Author Archives: Camilla

Throwback: The One Stillness

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**THROWBACK POST** 

(I think this was written in 2017 – Originally submitted to a poetry website for consideration to be published.)


(Photo taken by me Spring 2019)

The One Stillness

And she began the walk,
The walk of only she,
breathing in, knowing she was breathing in
breathing out, knowing she was breathing out.

She listened in the stillness,
the sound of
the song birds
the beeping construction equipment
the roar of an airplane overhead
the creak and pop of the plastic fence
the screech of the shiny black vulture as he took flight
the echo of a distant cough across the wetland
the jingle of her dream catcher earrings in the breeze
the whir of the traffic in the distance.

She felt the soft breeze
Tenderly caress her cheeks,
hair lifting ever so gently.

She focused her eyes on the
vibrant luscious pink flower
and found her thoughts to be,

I am the vibrant luscious pink flower
swaying in the breeze
The flower is me.

She focused her eyes on the crisp green
blades of grass hosting
plump round droplets of water,

I am the crisp green blade of grass
hosting the water droplet,
the blade of grass is me.

I am the plump round water droplet
resting on the blade of grass,
the water droplet is me.

She focused her eyes on the
majestic black vulture

I am the majestic black vulture
resting on a rock
the vulture is me.

She focused her eyes on
the tall crooked tree,
laying her hands upon the cracked bark
smoothed by the winds of time.

I am the tree standing tall and crooked
the tree is me.

And she is,
and they are,
fulfilling this Divine Life.

And she ended the walk
The walk of One,
breathing in, knowing she was breathing in
breathing out, knowing she was breathing out. – ©2017 Camilla Downs

**July 2021 Update – This poem is in its “raw” state. A polished version is included in my latest book, a free-verse poetry memoir titled, Words of Alchemy. Go here to learn more … 

Words of Alchemy

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

“Words of Alchemy”, published December 2019, is a free-verse poetry memoir covering the last 6 years of my life. The poetry of nature, the poetry of healing, the poetry of appreciation, the poetry of love, in one beautiful book.

Amazing news! My 19 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 15 year old son, Thomas Darnell‘s book, Biggest Little Photographer is published. Be inspired! Learn more and order here.

Get to Know Me: Clones

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I’m a member of an author/book reader facebook group, and the admins ask great questions. I decided to turn some of the questions into a “get to know me” series. I would also love to hear your answers to the questions posed in the series. Thanks Helen for asking such fun questions!

What would a world populated with clones of you be like?

The walking trails would be full of ME! Coffee farmers would have a hard time keeping up. There’d be lots of dancing, dancing in the streets even. Things would be messy, with piles of paperwork stacked in all the corners, way too much procrastination, loads of dark chocolate eaten, much hugging of trees, and probably way too much burping of words and sentences (see previous post about super powers … 😂🤣).

What about you?

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

“Words of Alchemy”, published December 2019, is a free-verse poetry memoir covering the last 6 years of my life. The poetry of nature, the poetry of healing, the poetry of appreciation, the poetry of love, in one beautiful book.

Amazing news! My 19 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 15 year old son, Thomas Darnell‘s book, Biggest Little Photographer is published. Be inspired! Learn more and order here.

Reblog: Lillian and Camilla November 2020 Date Day

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November 24 2020

Lillian and Camilla November 2020 Date Day

French fries from Noble Pie Parlor – Summit Reno for both of us, with a Trader Joe’s spicy lentil wrap for me.

Dessert of a white chocolate dipped cookie for Lillian and a couple of squares of this amazing new chocolate I just discovered at Trader Joe’s.

Then we took a walk in one of our favorite places, followed by a drive around our old neighborhood.

  

   

Follow the link to see more photos …

Lillian and Camilla November 2020 Date Day

Listen to the Call of Synchronicity

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July 16 2021

Fun synchronicity story of an introverted extrovert …

I was supposed to have a poolside chat with a friend and her son yesterday morning. My friend wasn’t feeling good so that got canceled. I decided to drive to South Lake Tahoe, Nevada Beach. I wish I could say I came to that decision in an instant, as I’ve been wanting to visit Lake Tahoe since last year. It’s always an internal struggle for me to leave the house, leave my comfort zone.

Conversation with myself:

Me: You have been wanting to go for a year now. Just go.
Me: But, maybe I should just do my regular routine, go for a walk, and then a swim?
Me: You’ve had a full year of staying at home, it’s time to start getting out and doing the things you daydream about doing.
Me: Maybe I’ll start doing that next week.
Me: When have you ever regretted leaving the house for a ride up to Lake Tahoe?
Me:
Me: If you want to do these things you daydream about, you have got to get out there and do them. You are not getting any younger. You have got to learn to step out of your comfort zone, and do things alone. You can’t sit at home waiting for whatever it is you’re waiting for.
Me: Okay then. I’m doing it!

This went on for a good hour before I finally put some things together and left. I invited Thomas but he wasn’t up for it.

