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Walk With Me – Journey to the Center of My Soul

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Recently, I had the experience of one of my 40 minute meditation sessions feeling like it was only 5 minutes. I am always in awe when that happens. I find it incredibly magical … xoxo

Afterwards I wrote this; which will be the opening for my next book (Go here for information about my first book). Sharing this sneak peak with all of you … It’s still in rough draft status; yet, I was moved to share. Perhaps someone needs to see a word or two from this …

Walk with Me
Journey to the Center of My Soul

I had a choice to make.

I could choose not to even go near or open the door that would lead to the awakening of my true self. I could continue living life as I had been, seemingly happy and seemingly enjoying life.

Or I could choose to open that golden, larger than life door. The magical door that would lead the way to truly living life. A life of feeling all there is to feel – every single bit of it. A life of strapping into the gigantic see-saw of this path and riding my way through pain, despair, sadness, unhappiness, joy, peace, love, and bliss.

I did it. And I did it ever so gently. There was no transcendental moment with angels singing and everyone welcoming me. Well, maybe not in this dimension anyway.

I made the choice of the magical, golden door. So began the journey to the Center of my Soul.

Little did I know that once I entered through the door’s archway, and closed it behind me; that there would be no turning back. No matter how many times and how deeply I thought I wanted to turn back during this journey; I could not un-know what I was beginning to Know.

I strolled through that doorway thinking it would be easy and that I could control this the way I thought I controlled the rest of my life. Eventually, I learned that life is not something to be controlled. Living life is to let go and let it happen. Let go; yet take action when intuitively and heart inspired. Take action minus the need for controlling and minus attachment to the outcome.

This has been, and continues to be, a journey of opening my heart. A heart that closed as a very young child; perhaps even a heart that had been closed for many lifetimes. Every book I’ve read, movie I’ve watched, date day taken with my kids, every healer that I’ve worked with, and every walk taken has been in perfect timing to lead me to the next step of opening my heart.

I ultimately arrived at the place of knowing I was to love whatever comes into my experience. I haven’t always known what that meant. I thought I did. I did not understand how one is to “love” whatever is happening, or whatever one is feeling.

I now get that life is not here to fulfill me. I am here to fulfill life. There are absolutely days when I forget all of this. I’m still traveling this path. I fall back into old habits. Yet, the more I remember to love whatever is happening, the more my heart opens and the more I am able to share the One Love with all.

This also entailed letting go of my need to be bothered and to be upset by others and situations. Letting it go, by loving it as it came into my experience. This meant loving the un-lovely feelings that bubble forth during these times.

Loving the feelings absolutely does not mean to pour positivity over them and squish them back down to the place from which they came forth. It means simply, telling yourself over and over, “I love you”, to your own heart. And it means letting yourself physically feel these un-lovely feelings. It is truly amazing and life shifting to do this for oneself.

As a young girl my favorite and most loved fairy tale was the one where the down trodden princess was finally seen and loved for who she is by a dashing prince. And then this dashing prince whisks her away to her hearts delight wherein she lives life the way she chooses, forever in joy and peace and fun. I carried this with me into adulthood.

Now as I look back on this, I can see I was waiting for life to fulfill me. I see I was waiting for some “other” to see me, love me, tell me I am worthy, tell me they believe in me, and tell me they are sorry for wrongs done to me. And then for this other to place me in the perfect situation wherein I could control life and have experiences that would not take me out of my comfort zone.

Traveling this path of opening my heart, I have learned that we all need these words spoken to us by those closest to us and those not close to us alike. Yet, as importantly, we also need to speak these words to our self. Especially when we did not hear them as a child; or heard them very little during our young and tender years.

And, most especially when we are having unlovely experiences and feelings. That’s when we need it most. The more we do this for our self, the more our heart opens. And, the more our heart opens the more we come to realize that life’s journey is not about life fulfilling us. It is about us fulfilling life and sharing love in the way we came forth to share.

I invite you to walk with me through these pages. Walking, being in nature, and writing have been the magical ingredients for alchemizing experiences as I travel this path. Let’s go.

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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Happy Birthday Lillian Darnell – Deepest Wishes for a Joyful 17th Trip Around the Sun

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September 14 2018:

My Dearest Lillian,

I wish for you the happiest of birthdays. 
I wish for you a joyful and peaceful 17th trip around the sun.
I wish for you all the experiences
That your heart desires.

Walks with you, I truly treasure.
Creating art with you, I truly Treasure.
Laughing and being silly with You, I truly treasure.

