Tag Archives: Lillian Darnell

How to Have a Simple and Stress Free Gift Giving Season

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December 10 2016:

Nearly all the gifts Team TLC exchange are handmade …. Always using recycled materials and arts & crafts we already own.

This year the lodge and staff where we live have provided a gift wrap station. We went over yesterday so Thomas and Lillian could wrap the items they’ve created so far. So fun!

When we got to the library they, too, had a gift wrap station and books for sale for 50 cents to 1.00. This book loving families eyes lit up at the sight of all those books!! We purchased a few books and wrapped them. More fun!

This is not only how we celebrate Christmas. We also create handmade gifts for one another for all other “gift giving” times. For about the past 10 years I have been slowly shifting away from consumerism.

Instead modeling and teaching that fulfillment and joy are inside jobs and not attained by the amount of stuff we have. And showing ones love for another is done on a daily basis and is not about how much and how many store bought gifts are given.

The gifts we give are truly listening, supporting one another, and helping each other to see and experience the wonder of the world. Yet, I also strive to teach and model non-judgment of anyone who chooses a different lifestyle and philosophy.

We do usually exchange at least one store bought item as there are things we need or items we feel will enhance our joy.

If you were to ask if there are things I want ….. Sure, there are! I’d be over the moon joyful about receiving a real camera, a pair of moccasins, and new cookware. Yet, I’m also not going to be sad and feel deprived because I don’t have them.

May you have a joyful, peaceful, and warm weekend!!! xoxo

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Sparkly paper snowflakes! xoxo ❄️❄️❄️

These are inexpensive and FUN to make. Not to mention gorgeous when hung on the tree or from the ceiling!

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Quiet and Serenity and Peace and Hypnotic and Contrast

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December 4 2016:

Sunset walk with Lillian …. Amazing colors, amazing clouds, surrounded with quiet, serenity, and peace. Love, love, love … xoxo

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On our sunset walk this afternoon, we paused for Lillian to share about her unique talents and gifts and about her favorite time of the year. xoxo

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December 5 2016:

Beauty from this mornings walk … This tree catches my attention every time I walk by it. Called for another picture this time! xoxo

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December 6 2016:

Lots of black-billed magpies around lately. One let me snap his picture before he flitted away. This time I took a few minutes to sit, snug with my back leaned against a tree and my feet leaning on a huge rock. Nice and cozy. xoxo

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Where I sat for a while this morning. I was so comfy; I didn’t want to leave …. leaned against a tree and surrounded by four huge rocks. Listening to the water, wind, and geese. So wonderful! xoxo

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December 7 2016:

Cold, cold, cold family walk yesterday afternoon …. Walking for me is a poetic act, a communion with Nature, and a contemplation of landscape. I love sharing this with Thomas and Lillian. xoxo

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December 9 2016:

Thomas and I took a walk yesterday morning in the first snow of the season. There’s nothing like the feel and sound of the first snows crunch as you walk through it. xoxo ❄️❄️xoxo

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December 9 2016:

The moon was amazing last night. There was a large halo and the clouds were gently and quickly drifting by the glow. Seriously, I took 555 pictures …. it’s at times like that I wish I had a good quality camera. One day. xoxo

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Hypnotic and magical moon last night …. I could not get enough of it. Every second was a different view. xoxo

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December 9 2016:

Spotted this beautiful black cat on the walk this morning and was moved by the beauty and contrast of colors. Then the water as I walked over the bridge caught my attention. Am I looking up or down? I’m blessed and grateful that Nature never tires of shining and showing me. xoxo

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How to Decorate Minimally for Christmas

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November 27 2016:

Tree and decorations to match tiny home living …. Simple and minimal …. Well into our second year in this lovely one bedroom, one bathroom 815 square foot condo ….. Love, love, love …. xoxo

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Library Day and Romano Duo and Long Lasting

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November 28 2016:

Library day for Team TLC!! So beautiful when we stepped out of the library …. with our 7 bags of books! Yes. A family of book and nature lovers. Yum! 📚

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November 30 2016:

We’re so excited! When The Romano Duo visit for Christmas they get to stay in the same condo complex where we live!! Wahoooo!! (Picture from this past July when we got to cross paths in New Mexico)

Oceans of thanks to Happy’s human companion, Debbie, for letting The Duo stay at her place while she and Happy go home to Florida! Plus, they get a view of the beautiful wee lake from her place!

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December 1 2016:

The strap on the Coach purse I’ve used for the past 17 years broke. It was given to me as a gift by Drew Henke; one of the prosecuting attorneys I worked with as a paralegal.

We worked together in the Civil Division at the Pierce County Prosecutors Office. My last stint before I left all that behind and began a different journey. Rest in Peace great little purse!!

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White Duck and Inspiration and Dancing and Sparkling

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November 30 2016:

I got to see a white duck when I was walking Happy this afternoon. So beautiful!

Then we finally had our Team TLC walk right at sunset. It’s been about a week for a family walk as we waited for everyone to get healthy again! It was a blissful walk!! xoxo

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December 1 2016:

Such a wonderful walk this morning. Walking inspires me. Nature inspires me. Photography inspires me. Yes. Thank you and bring me more. xoxo

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December 2 2016:

Magnificent ….. Sunlight sparkling and dancing on the lake water this morning. Nature blesses me so ….. May you sparkle and dance through your day ….

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December 2 2016:

Walking this morning … Dancing, sparkling sunlight, full trees, and bare trees. Incredible testimony to presence. So uplifting! xoxo

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December 3 2016:

Galena Creek Park … Yesterday on the Thomas and Camilla November 2016 Date Day. Rushing water = Beautiful!!!

