(This is part five of The 2016 C18 Conference Journey. Go here for part one.)
July 13 2016:
Wonderful, warm, and beautiful walk with Lillian yesterday. Blessed that she, too, loves our time in nature. Looking, listening, and discovering. xoxo
Tag Archives: Lillian Darnell
The 2016 Chromosome 18 Conference: Stairs Conquered
(This is part four of The 2016 C18 Conference Journey. Go here for part one.)
July 13 2016:
Welcome to a different new … Check out these 3 sets of stairs Lillian conquered!!! You go beautiful you!!!
Lillian has had a fear of stairs since being a toddler. We have always had to use an elevator and if one has not been available; she has held tightly to me with a white knuckle grip with sweaty hands and tons of anxiety.
So exciting!
Reaching for the Stars
She’s reaching for the stars … And she will have what she reaches for …. Incredible, wonderful, inspiring blog post that Lillian wrote yesterday … xoxo
“Hey, everyone! This blog post will include 2 stories (1 non fiction and 1 fiction), inspiration, and a fiction interview. Let’s start with the non fiction story.
One day, my body decided I was ready to try the ladder at my therapy place. Slowly but surely, my body had decided to try the stairs. Now I can easily walk up them alone without being scared. Ever since, I’ve been proud to have touched the stars. (If anyone wonders what’s next, it’s escalators).
Let’s move on to the fantasy version of a story. I hope you enjoyed the 1st story!
Once, a young girl named Rainbow had wanted to be able to go down stairs for a long time but her body wasn’t ready to do it. Many years past before her body started to sense that she wanted to achieve the goal. When she was probably 14, her body was able to take the hint fully. So she took her time up until Wednesday when she achieved the goal. She was very excited. She was reaching toward the stars.
Let’s move on to the interview. This is where you will find more details about the first story. Speaking of story, I hope you enjoyed the 2nd story. (If you are wondering, this blog post is inspiration based). …………. The moral is to reach for the stars.”
Go here to read the entire story …
Fireworks and Popcorn and Biggest Little Photographer and Awareness
July 4 2016:
Just back from an adventure! Made popcorn, grabbed some jelly beans, found a perfect spot to park in Reno so as to watch the fireworks in Sparks …. Absolutely wonderful spot away from crowds and the boom, boom of the fireworks. This is how we roll with sensory issues …. What FUN! xoxo
July 5 2016:
She’s up to 8 steps now!! This is so wonderful! She has NEVER gone up stairs without clinging to me for dear life!!!! We have always avoided stairs due to her fear and proprioceptive issues.
She made it a goal to reach the top before we leave for San Antonio. Tomorrow she’ll be going up the last 10 steps since we leave Thursday morning. Stay tuned … xoxo
July 6 2016:
Just wanted to share another Biggest Little Photographer update …. And since we’ll be leaving on Thursday for the C18 Conference here’s a picture that minifigure photographer took while at the 2014 C18 Conference … New York Harbor … xoxo
Our goal was to have received 100 pre-orders of Thomas’ Biggest Little Photographer book by July 1st. We didn’t reach that goal OR did we? They’re still coming in and we’ve had about 30 pre-orders for the book now. Some orders are still coming by check so not sure of the exact amount.
However, sometimes what we wish for is delivered in a different way. After calculating money we received last week … When divided by $20 (average price for book) … It comes out to 100 …. Ummmmm … WOW!!
So we actually exceeded our goal! Our goal was met in a miraculously creative way … With 2 couches, a bayou Angel and her mom, and the loving-kindness of those who shared, liked, commented and purchased. Team TLC overflows with gratitude and sends blessings and love to all … xoxo
July 6 2016:
A State of Pure Awareness – New blog post that poured out so fast and hard I was barely breathing and two hours went by that felt like 30 minutes ….
” ……… My therapists have been the authors of the books I read. Two of my greatest teachers have been my kids, Thomas and Lillian. Other teachers have been the suffering brought on by my thoughts, beliefs, and ideas, and those with whom I have shared un-lovely moments. The friends I share absolutely everything with are nature, meditation, and my own version of praying.
I continually ask to see things differently, to question the thoughts, ideas and beliefs I have. I ask to unlearn thoughts, beliefs, and ideas that no longer serve me. In the few days before this experience, I had finally come to a point where I authentically released and let go of all that I wish for and want. I let go of it with tremendous love and with the knowing that I would absolutely receive once I let go of the longing.
