Category Archives: News and Events

Happy Happy Happy 19th Birthday to Lillian Darnell

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Today, Monday, 9.14.20, at 4:00pm PST Lillian Darnell and I will be live for about 30 minutes so her friends and YOU can help her celebrate her 19th birthday!

We had plans to go to the arboretum this morning, then a poolside BBQ with The Romano Duo this afternoon. But …. Air Quality from the fires in California is in the unhealthy range. 😢😢😢 … We will still do all planned but will have to be another day …

Please join us. She’s had a rough time, not being able to have our typical dates since mid-March. She’s not been inside anywhere since then. We hope to see as many of you as possible! Much love to you! xoxo (We will have Zoom as back up should facebook live not play nice. Last year we kept losing our connection!)

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Opening gifts.

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The “LIVE” celebration on facebook …

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The goodies. The cake looks like hell, but tasted like heaven. It’s vegan. It’s gluten free. It’s delicious. Looks had to fall by the way side. 🤪

Why so many photos blowing out the candles? Up until the 10th birthday or so, Lillian could not “blow” to blow out candles. Still takes a few times. But she can blow wind now!!

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September 20 2020

Look at this super cool gift that Lillian received from her friend. Thank you, Macy Miller! I hope she lets me help put it together.

A Dedication to Mary Armstrong – We Are Family

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On Thursday, September 10, 2020, I received two facebook messages from cousins letting me know that she had passed away an hour and a half earlier. Although I have not been home (the Jackson, Mississippi area) since 2005, I have fond, fun, heart warming memories of Aunt Mary during my childhood, teenage years, and early adult years.

I have been on and off sad and letting the tears flow since finding out, thinking of those memories, and also thinking of my own mortality and that of my mom, dad, and Frank.

I felt moved to write about my feelings and these memories, wanting to also get them outside of my mind while they are still clear and crisp, and as a dedication to my Aunt Mary. If any of my cousins, aunts or uncles, or my mom or dad have anything to add to this, I would love for you to share.


(This is from one of the last visits I made … Summer of 2002 – taken in New Orleans at my dad’s house, from left to right: Robert Downs (my dad), Aunt Mary, Aunt Carolyn, Uncle Millard – Siblings)

There was the home made macaroni and cheese she made for all the holiday gatherings. I loved her mac n cheese, the creaminess of it, with the cheese browned perfectly on top. We had very large family gatherings for holidays when I was growing up, with so much food I cannot even remember it all. Six or more  ….

We Are Family – A Dedication to Mary Armstrong

Smothered by the Smoke With New Fires and More Smoke to the Tipping Point

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August 20 2020

We’re getting smothered by the smoke from the California fires. This was yesterday. Looks about the same today. Sending much love to the people and animals whose homes this is affecting.

September 6 2020

The sky yesterday, looking the same today. We were finally clearing, with no new fires in California. That changed yesterday. New fires, more smoke.

September 12 2020

I’m so glad I went for that hike on Wednesday; which was the only clear blue sky day this week. Yesterday we were in the orange and red. Woke up this morning to very unhealthy. I added a black arrow to the satellite image showing where Reno is located. I’ve heard from a friend in Australia, that some of their firefighters are on the way to help.

My arrow points to Reno. Except I overshot it a bit. We’re actually closer to the state border.

September 14 2020

I stepped out to go pick up dinner ….

September 15 2020

I ask Thomas what he wants for dinner. He tells me, then after I let him know there are leftovers, he says he will have the leftovers instead.

I then walk into the kitchen and make him both dinners. I made two dinners for one person. I’m losing my mind! Is anyone else doing weird stuff like this? 😳😂🤪 The smoke, the pandemic, and people acting like fools are beginning to get to me. 🤣🥴😂 … The smoke has been the tipping point for me.

Push It with a Side of Super Freak

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September 8 2020

When you can’t go for morning walks due to the poor air quality, from the smoke due to the California fires; you have morning dance parties.

I was thrown back into my 80’s body with the help of Salt n Pepper’s Push It, followed by Rick James’s Super Freak … That was fun! The 80’s and 90’s Camilla could certainly bust some serious moves!

Photo of a 2 year old Camilla getting some fine looking clothes for Christmas. I don’t remember, but I think that Camilla liked dancing, too!

Push It:

Super Freak:

Found Poetry with Wine Gums and Dark Chocolate – Camilla Interviewed by Emma

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In mid-June 2020, I was interviewed by Emma on her lovely Books and Wine Gums blog. We chat about deciding what goes into my writings and what stays private, found poetry, why I think poetry is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, what I “pack into” my writings, imposter syndrome, wine gums, and dark chocolate …

An Interview with … Camilla Downs

Throwback Post: Marketing Panel with Camilla, Glenna, and Cheri

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December 6 2010:

Cheri Hill of Sage International, Glenna Smith with The Referral Institute of Nevada and Camilla Downs of Turning Views presented a panel discussion on Marketing Your Business.

Camilla Downs, a social media guru and owner of Turning Views shared important tips for leveraging social media to create brand awareness and make connections.

After Dinner Walking While Peppers Get Stuffed With a Pool Party

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September 3 2020

After dinner walk with Lillian on Tuesday. Thought we should get a photo of the empty Apple store.

September 5 2020

Thomas Darnell went to the grocery store with me last week. He saw these great looking peppers and said he wanted to make stuffed peppers. I helped a bit, and here’s one of the finished peppers. Jasmine rice layered with peas, corn, and two kinds of cheese.

September 5 2020

The pool is finally finished and open!! Furniture didn’t make it in time. But, whatever! Grand opening with food from Noble Pie Parlor – Summit Sierra!! The vegan pizza is amazing!!! Yay!!!

While the Mantis Prays and the Milk Glass Lamp Collapses

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August 25 2020

We had a visitor yesterday. He stayed on our balcony, on the outside edge of the door for hours, from late morning until about 9:00pm. “Have patience for the situation, have patience with yourself. Be still, be silent.”

August 27 2020

I was just sitting here minding my own business. And, the lamp did this.

Charming and a Pleasure to Read on Scary Days – Words of Alchemy

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August 13 2020

Thank you to Jo of Jaffa Reads Too for this beautiful review. It did my heart good to receive this in the middle of the two week break. I’ve officially been reviewed by a cat now! As Jaffa is Jo’s reading partner.

“During this global pandemic I find that I am turning increasingly to the healing nature of inspirational verse to help to me stay grounded.

Words of Alchemy is a collection of expressive free verse in which the author shares her intimate thoughts and feelings about life, love, friendship, family, the natural world and does so with a light touch and an almost ethereal longing to be heard.

I find poetry collections intensely personal, as what seems so relevant to the poet can sometimes get lost in translation, but throughout this interesting memoir collection I felt an emotional connection to the thoughts and feelings expressed by this contemplative poet. Written over a number of years this collection is the author’s very personal journey through some of her troubled times and how she found inspiration in mindfulness and observing life around her.

Words of Alchemy is easy to read either all in one sitting or, as I did, dipping into sections at whim but guaranteed always to find something beautifully written and soothing to my soul. I found the whole collection quite charming and a pleasure to read on one of those scary days just recently when the world around me seemed such a very dark place.”

Go here to read the full review …

https://jaffareadstoo.blogspot.com/2020/08/book-review-words-of-alchemy-by-camilla.html?fbclid=IwAR0z6loObkiMkceR8M5slmMYSrjNig_BHrJlAsOAWGA1VaklJlPQuU_XQwg