The Grace of Icicles and Trees and Sun and Soft Untouched Snow

February 5 2019:

“When you walk in the mist, you get wet.” – Zen Master Dogen …

Graceful icicles today as the snow melted. Along with the amazing sun. 💦☀️

February 6 2019:

Today was library volunteer day. Lillian and I couldn’t resist the lil garden behind the library. Wonderful, untouched, soft, fluffy snow! Along with a beautiful blue sky and gorgeous trees. That and some deep belly laughs = Ahhhhhh!!!

February 8 2019:

Love the way the trees frame the sun … from a walk yesterday.

February 9 2019:

… from the hour long walk yesterday. It was perfect timing to have this walk, then write about walking, and what it means for me.

Since the first week of January I’ve submitted seven writings of either a trio of poems or an essay style writing. We shall see if any are accepted or chosen. If not chosen, at least I’m creating new material for my blog and next book!

From Grumpy to Grateful

February 3 2019:

I’m deep in “submitting my writings” mode and “working on the next book” mode. Which means searching through past writings. I come across many I’d like to share; yet usually resist the urge. Just couldn’t for this one … from March 2016 …. xoxo

Meet little 3 year old Liam’s legs and feet. He and his mom sat next to me at Virginia Lake Park in early March. Liam was fishing and I fished with him. I caught a fish!!!

It was magical fishing with him!! He kept holding his ….

Fishing with Liam and Shifting My Perspective

 

Tiny Home Living – Update

January 27 2019:

It’s been 3 years since I’ve posted an update about this … Thought it was about time! xoxo

The Top Six Lessons Learned from Tiny Home Living …. As a Family of Three

The last update I wrote about our tiny home living was at four months. Here we are going into our fourth year! I feel we are long overdue for an update. It’s been so long in coming partly due to the fact that I truly thought we would only be here one year, two years at the most and partly due to procrastination….

The Top Six Lessons Learned from Tiny Home Living …. As a Family of Three

 

Fun and Snow and Tough and Beautiful and Amazing and Into the Mystic

January 6 2019:

Fun in the snow Sunday night. Snow at night is just magical. ❄️❄️❄️🖤🖤🖤

January 7 2019:

Tough, yet beautiful 5 mile walk yesterday. It’s quite the workout walking in wet, slushy snow. The amazing sky and beauty were worth it. ❄️💙

January 8 2019:

Walk with Lillian this afternoon. More beautiful sky and clouds. 💙❄️

January 12 2019:

On a walk Thursday .. I was trying to capture the dancing diamonds the sun was creating in the water. This photo absolutely did not capture it. So incredibly beautiful and mesmerizing. I stopped and watched the show for a bit. 💎💛💙

January 10 2019:

Into the Mystic by Van Morrison …. One of my ALL time favorite songs. Oh my gypsy soul … Goose bumps EVERY TIME! So much love …. xoxo … (Photo by me … )

 

Thomas and Camilla January 2019 Date Day

January 13 2019:

Thomas and Camilla January 2019 Date Day on Friday.

Car picnic at Geiger Way Lookout and this gorgeous view. Vegan burger from Great Full Gardens for me and traditional burger and fries for Thomas. Love the way they decorate the take out boxes at Great Full Gardens!

Then for a lil walk around. I absolutely love this view …. and all the memories of car picnics and walks ever since Thomas was 1 year old and Lillian 4 years old. xoxo

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Featured on The Writer’s Corner: Poetry & Inspiration from Author Camilla Downs

I am so incredibly grateful to Tania Marie for featuring me in her “Writer’s Corner” series.

Her words sang a beautiful love song to my heart and soul … ” …. The connection the three of them have together is one of balancing teaching and leading, with learning and guidance. It has taken them to dark depths and soaring heights together. It is through their devotion and commitment to each other and themselves that they support the blossoming of one another and are spreading love to the world … ” Visit the link to read more … xoxo

https://taniamarieartist.wordpress.com/2018/12/31/monday-musings-the-writers-corner-poetry-inspiration-from-author-camilla-downs/?fbclid=IwAR2uFJoaDxi6QyyFA2se0zrErxztbRz3nsME3IPLyvnKmnMQIMMaLmQXKFE

 

Delicious and Yummy and Physical Healing and Gratitude and Independence and Micro Greens and Eye Sweatin

December 31 2019:

Finally had one of these yesterday. After brewing a cup of Peruvian extra dark roast coffee; I placed one of these beautiful wafers atop the cup for a few minutes as Jessica and Marten had explained.

And then … As I bit into this piece of pure heaven, I was saturated with the ooey gooey good feelings one has when savoring a delicious food!! Oh my yum!! Thank you again Jessica and Marten!! 💖💝💖💝💖💝

January 1 2019:

The tree makes for fabulous background for picture taking …. Heehee!

