Joy, Sparkling
Things that are making me smile lately. 🥰
As we officially usher in the Autumn season, I am thinking about the things that bring me joy — utter sparkling joy. Autumn is my favorite season — it’s such a vibe when the days finally cool off and the trees pop their best colors before their crispy leaves find their way under the soles of my ultra-cozy sweater Ugg boots (don’t hate, please, I love them).
Real quick, before I move on… because it’s timely. One thing that does not thrill me is the fact we’re in late September and still hitting temperatures in the 80s. Please, can we get some actual fall weather? I’m ready for cardigans and hot coffee and plush blankets to hide under with my books and all the things I mentioned in the first paragraph. Now that would spark some major joy!
Whew, thanks for letting me vent. Now that’s been purged from my system, I want to share with you, my dear viber, the things that are making me feel happy and bright lately! (I also promise to not say “joy” again in this post, at least after this subscribe button below, lol. ☺️)
BOOKSTORE TRIPS & READING
It’s true, I’m still in my reading era! (I have a new reads post coming in a few days). I love popping into the bookstore to grab some more books to keep my TBR feeling healthy. I grabbed a few good ones this month, which you’ll read about soon enough.
I could spend hours browsing the stacks and shelves. What drives me to keep buying/borrowing books, outside of being in my reading era? That little burst of serotonin I get from holding a book, flipping its pages, getting lost for a little while in a gorgeously written story, then marking it complete on Goodreads. It sticks around as I give it my star rating and make my Instagram story where I share a quick review with my pals. It feels so nice. I am lucky I get this feeling by doing something so small, and at the rate I’ve been reading, it happens a couple of times a week (if not more). That and, obviously, I can’t just let those precious books sit on those shelves where they won’t be read! I’m going to have to build out a library room sooner or later though, should my collection keep growing the way it is…
I’m on track to finish my 70th book for the year before October begins. I hope that doesn’t come off as a brag, it’s meant more like “I’m so proud of myself for not engaging in things that do not make me happy” accomplishment/feeling. We all could use more of that feeling, don’t you think?
OUTDOOR WALKS
I know I literally just complained about the weather being too warm but I am enjoying that I can take a walk every day after work and get some fresh air and sunshine, drinking it deep. “Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy” and all that.
I love getting out of the house for a little bit with my husband, walking around the neighborhood (spotting wildflowers this summer is always delightful), and getting some basic exercise. Side note, the walking/running shoes I bought this summer have thoroughly enhanced my vibes. I have long since been a “I exclusively wear sandals or flip-flops in the summer and I don’t care if it hurts me” kind of gal when it comes to shoes but look, I’m old now and my back isn’t great, so it was time to upgrade. (Fellow elder Millennial babes will get it, because you know we lived in Old Navy flip flops for far too long.) Look at them!! 🤩
The have the most subtle, gorgeous lavender purple accent and they are so easy to clean and it’s like I’m walking on a cloud. Not only has my pace improved, my back doesn’t hurt when I finish walking (in fact, it feels better, what a shocking revelation), and they are cute! What have I even been doing without these? Suffering. That’s for certain.
Anyway, earlier this summer I did take the time to reflect on one of those walks (read here). I know I will miss the heat of summertime when I’m heading out for a walk in the dead of winter, but here’s to hoping it will be mild in the Midwest during our cooler months. Either way, it’s such a simple pleasure, the appreciation of nature.
RAINY DAYS
Okay, so I know I just went on about how lovely sunny warm days are for my daily walks, but I would be remiss of me to not mention that I absolutely adore a rainy day. Cozy vibes! It’s been pretty hot and dry here in my area of the Midwest and we are in desperate need of rain, and this week, we’re finally getting it. Today is overcast, slightly drizzly, with more rain coming. While still pretty humid, the temp feels good topping out at 75 degrees… but I’m more than ready for a rainy day in the 60s because that’s the perfect Autumn vibe for me. Still, I’ll take this as a nice way to officially kick off the fall season.
ASTRO BOT
If you have not played Astro Bot yet and have a Playstation, what are you even doing with your life? This game is just… oh my glob, it’s incredible. It’s so fun and vibrant and challenging and freaking adorable. I mean, look at this little guy. Tell me he isn’t the cutest lil bot you’ve ever seen.
There’s a free version that came out in 2020, Astro’s Playroom, which is a fantastic introduction to the mechanics of this game. Astro’s Playroom was a fun little freebie Sony gave out during the early days of the pandemic, clocking in around 5-6 hours of play time. When we found out Team Asobi was making a full-fledged game, we couldn’t wait to get our hands on it. I compare the happiness I get from playing this game to what it feels like playing and excelling at every single Mario game since I was a kid. Or, for those who have been reading vibe with me for a while, Animal Crossing. Y’all know how much I love that one!
Here’s the official launch trailer for Astro Bot for you to watch. If you aren’t excited to play it after watching, well then… I really don’t know what to say. I absolutely love it and can’t get enough. It’s literally a love letter to the Playstation legacy.
And finally…
BEING ON SUBSTACK
I’ve been spending more time in the Notes section and discovering/following other writers/authors on the platform and it makes my heart flutter. The community aspect of what we’ve got going on here is absolutely what I have been missing from ye-ole-birdsite, which is now known as a letter for some weird reason.
I’m discovering a lot of (new to me) writers who not only fit my vibe, but who can teach me something — about life, about writing, about growing, about being authentic, about living. I’m thrilled to be a part of a platform that encourages these things and helping us all connect with one another. It’s like being in a cozy little coffee shop: we find ourselves surrounded by smart people, indulging in each other’s deepest reflections with the scent of delicious pastries and coffees drifting through the air. Everyone is welcoming, excited to chat and forge a connection. Ahhh. I just love it here.
I received my Substack Summer recap and found I’ve read over 160,000 words, over 50 publications, and over 150 posts. Sure feels like I’ve read more though, with the amount of time I’m spending here. And I seem to be subscribing to a new Substack or two daily at this point. I can’t get enough of your work, is what I’m saying, my fellow Substackers!! For the recap, I found that my top three publications are The Hyphen by Emma Gannon, Salt, With Soul by Leanne Gelish, and Permanent Retrograde by Kelly Oxford (all linked below). It had to be a close call though, because there are so many more that I devour as soon as a new post hits. I’ve included a few of those links below, too.
…and so many more but I’m running out of space. A true tragedy!
Tell me: what’s making you smile lately? Please share in the comments. Let’s celebrate the things that — sorry, but I am going to say it again, just once more — bring us sparkling joy!