2016 Chromosome 18 Conference – San Antonio

Posted on June 16, 2016 by Camilla

My 14 year old daughter, Lillian, has a genetic deletion called 18p-. She is missing the short arm of her 18th chromosome. Fortunately, there is an organization called The Chromosome 18 Registry & Research Society. They’ve created a portal for all families affected by a chromosome 18 difference to connect and they conduct amazing research that they then share with the families. Incredibly valuable!

I’ve written many posts detailing how this affects her and us as a family … and even wrote a book about it. Here’s the latest two articles I wrote about it that were published by organizations other than me! “Dear Meltdown” published by elephant journal and “The Gift of One” published by the Australian Institute of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

We have been attending the yearly conference hosted by The Registry for about the past 8 years. This year the conference is in San Antonio from July 10-13th. It has become something that Thomas, Lillian’s younger brother, and Lillian and I depend on to allow us that face to face connection with others in similar situations and to learn of the latest research and useful information.

I’ve written a few blog posts after the conference to give others an idea of how meaningful they have become. Journey to Magical Moments – 19th Annual Conference, Why It Matters – 20th Annual Conference, and I Showed Up and Fell in Love.

The anticipation of and the attendance at the conference encourage Lillian to set goals and accomplishing them. At last year’s conference she got in the elevator, went downstairs, and waited in the lobby for friends .. all without my assistance or presence. She used the hand dryer and automatic toilet also. About a week ago she walked across the foot bridge alone, without holding onto my arm. Two days ago she climbed two stairs with holding onto my arm and plans to reach the top of the stairwell before we leave for the conference. All of these are huge accomplishments for her.

For the past 2 years a local nonprofit has helped us attend by paying the registration fee. We just received word today that they are not able to help us this year. The least expensive way for us to get from Reno to San Antonio is to drive, and that’s what we’ll do. We are prepared to take a tent and camp on the way down, if need be.

Every year Thomas and Lillian both want to contribute to getting us to the conference. They come up with their own ideas and offer their creations for sale through each of their websites.

This year Thomas painted rocks, made a painting titled, “Leaf at Sunset”, created a “Nature Adventure Box”, offers prints of the mini-figure photo a day project for sale, and offers his upcoming book, “Grand Adventures of the Biggest Little Photographer”, for pre-order. He also still has the “Random Act of Love” cards he created last year. If you are local to Reno and are a dog owner, Thomas also offers to clean your yard of doggie poop or run errands for you (with me as his assistant).

Lillian is selling prints of an abstract drawing she made titled, Egyptian Eye, a new abstract drawing she created titled, Rainbow of Emotions, and offering to create custom made abstract drawings.

(Rainbow of Emotions – Lillian’s newest creation)

I have the services I offer and my creations. Monies from the sale of these go towards our living expenses first and then towards the conference. My number one main and most important “job” is ensuring that I “raise” two beings who live life from a place of loving-kindness, who retain peace and joy as they age and are grounded in the knowing of their given talents so as to share those talents for the benefit of others.

I single parent the two of them and this is a full time, almost round the clock “job”. It’s not really a job in the traditional sense of the word as I enjoy getting to do this. I am supposed to be doing this. It’s definitely not always easy or fun, yet those un-lovely times are when we are learning the most and making the greatest progress as human beings.

At this point, I’m not sure how we will get to the conference. If it feels right for you and you are moved by any of the items Thomas and Lillian have created, I invite you to support our trip to the conference by visiting their websites. Or, if you’d like an item custom created, let us know by emailing me at CamillaDowns @ gmail dot com or commenting to this post.

If you want to help, yet aren’t able to assist financially, take a look at the routes in this image. Google Maps suggests three different routes. Has anyone out there driven any of these routes, know the road conditions, etc … Need to decide which is the best route. What about campgrounds on any of these routes? Know about any?

