You Can’t Help But Feel Happy and Be Inspired

Posted on November 29, 2017 by Camilla

October 29 2017:

Here’s the first of what we hope will be several glowing blurbs for the book …

“You can’t help but feel happy and be inspired while reading this book. Lillian’s stories jump straight out of her heart and onto the pages in an authentic, innocent, and loving way.
The world needs more positivity and happiness and her stories are bursting with both. Thank you Lillian!” -G. Brian Benson – Award-winning and best-selling author, actor and TEDx speaker.

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October 30 2017:

978-0-9800568-3-9 – ISBN# for “Where Would You Fly” … Next up, LCCN # and Bar Code Graphic – YAY!!

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October 31 2017:

YAY!! …. We have received your request for a Preassigned Control Number for “Where would you fly” (ISBN 9780980056839). Please print the control number on the copyright page of this book as follows:

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017959406

Note: The year date prefix only represents the year in which we assigned the number. Please print the control number exactly as it appears above.

Please notify us immediately of any change in the bibliographic information pertaining to your forthcoming book so that we update our database to maintain accurate information.

Please also send a complimentary copy of the best edition of the book immediately to:

Library of Congress
US Programs, Law, and Literature Division
Cataloging in Publication Program
101 Independence Avenue, S.E.
Washington, DC 20540-4283

**Our goal is to receive 50 pre-orders to help with the final stretch of bringing the book to life. We have 15 orders so far! Pre-orders receive a special gift for supporting the project! Go here …. https://www.LillianDarnell.com/Author

Team TLC Thanksgiving 2017

Posted on November 28, 2017 by Camilla

November 23 2017:

Ever since The Romano Duo moved, Team TLC doesn’t have the more traditional Thanksgiving food; except for a few yummies – pumpkin bread, homemade cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and green bean casserole.

I have Thomas and Lillian make a list of what they’d like to eat and that’s what we have. Pumpkin bread and pumpkin pie are on Lillian’s list along with other goodies. Green bean casserole and cranberry sauce are on Thomas’ list. I’m vegetarian and no one else likes turkey. So, whew!

I’m about to put together our snacking platter of chips, dips, olives, pickles, hummus and we’ll have the other goodies for dinner.

I am deeply thankful for our wee homegrown, do it how it suits us, Team TLC day of giving thanks. xoxoxo

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Our snack spread and wee bit over done pumpkin pie (tasted yummy though)!!

Just back from a walk and taking in these beautiful and amazing clouds. xoxo

One of the most colorful Thanksgiving dinners I think I’ve had.

Raspberry Cranberry Spritzer, cranberries, green bean casserole, and my new favorite sweet potato …. purple!! Oh my gosh! Beautiful lavender color and tastes delicious! Thank you Mother Nature for such amazing, beautiful, and delicious foods!

Ended our night by watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” … We love this movie and watching it this time of year!

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And …… a wonderful Day of Thanks moment: Thomas educating me on the history of “watermark” …. I really, really like him. xoxo

Where Would You Fly – Getting Closer

Posted on November 28, 2017 by Camilla

November 4 2017:

Lillian is writing content for the dedication and thank you page of the book! Getting closer and closer! xoxo

November 5 2017:

I did it! Just sent the book to our angel book designer! Now she can work her magic! 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.

Happy 12th Birthday Thomas Darnell – You Are A Treasure

Posted on November 22, 2017 by Camilla

November 12 2017:

Not a flattering photo, yet the cheesecake is made! I tried to make a big letter “T” on the top for the one who requested this. Tomorrow is the day we celebrate Thomas’ 12th year of jumping into his Earth Suit! We’ll top this with shaved dark chocolate or wild blueberries tomorrow! Hope to be finished tomorrow with the blog post dedicated to Thomas.

I should have sweet dreams tonight as I kinda make a wee mess when using the hand mixer. Cheesecake in my hair and all over my night shirt.

On another note … Going to the grocery store at 9:00 at night is a great non-crowded time to go!!

It is indeed yummy! A no bake version and I use coconut sugar instead of white sugar; which gives it a beautiful tan color!

I have been using coconut sugar in place of white sugar for at least 3 or more years. Works beautifully and so much better for us than processed white sugar. It has a hint of a brown sugar flavor. And if everyone is okay with drinking tan lemonade … It’s great for that too!

November 13 2017:

The 12th year celebrations have begun!! Cheesecake with a ginger snap pie crust, topped with shaved dark chocolate for breakfast and ‘100’ candles to closer represent his soul age (his choice for the candles!!)

A handmade notebook from Lillian; LEGO set and money for a new coat from The Romano Duo; handmade card, a “new” phone, big bag of sour cream chips (one of his favorite gifts – HA!), and new pair of flip flops from me. Part 1

Then, car picnic lunch with one of our favorite views in Reno.

