Lillian Darnell You Did It – Keep Believing

Posted on October 21, 2019 by Camilla

September 8 2019:

I am way, way late in creating this for Lillian. I had wanted to write something special, paired with a photo collage; and finally took the time to focus on it. She has seen and read this, likes it, and approves of sharing! 💜🎉

Dear Lillian,

I am proud of you.
I love you.

You did it
You continue to do it.

You shine that bright sparkling smile
Upon all who’s eyes you meet.

You did it!
From high school
You have Graduated!

You, we, did it different.
And, that is okay.
In fact, it is perfect for we.

Not everyone is meant
to do life as it has always been done.

This is what creates
the rich and vibrant soup
of human life.

There are those who follow the path
of doing it different.
There are those who follow the path
of the way it’s always been done.
No path is better than the other.
Whether the same path as another is
followed or a different path is followed.

The paths are equal.
Yet the benefit to humanity
is vast in the variety
and depth of ideas,
the dynamic expressions,
that bloom when each of us
travels the path of our hearts.

You continue each day
in the face of chronic pain,
communication challenges,
depth perception and balance difficulties,
fine and gross motor awkwardness,
emotional struggles,
indecision worries,

You continue each day
with that bright sparkling smile.

You continue each day
Knowing what you want in this life
Knowing what you want to achieve
Knowing how you want to live

You continue each day
meeting all that life has put forth for you.

I honor you.
I honor and support the fierce
warrior within you who
knows her heart’s desire.

I honor you.
I am proud of you.
I love you.

YOU DID IT!

Happy Graduation to YOU!!

Love,
Camilla
Mom

Back of Book Blurb Finished – Words of Alchemy

Posted on October 20, 2019 by Camilla

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

Memories of Perfect Music While Reading and Receiving Closure

Posted on October 15, 2019 by Camilla

August 30 2019:

Sometimes all it takes to bring back the mojo is hearing the perfect music while running errands. Billy Idol, Queen, The Cars, Aerosmith, Men Without Hats, and I’m sure a few I’m forgetting.

Brings back memories of the 80’s and those teenage years, full of energy, smart a** attitude, knowing all the answers, not giving a crap about the rest, and all the time in the world (I may still have one or two or a few of these attitudes … Hmmmm) ….. Ahhhhh … I LOVE Music!! 💜💜💜

Photo by Vova Krasilnikov from Pexels

September 3 2019:

Am reading …. One is a reread, one I had to check out from the library again as I didn’t get finished, and the other two are first time reads.

September 5 2019:

One more task fully checked off the list yesterday! Closure on this one! Yes!!

Adventure Day with a Museum Pass to The Discovery Museum

Posted on October 14, 2019 by Camilla

September 5 2019:

Today’s adventure … Thanks to Washoe County Library’s “Museum Pass” program, you can “check out” tickets to several local museums (and several more in California!)

Lillian stepped into one of her fears, and took the steps back up to the main floor. Got a few good pictures of that. Her hands were quite sweaty by the time she made it to the top. Yet, she did it!

We stopped for ice cream on the way home … Blueberry lavender for me, cookie something or other for Thomas, and a bag of BBQ chips for Lillian since she doesn’t eat ice cream.

Thomas and Camilla Date Day August 2019

Posted on October 8, 2019 by Camilla

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!!

Supported Decision Making – Research as Lillian Approaches 18 Years of Age

Posted on October 3, 2019 by Camilla

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!

**************

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 …

News and Events: Cover Reveal for Words of Alchemy

Posted on September 27, 2019 by Camilla

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

Throwback Post: Happy Mother’s Day Camilla 2012

Posted on September 21, 2019 by Camilla

**THROWBACK POST**

May 13 2012

Yep, these two right here! They didn’t take me out to eat, didn’t fix me breakfast, didn’t buy me chocolate, flowers or jewelry. Don’t want that stuff from them …. What I do get from them is priceless …. their unconditional love and the lessons that each one of them teach me that help me grow and move forward in this amazing adventurous life of ours together.

Lillian’s Handmade Card: I love my family. But most of all, I love my Mom. Decorated with hearts and smiles and the three of us.

Thomas’ Handmade Card: Dear Mom: I like to play Uno with you. I like to run with you. I like to read with you. I like to go with you. Happy Mother’s Day. Love, Thomas … along with a ceramic wall hanger with his handprint.

Yep, I cried …. Happy, Warm and Peaceful Tears!! Hope EVERYONE had a GREAT day surrounded by those you love!

The Flame of Advocacy – Camilla Downs

Posted on September 18, 2019 by Camilla

August 15 2019:

I know I am not alone in hosting in my heart a flame of advocacy for our children, and definitely our children with differences who cannot advocate for themselves.

My motto of “Love is the answer” was put to a true test this morning. In May I followed all directions, completed all paperwork for a service for Lillian; which was approved and we have used for two months now.

I was told a few days ago that since they did not process the paperwork properly (and actually lost the first set of documents I submitted, therefore making it overdue and Lillian not eligible) that Lillian would be put on the wait list.

I patiently waited for a reason for this from our contact person and only received, “nothing can be done”. So I asked for the supervisor’s name and email address. I sent an email yesterday to the supervisor with a time line of all conversations and emails showing that everything had been turned in and I can’t possibly control what someone does with it after it leaves my hands.

I received an email back this morning that blew me off and said that nothing could be done. After receiving this email, you bet there was huge anger rising. I absolutely had to concentrate on taking long deep breaths to create calm. HA!

I emailed back asking for this person’s supervisor and email address. I immediately received two phone calls and two voice mails and an email as the person I emailed thought that I was someone else, so she did not have the same tone and response had she had if she had known I was Lillian’s mom. I was okay with that since I know people make mistakes.

And, in that email where she said she was very sorry for thinking I was someone else, she also said she is asking administration to reconsider since everything was turned in and they lost it or misplaced it. And that we should not bear the cost of their mistake.

Well, thank you Ms. Supervisor. That is precisely what I thought too. I am so relieved you agree with me. I thanked her very much for stepping in and helping to right the situation. We shall see what they say. I may be continuing up the supervisor ladder … If it must be done, I’ll do it.

I am not posting this for sympathy. I am posting for solidarity, for strength, for courage … and just because that’s what I do. I share. Here’s to all who advocate for those who cannot. Whether they be human or animal.

Lillian and Camilla August 2019 Date Day

Posted on September 15, 2019 by Camilla

August 16 2019:

Lillian and Camilla August 2019 Date Day

First stop: Fries and pretty in purple sugar cookie for Lillian. Tahini Broccolini with a Neapolitan cupcake for me. Yum!!

Second stop: Browsing at one of her favorite stores. You should have heard what Bones said to me!!! 😱💀He was just joking, though, and we moved past it.

Last stop: Bartley Ranch – We had planned on Audrey Harris Park but it was closed due to a performance. So, we found this sweet lil spot, read for a bit, and ended with photos and playing with shadows and trees.