Author Archives: Camilla

Latest News: Hello There to a Haircut and Style

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January 27, 2022

There’s just something about getting a haircut and style. It’s freeing, a lightening, a releasing of the past. It’s been over a year since my last cut. Selfie overload ’cause it felt so good!!

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 20 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 16 year old son, Thomas Darnell‘s book, Biggest Little Photographer is published. Be inspired! Learn more and order here.

 

Quenches the Thirst – Camilla on Patricia’s Pen

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I’m honored to have been a guest on Patricia’s Pen. Thank you Tricia!

Today on Patricia’s Pen I’m delighted to introduce Poet, Camilla Downs, who has come to chat about how walking inspires her writing. Without further ado, let’s go over to Camilla.

Inspirational Walks
Camilla Downs

Just as a cool glass of water slakes my thirst on a scorching hot day, going for walks quenches the thirst of my heart and soul to know my true self, to heal, to release, to allow joy, and to be at peace. Walking guides me in the loving way to process life, to fulfill life, to let life be, and to take action.

During the years of 2010 – 2019, I took a deep dive into healing myself, learning and practising mindfulness, meditation, and emotional connection. I left a 10 year marriage in December of 2006, becoming a solo parent to my two kids who were 1 year old and 5 years old at the time.

There was much I needed to process having to do with that, along with experiences of childhood, youth, my teenage years, and early adult life.

My way of processing life was (and is) to walk and write about what I am experiencing. During those years of healing I would write about what I was experiencing, ending the writing with asking ‘What do I need to know?’ I would then free-write a response, almost always a writing that soothed my soul, or set forth steps I may want to take.

For the past 20 years I have been going for walks. The meaning and depth of the walks have shifted throughout the years. What started as an activity simply to satisfy my desire to be active, bloomed into a walking practice. A practice to process healing, to release, to discover my authentic self, and to connect with nature.

Photo by Camilla Down taken during a walk at Scripts Wildlife Preserve – Reno, Nevada, USA – 2020
Going for a walk at least three times a week has literally kept me going when I felt I could not carry on, and propelled me into bliss in times of joy. Each time I walk I have a different experience.

At some point my writings combined with my walks and nature photography. Nearly every day when I returned from my walk, I would swipe through the photos I took, paying close attention to how my body felt. When moved, I would choose a photo, and ask what I was to share. Poetry would flow from that. It was really quite amazing for me to experience.

In the beginning of 2019, I decided I was ready to put forth another book. As I sat looking through my writings, the free-verse poetry kept coming to the forefront. I realized that I had been writing poetry for six years, with a knowing that the poetry was to be the next book.

Words of Alchemy was published in December 2019. I’ve been on a sabbatical from writing since that time, as I felt I needed a break. I feel sure that once I’m moved to write again, the words will eventually flow.

May you be inspired to explore how walking could create a shift in your life; whether that be ever so small or ever so big.

Follow the link to see the full post on Patricia’s Pen:

https://whitewingsbooks.com/2022/02/15/guest-feature-camilla-downs/?fbclid=IwAR38jZlbB79MYvHfoeQvKDgitPqQQkDwEojDIddj73UN0BMWyHNPf5PDU8A

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 20 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 16 year old son, Thomas Darnell‘s book, Biggest Little Photographer is published. Be inspired! Learn more and order here.

News: Camilla Joins The Family Navigation Network – A Project of NCED

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I have been offered and accepted a very part-time position with the Family Navigation Network (FNN); which is a project of the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities‘ (NCED). NCED is a part of the University of Nevada, Reno.

I’ll be working about 10 hours a week, with the opportunity to work 20 hours a week. I just don’t see the 20 hours happening any time soon, though. I finally hit 10 hours last week. Ha! I’ve been with them for about a month now, just have not had the time to make a proper announcement.

Family Navigators help connect families with resources that they may not have known about; while at the same time collecting resources and information that we can share with families. So far I’ve spent much of my time onboarding, attending webinars (to learn about more resources, and the like), and have stepped into researching what type of information and resources Nevada families need.

