Tag Archives: Lillian Darnell

Movie Review: The Shift

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January 29 2017:

Extra movie night … “The Shift” – Third or fourth time and still as meaningful as the first. The theme of 2017 for me is “The Shift” so it seemed fitting to watch again. This movie is one big, gigantic, meaningful, love bubble … xoxoxo

“Thoroughly unprepared, we take the step into the afternoon of life. Worse still, we take this step with the false presupposition that our truths and our ideals will serve us as hitherto. But we cannot live the afternoon of life according to the program of life’s morning, for what was great in the morning will be little at evening and what in the morning was true, at evening will have become a lie.” ― C.G. Jung

Thomas says, “It makes more sense every time we watch it. It’s good and I like it.”

Lillian says, “It’s amazing and good. I agree with Thomas that it makes more sense each time we watch it.”

The Shift Movie 1.29.17

Why I Involve My Kids in Practicing Mindfulness

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**THROWBACK POST**

February 3 2016:

Dear Thomas,

I know how sometimes you long to have a “typical” sibling and “typical” sibling relationship …

https://themighty.com/2014/07/letter-to-the-siblings-of-a-brother-or-sister-with-a-disability/

After a huge Lillian meltdown this morning which caused him to be a wee bit late for school.

I am trying to help him notice when it’s not a good idea to push Lillian. He does try so hard, but just wants to not have to try sometimes. Lillian is making huge progress, yet, we still have those moments. Thomas’ teacher shares often with me how she enjoys his presence in the classroom as he’s so empathetic and compassionate.

I have recently pulled back from intervening when they decide to be unkind with one another. I’ve explained that I have taught them methods to use and I model those methods. It is up to them whether they use them or not.

This morning it escalated, I remained calm and not involved. It escalated and escalated and escalated. There was screaming and door slamming. I remained calm and not involved. I got scratched and pinched, I remained calm. I kept emphasizing that I’d be happy to help her get calm and to let me know when she was ready.

And. Finally, Lillian asked for help in calming down. I walked her through a meditative breathing exercise and we moved on …. I don’t always remain calm. I did this morning and it makes such a huge, huge, huge difference when I do. Mindfulness is an amazing way to live …

Yes, this. I am blessed and grateful that we are a team. I am having the time of my life on this journey with them. The joy, suffering, happiness, peace, love, and all … xoxo

Camilla and Thomas 2.3.16 - Picture from a Dried Up Washoe Lake in Fall 2015

Movie Review: The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain

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January 28 2017:

Team TLC movie night: My choice – The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain –

I say, “Heartwarming and testament to coming together to accomplish a meaningful event. Loved the light humor too.”

Thomas says, “I liked it a lot. An original and interesting story. Really enjoyed it; except for the mushy parts.”

Lillian says, “Good, romantic, original, great, amazing, wonderful theme of confidence.”

The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain Movie 1.28.17

Book Review: The Champion of Children – The Story of Janusz Korczak

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The Champion of Children – The Story of Janusz Korczak

Janusz Korczak had wanted to create a better world for children ever since he was a young boy. He grew up in Warsaw under tsarist Russia’s domination.

He designed and presided over an extraordinary orphanage for Jewish children. He believed the children could govern themselves, so he encouraged them to elect a parliament, run a court, and put out a weekly newspaper.

During Hitler’s rise to power he was forced to move the orphanage into Warsaw Ghetto and ultimately to the deaths of he and the children in the Treblinka extermination camp. He remained there for and with the children to the very end.

His insistence that children have the right to be loved, educated, and protected has continued to inspire people all over the world.

In honor of Korczak’s work, the United Nations declared 1979 the International Year of the Child. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, created in 1989, was strongly influenced by Korczak’s theories.

Incredible man, incredible story ….. Pure Love.

The Champion of Children Book 2016

Winter Wonderland at Night and Love and Dreamy and Sparkly Magic

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January 23 2017:

It was so bright last night while I was taking Happy for his last walk of the day. I was able to take pictures!!! These were taken about 9:15 last night. Another Winter Wonderland for us last night and today.

Night Winter Wonderland 1.23.17 #1 Night Winter Wonderland 1.23.17 #2 Night Winter Wonderland 1.23.17 #3 Night Winter Wonderland 1.23.17 #4

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January 23 2017:

Lillian and I went for an amazing and sparkly winter wonderland walk this afternoon …. I just had to give this picture its own post.

This is zoomed as far as I could go. A tiny snow and ice heart hanging from the tree limb.

Perfect and magical message to match the perfect and magical phone call I had with the Parks Ranger for Rancho San Rafael. She is over the moon excited about Thomas’ book. She bought a book at The Discovery Museum and that’s how she found out about it.

During the call, I found myself thinking, is this call really happening? Well, YES, yes it is and …. YES!!! Wonderful things are being planned!! Life is truly magical and miraculous when we get out of our own way … xoxo

Snow and Ice Heart Hanging from Tree 1.23.17

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January 23 2017:

“It’s like a dream.” …… Said to me this morning by another resident who had just stepped outside.

