Category Archives: News and Events

Reblog: The Wall of Love by Marco Santini Art – Featuring Artwork by Lillian Darnell

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February 15 2021

This is such an amazing and beautiful endeavor. Just magical. The Wall of Love by Marco Santini Art, surrounded by artwork submitted from people around the world, including Lillian Darnell, from Reno, Nevada!

If you’re near East Harlem in New York go have a look! Lillian’s artwork is hanging on the far right. Rick zooms into hers at 6:46 if you want to see it. Thank YOU to everyone involved. It blesses me so to see Lillian’s abstract art as part of this installation with the message of love and inclusion. We love and miss you Rick Guidotti and Liz Matejka Grossman!! xoxo Keep spreadin’ the love!

 

Go here to see the full post …

The Wall of Love by Marco Santini Art – Featuring Artwork by Lillian Darnell

Get to Know Me: An Event That Changed Everything

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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!

Can you pin-point an event in your life that changed everything?

My life has been a collection of crossroads. The first major one, and perhaps having an affect on all others: My parents had a nasty split and divorce when I was 10 years old. It was a complete mess, with my mom fleeing with us out of state two times.

The first time my mom’s family on one side of my younger brother and I, my dad’s family on the other side, tugging our arms. The second time, my dad showing up to collect my brother and I from school, heading straight to the airport and back to his home state. Those were some of he worst years of my young life.

I have had a string of unhealthy relationships with men. That only stopped when I quit having any romantic relationships after my divorce in 2007. There’s another crossroads. I’ve not dated since then.

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.

Roses With a Yule Log and a Fake Christmas Tree – Camilla on Shaz’s Book Blog

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Thank you to Sharon for having me on her beautiful book blog back in December 2021. I really enjoy being a guest on blogs when the themes are different from the typical interview.

Today it’s my pleasure to welcome Camilla Downs back to the blog for the latest Festive Fun with… feature.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m mom to two beautiful people, 20 year old Lillian, and 16 year old Thomas. We live in the high desert of Northern Nevada, USA, next door to Northern California, and about 20 minutes from gorgeous Lake Tahoe.

I love going for walks, taking nature photographs, reading, and going for swims and soaks in our community’s year round pool and jacuzzi. I’m a Shared Living Provider for my special needs daughter, and volunteer 18p- Coordinator for The Chromosome 18 Registry & Research Society.

My son and I are fans of the Star Wars and Marvel movies and series. We have movie night at least once a week, using a projector, and projecting onto our living room wall. It’s like being in a theater in the comfort of our own home. Lillian enjoys taking nature photographs with me when we’re out for walks. We have many memories of walks, with hundreds of nature photographs.

Describe your ideal Christmas.

My kids and I would spend Christmas week in a cozy cottage in the forest. I would wake to find a steady flow of plump snowflakes falling, the ground covered in a sparkling, thick layer of snow. While the kids are still sleeping, I sit in front of the fire, with a view of the trees, my hands wrapped around a mug of hot coffee, made from freshly ground beans. I spend time reading while taking in the beauty of the moment.

Later in the day, after gifts have been exchanged, we bundle ourselves, going for a breathtaking walk amongst the snow covered trees. When we return we unbundle, slip into bathing suits, and have a soak in the warm, relaxing jacuzzi. We end the day by watching a favorite movie before drifting into a peaceful, restful sleep.

Do you have any Christmas book traditions?

When my kids were younger, we always read, “The Night Before Christmas” before they went to bed. Sweet memories.

What is your favourite Christmas song?

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee

What is your favourite Christmas film?

This is such a difficult question. I can’t choose just one. I’m going to have to cheat!