When I come across resources I feel would be of benefit to my Chromosome 18 family, I make sure to share them in the 18p- facebook group as part of my volunteer coordinator role.

Here’s a description from the NCED website:

The Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities serves as Nevada’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). The UCEDDs were established and funded by the Developmental Disabilities Rights Assistance and Rights Act (DD Act). UCEDDs work to accomplish a shared vision that foresees a nation in which all Americans, including Americans with disabilities, participate fully in their communities. Independence, productivity and community inclusion are key components of this vision. The DD Act funds 67 Centers at universities in every state and territory.

And a description from the Family Navigation Network website:

Resources. Support. Navigation.

Located within the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities, the Family Navigation Network is a place to find health care support and community resources for children and youth with special health care needs, their families and the professionals who serve them.

I’m excited to put my skills, knowledge, and heart to use helping other families. xoxo

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 20 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 16 year old son, Thomas Darnell‘s book, Biggest Little Photographer is published. Be inspired! Learn more and order here.

 

Top 21 Favorite Movies of 2021

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These are in no particular order, and are not necessarily new release movies. I watch movies as I find out about them, or when I finally get to them. May you find a movie that suits you!

1. “The Electrical Life of Louis Wain”

I was engrossed in learning about this wonderful person. Great movie. I spent a while afterwards reading more about Mr. Wain. His feline art is amazing.

2. “Vita & Virginia”

I’m not a fan of the style of the movie, however, I enjoyed learning about Vita & Virginia’s relationship. Watching this moved me to put two of Virginia Woolf’s books on hold, one of them being, Orlando. I love when a movie inspires me to learn more about a topic.

3. “The Girl King”

I enjoyed this one.

4. “The Wonderland”

Lillian says, “It was good, liked how colorful it is, my favorite characters were Akane and her cat, Gorobeh, and favorite scene is where they are walking through the grass.”

I enjoyed this one. A magical story of having ones eyes opened to the beauty of the world, with absolutely breathtaking scenery.

5. “Enola Holmes”

6. “Arrival”

I enjoyed it!

7. “IO”

Very much enjoyed this one.

8. “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society”

This has been on my list for a couple of years. Happy I finally got to see it. Such a lovely, inspiring, heartwarming story.

9. “Cruella”

Lillian says, “I like the music, my favorite character was Cruella, and it was good.”

I loved the soundtrack! Didn’t think I would like it, but I loved it!

10. “Oblivion”

I’ve been on a sci-fi kick lately. Just finished reading Carl Sagan’s Contact (and have seen the movie several times).

I enjoyed this one. Kept me guessing!

11. “Harvey”

An Easter weekend tradition. Jimmy Stewart playing a tipper with a pooka friend in the form of a 6 foot white rabbit …. Perfect! 😂

Josephine Hull and Jimmy Stewart are amazing in this movie. “Every day is a good day.” -Elwood P. Dowd … “I always have a wonderful time wherever I am, and whoever I’m with.” – Elwood P. Dowd

12. “The Giver”

I enjoyed this story. I’ve not read the book, it’s on my shelf, waiting to be read.

13. “Stardust”

Thanks to Peter for suggesting this one. I enjoyed it! Loved Robert De Niro, Clare Danes, and Michelle Pfieffer. The entire cast was great!

14. “The Best of Enemies”

This had been on my list for nearly a year. So glad I finally watched it. Heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time. People are horrible. People are amazing.

15. “Castles in the Sky”

This has been on my list for over a year. Very interesting, enjoyed it.

16. “Jojo Rabbit”

I went into this one not really wanting to watch it. But I checked it out from the library, and it’s due. So I went for it. 🤷🏼‍♀️

I think I felt every single emotion, rounded off with deep laughter. Definitely not a movie I would typically choose to watch. However, I’m so glad I did. The Rilke quote that ends the movie … 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 …. That’s my memoir in four lines. I have lived beauty. I have lived terror. And I just kept going. None of it was final. Even though it felt like it at the time. I. Have. Lived.

17. Maleficent – Mistress of Evil

Lillian says, “Good, liked the ending, my favorite character is Aurora, liked the background music, and liked how colorful it was.”

I say, “Loved this. Beautiful scenery. Loved the story. So glad Lillian finally chose to watch it. “

18. “Fisherman’s Friends”

This has been on my list for a while, as one of the authors I interviewed had just watched it, and enjoyed it.

Beautiful movie loosely based on the real Fisherman’s Friends of Port Isaac. Happy I finally watched it.

19. “Mister 880”

Suggested by a friend a few years ago. Finally made it to it! Thanks for suggesting it, Bob!

Absolutely my kind of movie. Sweet, heartwarming, with heaps of kindness. Burt Lancaster, Edmund Gwenn, and Dorothy McGuire were great!

20. “Mulan”

Lillian says, “Good, liked the background music, liked the song, “Reflection”, at the end, favorite character is Mulan, and liked the moral of never give up, and everyone has a dream and hope.”

I say, “I absolutely loved this. I was glued to it the entire time.”

21. “The King’s Speech”

A beautiful, heartwarming movie. Geoffrey Rush is fantastic in his role as Lionel. Colin Firth was amazing also. So glad I watched this tonight.

Plus! Movie(s) I forgot to list: 

“Dune”

Thomas Darnell and I walked to the theater this afternoon for a matinee showing of Dune. It’s about a 5 to 6 minute walk from our place.

Thomas loved it! He said it’s in the top 3 of his favorite movies to date, adding that with Hans Zimmer composing the soundtrack, of course it was great. He also thinks Leto I Atreides resembles Haile Selassie.

We’ve been talking about it on and off since leaving the theater. If you’ve followed our movie watching journey, you may know Thomas is a skilled critic of movies and when he is this excited about a movie, you know it’s damn good.

I definitely enjoyed it, too. I’m just not a fan of theaters anymore. It’s way too loud for me, to the point that I wear ear plugs during the movie. I can’t stand the previews and ads, and can’t pause the movie if I need to go to the bathroom. Hahaha!

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 20 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 16 year old son, Thomas Darnell‘s book, Biggest Little Photographer is published. Be inspired! Learn more and order here.

Throwback Post: Book Endorsements – D iz for Different and Where Would You Fly

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**Throwback to 2018 or 2019 when a fellow author asked me about the endorsements I received for my first book, and for Lillian’s book.**

For my 1st book published in 2012 I received an endorsement/book blurb from Julie Ziglar (Zig Ziglar’s daughter) and Jim Stovall, the author of The Ultimate Gift which was also made into a movie.

I met the Ziglars at a conference a year or two before my book and had kept in touch with Julie’s daughter through facebook. And also kept in touch with Julie too but she’s not a heavy facebook user. When the time came, I asked Julie and she said yes.

Jim Stovall came from a connection with someone at a networking group I belonged to at the time. She just happened to be working with Jim through her employer on a matter and she connected the two of us via email.

Networking and talking to people are how I’ve received the connections I made. When people sense your authenticity and you’ve built up a trust level with them; they are more than happy to help.

With Lillian’s book just published, I emailed the senior editor of Faery Magazine and asked. She said, “YES!”

Another endorsement for Lillian’s book came from a connection with The Chromosome 18 Registry. Dr. Veronica Wain is an award winning film maker and author and her daughter just happens to have a chromosome 18 condition too. She was happy to provide an endorsement.

And the other endorsement is from networking too. I met Brian when he lived in Reno through another friend and we have remained friends since then. He’s an actor, award winning author, and producer.

So, having said all this … Networking, talking with people – everywhere: the grocery store, events, in line waiting at places. Not in a salesy, pushy way. Just be YOU and share.

These aren’t BIG, everyone-is-going-to-recognize-their-name people. Yet, I felt there support and endorsements were meaningful and they help the books to shine!

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 20 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 16 year old son, Thomas Darnell‘s book, Biggest Little Photographer is published. Be inspired! Learn more and order here.

Latest News: Top 10 Blog Posts for 2021

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(April 2021)

Top Ten 2021 Blog Posts With the Most Views (Culled only from 2021 blog posts)

1. Pride Month 2021 – I Support You and I Am With You 

2. Asking for Help is the Hardest Part

3. Get to Know Me: What Weird or Useless Talent Do You Have?

4. Why Writing is Important to Me – An Interview with Clare Rhoden

5. Throwback Post: It Was A Crummy Day

6. Exciting News – Lillian’s Imaginarium is Open and Get to Know Me – How Handy Are You When It Comes to Fixing Things?

7. Get to Know Me: What is Your Favorite Season and Why

8. Dear Anyone Who Feels Like They Don’t Matter

9. The 51st Birthday Celebration – Camilla Downs and Throwback Post: Compassion Has Replaced Judgments

10. Get to Know Me: What Do You Do On the Weekends? and Get to Know Me: Choose Anything for a Day

Top Ten 2021 Blog Posts With the Most Views (Culled from all blog posts)

1. Recipe: No Powdered Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

2. Pride Month 2021 – I Support You and I Am With You

3. Asking for Help is the Hardest Part

4. Olive Oil as Facial Cleanser and Moisturizer – Oil Cleansing Method

5. Trees Preach the Ancient Laws of Life

6. Get to Know Me: What Weird or Useless Talent Do You Have?

7. 17 Easy and Free Ideas on How to Rejuvenate Yourself

8. Why Writing is Important to Me – An Interview with Clare Rhoden

9. Happy Birthday to Me – Reuniting With Someone Special

10. Throwback Post: It Was A Crummy Day

Top 10 Blog Posts of All Time With the Most Views

1. Olive Oil as Facial Cleanser and Moisturizer – Oil Cleansing Method

2. Recipe: No Powdered Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

3. Recipe: Almond Flour Cookies

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. Taste the Wind

8. A Moment of Defeat

9. I Wish I Wasn’t An 18p- Girl: Moment of Defeat – Take Two

10. Lillian and Being Different Presentation

Top 3 Countries With Most Views for 2021

Top 3 Countries with Most Views for All Time

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 20 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 16 year old son, Thomas Darnell‘s book, Biggest Little Photographer is published. Be inspired! Learn more and order here.

Reblog: Team TLC 2021 Valentine’s Day

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February 14 2021

Happy Happy Happy Valentine’s Day to my forever loves. Love you, Thomas and Lillian, forever and ever, always and always …

I made each of them a heart shaped crystal sun catcher (with crystal beads). Sending oceans of love to all of you, too …

 

        

Thank you to The Romano Duo for delivering Valentine’s Day gifts, too! Hyacinths and an adorable red monkey for me. I was today years old when I learned how much I needed a fluffy red monkey. A beautiful plant for Thomas, and a rose plant for Lillian. Thank you Romano Duo!!

Go here to see the full post …

Team TLC 2021 Valentine’s Day

Get to Know Me: Misheard Song Lyrics

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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 song lyrics have you misheard?

When I was very young, for the longest time, I thought it was “Hang on Snoopy” instead of “Hang on Sloopy” …. There have been many. This is the earliest one I remember. ….

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 20 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 16 year old son, Thomas Darnell‘s book, Biggest Little Photographer is published. Be inspired! Learn more and order here.

2021 Christmas Fayre – Books and Art by Camilla Downs and Thomas Darnell and Lillian Darnell

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Welcome to the 2021 Christmas Fayre hosted by the Meeting the Authors! Facebook Group!

Beginning today, Friday, December 3rd, and running throughout the weekend. Join us for great gift ideas. Each day will hold different and beautiful gifts. With books, candles, and handmade gifts, there’ll be something for everyone! Have a browse and invite your friends too. The more the merrier! 🎄🎄🎄

Follow the link to join us:

https://fb.me/e/2Kno9aVkk

Team TLC items being offered during the Christmas Fayre

Team TLC Books:

Words of Alchemy

Words of Alchemy is the poetry memoir of a single mom who travels life with reverence and reflection, reading at times like magic spells of love and good wishes. A book for those in need of uplifting, easy to read poetry that leaves one feeling comforted, inspired, with a different view of how life can be lived.

