The 2016 Chromosome 18 Journey Begins

Posted on July 10, 2016 by Camilla

July 6 2016:

Rosey got a bath today to get ready for our trip!! Going through the car wash is so fun!

If it feels right we would appreciate love, good juju, prayers for our car, Rosey, and our journey. Rosey is 15 years old and we need her to take care of us and get us there and back safely and smoothly. Oceans of gratitude!! xoxo

July 8 2016:

Whew!!! We made it somewhere!!! Team TLC is in Surprise, Arizona! We left Reno at 7:00 this morning and at 9:00 tonight we came upon Surprise. We said, “yes, we’ll take it!”

Sorry for our silence. I do not pay for data so we are not online again until we have wifi. Onward to Texas tomorrow. Does anyone know a good stopping overnight point between Tucson and San Antonio via I-10?

July 8 2016:

Surprise, Arizona to El Paso, Texas … We made it to Texas! We’ll be in San Antonio tomorrow late afternoon. Amazing rock formations in Arizona and New Mexico. We will come back when it’s not so hot!!

Lillian and I don’t do well in this high heat! Rosey was even getting too hot! This is a ton of responsibilities for one adult and I am learning so much! Yet, I have so much fun traveling with them. They are such wonderful teachers of living in the moment. My heart swells to overflowing with love …. xoxo

I am writing like the wind before I get this tired mind and body into bed and be ready for one more day of driving tomorrow. I am compelled. I have just got to document some of what we are experiencing and talking about.

Thomas had such amazing thoughts to share yesterday and Lillian also yesterday morning before she got a tummy ache. Although we are having a ball and laughing tons and enjoying this beautiful land as we drive by it; this has not all been fun and easy, and it was my goal to have this trip be a learning experience for me of not knowing, not planning, and just going. That’s certainly not for everyone.

Yet, I felt this was important for me. It’s a huge step out of my comfort zone. One step closer to trusting myself, trusting internal messages, and letting go of how it’s supposed to be done. I’ve never driven this far alone … Much less alone with Thomas and Lillian. Plus driving this far in a 15 year old car. Skating through this trip on less than a shoe string budget and letting go of worry that the string will hold tight …

I’m having moments when I’m so tired I’m shaking and wondering what in the hell I’m doing ….. Yet, I know. I may not know on the surface right now; but deep down, I know why I do what I do. And then we share these amazing moments together with wonderful comments from Thomas and Lillian and moments full of so much love that further each one of us. Moments where I’m so hot and exhausted, I have visions of taking an ice bath! Definitely some amazing growth for all of us happening! WOW! xoxoxo

July 9 2016:

El Paso to San Antonio! We made it about 5:30 this afternoon! Been a whirlwind since.

There is so much unexpected loving-kindness flowing my and our way … WOW!!

I just drove Team TLC 1700 miles … I did it! Now. Where’s my bed?

(Go here for part two of the 2016 Chromosome 18 Conference Journey.)

Speaking and Green Boots

Posted on July 10, 2016 by Camilla

April 18 2012:

The boots and I are off to present at Sierra Regional Center thus morning at their Quarterly Providers Meeting!! Accompanied by Ms Lillian Darnell.

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Special treat for Team Member T for earning his green card today!!! YAY Thomas!!!

Biggest Little Photographer by Thomas Darnell

Posted on July 6, 2016 by Camilla

June 26 2016:

The trailer is complete and the book will be ready Fall 2016. But wait ….. This is not simply a photography book and not a photography book by a professional photographer. This book is about an 8 year old boy, with a passion for LEGO, and a huge heart. This is a book with a message that life IS what happens from here to there, what happens between deciding what you want and receiving that which you want.

It’s a book about an 8 year old boy who read an article about a professional photographer who had taken photographs of a mini figure taking photographs for 365 days. An 8 year old boy who then asked, “Can I do that?” and then bought a mini figure camera with his own money.

An 8 year old boy who used what he had, a donated iPhone 3G, mini figure pieces already owned, and spent less than $2.00 to purchase the camera piece.

So, while you won’t find photographs of the highest quality and clarity within this book, you will find love, inspiration, and the knowing that whatever you dream, whatever you want to accomplish, it CAN be done. And you will find that life is what happens between asking, “Can I do that?” and “I DID IT!”

It’s about an 8 year old boy who, with determination and fun, completed a ONE YEAR photography project from the time he was 8 years old and ending at 9 years old.

Our goal is to receive 100 pre-orders by July 1, 2016. Will you help by doing any of the following:

Pre-ordering a book
Like, comment, share this post
Like, comment, share on any social media
Like, comment, share the blog post – https://thomasadarnell.com/author/

With deepest gratitude for reading this, for ordering, liking, commenting, or sharing …. Team TLC xoxo

June 27 2016:

We’ve received 4 pre-orders so far! YAY! Our goal is 100 by this Friday! Thank you to those who have shared, liked, commented and purchased!