Here are the different ways to support our trip if it feels right to you:

Painted Rocks by Thomas
Leaf at Sunset by Thomas
Nature Adventure Set by Thomas
Mini-figure photo a day prints by Thomas
Pre-order “Grand Adventure of the Biggest Little Photographer” by Thomas
Random Act of Love Cards
Services by Thomas (errands and poop scooping – in Reno area) (email me regarding this one)
Egyptian Eye by Lillian
Rainbow of Emotions by Lillian (email regarding this one – picture above)
Custom Abstract Art by Lillian (email me for this one … CamillaDowns @ gmail dot com)
Mystique Boutique (Camilla)
Walk With Me (Camilla)
Buy “D iz for Different” (Camilla)
Custom Poem by Camilla (email regarding this one)
Just Want to Support – Here’s a PayPal link
Offer route suggestions and/or information per the Google map above

Breakdown of the costs for attending The Chromosome 18 Conference July 10th-13th:

Registration for all three of us is $525
Hotel is $175/night (and that’s a reduced rate for our group!) (This is covered!!)
Gas and hotel for round-trip driving (Approximately $660 – could be less if we camp. Estimated fuel costs from fueleconomy.gov)
Food (Approximately $500)

Blessings,

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

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Leaf at Sunset and Nature Box by Thomas

Posted on June 11, 2016 by Camilla

Thomas has been at it again creating items to contribute to getting us to the Chromosome 18 conference this July in San Antonio.

(Thomas’ older sister, Lillian, has 18p-. We plan on driving from Reno as this seems to be the least expensive option. If need be, we will take a tent and camp at campgrounds on the way down. Should take about three or four days. Thanks a million for taking a look at Thomas’ creations!)

I’m selling a painting of a leaf I made with a sunset in the background. (Added by my mom: It is made using recycled materials, acrylic paint, sealant, and made ready to hang.) Here’s a picture of it:

I am asking for at least $20 (plus $5 for shipping if you are not local to Reno). I’ll leave the final price open to you. Please use this PayPal link and enter your amount.

I’m also selling a nature adventures set. Here’s a picture of it, along with ideas of what to do with it. (Mom added this: The possibilities of how to use this set is only limited by your imagination. You can also add your own pieces to it. Hand painted and decorated storage container made using recycled materials.)

The above picture is of insects enjoying a campfire.

The above picture is of a game of bowling.

The above picture is of a soccer game.

The above is a photo of what’s included in the set.

The above picture is the hand painted storage container made by recycling materials.

(Added by Mom: Please note this set is not intended for infants or toddlers or those who will place the items in their mouth.)

I am asking for at least $20 (plus $5 for shipping if you are not local to Reno). I’ll leave the final price open to you. Please use this PayPal link and enter your amount.

And last but not least, I’m selling prints of the mini-figure 365 Photo A Day series.

(Added by my mom: You will receive an 8 X 10 print on high quality paper. The photo series is currently being made into a book! These are being sold as part of pre-ordering the book. Tentatively titled Grand Adventures of the Biggest Little Photographer. Visit this link to learn more.)

If you have any questions, please comment here or email my mom at CamillaDowns @ gmail . com …

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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Writing Prompt: Rhymes With Shed

Posted on June 1, 2016 by Camilla

On Monday, May 30, 2016 I began 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 3 – Captivating Your Senses ….

Today, use all of your senses to paint a word picture. Pick an everyday item. Describe it using five visual descriptions (what does it look like?), four tactile descriptions (how does it feel?), three audial descriptions (how does it sound?), two olfactory descriptions (how does it smell?) and one description about how it might taste.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Rhymes With Shed

Describe it:

Rectangular
Comfortable
Colorful
Inviting
Big

Tactile Description:

Soft
Hard
Smooth
Dense

Audial Description:

Quiet
Soothing
Squeaky

Olfactory Description:

Clean
Crisp

Taste:

Sensual

Any guesses of what everyday item I just described? If so, comment here and let me know. 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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Go here to subscribe to my blog to ensure you receive new posts delivered straight to your inbox! Right here!

Egyptian Eye by Lillian Darnell

Posted on May 30, 2016 by Camilla

My 14 year-old daughter, Lillian Darnell, is selling prints of her artwork, The Egyptian Eye, to help raise money for us to attend The Chromosome 18 Conference this July in San Antonio, Texas.

Please enjoy this poem she created to accompany the drawing.

Triangular prisms sprout rainbows
From the tip of a triangle, triangles peak everywhere
Amazing colorful teeth pointing toward a catchy circle
It is an Egyptian Beauty!

To learn more about Lillian, the Chromosome 18 Conference, or to support her, go here.

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.

Latest Articles:

Go here to subscribe to my blog to ensure you receive new posts delivered straight to your inbox! Right here!

