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1/4/2023 0 Comments

2023 Book Tracker

Happy 2023! To a year full of integration, expansion, activation, reflection, fun and joy! Like any other year, I look forward to embarking into the world of words- and reading my way through my time here on Earth!
Reading has always, after all, been a huge part of my life and I’m beyond excited to be here to receive, work with and alchemize a whole new host of worlds, words, people, information and places this year- yet again.

I’m also looking forward to adding my thoughts and highlighting some important quotes, take aways, lessons and themes from every book!

With that- this year’s book goal is 24 books- so roughly 2 books every month!

Let’s get started, shall we?

January

Book 1:
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​I absolutely adore children’s books for their art work! It touches a special place in my inner child’s soul and I love seeing how artists really capture and bring the words to life. As such, I’m definitely going to try and read at least one children’s book every month- as one of my bigger dreams in life is to create some of my own too!

​With that, I picked We Are The Gardners up at Ross (it was by the checkout) and was super excited to see it was written by the Gaines family! The Gaines’ family is a family I really resonate with due to their love for breathing life into the old, expanding your vision, and aligning your family closely to the energies and love of Mother Earth.

Written about their first plant and their experience and exploration into gardening- it touches on such amazing concepts like keep trying- don’t let failure stop you- take care of things and the Earth! Overall, it is so cute- well written (talks about the importance of bugs even!) and I love the way they live their family life.

​Overall- here’s to the very first book completed of 2023- I look forward to reading more children’s books and collecting them because I know one day I will want to read them to my future children too! ✨



Book 2:
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Last year, I started re-reading the Little House on the Prairie series again! (It’s something I do almost every year). Farmer Boy is book 3 in the overall collection.

What I love about this series is that it teaches you so much about farming, growing, life and family! I also love going back to read books because I find that I notice new things in them every time! In the space in between, I am able to more readily understand or notice different things because of my own life experiences and expanding depth of knowledge/awareness.

With that, my boyfriend and I in recent years have really been getting into more traditional ways of living (growing your own food, living with and working with the Earth’s cycles, allowing the land around you to guide you on how to best thrive) - so it’s so cool to be learning about how they did things then, take the best bits of wisdom gained from the past and then apply it to today!

I learned you can grow milk pumpkins for example (it makes them creamier, bigger and softer) - and I love the idea of making all your candles for the year after butcher time (winter) from cow tallow!

​Future inspiration and life goals for sure!

Book 3:
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Themes and Takeaways for Plum Creek are….
There is no great loss without some small gain!
Invest in good, quality clothing- it will come in handy against the elements- and is better for your body too! (Ie: I got wool socks this year since I’m living in Wisconsin, another example: If their dad did not get his new jacket- he may not have survived being lost out in the storm).
Focus on what you can control! Accept what is difficult and then focus on channeling your energy on extracting and creating the good from the situation.
Nature is not always kind. It is in this book that Laura learns how Winter can make a man disappear under snow and wind (her father is lost in a winter storm for a few days when it hits before he gets back home. The only reason he survived is because he fell into a snow bank which kept him warm, and he had snacks he could eat that he got in town. She also learns with nature that what looks to be a fun and inviting stream, can easily drag you down if you are not careful! There are reasons humans must be aware of this in order to survive the different terrains and energies of Earth!
​Every area has pros and cons just like time periods! You get to decide what you are able to work with and what you cannot!
People used to walk way more and plan according to the weather - for example, the children walked two miles to get to school! If they thought it would storm, they would not leave home. (Nowadays it’s very rare for children to walk so far/have a good awareness of weather patterns and how it affects life).
They also couldn’t go to school during certain parts of the year because they had to protect/save their shoes! If they wore them out, it wouldn’t last til the next Winter- so they had to build their life around what resources they did have! Nowadays, access to education and shoes is more readily available - year round- which is amazing. But I do think there is wisdom and learning to be gained at home and taking care of what you do have - that should still be focused on/prioritized. I also think as a society, we should try and follow the seasons more, like we used to- rather than working against them! We are after all, a part of nature, and nature is a part of us- which is important to acknowledge, honor and pay respects to!


