February 1 2021
Thanks to Bill for the space on The Miramichi Reader!
Welcome back to a new Showcase interview! Today we visit with Camilla Downs (Camilla is pronounced like Pamela), a poet, photographer, and founder of Meeting the Authors, itself a showcase of international writers. Camilla, what a treat to showcase a showcaser! Welcome. Let’s introduce you with a bio:
I’m chatting with Bill Arnott on his Author Showcase about perseverance, problem solving, role models, speaking out about what offends your heart, albums, movies, spaghetti and kayaks! Join us …
Q. What do you feel you’re best known for, Camilla?
A. It’s funny you have asked this question as I have just recently asked friends and connections what they have noticed about me and about how I solve problems. So …. I’m best known for my perseverance and being a problem solver who is able to see the situation from different angles, beyond mainstream thinking. As well as my writings, books, and nature photography, living from my heart and making intuitive decisions, being grounded by nature, and having a calming presence.
Q. (Which shines through in your positive writing.) What do you feel brought you here?
A. You and I have been playing a game of ping pong! We met in an online Facebook group for authors and bloggers. I interviewed you on my website of MeetingtheAuthors.com, you read and reviewed my book, and now I’m answering these fun questions for your Showcase! And, I’m reading Gone Viking right now and really enjoying it!
Q. (We have been dancing around in similar circles! And thanks.) Who do you consider a role model?
A. I think I’m in between role models at the moment. There are several people I admire, and am inspired by how they do business and live their lives. I have had role models in the past who inspired me, too. Perhaps it’s because I’ve pressed the “pause” button of my life, but I’m not able to name a person at the moment.
Q. (I understand; people in those roles “appear” at different times.) What’s your advice to others?
A. Live your life as you see fit, with a solid foundation of loving kindness. Speak up and speak out about what offends your heart, and try not to be concerned with what others think of you.
Q. (Oh, I like that a lot.) And what are your currently working on?
A. Currently I’m trying to take it somewhat easy. I’m just on the other side of a years long emotional and mental healing journey, while also being a single parent to two kids. I decided at the end of 2019 that 2020 would be a year of rest, relaxation, and of pressing the reset button.
I do plan on writing more books, I’m just not sure yet what they will look like. I’m beginning to think about goals for myself moving forward, and am participating in a challenge to get started with how I’d like to be of service to others with my skills and knowledge.
Q. (That sounds wonderful.) Tell us, please, what are your favourite: album, movie, and food dish?
A. Album: I seriously cannot choose a favorite album. I’m one of those people who likes to listen to music on shuffle, just to be surprised. I love 70’s and 80’s disco and rock n’ roll. Yet, I also love 50’s and 60’s rock n’ roll. On the flip side, I enjoy hard rock and some heavy metal! It absolutely depends on my mood.
Movie: It may be easier for me to name my least favorite movies! I don’t like horror/scary movies or movies with tons of violence (unless it’s based on a true story or event from history). My favorite movies are ones that inspire me, make me laugh, teach me something, or expand my awareness.
Food Dish: Spaghetti with a lovely side salad and a chunk of ciabatta bread (Now, if you ask me this next week, you may receive a completely different answer!)
Q. (Ah, a diner after my own heart!) And now for our Quirky Question. Make a choice: kayak or canoe?
A. I’m going with a kayak as I’ve been in a two person kayak exactly one time, and that was only recently! I can’t recall that I’ve ever been in a canoe.
Q. (I think of canoes more often than not as Canadiana.) Thanks Camilla, this has been fun. And I wish you continued success with your writing and Meeting the Authors.
A. Thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of your Showcase, Bill! I had a great time!
Click the image below to see the interview on Bill’s website …
January 21 2021
Deep gratitude to Kim Rigby for this beautiful, heartfelt, review of Words of Alchemy. Thank you for seeing me, Kim! xoxo
“Words of Alchemy is a stunning collection of poems that appears to have been sourced directly from the soul, from that higher self that is only accessed when we are at one with ourselves.
We are guided through sections on nature, healing, parenting, gratitude and more, allowing us a deeply personal glimpse into the author’s perspective on life. Her words resonate with kindness, compassion for others and the self, and how nature can speak to us, calming the soul and renewing the mind. It’s a timely reminder when so much of the world has been locked down.
What is alchemy after all, but to see with new eyes, to appreciate a magical change in the everyday? The author gives us permission to stop and do exactly that.” – Kim Rigby
Go here to learn more about the book …
November 1 2020
Thank you to Helen of Pink Quill Books for this lovely review which caused my eyes to pool with liquid gratitude. Deeply appreciated, Helen!