The 12th year celebrations ended with Great Full Gardens South Meadows Reno!! Vegan Cheesy Bruschetta and Totally Tomato soup for me. Smoked Salmon Roll-Ups and Vegan Organic Root beer Float for Thomas.

What is Emotional Connection

Posted on November 21, 2017 by Camilla

**THROWBACK POST**

October 21 2015:

What is emotional connection?

First, it is acceptance that negative emotions and discomfort are a part of us. Not running from them, squashing them with positivity, or feeling a failure for having them. Then it is connecting with the physical feeling negative emotions create within the body. Here’s an example:

As the morning progressed I found myself getting more and more irritated between running behind, Thomas’ teasing of Lillian and general mouthiness, Lillian’s non-stop complaining of aches and pains, and their arguing. By the time we left I was yelling at them.

After I got Lillian to physical therapy, I sat down in the car, looked at email and there was this e-card I had just received. It was the “snap” I needed to remind myself to connect with this irritation. I closed my eyes and focused on the physical sensations. My teeth were clenched, my jaws tight, neck and shoulders were tight.

As I focused on those, they gently released and I felt two pangs of pain in my heart. I focused on that and it released as well. Then it jumped back into my jaws and neck. I focused in that area once again and it released and I let out a big sigh. It has almost completely lifted now.

This took about 5 – 10 minutes. Sometimes it’s quicker. Sometimes longer. And sometimes it takes several sessions. It has been an interesting journey breaking the habit of wanting to analyze the emotion instead of feeling it. I’m extremely grateful and blessed to have learned this technique.

In times like this, I also ask to see things differently and ask for signs or clues to help me do this. I always receive exactly what was needed. If we don’t ask, how will we receive? I received the e-card, an email with the title, “Flying Off the Handle”, and the section of the book I’m currently reading spoke to this.

I had sent a “Thank you for thanking me” message to the sender of the e-card. She sent back a reply with another perfect message. For you, that this post speaks to, I’m sending oceans of love, hugs, and support. xoxo (Thank you again to the sweet friend who listened when she was urged to send the e-card!)

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??

Where Would You Fly – Illustrations

Posted on November 18, 2017 by Camilla

October 26 2017:

Last of the artwork sent to our Angel book designer. I’m not sure if I mentioned that the book will include Lillian Darnell‘s artwork.

This is also an example of art to be included in the Team TLC art exhibit at South Valleys Library in spring 2018. xoxo

Want to help us reach our goal of 50 books pre-sold? We’re at 14 now. Go here …

https://www.LillianDarnell.com/Author

Black Cats Cross the Street by Lillian Darnell

Posted on November 17, 2017 by Camilla

Another of the poems included in the book, “Where Would You Fly” … Pre-order your book here … https://LillianDarnell.com/author …. Our goal is to reach 50 books pre-ordered. We’re at 14 now. Book will arrive late November 2017 or some time in December 2017. Pre-orders receive a special gift for helping us get this book created! Thank you! xoxo

Black cats cross the street
Black bats fly across the street
White ghost scare the people
Striped candy corn gets eaten
People wear famous costumes
Happy jack-o-lanterns watch as they smile.

Happy Halloween

10.27.13

Lillian Darnell
Fairy Princess

Let Them Follow Their Curiosity

Posted on November 16, 2017 by Camilla

**THROWBACK POST**

October 17 2014:

I subbed today at High Desert Montessori in lower elementary (1st-3rd grade) where they were completing the Caine’s Arcade Cardboard Box Challenge – http://cainesarcade.com/. An event arranged, organized and lead by a 3rd grader named Thomas Darnell. He approached his teacher, gathered all the information, put together fliers, and went to all the other lower el classrooms to let them know about it. And, spent a lot of time yesterday helping other kids make their creations.

Today he helped clean up the gigantic mess from all the fun. I absolutely support whatever education style is best for each child and I’m a HUGE believer in the Maria Montessori method. It works for both of my kids. One who lags a bit behind and one who is pretty far advanced.

from the below article … “A number of the innovative entrepreneurs also went to Montessori schools, where they learned to follow their curiosity,” Mr. Gregersen said. “To paraphrase the famous Apple ad campaign, innovators not only learned early on to think different, they act different (and even talk different).”

https://blogs.wsj.com/ideas-market/2011/04/05/the-montessori-mafia/

**Update** November 8 2017: Both Thomas and Lillian are homeschooled now. This is Thomas’ second year and I’ve lost count for Lillian … Our current method is unschooling, child led schooling, interest based learning … it has many names.

Thomas attended HDMS for 1st – 4th grade and it was the perfect fit for him! During his 4th grade year I sensed it was time for something different to allow him to stay connected to his soul purpose and not be distracted by conformity.

Lillian attended HDMS for 2 and 1/2 years. At that point, she made it clear that she needed something different. And, I listened …

Team TLC = Thomas, Lillian and Camilla

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