Here is what I experienced ….. ……”
To read the entire post visit here …. It’s the first post on the blog. xoxoxo
July 6 2016:
We leave first thing in the morning …. And two goals reached today!
Top of the ladder at physical therapy and TOP OF THE STAIRS … Without clinging to me!
She DID IT! Oceans of gratitude for all the encouragement!!! xoxo
Thank you oceans and oceans for the wonderful cheering for Lillian!! Yesterday, she went down 2 flights of stairs and one huge flight to get from the main level of the hotel to the Riverwalk!! Four years ago when we were here we had to take the elevators down ….. I’m so happy she listens to her intuition and body and does things as she knows she’s ready! xoxo
Walks and Tadpoles and Always Respond With Love
July 4 2016:
What an absolutely amazing way to begin our day! Went for an early morning solo walk and then for a family walk right after breakfast. Lillian and Thomas finally got to see the turtle!! And we saw bunches of tadpoles! Then a yummy, relaxing, divine swim. Yes, please. Thank you and bring me more. Incredibly grateful!!
July 5 2016:
A morning of learning and messages in contrast to yesterday morning. Lillian experienced emotional difficulties this morning which wasn’t pleasant for any of us.
This was right before we went to the pool. We were delayed and headed to the pool kinda grumpy. Thomas spotted the first three hearts as we were walking to the pool. I spotted the last one. We’ve got one with arms and legs and one sticking out its tongue. 😉
We stopped after the third and I shared with them that I felt this was our reminder to always respond with love. Everyone’s mood completely shifted after that and we had the pool to ourselves.
And, now, on with the preparations of getting ready for our 1,700 mile road trip on Thursday. xoxo
The 2016 Chromosome 18 Journey Begins
July 6 2016:
Rosey got a bath today to get ready for our trip!! Going through the car wash is so fun!
If it feels right we would appreciate love, good juju, prayers for our car, Rosey, and our journey. Rosey is 15 years old and we need her to take care of us and get us there and back safely and smoothly. Oceans of gratitude!! xoxo
July 8 2016:
Whew!!! We made it somewhere!!! Team TLC is in Surprise, Arizona! We left Reno at 7:00 this morning and at 9:00 tonight we came upon Surprise. We said, “yes, we’ll take it!”
Sorry for our silence. I do not pay for data so we are not online again until we have wifi. Onward to Texas tomorrow. Does anyone know a good stopping overnight point between Tucson and San Antonio via I-10?
July 8 2016:
Surprise, Arizona to El Paso, Texas … We made it to Texas! We’ll be in San Antonio tomorrow late afternoon. Amazing rock formations in Arizona and New Mexico. We will come back when it’s not so hot!!
Lillian and I don’t do well in this high heat! Rosey was even getting too hot! This is a ton of responsibilities for one adult and I am learning so much! Yet, I have so much fun traveling with them. They are such wonderful teachers of living in the moment. My heart swells to overflowing with love …. xoxo
I am writing like the wind before I get this tired mind and body into bed and be ready for one more day of driving tomorrow. I am compelled. I have just got to document some of what we are experiencing and talking about.
Thomas had such amazing thoughts to share yesterday and Lillian also yesterday morning before she got a tummy ache. Although we are having a ball and laughing tons and enjoying this beautiful land as we drive by it; this has not all been fun and easy, and it was my goal to have this trip be a learning experience for me of not knowing, not planning, and just going. That’s certainly not for everyone.
Yet, I felt this was important for me. It’s a huge step out of my comfort zone. One step closer to trusting myself, trusting internal messages, and letting go of how it’s supposed to be done. I’ve never driven this far alone … Much less alone with Thomas and Lillian. Plus driving this far in a 15 year old car. Skating through this trip on less than a shoe string budget and letting go of worry that the string will hold tight …
I’m having moments when I’m so tired I’m shaking and wondering what in the hell I’m doing ….. Yet, I know. I may not know on the surface right now; but deep down, I know why I do what I do. And then we share these amazing moments together with wonderful comments from Thomas and Lillian and moments full of so much love that further each one of us. Moments where I’m so hot and exhausted, I have visions of taking an ice bath! Definitely some amazing growth for all of us happening! WOW! xoxoxo
July 9 2016:
El Paso to San Antonio! We made it about 5:30 this afternoon! Been a whirlwind since.
There is so much unexpected loving-kindness flowing my and our way … WOW!!
