Poetic Clouds With New Discoveries While Hugging Trees and Nature Leads the Way — Team TLC = Thomas, Lillian and Camilla

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March 15 2020 Friday’s cloud White cotton candy Melts in your mouth Melts before your eyes March 16 2020 Today’s walk with Thomas. A new to us walk. Plus, we discovered this great looking sport called Disc Golf. Looks fun! We’ve been inside since Saturday, and will only be going out for walks. Lillian’s immune…

via Poetic Clouds With New Discoveries While Hugging Trees and Nature Leads the Way — Team TLC = Thomas, Lillian and Camilla

Creative Gift Giving on Just the Positive

It warmed my heart recently to see that my thoughts on creative gift giving were included with many others on a website titled just the positive.

They asked for unique and creative ideas. Here’s what I offered:

I always write a special poem and use upcycled material to create a work of art that can be hung.

The wonderful writer of the article included two photos of my creations from Christmas 2018. A poem made into a wall hanger for Thomas and one for Lillian.

I encourage you to take about 3 minutes to read the article. It just may spark an idea for you! Click below to read the article …

https://www.justthepositive.com/blog/creative-gift-giving?fbclid=IwAR2IXFP-JAaLa7GgDXhUESw4oPaAtiYdV8s30nKwxo17_DzyB3D5TIr8bRQ

Blessings,
Camilla
See It. Share It. BE IT … Spread Love Everywhere You Go!

Coming Soon!! “Words of Alchemy” is the latest book coming to life! Coming December 2019.

Amazing news! My 18 year old daughter, Lillian Darnell’s debut book, “Where Would You Fly and Other Magical Stories” was published January 2018. Learn more and order here

Wonderfully exciting news! My 14 year old son, Thomas Darnell‘s book, Biggest Little Photographer is published. Be inspired! Learn more and order here.

Writing Is …..

Blessings,
Camilla
See It. Share It. BE IT … Spread Love Everywhere You Go!

Amazing news! My 17 year old daughter, Lillian Darnell’s debut book, “Where Would You Fly and Other Magical Stories” is published. Learn more and order here

Wonderfully exciting news! My 12 year old son, Thomas Darnell‘s book, Biggest Little Photographer is published. Be inspired! Learn more and order here.

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How I Love Thee – Beloved Books

Today I begin a 31 Day Writing Prompt experience. I decided to share these on my blog. The prompts are courtesy of American Artists & Writers, Inc. I signed up for their newsletter and received the prompts as a download.

Day 1 – Tell Me A Story ….

What was your favorite book as a child? Do you remember? Did you read it by yourself, or did someone read it to you? Did they do the voices? Were you tucked up in bed, or curled up in a favorite chair? These days, do you read to someone else? Do you enjoy acting out the parts while you read? Today, write about a beloved book, and relive your memories of time spent entranced by a wonderful story.

_________________________________________________________________________

How I Love Thee – Beloved Books

Thomas & Lillian Reading Cookbooks 4.26.14

I don’t remember what my favorite book was as a child. I don’t even remember anyone reading to me. Although, I’m sure I was read to by my Mom and others. It’s simply not a memory I retained.

Which makes me wonder if Thomas and Lillian will remember me reading to them. I’ve read to each of them since they were born (even before they were born). I think I’ll incorporate that into our nightly “Life Story”.

Every evening Sunday through Thursday I read a book to them and then we tell a life story. I have been doing this for about 4 or 5 years (or longer). It began with one of them giving me a prompt with a word, idea, or event. I tell them the first thing that comes to mind from my life in relation to the prompt. It has recently evolved to us taking turns now. So they get to tell a life story too!

I’m really good at getting off topic. So, let’s get back on track.

I read to Thomas and Lillian 5 nights a week. I always have on hand about 20 books I’ve checked out from the library from which to choose. We take turns choosing a book and I share the books we really enjoy here on this blog. I love getting book suggestions from other blogs and people so this is why I do this.

Acting out different voices and characters is not something I enjoy. I do it sometimes and we all get a good laugh, though. Many of the books we read are non-fiction so perhaps that’s why I don’t act out the different characters. If I can remember, I think I’ll have some fun with this!

I have so many favorite books that it’s hard to choose just one. Not too long ago we read, “The Cat Who Went to Heaven”, and we were all glued to the book. It’s a fable about a cat who changes the life of a poor Japanese artist. We read it over a couple of weeks since it’s a chapter book.

We read books about artists, naturalists, poets, and people from the world’s history who have been true to their heart and lived their passions. Another we’ve read recently is “Old Turtle” and “Old Turtle and the Broken Truth”. These books truly speak to my heart and we all enjoyed the story and underlying message.

Reading about 5 books every week prohibits me from listing them all here. If this speaks to you, make sure to check out the Book and Movie Musings category.

Reading is a habit and gift for which I am deeply passionate. I am extremely grateful that Thomas and Lillian love reading and are as passionate about it as I am. We visit the library every two weeks and leave with 4 – 6 bags of books each time.

Reading is one of the greatest gifts one can give to oneself. Books are like a doorway, by way of our imagination, to other worlds, our past, our future and for coming to deeply know oneself. For the young ones, the key to that doorway lies in the adults and mentors around them. For the rest of us, the key is in our own hands simply waiting to be used …

Thomas Reading 4.23.12

I help to support my family with my writings. I share my writings for free for the benefit of others. So … there are Amazon affiliate links in this post. This simply means that if you click through to Amazon for more information about a book, and you end up buying something we get a few cents (and it doesn’t cost you anything more than usual). Oceans of gratitude … xoxo

Blessings,

Camilla
See It. Share It. BE IT … Spread Love Everywhere You Go!

Did you know I wrote a book? It’s titled “D iz for Different – One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance” and you can read more about it here.

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Movie Musings: John Doe and Love and Africa

Meet John Doe Movie May 2016

Team TLC movie night … My choice: Frank Capra’s “Meet John Doe” – I say, “Get to know your neighbors. We truly are all the same in that we all want happiness.” Thomas says, “Inspiring, good, emotional, suspenseful, makes you think and helps you imagine if something like this really happened.” Lillian says, “Good, cliffhanger, emotional, musical, and thought provoking.”

The Love Bug Movie May 2012

Throw back to May 2012 …. “The Love Bug” … Lots of laughter! This is the best of all “Bug” movies!

Magic Journey to Africa Movie May 2013

Team TLC movie night …. Throw back to May 2013 … “Magic Journey to Africa” Another magical adventure!! We’ll take that!!

I help to support my family with my writings. I share my writings for free for the benefit of others. So … there are Amazon affiliate links in this post. This simply means that if you click through to Amazon for more information, and you end up buying something we get a few cents (and it doesn’t cost you anything more than usual). Also, If you benefited from this writing, would you like to toss a tip in the love offering “bucket”? Oceans of gratitude … xoxo

Blessings,
Camilla
See It. Share It. BE IT … Spread Love Everywhere You Go!

Did you know I wrote a book? It’s titled “D iz for Different – One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance” and you can read more about it here.

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What I Do and How I Can Help You

Camilla Blowing Kiss to Dinosaur March 2016

(I like to have fun too! Blowing a kiss to a dinosaur during Spring Break 2016)

Would you like to schedule a session with me for “The Alchemy of You – Empowering You from Within” mentoring?

  • Who struggles with self appreciation? It has certainly been a deep learning curve for me and I feel the art of self appreciation is needed by so many of us.
  • Who struggles with decision making at times? Another that has certainly been an area of confusion for me at times.
  • Who holds back, not sharing of your authentic self, and not saying what you feel you should be saying? Hand raised to this one.
  • Who has internal triggers arising from interactions with others or from the thoughts in one’s mind? Triggers in this case meaning irritation, anger, sadness, guilt, fears, and any of their friends.

During a session, client chooses a situation that triggers negative emotions, responses, or uncomfortableness. This could be a situation at work, in a relationship, or something triggered by a complete stranger or even a trigger of our own thoughts.

Go here to learn more and schedule your session.

Would you like an inspirational speaker at your next event?