January- Finished Reading:
We are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines
​Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder
On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder
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Completed Book Total: 3
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February

Book 4:
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Some Quotes that Stood Out to Me While Reading:
“The Earth seemed to lie breathing softly under the summer night.”
“You make pictures when you talk.”
“Now all the vast, low earth rippled softly in gentle colors under a faded sky.”
After experiencing great hardship On The Banks of Plum Creek, the Ingalls family moves to De Smet, South Dakota, on The Shores of Silver Lake. The reason for this? They could not farm due to the locusts that descended upon Plum Creek. What appeared to be an idyllic and easily farmable land- turned out to be horrible- because a swarm of locusts would come and eat all of your growing food! Due to this- they had to move where they had better chances of growing food! Considering this today, nowadays people are very fortunate to not be constrained by the environment as much (especially since transportation exists and more people grow food that you can rely on).

This was also the first time that they were living closer to town- in the past they were always on the outskirts. One thing I thought was interesting is that like today, society is not always the best place for children/women/little girls. The mom was definitely worried about how the girls would be affected by the roughness of the men building the town, but she wanted them to be able to go to school easily as they got older. During this time too, one of the few ways a woman could earn money was by teaching. Since Mary goes blind after they all get sick (from what they think is Scarlet Fever), that role and responsibility then falls on Laura as the second eldest. To keep Mary safe, the family keep her inside watching Grace the youngest, while Laura and Carrie go to school. Laura ends up teaching Mary all her lessons at home after school so that she can keep up, and so that she can practice teaching too!

What I thought was interesting about this book too is that they watched the town be built around them. Starting off as one of the first people in town, they watched the town and land change all around them very quickly. Also interesting because even back then, stores presented themselves a certain way. Many of the storefronts on Main Street would have false fronts so that they would appear larger than they actually are. In some ways, stores haven’t changed much in presenting themselves to be bigger/nicer than they actually are today too.

Another fun thing I wanted to point out was that for one of their meals they ate cornmeal mush. This was funny to read about because Alex actually made some over the winter and it was so good! (In the past I had no idea what it would have tasted like, and now I do, so I felt close to the Ingalls’ family when I read that part.) For me, I like that taste or food, is something that can transcend time to touch and connect peoples throughout all ages.

Book 5:
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​After settling in De Smet, South Dakota, the Ingalls’ family experience their first Winter in their new place. Unfortunately for them, it’s one of the worst Winters to have to live through in this area.

Prior to the start of Winter, an old Indian man comes to town to warn the settlers. He tells them every 7th Winter is exceptionally harsh. Every 3rd cycle of this (the 21st Winter- is the worst). He tells them to prepare for a 7 month long Winter.

The storms when they start last 2-3 days. Living in Wisconsin, I can’t imagine that. Even just having one long day of a storm is so draining and crushing on the soul, so to have 2-3 day long storms for 7 months straight would be deadening. I know for myself too, I get super cranky and down in the cold. So, at one point when the mom snaps at the dad (I feel her) and she is mortified (this is unlike her). Mr. Ingalls quickly comforts her saying he gets it. The cold gets at you and wears you down. It almost feels like its personal sometimes! Without sun, things become pinched and worn thin. You have less energy to spare, which causes you to slow down and prioritize more - which to me, is not necessarily the worst thing in the world. So many of us have a pace of life that isn’t sustainable, it’s so go, go, go, so Winter is a great time to rest, adjust and reflect on your pace of life throughout time/the year. And, the more prepared you are during Spring, Summer, and Fall, the more you can rest and celebrate during Winter.
Unfortunately for the Ingalls’ family, after suffering and taking on a lot of debt in Plum Creek, they don’t have that much to invest into resources for the Winter. So, when coal becomes incredibly pricey, they instead have to twist hay into “sticks” to burn. With the shorter days too, instead of burning the candles longer (which was itself its own valuable resource), they would just sleep longer! Comparing this to today, while I do think it’s amazing we have electricity and no longer have to rely on just candle light, I do think we could all serve to be more aware on our usage, and when we actually need it vs. when we don’t. Candle light (make sure its made of good materials) is also more calming/nurturing to the nervous system - so this year I tried to live off more natural light vs artificial light.

