Book Musings: Cats and Art and Barefoot

Posted on October 16, 2016 by Camilla

Wonderful book about how cats outfoxed the Gestapo at the train station in Warsaw during World War II.

Love the Author’s Note and Historical Note concluding the book.

We all loved this book

I loved this book, story and the self-taught artist it is about, Clementine Hunter. I’ve been wanting to take a painting class for years. I’d been waiting for the money to do this, the right materials, and the time.

About a month before we read this book, I let all that go. I began using what we had; the acrylic paint we had, the brushes we had, and using cardboard from food packages as canvas. I’m having the time of my life painting and playing around with the brushes and colors. Thomas and Lillian loved it too!

from the jacket cover: Clementine Hunter was a self-taught artist who captured scenes of the backbreaking work and joyous celebrations in southern farm life. Her work preserves a part of American history we rarely see, and the story of how she came to paint proves that art can help keep the spirit alive.

Whole Body Barefoot

Loved educating myself about how footwear choices are limiting the movement of our entire body. And how to make different choices.

I confess that I didn’t read every word in the book. Just pieces and sections that I felt moved to read.

Used birthday money back in February to order my first pair of barefoot, minimal shoes – custom made. It took me a while to figure out how to get the tying just right for me. Now that I’ve got it the way I want, I LOVE these shoes!

I help to support my family with my writings. 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 buy 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!

Wonderfully exciting news! We’ve completed the first book trailer for my 10 year old son’s,Thomas Darnell, upcoming book, Biggest Little Photographer. You can learn more and pre-order here. We should have the books in hand by end of October 2016.

Movie Musings: Rain and Strange Voices and Galapagos

Posted on August 14, 2016 by Camilla

My choice: “Singin’ in the Rain” –

I say, “Loved watching this with Thomas and Lillian. We laughed and laughed.” They weren’t sure they wanted to watch. Told them we would watch something different after they had given this one about 20 minutes. No way. They changed their minds and wanted to watch this!

Thomas says, “Good, good music, liked the Singin’ in the Rain and Make em Laugh scenes, awesome acting, funny, cool ending, liked the hand drawn sets, and liked everything.” Lillian says, “Good, funny, favorite part was the Make em Laugh scene, romantic, liked the music, liked some of the costumes, and I liked the hand drawn sets.”

Throwback from August 2013!

The Incredible Mr. Limpet

This one’s utter nonsense! We love it …. strange voices coming from the ocean … HA!

Lillian’s choice: “Galapagos” –

Lillian says, “Good, beautiful scenery, awesome, great music, and beautiful landscape.” I say, “Interesting, great music, and amazing footage. I would like to have learned more about the first settlers and how that evolved to its current state.” Thomas says, “Good, amazing, beautiful, cute seals and penguins, and good at explaining the islands.”

I help to support my family with my writings. 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 buy 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!

Wonderfully exciting news! We’ve completed the first book trailer for my 10 year old son’s, Thomas Darnell, upcoming book, Biggest Little Photographer. You can learn more and pre-order here.

Latest Articles:
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*Singin’ in the Rain Movie Review, The Incredible Mr. Limpet Movie Review, Galapagos Movie Review

Book Musings: The World and a Cat and Lao Tzu

Posted on June 28, 2016 by Camilla

The World We Have

“Every step we make has the power to heal and transform. Not only can we heal ourselves by our steps, but we can help heal the Earth and the environment.

You transmit your love of beauty and nature to your children and to their children, in the way you walk, sit, look, and listen, even in the way you eat.”

I love every book I’ve read by Thich Nhat Hahn!!
I read this first and then read it to Thomas and Lillian over the course of two or three weeks. xoxo

The Cat Who Went to Heaven

We so loved and enjoyed this beautiful book! Fable of a cat who changes the life of a poor Japanese artist …… a special Buddhist miracle.

Just wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. We were all glued to it!

The Legend of Lao Tzu and the Tao Te Ching

I love books by Demi! The illustrations are so beautiful and we just love reading them. Thomas wanted me to read this one again. I so enjoy having Thomas and Lillian sit beside me and reading them a book ….. and I know they enjoy it too. xoxo

I help to support my family with my writings. 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 buy 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: Rainbows and Limberlost and Chariots

Posted on June 16, 2016 by Camilla

Lillian’s choice: A Shine of Rainbows

Lillian says, “Emotional, good, great title, good moral, and amazing.” I say, from the description, “Love, acceptance, discovering oneself, and realizing rainbows are all around us and within us.” Yes, yes! Thomas says, “Good, inspiring, suspenseful, cool, awesome, and epic.”

Throwback to June 2013!

A Girl of the Limberlost – An adventure in kindness and dreams … I’ll take that!!!

Thomas’ choice: “Chariots of Fire”

Thomas says, “Beautiful music, good movie, cool, good imagery, liked the slow motion scenes, and one of the best I’ve seen.” Lillian says, “Good, amazing, dramatic, successful, and pretty music.” I say, “Inspiring true story of two men motivated from within. And the power that comes forth when living from the heart.” Loved!! xoxo

I help to support my family with my writings. So … there are Amazon affiliate links in this post. This simply means that if you click through to Amazon for more information about a movie, and you buy 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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Book Musings: Authenticity and The Dalai Lama and Acts of Kindness

Posted on June 12, 2016 by Camilla

Dying to Be Me

I can’t even describe what a deep connection I feel with Anita Moorjani and what she shares in this book … her childhood and the thoughts she had growing up and as an adult.