If you are searching for a speaker that not only inspires; but gives your audience empowering and tangible techniques they can begin to use immediately, please reach out to me. 

Audience participants will learn techniques for the art of self appreciation. 

These techniques will help in decision making, knowing the solutions to situations, diffusing internal triggers when they arise, and pave the way for more harmonious relationships with loved ones and strangers alike. 

I am a speaker who will listen to the audience, who will see the audience, and will leave them feeling appreciative of themselves and more empowered.

In addition, I am available to expand further on these techniques in 4 consecutive, once per week, one hour workshops or a 3 hour workshop. 

The speaking and workshops are based on content shared in the mentoring sessions I offer through, “The Alchemy of You – Empowering You from Within”.

I am someone who authentically speaks and shares about healing, connecting with nature, emotional connection, and mindfulness, along with single, mindful parenting, including special needs parenting, while on this journey.

For 20 years I have been on a journey of getting to know myself, learning to love myself,  and of being my true self … And, I’ve done it while single parenting 2 kids … from the age of 1 year old and 5 years old to 13 years old and 17 years old.

Groups and events that may be a good fit: Mom’s Groups and Events, Parenting Groups and Events, Teacher’s Groups and Events, Groups and Events having to do with mindfulness, healing, or spirituality. Contact me here about speaking.

Would you like to schedule a “Coffee Chat with Camilla”?

I am a trained coach, however, traditional coaching methods and styles are not my path. My sessions feel more like conversations with a friend, yet are conversations with a purpose. I am to be a mirror. I am to reflect back what I notice that you are not noticing. If you feel in need of an internal shift, a change in perception, a loving, warm, “mirror” to reflect back what you are not noticing, let’s schedule a coffee chat. Contact me to learn more.

Would you like a unique book for yourself or loved one?

Go here to learn about the three books Team TLC have published. All unique and inspiring!

Please feel free to take your eyes and heart on a walk through my writings. Grab some tea or coffee, get comfy, get quiet, and enjoy yourself. May something you read lift you and inspire an internal shift should this be what you are seeking. xoxo

“Until we understand what is within, we can’t understand what is without.”  – Anita Moorjani

I do not claim to know the One Way, or One Size fits all approach to living a joyful, peaceful life. I’m not trying to convince anyone of anything. I am to work with and help those whose heart urges them to connect with me and to learn more.

I am to hold a nurturing space for those who feel moved by what I share so they can discover what it means to love oneself and to awaken who they truly are within …… magnificence and LOVE.

Blessings,
Camilla
See It. Share It. BE IT … Spread Love Everywhere You Go!

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Why I Write

Bench at Vintage Lake February 2016

I feel it is my purpose to openly share my own life experiences with others. I freely explain and share lessons I’ve learned and practices I use that work for me and my family. If needed, I listen with love and compassion and intuitively share thoughts and examples from my own life.

I write about connecting with nature, parenting, mindful livingsimplicitygratitude, and emotions. Plus, I like to write and share poetry too!

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

I feel if we practice the following we will heal ourself and the world’s children will continue to have the self-love they are born with, to feel secure, to feel loved, to feel successful, and free to be who they are ……. LOVE.

  • truly love ourself and model that love
  • practice mindfulness in our own realm and lovingly share mindfulness with our kids
  • learn emotional connection and model and teach it to our kids
  • spend time connecting with nature and model this for our kids
  • practice gratitude and model and teach it to our kids

There is something inside of me that won’t let me not write. Something that gently nudges and says, “You’ve just got to share that.”

My instinct, my gut, whatever you want to call it – that’s what I’m talking about. I fought this feeling for a while. I didn’t think I had anything meaningful to contribute and wondered why anyone would care what I thought or had to say.

I feel my journey is supposed to be shared with others to inspire, give hope and to help create a shift. Another reason I feel compelled is to share the message that one’s view of life is what creates the life one experiences.

Writing and sharing snippets through social media is also healing and a way of shedding what no longer serves. When I write I can hardly contain the emotions I feel inside. The emotions are as hot as lava and as sweet as honeysuckle – from the pit of my belly all the way up to my throat. I am, indeed, compelled to share my experiences.