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Polar Express (2004)

It Happened on 5th Avenue (1947)

The Bishop’s Wife (1948)

The Shop Around the Corner (1940)

Quick-fire questions

Roses or Quality Street? Not going to lie. Living in the US, I had to look this up on Google. I’d choose Roses as it seems they cater to coffee lovers with their flavor selection.
Mince pies/Christmas cake or Yule log? Yule log
Turkey or ham? Neither. I’m vegan. 🙂
Brussel sprouts or roast parsnips? Brussel sprouts.
Gravy or cranberry sauce? Homemade cranberry sauce.
Fake or real Christmas tree? Fake.
White or coloured lights? Coloured.
Giving or receiving presents? Giving.

Please follow the link to see the full interview on Sharon’s beautiful blog:

https://shazsbookblog.blogspot.com/2021/12/festive-fun-with-camilla-downs.html?fbclid=IwAR2f_LZm1sZdL6jhkr7KL6f1MBhw9GvC420C_xxc7ZRoKpdnKhd90W2G4OM

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.

Kiss the Earth with Your Feet – Thich Nhat Hanh

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I’m trying to get caught up with blog posts. I’ve felt out of sorts, with being incredibly busy these past few months. 

January 21 2022

This beautiful man, his teachings, his books, the movie “Walk With Me” … All lifted me, guiding me through the toughest years of my life. I am letting flow, tears of gratitude for the peace and love he shared, and for how deeply he touched and changed my life, the lives of so many. 😭❤️💔

“The International Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism announces that our beloved teacher Thich Nhat Hanh passed away peacefully at Từ Hiếu Temple in Huế, Vietnam, at 00:00hrs on 22nd January, 2022, at the age of 95.”

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: Neurodiversity Learning Continues – Family Update

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January 26 2022


(Photo from a January 2022 walk with Thomas – Galena Forest)

I received the results of Lillian’s neuropsychological evaluation this morning. It was as expected (plus some), however, overwhelming with much parent guilt over not having done this earlier in her life. Hot tears have been flowing on and off most of the day. This also brought relief in knowing the “why” of some issues.

I feel like I’m the middle of the rope in tug of war between helping Thomas get enrolled for dual credits for his last two years of high school, along with figuring out college, and thinking about all that needs to be addressed with Lillian. Plus addressing some of my own medical issues. We’ve got the route(s) figured out for dual credits. It’s just taking all the steps, filling out the forms, and looking into colleges to be sure the credits transfer to the 4 year degree.

I have been letting myself feel sad and sorry for myself today, as I do this all alone. Some days I’m just so damn tired. I will walk into the overwhelm, the tiredness, and let myself feel it all. I don’t believe in smooshing these kinds of feelings down, piling positivity on top of it. That does no one any good. I believe in physically feeling the shit of life.

This evaluation assessed more than autism. I’ve not shared the results as that is up to Lillian as to whether or not we share. She does have some hard core disregulation happening. These diagnoses have opened up therapies that insurance would not pay for without the diagnosis, and informed me of specific therapies and tests I did not know about. Therapies that would have been incredibly helpful earlier in life. Yet, we will start where we are.

Then, tomorrow, or the next, or the next, I’ll move back to knowing that I’m a damn cheetah, because I can do hard things. (So glad I read Glennon Doyle’s book and learned that phrase! Highly recommend her book, Untamed.)

I’m not posting for sympathy. I’m sharing because that’s part of my processing. Getting it out of my head. And I know if I’m feeling this way, others I know may be feeling this way. 🌹🌹🌹

**March 2022 Update** Things are moving along nicely with figuring out Thomas’s path. We’ll learn any day now if he has conditional approval where he’s applied, and we’ve lined up alternatives just in case.

Moving much slower with Lillian. Although she has finally looked at the report following her assessment, she and I still need to discuss next steps. She seems resistant to move forward. Hopefully, with time she will become less rigid about it.

Moving forward with addressing my health issues, too. I’ve begun twice a week physical therapy to address neck issues; which will continue for 8 weeks. I purchased a stand up desk, that adjusts to all positions so it can be used as a seated desk as well. And I’m taking the first steps in addressing my GI issues.

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: 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.