Expanding off the reality of Winter in the past vs. now, here in Wisconsin we didn’t have that much snow this year, but even just a little bit makes it difficult to get around or want to do much. In the past this was no different. After so much snow, the trains they relied on for goods, stopped coming until Spring. This caused the townspeople to have to ration. Furthermore, at one point the house is completely buried in snow (I can’t imagine that- the highest I’ve seen snow ever is around 5 ft!), but one perk to this is that the dad is able to create tunnels through it that block out the wind. He also has to attach a clothesline from the home to the stable because if a storm hits, it makes it so you can’t see anything. You can easily miss the house and then just get lost out on the prairie for good which is terrifying that a simple day’s chores or a short walk, could cause you to fare so badly! At one point, two “men”, Almanzo and Cap had to go across the prairie searching for a man that they heard had wheat just to make sure that the town did not die before the end of Winter! And one more thing, the men would get so cold outside that when they came in- they would have to thaw their feet, nose and ears with snow!

Overall, reality is, Winter is harsh and isolating on humans. It is not easy, and one must be mentally, physically and emotionally prepared in more ways than one to survive through it.
Book 6:

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At our local library, they have a section where they sell books for $1! This is one of the finds Alex and I found- and is also the picture book I decided to read for the month of February!

We read it together before bedtime.
Make Way For Ducklings covers Mr. and Mrs. Mallard’s journey in finding the perfect spot to start their family! They end up finding a spot in the city, without any predators, but there are still things for them to figure out (like cars and people)!

Overall, this is a really cute and simple read and you may even find the art by Robert McCloskey familiar/nostalgic, just like we did!


February- Finished Reading:
By The Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder
The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Make Way For Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
​
Completed Book Total: 6
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1/19/2022 0 Comments

2022 Book Tracker

Hi friends! We’re back for another year, and another year of filling my life with amazing stories, characters, perspectives, worlds, lenses, experiences, and knowledge! This year, my goal is to read 14 novels. (Considering I read almost 10 books in 4 months- and I know I am capable of reading a book and a half a day if I really am into it hehe). in my 2021 book tracker (August 2021-December 2021) I think this will be quite manageable!). This time I’m actually starting at the beginning of the year too. With that, I look forward to taking my time in reading both old, and new books, and I especially look forward to collecting my thoughts and collections here with you! My hopes is that this list inspires me (in the future) and anyone else who might see this to take some time to sit still and soak up the magic of another’s word. With love, Elysian on Earth

January Book Count: 1

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Finished Reading: The Legend of Holly Claus
​I originally read this book in middle school (my parents gave it to me for Christmas)! During this time, I read so much. I loved fantasy like Ranger’s Apprentice and Gregor the Overlander and have always loved fairy tales retold or respun! After looking at the cover, and the title I was in love. After opening the book, I fell even more in love.

Feeling nostalgic, with the season and holiday spirit, warmth and magic still within me (always), I decided to pick it up (digitally on my kindle) and reread it.

I am hoping to get a copy soon once I have my own personal library! So excited- and will be giving that wish to Santa Claus for Christmas!

​Completed Book: 1
The Legend of Holly Claus (reread) - Fantasy- Fairytale

Currently Still reading: Wheel of Time
Shamanism Book


​

February Book Count: 3

Finished Reading: Expecting Adam
A beautiful tale of growth, irony, and the universe’s magic touching a Harvard woman and husband’s life in more ways than one through the birth of a son with Down syndrome. In it, she writes and shows how the universe has a funny way of revealing all of its magic, even to the most skeptical and logical of us. And, that if we lean into its lessons and its callings, we can both create and find a world, both within and around us, that reflects our heart and highest growth.

Under the Table
The Total Package

Both tittles above are by Stephanie Evanovich.
Both of these are by an author I have read other books from last year! Just like the others they’re a lot of fun to read! Although, the other ones definitely hold a soft spot in my heart.

Completed Book Total: 4
The Legend of Holly Claus by Britney Ryan (reread)
Expecting Adam by Martha Beck
Under the Table + The Total Package Stephanie Evanovich
​

Currently Still reading: Wheel of Time
Shamanism Book

March Book Count: 0

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I didn’t finish any books this month since I used this month to prioritize my time and visit my friends, family and Arizona! (I moved at the end of this month- officially ending my long distance relationship with my boyfriend of 5 years hehe. So WHOOT WHOOT for us.)

Currently Still reading: Wheel of Time
Shamanism Book
Indigo Soul
Womb Awakening: Initiatory Wisdom From the Creatrix of All Life 
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​

April Book Count: 1

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Finished Reading: Ella Enchanted is a book I read when I was in middle school. At this time- I read so so sooo much. When I found Gail Carson Levine, I ended up working my way through most of her books! She has such an amazing take on classic fairytales we all know- and I absolutely adore her!

