August 31 2019:
Team TLC Movie Night … Well, let’s face it! Just me watching this one. It was my turn to choose: “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”
I adore Judi Dench and Maggie Smith so couldn’t resist this random find on the library shelves; found while pulling holds during a volunteer shift at the library.
A charming feel good story that reminds it’s never too late for new beginnings or to find love.
August 18 2019:
Yummy homemade pizza for dinner last night (except for the crust). Drizzled olive oil on the crust, then smeared a bit of creamy fiesta cashew dip, followed by a sauce of marina mixed with a spicy green herbal sauce. Topped with crimini mushrooms, green and kalamata olives, sweet onion, artichoke hearts, and sugar plum tomatoes. With a yummy side salad and washed down with a bottle of Virgil’s Rootbeer. Incredibly delicious and satisfying!
August 26 2019:
Have you ever been flossing your teeth, your fingernail snags what you think may be a side filling on one of your lower molars, and it falls off in your mouth? And it does this on the eve of paying off the huge dental bill and work you had done 6 months ago? (This is a different tooth, different side. Not the one just worked on.)
That may have happened to me last night. I thought I’d be in tremendous pain when I brushed my teeth or tried to eat. Not yet … Hmmm … I may find out just how tough I am … These things called teeth are interesting creatures … Still smiling …. Oddly weird, yet, it did not hurt and still doesn’t hurt … pray that the pain gods continue to keep the pain away!
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August 28 2019:
Packing the contents of the dishwasher …. What one uses the dishwasher for when not used for washing dishes. Perfect storage cabinet for lightbulbs, LEGO boxes, and an iron. Got to improvise when 3 people live in a 1 bedroom, 1 bath and those who shall remain unnamed wish to keep the empty LEGO boxes! And for some unknown reason one has a surplus of 100 watt light bulbs.
August 26 2019:
Wonderful walk with Lillian yesterday. The breeze was incredibly yummy!! Thanks to all for the magical feedback on the poem I posted yesterday. I was extremely happy to get to work on my book this past weekend!!!
Oh, and Dear Tree, I love you!! …. And, a first for Lillian. She has never stepped off the path in this place due to the downward slope as she has balance and depth perception issues. She did this time! So she could make a great photo!!
August 27 2019:
Beautiful golden hour walk last night … hot, hot, hot. Yet,it was an amazing walk. May opt for a swim tonight instead of a walk.
August 30 2019:
Beautiful walk with Thomas last night.
August 30 2019:
Thomas and Camilla August 2019 Date Day
First stop was India Kabob buffet for lunch. Completely forgot pictures of the lovely food! Yum!!!
Second was a stop to buy a can of cleaning duster for Thomas so he could clean his laptop. He’s been asking for months!
Next, we popped into Barnes & Noble to pick up Lillian’s poster from the book signing event last June.
And last, the pet store to window shop. These sweet geckos were quite entertaining. The little guy on the roof started out on the branch. We watched him stretch as far as possible, grasp the roof, fall back to the branch, hanging on by the tail, and then do it all over again. It was beautiful and fun to watch. Love our date days!!
August 20, 2019:
Thank you Diana Beeghly Rovetti for getting me one of these packets! And, thank you for spending 2 hours with me discussing Supported Decision Making, Sierra Regional Center odds and ends, transportation, SSI, Sibshops, and whatever else we covered!!! Ha! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Deeply grateful! Another load off my shoulders. Whew!
August 24 2019
Two to three weeks working my way through the “Lillian turns 18” next month list, along with other “must be addressed” items.
SSI figured out for the moment
I have a better grasp on Supported Decision Making now and know I don’t have to feel rushed for that one.
Have researched and messaged back and forth regarding changes to the dosage of CBD oil
One issue almost completely taken care of – just waiting to receive something in the mail.
Still working my way up the ladder with the SRC issue. Got the supervisor of the supervisor’s email address yesterday afternoon.
Have gotten Meeting the Authors nearly caught up
Got 2 boxes packed for our upcoming move 😂
July and August date day with Lillian
Now … hoping to make my way back to my book this week and plan for Lillian’s 18th birthday!!
Thinking I may take a day or two off in October … July, August, and September have been and will be intense! Whew!
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August 27 2019:
FINALLY got the issue with SRC resolved! Took nearly a month and going as far as the supervisor of the supervisors. Now I know why I like emailing as opposed to the phone. I had a timeline that indicated I had turned everything in as asked, when asked.