May strength, courage, peace and kindness be with you Always and forever ….
As will my Love.

I Love You!! Camilla
Mom
xoxo
(Message in Lillian’s birthday card)

My Dearest Lillian Darnell,

I am incredibly happy for you with how far you’ve come in your life. From those wee itty bitty 4 pounds and 5 ounces to the mighty powerful creator you have grown into …. Grown into physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Your Knowing of what you want to experience in your life and letting that be Known are incredibly inspiring to me. You Know that you want to continue to write and create more stories and books. You Know that you want to travel and write about that also.

I am deeply sorry that I’m not able to facilitate the traveling portion of your Knowing. I know that both you and Thomas wish to travel more than our once a year trip to the annual Chromosome 18 conference. I, too, vision us traveling to the beautiful places we’ve all taken the time to list. We shall have this as our Team TLC goal. We shall get to this place eventually. I Know we will.

You have come great lengths in recognizing when your emotions have flared and I’m grateful that you tell me afterwards that something I did or said or a conversation we had caused you to get emotional. Noticing this is THE most important aspect of learning how to process emotions! What a GREAT accomplishment!!

I cannot wait to be a part of your 17th trip around the Sun. I look forward to this exciting time and am ever grateful that you and I chose one another for this grand adventure!!

Love you forever and always and throughout all times and dimensions,

Camilla
Mom
xoxo

Lillian and I had a full day of celebrating. We began the day with presents and gluten free chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting. Then to Wilbur May Arboretum and after that french fries and dessert.

Next up was an online live facebook birthday party! We ended the date after a dinner at home by going shopping for a new pair of sunglasses and sealing the celebrations with a visit to the pool and hot tub.

If you’re interested in seeing the amazing pictures from Lillian’s special day, go here.

Happy Happy 17th Birthday to Lillian Darnell and Lillian and Camilla September 2018 Date Day

And for past birthday celebrations go here.

Poetry: The Dance of Lillian – Happy 16th Birthday

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.

Latest Articles:
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A Guidebook to Navigate the Universe: An Interview with the Author of Becoming One with the Universe

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Welcome everyone to a very special interview with Al Duncan, author of “Becoming One with the Universe”.  Here’s a bit about the book:

In essence, it is a guidebook to assist in navigating the tougher aspects of life, with the vantage of authentic life experience. Trusting the process of life and the mysterious ways of the Universe.

You want inspiration on your next step in life? To delve into the deeper meanings of this journey and experience a paradigm shift of perspective in tune with the Universe. To feel a kindred spirit resonation that authentically interconnects to your own journey.

This book has profound, insightful, intriguing, funny, mystical, magical reminders immersed with a colorful journey intertwined with wise guidance to awaken us to a more loving way of perceiving and living life. Readers have deemed this a must-read book. A paradigm shifter. Answers on every page. A guidebook to be called upon for inspiring reminders throughout the journey.

Camilla: What inspired you to write ‘Becoming One With the Universe’?

Al: What I believed to be a curse, was a blessing in disguise. At the age of 13 a health issue led me to crossing paths with a very wise loving woman. She was an ordinary person that lived and loved from an extraordinary place. Unbeknown to the younger version of myself I embarked on an “apprenticeship” of learning and remembering the mystical mysteries of life from a Universal perspective. However it wasn’t to be a mere crossing of paths. 20 years would roll on past. I embarked on a road less travelled where I was awoken to deeper truths about life. A passing of knowledge, wisdom, and unconditional love was gifted as an inspirational baton of light. The choice would be mine as to whether I would decide to continue to share the message in my own way.

My loving mentor’s shock departure of these Earthly realms causing a deep grieving process. However, in time it also triggered a spark of divinity within me that caused a rising up to develop self-belief to overcome my own fears. Self-doubt haunted me with “who am I “ to share such a powerful message. My soul’s purpose would not rest. There was a gentle inner insistence that I was to stand authentically to courageously pass the baton of light of love to others that I had been privileged to receive.

After winning an “internal battle” I chose to step up. It wasn’t just about Al. I deeply wanted to honor my mentors life and teachings, my own journey and purpose. At times all I could do was simply keep going. One step after another sometimes precarious step. I came to believe my soul purpose is to inspire others. Before I did this it was paramount to me that I could demonstrate that I deeply live this stuff. I wanted to give readers a feeling of authenticity that resonated a soulful truth.

Camilla: What are the main messages readers are taking away from the book?

