October 29 2016:
“When I’m tired, you lift me.
When my thoughts have settled on sadness,
you hold a gentle space for me.
You remind me to unfold with life
and help me remember to simply be.” ~ Camilla Downs
Tag Archives: Camilla Downs
May Your Heart Overflow with Love and Gratitude
October 26 2016:
Every move we make, every simple task we do for ourself is a miracle … if we choose to see it that way.
Clipping one’s nails. Simple enough. Yet, at 15 years old not something Lillian has been able to do at all. Due to fine motor issues and a slight tremor when focusing on fine motor issues she has not been able to do it. (One of my favorite pictures of Lillian from this past September. Doing something else she had not been able to do before … getting air for a great picture!)
A few months ago she said she was ready to try doing this simple task and asked how we should begin. I suggested she practice holding the clippers to her finger and toes and simply practice different positions, bending to her toes, and squeezing the clippers in that position.
She’s been doing that and yesterday she was ready to try it. I instantly felt patience fill my heart as I said, “Let’s do it.” Seriously, this was practically a half day task as she wanted to try and paint her own toenails also.
Although, she was not able to cut any nails this time, she was able to get the clipper underneath the nail as I guided (I didn’t want to chance accidentally nipping the skin). However, she did paint some of her toenails. It was incredibly hard and stressful work for her. Seriously.
May you rejoice today and let yourself feel the blessings of miracles that happen every single minute. And, may your heart overflow with gratitude and love …. for yourself and your fellow humans …. xoxo
Thomas and Camilla October 2016 Date Day
October 24 2016:
Thomas and Camilla October 2016 Date Day – We are so happy and grateful they have a location in south Reno now!!!
First stop – Great Full Gardens South Meadows Reno – for the best food ever. Seriously. I felt transported away to a little food heaven oasis. It’s not just the food. It’s the choice of music, the yummy water, and the heart of the place.
Thomas had a Great Full burger. I had a vegan Reuben with a side of vegan slaw. The BEST Reuben and slaw I’ve ever tasted. We shared a cup of pumpkin soup. Thomas practically inhaled his food. He kinda liked it!!!!! Then we had a blow my mind vegan root beer float with coconut bliss ice cream and Oogave root beer.
Second stop: A visit and walk at one of our favorite parks with wind blowing so hard it was difficult to walk.
We reminisced about all the years Thomas has played on this equipment (since 1 year old). Specifically, how he climbed the “tree branch” every time, how difficult it was, and how he fell off one time. (The one he’s sitting at the top of in the pictures.)
Then for that walk in crazy wild wind … where we expanded further on our business idea for the huge pile of dirt we pass every time.
My heart is so full. I’m incredibly grateful I began Date days with them when they were babies. Most dates are simple and always have a nature component. They’ve shifted over the years and have great meaning for all of us.
Biggest Little Photographer is Almost Here
October 20 2016:
Got the email this afternoon that we will definitely have Thomas’ book, Biggest Little Photographer, by Friday, October 28th! We received about 35 pre-orders so that means we will be able to start mailing and delivering books! If you are one of those, your book will be on the way soon!
This is not your typical photography book, yet, I’m positive it will not disappoint. We’ve placed it in the photography/gift/inspiration category. So if you’re looking for a unique gift for someone … especially someone trying to get started with a project, in the beginning stages, or perhaps stuck; this may inspire and ignite their creativity.
We sold one at the Kids Business Fair to a wonderful woman who wants it for her photography club and she thinks this will inspire them! Thomas received many compliments from adult photographers at the Business Fair. YAY, YAY, YAY!!! xoxo
Walk with Lillian and Camera and Pictures
October 19 2016:
On our walk yesterday Lillian paused to reply to this, “If you were a camera, describe what type of pictures you’d take.”
Again, I ran out of space and recording stopped before she finished. You’d think I take lots of photos!!
The rest, “Animals, food, books, and movie titles on our movie night.”
Oneness and Peace
October 22 2016:
“With each breath I take,
With each step I take,
Your stillness greets me.
