​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:

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:

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!

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 By 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.

​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.

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!

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

​

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

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 
​

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

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

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

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)

​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