Humane Society Volunteer Day with Thomas

Posted on February 12, 2018 by Camilla

February 1 2018:

Today was volunteer day for Thomas and I. After socializing with the cats, we cut sheets for use in the cat infirmary.

We did the cutting in a conference room and Thomas asked me twice why they had a Geiger counter. I finally asked him to point out what he was talking about. What do you think it was?**

It’s incredibly hard to cut sheets with regular paper cutting scissors. They really need a few pairs of fabric scissors. I feel like I mangled those sheets! Ha!

And look what I found under one of the sheets. I somehow cut a heart shape piece of fabric while mangling, I mean cutting, one of the sheets.

**A typewriter!!! HA!!**

Swim Day and Oranges and Betty Boop

Posted on February 10, 2018 by Camilla

January 22 2018:

Homeschool swim day!!!

So thankful to those who have arranged this!! Northern Nevada Home Schools!!! xoxo

January 25 2018:

Who else loves a good and juicy orange??? One of my favorite fruits at this time of year. Love them so much I’ve been known to eat three in one day!!! Yum!!! 🍊 👅… xoxoxo

After I posted this on facebook, a friend posted this about the color orange:

“Orange is the color of creativity and sexuality. The color Orange is the color of joy, enthusiasm and creativity and promotes a general sense of wellness. Orange stones increase and aid personal power, self-esteem and confidence.”

https://crystalhealing.blog/2018/01/20/meaning-of-orange/

And I say, “This is great!!” I have to admit I find eating an orange incredibly sensual! HA! This description is perfect … Joy and Enthusiasm too!! xoxo

*************

January 26 2018:

And last night after the wonderful Chay Drol Healing Ceremony in South Lake Tahoe with the Gaden Shartse Monks, I just had to stop and ask Betty Boop, “Girl, aren’t you cold?” And, she replied, “Naw honey. I’ve got an internal fire that keeps me warm year ’round!” Wheeee!! xoxo

Best Time for a Post Office Trip and Let’s Go Swimming

Posted on January 8, 2018 by Camilla

December 14 2017:

The best time to make a post office trip: 10:30 at night! One Biggest Little Photographer book on the way to Virginia!! Have fun Mr. Minifigure man!

We also found out how many times we can drive around the round-a-bout before feeling dizzy. Four. That’s it!

December 15 2017:

Homeschool swimming day at Carson Valley Swim Center! Thomas is having a great time! What a fun place and a beautiful drive to get here too. Lillian opted for some quiet alone time as it’s kind of overwhelming in here.

Thomas and Camilla November 2017 Date Day

Posted on December 20, 2017 by Camilla

November 21 2017:

Thomas and Camilla November 2017 Date Day –

First stop: Washoe Lake. I’ve only been here maybe two other times with no wind. How gloriously beautiful.

I truly needed a deep dose of Mama Gaia today and this was perfect for grounding and processing.

Thomas walked barefoot and dug in the sand. It was perfect for him too. He and Lillian had a huge argument as we were readying to leave.

I sat down, took off my shoes and socks, and slowly buried my feet and hands in the soft, cool sand. I was instantly relaxed and brought into this wonderful moment with Thomas. It’s difficult to even find the words to describe.

Last stop: Ice Cream!! Vegan Coconut Mint and Just Nog for Thomas and Vegan Coconut Mint and Just Chocolate for me! Of all the flavors I’ve ever tasted here, the Coconut Mint tops the list now! Love the texture and flavor – tastes like a Jr Mint candy, only better! We ate our ice cream with the amazing view at Audrey Harris Park.

Thomas also had a half sandwich and I had a cup of potato salad and macaroni salad.

Book Musings: The Amazing Discoveries of Ibn Sina

Posted on December 12, 2017 by Camilla

November 18 2017:

The Amazing Discoveries of Ibn Sina

Beautifully illustrated story of Ibn Sina, a genius of the Islamic Golden Age (c.622-c.1258). We learned he was a polymath, distinguished by his historically crucial contributions in the medical field.

His famous work, The Canon of Medicine, has made his name live through the centuries. He wrote hundreds of books on subjects including architecture, mathematics, philosophy, music, chemistry, education, medicine and meteorology.

GREAT book and it was wonderful discovering Ibn Sina!

Another Step Closer – Where Would You Fly

Posted on December 1, 2017 by Camilla

November 24 2017:

Flourishes chosen! Another step closer!

**Are you interested in helping with the last stage of creation and bringing the book fully to life? We are pre-selling the book NOW and will have it in hand by the end of December 2017. Our goal is to pre-sell 50 books and we’ve already sold 15! Go here if interested in helping … https://www.LillianDarnell.com/Author …

If You Could Go Back In Time

Posted on December 1, 2017 by Camilla

November 7 2017:

At dinner Thomas asked, “If you could go back in time and spend time with someone, who would you choose?”

While I was thinking of what to say, he shared his answer. He would go back to when Hitler was a kid and encourage him to attend art school.

I didn’t even know what to say after that. Selfishly, I had been thinking Buddha, Jesus, or Gandhi simply to be amongst their energies.