Recap: Turned in all documents in May having to do with a service for Lillian. It was approved. We used it for June and July. Got a message in July they had canceled the approval and had put her on a wait list as they didn’t get the documents needed. I kept getting “nothing can be done” until I sent an email this Monday to the supervisor of the supervisors. Done. And, retroactive to include July as I didn’t know they had not paid the provider for July.
So …. when dealing with agencies, keep notes on your calendar and email whenever possible!! Whew!! One thing completely off the list! Onward!
And a side note … I am kind in these communications; but firm. I also make sure the supervisors know that the person they supervise has been pleasant and helpful and that I appreciate them (if they have and I do). I did let them know about a rude individual who had contacted the provider about not receiving a form that was turned in …
**THROWBACK POST**
2012
Ever wonder what it looks like to hug the sky? I called Thomas over to look at the beautiful sky. He went outside and hugged our skinny little tree and asked me to take a picture of him hugging the sky. Now you know what a sky hugging looks like … Go out and give that sky a hug y’all!!
August 25 2019:
Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram
This is another on the list of young adult and juvenile fiction books which speaks to mental health. In my original search for these types of books, I think I came across about ten books that addressed this. Looks like we need more. Especially in the juvenile section. I’ve read two of them now.
I would like to find a book or two that addresses any holistic or non-pharmaceutical means of addressing the mental health issues discussed (in addition to the pharmaceutical as needed).
I enjoyed reading this book and getting to know the characters. There were times I did not want to stop reading; but was so sleepy I had to put it down. Being a Star Trek fan, I really loved all the Star Trek references and that Darius and his dad are huge fans.
August 24 2019:
Team TLC Movie Night – Lillian’s choice: “Kiki’s Delivery Service” – I’ve lost count of how many times we’ve seen this. About once a year since we first watched it years ago.
Lillian says, “Good, like the music and the songs, my favorite character is Kiki, liked the moral of keep trying and never give up, liked the story line, recommend 100%, my favorite part is the ending, and the animation is very colorful.”
I say, “Just adore this movie.” Quote from the movie, “Follow your heart and keep smiling.”
Thomas sat this one out.
August 23 2019:
Team Member T & C Extra Movie Night – Thomas’ choice: “Spider-Man Into The Spider-Verse”
Thomas says, “It was good.”
I say, “Another I enjoyed watching with Thomas.”
Book cover for Words of Alchemy will be revealed on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 1:00 pm PST! The reveal will take place on my Author facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CamillaDownsAuthor … I’ll be open to any questions anyone has and I’ll read a few poems included in the book.
You can pre-order a signed copy of Words of Alchemy using this link … WordsofAlchemy.com. The book debuts near the end of October, at which time it will be available on Amazon, and the signed pre-ordered books will ship as well.
One person will be chosen to receive a free copy of Words of Alchemy from everyone who comments during the event time 1:00 – 1:30 (if you are outside of the US, you will receive a digital copy). Join the fun and comment and you could win!
Book Blurb:
In Words of Alchemy, Camilla Downs invites you to walk with her to share her love of Nature through a heartfelt free-verse poetry collection.
During her daily strolls she is mindfully present as she delves into life in the raw and experiences her heart’s observations.
Camilla embraces what happens when she opens her heart and invites the written words to flow. The Alchemy of Love and Healing is what happens.
Advance Praise for Words of Alchemy
“Words of Alchemy, Camilla Downs heartfelt new collection, lives up to its namesake in numerous ways. Downs spans the broad range of nature, healing, love, and parenting, while making sure we have a little fun along the way. And the bridge she creates from the mindfulness of how we see the world at large to the poetry of everyday life is certainly worth a stroll or two across its borders.” – Thomas Lloyd Qualls, Award-winning author of Painted Oxen
“This poetry collection offers contemplative words, soothing thoughts and peace to the reader.” – Sue Bentley, Bestselling author of Second Skin
“Camilla Downs shares truth, vulnerability and wisdom in her Words of Alchemy collection, inviting readers to be inspired, contemplate and dive into her world of self-awareness and growth.” – G. Brian Benson – Award-winning author, actor and spoken word artist
“These poems take you on a calm and loving walk through the verses of the author’s thoughts. Alchemy is a perfect word for the title as Camilla Downs understands nature; connecting with its magical, medicinal qualities and beauty which she conveys throughout her poetry.” – Ailsa Craig, Author of The Sand Between My Toes
“Words of Alchemy is a chronicle of hope. Camilla Downs poetry is an encouragement, especially when we are feeling at our lowest, to keep seeking the light that is our way forward, and focus on the real. This collection is a walk through the positive nature of life. Camilla Downs is to be commended.” – Frank Prem, Author of free-verse memoir Small Town Kid