Walk With Me – A New Offering

Posted on May 10, 2016 by Camilla

“When we are with Nature, we are awake, and we discover many interesting things and reach many a mark we are not aiming at.” ~John Muir

For the past 17 years I have been going for walks. What started out as an activity simply to satisfy my desire to be active; turned into a ritual for healing, releasing, discovering my authentic self, and connecting with nature.

I offer to you unique one of a kind “Walk With Me” sessions. 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 “Walk With Me” session.

Is a “Walk With Me” session right for you?

Take a few minutes to get to know me by going here and then perhaps reading some of my writings by going here. Do you get a resounding “Yes”?
Do you feel you are living life too much from your head and not enough from your heart?
Do you feel confused about what you are supposed to be DOing?
Do you question what your given talents are and how to express them?
Do you hesitate with trusting yourself?
Do you feel guilty for taking steps that are in tune with your intuition?
Do you feel there are habits, fears, beliefs, ideas, and thoughts that need to be released?
Do you wish to allow more of what brings you joy and release all else?
Do you want to maintain and sustain mindfulness?
Do you want to learn how to use emotional connection to release and shed what no longer serves?
Do you want to know how to introduce nature connection, mindfulness, and emotional connection to your kids?

If you answered, “yes”, then let’s go on walkabout! Go here to contact me with any questions.

Each persons session is tailored, therefore no two sessions will look the same. In addition, no two sessions will be alike for those partaking in multiple sessions.

These sessions are not guided hikes by any means. We simply go for a short walkabout in domestic nature with an attitude of open curiosity. We have so many parks and lakes with trails in this wonderful area.

This is about connecting you with nature. It’s about allowing the love and beauty of nature to guide you in healing, shifting, releasing, and discovering what you already know within. It’s also about allowing nature to reflect your beauty back to you.

I guide you in connecting with nature paired with mindfulness and emotional connection to open your awareness. Although our time spent talking before and after the walkabout will have a purpose; our time walking will be slow and seemingly with no purpose.

I also ask that you bring some sort of camera as we may take pictures for you to use in reflecting back to the experience. We also may stop for a few minutes to draw and write.

“I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.”~John Muir

(Picture of me at Washoe Lake in Nevada – April 2016 … Wheee!)

“Nature is everywhere – in our backyards, schoolyards, city parks, and farmlands. Indeed, nature is quite literally everything, from stars and galaxies to planet Earth and the stuff in you. Simply being in the presence of natural landscapes tends to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Such experiences lower mental fatigue and boost mental clarity while enhancing both work performance and healing.” ~Scott D. Sampson

Sessions hosted at my location in the South Meadows/Damonte Ranch/Virginia Foothills area of Reno, Nevada are $58 – $118 and last between one to two hours. All other areas of Reno or Sparks are an additional flat $25.

If you don’t have questions and know you’re ready, go here to secure a “Walk With Me” session by placing a $58 deposit. Once received, we will be in contact to obtain further details and schedule your walkabout. Use this Paypal link to secure your session.

“It is in vain to dream of a wildness distant from ourselves. There is none such. It is the bog in our brains and bowels, the primitive vigor of Nature in us, that inspires that dream. I shall never find the wilds of Labrador any greater wildness than in some recess of Concord.” ~Henry David Thoreau

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.

Latest Articles:

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Soul Art – Rocks and Words

Posted on May 7, 2016 by Camilla

As you may have noticed from reading my posts over the years, I have been, and still am, on a journey to listening to and trusting myself and inner nudges. Or, if you’re new here, take a look around and you’ll see what I mean.

This is one of the results. May you enjoy …

Hand picked and hand painted rocks. This may be the only time I do this, yet, it may be the first of many times.

Each is hand painted with acrylic, signed, dated, and sealed with gloss finish.

Each also comes with a one of a kind poem written by me. The poems and words are directly from the heart and written to pair with the rock. Each is handwritten on recycled/reclaimed materials with a string for hanging.

Much love and heart energy goes into each one.

You will know if one is speaks to you and is meant for you.

Below Rock is SOLD ($45).

The Beauty of Blossoms

Your beauty is strong.
Your beauty entices me from the deep sleep of letting life live me.
Your beauty shines the light on my heart
Your beauty encourages and sustains whole heartedness.
Your beauty imparts strength and courage.
Your beauty is love. ~Camilla Downs May 2016

Below Rock is SOLD ($25).

