A Drive Down Memory Lane by Camilla Downs

A Drive Down Memory Lane

Why did the beautiful and fun
memories hurt so badly
Why did her chest feel
heavy and her stomach in knots

The place where she and
her children had spent
seven years of their lives.

The place where her son
spent his young life
from one year old
through eight years old.

Driving past the many sidewalks
and trail where she had taken
walks alone, walks with
just her son, and walks
together as a family.

Driving past the home
her parents had lived in,
the home she and her kids had lived in,
the second home her parents had lived.

Remembering ….. Continue Reading Here …

Poetry: A Drive Down Memory Lane

Lead the Way by Camilla Downs

Musk Thistle #1

“Lead the Way”

I know not what I am doing.

This requires more than
self-confidence could ever provide.

This beckons a confidence not of my self.

A confidence ruled by the force
that causes the musk thistle do what it does.
Sprout, grow, bloom, wither, blow
with the wind, and re-seed.

The force that holds the stars
in the sky and the same force
that grew two beings in my womb.

This beckons a …

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Poetry: Lead the Way

Tree Buddy and Dancing Sun Sparkles and Wind and Nature’s Grace

September 30 2017:

Solo walk this afternoon. Sat with my tree buddy for a good long while watching the sun sparkles dance on the lake ripples (video attached).

Then back to walking to take in the beautiful fall leaves, the sound of the leaves as the wind blew through them, the sound of the geese munching on grass, and the grace of nature.

Ended the walk by sitting on a big rock, feeling the breeze, soaking in the sun, overlooking the lake, and chatting with a complete stranger like we’d known one another for years. What a wonderful walk. xoxo

Solo Walk Camilla Vintage Lake 9.30.17 #1 Solo Walk Camilla Vintage Lake 9.30.17 #2 Solo Walk Camilla Vintage Lake 9.30.17 #3 Solo Walk Camilla Vintage Lake 9.30.17 #4

Sunset Walk and Beautiful and Blessed

September 18 2017:

Sunset walk with Thomas. Lillian is still recovering from the fall she took on Friday. The cool down has begun.

Sunset Walk with Thomas 9.18.17 #1 Sunset Walk with Thomas 9.18.17 #2 Sunset Walk with Thomas 9.18.17 #3

September 20 2017:

Such an incredibly beautiful sky this afternoon. I received a special treat from a beautiful friend and this is the amazing sky that blessed me as I left her place and headed to volunteering at the library. Thank you Kathy!!!!

Audrey Harris Park Sky and Tree 9.20.17

The Key of Alchemy by Camilla Downs

Sun Rays with Poem 2017

“The Key of Alchemy”

When ignored,
the darkness within
slowly erodes this physical body
When stuffed and buried deep within,
it silently grows stronger.

At some point along the path
and at many times,
the darkness surfaces.
Like a bullet train
or ever so slowly as a tortoise.
It will not be denied.

Keep turning our hearts away, we can.
Yet, the darkness will not depart
until it has space to be recognized.

The darkness, the shadows
only wish and pine for this space.
To be seen and accepted and felt
with compassion and deep love.

As the darkness is wrapped
in a loving embrace,
the transformation begins.

Acceptance, compassion and love,
serve to alchemize the darkness and shadows.
Transforming and melting the darkness
into the light.

The darkness may transform like a
freight train or may ever so slowly
transform as a tortoise.
Yet, it will transform when met
with love and compassion.

The irritation,
The anger,
The loneliness,
The despair,
The confusion.
Surface as they rub
the darkness within.
These feelings and emotions are the
key that allow an
opportunity to free oneself
from the suffering of denying
the darkness.

Freedom to live
consciously and authentically
is the gift this Key bears.

Oh, glory be,
the Key of Alchemy.
-2017, Camilla Downs, Lessons from Nature