Movie Review: Whale Rider

April 8 2017:

Team TLC movie night – My choice: “Whale Rider” –

I say, “A wonderful, magical, and inspiring story about listening to the knowing of the heart …. and following it no matter what.”

Thomas says, “Good, interesting, story line good, plot twist cool, and original idea.”

Lillian says, “Good, better than expected, emotional, and 50% recommended.”

Whale Rider Movie 4.8.17

Movie Review: Moana

April 2 2017:

Team TLC movie night: Lillian’s choice – “Moana” … Put it on hold at the library in January. Finally got it! Only had about 70 holds ahead of us!

Lillian says, “Good, worth watching, musical, awesome, 100% recommended, great, amazing, little bit historical, and my favorite part was when Moana sang ‘How Far I’ll Go’.”

I say, “Liked this much more than I thought I would. Wonderful message of listening and following the song of the heart … even if we don’t understand it.”

Thomas says, “Message was good, but it could have been a ton better.”

Moana Movie 4.1.17

Biggest Little Photographer at Rancho San Rafael Visitor Center and KOLO 8

April 5 2017:

We took our Team TLC walk at Wilbur May Arboretum today! Had to get over there and check out this amazing exhibit at the Visitors Center! YAY Thomas!!!!

Ranch San Rafael Biggest Little Photographer Exhibit Book 4.5.17 #8 Ranch San Rafael Biggest Little Photographer Exhibit Book 4.5.17 #7 Ranch San Rafael Biggest Little Photographer Exhibit Book 4.5.17 #6 Ranch San Rafael Biggest Little Photographer Exhibit Book 4.5.17 #5 Ranch San Rafael Biggest Little Photographer Exhibit Book 4.5.17 #4 Ranch San Rafael Biggest Little Photographer Exhibit Book 4.5.17 #3 Ranch San Rafael Biggest Little Photographer Exhibit Book 4.5.17 #2 Ranch San Rafael Biggest Little Photographer Exhibit Book 4.5.17 #1

April 7 2017:

Oh what fun!!!! Thank you KOLO 8 News Now and KOLO Sarah Johns for such a great experience for Thomas. He loved learning more about the equipment, how it all works, and getting to talk about his book!

Sarah: Oceans of thanks for your enthusiasm about Biggest Little Photographer!!!! Thomas was incredibly nervous, yet loved it!!! xoxo

Thomas and Camilla on KOLO 8 with Biggest Little Book 4.7.17 #7 Thomas and Camilla on KOLO 8 with Biggest Little Book 4.7.17 #6 Thomas and Camilla on KOLO 8 with Biggest Little Book 4.7.17 #5 Thomas and Camilla on KOLO 8 with Biggest Little Book 4.7.17 #4 Thomas and Camilla on KOLO 8 with Biggest Little Book 4.7.17 #3 Thomas and Camilla on KOLO 8 with Biggest Little Book 4.7.17 #2 Thomas and Camilla on KOLO 8 with Biggest Little Book 4.7.17 #1

 

What Do You Want to Talk About

**THROWBACK POST**

February 27 2013:

“What do you want to invent?” -Thomas Darnell ….

Thanks to a tip from Lisa Prakelt Gallaway several weeks ago during our coffee chat I have begun a new tradition of asking Thomas and Lillian as I’m tucking each of them into bed, “What would you like to talk about?”

Tonight Thomas wanted to know what I want to invent. Well, Thomas, thanks for making my brain kick into gear!! GREAT idea Lisa! Thanks for sharing it with me! Team TLC loves it!

Biggest Little Photographer on KOLO 8 News

April 10 2017:

Thomas’ segment on KOLO 8 this past Friday, 4.7, talking about Biggest Little Photographer. It’s about 2 minutes. xoxo

“Thomas is so cool! If you didn’t get a chance to see his interview Friday, please watch it here. This 11 year old is published!!!” – Sarah Johns, KOLO 8

Windy and Cold and Frisbee and Really Long Walk and Laughing and Talking and Complete Silence

March 26 2017:

Windy and cold, cold, cold sunset walk with Lillian yesterday.

She has random aches and pains. Her knee started aching and I told her we could head back if she needed. Her response, “No, I’m not gonna let this knee stop me.” xoxo

Walk with Lillian Vintage 3.26.17 #1

March 28 2017:

Frisbee and a really long walk at one of our favorite spots.

