End it With a Period by Camilla Downs

May 22 2018:

End it With the Period ……. Sent with Howls of Love!!! xoxo

Water Droplets Goose Feather Vintage Lake 5.21.18 #2

Life is Not the Stories We Tell Ourselves

“Do not expect others to follow your way. When things always go your way, it is easy to become arrogant.” -The Treatise on the King of Treasures Samadhi

Sunday, May 13, 2018 was Mother’s Day in the United States. It was the worst Mother’s Day I can remember experiencing.

I’m writing this, I’m sharing this, for those amongst us whose hearts were covered and weighted with sadness. As I know not everyone had a great and blessed day being showered and pampered with love by themselves or loved ones.

Thomas had just returned to Reno from his visit with The Romano Duo (grandparents) in Arizona. He had much blunt and forthright thoughts to share about how unhappy he is with our situation and with Lillian’s inflexibilities and anxieties. I grabbed that hook and sank into a deep sadness of telling myself how much of a failure I am at providing for my kids, how much of a failure I am at being their parent.

(Let me add here that I do not blame Thomas. I have raised him to be …..

End it With the Period

Numb Feet and Fingers and a Cracked Sled

**THROWBACK POST**

December 30 2015:

Quick adventure to play in the snow at Galena Creek South. Someone thoughtfully left their cracked saucer sled ….just for Thomas!! He had so much fun! I even went down once. He used it til it cracked into 2 pieces which was perfect as my feet and fingers were numb! WOW! It was cold up there!!!

Team TLC in the Snow Galena Creek 12.30.15 #1 Team TLC in the Snow Galena Creek 12.30.15 #2 Team TLC in the Snow Galena Creek 12.30.15 #3 Team TLC in the Snow Galena Creek 12.30.15 #4 Team TLC in the Snow Galena Creek 12.30.15 #5

Lillian and Camilla May 2018 Date Day

May 22 2018:

Lillian and Camilla May 2018 Date Day

First stop – French fries for Lillian and dessert cookies for both of us. Lillian is such a Star! A lady waiting to order commented she had seen us on TV. She was incredibly kind with so many wonderful comments. Then for a walk at one of our favorite parks. Beautiful bird song too!!!!

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An Oasis of Love …… And ….. Chaos

May 21 2018:

Thomas and I got to have a special treat this afternoon visiting an oasis of love. Thank you Melinda Bourke Blackwell for having us. Seriously. Beautiful nature, beautiful views, and the absolute sweetest, most loving humans and critters. How did you have a heart shaped cloud grace us as well? Love in the sky!

Baby goat! Squeal!! I immediately picked this lovely up (little black and white one) and she cuddled right into my neck. Ahhhh ….

Thomas and Joey, the llama, discussing things. Isn’t Yoda, the alpaca, the cutest dude?? Gus came up behind me with a little nudge. Don’t forget about me!! Gus. The donkey.

This is Joey, the llama. Joey likes to put his nose right up against ones face and smell ones breath. This brought forth fear within me. Yet, I let Mr. Joey get to know and smell my breath! Ha!!

Thomas not only loves visiting to see the animals and lovely humans; he loves the chaos!!! Six or so horses, six or so goats, one donkey, four dogs, an alpaca, a llama, one momma cat, and three baby kitties, and seven humans. All talking at the same time!!!

Barbara Richmond Chastain: I’m so happy you and Bill were there too! You two are a blessing. I’m incredibly grateful to know both of you! So much love!!

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The Walk of Alchemy by Camilla Downs

May 20 2018:

I went for walk this morning.

Not unlike many mornings over the past 17 years. The meaning and depth of the walk has shifted throughout the years. What began as a way to exercise and get fresh air has shifted to be much deeper than that.

I have experienced many mindful walks. Walking slower than usual, listening, feeling, and smelling in silence.

Yet, this morning I knew it was …

The Walk of Alchemy

Thomas and Camilla May 2018 Date Day

May 18 2018:

Thomas and Camilla May 2018 Date Day …..

First, Mexican for lunch with fried ice cream for dessert.

Next: Little Washoe Lake for playing in the sand, water, and huge driftwood. Part 1

Twelve years of monthly date days. I’m incredibly blessed he still loves these. And, please, I’m not boasting. It’s never too late to start having them.

And, it’s amazing how an aha moment one night can lead one to feel on top of the world the next day.

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Truth Compass – Thomas Darnell

May 9 2018:

Oh Snap! Thank you to Thomas for continually being the one that says to me, flat out, “That wasn’t kind.” …. He’s like a truth compass when my own internal compass feels like it’s been 20 rounds in the washing machine.

Truth be told, on the day I wrote this, I woke up feeling heavy, sad, overwhelmed …. and …..

He’s A Truth Compass

Amazing Sky and Amazing Grace and Dramatic and Beautiful and Love and Magical

April 30 2018:

Wonderful walk this morning. Amazing sky. Amazing grace. xoxo …

Solo Walk Vintage Lake 4.30.18 #1 Solo Walk Vintage Lake 4.30.18 #2 Solo Walk Vintage Lake 4.30.18 #3

May 2 2018:

Thomas wanted to go for a walk yesterday before heading to the airport. We didn’t have time for a full walk around, so instead we walked to the lake and stood for a few minutes. Such dramatic clouds and sky lately. Incredibly beautiful.

Thomas to Vintage lake before leaving for surprise 5.1.18

May 3 2018:

Sunset walk with Lillian. Such a celebrity. We passed a couple who have bought and read her book (one of them a special education teacher) and another person who has seen her on TV. I love connecting with others. Love is beautiful. Love is magical. xoxo

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Ten Minutes and Good Friends and Yummy Lunch

May 3 2018:

She’s up to 10 minutes!!! Now we’re ready to add at least one more day to make it twice per week. (Working on heel toe walking and balance.) xoxo

Lillian on Treadmill 5.3.18 #1 Lillian on Treadmill 5.3.18 #2

May 4 2018:

I love you Carolyn R Smith!!! Thanks for a great and meaningful afternoon in the jungle!!!

Carolyn and Camilla 5.4.18

May 5 2018:

Oh my gosh! What a yummy and satisfying lunch!! Sautéed asparagus, sweet onions, crimini mushrooms, green beans, green peas over a bed of fresh kale alongside a yellow corn taco shell with Daiya cheddar cheese, pinto beans, salsa, and topped with a jalapeño! Now for one of these mouthwatering vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies!

Lunch 5.5.18