have Goodreads and Storygraph, along with a spreadsheet and an app called Bookly. Bookly keeps track of the time spent on each book plus reading streaks. I hit 1000 days in September!
Ferris Wheel and Corn Hole at Oktoberfest
Jason and I had a blast at Oktoberfest in Fort Worth. We expected the great beer and food, plus some shopping, but we didn’t expect there to be a mini carnival. We hadn’t been on a ferris wheel in ages, so we got our tickets and lined up with all the parents and their kids. Being the only adults without kids gave us a chuckle. Once the ferris wheel got moving, the sun and air gave us a bit of childlike joy.
If there is cornhole somewhere, you can find us there. I like to think that I’m the champ but we are really pretty evenly matched, which makes for games full of fun competition, over the top celebrations, and laughter.
New Beer
I love trying new beer, especially when it comes all the way from Iowa, and gives me the excuse to spend time with friends and my mom. So glad Rebecca decided to road trip with her family to bring all of us beer!
New ways to make art
One thing I’ve started doing when I’m in a reading slump or just kind of bored with things, is find a YouTube tutorial for an art project in Procreate. This month I completed a paper cut out effect and a cartoon bison. These projects give my creativity a boost and make me smile.
Book Glimmers
I read 19 books in September but these were my favorites. They give me a little glimmer every time I think of them.
I’m currently reading The Fun Habit and feel like the concept of glimmers fits in nicely with his methods for how to find and create fun moments in life.
Hope you find some glimmers in your life today and in the days to come.
Happy Reading!