Re-reading books has always been one of my favorites- and I am so excited to be going down this circle and cycle again. Collecting these books again is especially meaningful because Alex and I want to have a home library for ourselves, our children and our friends! I can’t wait to make it the most magical, mystical, rejuvenating and peaceful places to be. Think library of Alexandra meets, fairly realm, meets moon magic and temples throughout all time. I plan on painting its ceiling and its walls and infusing it with the living breathing magic that lives within me- and filling with the channeling of the sacred writers who have written so many special and soul touching books for us all.

​Completed Book Total: 5
​
Currently Still reading: Wheel of Time
Shamanism Book
Indigo Soul
​Womb Awakening: Initiatory Wisdom From the Creatrix of All Life 

​

MAY Book Count: 1


Finished Reading: Indigo Adults
​

This is a book my friend Lindsi gave me! I started it a long time ago- and finished it today! It’s so funny and fun to see how expanding your viewpoint on how and what you read- allows os much more freedom, joy and learning to come through! In reading the way I do, I am able to make cross-book connections that reinforce what I am reading in each book more and more.

Oftentimes, I find these books mirroring each other- and my life. With that, this book is a wonderful book for those who feel like they don’T quite fit in. If you feel like you have come from another world or planet- you’re not crazy- and you probably have- so pick this book up- and allow yourself to open yourself up to the magic of who you truly are!
​
Completed Book Total: 6

Currently Still Reading:
Wheel of Time
Shamanism Book
Womb Awakening: Initiatory Wisdom From the Creatrix of All Life
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June Book Count: 1

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Finished Reading: Off the Page

This book is about a girl who falls in love with a prince from a fairytale. She learns that even characters in a book have dreams and a mind of their own beyond the story they are written in and stuck in- and together they find a way to get him out so they can be together. What follows is a sweet story of true love, perseverance, hope, and magic! If you are looking for a fun, modern fairytale, this book is for you!
Jodi Picoult is one of my favorite authors ever. Every one of her books has such an interesting topic (different than what most people write about) and in contrast to anything even she has ever written before! She shows me versatility and a wide breadth of knowledge and exploration of the world through words- which I think is beautiful.

​What’s also new with this book is that this book is in collaboration with her daughter, Samantha Van Leer, is a fairytale and it is super cute and sweet! Like her mother, and previous books that Jodi has written, the chapters vary from different character’s POV which is one of my favorite things about her writing style- so I am happy to see that way of story telling carried over in this novel too. I love that you are able to get to know each character more intimately, see inside their mind and read the story from so many angles.
Completed Book Total: 7
Currently Still Reading:
Wheel of Time
Womb Awakening: Initiatory Wisdom From the Creatix of All Life
It Didn’t Start With You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle
The Sophia Code: A Living Transmission from The Sophia Dragon Tribe
​Wuthering Heights

July book count: 0

Still reading all of the books above and Little House In The Big Woods! ✨
That time of the year when I start rereading them all again.
I love it so much. Each year new things stand out and hold new meaning!

Also started rereading Stephanie Meyers’ The Host and am 75% of the way through with that!

​Completed Book Total: Still 7

August Book Count: 1

It’s that time of year! I started rereading The Little House on the Prairie series again and finished The Little House In The Big Woods.
​On Farmer Boy, the 2nd book now.

I also started 2 new novels, Moodtopia and The Royal Diaries Jahanara Princess of Princesses- which is a part of the Dear America book collections that I loved reading when I was little. I was also super happy cause I got it for only a dollar at a local bookshop (profits go to the public library)!

Currently Still Reading: I’m still in the middle of reading all of the books from before too. It’s funny how now, I’m usually in the middle of at least 4 books at one time. ​What can I say, I like variety and diving into different energies and readings depending on my mood for the day!

Completed Book Total: 8

September Book Count: 1

Finished The Royal Diaries Jahanara Princess of Princesses! It was about the princess daughter of the emperor of India and the empress who the Taj Majal was created for, which was super cool to read into. Although I know quite a bit about history, India and its monarchs are one thing I’m still learning more about still.

I also looked into the book series more and found out there’s about 20 royal diaries in total. I’m hoping I can continue to find them at thrift stores since I got this one for only a dollar last month. Fingers crossed to looking and finding more in this next month to come.