Each time that “little voice” inside me says “What are you doing? Why are you wasting time on this? This will not make you money!”; I begin to get discouraged. Then I receive confirmation from those around me that what I’m doing and the path I have chosen is inspiring and helpful.

Why Does It Matter?

I get feedback from others verbally, through email and facebook that I encourage and motivate them. I feel it is the World saying to me, “You see, this is why you are to share your life.”

I would continue this sharing journey even if I didn’t receive these messages. For, I know it is what I am to supposed to do. This is my unique way of sharing my given talents. When we share, in the way that only we can, we bless humanity.

I no longer question when I get a flash of inspiration or a gut feeling to share something. I have reached complete acceptance and have full faith in this little adventure I’m on with Team TLC.

As long as one person or one family has been positively influenced by my writing and sharing, I have accomplished what I feel I was meant to do. The reason I say this is because I believe it doesn’t end with that one person. It creates a positive ripple effect that spreads like the ripple created from a rock thrown in water … it keeps on keepin on spreading loving-kindness!

My hope is that you connect with, physically feel, and release worry, fear and guilt. Trust your intuition when you are being pulled in a certain direction …. EVEN if you don’t know the why or how …. and begin your own Journey to Acceptance …

I help to support my family with my writings. I share my writings for free for the benefit of others. If you benefited from this writing, would you like to toss a tip in the love offering “bucket”? Oceans of gratitude … xoxo

Blessings,

Camilla
See It. Share It. BE IT … Spread Love Everywhere You Go!

Did you know I wrote a book? It’s titled “D iz for Different – One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance” and you can read more about it here.

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I Help You Love Your Self

“The meaningful question is never what we did yesterday, but what we have learned from it and are doing today ….. No one can help with anything like someone who has been through the pain themselves.” – A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson

Why do I write on this blog?

I feel it is my purpose to help others by openly sharing my own life experiences. Specifically, how to heal oneself and how we relate to the children of the world and the effects of this relation from an adult perspective.

I know if I am urged to write something, what I share will help others either not go through the un-lovely experiences I’ve had or will help others through un-lovely experiences. I write about mindful living, simplicity, gratitude, and emotions. Additional topics are self-love, emotional connection, compassion, self-awareness, loving-kindness, self-actualization, special needs parenting, living in a tiny home, and resiliency. I also share book and movie musings, nature photography, and recipes.

So many children have an early and teenage life full of emotional neglect and harsh self-talk. I know. Because I was one of those children. I’m not speaking of purposeful emotional neglect. I’m speaking of not being taught what to do with my feelings and having those around me not know what to do with their own feelings.

My parents loved me. I was fed, clothed, and pretty much got my heart’s desire. Yet, I morphed into a people pleaser, and bearer of negative thoughts to myself.

I was not taught to love myself or to value who or what I am. Emotions and living in the present moment were never discussed. There was a great deal of arguing amongst the adults in my life …. sometimes violent arguing. I never wanted to upset others and only wanted those around me to be happy. I walked around anxious that I say the right thing, in the right way so that others liked me.

I’m absolutely not saying that my parents were wrong. I dearly love them and I know they were doing the best they knew how to do. For whatever reason, I was the way I was.

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

My mind was constantly analyzing things and processing according to how I was viewed in the eyes of others. In some instances, I did not speak up for fear of drawing negative attention to myself or how it would make others feel. And in other instances I hooked into the drama of the situation, big time! As I became an adult my response to life was a mixture of both of these. I didn’t let my unique essence shine through.

I feel if we practice the following we will heal ourself and the world’s children will continue to have the self-love they are born with, to feel secure, to feel loved, to feel successful, and free to be who they are ……. LOVE.

  • truly love ourself and model that love
  • practice mindfulness in our own realm and lovingly share mindfulness with our kids
  • learn emotional connection and model and teach it to our kids
  • practice gratitude and model and teach it to our kids

It’s not in my nature to tell people they are doing something right or wrong, or to teach them how they should or shouldn’t be doing something. Nor, do I dish out tough love. That has never been in sync with my heart. If it works for you, then wonderful!!

