From No Bed to Plush Bed – New Bed for Thomas

October 15 2020

This is what I will attempt tomorrow. Thomas has not had a bed since 2015. By choice to begin with, as he wanted to try Japanese floor bed style. Then later, I simply was not financially able to get one.

Since moving into our new place (November 2019), he’s been sleeping on an air bed. If all goes well tomorrow, he will sleep in a brand new cushy bed tomorrow night, plush style with a new platform frame, new mattress, new sheets, and a new pillow. My patience evades me when putting things like this together. Pray for me …

October 16 2020

I did it! The new pillow hasn’t arrived yet so that’s the last piece, along with a new comforter as it gets cooler. Tomorrow we’ll get the nightstand moved next to the bed and move the books to another spot. 🎉🎉🎉

I’m excited for Thomas. He deserves this! Having gone 5 years without a bed, never having a brand new one. I went all out. Organic and vegan … everything, plus eco-friendly and non-toxic. None of us can handle toxic fumes.

Guide to Self-Publishing by Bloomsbury – Camilla Contributed

October 15 2020

Look what finally arrived yesterday! My gratis copies. The books they mailed first time around never made it (mailed first class mail – coming from the UK). These arrived via DHL. Thrilled that my case study was included in this guide published by Bloomsbury. “I found your case study incredibly touching.” – Assistant Editor

Throwback Post: One Blood Test, One Phone Call, One Moment in Time

**THROWBACK POST**

November 3 2015:

The article I contributed to Interaction, which is a multidisciplinary journal for the Australian Institute On Intellectual Disability, has just been published. Here’s a brief description of what and why I was asked to contribute: “looking at creativity in how we work and interact with people with intellectual disability. The other theme I am interested in exploring is empathy and how this “works” within our relationship building within intellectual disability”

Excerpt from the article: “One blood test, one phone call, one moment in time, drastically changed the direction of my life forever. I know more about genetics, chromosomes, DNA, motor skills, verbal skills, and now emotional and behavioural issues than I ever thought I would need or want to know. ……. I thought I had life pretty much planned at that point and for a while this brief phone call seemed to have caused my life to break apart like a melting iceberg with pieces scattering here and there. Looking back now, all that was brought into my life, all that occurred, all that began, and all that ended were meant to happen for my own growth and enlightenment. An enlightenment I feel spreads far beyond myself and my family as I believe we are all connected.”

My article is on page 30. However, the entire journal is excellent! You’ll need a chunk of time to read it as it’s short story length at around 4,000 words. I encourage anyone who is moved to subscribe to this wonderful publication! Enjoy and please feel free to share and/or forward to anyone you think would benefit! With oceans of love … xoxo

Click here to read the digital version of the journal. The access code is: K9HqOa

My article is on page 30. However, the entire journal is excellent! You’ll need a chunk of time to read it as it’s short story length at around 4,000 words.

I encourage anyone who is moved to subscribe to this wonderful publication to do so! Enjoy and please feel free to share and/or forward to anyone you think would benefit! With oceans of love … xoxo

PDF version: Interaction Volume 28 Issue 4

Official Ballots Have Arrived – Lillian’s First Time Voting

October 8 2020

Finally arrived in yesterday’s mail. This will be Lillian’s first time voting since turning 18! When she and I were getting her ID, she wasn’t much interested in adding on the form to register to vote. I suggested she do it then, so when she was ready to vote, everything would be all set, explaining you couldn’t wait until the last minute. Photos to follow when we deposit them in an official ballot box.

Throwback Post: The V8 Cafe – Biggest Little Photographer

**THROWBACK POST**

November 3 2016:

Thank you Kat McLain for contributing to the success of Thomas’s book. Although she was looking as beautiful as ever, Kat didn’t feel her best and opted out of a picture.

However! We took a picture of the V8 Cafe which Mr. Minifigure captured a photo of and it’s on page 4 for those that already have a book.

Kat: We are truly blessed to have known you over these past 8 or so years. Thank you, thank you!! xoxo

Twenty Years of Walking – Camilla on The Creator’s Roulette

September 22 2020

Thank you for such a beautiful post, Kriti! I deeply appreciate you having me as a guest on The Creator’s Roulette series!

Philosophy of Walking … Twenty years ago I began going for walks. The walks blossomed into a walking practice, teamed with other practices, leading to blogging, writing poetry, and having four books published.

Just as a cool glass of water slakes my thirst on a scorching hot day, going for walks quenches the thirst of my soul and heart to know my true self, to heal, to release, to allow joy, and to be at peace. Walking guides me in the loving way to process life, to fulfill life, and to let life be …..

Camilla Downs – On Walking and Inspiration

Fun Pumpkins With a Refreshing Swim

September 17 2020

Thank you to my mom, one half of The Romano Duo, for making these fun pumpkins for us. Made with twigs and sticks I collected for her on walks.

September 18 2020

Air quality finally hit moderate levels, I hit the pool. That felt so good. Nearly fresh air + cool, refreshing water = good sensations. 💦💦💦 … If it holds, there will be walking later this afternoon.