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Elyssa Nalani

My Personal Canon: The Childhood Years

the reading life

15 May

I love books. I mean reeeally love books. I don’t remember a time when I haven’t been an avid reader. Somewhere in the depths of family boxes, there may be a cassette tape with me ‘reading’ Dr. Suess books I’d memorized. My mother spent hours reading to my brother and me and so much of my personality, tastes, and dreams have been shaped by the books I’ve read over the years.

I was recently tagged by a friend on Twitter to put together a personal canon – the books that have made the most impact in my life, helped define who I am and I can go back to over and over again. I’m going to do this a little differently by dividing my canon in 3 parts – the childhood years, the teen years, and the adult years. You’ll see how my reading has changed over the years!

For now, let’s take a look at the books I loved as a child/pre-teen.

(This post contains affiliate links. See disclosure here.)

Little Women

I so identified with tomboy, aspiring writer Jo March. I wanted to be her. Well, I wanted to be her up until it came to choice of men. Cause I also wanted to marry Laurie. *sigh* I’m not sure many of us ever truly got over that. I wore my first copy out reading and re-reading favorite chapters.

Movie Note: Favorite version – 1994. Second favorite – 1949. But also check out 1933 and TV mini series 1978.


Anne of Green Gables

How can you help but love Anne Shirley? My mother introduced me to the movies first and then I read the books – an order of operations I don’t recommend. The books are sweet and homey and lovely and of a time when life was simpler. I never get tired of them!

Movie Note: Avonlea loyalties will always stay with the Megan Follows series but I am sloooooowly considering watching the new Netflix series ‘Anne with an E’.


Little House on the Prairie Series

I have lovely memories of mom reading these books to me and both of us so enjoying Garth Williams’ beautiful illustrations! The stories of daily life, love, and hardship of the Ingalls family are heartwarming and inspirational.

TV Note: With all the junk on TV they call family programming, it’s really nice to go back to some of the classics ^.^. Now you can relive it all on DVD. I’m working on collecting the series for my library :).


All-of-a-Kind Family Series

Another series mom read to me. The homey adventures of turn-of-the-century Jewish family in New York City. We enjoyed these so much and I’m currently almost done piecing the collection together for my personal library.


Sarah, Plain, and Tall

I remember reading this library book on the front steps of my house. And then I remember listening to the audiobook on cassette read by Glenn Close, who plays Sara in the movie series. The story, her voice – sometimes they play in my mind. And it’s like a cup of cocoa and a cozy blanket.

Movie Note: Watch them. Period. They’re lovely :).


Betsy-Tacy Series

I think Mom read through the first few books and I finished them myself as the girls in the books grew up. If you can’t sense the theme yet, we’re talking simpler times, close families, and heart-warming stories. I’m currently working through them as a part of my Classics Club list.


I read so many wonderful stories as a little person but these are some of my absolute favorites. As you can tell, I was quite the old-fashioned girl even as a child.

This quote from You’ve Got Mail sums it up perfectly.

“When you read a book as a child, it becomes a part of your identity in a way that no other reading in your whole life does.” Kathleen Kelly

That’s exactly how I feel about the books on this list!

What are your favorite stories from childhood?

Happy reading!

Elyssa

3 Comments

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Next Post: My Personal Canon: The Teen Years »

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Hi, my name is Elyssa!
I’m a Jesus-loving planner girl and I inspire paper-loving women of faith to live well and stay focused on what matters.