Had to take a picture of this glorious yummy frozen dessert that I treated Thomas and I too yesterday. Vegan Double Chocolate Delight made with cashew milk. Good grief! That’s good stuff! And I just noticed it’s between the snowman and the snowflake … Perfect!!

January 3 2019:

As I wait for the feeling to come back on the left side of my face … Another shout out to those that helped make this procedure possible. Oceans and oceans of gratitude …. 🙏

Hard to believe that little hole was causing so much discomfort. Turns out there was a deep cavity there. New crown being made that fully covers the area so this doesn’t happen again.

Whenever it’s doable, next up is a few gum line cavities and the only other crown I’ve got needs to be replaced as it’s got a pretty big hole. That one doesn’t hurt as I have no roots in that tooth.

2019 seems to be beginning with the theme of physical healing. I’ll take that!!! 🎉🎉🎉💖💖💖

January 5 2019:

Still at it. Almost once per week, 10 minute walk on the treadmill followed by independent time at the lodge. 💞💞💞

January 5 2019:

I feel it’s no coincidence that micro greens are heart shaped. They’re incredibly good for us. Yum, yum!

Yet, thought it so cute how this one propped itself perfectly for me to see. Love, the micro greens. 💚

January 5 2019:

I made fresh pico de gallo tonight to go with our tradition of every other Saturday nacho dinner.

Thomas had finished eating, Lillian was in the bathtub. And, I was alone chewing my nachos. A wave of emotions hit me like I imagine a tsunami wave hits land.

My eyes began to sweat with liquid gratitude for the miracle occurring in my mouth. I was chewing the nachos on BOTH sides of my mouth. I have not been able to do that in about 2 years. I’ve had to chew crunchy foods on the right side only.

I’m aware this sounds silly to some. Yet, this post is not for you. It’s for me and others who are stricken with gratitude, bliss, and joy over seemingly small things.

I alternated between laughter and eyes sweating the entire meal. I realized I had been given back something more than being able to chew certain foods using ALL of my teeth.

This had nothing to do with sadness. This was pure joy, gratitude, bliss, peace, reassurance, and LOVE. And that pico de gallo was damn good! ❤️🙏🙏🙏❤️

Love Lives Here – Groningen The Netherlands Meets Reno Nevada USA

December 27 2018:

What a wonderful day this shall be! And, how lucky can one gal be? Two writer friends visiting from The Netherlands within 3 months of one another!

My writer friend, Jessica Araus, has arrived in Reno! She and her partner are from The Netherlands and this is her first time to the United States.

They’ve been having a beautiful time exploring California and now for Reno and the magical Lake Tahoe! We get to exchange hugs and face to face smiles this afternoon! xoxo (Beautiful sign displayed at South Meadows Great Full Gardens)

This was such an incredible visit. Even though my hands got frozen during our walk, my heart burned with warmth.

What a blessing to spend the afternoon with Jessica Araus and Marten. Jessica and I met in an online (Facebook) writers group. She and Marten are here from The Netherlands and it is their first time visiting America.

I could have chatted with the two of you all night long. What a gift you two are! My heart is incredibly full. 🙏💙💙💙🙏

Had to have a photo shoot for the amazing goodies Jessica brought to us from The Netherlands.

We learned about Sinterklaas and their tradition of the tree going up on December 6th and coming down on January 6th. And the tradition of gifting a sweet treat in the shape of the recipients first initial of first name, along with a poem.

Cannot wait to try this tea!! I love Yogi brand tea; but this flavor is not sold in the US.

The beautiful maxi dress is from Jessica’s online shop, Dressaraz. Although based in Groningen, The Netherlands, her clothing shop supports local Mexican artisans. Each piece is handcrafted in Mexico.

Thank you so very much Jessica!! So much love to you!! 💝💝💝


A few more from Jessica’s visit. Marten took the one of us walking. Sneaky guy! I’m pretty sneaky too! As I got one of him taking photos! Heehee!

Top 10 Soul Writings for 2018 – Camilla Downs Blog

Top 10 Soul Writings With the Most Views for 2018 from the CamillaDowns.com blog

Visit the link below to should you wish to read any of the top 10 writings. xoxo

1. Latest News: Where Would You Fly and Other Magical Stories – Published
2. My Entire Life Dissolved
3. Short Story: Dandelion Has Questions
4. Alchemy: A Haunting Memory Reveals the Truth
5. Reflections – I Am Called to Reflect as I Begin this 48th year
6. Poetry: What if it Were You
7. You are Amazing and I Believe in You
8. Can a Book Be Published With Little to No Money – Part Three
9. The Path of the Heart Will Emerge
10. He’s A Truth Compass

Honorable Mentions:

Anything is Possible: An Interview With the Author of On Top of the World
A Guidebook to Navigate the Universe: An Interview with the Author of Becoming One with the Universe

Top 10 Soul Writings for 2018