How Donuts Came To Be

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Hey, everyone! As you know, summer is coming up (for some) so in honor of National Donut Day and First Day of Summer, I’ve decided to create a special summer story. I hope you enjoy!

Once there lived a donut named Sprinkles who loved to play in her huge backyard. Meanwhile, there lived a popsicle named Lemona who loved to drink lemonade and sing all day.

One day, Sprinkles invited Lemona to her backyard for a summer party. Sprinkles had also invited her donut friends.

Lemona arrived first to the backyard shortly after Sprinkles had sent out the invitation to Lemona. Sprinkles was very surprised when she saw Lemona coming to the backyard.

“Am I early to the summer party?”, asked Lemona. “Yes, you are early. I suppose I could use some help and a friend too.”, said Sprinkles truthfully.

“Sure, I would love to help you set up your summer party. “, said Lemona honestly. After a hour had past, Sprinkles’ donut friends started to arrive. A couple minutes later, Lemona’s popsicle friends started to arrive as well which was a big surprise for Lemona.

Sprinkles’ friends commented, “What an awesome party! We should come to your parties more often, Sprinkle!”. Sprinkle said, “Thank you! I couldn’t have done it without Lemona.”

Lemona’s friends remarked, “I agree, what an amazing party! We should go to parties all the time.” Lemona said, “Thank you! I’m the one who set up the party.”

Unfortunately, the fun had to end too soon. When Lemona hugged Sprinkles, chocolate got on her icy dress. While Sprinkles got lemon juice on her, she was happy that her party was a sucess. So if you see a donut that tasted like a popsicle, that might be Sprinkles and Lemona.

That’s the end of the story.

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Fundraising for the 2018 Chromosome 18 Family Conference – Rainbow of Emotions

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Hey, everyone! Remember in previous years when I sold prints or copies of my Egyptian Eye and Rainbow of Emotions abstract art? I have exciting news!

I’ve decided to sell prints or copies of Rainbow of Emotions once again to fundraise and help my family attend the annual Chromosome 18 conference. The print will be about an 8 X 10 size and mounted on foam board or similar ready to hang.

The Chromosome 18 conference helps me get over my fears and my emotions. It helps me feel brave, courageous, and enjoyable. Here’s an example: Last year in July when my family and I were inside the airport, I was fearful, nervous, tired, and afraid; yet, the view I got from the airplane was amazing and it was all worth it.

The really fun part is that YOU get to choose your own price! The base price is $25 to cover cost of printing, mounting, and shipping (US Only – Our overseas friends can email my mom at Camilla Downs @ gmail.com if you’re interested in purchasing a print).

Use this Paypal link and enter your own amount over the $25 base price. For example, if you want to donate $50 towards my fundraiser, then you would enter $75. Go here.

OR …. If you simply want a photo quality print, the base price is $15 to cover cost of printing and shipping. For example, if you wish to donate $25 to my fundraiser, then you would enter $40. Use this Paypal link. (Please note whether you want “Just the Print” or “Mounted Print”)

The Chromosome 18 conference means a lot to me because I get to meet new friends and spend time with old friends. It also means a lot to me because I get to travel to a new city with my family.

I want to check out the swimming pool and have fun with new and old friends. I also want to explore the city if the weather and temperature are good. I also want to check out new restaurants.

Please visit this link to see a summary of all the drawings being offered. Thank you! https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/06/06/fundraising-for-the-2018-chromosome-18-family-conference-in-summary/

“Rainbow of Emotions”

Here’s a story inspired by the Rainbow of Emotions:

A Flower’s Curious Emotions

Once long ago, there lived a flower named Rainbow who was always emotional. One day, the flower was very curious about why she was so emotional.

So the flower went to a wise flower named Emotions but liked to be called Lavender instead. When Rainbow got to Lavender’s home, Rainbow asked, “Why am I so emotional, Lavender?”.

Lavender laughed and said, “You are emotional because you are always inside any living thing but I can give you some wisdom if you think it will help”.

“Yes, I think it will help me better understand. I trust you and your wisdom.”, said Rainbow in excitement. So Lavender said, “The princess who owns the sky is sometimes called Rainbow of Emotions and she watches over you. Your emotions are actually inherited from the princess. I hope that wisdom helps.”

Rainbow said, “Thank you! That helps. Now I am very grateful for the princess’ emotions.” So Rainbow walked off happily. So if you ever see a rainbow or feel any emotion, chances are you could be experiencing either Rainbow’s emotions or the princess’ emotions.