What do I “do”?

Short Version: I help you love your SELF and be at PEACE ….. and that spreads to your family, friends, neighbors, and all beings.

I am to let my life be an example. One for which others can apply what is in sync with their heart and simply ignore what’s not in sync. I share through this blog, facebook, my first book, “D iz for Different”, and speaking to groups.

Topics discussed when speaking are:

  • mindfulness
  • self-love
  • gratitude
  • emotional connection
  • compassion
  • self-awareness
  • loving-kindness
  • self-actualization
  • resiliency
  • special needs parenting
  • how to decrease stress and worry
  • how to notice when you get “hooked” by drama
  • how to increase self-confidence

I freely explain and share lessons I’ve learned and practices I use that work for me and my family. If needed, I listen with love and compassion and intuitively share thoughts and examples from my own life.

I do not claim to know the One Way, or One Size fits all approach to living a joyful, peaceful life. I’m not trying to convince anyone of anything. I am to work with and help those whose heart urges them to connect with me and to learn more. I am to hold a nurturing space for those who feel moved by what I share so they can discover what it means to love oneself and to awaken who they truly are within …… magnificence and LOVE.

Please go here if you are interested in having me speak at your event or gathering.

“Until we understand what is within, we can’t understand what is without.” – Anita Moorjani

Blessings,
Camilla
See It. Share It. BE IT … Spread Love Everywhere You Go!

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10 Most Popular Posts of 2015

Top 10 Blog Posts With the Most Views (Culled only from 2015 blog posts)

  1. Living in a Tiny Home Adventures
  2. Oil Cleansing Method – Update
  3. Living in a Tiny Home Adventures – Week Seven
  4. Living in a Tiny Home Adventures – Week Two
  5. Living in a Tiny Home Adventures – Week One
  6. Divorce – A Life Changing Experience
  7. Embrace the Emptiness
  8. Thank You Dr. Wayne Dyer
  9. Mindful Christmas Countdown 2015
  10. My Journey with Intellectual Disability and Relationships – A Short Memoir

Top 10 Blog Posts With the Most Views for 2015 (Culled from all blog posts)

  1. Olive Oil as Facial Cleanser and Moisturizer – Oil Cleansing Method
  2. Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint Oils
  3. No Powdered Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
  4. Lavender Oil and Eczema
  5. Living in a Tiny Home Adventures
  6. Oil Cleansing Method Update
  7. 17 Free and Easy Ideas on How to Rejuvenate Yourself
  8. Almond Flour Cookies
  9. Living in a Tiny Home Adventures – Week Seven
  10. Living in a Tiny Home Adventures – Week Two

Top 10 Blog Posts of All Time With the Most Views

  1. Olive Oil as Facial Cleanser and Moisturizer – Oil Cleansing Method
  2. Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint Oil
  3. Lavender Oil and Eczema
  4. Almond Four Cookies
  5. Help Team TLC with a Christmas Miracle
  6. No Powdered Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
  7. I Wish I Wasn’t an 18p- Girl: Moment of Defeat – Take Two
  8. 17 Easy and Free Ideas on How to Rejuvenate Yourself
  9. Moment of Defeat
  10. Lillian and Being Different Presentation

Happy New Year 2015!! Welcome 2016!

Blessings and Oceans of Love,
Camilla
See It. Share It. BE IT … Spread Love Everywhere You Go!

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Help Team TLC With A Christmas Miracle

**Before reading this … If you find yourself beginning to have feelings of sorrow, sympathy or other negative feelings, please stop for a minute and flood your thoughts with those of gratitude and love. Negative feelings are not helpful for us or you. ** xoxo

It is time to turn the page on this chapter of my life’s journey. I choose to do this with my face turned to the sun with a heart full of happiness, gratitude and excitement.

This is taking every ounce of courage I’ve got in me. I rarely ask for help for myself. Perhaps I’ve been saving it up for a big whopper!