I just drove Team TLC 1700 miles … I did it! Now. Where’s my bed?
(Go here for part two of the 2016 Chromosome 18 Conference Journey.)
Romano Duo Visit June 2016
June 26 2016:
We went over to The Romano Duo’s temporary home for the next 4 days. Had some fun at the pool. They get to have a sleepover Monday night!! First night of respite for me since last August. xoxo
We had company for tonight’s walk! They got to see the ducklings, goslings, comorants, a huge frog, and the beaver! YAY!
June 27 2016:
They just left for their sleepover with the Romano Duo! First, we all went for a swim and had lunch poolside. Now, they’re ready for some Duo lovin’! And I get the first time alone at home since last August. I love hanging out with Team TLC all together, yet I am going to cherish every moment of this alone time. xoxo
We went out to eat for dinner, came home and had a dance party, Frank changed Rosey’s air filter and checked her fluids so we’re ready for the huge road trip we are undertaking next week … and we said our goodbyes …. Until next time Romano Duo ….. xoxoxo …
Angels and Monarch Butterflies and Adventures and Traveling
June 27 2016:
With my respite time tonight, I made myself a grand dinner … a lovely, big bowl of popcorn. This is how I get all wild n crazy when I have a night to myself … and then I proceeded to have the most beautiful experience.
I’ve written a blog post about it that felt like I’d been writing for about 30 minutes and it had been an hour and a half. It’s still in raw form, yet I felt moved to share a snippet ..
This morning a bayou Angel and her Mom came to my assistance. One who feels I am a gift to her in how I show up and live my life. As I sat eating my dinner of a lovely, big bowl of popcorn, I simply stared into the bowl at each kernel before eating it. As I scooped up and popped the last bit of popcorn into my mouth, the bayou Angel and I exchanged our last email for the day agreeing that our having re-connected was divinely arranged.
William Blake’s “To See A World … ” came to mind and it was as if the flood gates opened. Not only to let flow tears of knowing, tears of joy, and tears of love …. It was the flood gates of my entire life flowing out around me and wrapping me in the knowing that there have been no accidents in this life of mine.
“To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour.” ~William Blake
It has been divinely laid out. Every encounter, every relationship, every friendship. I saw the synchronicity of having lived 3 years of my life in Houma Louisiana in the mid 80’s, the deep unhappiness of my family life at that time and how the friendships I formed were my saving grace. Not only a saving grace back in the mid 80’s, a saving grace in the year 2013 and 2016. Unbeknownst to me a mutual, symbiotic relationship of one inspiring the other and one becoming a messenger angel for the other.
Everything that I have experienced ….. ” More after I clean it up a bit. It was poring out of me so fast … That was some bowl of popcorn!! xoxoxo
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June 28 2016:
She’s still at it …. and she’s good! Another from Lillian … xoxo
“When you or someone else is calm, you will feel a lot better. You will be more confident and relaxed. You will be happy, mindful, grateful, thankful and joyful.
Take a moment to read this quote. If you want to, share it with family, friends, and relatives.
“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” – Buddha … “ https://lilliandarnell.com/2016/06/21/emotions-with-animals-calm-monarch-butterflies/
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June 30 2016:
My words from this time last year (below) …. May the words inspire and encourage those whom it is meant for … xoxoxo
Still so meaningful to me as we are about to embark on our longest road trip so far in Team TLC history, still not knowing with certainty how we will pay for it all, and when we get back, we’ll be deciding by the end of July on the course of a new adventure …
The need to know when, how, where, and what next; can at times, be the very block that keeps us from fully experiencing life and experiencing it as our true selves … minus the ideas and beliefs of others.
words from June 2015: “Team TLC has come to the end of a chapter in our adventures and we embark on a new chapter. This chapter will be a living-in-the-moment adventure, with intentions of it being FUN and memorable.
I don’t have plans, I don’t know where we’ll live after the summer with the Romano Duo, I don’t know exactly what will happen. I am not always okay with this, but mostly I am. I feel the desire to know exactly how things will happen and the worry that accompanies this are just fears.
In the past I’ve spent a great deal of time confronting and connecting with these and other fears and they no longer have power within me. I know these fears are not the true me and as long as I live from the heart with love as the foundation of all actions, I, and the rest of Team TLC, will be blessed and affluent.
I DO know where I want to live and have much clarity about the role I am to play in being of service. That is all I need to know for now. Connecting with emotions, specifically fear, has been one of the most empowering “non-actions” I have ever taken …. May you choose to connect with any emotion that holds you back.
I know everything will be okay and worry has no hold on me. That’s not to say that worry is no longer present in my life. I am now able to recognize worries, fears, anger, complaining, the desire to be right and have someone else be wrong, as simply the ego throwing a tantrum because I am stepping into my power.
The world is a beautiful love-filled place and none of us were meant to suffer. Our suffering is self imposed with the thoughts that we consciously and unconsciously choose to think. I have chosen to go deep, clear out all the crud and live at a deeper level. xoxo”
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July 2 2016:
Team TLC will be traveling the blue route, in the attached screen shot, from Reno to San Antonio. We’ll be leaving either this coming Thursday or Friday.
Do we have any friends along this route who would be interested in letting us borrow a bed or couch for a night’s sleep? We’ll be driving anywhere from 6-9 hours each day for 3 days … depending on where we stop for the day. Oceans of love and gratitude .. xoxo
Twilight Zone and Angels and Butterflies and Songbirds
June 19 2016:
Today felt like an episode of Twilight Zone …. All day …
And then we went for an after dinner sunset walk. Incredibly cool that we spotted a different type of duck that we will look up, 5 blue-billed ducks, and a beaver, I think. Don’t know what else would have dragged a branch for a bit and then disappeared under water with it. And then an amazing sunset. xoxo
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June 20 2016:
After dinner solo walk last night since I missed the morning walk. A joyful walk with magical clouds decorating the sky.
Plus, I got to share some love with Gus, an extremely happy dog. I like that fellow. He always comes over to say “hi” to me.
This walk inspired a blog post on Camilla’s blog …
A little story sparked by a 5 minute stop at the Farmer’s Market this morning …. An Angel at the Farmer’s Market … Hope you enjoy it and the may the words land in front of the one for which they are meant. The pictures are paired with the story on my blog. xoxo
She had been dealing with a headache for 3 days now. She felt as if her body, inside and out, was covered in a thick and sticky sludge. A sludge full of all the reasons why she is wrong, inadequate, a loser, and a downright horrible person.
She thought back to the dream she had two weeks ago. She could not get away from a giant sink hole. Everywhere she went, this sink hole followed! One minute she’d be free of it and then she would purposely re-enter the force of it’s pull. She knew this was not just a random dream. The sink hole was a metaphor for how she’d been feeling about her life these past few weeks.
Then she was brought back to the present when she received a message from a friend that landed on a heart that she’d been slapping around and wringing like a sponge. It was exactly what her heart needed to hear and was the perfect message for her to receive in that moment. The divine message: “I love your positiveness and your love of life and love. You are a true inspiration to me.”
After dinner she went for a solo walk as she had missed her morning walk. It was an incredibly …. Go here to read more.
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June 22 2016:
Walk with Thomas last night …. We sat on this rock for quite a while. Round after round of ducks and geese came over to see if we had food. They make the most wonderful sound when asking for food. It’s really soft and quiet.
Then we saw a swallowtail butterfly. We watched him go from bud to bud. So cool!!!
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June 23 2016:
Lillian and I had the most amazing walk last night. A slight breeze was blowing, the shadows were amazing, and we listened to the song birds.
When we got home I saw what Lillian had posted a bit earlier and it made my eyes sweat … “Hey, everyone! Have you heard the news? I started June 15 walking up the stairs. (I only did 2 the first time). 2 days, I stepped up to the 4th step. I use positive affirmations like “Do this for Camilla” or “Do this for myself”. I didn’t realize I was using them until I told Camilla yesterday. Now, I’m actually finding them useful. I hope you find this post inspiring.” xoxo
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June 24 2016:
Early morning walk …. Two fresh water turtles, a nutria, bunches of blue billed ducks, cormorants, one white goose, loads of musk thistle, and so many song birds in this tree. It’s a wonderful world … And I’m grateful and blessed I get to experience it … xoxo
Lillian and Camilla June 2016 Date Day
June 22 2016:
Lillian and Camilla June 2016 Date Day – Picking out dessert for later and smelling all the yummy soaps. We enjoyed our desserts on the patio then played three games of UNO. Lillian won every game!!
We finished our date by reading together on my bed and Lillian made braids in my hair. I LOVE it when she plays with my hair. Perfect date day …. xoxo
