October Glimmers

I loved looking back on September and remembering all the glimmers. I knew I had to do it again for October, so here are the things that brought me joy, peace, pleasure, and/or gratitude.

Monk Parakeet

Most mornings I keep my office door open to the backyard so Axle can go in and out without having to bark at me. I also like to listen to the birds – cardinals, mockingbirds, bluejays, and crows are the usual suspects. One morning, I heard an unfamiliar call and went out to investigate. I definitely was not prepared to find a parakeet flying around the yard. While I worried about it, the whole experience made my day.

Halloween Decorations

We love to decorate for Halloween and our ghosts are my favorite.

Beavers Bend State Park

We spent the weekend at Beaver’s Bend State Park for my birthday and the whole weekend was a good one. We did some hiking, visited breweries in Hochatown, and just relaxed. The thing that sticks out the most as a glimmer though, and makes me smile even now, was getting the dog’s picture in the face cut out at the Lookout.

Flowers

Coming home from camping to flowers is always nice. Naomi always chooses the best bouquets. These did double duty as birthday flowers and Loki flowers. Aren’t they gorgeous?!

A fun new sweatshirt

It was about this time when Asheville was finding out the extent of the damage from Hurricane Helene. @belleisbookish lives in the area and has a small business Honeywild. I had been eyeing this sweatshirt for a while, but hadn’t found the time to order. When she asked for help through orders, I jumped on it. Due to everything going on, I expected to wait a bit for the shirt to arrive, but it got here so fast! It arrived on my birthday, which couldn’t have been more perfect. It hasn’t really been cold enough to wear it yet but I’ll have it on the second it drops below 80! Be prepared to see it outside of Halloween too!

Visiting the Pumpkin Patch

Going to the pumpkin patch used to be a favorite activity of mine, but I haven’t made time to get out there in the last few years. Proper Mountain Woman to the rescue with a badge item to visit a pumpkin patch and go through a corn maze. It was so fun being back in the environment, even if it was a little weird without our kids there too. We made it through the corn maze in record time and picked out the best pumpkins.

Witches Night Out

I think the name of the event is explanation enough! In addition to spending time with friends, an evening spent under the full moon is always a good time.

Voting with Cole

While everything around the election is fraught, voting with Cole was a bright spot. We were in and out in no time and felt our civic pride, along with the immense relief of having it done.

Modelo drinking raccoons

Jason and I spent a relaxing weekend in Oklahoma with my family. One evening we drove from our tiny town to the next tiny town 30 min over to eat at Freedom Chophouse. It was worth the trip. My filet was so tender it almost melted in my mouth. Their calf fries with siracha ranch sauce were also great. The restaurant’s atmosphere was welcoming but it was this raccoon that really made it. This was one of the glimmers that caught me off guard but made me smile all evening.

Pumpkin Carving

There was a variety of pumpkin carving that occurred this month. It started with carving a wine dispenser out of a pumpkin. Then the kids carved pumpkins while we were in Oklahoma. Trying to guess who carved which pumpkin had us giggling. Finally, I spent a fun afternoon carving a craft pumpkin to make a witchy fairy house. I love them all!

The Scorpio Races

“It is the first of November, so today someone will die.”
Maggie Stiefvater -The Scorpio Races

For the past few years at the end of October, I re-read The Scorpio Races. It takes place over the last half of October culminating on November 1. I usually listen to it because Steve West says “Sean” at the beginning of the chapters, which is the glimmer that keeps on giving.

Halloween

I love Halloween and the years where everyone dresses up are my favorites. This year was special because it has been a while since we all dressed up and were together.