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elyssanalani

ElyssaNalani.com
January journaling spread 📔 . Memory keeping is January journaling spread 📔
.
Memory keeping is not something I’m naturally good at (for one thing, I don’t take enough photos) but I still reeeeally like creative journaling and I have a whole ton of supplies I need to use. Soooooooo I thought I’d try a different approach. Still formulating the concept but it’s looking like creative journaling + project planning + goal tracking.
.
One thing I know for certain about myself when it comes to projects: I follow through better when I can see it. Why not have a fun space to plan and visualize my projects and goals? 
I’ve been having fun with several spreads and I can’t wait to do a video and share with y’all. I think this is an approach my brain can wrap itself around 😜🧠 Stay tuned! 
.
#creativejournaling #2021journaling #2021journal #makeithappen #cultivatewhatmatters #januaryspread #january #lwsfplaybook #livewellstayfocused #adreamisawishyourheartmakes #beyoubravely #takeyourtime #creativitytakescourage #trystuffout #myabidingjournal
Walked with no one and talked with no one⁠ And I Walked with no one and talked with no one⁠
And I had nothing but shadows⁠
Then one morning you passed⁠
And I brightened at last⁠
Now I greet the day and complete the day⁠
With the sun in my heart⁠
All my worry blew away⁠
When you taught me how to say⁠
⁠
Grab your coat and get your hat⁠
Leave your worry on the doorstep⁠
Just direct your feet⁠
To the sunny side of the street⁠
Can't you hear a pitter-pat?⁠
And that happy tune is your step⁠
Life can be so sweet⁠
On the sunny side of the street⁠
⁠
I used to walk in the shade⁠
With those blues on parade⁠
But I'm not afraid⁠
This Rover crossed over⁠
⁠
If I never have a cent⁠
I'd be rich as Rockefeller⁠
Gold dust at my feet⁠
On the sunny side of the street⁠
Grab your street⁠
⁠
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh⁠
⁠
#justforfun #wednesdaylyrics #sunnysideofthestreet #staypositive #dorothyfields #songlyrics #lifecanbesosweet #spreadlove #spreadjoy
Y’all know Just Because flowers from my husband Y’all know Just Because flowers from my husband are my favorite 😍. They also force me to straighten out my desk for their presence 😆
.
#justbecause #flowers #ilovemyman #marriage #marriagerocks
#mondayverse #startright #fearlessheart #mondayverse #startright #fearlessheart
Whenever I feel afraid⁠ I hold my head erect⁠ Whenever I feel afraid⁠
I hold my head erect⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
So no one will suspect I'm afraid⁠
⁠
I strike a careless pose⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
And no one ever knows I'm afraid⁠
⁠
The result of this deception⁠
Is very strange to tell⁠
For when I fool the people⁠
I fear I fool myself as well⁠
⁠
I whistle a happy tune⁠
And every single time⁠
The happiness in the tune⁠
Convinces me that I'm not afraid⁠
⁠
Make believe you're brave⁠
And the trick will take you far⁠
You may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you areYou may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you are⁠
⁠
Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers⁠
⁠
#justforfun #wednesdaylyrics #showtunes #rodgersandhammerstein #thekingandi
#mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence #mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence
FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Pat FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Patreon this weekend! Stay tuned 😊
.
#januaryscripturewriting #club119writers #scripturewriting 
#journaling #journal #stickers #journalingcommunity #scripture #journalingstickers #fearlessheart #patreon
I posted about my 2021 goals yesterday. The first I posted about my 2021 goals yesterday. The first one was to Pursue Jesus Relentlessly. One of the ways I am making that actionable is to make a list of spiritual disciplines I want to focus on in 2021. Disciplines for the sake of disciplines don’t bring us closer to Jesus but they can, if we let them, position us to be more aware of how God can change our hearts and behaviors.
.
If you’re a goal setter and haven’t considered spiritual disciplines, maybe consider adding some to your 2021 list 😊 There are more than just these 6 to chose from (do a quick Google search and you’ll find a plethora).
.
#2021 #prayer #fasting #generosity #biblestudy #biblereading #scripture 
#spiritualdisciplines
I absolutely love setting goals every year. Not be I absolutely love setting goals every year. Not because I crush every one of them every time (because I most certainly don’t 😜) but because it gives me direction and focus and helps me filter out the things that aren’t important right now in this season of my life.
.
I’ve set 8 goals for the year. I’m still working on definition & action planning but these are the areas of my life that I want to focus on and pursue.
.
Have you set goals for 2021? Drop one (or a few) of them in the comments below! 👇🏽
.
#goalsetter #goalsetting #stayfocused #tendinglist #cultivatewhatmatters #2021goals #selfdevelopment #takecareofyourself #pursuejesus #stewardship
My 2021 word of the year. . Do you have one? Drop My 2021 word of the year.
.
Do you have one? Drop them below 👇🏽 I’d love to read them!
.
#wordoftheyear #wordoftheyear2021 #steadfast #theyearofsteadfast
One of my 1st Quarter goals is to read the entire One of my 1st Quarter goals is to read the entire Bible. In this blog post I share my reading plan and a couple of the tools I’m using to get through the Old & New Testament! If you want to read the whole Bible in 2021, maybe consider 90 days 😊
.
Link in bio 
.
#readthebible #readtheword2021 #readthebiblein90days #readyourbible #90daybiblechallenge #biblereadingplan #readthebible2021
#mondayverse #startright #psalms #lovethelord #clu #mondayverse #startright #psalms #lovethelord #club119writers
January’s CLUB 119 theme is Fearless Heart. Need January’s CLUB 119 theme is Fearless Heart. Need an extra dose of the kind of bravery that comes from God’s strength, provision, & grace? Me too! This scripture writing plan has got it! Shout out to @lady_alba26 for putting this plan together for our community 😊