That’s the end of the story.

Here’s a close up of Rainbow of Emotions:

Here’s a story inspired by how I feel about attending the Chromosome 18 Conference:

Once many years, a little girl named Rainbow loved traveling to new places. One day, Rainbow decided to write a story. “Hello! My name is Rainbow. My family and I have been going to a conference called Party Dancers for many years”, wrote Rainbow.

One day at the Party Dancers, she faced many fears in just 1 day. Rainbow was very determined to conquer more fears. A couple of years later at the Party Dancers, Rainbow met a friend she connected with through Bookworm the previous year and had so much fun. Rainbow knew many friends and people that year.

Rainbow even tried to get in the cold pool. This year, Rainbow was pumped to go to the Party Dancers again since she found out most of her friends would be at the Party Dancers. Rainbow traveled to Sugary Land for the Party Dancers.

Again, Rainbow met the same friend again and chatted and had fun. Now, Rainbow was pumped to go to the next Party Dancers conference. Rainbow finished her story and sent it off to the publisher.

The publisher was very impressed. Many years past and Rainbow’s story was now a best seller book.

That’s the end of the 2nd story.

Use this Paypal link and enter your own amount over the $25 base price. For example, if you want to donate $50 towards my fundraiser, then you would enter $75. Go here. (Please note whether you want “Just the Print” or “Mounted Print”)

My mom will be offering one of a kind collections of her nature photography also. And, my brother, Thomas, is offering prints of his minifigure photography.

Fundraising for the 2018 Chromosome 18 Family Conference – The Egyptian Eye

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Hey, everyone! Remember in previous years when I sold prints or copies of my Egyptian Eye abstract art? I have exciting news!

I’ve decided to sell prints or copies of the Egyptian Eye once again to fundraise and help my family attend the annual Chromosome 18 conference. The print will be about an 8 X 10 size and mounted on foam board or similar ready to hang.

The Chromosome 18 conference helps me get over my fears and my emotions. It helps me feel brave, courageous, and enjoyable. Here’s an example: Last year in July when my family and I were inside the airport, I was fearful, nervous, tired, and afraid; yet, the view I got from the airplane was amazing and it was all worth it.

The really fun part is that YOU get to choose your own price! The base price is $25 to cover cost of printing, mounting, and shipping (US Only – Our overseas friends can email my mom at Camilla Downs @ gmail.com if you’re interested in purchasing a print).

Use this Paypal link and enter your own amount over the $25 base price. For example, if you want to donate $50 towards my fundraiser, then you would enter $75. Go here.

OR …. If you simply want a photo quality print, the base price is $15 to cover cost of printing and shipping. For example, if you wish to donate $25 to my fundraiser, then you would enter $40. Use this Paypal link. (Please note whether you want “Just the Print” or “Mounted Print”)

The Chromosome 18 conference means a lot to me because I get to meet new friends and spend time with old friends. It also means a lot to me because I get to travel to a new city with my family.

I want to check out the swimming pool and have fun with new and old friends. I also want to explore the city if the weather and temperature are good. I also want to check out new restaurants.

Please visit this link to see a summary of all the drawings being offered. Thank you! https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/06/06/fundraising-for-the-2018-chromosome-18-family-conference-in-summary/

Here’s a story inspired by the Egyptian Eye:

The Wise Sultan and The Camel

Once many years ago, a camel walked in the Egyptian desert. The camel wondered if it had an Egyptian eye. So the camel passed a wise sultan who was on his way to a faraway land named Butterfly Land.

The camel asked, “Do you know if I have an Egyptian eye? I’ve been wondering for years now.” The wise sultan chuckled and said, “Certainly seems like you have an Egyptian eye but it is up to you to decide.”

The camel said, “Thanks. Wait, what?” The wise sultan repeated his words. So to thank the wise sultan, the camel offered to give the wise sultan a ride to Butterfly Land. So to this day if you see a camel with an Egyptian eye carrying people and maybe more sultans as well, that very well be the camel you read about in this story.

That’s the end of the story.

Here’s a story inspired by how I feel about attending the Chromosome 18 Conference:

Once many years, a little girl named Rainbow loved traveling to new places. One day, Rainbow decided to write a story. “Hello! My name is Rainbow. My family and I have been going to a conference called Party Dancers for many years”, wrote Rainbow.

One day at the Party Dancers, she faced many fears in just 1 day. