Vegan Eats With The Lake Tahoe Herbivores – South Lake Tahoe

April 22 2023

Lovely drive to and from South Lake Tahoe for a vegan lunch meet up with the Lake Tahoe Herbivores. It was such a beautiful drive. I stopped for scenic photos on the way there. Loved getting to see my Pisces birthday twin, Tania. 💜💜💜 I had the enchiladas with red sauce and a horchata.

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 21 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 17 year old son, Thomas Darnell‘s book, Biggest Little Photographer is published. Be inspired! Learn more and order here.

Latest News: The Letters We Wrote Five Years Ago

On November 1 2021, I mailed the letters we wrote to ourselves in 2016, five years ago. We wrote them, sealed them, and I hid them in my fireproof safe box. I put a note on my calendar for 5 years out to mail them. I absolutely did not remember what I had written!

This was such a moving experience. On November 3rd, we received the letters we wrote to our future selves five years ago, November 2016. Thank you 2016 Camilla. ❤️❤️❤️ Thomas likes his, too. Lillian likes the advice she gave herself.

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: The Portal of Silence

I’m not sure when I originally wrote this, had to have been about 3 years ago. I submitted it to a poetry contest and then forgot about it.

The Portal of Silence

Love floats
with the wind.
Love brushes
by when one
least expects.

Divine love
surrounds all.
Divine love
is within all.

All is Divine Love.

Feels, at times,
love lands
with deep penetrating
painful thorns.

Bring oneself
into the stillness
into the silence,
one must.

To Know the pain,
to feel the pain.
to receive the gift
pain bears.

The Stillness.
The silence.
The doorway
of experiencing
pain as the portal.

The portal to Wisdom
The portal to Knowing
The portal to Freedom. -©Camilla Downs

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 Songs Hit You With a Wave of Nostalgia?

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 Songs Hit You With a Wave of Nostalgia?

This is just a small sampling. I could go on and on.

Village People:

Kool and the Gang:

 

The Pointer Sisters

Sister Sledge:

Billy Idol: (so many!!) And who didn’t stand in front of the mirror trying to perfect the Billy Idol lip thing!

Duran Duran: (so many!!)

Prince:

David Bowie:

Aerosmith:

and with Run DMC

Guns n Roses:

The Cult:

AC/DC:

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Twisted Sister:

Inxs:

Def Leppard:

Metallica:

Sir Mix-A-Lot:

Talking Heads:

Dexys Midnight Runners:

I could go on and on … You get the idea, though!

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.

Poetic Clouds With New Discoveries While Hugging Trees and Nature Leads the Way — Team TLC = Thomas, Lillian and Camilla

Quote

March 15 2020 Friday’s cloud White cotton candy Melts in your mouth Melts before your eyes March 16 2020 Today’s walk with Thomas. A new to us walk. Plus, we discovered this great looking sport called Disc Golf. Looks fun! We’ve been inside since Saturday, and will only be going out for walks. Lillian’s immune…

via Poetic Clouds With New Discoveries While Hugging Trees and Nature Leads the Way — Team TLC = Thomas, Lillian and Camilla

Creative Gift Giving on Just the Positive

It warmed my heart recently to see that my thoughts on creative gift giving were included with many others on a website titled just the positive.

They asked for unique and creative ideas. Here’s what I offered:

I always write a special poem and use upcycled material to create a work of art that can be hung.

The wonderful writer of the article included two photos of my creations from Christmas 2018. A poem made into a wall hanger for Thomas and one for Lillian.

I encourage you to take about 3 minutes to read the article. It just may spark an idea for you! Click below to read the article …

https://www.justthepositive.com/blog/creative-gift-giving?fbclid=IwAR2IXFP-JAaLa7GgDXhUESw4oPaAtiYdV8s30nKwxo17_DzyB3D5TIr8bRQ

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! Coming December 2019.

Amazing news! My 18 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 14 year old son, Thomas Darnell‘s book, Biggest Little Photographer is published. Be inspired! Learn more and order here.

Writing Is …..

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

Amazing news! My 17 year old daughter, Lillian Darnell’s debut book, “Where Would You Fly and Other Magical Stories” is published. Learn more and order here

Wonderfully exciting news! My 12 year old son, Thomas Darnell‘s book, Biggest Little Photographer is published. Be inspired! Learn more and order 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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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.

Latest “Book and Movie Musings”:
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