June 28 2016:

Here’s another I snuck of him while he was taking a photo of mini figure taking a photo at the Galena Visitor’s Center in June 2014 …

We’ve got 12 pre-orders now for Thomas’ Biggest Little Photographer and bunches of shares and likes and comments. Thank you so much. All of it helps us to reach the 100 pre-order goal by Friday, July 1st.

June 29 2016:

Oceans of gratitude for the orders, shares, likes and comments! We are truly blessed by everyone’s kindness. We’ve got 15 pre-orders now for Thomas’ Biggest Little Photographer book. All of it helps us to reach the 100 pre-order goal by Friday, July 1st.

June 30 2016:

Can we possibly receive about 80 pre-orders by end of day tomorrow? I don’t know, yet, we never will if we don’t try! xoxo

We have our first overseas order! YAY!! Thomas’ book will be traveling to Sweden! To our overseas friends who may be coming to a US C18 Conference … We are just going to deliver this one in person at the Chicago 2017 conference so we don’t have to fuss with the high shipping costs.

Oceans of gratitude for the orders, shares, likes and comments! We are truly blessed by everyone’s kindness. We’ve got about 20 pre-orders now for Thomas’ Biggest Little Photographer book. All of it helps us to reach the 100 pre-order goal by Friday, July 1st.

July 1 2016:

Team TLC and Mini-figure photographer man say, “Hope y’all have a Fantastic 4th of July Weekend with bunches of love and watermelons!”

75 pre-orders by end of today? I don’t know, yet, we’ll never know if we don’t try! xoxo

Oceans of gratitude for the orders, shares, likes and comments! We are truly blessed by everyone’s kindness. We’ve got about 25 pre-orders now for Thomas’ Biggest Little Photographer book. All of it helps us to reach the 100 pre-order goal by Friday, July 1st.

July 2 2016:

Just wanted to share an update …. Our goal was to have received 100 pre-orders of Thomas’ Biggest Little Photographer book by July 1st. We didn’t reach that goal OR did we? We’ve had about 25 pre-orders for the book. Some orders are by check so not sure of the exact amount.

However, sometimes the universe delivers what we desire in a different way. I just did the calculations for money we’ve received during the past week … When divided by $20 (average price for book) … It comes out to 100 …. Ummmmm … WOW!!

So we actually exceeded our goal! Our goal was met in a miraculously creative way … With 2 couches, a bayou Angel and her mom, and the loving-kindness of those who shared, liked, commented and purchased. Team TLC overflows with gratitude and sends blessings and love to all … xoxo

July 6 2016:

Update: We’ve received about 30 pre-orders! YAY!!

Here Comes the Sun and Wrinkles and Wonder

Posted on July 6, 2016 by Camilla

June 29 2013:

Went for an early morning walk … so invigorating and inspiring. Nina Simone singing “Here Comes the Sun” popped into my head … Here’s to a beautiful day y’all! https://youtu.be/NJiC6cA3dUA

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June 29 2013:

Lillian would like to know … Why do our hands and feet wrinkle after being in the water for a while …. and why doesn’t the rest of our body wrinkle when in the water like the hands and feet? Anyone up for answering this one?

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Team TLC movie night …. I LOVE this movie … Imagination, believing in oneself and one’s unique gift … “Your life is an occasion … Rise to it” – Mr. Magorium. And …. “Every ending is the beginning of something new and different …” -Me

Thomas and Lillian were so inspired by our movie tonight they just put on a performance called “Just be Yourself” …. LOVE it!

I Am Awesome

Posted on July 5, 2016 by Camilla

April 17 2015:

“I am awesome!” …. Last week at camp Thomas had a day of grumpiness. In talking with him it turns out he was being very judgmental of himself for not knowing how to play volleyball and for continuing to make mistakes. I explained that a little of that is okay as it helps one have the persistence to learn more of what you want to learn.

However, if we don’t see mistakes as opportunities to learn and instead are unkind to ourselves by being severely judgmental, then that grumpiness overflows to those we encounter and those around us. I suggested he instead focus on the way it felt in his body, not focusing on labeling himself as bad or no good and the judgmental words and thoughts would leave on their own. Then, he could say to himself, “I am awesome”! ….

And then he could ask his teammates or camp leaders to teach him how to play. He said, “I like that!” (As he and I were talking, the “I am awesome” story came to mind. I had completely forgotten about it until that very second. Years ago I came across a story of a barista who would comment, “I am awesome”, when she made little mistakes … instead of mentally saying things like “I suck”, “I’m stupid”, etc.)

