July 29, 2025
I took a ridiculous amount of cloud photos yesterday. You may have noticed I’m into the details. 😂 I have to take a photo every time the object of my photo changes.
July 28 2025
I’m having my own lil walk-a-thon. Or something like that.
I like taking selfies when I’m in nature. If there’s ever a time when nature begins to crumble, or I’m not able to enjoy it, I want to have proof to remind myself that it is (or was) beautiful and I got to experience it.
July 27 2025
Well, that was wild! A fast-moving hail storm came our way. It caused flash flooding in downtown Reno.
Photo by shahin khalaji on Unsplash
Crying in the sunshine
I am an ocean of emotions
So I taught myself to swim
For the moments when I have the fortitude
Swimming through the varying
Degrees of emotions
I am an ocean of emotions
So I bought myself a float
For the moments when my strength is depleted
I drift through the emotions
As they ebb and flow
I am an ocean of emotions
So I taught myself to surf
The surfboard my grit
As I slice my way
Through the waves of emotions
I am an ocean of emotions
So I bought myself a life preserver
For the moments
I feel I no longer have the strength
To continue
I am an ocean of emotions
So I befriended the
Ocean creatures
They listening when no one else
Would or could
I am an ocean of emotions
So I transformed
The salty water into
The healing ointment for my wounds
I am an ocean of emotions
So I devoured
Her sands to cleanse
The sadness of perceived rejection
Birthed from past trauma
I am an ocean of emotions
Flowing in and out
The ocean, her creatures
teaching me
It’s do or die
The ocean guiding
Me to release the pressure
Guiding me to know
That how others respond to me
How others perceive me
Ain’t got shit to do with me
The ocean reminding me
That I’m still learning
That I’ll always be learning
To walk as myself
To live as myself
To know myself
To love me
The ocean teaching
Me how to be awake
Knowing that when
I’m awake
I am alive
That when I am alive
I am FREE
Camilla Downs, 2024
July 26 2025
I’m so happy I got to see Michelle while she was here. Her visit to Reno during Artown always lands while I’m at the C18 conference. Michelle invited me to join her and a few others for a quick bite before Monday Night Poetry. Then she facilitated a workshop before poetry sharing began. I’m glad we got to see each other this time, Michelle Myers!!
July 24 2025
Today, a walk in the forest. I tried to capture the gorgeous wildflowers, but didn’t quite capture their beauty. 🌸🪻🌸
July 23 2025
I wanted a change of scenery for today’s walk. And, oh my goodness. This was exactly what I needed. The temperature was perfect, the wind wasn’t too harsh, and it was gorgeous. The wind and the water cleared this funky mood that had settled over me for weeks. I drove away completely renewed.
I adore this spot as I brought Thomas and Lillian here from the time they were 1 and 5 years old for date days and Team TLC adventures. During those financially lean (non-existent) times, I had to get creative with free entertainment. This lovely spot holds lots of memories.
July 22 2025
The clouds always make for some great photos. 🩵
July 21 2025
I cannot stop looking at this photo. I swear this butterfly has hiked her pants up and is dancing a jig on that leaf. What the heck? It’s cracking me up! 🤣🤣🤣
(Butterfly Conservatory – Niagara Falls, Canada – July 2025)
July 20 2025
(South Lake Tahoe August 2023)
This morning I woke up thinking that my entire life has been lived in two cycles repeating over and over. Within one cycle I’m outspoken, outgoing, and loud. Within the other I’m withdrawn, timid, and quiet. While thinking this my mind brought forth images of water rushing up the beach and receding.
Then I started wondering, is everyone like this? The same two cycles repeating over and over. Being late diagnosed as neurodivergent, I’ve learned there are many things about me that the typical person does not experience. So I thought I would ask. Do you experience this?