Currently Still Reading: In the meantime, I am still reading all of the books outlined in the previous months too. I also started poetry from I Have To Tell You Something! 

Completed Book Total: 9 

October Book Count: 0

This month I started reading the manga Nana again! I’m on chapter 54 right now. I also started reading A Little Princess, which I got at a local bookstore. Although I haven’t officially finished anything yet- I am reading a lot still! :) Some other things I am…

Currently Still Reading: Womb Awakening: Initiatory Wisdom From the Creatix of All Life, I Have to Tell You Something, 
and am in the middle of a ton of other books like: Farmer Boy, The Host, Wheel of Time, Wuthering Heights. 

​Completed Book Total: 9

November Book Count: 1 

Finished Nana! (Although I found out the manga is not actually finished- the writer had to stop writing due to illness and never completed it!)
Overall, still such an amazing read though, and I highly recommend it! It is relatable in a lot of ways (it tells the story of two girls named Nana who are roommates and their adventures along the way of becoming adults). I was also happy to hear the author is still alive and well! :) Netflix also is releasing Nana the anime in December- so I might have to check it out. Being in Wisconsin, during the winter this year, I am definitely looking for a lot more indoor activities to do and warm my day with. With that, this month brings my to my…

Completed Book Total: 10
​4 more books to go for my 14 book goal! 
​

Currently Still Reading: Womb Awakening: Initiatory Wisdom From the Creatix of All Life, I Have to Tell You Something, 
and am in the middle of a ton of other books like: Farmer Boy, The Host, Wheel of Time, Wuthering Heights. 

December Book Count

This month I did a lot lighter reading since it’s been super busy! I read picture books (for the Holidays) like: 
Little Golden Book The Nutcracker 
The Snow Queen illustrated by Bagram J Batoulline 

​I also read 2 poetry books (I was gifted 2 of her books this last year and just finished them both):
I Have to Tell You Something by Zara Bas
This Time You Save Yourself by Zara Bas

​Bringing me to my…
Completed Book Total for 2022: 14!!

Currently Still Reading: 
Womb Awakening: Initiatory Wisdom From the Creatix of All Life,
and am still in the middle of a ton of other books like: Farmer Boy, The Host, Wheel of Time, Wuthering Heights. 
​I also started reading Gail Carson Levine’s Ever, and two other books I got as gifts: Clark Strand’sWaking up to the Dark, and Nicki Scully’s Sekhmet: Transformation in the Belly of The Goddess. ​

In October, I honestly didn’t think I was going to reach my 14 book goal I set at the beginning of the year! Obviously, now that I’m here at the end, I’m so happy to say it worked out perfectly! In setting the intention, being flexible, going with the flow, honoring my feelings and desires, and putting in daily/weekly and monthly action in towards my goal- I hit it! With that, I am looking forward to finishing the rest of the books I am currently still reading at the start of the new year! It’s been fun to tie up any loose strings as we reach the end of the new year, while also seeing any ones left- as inspiration to keep going! I think in the new year, although it has been fun to read so many different things at once, I plan on reading less books at one time. That way, I can bring all my energy into each story, and not scatter my thoughts into so many different thoughts. 

Til next time- when I start my 2023 book tracker! (How crazy!) To another year full of so much love, laughter, creativity, adventure, and magic! 

​P.S. If you read any of the books I read this year, let me know down below! I’d love to know how many books you read this year- as well as any book recommendations you might have for me! 

With love, From love,

Rinka. 
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8/24/2021 0 Comments

Relationship: Five Love Languages- The Secret To Love That Lasts- Gary Chapman

The Five Love Languages- The Secret to Love that Lasts- by Gary Chapman is an incredibly enlightening, informative, but fast read! He has a straight to the point, honest and fun approach to learning the way you and your partner most feel loved. After all, in life, there are so many different ways to show your love for someone! This book is ultimately split into 5 main sections (or love languages) which categorize the main ways in which people give or receive love. The 5 love languages are as follows:  
  1. Words of Affirmation
  2. Acts of Service 
  3. Gifts 
  4. Quality Time
  5. Physical Touch 
Gary states that people typically have 1-2 main love languages and that most partners often do not share the same main love language. In learning the one your partner most readily receives love in, it allows your partner to feel both seen and fulfilled in your partnership. On the other hand, say you as a partner, constantly use words of affirmation, but your partner’s main love language is quality time- you may feel as if you are being loving and supportive to your partner via words, but for your partner who most feels loved with spending quality time together, may feel as if your love is empty! This is because you are not speaking love in the way they best receive it. Chapman states that figuring out your main love language and your partner’s main love language allows you to speak knowingly and lovingly to one another! And whether the love language is something that comes easily, or is something that can be worked on, working together, honoring your partner in the way they love most (and vice versa), allows your partnership to flourish and grow! 

