glimmers of life vol. 2

Hi friends! 

Life has been murky and sweet and all things shaken together and pressed, and it’s always a good practice to notice what is bringing you joy. So I submit my glimmers to you and I hope you share your own!

001. Jon Kalman Stefansson

This Icelandic writer has captured my attention. He writes as if in a stream of consciousness and that in part is due to Philip Roughton’s translation of his work. I have such mixed emotions on Stefansson. In a weird sense, he reminds me of Wendell Berry. His way of writing is tied to place, tied to the countryside of Iceland, acknowledging that it is a cold beauty, and the fjord is a special place to call home. He doesn’t linger too long on one character, preferring to dash between minds, and so as readers, we get a glimpse of different worlds and it’s such a gift.

Stefansson is hard to find in the U.S., as many of his works are not yet translated into English. But I just finished Summer Light, and Then Comes the Night, and that end was haunting.

The world is full of dreams that never come true. They evaporate and settle like dew in the sky where they transform into the stars in the night.

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002. Good Grief by Liv Douglas‘ album

I’ve mentioned Liv before, and I’m so lucky to receive as a gift her sweet, poignant songs. Her lyricism is gripping, and perfect for those grieving and in need of comfort. (If there’s a topic I’ve made much of on the blog over the years, it’s grief. Why is that? I’m not sure.) 

I wouldn’t call grief good, but it can be necessary. To grieve relationships that brought you life for a season, to grieve a home that was once yours but you can no longer return to, to grieve a season where you expected abundance. Yes, sometimes grief is inevitable.

Is it true You feel my loneliness?

Is it true You ease my mind?

Is it true there is a Comforter

For all who don’t decline?

Is it true You roamed the wilderness

In Your heartbroken grief?

Is it true You paused ascension

To tend to your friend’s belief?

• I’m Not Okay by Liv Douglas

003. Strict Bedtime

Lately, I’ve been strict about getting to bed by 10pm. My sleep issues have returned and while they aren’t quelled by going to bed early, I need to try and get as much uninterrupted sleep as possible. And it’s been nice. I finally understand why my parents stressed the need to get to bed. Sleep is necessary for a healthy mind.

Related Post: death, love, and grief

004. Reading before bed

In addition to getting to bed early, it helps to read before bed. Sometimes I’ll read on my couch. Other times I’ll read on my bed. A physical book is ideal for getting rid of the harsh blue light that keeps us awake long after we get into bed. I recommend some lighthearted fiction, but I’ve been reading a good book of history and it’s been truly delightful to read before bed.

005. Jan Karon & Mitford

On the topic of reading, Miss Jan Karon, an author I so adore, is coming out with her 15th Mitford book, and I’ve preordered it. I rarely buy books and I only like to buy books if I know it’s going to be good or if it’s a reread. That said, I have so much faith that this Jan Karon book will be a joy! Mitford is a home to me and I can’t wait to see Father Tim again. Have I ever mentioned that I have dreamed of the characters in the Mitford series? I realized a few weeks ago that I actually haven’t read book #14 so I will be getting that one from the library this weekend.

Related Post: my favorite fictional world: Mitford edition

006. Rachel Morley’s music

Music that’s been easing my soul a bit (and I think I’ll share more in a different blog post) is Rachel Morley’s album, Songs from the Valley. She’s been releasing a single every two weeks and the whole album should be here in October. I’ve been singing along, and it’s a gift to be reminded that God can take my honest feelings and He welcomes them! My favorites are Winds That Delay, My Loss is Never Lost on You, and When Did I Stop Burning.

007. Wild at Heart podcast

This is for you spiritual ones. I don’t usually recommend the Wild at Heart podcast to my believer friends. I think it’s for mature believers, ones who aren’t scared of topics like spiritual warfare and who are longing to know God in an intimate way. It’s been such a gift as I’ve needed a guide on the spiritual journey to explore the facets of God, and the wonders of experiencing Him.

Share with me your glimmers below!!!

P.S. Jeopardy is back and it’s brightening up my evenings again! And Citizens’ You already like me is such a source of joy!

Signing off,

Gigi