In Words of Alchemy, Camilla Downs invites you to walk with her to share her love of Nature and Life through a heartfelt free-verse poetry memoir.

During her daily strolls she is mindfully present as she delves into life in the raw.

Camilla embraces what happens when she opens her heart and invites the written words to flow. The Alchemy of Love and Healing is what happens.

Link to buy:

mybook.to/WordsofAlchemy

Where Would You Fly and Other Magical Stories

Welcome to the radiant imagination of Lillian Darnell, a wonderful and unique human being, the kind who comes around only once in every 56,000 births, as she is missing the short arm of her 18th chromosome.

Leave this reality behind and enter enchanted lands awash in mysteries, happy endings, adventures, and inspiration. Come within and discover heartwarming and beautiful tales, woven with love and magic, brought forth from the imagination of a young woman with a different perspective. Lose yourself in wondrous adventures as you follow courageous, enchanting characters, kind animals and plant life, and graceful Mother Nature.

The delightful tales, legends, and poems within these pages were written by Lillian Darnell between the ages of four and fifteen. The stories and poems are mostly edited for spelling and grammar, yet the bulk of the stories remain as she originally wrote and published them to include a few grammatical errors and made up words.

Will a girls dream of becoming a princess come true?
How can sad, mischievous, fearful animals help humans feel emotions?
How did the world come to have color?

Link to buy:

getbook.at/WhereWouldYouFly

Biggest Little Photographer

Life is what happens from here to there, what happens between deciding what you want and receiving that which you want.

Who is the “Biggest Little Photographer”?
Why Mr. Minifigure?

At 8-years-old Thomas Darnell read an article about a professional photographer who had taken photographs of a minifigure taking photographs for 365 days. When inspired to begin his own 365 photography project, he bought a minifigure camera with his own money. A few months into the project, Thomas considered abandoning it. After considering how it would feel to finish as opposed to not finishing, he chose to continue.

Within this book you will find love, wonder, inspiration, and the knowing that whatever you dream, whatever you want to accomplish, it can be done. You will also find that life is what happens between asking, “Can I do that?” and “I did it!”

Link to buy:

mybook.to/BiggestLittlePhoto

D iz for Different – One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance

In her early thirties Camilla Downs landed in a different place than she had planned; a place more different than she could ever have imagined. Five years into her marriage with a happy three-year-old daughter, a phone call with a diagnosis from the pediatrician changed everything.

This A to Z inspiring memoir recounts Downs’ journey to acceptance of herself, her daughter’s genetic abnormality of 18p- and becoming a single mom. Through Downs’ realization’s we learn that accepting ourselves and our situations is the key to being able to accept others, tap into our vein of courage and live in the present moment. Downs details her journey with the methods and thought process that led her to achieve true acceptance and genuine happiness. You’ll learn ways to redefine your thought processes and belief system by applying the practical, insightful “Tips for the Journey” at the end of each chapter.

Whether you need to decrease stress and worries, or increase self-confidence, this powerful book will help you make changes for the better and realize you are not alone. Begin your new journey today!

Link to buy:

mybook.to/DizforDifferent

Lillian’s Imaginarium – etsy shop:

Bio:

I am a writer and artist who loves rainbows, emojis, nature, art, Christmas, and music. I also have a rare chromosome deletion called 18p-. (My mom, Camilla, helps me with my etsy store.)

https://www.etsy.com/shop/LilliansImaginarium

A Throwback Merry Christmas Wish, from 11 years ago – December 24, 2010: (WoW! How I’ve changed??)

News: Books and Candles and Handmade Gifts – 2021 Christmas Fayre

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Beginning tomorrow, Friday, December 3rd, and running throughout the weekend. Join us for great gift ideas. Each day will hold different and beautiful gifts. With books, candles, and handmade gifts, there’ll be something for everyone! Have a browse and invite your friends too. The more the merrier! 🎄🎄🎄

Follow the link to join us:

https://fb.me/e/2Kno9aVkk