Overall, this is a great, easy read to share with friends, family, and most importantly your partner! If you are looking for new ways to understand love, or renew the love between you and a loved one- try out the methods discussed in this book and see how it works for you! 

​With lots of love,

         Elysian on Earth
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8/24/2021 0 Comments

2021 Book Tracker

August 2021 (Started Tracking Officially AUgust 24th)

Completed:
1. 
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman  (click the link to read my review!) 

2. The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls This book is part of the Little House on the Prairie series. Officially, it is book 6 of 9. Since I am currently in Wisconsin for the summer, I ended up buying the kindle version of this novel so I could keep rereading the series (something I do every couple years-sometimes every year). My book set is back home in Arizona! I originally read this series when I was about 9 and the book set was given to me by my Great Grandma so it holds a special place in my heart (which is why it’s also included in my favorite books post down below). It opened my eyes up to the connections us humans have to the past, and made me also grateful for the time period we live in currently. The books are nostalgic and peaceful- with a strong family unit and dreamy descriptions- perfect for reading outside in the sun or when unwinding before bed! 


Currently reading: 
3. I am now moving onto the 7th book in the series, The Little Town on the Prairie! I expect to be done with it before the end of the month or in early September. 
​“The May morning was warm and the wind from the prairie smelled of springtime”
​          
Laura Ingalls (The Long Winter)
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September 2021 Book List 

4-6. Just finished The Little House on the Prairie series! I also found out there’s two more additional books in the 
series I have not read yet. So, I have completed The Little Town on the Prairie, On the Way Home and West from Home. These 3 books put me at 6 books so far for the year! 4 more to go! :) 

October 2021 Book List 

I will probably be reading less books this month since I’ll be traveling to CA to see family + TX to see my bff! 

October update:
I ended up reading a werewolf fanfic I found online on my road trip! (1 + 2) That officially puts me at ​8 books. 

November 2021 Book List

It’s so funny to see the wide range of books I’ve been reading this year. So far, I’ve gone back to a lot of things that interested me when I was in my teens (like fanfics and fantasy). For this month, I read my 9th book of the year, Manacled! (A Harry Potter fanfic turned novel). 

December 2021 Book List

Goal to read at least 10 books by the end of this year. The end of the year got really busy for me with family visiting and starting a new job, however, I did I start my 10th book. After watching Amazon’s Wheel of Time series, I decided to start the books. (Which lucky for me, gives me a lot of reading content for the next year! I believe there’s a total of 14 books in the series).

Although I did not reach my goal, I’m beyond happy to see the books that I touched, and also touched me this year!  I’m also happy to say I am reading more regularly than I have in recent years. I think prioritizing the things that matter to me, and going back to the things I enjoyed when I was little, has brought so much more light into my life and I look forward to continuing and tracking this new tradition into 2022! 

With lots of love,

​Elysian on Earth

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1/11/2021 0 Comments

Book List - Books I Want To Read

  1. Wuthering Heights
  2. Swiss Family Robinsons
  3. Nineteen Eighty Four
  4. Jane Austen Novels
    1. Pride & Prejudice
    2. Emma
    3. Sense and Sensibility
    4. Persuasion
  5. Middle March
  6. Crime and Punishment
  7. Heart of Darkness
  8. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
  9. Dracula
  10. Frankenstein
  11. The Call of the Wild
  12. Catcher in the Rye
  13. The Little Princess
  14. The Five Love Languages (completed- 08.21)





​I will probably be adding to this list later and will also be writing reviews and posts as I finish the books on this list!

Stay tuned!

xx
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10/3/2019 0 Comments

Spiritual: Heart of the Soul - Gary Zukav

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​After reading Gary Zukav's Seat of the Soul I conveniently ended up thrifting this novel as well! He co-wrote this novel with Linda Francis and both have such a soft, yet strong voice that resonates through their thoughtfully gathered and put together material.