I know I’m several days late posting this but it’s not too late to jump in!
.
#januaryscripturewriting #scripturewritingplan #scripturewritingchallenge #club119writers #fearlessheart #womenintheword #womeninthewordtogether
One year ago today we were full of hope for 2020, One year ago today we were full of hope for 2020, the year of clear vision and the bright beginning of a wonderful new decade. But then 2020 happened and now most of us are feeling battle scarred & weary.
There is no promise for a better year ahead. But God is the same yesterday, today, & forever. We don’t have to know everything because He knows the end from the beginning. So we raise our glasses and we celebrate. Not because January 1 is magical but because God is powerful and He is in control. Happy New Year and may God bless you and keep you 😊❤️ 
.
#happynewyear #celebration #godisincontrol
I love him. So much. That’s all. I love him. So much. That’s all.
How could you wait another minute⁠ A hug is warm How could you wait another minute⁠
A hug is warmer when you're in it⁠
And baby that's a fact⁠
And saying I love you's always better⁠
Seasons, reasons, they don't matter⁠
So don't hold back⁠
⁠
How many people in this world⁠
So needful in this world⁠
How many people are praying for love⁠
⁠
So don't save it all for Christmas Day⁠
Find a way⁠
To give a little love everyday⁠
Don't save it all for Christmas Day⁠
Find your way⁠
'Cause holidays have come and gone⁠
But love lives on⁠
If you give on⁠
Love⁠
⁠
Celine Dion / Ric Wake / Peter Zizzo⁠
.⁠
#wednesdaylyrics #christmassongs #dontsaveitallforchristmasday #givelove #spreadlove #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #merrychristmas
#mondayverses #startright #christmas #themostwond #mondayverses #startright #christmas  #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #thegreatcommission
As the years went by we learned more about gifts⁠
The giving of ourselves and what that means⁠
On a dark and cloudy day, a man hung crying in the rain⁠
All because of love, all because of love⁠
⁠
Oh and we were the reason that He gave His life⁠
We were the reason that He suffered and died⁠
To a world that was lost, He gave all He could give⁠
To show us the reason to live⁠
⁠
I've finally found the reason for living⁠
It's in giving every part of my heart to Him⁠
In all that I do, every word that I say⁠
I'll be giving my all just for Him, for Him⁠
⁠
 David Meece⁠
.⁠
#wednesdaylyrics #christmassongs #wearethereason #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #merrychristmas #becauseoflove #thegreatestgift
#mondayverses #christmas #startright #christmassto #mondayverses #christmas #startright #christmasstory  #merrychristmas #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear
It’s Wednesday. I hope your week is going well. It’s Wednesday. 
I hope your week is going well. And if it isn’t, I hope you’re finding joy in the simple & beautiful. I hope you’re both working hard & taking time to care for yourself and your people ☺️ You’re loved and your life is important — just thought you should know 🙂
.
#wednesdaythoughts #takecareofyourself #favoritetimeoftheyear #selfcare
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Goodreads

