Category Archives: News and Events

Snow Globe While Playing the Keyboard On a Balance Stool

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January 26 2021

We were in a snow globe this morning …

January 31 2021

Thank you, Gerry Foster McCarroll!! Thomas is ready for his private piano lessons beginning tomorrow! We used to have one of these for many years, passing it on when we moved last year.

Thomas got a new midi keyboard Christmas 2019. With online lessons we needed a non midi keyboard. Friends to the rescue. I love the idea of passing things around to each other, instead of always buying brand new (when it works).

February 4 2021

In my mission to hopefully help my back to never do what it did 3 weeks ago, a new desk chair. It’s an adjustable ergonomic active balance stool.

I don’t have a desk yet, I’ll get that next month. I can use this at the kitchen table or the makeshift desk I made using a keyboard stand and piece of wood. I’ve been sitting on the couch working on my laptop for longer than I care to admit. Time to get my rear off the couch. 💥💥💥

Camilla on The Miramichi Reader – Words of Alchemy

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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:

Bill Arnott’s Showcase Interviews: Camilla Downs

Therapeutic and Just Because – Coldest Swim Yet

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January 25 2021

Coldest swim yet. There were two reasons for a swim in this cold, snowy weather.

#1 – Therapeutic: I did something to my lower back nearly 2 weeks ago. I hadn’t posted about it, but I ended up in the ER, with them administering morphine. Now, I’m one tough human, having a high tolerance for pain, so you can imagine how intense this was. I am finally able to move around without intense pain.

The warm water felt really good. Came home, had a hot shower, and then a hot epsom salt soak. I’m not fully healed. I think that will take some hands on work. I had loads of folks sending distance healing this past week and on Saturday, which helped a great deal. I have a craniosacral appointment next week, and desperately need therapeutic massage, as everything is so tight and achy. I’ll work on making that happen.

#2 – Just Because: I’ve never been swimming in an outdoor heated pool, surrounded by snow, in 20 degree weather. Fixed that. 🤣😂

A huge THANK YOU to my beautiful and kind son, Thomas Darnell. He stepped up and helped me with everything. I could barely move without intense pain for nearly a week, and definitely could not lift or move things. Thank you, Thomas. You are my sunshine. I love you! xoxo …

Also, thank you to The Romano Duo and Robert, as they drove to Reno from Dayton to fill our water jugs and pick up a prescription for me.

Throwback Post: Let Them Learn – Get Out of Their Way

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**THROWBACK POST**


(Photo of Thomas and Lillian from 2013)

May 20 2013:

I absolutely make sure to catch myself when I’m about to say “No” or “Don’t do that”. I’ll either say “Sure” or Go right ahead”. I feel this is one way our children can learn about cause and effect. As long as they aren’t going to get badly hurt, I let them do stuff so they LEARN!

I have more drawers and cabinets in my kitchen with “garbage” for them to play/experiment with than “typical” kitchen crap! My house is usually a mess. We have rocks all over, half made projects/experiments, trucks, cars, sparkly stuff and who knows what else.

I will sit my bottom down outside with them and watch the sunset and read a book with them before I waste that precious time pulling more weeds! (Although, Mr. T LOVES helping me pull weeds. It’s amazing how fast and healthy weeds grow even with NO water!)

We have a clean up hour (or more) every Sunday to straighten things and clean.

March 23 2021 Update – It appears this was written in response to a message I had received from someone after they read my first book, D iz for Different – One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance”. 

I fondly remember everything mentioned in this post. I am deeply grateful to 2013 Camilla for how she chose to parent and live. As with Thomas and Lillian being 15 and 19 years old now, those times are no longer. At the time it seemed it would be like this forever. It went quick! 

Perseverance, Problem Solving and Spaghetti – Camilla on Bill Arnott’s Showcase

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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 …

A Stunning Collection of Poems – Words of Alchemy

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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 …

Words of Alchemy