I was on an early morning walk with Happy, taking many pictures. This persons comment caused me pause, inspired me, and brought forth oceans of gratitude for not just this ….. for life itself. xoxo – part 1

Winter Wonderland Walk Vintage Lake 1.24.17 #1 Winter Wonderland Walk Vintage Lake 1.24.17 #2 Winter Wonderland Walk Vintage Lake 1.24.17 #3 Winter Wonderland Walk Vintage Lake 1.24.17 #4 Winter Wonderland Walk Vintage Lake 1.24.17 #5 Winter Wonderland Walk Vintage Lake 1.24.17 #6 Winter Wonderland Walk Vintage Lake 1.24.17 #7 Winter Wonderland Walk Vintage Lake 1.24.17 #8 Winter Wonderland Walk Vintage Lake 1.24.17 #9 Winter Wonderland Walk Vintage Lake 1.24.17 #10

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January 24 2017:

Icicles and ice are fun to photograph!! More walking and being outdoors yesterday. xoxo

Icicles and Snow and Ice Walk Vintage 1.24.17 #1 Icicles and Snow and Ice Walk Vintage 1.24.17 #2 Icicles and Snow and Ice Walk Vintage 1.24.17 #3 Icicles and Snow and Ice Walk Vintage 1.24.17 #4 Icicles and Snow and Ice Walk Vintage 1.24.17 #5

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January 24 2017:

Magical, sparkly, icicle and love filled walk with Lillian yesterday afternoon. Grateful to the icicles for letting me practice with the macro lens. xoxoxo …

Winter Wonderland Walk with Lillian Vintage lake 1.24.17 #1 Winter Wonderland Walk with Lillian Vintage lake 1.24.17 #2 Winter Wonderland Walk with Lillian Vintage lake 1.24.17 #3 Winter Wonderland Walk with Lillian Vintage lake 1.24.17 #4 Winter Wonderland Walk with Lillian Vintage lake 1.24.17 #5 Winter Wonderland Walk with Lillian Vintage lake 1.24.17 #6 Winter Wonderland Walk with Lillian Vintage lake 1.24.17 #7 Winter Wonderland Walk with Lillian Vintage lake 1.24.17 #8 Winter Wonderland Walk with Lillian Vintage lake 1.24.17 #9 Winter Wonderland Walk with Lillian Vintage lake 1.24.17 #10

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January 25 2017:

Walk with Thomas and Happy yesterday ….. Another snow heart and check out how the lake is thawing. Like a sun and sunbeams!

My time is nearing an end with Mr. Happy. He and Debbie head back home to Florida in about two weeks.

I’ve been walking him almost daily since they arrived in September and dog sat a few times while Debbie was out of town.

In November I noticed he was wobbly, unsteady, and dragging his left back paw.

Debbie took him to UC Davis where a tumor was discovered on his brain; which was later removed at UC Davis. They weren’t able to get all of it and the symptoms are still there a bit.

He seemed incredibly sad before the surgery and now … he’s “happy”! yaY!!!!

Winter Wonderland Walk with Thomas and Happy Vintage Lake 1.25.17 #1 Winter Wonderland Walk with Thomas and Happy Vintage Lake 1.25.17 #2 Winter Wonderland Walk with Thomas and Happy Vintage Lake 1.25.17 #3 Winter Wonderland Walk with Thomas and Happy Vintage Lake 1.25.17 #4 Winter Wonderland Walk with Thomas and Happy Vintage Lake 1.25.17 #5

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January 26 2017:

More icicle magic yesterday. Love the wee little ones!!

Ice and Icicles Vintage 1.26.17 #1 Ice and Icicles Vintage 1.26.17 #2 Ice and Icicles Vintage 1.26.17 #3 Ice and Icicles Vintage 1.26.17 #4 Ice and Icicles Vintage 1.26.17 #5

Glitter and Stars

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**THROWBACK POST**

January 29 2014:

“What did the glitter star say to the star? ……. Are you a starry night like I am?” – Lillian …

Message she wrote on my “comment” card Monday night. She’s home sick today and insisted I peel myself from the computer to experience the big winds the wind fairy is stirring up! Thanks Lillian …. You are amazing!!

Lillian in Wind Fire Poppy House 1.29.14

Movie Review: The Sound of Music

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January 21 2017:

Team TLC Movie Night: Lillian’s choice – “The Sound of Music” –

Lillian says, “Good, musical, romantic, favorite character is Maria, liked the songs, worth watching, fabulous, and amazing.”

I say, “I’ve seen this before, yet, not with Thomas and Lillian. And it has been years and years. Felt completely different this time. Incredibly wonderful! Loved it like I’d never seen it!!! Heart warming, indeed!”

Thomas says, “I liked it! My favorite character is the oldest son. My favorite scene was when they were hiding. Liked the music. Better than I expected. A solid movie! Good storyline. Liked the idea of it. Seemed like it was actually happening and could happen in real life.”

The Sound of Music Movie 1.21.17