Walk with Team TLC Damonte Ranch 3.28.17 #10 Walk with Team TLC Damonte Ranch 3.28.17 #9 Walk with Team TLC Damonte Ranch 3.28.17 #8 Walk with Team TLC Damonte Ranch 3.28.17 #7 Walk with Team TLC Damonte Ranch 3.28.17 #6 Walk with Team TLC Damonte Ranch 3.28.17 #5 Walk with Team TLC Damonte Ranch 3.28.17 #4 Walk with Team TLC Damonte Ranch 3.28.17 #3 Walk with Team TLC Damonte Ranch 3.28.17 #2 Walk with Team TLC Damonte Ranch 3.28.17 #1

March 31 2017:

Great walk with Thomas this afternoon. This time spent walking, talking, laughing, being silly, and many times in complete silence; is incredibly meaningful to me. xoxo

Walk with Thomas Vintage Lake 3.31.17 #4 Walk with Thomas Vintage Lake 3.31.17 #3 Walk with Thomas Vintage Lake 3.31.17 #2 Walk with Thomas Vintage Lake 3.31.17 #1

To Thine Own Self Be True and Skeleton Keys

March 30 2017:

Just finished reading a book with Lillian and Thomas about Ira Aldridge ….

One of the greatest Shakespearean actors of the nineteenth century.

Wow! Deeply inspired by this man. “This above all, -To thine own self be true …. ”

Ira Aldridge Book March 2017

March 31 2017:

When I posted a few days ago asking for keys, I had no idea we’d be gifted these beauties! WOW!!! Thank you Matthew McDowell!!

If you have no longer used keys, we’ll take them. They don’t have to be fancy like these. Plain ole keys will work too!!

We are in creation mode and will be combining these with other recycled items and a bit of natures gifts. I think we’re finally ready to start making! Earth Art!! xoxo

Keys March 2017

Grand Sierra Cinema and Sing and Doodle Art and Earth Hour

March 21 2017:

Today’s rainy and windy weather was the perfect day for an adventure!! We’ve not been to the movie theater in about two years! Bonus: Sunshine greeted us as we emerged from the dark theater. Yay!!

Team TLC Grand Sierra Cinema 3.21.17 #2 Team TLC Grand Sierra Cinema 3.21.17 #1

March 24 2017:

Lillian was creating doodle art last night and asked me to join her. Felt so good and inspired me so much that I wrote a poem too! Thank you Lillian!

Doodle Art with Lillian 3.23.17 #3 Doodle Art with Lillian 3.23.17 #2 Doodle Art with Lillian 3.23.17 #1

March 25 2017:

Earth hour last night ….. Thomas didn’t want to turn lights back on …. xoxo

Earth Hour 3.25.17 #4 Earth Hour 3.25.17 #3 Earth Hour 3.25.17 #2 Earth Hour 3.25.17 #1

 

Song Birds and Windy and Wonderful and Peaceful

March 20 2017:

Heard and spotted on my walk this afternoon. Thomas’ favorite bird call. xoxo

March 23 2017:

Thomas and I had a wonderful walk this afternoon. Windy, wonderful, and a warm talk = Nature’s blessing …. xoxo

Walk with Thomas Vintage Lake 3.23.17 #4 Walk with Thomas Vintage Lake 3.23.17 #3 Walk with Thomas Vintage Lake 3.23.17 #2 Walk with Thomas Vintage Lake 3.23.17 #1

March 25 2017:

Just back from collecting these for a fun, inspiring, and creative project. And this is not even half of them! Beautiful and peaceful walk and gathering expedition. xoxo

Solo Walk Collecting Sticks 3.25.17 #2 Solo Walk Collecting Sticks 3.25.17 #1

 

A Great Storm or A Beacon of Light

**THROWBACK POST**

February 24 2013:

Been working on science projects all day with Thomas and Lillian. When Mr. T was finished I told him he could go outside and play before the sun set. He chose to stay inside and help me clean.

This kid gives me much to ponder. He can be the bearer of such a great storm when my thoughts are not in harmony yet in the next instant he is a beacon of calm shining brightly. His awesome sister too in her own way. My word this is truly a beautiful life!!

Thomas on Stairs June 11 2013