So incredibly grateful for having Thomas be a part of my life … xoxo

Volunteering at Humane Society – Slow and Gentle

Posted on November 25, 2017 by Camilla

November 3 2017:

It was Humane Society volunteer day! Thomas got to sit with Angel. He knows she can be grumpy about having her napping interrupted. So, he moves slowly and so gently gives her loving. I’m so relieved to see her still here when we come. So many beauties.

Grateful for Real Food With No Artificial Flavors or Dyes and Chance Encounters and Friends

Posted on November 23, 2017 by Camilla

November 1 2017:

Today was grocery day. I am incredibly grateful for real food free of artificial flavors, dyes, and other non-food stuffs. Seriously. Beyond words. And I’m grateful for days when I come home with bags of this beautiful, nature (and farmer) provided bounty! Ahhhhhh ….. xoxo

I have a knack for remembering details and prices when it comes to grocery shopping. Plus, we have many items that I buy on a consistent basis. Also, I am one of those people you see reading the ingredient labels of everything! So, I know if the same or similar item is cheaper or on sale at one of the stores I shop.

Here are the stores: Trader Joe’s for most things … No artificial flavors or dyes in anything .. Although there is corn syrup in some candies (just not high fructose corn syrup). Trader Joe’s seems to have the cheapest organic prices (of the places I shop).

One other item I look for on the packaging at TJ’s is for prepared foods. They seem to have so many that are for microwave cooking and I don’t use a microwave for reheating or cooking. I bought an item once that ONLY had microwave instructions! I improvised and got it cooked; but, now I make sure there are stove or oven directions too. Currently, November 2, 2017, Trader Joe’s organic fresh cranberries are cheaper than Whole Foods.

Whole Foods for other items. Same thing. No artificial flavors or dyes in anything. Some candies have corn syrup but not high fructose corn syrup. We’ll have to see if standards say the same now that Amazon has bought them.

Raleys has a vegan cheese I like so I go there for that and usually get lucky with it being on sale!

I’ve tried Sprouts, but so far I’m not liking it like TJ’s and WF. They have items with artificial flavors and dyes so have to be more diligent with reading labels. Right now their organic russet potatoes are cheaper than TJ’s, but, I didn’t like the flavor or texture or something about it. I do like their Health & Beauty section. Good selection of items. I LOVE the Great Basin Food Co-op downtown but it’s more of a drive.

I’ve been reading labels and memorizing prices for nearly 10 years now! Plus, I have noticed that some prices have increased in the last couple of months after having been the same for years!

November 2 2017:

While volunteering at the library yesterday, Lillian and I ran into the vice-principal from her elementary days. I recognized her but couldn’t remember why I knew her.

She absolutely remembered us and Thomas too! She was so extremely excited to see Lillian volunteering and shelving books. And even more excited when I told her about the upcoming book!

She brought up how she remembers our IEP meetings and how well prepared I always was for them. Lillian’s therapists and resource teacher always commented the same. I owe being ready for that first meeting to Catherine Via Burzio who directed me to the exact resources I needed.

I stayed up past midnight for several nights reading all of it and knew that it all came down to how things were worded. From then on, I just made sure I used words how they wanted them to be used to match regulations.

It went great until fourth grade. That’s when it all fell apart and I decided to make use of other options. I am SO incredibly grateful that IEP is no longer something I have to prepare for or be concerned with.

November 3 2017:

Love this memory from five years ago Kimberly Phipps-Nichol!! It’s been about ten years since we first met! I’m so blessed by your love and am so incredibly happy for your joy, happiness, and success! xoxo

November 3 2012: Today I am grateful that you and I met in 2007 and became friends. I am thankful for you and our beautiful friendship. As we count down the one week left before you make your move to Houston, please know I feel so awesomely blessed for our closeness. I will miss you dearly …. Yet, I know this will be an amazing part of your journey and an exciting adventure!!! I TREASURE the connection we have my sweet friend … See you in a few hours for your going away party!!! (Picture from December 2011)

Touching Moments Volunteering – Human Society

Posted on November 19, 2017 by Camilla

October 27 2017:

It was volunteer day!! Thomas is in love with Angel. She’s 15 years old and she’s in kidney failure. Her placard says she does not like to be disturbed when napping; which is all she does at this point.

But, when Thomas sat next to her she slowly stood on frail and wobbly legs and sat next to him. He wants to bring her home for cat hospice so she has a home before crossing the Rainbow Bridge. 💜😭

And then there was Molly. I sat down and was petting another cat when Molly, the black cat pictured, slowly emerged from the cat house where she was sleeping. She walked over to me, jumped in my lap, and curled up next to my chest. She’s 10 years old and is under vet care right now. Not sure what’s up with her.

She seriously kept hugging me and staring into my eyes. She even put her paw on my chin while looking up at me a couple of times. Then, she curled up in my lap. Her placard says she’s shy and takes a while to warm up to someone. Um, wow!

I radiated as much love as possible from my hands and heart to her heart. Hope it stays with her til our next visit. She was hard to put down. 😭💜

The other cat pictured is Coco. Isn’t she a beauty??

Team TLC = Thomas, Lillian and Camilla

Tag Archives: unschooling