Photography Musings: Share Your Peace

“If you are yourself at peace, then there is at least some peace in the world. Then share your peace with everyone, and everyone will be at peace.” -Thomas Merton

Zen Rocks Little Washoe Lake October 2015

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

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

Tree Up Close What's Your Guess 5.3.16

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: The Joyful Pooka

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 2 – Emotion Roulette ….

Write five or six different emotions on little slips of paper and put them in a bowl. Draw one at random. Write a review of a recent movie or TV show you’ve seen using only the one emotion you drew.

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The Joyful Pooka

Harvey Movie March 2016

I’m not quite sure what it is about this movie that fills me with joy. I have watched it 3 times over the past few years and simply love it every time. The first time I watched it alone while having a date night with myself. The second time was around Easter 2015 as Lillian wanted to watch something with a rabbit.

I knew this movie’s content was acceptable for Lillian and Thomas (by my terms), and, well …. one of the stars is a 6 foot invisible rabbit (pooka) by the name of Harvey! We watched it again this April 2016. I think it has become a tradition!

I so enjoy James Stewart in this movie. His character, Elwood P. Dowd, is indeed joyful. He comments that his mom used to say one could be smart or pleasant and that he had chosen pleasant after trying out smart for a while. Elwood considers everyone a friend and his best friend is Harvey, a 6 foot invisible pooka (rabbit).

Elwood also claims that he was finally able to leave reality behind and that everyday is a beautiful day. Another Elwood-ism is that he always has a good time where ever he is and whoever he is with.

Elwood joyfully introduces Harvey to anyone who will stand still long enough. When his sister, Veta (played by Josephine Hull), takes him to the insane asylum to be committed, he remains pleasant and joyful. Josephine Hull is hilarious in character as Veta.

I am absolutely joyful while watching this, joyful that we watched it, and joyful that Thomas and Lillian LOVE watching this with me!

Can you guess which emotion I drew? Here are the six I drew from: 1)Fearful, 2) Anxious, 3)Happy, 4)Angry, 5)Joyful, and 6)Sad …

If you’d like to see more movie suggestions from Team TLC check out the “Book and Movie Musings” category on this blog.

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

Blessings,

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

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

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How I Love Thee – Beloved Books

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

Day 1 – Tell Me A Story ….

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

_________________________________________________________________________

How I Love Thee – Beloved Books

Thomas & Lillian Reading Cookbooks 4.26.14

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thomas Reading 4.23.12

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

Blessings,

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

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

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Egyptian Eye by Lillian Darnell

Egyptian Eye 4.29.15

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.

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Movie Musings: John Doe and Love and Africa

Meet John Doe Movie May 2016

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

The Love Bug Movie May 2012

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

Magic Journey to Africa Movie May 2013

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

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

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

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

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Walk With Me – Cloudy Days

May 17 2016:

There will be cloudy days. Yet, beneath the clouds is stillness and peace. So beautiful the way nature decorates herself. xoxo

Walk With Me Photo May 17 2016

Come, Walk With Me …

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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Fragrance of Lilac – Rock Art

Lilac Painted Rock May 2016

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

Fragrance of Lilac Poem #1 5.2016

Poem handwritten and displayed on recycled materials, decorated with recycled materials and ready to hang. This one is sold, yet, my intuition is to make a few more. We’ll see how it feels after that. If you’d like to know when more are available, comment here or email to 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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Book Musings: Parenting and Mindfulness and Words

Seven Spiritual Laws for Parents Book

The Seven Spiritual Laws for Parents

I’ve owned this book since 2009 or 2010 and it’s one I re-read and have incorporated into our family discussions.

Here are a few excerpts:

“…. However, a child who was taught from the age of three or four “You are here for a reason” would face a very different future. Such a child would see the search for meaning in life as a natural thing, the spiritual equivalent of learning your ABC’s. There would be no years of postponement, followed by desperate inner turmoil. “Why am I here?” doesn’t have to be a fearsome existential question. It is the most joyful exploration a person can undertake, and we do our children an immense favor by presenting it as such.”

“…. if I had been taught just these seven sentences as a child, my life would have been profoundly different. I would have known something precious and practical at the same time, something that would not have faded as a childhood lesson but would have ripened into mature spiritual understanding year by year.”

Milton's Secret Book 2016

Milton’s Secret

I was so excited to see this book! I’ve been following the making of the movie by Eckhart Tolle. However, I didn’t even know there was a children’s book. It was on display in the children’s book section.

It’s about finding the power of the present moment. A great book for helping kids discover mindfulness! Cannot wait for the movie!!

A River of Words Book 2016

A River of Words – The Story of William Carlos Williams

We learned that William Carlos Williams is considered one of our most influential American poets and his work is read and studied in schools and universities all over the world.

“His most important contribution to American poetry was his focus on everyday objects and the lives of common people. By stripping away unnecessary details, Williams tried to ‘see the thing itself … with great intensity and perception.'”

I was drawn by this last piece .. seeing the thing itself. Plus, the illustrations were completely different. Just loved them!!

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

Blessings,

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

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

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What I Do and How I Can Help You

Camilla Blowing Kiss to Dinosaur March 2016

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

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

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

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

Go here to learn more and schedule your session.

Would you like an inspirational speaker at your next event?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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