Tag Archives: book of poetry

Words of Alchemy – The Indie Showcase

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October 13 2019:

Thank you to Richard for the feature on his Indie Showcase! I share a bit about the writing process in this post … I hope you check it out. It’s a pretty quick read. It would be great if you have time to “like” the post, or share it, or comment on it. Thank you! (The post has been viewed over 2,500 times since it was published last week – WOW!)

“One genre I never gave much attention was that of poetry. Much of it left me dazed and confused! I never in my wildest dreams could have known that one day in 2013, poetic words would begin to populate my mind and demand to be set free. So began a 6-year streak of writing poetry inspired by my near-daily walks, by nature and by my life experiences ….”

The Indie Showcase presents, Camilla Downs

 

Magical Animated Book Cover – Words of Alchemy

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October 4 2019:

This is just magical. Truly love it! Animated book cover!

In Words of Alchemy, Camilla Downs invites you to walk with her to share her love of Nature through a heartfelt free-verse poetry memoir.

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.

“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 Animated Book Cover October 2019

 

A Cute Dandelion Flourish with First Edits and a Trip to The Netherlands

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September 24 2019:

Submitted for the LCCN today (Library of Congress Number) and received the cute dandelion flourish that will grace the interior of the book. Thanks Kate!

September 25 2019:

Yesterday I received the lovely flourish that will be used throughout the book (Gratitude Page, Table of Contents and Chapter Title Pages).

I also received the minor edits for the non-poetry content (Forward, Closing, About the Author) from my proofreader/editor. It’s pretty cool having a proofreader living under the same roof, plus it counts towards his schooling!

September 26 2019:

I have a friend in The Netherlands that would like a signed copy of Words of Alchemy. Anyone else in that area or Europe that wants a signed book and would like to share in the shipping from here (USA) to The Netherlands? She will mail yours to you from there.

Update – Words of Alchemy by Camilla Downs

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September 21 2019:

Bar code purchased! Cover reveal happening Saturday, September 28th!

What a ride
Always
This is.

Pre-order a personalized signed book for $14.40 (10% off and includes tax and free shipping). Go here and enter the total of $14.40 (or more if you’d like to throw in a tip). Want more than one book? Add $14.40 for each book. FOR U.S. ORDERS ONLY.

Arriving on Amazon November 2019 (discount and personalized signed book not available from Amazon). Comment on this post or email to Camilla Downs @ gmail . com to let me know you would like to be notified when it is available on Amazon.

In Words of Alchemy, Camilla Downs invites you to walk with her to share her love of Nature and Life through a free-verse poetry memoir.

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. 

Praise for Words of Alchemy

“Words of Alchemy, a heartfelt new collection by Camilla Downs, 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. These poems are 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

Back of Book Blurb Finished – Words of Alchemy

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September 7 2019:

Back of Book Blurb finished! Thank YOU to the many author friends who helped with fine tuning my wordiness and repetition! Cover reveal coming as soon as we get past Lillian’s weeklong birthday celebration (this coming week).

In Words of Alchemy, Camilla Downs invites you to walk with her to share her love of Nature through a heartfelt free-verse poetry memoir.

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.

Review blurbs/statements are coming in now too. Can’t wait to share those! Thank you again to author friends for taking the time to review a sample of The Alchemy Collection and offer a blurb!

Thank you to the awesome Kate for her talent and skills once again with the cover design. Kate designed Lillian’s book cover also.

Words of Alchemy is available for pre-order now! Go here to learn more … https://www.WordsofAlchemy.com …

September 8 2019:

The photo I made last April while on a walk … I had no idea it would eventually become part of the book cover .. “Words of Alchemy” 🙏💜💜💜🙏

“This poetry collection offers contemplative words, soothing thoughts and peace to the reader.” – Sue Bentley, Best Selling Author of Second Skin

Focusing on One Task at a Time

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July 30 2019

Had to take a break from working on the upcoming book, “Words of Alchemy” to focus on the 2019 Chromosome 18 family conference. Hoping it’ll be published by end of summer.

Yet, now I must focus on applying information learned at conference, packing to move the beginning of September (not far … about 5 miles from where we are now), and at least 3 huge issues with Lillian turning 18 in September, and maintaining and keeping the momentum going on Meeting the Authors! All good stuff! I am grateful for it all!

Poem included in “Words of Alchemy” … Pre-sales will begin soon! YAY!

Shine

Shine bright dear one.
What your brothers
and sisters think
of your shine
matters not.

You see others shine,
and shrink even further
into the smallness of
not shining your light.
Each soul is meant to shine
in their own way
And no two ways will
be exactly the same.

Your shine is dulled by
years and years
of ignoring that
which creates the shine.

Dulled by messages received in childhood,
that you are doing it wrong,
that you don’t know how to do it.

Stories learned in childhood of
how one is supposed to live
how it’s supposed to be done.

The light is ever there.
It has not departed.
You have seen glimpses of it.

To allow the light to shine brightly
you must uncover what you buried
so deeply that you remember not
even having buried it.

What you have buried swings
like a pendulum.
One side, the victim
and the other, the judge.

Uncover it you must.
Face it.
Embrace it.
Know you can no longer
be hurt, or judged.

The vital step
of uncovering, confronting
and releasing cannot be skipped.
Fear has stopped you
from fully uncovering
what has been buried.

Eternal joy cannot be
Unless fear is
embraced by we.
I will face the fear
with you.
You are not alone.

Take my hand
and let us walk
together into
the darkness
and we shall emerge
as one to shine bright
and share love with
the world.

©2019 Camilla Downs

Sneak peek at the cover …. Cover reveal coming soon too! YAY! Again!

Words of Alchemy – Sneak Peek at the Cover

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A lil peek at the cover … Wahoooo!! 🎉🎉🎉

Coming Soon! Words of Alchemy by Camilla Downs

These poems follow a heartfelt path through love, joy, and pain; walking into the rawness of life with a lovingly gentle focus alongside the beauty of nature. Through daily walks Camilla is deeply present with nature and shares her heart’s observations with an authenticity that gives the reader permission to feel their emotions and spark genuine healing.

Who wants to pre-order?

Book Musings: book of nature poetry

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book of nature poetry

Wonderful book full of vibrant and beautiful photography paired with classic and new poetry.

Nature is What We See

“Nature is what we see –
The Hill – the Afternoon-
Squirrel-Eclipse-the Bumble bee-
Nay-Nature is Heaven-
Nature is what we hear-
The Bobolink-the Sea-
Thunder-The Cricket-
Nay-Nature is Harmony-
Nature is what we know-
Yet have no art to say-
So impotent Our Wisdom is
To her Simplicity. ~Emily Dickinson

Afternoon on a Hill

I will be the gladdest thing
Under the sun!
I will touch a hundred flowers
And not pick one.

I will look at cliffs and clouds
With quiet eyes,
Watch the wind bow down the grass,
And the grass rise.

And when lights begin to show
Up from the town,
I will mark which must be mine,
And then start down!
~Edna St. Vincent Millay

We LOVED this one!