Al: A stronger belief in self.

A sense that they are being guided and to trust this process implicitly.

That we are all gifted in our own way, and all have a purpose and something unique to offer the world.

We are all divinely connected.

Trusting the process of life on all levels is key to relaxing into life.

What is wrong for one journey is perfectly right for another.

Life is magical if we believe it to be. It’s not so if we don’t.

Comfort zones only hold us back from truly experiencing this incredible gift of life.

We can handle anything in life. We already have proof of this.

The Universe is always communing with us all, via signs, reminders, reflections, synchronicities, “coincidences”, and all who cross our path.

Letting go is easier than holding on in the long run.

Every experience is a gift to cherish, learn from and remember a deeper truth.

Gratitude is the ultimate expression to draw more of the desired experiences into our lives as well as being a valuable tool for perceiving the gold in “the perceived not so good experiences”

All dreams are possible once we let go of what has, but no longer serves us.

Love is the answer. World Peace is possible.

Camilla: Tell us about the title of the book and the cover image. How were they decided upon and what inspired each?

Al: When the manuscript of the book was first finished a select small group of people read it. The general consensus was the messages within the book has been divinely guided by the Universe. Hence, using Universe in the title became paramount.

Since we are all on a journey returning to Love, the words “Becoming one with the Universe” resonated.

The cover images are photos I took myself on a simple smart phone. It seemed more potent to have personalised photos used to match my energy within the insights and words of the book.

The single white feather is very significant. When Anne (my mentor died), my ex-partner handed me a single white feather. Anne had bequeathed her Naturopathic materials and other bits and pieces. Among these were the feather.  Anne used to say to me when I was struggling; “You know why angels can fly Al? Because they take themselves lightly.”

The sunset (and footprints) on the rear of the book is a time I believe to be a brilliant time for reflection.

Camilla: What final message would you like to share?

Al: I’ve been through it. At many stages of the journey wanting not only to give up, but wanting out of life.

The message the Dalia Lama delivers of “never giving up” is incredibly important in honouring this gift of life and ourselves.

I had no idea I would have the confidence, the resilience, and courage to write a book with the intention to inspire others to live their lives authentically, with intentional purpose and that they deserved to be happy, to love and be loved.

My challenge was to deeply believe in myself. So I say to you; Give yourself permission to let go of all that does not serve you and choose to dream big, believe in yourself and follow your passionate dreams.

Al Duncan is an authentic, inspirational writer with a unique style that deeply resonates. An ordinary person, with an intriguing journey. His challenge was believing in himself, and moving out of his comfort zones was where he overcame his fears.

His meandering journey has seen him involved in motorcycle gangs, Greenpeace, youth mentoring, a natural intuitive life coach, and a prolific intrepid traveler. His entire journey gifted him the courage, trust in self and the Universe to purposely share his magic as a writer for the Universe.

He speaks from the heart of experience with a depth that is soulful. His insights are an enlightening reminder of what is truly important on this mysterious journey called life.

To connect further with Al, please visit his website at http://www.alduncanauthor.com/.

Praise for “Becoming One With the Universe”:

Loved it! This has been one of the most inspirational books that I have read in a long time. It really has been life changing. It came at a time when I was going through some of the challenges that are thoroughly covered in the book. There is a chapter on boundaries, which is probably the best I’ve read so far. I have been a member of Alanon, and have read a lot on boundaries, and co dependency. The book is filled with humor as well! – Christy Church

This book is a treasure of Truth, Enlightenment and Awareness. I have yet to digest the whole book but encourage anyone who is on the path of awakening to get this book! – Lisa R.

Beautiful and uplifting on so many levels.Comforting but at that same challenging.Familiar but giving depth and inviting the reader to ask the questions of oneself. A must read for those on the ascension journey at whatever stage. Mr Duncan managed to balance sharing his story with humour and grace alongside clear processes and inspiration to find a way back to the heart and living from it… –Karen Howieson

If you are on a journey of self discovery and authentic enlightenment then this wonderfully crafted book is an absolute must have. Al so eloquently offers his beautiful life experiences to all who are searching for guidance and for unconditional support. His words of wisdom come from a place of utmost love and will fill you with peace and comfort. So many of his experiences are exactly what so many of us are going through right now. His words have resonated with me deeply and I am so thankful for his guidance on my personal journey. I’m still learning more on each subsequent read. -LeeAnn

