December Newsletter

Welcome to the newest edition of Luminata’s Newsletter! We’re thrilled to embark on this journey with you as we explore the vibrant world of books, creativity, and community together. Whether you’re here for the latest reads, inspiration for your personal growth, or updates on upcoming events, this newsletter is designed to be a source of inspiration for all areas of life.

In every issue, you’ll find curated book recommendations, tips for cultivating mindfulness, and some new bonus content and variety (just to keep you on your toes 😉). We’ll also highlight exciting literary happenings, both in our store and beyond, to keep you connected to the heart of the reading world.

Thank you for being part of our community—happy reading, and welcome to Luminata!

 

“What’s New in the Literary World?”

A six-year-old boy who has written and published three books has received a national award for inspiring other children. The following is an excerpt from BBC, who interviewed Jayce and his mother last month:

 ‘Jayce, from Birmingham, has been named this year’s youngest recipient of the British Citizen Youth Award, Medal of Honour, which recognises the impact he has made on his community. He published his first book, Jayce's Sweet Tooth, about a boy who cannot resist candy, when he was four years old. Jayce told BBC Midlands Today that he felt great about the award, which he received at the Palace of Westminster last month. He said he was first inspired by reading other people's books and wanted to start writing his own.

“I like writing because that’s how I can inspire the children to write books,” he added.

His mother Anim said she knew he was gifted when he began reading and writing short sentences from the age of two.

Of the award, she said: “It’s an incredible achievement and it is a testament to his dedication and hard work.”

Jayce’s first two books – Jayce’s Sweet Tooth and A Beach With No Sea – were published when he was four, with his third, Jayce’s Alphabet Rules, following shortly after. He was assessed by Mensa after his first books were published and his IQ of 150 placed him in the top 0.1% of children his age.

As well as his writing, Jayce runs story sessions at nurseries, primary schools, libraries, bookshops and community groups. He also hands out educational gift boxes called Jayce’s World of Learning in a bid to promote early literacy and inclusion among children.

Anim said: “He is so committed to making a difference in the lives of not just his community but the world at large.” Jayce said his ambition was to keep on writing books so he can keep inspiring other children to read and write.’

-BBC

Congratulations to Jayce! The future looks brighter everyday hearing about such young children doing well for themselves and making a difference for others.

 

Monthly Book Highlights

The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav is a transformative exploration of human consciousness and spirituality. Zukav introduces readers to the concept of the "authentic power" that comes from aligning one's life with deeper spiritual values rather than external success or control. The book delves into topics like karma, intuition, and emotional awareness, explaining how personal transformation can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Zukav’s language is accessible yet profound, making complex spiritual ideas relatable and applicable. The Seat of the Soul is a compelling guide for those seeking personal growth and a deeper understanding of the soul’s journey.

 

 

 

Still Right Here by Suzanne Giesemann is a heartfelt and insightful exploration of grief, love, and the power of spiritual connection beyond physical loss. In this deeply moving book, Giesemann, a former Navy Commander turned evidential medium, shares her journey in communicating with those who have passed, offering comfort to individuals grappling with the pain of separation from loved ones. Through personal stories and poignant experiences, Giesemann provides hope and reassurance that the bonds of love remain unbroken. With compassion and gentle wisdom, Still Right Here serves as a comforting guide for anyone seeking peace and a sense of closeness with those who have crossed over.

 

The Flowering Wand: Rewilding the Sacred Masculine by Sophie Strand is a poetic and insightful reimagining of masculinity through the lens of myth, nature, and spirituality. Strand invites readers to explore a vision of the masculine that is rooted in interconnectedness, compassion, and regeneration, moving away from patriarchal norms and toward a more balanced and earth-centered perspective. Through storytelling and mythological retellings, Strand examines figures like Dionysus, Merlin, and Osiris, weaving them into a tapestry of ecological wisdom and sacred reciprocity. The Flowering Wand is a thought-provoking and refreshing guide for those interested in reshaping narratives around masculinity and reconnecting with a sense of sacred ecology.

 

 

 

 

 

Bonus Content:

Our last section is my personal favorite, we’re sharing a literary inspired recipe for the colder months ahead of us….

“But what about breakfast?”
“You've already had it.”
“We've had one, yes. But what about second breakfast?”
“Don't think he knows about second breakfast, Pip.”
“What about elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? He knows about them, doesn't he?”
“I wouldn't count on it Pip.”

-The Hobbit

I don’t think there’s much else better than a hearty meal next to the hearth during wintertime and for our fiction readers out there you must know that one of our favorite books has inspired many a cozy English recipe or two. One of my personal favorites will always be the English Shepards pie. There are a few variations but across the board, but you are guaranteed to have a full stomach by the time you’re done. So without further ado, please find below The Shire Shepard’s Pie, by Kayla Lobermeier.

 

Embark on a culinary journey to Middle-earth with our Lord of The Rings Inspired Shire Shepherd's Pie Recipe. This savory dish, reminiscent of Hobbit comfort food, brings the flavors of Tolkien's world to your table. Immerse yourself in the charm of Shire-inspired cooking and create a feast worthy of a Lord of The Rings adventure. Elevate your dining experience with this Tolkien-inspired masterpiece that captures the essence of Middle-earth in every bite

 

 

 

Ingredients:

Mashed Potatoes:

2 lbs (908 g) red potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch (5-cm) pieces

1/2 cup (120 ml) milk

1/4 cup (58 g) salted butter

Salt and pepper, to taste

Beef & Pork Filling:

2 tbsp (29 g) salted butter

1 medium yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb (454 g) ground beef

1/2 lb (227 g) ground pork

2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

3 stalks celery, diced

1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced

1 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp black pepper

4 oz (113 g) tomato paste

2 tbsp (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce

1 cup (240 ml) beef or vegetable broth

1 large egg

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

To make the Mashed Potatoes:

1. In a large pot, cover the chopped potatoes with water. Bring the pot to a boil and boil the potatoes for 15 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes in a colander and add them back to the pot. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher, then stir in the milk and butter until smooth and creamy. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper and set these aside for now.

To make the Beef Filling:

1. Preheat the oven to 400° F (204° C). Set aside a 10-inch (25-cm) pie pan.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Cook the onion and garlic until the onion is almost translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the beef and pork, crumbling it and cooking until it is no longer pink, about 7 to 9 minutes.
3. To the meat and onions, add the carrots and celery. Continue to cook until the vegetables are slightly softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season the mixture with thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Then, stir in the tomato paste, coating everything well.
4. Add the Worcestershire sauce and broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Continue to cook the filling over medium heat until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 8 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat.
5. To the pie pan, spread about half of the mashed potatoes all over the bottom and up the sides. You are making a mock pie shell. Fill the potatoes with the meat filling. Then, spread the remaining mashed potatoes over the top of the filling.
6. In a small dish, whisk the egg. Brush the egg all over the top of the mashed potatoes. With the tines of a fork, make a design in the potatoes. Place the pie pan on a baking sheet and bake the pie in the oven for 30 minutes or until the potatoes have become crusty on top.
7. Serve the pie with fresh parsley sprinkled on top.

Nutrition Facts Calories 568

 

Until next time friends, thank you for tuning in! We will see you again in January. Stay warm!