I’m asking now. I believe this to be a beneficent and abundant world and I am moved by something larger than my ego to do this. I am infused with a mysterious strength to put aside my own fears of alienation, self-judgment and guilt … actually, not just putting those fears aside. I have released them. They no longer serve me. Getting this out and releasing certain thought patterns has been incredibly healing. If need be, may you take this as an opportunity to release your own fears and judgments around asking for help.

This “thought” ignited as a spark in my heart this past Saturday morning as I was focusing on thoughts of a solution. It grew into a consuming and powerful flame Saturday night while watching Frank Capra’s, It’s a Wonderful Life. George Bailey didn’t think he was worthy of asking for and receiving help. In the end of the story, he was proved wrong as the entire town came forth to help. “No one is born to be failure. No one is poor who has friends.” …. from the movie.

May this bring you good feelings by way of deciding to help and share or, if not moved to help, by way of engulfing you with feelings of gratitude for your own life and situation. Perhaps you may want to share this with your kids, your family and loved ones to shatter the illusion that they need more ….. Indeed, to be grateful for all that they have.

I’m asking for a non-random act of kindness from at least 15,000 people.

On December 26, 2013, at 11:00 a.m., the house we live in will be sold on the Washoe County Courthouse steps. By the Grace of a higher power we’ve been able to stay in this house rent free. It is owned by a relative who chose to let the bank have the house back. Team TLC has gratefully been calling it home while the paperwork caught up with the scenario.

Honestly, I absolutely dreamed and thought I’d be in a different financial situation by this point. I currently don’t earn enough to pay a consistent rent. I have no credit and, indeed, have bad credit. Everything was in my name during my 10 year marriage which ended in 2007. After the divorce, I paid for things as long as I could, until I ran out of money and had to file bankruptcy. I still owe Sallie Mae for my ex-husband’s school loan as it was in my name.

My Mom and Step-Father are renting their house so moving in with them is not an option as there’s not enough room for another family and it wouldn’t be acceptable to their landlord. The housing authority in our area is not currently offering assistance and has closed the waiting list.

I know that I am accountable and responsible for all that I am, all that I do, and all that occurs to me and for me. I choose to stand firm in my choices and my direction. All of my decisions have been perfect as they have cleared the path for my own growth and coming home to compassion, non-judgment and love.

I made a commitment before Thomas and Lillian were born that I would be a full time Mom, that I would be with them until they entered school and I would be with them before and after school and during school breaks. I chose this path so that I could be there …. be there to answer life questions they have as they travel their own path. Questions and answers which I very often share with y’all on facebook and on my blog.

I am asking for:

  1. A $1.00 or $5.00 donation or
  2. **Hire me (see below) and
  3. Share this with everyone you know through facebook, twitter, pinterest, blogging, email newsletter subscribers, old fashioned mail, and word of mouth.

You can use the Paypal button or mailing address below:

[sdonations]1[/sdonations]

Mailing address is:
P.O. Box 19812
Reno, NV 89511

If we can get 15,000 people or more to donate $1.00 each, that would be a miracle indeed! Or if this blog post lands in front of the exact person that would benefit from hiring me, that would be a miracle too! The miracle of helping us to have a place to live … a home.

Mountains of blessings to everyone who is donating. My eyes are sweating and my heart overflows with love …

In just over week, your sharing and donations have come from and traveled the world. Indiana, Tennessee, Louisiana, Kentucky, Texas, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Illinois, Hawaii, California, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maine, Maryland, Utah, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, Colorado, Kansas, Mississippi, Rhode Island, Missouri, Wisconsin, Arizona, Georgia, Virginia, Wyoming, Canada, United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland, Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand. I thank you from the depths of my soul and cannot wait until I have the opportunity to pay your acts of kindness forward! Thank you to my Jr High School friends, my Mississippi friends, my Chromosome 18 family, my Mississippi family, Nevada friends, facebook friends and people I don’t even know … Oceans of love and hugs to all y’all!!

I KNOW that everything is going to be okay. I KNOW that my kids and I will have the perfect home and living situation for us come January 1st.

I attempt to live my life from a place of love, compassion and non-judgment. If you are moved to help, I send you oceans of blessings and love. If this request for help angers you or brings forth negative feelings, I send you oceans of blessings and love. I don’t do drama. I don’t do confrontation. There is only love in my heart.