The Fragrance of Lilac

The fragrance you release is light, colorful, and full of joy.
I stand next to you
I lean in closer
I gently wrap my hand around you
I pull you close
I breathe in and am transported to the heavens within us both.
I smile.
I slowly release you and pull away.
And I saunter away remembering and knowing.
Your fragrance, my fragrance.
We are both love. ~Camilla Downs May 2016

Below Rock is SOLD ($35).

The Path of Forgiveness

It’s there
Sometimes we’re not aware
The path is littered with debris
of circumstances never fully acknowledged.
And as we are ready to clean
and clear the path
We see …
Forgiveness as the door.
The door to freedom,
The catalyst for healing,
The light beneath the darkness.
Awareness as the knob that opens the door.
A knob turned by the heart of one
giving and receiving forgiveness.
At times we may wish we had not chosen
to clear the littered path
Yet, once acknowledged and accepted
We are free to see clearly
that obstacles have been removed
And we allow a path
of peace, love, and freedom. ~Camilla Downs May 2016

Below Rock is SOLD ($35).

The Love of Tree

Your silhouette soaks into my soul
and stirs creativity to an unbounded place.
I am lifted by your limbs.
I become anointed with the knowing of given talents.
The knowing and conviction of trusting myself.
Your love lightens the load.
What no longer serves is lifted and transmuted by your strength
to float away with the wind.
When I depart your presence, I leave different than I arrived.
I depart on limbs of love. ~Camilla Downs May 2016

Below Rock is SOLD ($45).

$45 – SOLD

$45 – SOLD

The Journey

A persons journey is never the same as another
With twists and turns and roads less traveled
Smooth at times, bumpy at others.
We begin this journey from our common home
And we travel to far away distant lands
In search of something we think we’ve lost
Only to realize that it was never really lost.
It was simply buried beneath ideas we assumed as our own
And buried beneath beliefs that soaked deep into our cells.
So we each travel our own journey home
And although our journeys are unique
Our destination is the same.
Ultimately, we all reach the destination
A destination reached at different times for each person.
We are welcomed to a home we never really departed
Welcomed into love’s embrace. ~Camilla Downs May 2016

~~Go here to see pricing and to order.~~ I shared these on facebook as a preview and they all sold before this even posted.

If you would like to be notified when there are additional soulful creations, leave a message at the bottom of this post or contact me here. Stay tuned …

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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Painted Rocks By Thomas

Posted on May 4, 2016 by Camilla

My 10 year old son, Thomas, had been asking me what he could do to help support our trip to the Chromosome 18 Conference this July 2016 in San Antonio, Texas and to also help with day to day things.

I told him to do something that brings him joy and happiness and something he enjoys doing. He chose to paint rocks!

As he was painting them, he described his thoughts as he was holding and painting the rock. I suggested he include that information as a message with that particular rock.

He is selling them for between $10 – $15. If you are moved and it feels right, please visit his blog post titled, Painted Rocks by Thomas. Oceans of thanks to you! 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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Go here to subscribe to my blog to ensure you receive new posts delivered straight to your inbox! Right here!

Photo a Day for 365 Days – Thomas’ One Year Anniversary

Posted on March 11, 2016 by Camilla

He was 8 years old when he began and 9 years old when he completed the project. This was all his idea. Says he was inspired by reading an article that one of my friends forwarded to us.

For ONE entire year of his life, Thomas took and posted one photo a day on instagram of LEGO® photographer man taking a photo. In the first few months there were times he wanted to quit. I gave him that option and described for him how it would feel to accomplish this … He chose to keep going.

On March 6, 2015 he posted the last photo! Congratulations Thomas! You GO!! xoxo LEGO man is so happy he’s kicking up a leg!

From Thomas’ last post on instagram … “LEGO MANS FACE!!!!! I can’t believe I’ve made it to this point. Last year I ordered some LEGO pieces including a camera. Then @CamillaDowns showed me an article about somebody who did a photo a day for a year. I said “Can I do that?” That was a year ago, and I’ve took photos EVERY SINGLE DAY! There was a lot of times I wanted to quit, but my intuition said not to! Thanks for all of you who have followed me from there to here! I will still post often, so don’t worry!! P.S. I purposely never showed is face to make it somewhat a mystery.”

And the big reveal of LEGO man’s face. Here are the last 4 days and the one of a happy LEGO man.

To view all of the photos visit Thomas’ instagram account. There are only a few in the feed that aren’t part of the project.