Nevada Beach is nearly an hour’s drive from where I live in Reno. When I reached Nevada Beach it was nearly 10:00am. The spot I chose to park and to enter the beach laid the way for the synchronicity that followed. Instead of following the paved entrance to the beach, I veered off and followed a sort-of sand path. To my delight there were only a few people in this section. (Heaven for an introvert!!)

After about 2 and a half hours, I heard a familiar voice behind me. I turned around and saw it was my birthday twin, Tania, who lives in the area. Not only that, she had friends from Arizona with her that I had only ever met through facebook. We had a lovely time catching up and chatting. They had planned on going for a hike most of the day, deciding instead for a relaxing beach day.

Many things had to line up for this to happen. It was such a great day. It causes one to wonder … What if more humans listened to their inner voice? How many magical alignments could happen for society?

Thank you “outgoing” me for not giving up on “stay in the comfort zone” me.

Although I am an introvert, when I am among friends, or when I become comfortable with others, it’s difficult to get me to stop talking! HA!

She’s been calling my name for over a year. Put some things together, stopped for a vegan donut and cappuccino, and here I am. Had a snack, a few swims, now eating lunch.

This is a feeling like no other. I am relaxed, at peace, soothed. I’m home. I love you Lake Tahoe. Thank you.

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

“Words of Alchemy”, published December 2019, is a free-verse poetry memoir covering the last 6 years of my life. The poetry of nature, the poetry of healing, the poetry of appreciation, the poetry of love, in one beautiful book.

Amazing news! My 19 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 15 year old son, Thomas Darnell‘s book, Biggest Little Photographer is published. Be inspired! Learn more and order here.

Throwback Post: Compassion Has Replaced Judgments

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**THROWBACK POST**

I think this was written in 2017, not sure.


(Photo from a Summer 2021 Walk)

The space within me that held the weight of so many judgments … Judgments against people who thought and felt differently, judgments against single moms, judgments against parents whose kids act out and the kids too.

Every single time one of those judgments was released, a cushion of compassion took its place. There are still some wee judgments hiding in there. Some that stay hidden and some that peek out to see if it’s safe. Within me is not a safe zone for judgments … You are released and a warm, soft, loving cushion of compassion takes your place.

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.

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

There is a space within.

A soft space of love
of compassion
of empathy
of understanding.

For a journey
of a thousand miles has
been lived with
the understanding
that each one of us
has traveled a similar journey.

To be sure,
not the same journey.
No, not the same.
That matters not.

Each has traveled a journey
of a thousand miles.

And each viewed not
according to their journey,
yet viewed with eyes
that flow from the heart.

A heart that knows the two
are connected,
viewed with eyes flowing
from the heart that only
knows unconditional love.

Eyes wide open to
the Truth of each one’s journey.

The Truth that judgment of another is
simply a reflection of judgment
held within one towards oneself.

There is a space within,
a space that was once filled with
the darkness of judgement.

A space that is now
available for compassion
and love for one’s self and others.

Space to breath easier
Space to live easier
space to live peacefully
Space to allow all to BE
and travel the paths chosen.

There’s a space within
a Beautiful Space.

May we all release
and expose this space within
for the Beauty it reveals.

July 2021 Update – So many more judgments have been released since this writing and poem. It’s hard to believe just how many judgments were hiding in the nooks and crannies of my mind. Each time I find them, I educate myself, and release. And you know what? Each time I release judgments, it lightens the load, paving the way to an easier time of being a kind human. 

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

“Words of Alchemy”, published December 2019, is a free-verse poetry memoir covering the last 6 years of my life. The poetry of nature, the poetry of healing, the poetry of appreciation, the poetry of love, in one beautiful book.

Amazing news! My 19 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 15 year old son, Thomas Darnell‘s book, Biggest Little Photographer is published. Be inspired! Learn more and order here.

Get to Know Me: You Hear Something Fall in the Middle of the Night

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I’m a member of an author/book reader facebook group, and the admins ask great questions. I decided to turn some of the questions into a “get to know me” series. I would also love to hear your answers to the questions posed in the series. Thanks Helen for asking such fun questions!

What do you do when you hear something fall in the middle of the night, and your are in bed asleep?

I’ve been a single mom for 15 years now, so it’s just me to check things out. I can usually tell if it can be ignored, and I will just go back to sleep.

However, one night many years ago, I heard this loud cracking (like glass) sound. I went to the kitchen thinking something had fallen. I could not find what it was until the next morning when I walked into the bathroom. The glass surrounding the shower had shattered. Never knew what made it happen …

What about you?

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

“Words of Alchemy”, published December 2019, is a free-verse poetry memoir covering the last 6 years of my life. The poetry of nature, the poetry of healing, the poetry of appreciation, the poetry of love, in one beautiful book.

Amazing news! My 19 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 15 year old son, Thomas Darnell‘s book, Biggest Little Photographer is published. Be inspired! Learn more and order here.

Reblog: Memories: Tahiti With Aerosmith While Touring Great Britain With a 1976 Mississippi Map

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November 16 2020

Memories: Millennium Tahiti Cruise With Aerosmith and Billy Idol While Touring Great Britain With a 1976 Mississippi State Map

Thomas received a Victrola for his birthday, and I have been looking for an old 45 record I used to have. Haven’t found it yet, but, finding all kinds of fun stuff. That time I WON a 12 day Tahiti cruise! Not only that. The Millennium cruise. That. Was. Fun.

 

Still haven’t found it. But, think I’ve figured out why I’m half deaf and have neck problems. And, why do I still have these?

I actually have very little memory of being at each of these concerts. So, a good thing I’ve got the receipts.

I actually didn’t get to see much of the INXS concert! The folks I went with were determined to find a way to sneak backstage, and we spent most of the concert trying to find a way. Crazy Fools! Hahahaha!

I just remembered that I loved The Cult, too. I’m almost positive I saw them in concert …

… This was one of my favorite songs. Loved dancing to this one!

I could have sworn it was with all these other “memories”. No luck yet. But found the mementos from the trip to England and Scotland in 2000. That trip was a mixture of fun, beauty, awe, and stress. The person I traveled with assumed they’d be able to easily drive us around!!! I was tasked with navigating and didn’t get to enjoy the scenery. Overall, it was amazing, though!

 

Okay. The 45 record was not in my little wooden chest of treasures. However, if anyone’s looking for a 1976 Official Highway map for Mississippi, I’ve got you covered. WTF?!

I hope you enjoyed this trip down the Camilla Memory Lane! HA! To see the original post on The Team TLC website, go here …

Memories: Millennium Tahiti Cruise With Aerosmith and Billy Idol While Touring Great Britain With a 1976 Mississippi State Map

Spotlight in The Miramichi Reader – Showcase Interview with Camilla

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Thanks to Bill for the space on The Miramichi Reader!

Welcome back to a new Showcase interview! Today we visit with Camilla Downs (Camilla is pronounced like Pamela), a poet, photographer, and founder of Meeting the Authors, itself a showcase of international writers. Camilla, what a treat to showcase a showcaser! Welcome.

Follow the link to read the full article …

Bill Arnott’s Showcase Interviews: Camilla Downs

Throwback Post: The Bones I Drag Home

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**THROWBACK POST**

June 10 2018:

My heart overflows with gratitude to all of you for cheering me on and supporting me with the bones I drag home!! It means more than could ever be expressed with mere words and IS the fuel that keeps me going during times of discouragement.

Thank you for getting it and thank you for knowing that your comments, likes, shares, and cheers light my world when I need it and even when I don’t need it.

This “thank you” was sparked by the attached passage I read this morning in a book titled, Walking in This World by Julia Cameron. She talks about all forms of art; including writing. Oceans of love to all of you! xoxo

Walking in this World Book Pages 6.10.18 #1 Walking in this World Book Pages 6.10.18 #2

**UPDATE June 29 2021** – I’m happy I came across this draft post from 2018. It is timeless in my opinion. An artist is partly fueled by encouraging feedback from others. Such a meaningful post! 

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

“Words of Alchemy”, published December 2019, is a free-verse poetry memoir covering the last 6 years of my life. The poetry of nature, the poetry of healing, the poetry of appreciation, the poetry of love, in one beautiful book.

Amazing news! My 19 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 15 year old son, Thomas Darnell‘s book, Biggest Little Photographer is published. Be inspired! Learn more and order here.

Get to Know Me: What’s Your Grossest Bug Story?

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I’m a member of an author/book reader facebook group, and the admins ask great questions. I decided to turn some of the questions into a “get to know me” series. I would also love to hear your answers to the questions posed in the series. Thanks Helen for asking such fun questions!

When I was in junior high we went to Grand Isle, Louisiana (way, way, way down in da bayou) to go fishing. In the place we stayed I kept seeing cockroaches scurrying around, HUGE cockroaches.

I was afraid to go to sleep, burying myself in my sleeping bag, hoping they’d stay out. As I was falling asleep, I heard them flying around! 😱 I immediately zipped my sleeping bag around my entire body. I didn’t care if I could barely breathe. I was not having a flying cockroach come near touching my body! 😂🤣

Thank goodness there are NO cockroaches in Reno, Nevada, where I’ve lived since 2006. However, I grew up in the deep South … Jackson, MS and Houma, LA. Just in case anyone needs to defend themselves from cockroaches, here’s a pro-tip: Aqua Net hairspray does the job!! These days I relocate bugs and insects, rather than squish them, and I’m not sure how I’d handle cockroaches should they make an appearance. Ha!

What about you?

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

“Words of Alchemy”, published December 2019, is a free-verse poetry memoir covering the last 6 years of my life. The poetry of nature, the poetry of healing, the poetry of appreciation, the poetry of love, in one beautiful book.

Amazing news! My 19 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 15 year old son, Thomas Darnell‘s book, Biggest Little Photographer is published. Be inspired! Learn more and order here.