If you are on a spiritual journey, please read, re-read, reopen any page at any time and you will always find some very inspirational ideas, in such a depth, and with so much truth, that it all makes sense. This book, my bible, makes you think, question, realise, laugh… and anything in between… such a unique and beautiful writing! -Sophie

Most inspiring!! Increased MY AWARENESS by AL’S insight. A journey through the universal mind and expands the capacity to experience life from much more than mere money can buy!! I highly recommend this fabulous book!! A journey I thoroughly enjoyed. -Amanda

This JOURNEY from the MIND to the SOUL IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL and HEART expanding I HAVE taken in ALONG time!!
Exciting, expanding and inspiring read! I highly recommend this fabulous book! -Anonymous

You can learn more and purchase “Becoming One With the Universe” by going HERE.

*This interview contains Amazon affiliate links.

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

Amazing news! My 16 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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The Path of the Heart Will Emerge – The Urban Howl

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June 2 2018:

Much gratitude to The Urban Howl for publishing another of my writings …

“Know this.
When riddled with questions,
plagued by confusion,
and held hostage by anxiety,
this is not of the heart.

Distractions, these are,
to cover the message
of the heart,
to prevent one
following the
path of the heart.”

Let Go — The Path Of The Heart Will Emerge

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

Amazing news! My 16 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.

And my book published in 2012, D iz for Different – One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance; which reached #2 in the Self-Help Category and #1 in Special Needs Parenting on Amazon.

Latest Articles:
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Summer Solstice Gratitude in Action with Tania Marie

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Sunset Walk Vintage Lake 5.28.18 #2

I’ve just finished being a part of a “summer solstice gratitude in action” challenge organized by the beautiful Tania Marie. It began June 11th and ended yesterday, June 21st. Thought I’d share publicly as it was wonderful to take part. Thank you for organizing this Tania! You can read more about Tania’s reason for this by going here …

Summer Solstice Gratitude Giveaway

June 11 2018:

Gratitude in Action

I Am Grateful:

  1. For a nurturing and wonderful night’s sleep. I have such busy days that sleeping good at night is a true blessing!
  2. That my kindness meter kicks into high gear with perfect timing as it just feels better to be kind and patient instead of grumpy and inpatient.
  3. That Lillian got to spend 2 weeks with my Mom and step-father. I truly needed respite and she needed a break too!
  4. That I got to see my younger brother after not having seen him for 13 years. Time and going within heals old wounds.
  5. That there are kind and trusting people in our condo community who have me cat or dog walk for them. This eases financial pressure considerably.
  6. For those who share loving kindness by way of contributing to Lillian’s latest fundraiser. It is allowing us to attend the annual Chromosome 18 family conference that is held every year.
  7. For the loving kindness and support of my mom and Frank as it provides relief and respite.
  8. That we all (Team TLC, The Romano Duo, and my brother, Robert) took a sunset walk as it was a beautiful and peaceful time for us to experience together.
  9. That I have confronted my fear of “asking” as it benefits the one I have asked and myself for giving and receiving are one in the same.
  10. For the doggie kisses that Yonce gives to me (one of the dogs I get to walk) as I relish the unconditional loves she showers on me.

Giving in Action

As Thomas and I were making our way out of the parking lot, headed to take him to camp, we came across a mom having difficulties backing out of her parking spot due to a construction vehicle partially obstructing the path. I noticed the driver of the vehicle was not offering to guide her safely to backing out of her space. I placed my car in park, got out, told her I would guide her. And, I did just that. We were running late; yet, that did not even matter. I could sense her frustration and confusion and I wanted to help.

June 12 2018:

Gratitude in Action

I Am Grateful:

  1. For conversations and connections with others as we all bless one another.
  2. For my meditation practice as it teaches me patience, peace, and acceptance.
  3. For dancing as it inspires me.
  4. For fun music as it inspires me too.
  5. For nice long showers as I find showers incredibly refreshing.
  6. For dark chocolate because it’s so Yum.
  7. For rainbows because they are magical.
  8. For wonderful, moving, and enlightening books to read.
  9. For cameras as it helps me capture the beauty of nature, animals, and people.
  10. For beautiful Mother Nature as she is my confidant.

Giving in Action

Thomas attended Wilderness Camp today. At drop off, a family had their pet pig with them with a cute little leash. This amazing fellow, Pixel, had such a beautiful and joyful energy. Watching his little tail wag with joy brought me so much joy. He even sniffed my toes with his cute little snout!! During afternoon pick up, I told the dad, “Thank you for bringing him with you for everyone to enjoy. He has a beautiful energy.” I hope he’s there tomorrow!

June 13 2018:

Gratitude in Action

I Am Grateful:

  1. For a much needed soak in the hot tub as it is soothing to the muscles.
  2. For a nice cool swim in a gorgeous swimming pool as being in the water is inspiring and indescribably good.
  3. For having plenty of delicious and healthy food to eat.
  4. For my soft plush robe as it’s comforting and comfortable.
  5. For opportunities as they help me keep going.
  6. For fans on hot summer days.
  7. For air conditioners on really hot summer days.
  8. For candles as they are magical.
  9. For incense as the smells are soothing and inspiring.
  10. For smiles as it causes another to smile.

Giving in Action

I bought Thomas a special sandwich for his lunch tomorrow at camp.

June 14 2018:

Gratitude in Action

I Am Grateful:

  1. To the Great Basin Institute for giving Thomas a scholarship to attend camp this week as he doesn’t get to participate in many activities due to my lack of funds.
  2. To trees that provide a cool shade on a hot summer day because it just feels so delightful.
  3. for peppermint tea as it soothes the body and senses.
  4. for Nature … time spent in nature and the soothing and invigorating effects.
  5. for my mindfulness and meditation practice for I received an email that caused me to get sick to my stomach. If not for these practices and nature I would not have processed it in the healthy way that I did in just a few hours.
  6. for fresh fruit, specifically, cantaloupe. Had some today and it was extreme yum!
  7. for my two kids, Thomas and Lillian, as they have taught me and continue to teach me more than I could have ever imagined and dreamed.
  8. for friends who I can send a message beginning with, “something told me to email you or your name came to mind”, and it is clear afterwards why.
  9. for listening to internal messages as they prove to be the Way of Knowing.
  10. for the anticipation of planned events as it’s simply a layer of frosting on the cake of life.

Giving in Action

I ran into another resident as I was headed to take a dog for a walk. I invited her to walk along with me. When we parted; she said thank you and chatting with me always uplifts her.

June 15 2018:

Gratitude in Action

I Am Grateful:

  1. for my laptop computer – that it keeps on going after 9 years!
  2. for quiet alone time as it soothes my soul
  3. for the way nature speaks to us as I am deeply moved when I’m in a place of listening.
  4. for fresh squeezed orange juice because it’s just so yummy!
  5. for the ease of texting as it makes some things simpler.
  6. for stretching the body and muscles for the release it provides.
  7. for dancing to my favorite music because it inspires me.
  8. for dried seaweed because it’s so yummy and filling.
  9. for crayons, colored pencils, and paints for which to create fun and beautiful heartwork.
  10. for the fresh and alive feeling after a long shower.

Giving in Action

I let a friend treat me to lunch without feeling guilty about it. I gave her a grateful, “Thank you!”

June 16 2018:

Gratitude in Action

I Am Grateful:

  1. for good, healthy food and the way it lifts the soul.
  2. for fresh ginger cause it soothes an unhappy tummy.
  3. for kleenex to blow my nose as it just feels much better than paper towels or toilet paper! HA!
  4. for pencils. I love writing with pencils.
  5. for computers as it allows me to share creative ideas, writings, and photography.
  6. for gazpacho because to tastes so good! So refreshing!
  7. for frozen wild blueberries as I adore adding them to a bowl of cereal and the way it freezes the almond milk a bit.
  8. for dried fruit because it’s like eating candy! YUM!
  9. for lamps as I love the comfy, cozy feeling of a lamp illuminating a corner.
  10. for movie night with my kids as it’s been a tradition since they were wee little ones.

Giving in Action

Thomas and I went to dinner at a Pay-What-You-Can Cafe at the Reno Buddhist Center’s Blue Moon Cafe. The theme was “A Taste of India” and it was so delicious! All money collected stays with the Center.

June 17 2018:

Gratitude in Action

I Am Grateful:

  1. for a resilient body as I had a bad fall last night and am thankful for a mostly healthy body.
  2. for ice and cold packs to soothe an injured body.
  3. for a cool breeze that lightly brushes across the body.
  4. for a summer rain to wash away irritants and cool things off and begin anew.
  5. for pancakes and maple syrup for breakfast because it’s so YUMMY.
  6. for my comfortable sheets and bed because it just feels good.
  7. for a son that trusts me in a way to confide in me something huge and it blesses my soul.
  8. for friendly neighbors as it makes for a pleasant living environment.
  9. for our car, Rosey, as she continues to get us the places we need and want to go.
  10. for a yummy refreshing salad because it just pleases my tummy!

Giving in Action

After making a purchase at a store that only has plastic bags, I declined the bag and put my item in my purse.

June 18 2018:

Gratitude in Action

I Am Grateful:

  1. for friends who truly see me, truly know me, and love me.
  2. for fresh pineapple cause it’s so good!!
  3. for date days with my kids as its been a tradition since they were one year old and holds deep meaning for us. (They are 12 and 16 now.)
  4. for head rubs. Cause. Head rubs. Ahhhhhhhh …..
  5. for vegan cheese …. So Yum!!
  6. for the apple carrot vegan muffin I had for lunch as it was so delicious.
  7. for essential oils and the healing and uplifting they bring.
  8. for opportunities to share loving kindness because it just feels good.
  9. for the quick ability to research using the internet because it’s convenient and saves time.
  10. for the refreshing and infusing benefits of coconut water.

Giving in Action

I had a tender conversation with Thomas, my 12 year old son; in which I made sure he knew that I love him no matter what and I will always support him no matter what. I may not agree with him; yet, I will ALWAYS support him.

June 19 2018:

Gratitude in Action

I Am Grateful:

  1. for the power of faith and Knowing because when I am in the power of faith and knowing; no thing is impossible.
  2. for rainbow carrots because they taste good and they’re so pretty!
  3. for libraries and all they stand for because my family has benefited incredibly much from the library.
  4. for coconut chai tea because it tastes so good.
  5. for spring water because it’s pure and feeds and quenches my body.
  6. for coconut oil as we have so many uses for it around our house.
  7. for cloth bags as they can be used for so many different things.
  8. for naps when the body is asking for one …. because it feels good to listen to the body.
  9. for chunky peanut butter. Yum!
  10. for hot and sweet jalepenos because they taste soooo Good!

Giving in Action

I complimented a neighbor.

June 20 2018:

Gratitude in Action

I Am Grateful:

  1. for dark chocolate as I find it incredibly pleasing.
  2. for fresh fruit and vegetables for how they nourish the body.
  3. for these fingers with which to type this list.
  4. for acceptance of things which I cannot change for it allows me peace.
  5. for our car, Rosey, as she gets us where we need and want to go.
  6. for supportive and loving friends.
  7. for the home in which we live as it keeps us warm or cool and dry and safe.
  8. for the community in which we live as it’s incredibly beautiful.
  9. that my little family has three published books under our belts!
  10. for the blessings and kindness we receive each day.

Giving in Action

I walked a neighbor’s dog in a last minute situation.

June 21 2018:

Gratitude in Action

I Am Grateful:

  1. for my Faith and Knowing as it inspires me.
  2. for beautiful sunset walks as nature soothes and uplifts me.
  3. for fresh fruit juice as it’s incredibly refreshing.
  4. for tinted all natural lip balm as it gives my lips moisture and color!
  5. for olive oil as I love using it as a moisturizer – feels so good!
  6. for pure and raw shea butter as it has so many wonderful uses and I LOVE the way it smells.
  7. for the beauty and intoxicating scent of the Stargazer Lily.
  8. for the beauty and intoxicating scent of wild honeysuckle … Just dreamy!
  9. for the beauty and taste of raspberries.
  10. for the music of the songbirds as it’s beautiful and soothing.
  11. for Writing …. as it is my Soul’s Song …. xoxo

Giving in Action

While swimming I rescued 2 ladybugs and a moth. YAY!!

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

Amazing news! My 16 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.

And my book published in 2012, D iz for Different – One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance; which reached #2 in the Self-Help Category and #1 in Special Needs Parenting on Amazon.

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Have Patience When Dancing with the Shadows – The Urban Howl

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“Life is a dance with the light and the shadows.” …. xoxo … Let’s Dance … xoxo

Much gratitude to The Urban Howl for publishing another of my writings …

The Moon After the Alchemist Theater Show 1.31.18

Slipped into the shadows
of your being, you have.
When sadness and lack
have settled within.
When comparison of
oneself with others
is the theme
of the day.

When appreciation …. click below to read further …

Have Patience When Dancing With The Shadows Of Your Being

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

Amazing news! My 16 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.

And my book published in 2012, D iz for Different – One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance; which reached #2 in the Self-Help Category and #1 in Special Needs Parenting on Amazon.

Latest Articles:
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Simple Self-Care Ideas – Jessica Araus

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April 20, 2018:

Camilla Illustration for Jessica's Article Self Care Tips April 2018

Incredibly grateful to Jessica Araus for having invited me to participate in an article about self-care.

Oh my gosh! Look at the amazing illustration Jessica’s friend, Karen, created. The article is full of Karen’s illustrations and GREAT self-care ideas.

Head over and check it out and comment if you are moved to do so. Click on the image below! Thank you!! xoxo

Simple Self-Care Ideas You Can Do Every Day

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

Amazing news! My 16 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.

Latest Articles:
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May We All Release & Expose The Beautiful Space Within – The Urban Howl

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Another huge thanks to The Urban Howl for sharing one of my writings!!

There is a space within
A space occupied, it was.

Occupied with judgment
Occupied with harshness
Occupied with unkind thoughts
towards others.

There is a space within
where the darkness
of judgment used to live.

Judgment lives
here no more.
Evicted.
It has been.

There is a …. Go to the below link to read further …

May We All Release & Expose The Beautiful Space Within

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

Amazing news! My 16 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.

Latest Articles:
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The Path to Love is the Path to Oneself – The Urban Howl

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April 11 2018:

Thank you The Urban Howl for sharing the love …. Incredibly grateful!!! xoxo

The Longest And Shortest Path Ever Traveled

The path to love
the path to oneself
strewn with broken pieces
covered in darkness
showered with light
pieces put back together
discarding what no longer fits
like a sculptor releasing
the masterpiece buried in the rock.

Chisel, buff, shine
until …. Visit the below link to read further …

The Path To Love Is The Path To Oneself

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

Amazing news! My 16 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.

Latest Articles:
[catlist name=blog]

 

A Journey of Emotions: An Interview with the Author of Within a Tear, A Smile and You

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Within a Tear, a Smile and You Ailsa Craig Book April 2018

Welcome everyone to a very special interview with Ailsa Craig, author of “Within a Tear, A Smile and You”. Here’s a bit about the book:

Ailsa can surround herself in the green lush colours of the tropics and write about her deepest feelings, memories that have clung to her, past loves, family, travels, the ocean, the mountains and friendship.

This is Ailsa’s third book and second poetry book – a book she hopes will become a companion for those wanting to escape into times that may reflect similar feelings and memories and maybe take the reader back to a treasured moment or moments experienced in their own lives.

Camilla: What is the theme of the poetry in ‘Within a Tear, a Smile and You’?

Ailsa: The poetry is an intertwining passage of feelings, love, regret, sadness, loneliness, happiness and adventure. The book takes us on a journey of emotions as it travels through memories, others’ stories and people and places that have left a deep imprint in my thoughts and stayed with me throughout my life.

The poetry always comes from deep within my heart and soul. I try to express how the simple gesture of a smile, a walk in nature, a swim in the ocean, the comfort of a loving hand, or the feeling of freedom in the art of the dance, can affect your moods and carry you on a cloud, taking you to a place where you find inner harmony and dreams, that you dare to come true.

Ailsa Craig Photo #1 April 2018

Camilla: What inspires your poetry writing?

Ailsa: Many things inspire me. Growing up it was always nature, a trip to the country or to the ocean. We were always going somewhere interesting. I’d always sit on the back step at home and look at the night sky or make a wish on a shooting star. My imagination was always at play so that helped.

Living in the Tropics, I am surrounded by green mountains, lush vegetation, blue sea and The Great Barrier Reef. I am inspired everyday by the magic of nature, its diversity, the beauty it beholds, how it survives, shuts down during droughts and comes to life in the rains.

Love and friendship has always inspired me and always will. The words flow when I feel a
connection. I have travelled far and wide and met many interesting characters on my travels and seen many wonderful places; this inspires me. I have experienced a ‘range of emotions’ over my life within a ‘range of relationships’ and know the feeling of desiring that which escapes so many; the power of true love and depth of feeling. This inspires me to write about that which most of us desire in a relationship of the heart.

A month in Nepal in the company of a group of special people, in a special place, helping at a school then our journey through the mountains requiring all our physical and mental strength, inspired me no end.

Then right at the end, having a connection with a Russian mountaineer that I’ve never felt before; the magic of this connection, his smile and just being made to feel like I was the only person in the room, really got my writing flowing and can be felt throughout my first poetry book, continuing on through this one. It was like he put a pen in my hand and words in my heart and it still flows to this day.

Camilla: What is the main message you would like readers to take away from your poetry?

Ailsa: ‘Love is a many splendid thing’. Look at your surrounds, the people in your life and feel it, feel them.

Try to connect with nature more as it’s the best medicine you could ask for. Try not to have regrets, life goes by so quickly. If you find something, someone you love don’t let it/them go, it/the opportunity mightn’t come back to you and you’ll be forever wondering. Enjoy the love of a man/woman with all your heart, laugh more, talk more, hold each other more.

Enjoy the love of your children, they do leave the nest and it’s a sad day when all of a sudden you look around and they are gone. Enjoy what you love to do because it will make your heart sing and this will have a flow on affect in other areas of your life.

Breathe into nature, soak into the spray of the waves as they break along the shore; just be in the moment, wherever that may be. Watch the sun go down and the sun rise in the morning and be thankful you can still see them and get lost in the colours of the ‘show’.

This is the message I would like you to take away from my poetry.

Ailsa Craig Photo #2 April 2018

Camilla: Any final points you would like to share?

Ailsa: We are here in this wonderful world but for a moment. There is so much beauty around us to enjoy, to be awe of. There are amazing people who walk our paths, get to know them, laugh with them, walk with them, whatever it is, enjoy them because they chose you to walk with (how special is that!)

When you feel that initial spark of love, connection, follow it, see where it takes you. It’s special and doesn’t happen with just anybody. Don’t let it go, I did and as much as I know it wasn’t meant to be, I wish that I had of explored it when I had the chance. My one true regret.

Always keep the child within you alive, its wonderful to be silly sometimes and let your hair down.

Just when you have those moments, enjoy them but also enjoy the peaceful moments, the moments in solitude, the moments you have to explore within; you’ll discover a lot about yourself.

Also, don’t let go of your precious memories, sometimes it’s nice to just shut your eyes and go back to a place in which you were happy, with others who made you feel happy or safe or loved, it really helps sometimes and makes you smile.

So, I write about all these things in my life, my regrets, my loves, my experiences with nature. I write as though I am there again and enjoying the moment. My writing takes me there, it is a force from within and it comes out in writing on a page.

Ailsa Craig Book Open April 2018

Ailsa Craig lives in Cairns, Tropical Far North Queensland, Australia. She is a mother of three children who have all left home, studied and now reside in other states in Australia. Her husband works in Papua New Guinea, so she has plenty of time now to explore her writing.

Poetry is her joy and health and nutrition her passion. She has her certificate in weight
management/holistic care, advising clients in mind/body and spirit care. Her other passion is travel, especially if it involves hiking/trekking or the ocean and has spent a lot of her pre-marriage years backpacking/skiing overseas or in the mountains of southern Australia.

Ailsa has many plans to rekindle her love of adventure once again, thereby feeding her future poetry inspiration.

Camilla: One day Ailsa mentioned something I found incredibly interesting having to do with her name. I asked her to share it with all of you too!

Ailsa Craig or in Gaelic – Creag Ealasaid or Aillse Creag which means Fairy Rock

This is my name.

My mother was Scottish from the east side where the hills roll gently and the brooks flow so peacefully. My father was from the west side; the wild rugged side. The waves are big, the cliffs are high and rugged and the islands are rocky, full of sea life and bird life, fishermen and stories. In the middle are mountains full of heather, the echoes of the clans and bagpipes and lochs full of mystery. I love Scotland.

Ailsa Craig is a rock off the West Coast of Scotland near the small village of Girvan, a nice drive from Glasgow. It is a bird sanctuary for puffins, gannets and other seabirds. Its blue hone granite was used to make curling stones. There is much history attached to the uninhabited island that looms in the mist on the horizon.

When I first met my name sake, she has always lived inside my heart. I was in complete awe. This huge shadow on the horizon was quite daunting but exciting. I felt her power and hoped I could live up to her strength and fortitude; a big task. I loved her wildness, her remoteness and yet, she was not afraid to be seen.

I am so proud to carry her name and love it. A solicitor friend of the family once likened me to ‘The Rock’ and said whenever he saw her, he thought of me and conjured up wild seas and waves crashing against this huge volcanic island.

This pleased me no end. ( I am far from being an angry person so that is not the comparison he had in mind, I say this laughing!)

You can learn more and purchase “Within a Tear, A Smile and You” by going HERE.

*This interview contains Amazon affiliate links.

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

Amazing news! My 16 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.

Latest Articles:
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