Now for the next phase. We make this into a book. Not just a memento for him, but an authentic book that others can buy too. I committed to Thomas that if he stuck with it for the entire year, we would make it into a book. Time for me to fulfill that commitment!

The final book will possibly include LEGO history, descriptions for some or all of the photographs, bloopers along the way, and some interesting tidbits that occurred.

Here’s a sample: Thomas is missing 3 or 4 photos so in reality he only has about 361 photos. He did take 365. However, when he attended residential summer break camp in 2014, electronic devices were not allowed. We bought a disposable digital camera and he used that for the pictures. Not too long after camp we moved and somehow in the mess of packing and unpacking the camera got lost!

We will begin the process of getting permission from the businesses and other entities that appear in some of the photographs. In the meantime, we’ll put together a sample book for Thomas and for all of you.

Would you be interested in helping the book become reality? The goal is to have it professionally edited and set in the most aesthetic way.

We welcome your suggestions or assistance in your area of expertise. You can also donate here to support this project. Donate any amount your heart desires. Donations of $50 or more will receive a signed book and an 8 X 10 print of your favorite photo from the collection. Donations processed through PayPal.

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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Go here to subscribe to my blog to ensure you receive new posts delivered straight to your inbox! Right here!

Your Intuition Knows What To Write

Posted on February 5, 2016 by Camilla

“Your intuition knows what to write, so get out of the way.” – Ray Bradbury

I was given the wonderful opportunity to guest post on 2 Dream Productions’ blog about why I write and what led to the writing of my first book, “D iz for Different”.

Here’s an excerpt:

“How Purging the Garage Led to Writing a Book

Call it intuition. Call it my gut. Whatever it’s called, there is something inside of me compelling me to write. Sometimes gently, other times strongly, it nudges me saying, “You’ve just got to share that.” I fought this feeling for a long time, thinking I had nothing meaningful to contribute. At this point in my life, I know that the treasure lying within me, the one I am to share with humanity, is my view of everyday life. I most often share this through writing.

Sometimes I question myself with thoughts of, “What are you doing? Why are you wasting time on this? Who cares what you think? Who cares what happened with you today?” These thoughts can be very discouraging and cause me to doubt myself. However, time and time again, I magically and miraculously receive confirmation that what I’m doing and the path I have chosen is inspiring and helpful to others. These powerful, undeniable moments cause my fears and hesitation to disappear.

My writing journey started …. ” (Go here to read more.)

Head on over and check out 2 Dream Productions if you are an author or aspiring author!

2 Dream Productions, Inc. is a book publicist company that specializes in working with authors and publishers to get more publicity for their books, brands and products.

Blessings,

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

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Happy Birthday to Me 2016

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Camilla

It’s my birthday month! February 26th will mark the beginning of my 46th year of living, learning, and loving in our beautiful paradise of a world.

I feel moved to celebrate in a different way this month. I am moved to share, give, and to allow myself to receive. Although I’m not in a position to give financially; I do want to honor this inner urge. I can give my time. I can spread loving-kindness and I can show my gratitude for BEing alive!

I have books! During the month of February, I’m offering 2 for the price of 1 for “D iz for Different”. You can email to CamillaDowns (@) gmail (dot) com if you’re interested.

“Sometimes we don’t need advice. Sometimes we don’t even need to talk. Sometimes we just need an authentic and loving hug.” -Me

I’m also planning to give free hugs on Friday, February 26th. I’m not sure of the location or exact time yet. I’ll be accepting hugs too! If you don’t need a hug, you can stop by and give me one! Stay tuned to facebook. I’ll post the time and location as it gets closer. If you don’t use facebook, you can email at the address above.

Lastly, I open my arms wide and face the big, beautiful sky. I say, “I welcome the blessings and answered prayers being sent ……. And, I allow myself to receive with grateful wholeheartedness.”

Happy Birthday to ME!

Blessings,

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

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Camilla Downs

Soul Writer

Category Archives: News and Events

2016 Chromosome 18 Conference – San Antonio

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Leaf at Sunset and Nature Box by Thomas

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Writing Prompt: Rhymes With Shed

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Egyptian Eye by Lillian Darnell

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Walk With Me – A New Offering

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Soul Art – Rocks and Words

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Painted Rocks By Thomas

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Photo a Day for 365 Days – Thomas’ One Year Anniversary

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Your Intuition Knows What To Write

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Happy Birthday to Me 2016

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