I read this book straight through in about a day back in December 2015. Her words were the catalyst for an internal shift within me … that was just waiting for the perfect tipping point. So amazing.

“I believe that the greatest truths of the universe don’t lie outside, in the study of the stars and the planets. They lie deep within us, in the magnificence of our heart, mind, and soul. Until we understand what is within, we can’t understand what is without. ……..

I understood that I owed it to myself, to everyone I met, and to life itself to always be an expression of my own unique essence. Trying to be anything or anyone else didn’t make me better – it just deprived me of my true self!

It kept others from experiencing me for who I am, and it deprived me of interacting authentically with them. Being inauthentic also deprives the universe of who I came her to be and what I came here to express.”

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, inspiring, life-shifting book …. and I’m grateful to Anita Moorjani for sharing her story. A story about shifting from living life and making decisions from a place of fear to living life and making decisions from a place of LOVE.

And grateful for the friend who loaned it to me when I mentioned I had just heard an interview with her and that it had moved me greatly. xoxo

The Dalai Lama

I love books by Demi! The illustrations are so beautiful and we just love reading them. Thomas wanted me to read The Dalai Lama again. I so enjoy having Thomas and Lillian sit beside me and reading them a book. xoxo

The Man Who Walked the Earth

Magical story about a stranger visiting a family on Christmas night. All about performing acts of kindness for strangers. GREAT!!

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 buy 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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Writing Prompt: The Joyful Pooka

Posted on June 1, 2016 by Camilla

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.

_____________________________________________________________________________

The Joyful Pooka

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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Go here to subscribe to my blog to ensure you receive new posts delivered straight to your inbox! Right here!

Book Musings: Parenting and Mindfulness and Words

Posted on May 25, 2016 by Camilla

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

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 – 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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Go here to subscribe to my blog to ensure you receive new posts delivered straight to your inbox! Right here!

Movie Musings: Pi and Princess and a Fox

Posted on May 14, 2016 by Camilla

“Life of Pi” … “Loved this movie! Beautiful scenery. Beautiful and incredible story.” Thomas says, “Good, inspiring, good scenery, liked the story line, really, really, really, really good.” Lillian says, “Good, very pretty scenery, emotional, and nice music.”

We watched this one during the day since it included scenes of animals attacking other animals. Lillian was concerned it may hinder her falling asleep.

“A Little Princess” – We watched this one back in May 2013! Another magical story of imagination and zest for life!! I’ll take that!!! As it should be …..

“The Fox and the Child” – We watched this one back in April 2013! About time to watch it again! What a GREAT ADVENTURE …. Absolutely breathtaking scenery and beautiful music!!

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: Shu and Free at Last and Tapestry

Posted on May 10, 2016 by Camilla

Confucius – The Golden Rule

We LOVED this book! There’s so much I want to share from it. Here are a few:

“I never denied my teaching to anyone who sought it, even if he came to me on foot with nothing more to offer as tuition than a package of dried meat.” This speaks to my heart.

“Confucius himself said that he acquired information by using his eyes and ears: ‘I listen carefully, pick out what is best, and follow it myself. I see many things, and I remember them.'” This too!!

“Wherever you go in the world, you should treat all those whom you meet as if you are receiving a highly honored guest.”

“‘Is there any single word that could guide a person’s entire life?’ asked his student Zigong. ‘Perhaps it is shu.’ Confucius replied. Which means “compassion”, “open-heartedness,” or “caring for others.”

xoxoxo

March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed The World

We read this on Martin Luther King Jr day. All three of us loved it. It was made more interesting coming from his sister’s perspective.

“Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty, we’re free at last!”

“To truly love something is better than simply to understand it, and to rejoice in it is better than simply to love it.”

“Do you want to know what knowledge is? When you know something, recognize that you know it, and when you don’t know something, recognize that you don’t know it. That’s knowledge.”

Christmas Tapestry

A beautiful tapestry from a second hand shop and an elderly Jewish woman lead to a real Christmas Eve miracle. We loved it!

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: Fairytale and Friendship and Outer Space

Posted on May 4, 2016 by Camilla

Fairytale: A True Story …. It was my turn to choose this time. I say, “Wonderful story and beautiful scenery! Can’t wait to look up more about this.” Thomas says, “Good, mesmerizing, nice, I liked it, a really good movie, liked the script and actors.” Lillian says, “Really good, adventurous, good for fairy lovers, good scenery, and loved it!” April 2016

From a 2013 Movie Night …

Heidi – Love, Forgiveness, Friendship and Miracles! I’ll take that!!

From a 2014 Movie Night …

The Cat from Outer Space – We were in the mood for something silly! This is it!!!

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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Camilla Downs

Soul Writer

Category Archives: Book and Movie Musings

Book Musings: Cats and Art and Barefoot

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Movie Musings: Rain and Strange Voices and Galapagos

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Book Musings: The World and a Cat and Lao Tzu

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Movie Musings: Rainbows and Limberlost and Chariots

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Book Musings: Authenticity and The Dalai Lama and Acts of Kindness

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Writing Prompt: The Joyful Pooka

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Book Musings: Parenting and Mindfulness and Words

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Movie Musings: Pi and Princess and a Fox

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Book Musings: Shu and Free at Last and Tapestry

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Movie Musings: Fairytale and Friendship and Outer Space

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