A stillness that whispers
the language of oneness and peace.” ~Camilla Downs
Walking Happy and Oktoberfest and Morse Code
October 21 2016:
Thomas and Camilla walking Happy this morning. Enjoying being Happy’s dog nanny …. as his human calls us. 💙💚🐾 …. xoxo
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October 21 2016:
So fun tonight at The Vintage Oktoberfest!!!! We love where we live!! Check out the cool Polaroid picture Chrissy took of Team TLC!
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October 22 2016:
Walking Happy yesterday afternoon. As I walked past the trees this greeted me. Oh yes, Happy, we must stop a moment so I can soak it in and capture it. xoxo
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October 22 2016:
Thank you Down Syndrome Network of Northern Nevada (DSNNN) for treating families to a day at the Discovery Museum! Thomas and Lillian loved it! Last visit there was summer 2015!
Lillian’s name in morse code … via Thomas ….
You are Loved
October 21 2016:
Working on backlogged tasks and came across this post from July. As I read it again and re-visited the feelings and words, I was moved to share with you. I love when I let myself share and write from the heart … Go here to read or save this post and come back to it later!
“It has been a path of confronting feelings about my own self-worth. A path of knowing the deep intrinsic worth of simply BEing. A path of peeling back layer after layer after layer after layer of thoughts, beliefs, and ideas that have compounded throughout this life … and smothered the true me.
“And she said, I’m ready to live this life with abandon and joyful bewilderment … I’m crossing that bridge.” ~Camilla Downs
May you take this as you need to receive it. Perhaps a calling to begin questioning why you are doing what you do, what is causing you to make certain decisions. Perhaps to reinforce why you seem to be “bucking” the system, or going against what others think you should be doing.
Perhaps simply to be told that you are loved, you are loved, you are loved and to stop judging yourself.” ….. Go here to read the entire article …
Lillian and Camilla October 2016 Date Day
Support Team TLC
October 17 2016:
A homeschool facebook group I’m a member of just began a Monday thread of sharing what one does so as to support one another. Thought I’d share here too for anyone who is inclined to support Team TLC … xoxoxo … Feel free to add a link or comment as to what you do in the comments … When there’s time and availability, we are open to trading …
1) Thomas, my 10 year old, completed a 365 a day photography project when he was 9 years old and we’ve published that into a Photography/Gift/Inspiration book. It’s being printed and bound this week! YAY! Go here to learn more and watch the short 2 minute trailer …https://BiggestLittlePhotographer.com
2) As a family we assist other families with errands and to-do lists. We are pretty swamped (YAY), yet we have room for a bit more. One of our jobs is for 4 months (September – December)! Wahoo! Go here to learn more about our services ….. https://theteamtlc.com/team-tlc-errand-services/ … This is also our family blog so stick around over there and perhaps get some ideas.
3) Lillian, my special needs 15 year old, creates abstract art and sells prints …https://lilliandarnell.com/lillians-art/ …. She is also an aspiring writer and has some great content on her blog at https://LillianDarnell.com ….
Also, also, she reads a TON and recommends books on her blog. If you click through to any of the books on amazon to learn more and end up purchasing anything at all, we get a few cents. And it doesn’t cost you any more than it would have if you had not gone through her link.
4) I am also a writer. I have one published book, “D iz for Different – One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance” … https://camilladowns.com/books/ ….
I write book and movie recommendations also. The same concept applies regarding the amazon links … https://camilladowns.com/category/book-and-movie-musings/ … I write poetry also that I usually pair with one of the nature photographs I have taken … https://camilladowns.com/category/photography-musings/ and https://camilladowns.com/category/poetry/ …
I sell custom created poems and poetry which I handwrite on recycled materials and sometimes include a painted rock to accompany.https://camilladowns.com/mystique-boutique/
I am a certified coach and offer unique coaching sessions paired with a walk in domestic nature. https://camilladowns.com/walk-with-me/
And, lastly, I write on my blog simply to share what I feel inspired to share. Most of my writings have to do with mindfulness, emotional connection, spirituality, and loving kindness. I share from the heart and always using myself and my family as the base of sharing. https://camilladowns.com/
5) I am available to speak to groups having do do with any of the above as an inspirational speaker. And now Thomas and I will be available to speak as a mom and son duo about his photography to book journey.