As a cancer moon, this novel really helped me gain some perspective on all of the emotions that I feel and experience on a day to day basis.  It helps readers understand the deeper knowledge that one's emotions can teach, as well as how this fits into the bigger picture of things.

Lastly, I think having both Gary and Linda speak on this topic also allows readers to expand their knowledge on emotional awareness from a feminine and masculine perspective! 

With lots of love,

​Elysian on Earth
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6/24/2019 2 Comments

Spiritual: Seat of the Soul - Gary Zukav

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This is the first spiritual book I have ever picked up or read in my life, which is ironic considering the amount of books I have read in my short amount of time on Earth.

For some context, I used to read a book and a half every day of spring break all throughout  elementary and middle school. I read fantasy, historical, autobiographies and more, but never a novel on spirituality.

Growing up if you asked me if I believed in God, I replied I was atheist.  I saw religion in black and white. What I saw were people who said they loved God, but did not actually practice the equality or love for all. If he existed, I didn't understand how his followers could be so hateful and closed off. It confused me!  Because of this, I did not want to be a part of religion. At that point, like most people, I thought being religious was synonymous with being spiritual. Now, I know that is not the case! To be in adulthood and say I am profoundly spiritual (not religious) and have a close relationship with God is something I would not have foreseen when I was younger. To me, it is beautiful how life can reflect a novel in the sense that its arc can change you in the most profound ways. 

Ultimately, reading this book helped me step into my first real structured approach towards reading about spirituality. Prior to this, I just googled information and articles like a madman with no end. Link turned to link into link. On the other hand, this book helped me really slow down and take in all of the downloads I was getting in a more grounded and slowed down way. It was also amazing because as I began reading this book, I started to see a lot of parallels and "synchronicities" between the information I was reading, articles and videos I had found on the internet and my own personal thoughts and experiences! In someway I think my guides showed me to this message so that I could really slow down and receive the messages I was getting. Overall, Gary Zukav has a kind and thoughtful approach to spirituality and his novel itself is an amazing comprehensive read into the core of the human experience- the soul.


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6/24/2019 0 Comments

Romance: Big Girl Panties - Stephanie Evanovich

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Hilarious, light hearted and motivating, Stephanie Evanovich's Big Girl Panties is incredibly easy and fun to read! I am so glad I was drawn in by the cute cover and picked this up!

What I loved about this book is that the protagonist is not your stereotypical female. She's not positive all of the time. She's human. She struggles. She tries. She cries. She struggles with binge eating and finding peace and balance within her body (which is something most females struggle with in a multitude of different ways.) Both emotionally and physically, she has times of darkness much like the rest of us, and through it all finds the light within herself.

I'm someone who does enjoy a good romance novel and the love interest Logan really shows how love can not only open up one's heart but also one's mind. Together, both characters grow to become individuals who support and compliment one another despite any biases they may have held towards one another and especially in spite of what society thinks. 

Lastly, the other characters in the book are really easy to love. The relationship of Amanda and Chase is amazing to read and I love that Stephanie provided another equally unique but amazing relationship. Stephanie, the author, has since written a book on their story as well (aka if you really enjoy reading about the characters of Amanda and Chase, there's more for you to enjoy in her novel The Sweet Spot). So if that is something that interests you after reading this book, you know what to read next! Overall, this is a fun, flirty read & I highly recommend you picking this up if you want something to brighten up and spice up your days + nights! P.S. the sex scenes are great hehe + give 50 Shades a run for its money!

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    ​my Favorite Books:

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    About the Author

    My name is Rinka Moon! I have always loved reading ever since I was a small child. It was always one of my favorite ways to learn about and explore the world around me! I loved that I could immerse myself into new places, and learn from the perspectives of the author, and characters they created. In my childhood, reading was what ultimately got me to become way better at English (Japanese was my first language and I was in ESL classes until 2nd grade) and was what led me to actually pursue a degree in Education (as an English teacher). Although, I realized my calling is not teaching in the traditional education system, I love the idea that through this blog, I am still able to share my love for books and reading here with all of you! 

    From one magical word explorer to another- if you have any favorites you’d like to recommend, or you end up reading any of these- do let me know!

    With love, Elysian on Earth

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"​She dances with the spirit of the sun, loves with the strength of wild water, moves with the moods of the moon, and creates with the wills of the wind.
​She is magic. She is woman. "
Brooke Hampton