elyssanalani

ElyssaNalani.com
January journaling spread 📔 . Memory keeping is January journaling spread 📔
.
Memory keeping is not something I’m naturally good at (for one thing, I don’t take enough photos) but I still reeeeally like creative journaling and I have a whole ton of supplies I need to use. Soooooooo I thought I’d try a different approach. Still formulating the concept but it’s looking like creative journaling + project planning + goal tracking.
.
One thing I know for certain about myself when it comes to projects: I follow through better when I can see it. Why not have a fun space to plan and visualize my projects and goals? 
I’ve been having fun with several spreads and I can’t wait to do a video and share with y’all. I think this is an approach my brain can wrap itself around 😜🧠 Stay tuned! 
.
#creativejournaling #2021journaling #2021journal #makeithappen #cultivatewhatmatters #januaryspread #january #lwsfplaybook #livewellstayfocused #adreamisawishyourheartmakes #beyoubravely #takeyourtime #creativitytakescourage #trystuffout #myabidingjournal
Walked with no one and talked with no one⁠ And I Walked with no one and talked with no one⁠
And I had nothing but shadows⁠
Then one morning you passed⁠
And I brightened at last⁠
Now I greet the day and complete the day⁠
With the sun in my heart⁠
All my worry blew away⁠
When you taught me how to say⁠
⁠
Grab your coat and get your hat⁠
Leave your worry on the doorstep⁠
Just direct your feet⁠
To the sunny side of the street⁠
Can't you hear a pitter-pat?⁠
And that happy tune is your step⁠
Life can be so sweet⁠
On the sunny side of the street⁠
⁠
I used to walk in the shade⁠
With those blues on parade⁠
But I'm not afraid⁠
This Rover crossed over⁠
⁠
If I never have a cent⁠
I'd be rich as Rockefeller⁠
Gold dust at my feet⁠
On the sunny side of the street⁠
Grab your street⁠
⁠
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh⁠
⁠
#justforfun #wednesdaylyrics #sunnysideofthestreet #staypositive #dorothyfields #songlyrics #lifecanbesosweet #spreadlove #spreadjoy
Y’all know Just Because flowers from my husband Y’all know Just Because flowers from my husband are my favorite 😍. They also force me to straighten out my desk for their presence 😆
.
#justbecause #flowers #ilovemyman #marriage #marriagerocks
#mondayverse #startright #fearlessheart #mondayverse #startright #fearlessheart
Whenever I feel afraid⁠ I hold my head erect⁠ Whenever I feel afraid⁠
I hold my head erect⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
So no one will suspect I'm afraid⁠
⁠
I strike a careless pose⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
And no one ever knows I'm afraid⁠
⁠
The result of this deception⁠
Is very strange to tell⁠
For when I fool the people⁠
I fear I fool myself as well⁠
⁠
I whistle a happy tune⁠
And every single time⁠
The happiness in the tune⁠
Convinces me that I'm not afraid⁠
⁠
Make believe you're brave⁠
And the trick will take you far⁠
You may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you areYou may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you are⁠
⁠
Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers⁠
⁠
#justforfun #wednesdaylyrics #showtunes #rodgersandhammerstein #thekingandi
#mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence #mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence
FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Pat FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Patreon this weekend! Stay tuned 😊
.
#januaryscripturewriting #club119writers #scripturewriting 
#journaling #journal #stickers #journalingcommunity #scripture #journalingstickers #fearlessheart #patreon
I posted about my 2021 goals yesterday. The first I posted about my 2021 goals yesterday. The first one was to Pursue Jesus Relentlessly. One of the ways I am making that actionable is to make a list of spiritual disciplines I want to focus on in 2021. Disciplines for the sake of disciplines don’t bring us closer to Jesus but they can, if we let them, position us to be more aware of how God can change our hearts and behaviors.
.
If you’re a goal setter and haven’t considered spiritual disciplines, maybe consider adding some to your 2021 list 😊 There are more than just these 6 to chose from (do a quick Google search and you’ll find a plethora).
.
#2021 #prayer #fasting #generosity #biblestudy #biblereading #scripture 
#spiritualdisciplines
I absolutely love setting goals every year. Not be I absolutely love setting goals every year. Not because I crush every one of them every time (because I most certainly don’t 😜) but because it gives me direction and focus and helps me filter out the things that aren’t important right now in this season of my life.
.
I’ve set 8 goals for the year. I’m still working on definition & action planning but these are the areas of my life that I want to focus on and pursue.
.
Have you set goals for 2021? Drop one (or a few) of them in the comments below! 👇🏽
.
#goalsetter #goalsetting #stayfocused #tendinglist #cultivatewhatmatters #2021goals #selfdevelopment #takecareofyourself #pursuejesus #stewardship
My 2021 word of the year. . Do you have one? Drop My 2021 word of the year.
.
Do you have one? Drop them below 👇🏽 I’d love to read them!
.
#wordoftheyear #wordoftheyear2021 #steadfast #theyearofsteadfast
One of my 1st Quarter goals is to read the entire One of my 1st Quarter goals is to read the entire Bible. In this blog post I share my reading plan and a couple of the tools I’m using to get through the Old & New Testament! If you want to read the whole Bible in 2021, maybe consider 90 days 😊
.
Link in bio 
.
#readthebible #readtheword2021 #readthebiblein90days #readyourbible #90daybiblechallenge #biblereadingplan #readthebible2021
#mondayverse #startright #psalms #lovethelord #clu #mondayverse #startright #psalms #lovethelord #club119writers
January’s CLUB 119 theme is Fearless Heart. Need January’s CLUB 119 theme is Fearless Heart. Need an extra dose of the kind of bravery that comes from God’s strength, provision, & grace? Me too! This scripture writing plan has got it! Shout out to @lady_alba26 for putting this plan together for our community 😊