Not only did Thomas need to hear that story in that moment; I did too! Sharing with y’all now … Perhaps it will land in front of the eyes that need to see it right in this moment .. xoxo

Romano Duo Visit June 2016

Posted on July 4, 2016 by Camilla

June 26 2016:

We went over to The Romano Duo’s temporary home for the next 4 days. Had some fun at the pool. They get to have a sleepover Monday night!! First night of respite for me since last August. xoxo

We had company for tonight’s walk! They got to see the ducklings, goslings, comorants, a huge frog, and the beaver! YAY!

June 27 2016:

They just left for their sleepover with the Romano Duo! First, we all went for a swim and had lunch poolside. Now, they’re ready for some Duo lovin’! And I get the first time alone at home since last August. I love hanging out with Team TLC all together, yet I am going to cherish every moment of this alone time. xoxo

We went out to eat for dinner, came home and had a dance party, Frank changed Rosey’s air filter and checked her fluids so we’re ready for the huge road trip we are undertaking next week … and we said our goodbyes …. Until next time Romano Duo ….. xoxoxo …

Angels and Monarch Butterflies and Adventures and Traveling

Posted on July 3, 2016 by Camilla

June 27 2016:

With my respite time tonight, I made myself a grand dinner … a lovely, big bowl of popcorn. This is how I get all wild n crazy when I have a night to myself … and then I proceeded to have the most beautiful experience.

I’ve written a blog post about it that felt like I’d been writing for about 30 minutes and it had been an hour and a half. It’s still in raw form, yet I felt moved to share a snippet ..

This morning a bayou Angel and her Mom came to my assistance. One who feels I am a gift to her in how I show up and live my life. As I sat eating my dinner of a lovely, big bowl of popcorn, I simply stared into the bowl at each kernel before eating it. As I scooped up and popped the last bit of popcorn into my mouth, the bayou Angel and I exchanged our last email for the day agreeing that our having re-connected was divinely arranged.

William Blake’s “To See A World … ” came to mind and it was as if the flood gates opened. Not only to let flow tears of knowing, tears of joy, and tears of love …. It was the flood gates of my entire life flowing out around me and wrapping me in the knowing that there have been no accidents in this life of mine.

“To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour.” ~William Blake

It has been divinely laid out. Every encounter, every relationship, every friendship. I saw the synchronicity of having lived 3 years of my life in Houma Louisiana in the mid 80’s, the deep unhappiness of my family life at that time and how the friendships I formed were my saving grace. Not only a saving grace back in the mid 80’s, a saving grace in the year 2013 and 2016. Unbeknownst to me a mutual, symbiotic relationship of one inspiring the other and one becoming a messenger angel for the other.

Everything that I have experienced ….. ” More after I clean it up a bit. It was poring out of me so fast … That was some bowl of popcorn!! xoxoxo

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June 28 2016:

She’s still at it …. and she’s good! Another from Lillian … xoxo

“When you or someone else is calm, you will feel a lot better. You will be more confident and relaxed. You will be happy, mindful, grateful, thankful and joyful.

Take a moment to read this quote. If you want to, share it with family, friends, and relatives.

“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” – Buddha … “ https://lilliandarnell.com/2016/06/21/emotions-with-animals-calm-monarch-butterflies/

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June 30 2016:

My words from this time last year (below) …. May the words inspire and encourage those whom it is meant for … xoxoxo

Still so meaningful to me as we are about to embark on our longest road trip so far in Team TLC history, still not knowing with certainty how we will pay for it all, and when we get back, we’ll be deciding by the end of July on the course of a new adventure …

The need to know when, how, where, and what next; can at times, be the very block that keeps us from fully experiencing life and experiencing it as our true selves … minus the ideas and beliefs of others.

words from June 2015: “Team TLC has come to the end of a chapter in our adventures and we embark on a new chapter. This chapter will be a living-in-the-moment adventure, with intentions of it being FUN and memorable.

I don’t have plans, I don’t know where we’ll live after the summer with the Romano Duo, I don’t know exactly what will happen. I am not always okay with this, but mostly I am. I feel the desire to know exactly how things will happen and the worry that accompanies this are just fears.

In the past I’ve spent a great deal of time confronting and connecting with these and other fears and they no longer have power within me. I know these fears are not the true me and as long as I live from the heart with love as the foundation of all actions, I, and the rest of Team TLC, will be blessed and affluent.

I DO know where I want to live and have much clarity about the role I am to play in being of service. That is all I need to know for now. Connecting with emotions, specifically fear, has been one of the most empowering “non-actions” I have ever taken …. May you choose to connect with any emotion that holds you back.