My review for Words of Alchemy by Camilla Downs, 5/5 stars.
Camilla Downs takes us on her journey of healing, compassion and love in this collection of poems. Each one is written from the heart, and her warmth, and her love for her children shines through every word.
Nature and its healing power is very important to Camilla, and her poems instill you with a feeling of well-being and calm. She gently guides you through the chaos and difficulties of life, and shows you how just a few moments of quiet observation of the world around you can help reset your fragile state of mind.
Looking at the world through Camilla’s eyes is a calming experience, and opens your mind to the possibilities that life holds. I loved the poems about her children, and how she acknowledges their difficulties, indeed, she embraces them, and reassures her children that they are a part of them to be accepted and talked about openly, rather than suppressed. This mother’s love, her compassion, is inspiring and humbling. Highly recommend.
October 21 2020
Thank you to Nancy of The Writing Life Podcast! We talked about the role of mindfulness in artistic creation and the connection between art and nature. May something I’ve shared resonate. xoxo
August 22 2020
I’m chattin’ with Haley at The Caffeinated Reader about my tipping point, bribing myself, being bold, and why I wrote free-verse poems for six years. Grab your coffee or tea and join us …
August 13 2020
Thank you to Jo of Jaffa Reads Too for this beautiful review. It did my heart good to receive this in the middle of the two week break. I’ve officially been reviewed by a cat now! As Jaffa is Jo’s reading partner.
“During this global pandemic I find that I am turning increasingly to the healing nature of inspirational verse to help to me stay grounded.
Words of Alchemy is a collection of expressive free verse in which the author shares her intimate thoughts and feelings about life, love, friendship, family, the natural world and does so with a light touch and an almost ethereal longing to be heard.
I find poetry collections intensely personal, as what seems so relevant to the poet can sometimes get lost in translation, but throughout this interesting memoir collection I felt an emotional connection to the thoughts and feelings expressed by this contemplative poet. Written over a number of years this collection is the author’s very personal journey through some of her troubled times and how she found inspiration in mindfulness and observing life around her.
Words of Alchemy is easy to read either all in one sitting or, as I did, dipping into sections at whim but guaranteed always to find something beautifully written and soothing to my soul. I found the whole collection quite charming and a pleasure to read on one of those scary days just recently when the world around me seemed such a very dark place.”
Go here to read the full review …
August 9 2020
Thank you to the miramichi reader for publishing Bill’s glowing review of Words of Alchemy! Deeply appreciated!
“Camilla Downs is a powerhouse – a one-person publishing house, selfless promoter of fellow authors, bestseller, blogger, photographer, and mom – the order of which is not prioritized. I met Camilla through online authors’ networks. We swapped books, as you do. And I immediately fell for her story – relatable, inspiring – facing challenges, overcoming obstacles, and being a role model. In other words, a good person. A person who, among other things, fuels her creativity and capacity to give by immersing herself into landscapes – communing with the outdoors, shooting photos, and writing about all of it.
Words of Alchemy is her compilation of free verse poetry touching on these issues – a sincere and sensitive ode to life and to nature. Divided into alchemical sections – experience, perspective, lessons and growth – we take a seat next to our author for the Alchemy of Healing.
In Words of Alchemy, author Camilla Downs relays her story – powerfully personal and enlightening. Her words reflect a recognition of challenges and rewards, the natural world she is mindfully part of, consciously present, and admirably, ensuring she shares it with all of us.” – Bill Arnott
Go here to read the full review …
July 13 2020
Much thanks to James for having me on the JQM Literary Spotlight today! We’re chattin’ about an outrageously determined, trailblazing, heartfelt, warrior woman and how I became an accidental poet. Join us …
JQM LITERARY SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS Words of Alchemy by Camilla Downs
July 12 2020
What a gift to receive this morning before leaving for my hike! I was in tears. Thank you, Bill!
In Words of Alchemy, Camilla Downs invites you to walk with her to share her love of Nature and Life through a free-verse poetry memoir. During her daily strolls she is mindfully present as she delves into life in the raw and experiences her heart’s observations. Camilla embraces what happens when she opens her heart and invites the written words to flow.
Camilla Downs is a powerhouse – a one-person publishing house, selfless promoter of fellow authors, bestseller, blogger, photographer, and mom – the order of which is not prioritized. I met Camilla through online authors’ networks. We swapped books, as you do. And I immediately fell for her story – relatable, inspiring – facing challenges, overcoming obstacles, and being a role model. In other words, a good person. A person who, among other things, fuels her creativity and capacity to give by immersing herself into landscapes – communing with the outdoors, shooting photos, and writing about all of it.
Go here to read the full review …