I know I’m several days late posting this but it’s not too late to jump in!
.
#januaryscripturewriting #scripturewritingplan #scripturewritingchallenge #club119writers #fearlessheart #womenintheword #womeninthewordtogether
One year ago today we were full of hope for 2020, One year ago today we were full of hope for 2020, the year of clear vision and the bright beginning of a wonderful new decade. But then 2020 happened and now most of us are feeling battle scarred & weary.
There is no promise for a better year ahead. But God is the same yesterday, today, & forever. We don’t have to know everything because He knows the end from the beginning. So we raise our glasses and we celebrate. Not because January 1 is magical but because God is powerful and He is in control. Happy New Year and may God bless you and keep you 😊❤️ 
.
#happynewyear #celebration #godisincontrol
I love him. So much. That’s all. I love him. So much. That’s all.
How could you wait another minute⁠ A hug is warm How could you wait another minute⁠
A hug is warmer when you're in it⁠
And baby that's a fact⁠
And saying I love you's always better⁠
Seasons, reasons, they don't matter⁠
So don't hold back⁠
⁠
How many people in this world⁠
So needful in this world⁠
How many people are praying for love⁠
⁠
So don't save it all for Christmas Day⁠
Find a way⁠
To give a little love everyday⁠
Don't save it all for Christmas Day⁠
Find your way⁠
'Cause holidays have come and gone⁠
But love lives on⁠
If you give on⁠
Love⁠
⁠
Celine Dion / Ric Wake / Peter Zizzo⁠
.⁠
#wednesdaylyrics #christmassongs #dontsaveitallforchristmasday #givelove #spreadlove #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #merrychristmas
#mondayverses #startright #christmas #themostwond #mondayverses #startright #christmas  #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #thegreatcommission
As the years went by we learned more about gifts⁠
The giving of ourselves and what that means⁠
On a dark and cloudy day, a man hung crying in the rain⁠
All because of love, all because of love⁠
⁠
Oh and we were the reason that He gave His life⁠
We were the reason that He suffered and died⁠
To a world that was lost, He gave all He could give⁠
To show us the reason to live⁠
⁠
I've finally found the reason for living⁠
It's in giving every part of my heart to Him⁠
In all that I do, every word that I say⁠
I'll be giving my all just for Him, for Him⁠
⁠
 David Meece⁠
.⁠
#wednesdaylyrics #christmassongs #wearethereason #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #merrychristmas #becauseoflove #thegreatestgift
#mondayverses #christmas #startright #christmassto #mondayverses #christmas #startright #christmasstory  #merrychristmas #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear
It’s Wednesday. I hope your week is going well. It’s Wednesday. 
I hope your week is going well. And if it isn’t, I hope you’re finding joy in the simple & beautiful. I hope you’re both working hard & taking time to care for yourself and your people ☺️ You’re loved and your life is important — just thought you should know 🙂
.
#wednesdaythoughts #takecareofyourself #favoritetimeoftheyear #selfcare
Load More... Follow on Instagram

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