If you want to consider your donation as a loan, use my contact page to send me your address and you will receive the money back as I am able to pay. Browse through my blog posts and if you find something useful, perhaps you could consider it a tip for the content I provide.

**If you would like to hire me, check out my Work with Camilla page. I have a Paralegal Degree and 10 years of experience as a paralegal. I have been heavily involved in the digital world and blogging since 2007. I enjoy researching topics, creating solutions and writing about my discoveries. I’ve been involved in the special needs world since Lilian was diagnosed at age 3, back in 2004. My current passion is mindful, inspired and simple living. Perhaps you or someone you know would benefit from hiring someone to research topics and write blog posts?

I recorded a video for those who don’t know me personally …. so you can see the person behind these written words …

In addition, for those who don’t know me, I freely share my life, including my 2 children, via this blog and facebook.

I take Lillian to speech, occupational and physical therapy every Tuesday from 1:45-4:00. We lead a very simple life. We rarely eat out and when we do, it’s considered a wonderful treat! By choice we don’t own a television. We rarely attend events that have a fee. I am wearing the same clothes I’ve had before Lillian was born.

Most newer clothes I own have been gifted to me by friends or my Mom. I haven’t had a haircut in nearly 2 years. Thomas wears hand me downs from the neighbor next door. Bless them to pieces! They have two boys older than Thomas and pass along all of their clothes to us! My Mom and Step-Father help to keep Thomas and Lillian in clothes and shoes that fit them. They outgrow things so quickly!

For our entertainment we go for walks in nature, have outdoor picnics and visit parks. We don’t go on vacations. However, we do attend the yearly Chromosome 18 Conference with the help of grants or sponsorships. I make this into a vacation for us and Thomas and Lillian love it!

We do NOT feel deprived and do NOT feel as if we are missing out. We are HAPPY!

I spent last school year and the year before that working with Thomas to help him through some difficult challenges. I chose to stay focused on helping him so that we could address these challenges now rather than later. Between that and a change made at school, he is doing awesome. He loves school, loves his teacher, and loves learning.

Want to know even more about me before helping to create this miracle?

Read my blog posts here, read the blog posts on the 501(c)3 I founded with the slogan of Different iz Good, read my facebook posts (they are open to the public), visit our YouTube channel, and visit my kids’ websites, Thomas Darnell and Lillian Darnell. Lastly, visit the very first blog Lillian and I penned together titled Pink Elephant Books and our Team TLC website. We call ourselves Team TLC to correspond with the first letter of each of our names. You can also read my book. If you have an Amazon Prime account you can check it out from the Kindle library for free.

Below is an excerpt from my book:

” … Reflecting back, I now see that I do indeed have a vein of courage coursing through me. I know I can count on it to be there when I need to tap into it. In December of 2006, I made the decision to remove myself and my kids from the marriage I had been in for ten years. I was mentally exhausted! It took courage to go against my own morals and values. I believed that when I got married I should and would stay married. It took courage to remove myself and admit I had made a mistake.

The next two years took real courage to get through. It took courage to accept my decision and be at peace with being a single parent; courage to face that all assets and all debts were in my name; and courage to separate myself from my glowing credit score. I faced times when I could no longer pay the bills.

When I could no longer make my car payment, it took courage to have a going away party for our car, instead of the repossession being a somber, dreadful time. You see, when I mentioned to Lillian that someone would be coming to take our car she became upset and sad. She doesn’t like change. She likes things to stay familiar, to just be like they are supposed to be and always have been. I made the decision that we needed to turn this event into a celebration to clear the way for a new chapter. So that’s what we did. The afternoon before the “pick up,” Thomas, Lillian and I wore party hats, baked cookies, and listened to party music while cleaning out our car. We took pictures, we had fun, and all three of us accepted this event with a happy and smiling face.

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows. It’s what the sunflowers do.” – Helen Keller

With Mountains and Oceans of Gratitude,
Team TLC
Thomas, Lillian and Camilla

For Chris Brogan, per the message sent on 12.16.13: