10 Most Popular Posts for 2016

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Top 10 Blog Posts With the Most Views (Culled only from 2016 blog posts)

  1. Dear Meltdown, Meet My Friend Mindfulness
  2. Biggest Little Photographer Arrives – We Did It
  3. Living in a Tiny Home Adventures – Four Months
  4. Photo a Day for 365 Days – Thomas’ One Year Anniversary
  5. The Power and Magic of Connected Parenting
  6. 2016 Chromosome 18 Conference – San Antonio
  7. A Rapturous Dance With Life
  8. The Biggest Little Photographer by Thomas Darnell
  9. The Tao of Letting GoLetting Go Burning Ceremony, and There is More Than One Way (These 3 blog posts had the same amount of views)
  10. A State of Pure Awareness

**LOVE OFFERING** If you find this content helpful, I invite you to toss a tip in the love offering bowl. With oceans of gratitude … Camilla ….

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Top 10 Blog Posts With the Most Views for 2016 (Culled from all blog posts)

  1. Olive Oil as Facial Cleanser and Moisturizer – Oil Cleansing Method
  2. Recipe: No Powdered Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
  3. Oil Cleansing Method – Update
  4. 17 Easy and Free Ideas on How to Rejuvenate Yourself
  5. Taste the Wind
  6. Dear Meltdown: Meet My Friend Mindfulness
  7. Recipe: Almond Flour Cookies
  8. Living in a Tiny Home Adventures
  9. Biggest Little Photographer Arrives – We Did It
  10. Recipe: Chia Seed Pudding

Top 10 Blog Posts of All Time With the Most Views

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

Here’s to a 2017 in which we all go within to BE the change we wish to see in the world. BE Love, BE Peace, BE Compassion … We must BE this within in order to experience it without.

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Blessings,

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

Wonderfully exciting news! My 10 year old son, Thomas Darnell‘s book, Biggest Little Photographer has arrived. Be inspired! Learn more and order here.

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Biggest Little Photographer Arrives – We Did It

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This book, Biggest Little Photographer, represents the fruition of a desire. Yet, within that is the message that the steps along the journey of ones desire are what comprises life itself.

It’s sure to inspire with great quotes; almost all of which were chosen by Thomas (some by me). I’ve placed it in the photography/gift/inspiration category as these are most fitting. Order HERE (Cost $20).

All the photos were taken by Thomas when he was 8 and 9 years old, so this is not your typical photography book. Yet, I’m heartfuly positive it will not disappoint.

For the past 3 months I have worked on completing one task and fulfilling a promise I made to the T in our Team TLC. I have hardly “worked” on anything else.

With input from Thomas I filtered through the 300+ photographs to choose about 150 photographs for the book. Then I grouped the photos into categories with theme names. Additionally, I needed to organize all of this so that LaRue could easily layout the book with no confusion.

Next, I wrote the “Author’s Note” and the introduction to the book. Thomas chose some favorite quotes to pair with the categories and with which to end the book. I also chose some favorite quotes as we were a bit short of quotes.

Lastly, there were lots and lots of reviews for editing purposes. Then during the week of October 10th, we sent back and forth the final review and printing began!

During that time, I’ve helped Thomas get ready to show 2 of his photographs at the Young Blood exhibit. And I’ve helped both Thomas and Lillian be prepared for the First Annual Kids Business Fair in the beginning of October.

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After we got home and unloaded the car on October 8th following the Kids Business Fair, I was so tired all I could do was run a hot, epsom salt bath, and slide my tired body into it. And, it was amazing. I cried tears of gratitude, joy, and knowing.

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I had no idea how I would make this happen when I made the promise to an 8 year old Thomas (10 years old now). Yet, I knew in my heart it was what I was supposed to say to him.

When the time came to fulfill that promise, I still had no idea how I would do it. What I did know from my past experience is to just start doing it and keep doing it and it will happen.

What I also knew is that this came from my heart and nothing from one’s heart is ever the wrong thing to do. And, it ends up being not about the end result, it’s about all the “doing it” leading up to the end result.

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I simply started taking steps to create a book with Thomas’ 365 day photography project. Many times not even knowing where and how my foot would land. Not knowing how to put it all together or who we would have help with final steps of making it into a book.

I checked out a couple of books from the library to use as inspiration, looked at some books online, and just started. I did back up once and start all over, deciding to go about it differently and am so glad I did. We overflow with gratitude to LRP Press in Reno, Nevada for working with us, designing the cover, and printing this beautiful book!

Want one (go here … $20)? Want to host a book signing? Want to sell it in your shop? Would you be interested in helping us spread the word? We’ll have an official launch sometime in the next few weeks. Comment here or message me if you’d like to help the launch. It will be super easy …. Like an email blast or blog post. My email address is Camilla Downs @ gmail . com …

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We overflow with oceans of gratitude for everyone who has touched, supported, and sent good juju to this project.

We aren’t completely done yet, as we’ll be having book signings around town and are available to speak as a Mom and Son duo. I will take a brief break to catch up on my own writings …. and to fix the driver’s side mirror that has been held on with duck tape since July!

Then, it’s on to fulfill a promise to the L in our Team TLC …… For now, I know what I know, what I know, what I know …. xoxoxo

Time to mail the pre-orders and the amazing new orders coming in now …..

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

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Book Review: I Am That Girl

I Am That Girl: How to Speak Your Truth, Discover Your Purpose, and #bethatgirl. By Alexis Jones

Alexis Jones delivers an inspiring read with her own personal twist. “I Am That Girl” is not just another motivational/inspirational book. I have read more of these types of books than I can even count or remember. This one really speaks to me.

Perhaps it’s where I am in my own life; stripping away layers of stuff that’s not me, being okay with it, and not afraid to be me. If that’s the same place you are, or maybe you’re just attracted by the title, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Did I like absolutely everything written in the book? No. But, I got more out of it then the few lines that I disagreed with or that weren’t my style. Jones shares her life experiences and the life experiences of other ladies with solid steps and new thought processes to get you started on your “that girl” journey or to add to the journey you’ve already begun.

What are the steps and thoughts to take to speak your truth, discover your truth and be you? Jones covers topics such as what makes you happy, having compassion for yourself, work ethic, dancing to the beat of your own drum, dreaming big, having resilience, being a sponge and being of service. I resonated with many of the quotes scattered throughout the book also.

I was inspired, had aha moments, and my eyes even sweated some. One of my favorite sections is “That Girl Manifesto”. I’ll be writing my own and you’ll see it appear as a blog post. I’ve already begun to write it and it feels good! Jones concludes with a great “Resource” section for continuing your “I Am That Girl” journey.

Most Inspiring Lines: (Way too many to list. Here are a few.) I know what it’s like to spend an entire lifetime trying to pretend that I’m okay, that I’m “fine.” I know what it’s like to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders, convincing people that I have it all together. I know how exhausting it is and how many nights I cried alone in my bed, too tired to carry the burden anymore. What I do know is the freedom when I decided that I wasn’t going to pretend anymore.

There is nothing in this world that is more beauty-full than a human being who knows her worth and is comfortable in her own skin. Authentic confidence is when you know who you are and what you stand for. You’re unshakeable, a force to be reckoned with, and no one can take that away from you.

I Am That Girl: How to Speak Your Truth, Discover Your Purpose, and #bethatgirl

If you found this content helpful or inspiring and it feels the thing to do, I invite you to buy me a coffee … -Thank you!!

Buy Me A Coffee

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! Shooting for near the end of July 2019 for publication date.

Amazing news! My 17 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 13 year old son, Thomas Darnell‘s book, Biggest Little Photographer is published. Be inspired! Learn more and order here.

Go here to see latest soul writings. xoxo

(To help support my blogging I will include an Amazon link to items I use or you will see google ads from time to time. I LOVE sharing my journey and choices with you and this just helps to keep me going!) 

Beautifully Written: D iz for Different Amazon Review

★★★★ Amazing book! Insightful, humorous, kind, open-hearted, and worth reading more than once! As a parent of a special needs child, this book gave me some alternative methods in detailing with my child on a daily basis, as well as encouraged me to add more laughter into my life. I know we all need that:-) I would highly recommend this book! –Maria Kendzierski, January 26, 2013

If you would like to write an Amazon review of D iz for Different go here (amazon affiliate link). It’s not necessary to have purchased the book through Amazon. If you have an Amazon account, you can write a review.

Inspiring and Positive: D iz for Different Amazon Review

★★★★★ D Iz For Different is a wonderful book. The story is informative as real life trials and triumphs are discussed. Positive solutions are always put forth and the reader is left with an uplifting experience. The book inspires the reader to think about things in a positive new light and to think outside the box we so often find ourselves in. I highly recommend this book. Blessings! Cheryl

If you would like to write an Amazon review of D iz for Different go here (amazon affiliate link). It’s not necessary to have purchased the book through Amazon. If you have an Amazon account, you can write a review.

Grace – D iz for Different Amazon Review

(Tele at her Breakfast at Tiffany’s themed 50th birthday party with Noreen Leary on the far left – May 2012)

★★★★★”Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” ~ Wayne W. Dyer …. This is the premise for Camilla Down’s message in her book “D Iz for Different.”

Taking sets of circumstances that could be seen as devastating and looking for the good and building on that for her strength. These lessons can be applied to everyday life and everyday challenges shared in heartwarming words of wisdom from years of getting back up, dusting herself off and moving forward with Grace. You owe it to yourself to read this book. – Tele Raack – March 25, 2013

If you would like to write an Amazon review of D iz for Different go here (amazon affiliate link). It’s not necessary to have purchased the book through Amazon. If you have an Amazon account, you can write a review.

Bravo – D iz for Different Amazon Review

★★★★★ This personal journey is full of courage and encouragement. I am challenging myself to live a life of acceptance and joy with the help of this wonderful resource. How brave of Camilla to put herself out there with the hopes of improving the lives of others. Bravo! – Ian and Susan Moran – June 16, 2012

If you would like to write an Amazon review of D iz for Different go here (amazon affiliate link). It’s not necessary to have purchased the book through Amazon. If you have an Amazon account, you can write a review.

 

D iz for Different – Best Seller

“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.” -Albert Schweitzer

The screen shot above is the Gratitude List from page 2 and 3 of “D iz for Different“. During the books Kindle debut from April 28, 2013 – April 30, 2013, the book had about 2,500 downloads and reached #1 Best Seller in Special Needs Parenting and #2 Best Seller in Self Help Motivational on Amazon.

I am overflowing with gratitude for everyone who helped make this happen. All involved donated their time and services to help make this book a reality and all of YOU have helped spread the word. I deeply thank all y’all for helping me live my purpose, share my story and help others to see things differently.

The book is not only for those parenting someone with special needs, it’s for anyone who is struggling with acceptance, needs to align with the courage within, and/or someone struggling to see the gift in a situation. Thanks from the depths of my soul y’all!  All my love. ♥