Egyptian Eye and Rainbow of Emotions – Abstract Art by Lillian

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November 27 2016:

Unique abstract art by Lillian …. Collage of her at the kids business fair last month. The “Egyptian Eye” and “Rainbow of Emotions” are her two amazing pieces.

A print of Rainbow of Emotions is on its way to Victoria Australia soon and a print of Egyptian Eye is on its way to Sparks, Nevada! Go Lillian! Please visit here if you’d like a print of your own!

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Gratitude Letter and Paper Strip Pumpkin and Cheers

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November 22 2016:

For the past 3 years we have created a daily gratitude poster for the month of November; with each day adding an expression of our gratitude to the poster. I was moved to do something different this year.

This year we are working on three separate activities:

#1 – Writing a letter to our self telling our future self what we are grateful for now. We used dice to determine when we will mail this letter to ourself. These will be mailed in 5 years … November 2021.

#2 – Writing a letter to each other explaining what we are grateful for, enjoy, and love about the recipient of the letter. Again we rolled dice to determine the mailing date. These will be mailed in 6 years … November 2022.

#3 – Write a letter thanking someone for something that we neglected to thank them for previously. Meet with the person and hand deliver the letter.

I plan on adding the mailing of the letters on my calendar with a very important note to self. What’s the note to self? The location of the letters; which I’m sure I’ll place somewhere safe! HA!

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November 23 2016:

Paper strip pumpkin …. by Lillian Darnell …. with a little help from me. Pretty cool!!! YAY Lillian!

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November 24 2016:

Thomas and Lillian are still asleep and I’m feasting on a piece of pumpkin bread and dark French roast. So incredibly thankful … and …. yum!

Next up … Reading and getting The Team TLC blog caught up.

Abundant blessings, love, and peace to all.

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November 25 2016:

Hope everyone had a warm and wonderful time yesterday. We enjoyed a quiet, relaxing, and comfy day at home. Cheers! Here’s to a great weekend, blessings, and a grateful heart. xoxo

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Strong Wind and Mindfulness and Thanksgiving

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November 20 2016:

Thomas and I took a walk yesterday afternoon. Incredibly strong wind! It was so great and refreshing and we had a ball playing with the wind. xoxo

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November 21 2016:

This mornings Walk With Me message: Mindfulness …. These tiny little rain drops caught my eye. Great message tree and water. Thank you ….

The practice of mindfulness can be trying … releasing thoughts of the past and future and focusing our entire being into whatever it is we are doing in that moment … it can seem like an internal tug of war. Yet, with practice it gets easier.

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November 21 2016:

Wonderful walk with Thomas this afternoon!!!! So incredibly beautiful!!!! xoxo

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November 22, 2016:

Lillian and I took a walk this afternoon. Just gorgeous! We stopped for a few minutes so she could share a bit about the extensive Thanksgiving post she shared a few days ago. xoxo

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November 25 2016:

Beautiful, peaceful, and reflective walk yesterday. So wonderful that I got to see a blue billed duck. This is where I sat for a bit watching the ducks. xoxo

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Watching and listening to the ducks yesterday. This was going on the entire time I sat there. Nature and animals are wonderful teachers. xoxo

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Amazing Sky and Beauty and Grace and Magic and Trotting and Leaves and Wind

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November 13 2016:

Amazing sky greeting us when we got home on Friday. Just WOW!!!

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November 14 2016:

Oh so wonderful walk with Lillian yesterday. Beauty and grace in every direction. Magical! xoxo

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November 14, 2016:

Thomas doing two of his favorite things!!!! Trotting on Meg and Asking Questions! He has certainly mastered the technique of learning by asking questions. Thank you Barbara Richmond Chastain …. xoxo

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November 15 2016:

On our walk yesterday Lillian took a moment to share her thoughts on why the leaves change color and fall from the trees. xoxo

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November 16 2016:

A Team TLC windy walk yesterday. Lillian pointed out the wind was creating waves in our little lake. So … sharing with you ….. xoxo

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November 16 2016:

More from our windy walk yesterday …. Beautiful and brrrrrrr!! Just breathtaking …. xoxo

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November 16 2016:

Wind …. from our windy walk yesterday … Watch, listen, let it blow away …. xoxo

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November 17 2016:

Spa day here I come! So blessed and grateful! This morning I get to trade Biggest Little Photographer for a massage. THANK YOU Michaela Koenig!! Can’t wait!!

This afternoon I get to float in bliss for 90 minutes. I WON a 90 minute float session at Healing One!!! So looking forward to this! It will be my first time!

Thank you … Bring it on … I’m so grateful …. And, yes, I’ll have more …. Thank you ….. Hope everyone has a GREAT and LOVE filled day. Signing off til tomorrow morning … xoxoxo

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November 19 2016:

Thomas and I decided to take a walk about an hour ago. WOW!

Strong winds and drastic contrast between directions. Storm clouds vs blue skies.

We got blown around almost like rag dolls, got rained on, saw the most white caps I’ve ever seen in this little lake, saw a huge, gorgeous rainbow, and laughed a ton!!!

Wonderful and beautiful!! xoxo

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A History of Thanksgiving by Lillian Darnell

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November 18 2016:

The MOST comprehensive history of Thanksgiving I’ve ever seen! Lillian has been working on this for at least a month. She finally finished today. Go Lillian Go!! I am thankFULL for having this young lady in my life … May you enjoy … xoxo

“….. The traditional cornucopia was a curved goat’s horn filled to the brim with fruits and grains. According to a Greek legend, Amalthea (a goat) broke one of her horns and offered it to Greek God Zeus as a sign of reverence …. ” https://lilliandarnell.com/2016/11/18/the-history-of-thanksgiving-how-countries-celebrate-thanksgiving/

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