I know everything will be okay and worry has no hold on me. That’s not to say that worry is no longer present in my life. I am now able to recognize worries, fears, anger, complaining, the desire to be right and have someone else be wrong, as simply the ego throwing a tantrum because I am stepping into my power.

The world is a beautiful love-filled place and none of us were meant to suffer. Our suffering is self imposed with the thoughts that we consciously and unconsciously choose to think. I have chosen to go deep, clear out all the crud and live at a deeper level. xoxo”

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July 2 2016:

Team TLC will be traveling the blue route, in the attached screen shot, from Reno to San Antonio. We’ll be leaving either this coming Thursday or Friday.

Do we have any friends along this route who would be interested in letting us borrow a bed or couch for a night’s sleep? We’ll be driving anywhere from 6-9 hours each day for 3 days … depending on where we stop for the day. Oceans of love and gratitude .. xoxo

Playing UNO with the Cat

Posted on July 3, 2016 by Camilla

April 16 2014:

What I found when I came back into the living room tonight. Thomas wants a cat so bad! He has adopted this stuffed door stopper cat. We even played UNO with Mr. Cat tonight. Poor kitty lost at UNO! Seeing Mr. Cat at my computer just made me smile! ♡

Broken Electronics and Happiness

Posted on July 1, 2016 by Camilla

April 6 2013:

I keep a kitchen drawer full of broken electronics and oddball parts and pieces I find around the house … For Team Member T to “play” with. Here’s a mouse he had taken apart and was explaining to me how it all worked ….

Before he went to bed tonight he gave me a big hug, told me he loved me, to have sweet dreams and to have a great day tomorrow. He sure knows how to warm my heart and open my eyes just when I need it.

Camping and Earth Art and Biggest Little Photographer Book and Home Grown Vegetables

Posted on June 30, 2016 by Camilla

June 20 2016:

Happy and excited Thomas!!!! It’s camp time with the Great Basin Naturalists – Destination Wilderness!! I think this is his 3rd summer being a part of this camp and he just loves it.

They go hiking every day and learn so much by just being outside and having fun together.

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June 22 2016:

The countdown is on! The Romano Duo left this morning on their way to Reno! Due to arrive on Saturday! Thomas and Lillian have been counting down since we last saw them at Christmas. YAY!

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Thomas has been wanting us to brainstorm ideas to earn money this summer that we can do together. One idea is running errands and another is poop scooping. Would this be useful, wanted, or needed here in the Reno area? Off to go get him from camp! xoxo

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Extra movie night with friends tonight. Mom’s choice: Mary Poppins …. “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” Thanks Kendra Johnson!!!

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June 23 2016:

The doodle art and yin yang are the only 2 still looking for a home …. Next up is working on the special request peacock. Gonna have some fun with that one!

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June 23 2016:

It’s a Wonderful World … Thomas’ favorite song is the version sung by Louis Armstrong. I listened to it today to remind myself that he’s off experiencing what a wonderful world it is!

Dropped off Thomas this morning for the one night camp out to end the week long day camp with Great Basin Naturalist. Picture of him from 2 years ago during the same camp when he kept asking to know all about the Drake Equation! I forgot to take a picture this morning. I know he’s having fun, yet I can’t wait to have him back!! Lillian and I are off for our after dinner walk … xoxo

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June 25 2016:

Thomas and I are so excited!! Pre-order your copy now! xoxo The book trailer is finished and it’s all coming together. It’s just under 2 minutes so we invite you to take a look if you have a couple of minutes.https://youtu.be/LYUOex6s5-s

Book information: This is a photography book including many of the photographs Thomas took during the 365 day photo a day project he worked on for 1 year of his life … from 8 years old to 9 years old.

It will also include an introduction of how it began, quotes, and a bit of the story along the way. https://thomasadarnell.com/author/

Biggest Little Photographer Picture June 2016

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June 25 2016:

The Romano Duo have arrived. Peppers, squash, cucumbers, potatoes and garlic from my Aunt Debbie and Glenn’s garden in Mississippi. Thanks Aunt Debbie and Glenn. And fresh herbs from The Romano Duo herb garden. Plus! A Mississippi watermelon! Yum!!!!!!

Team TLC = Thomas, Lillian and Camilla

Category Archives: Musings

The 2016 Chromosome 18 Journey Begins

Speaking and Green Boots

Biggest Little Photographer by Thomas Darnell

Here Comes the Sun and Wrinkles and Wonder

I Am Awesome

Romano Duo Visit June 2016

Angels and Monarch Butterflies and Adventures and Traveling

Playing UNO with the Cat

Broken Electronics and Happiness

Camping and Earth Art and Biggest Little Photographer Book and Home Grown Vegetables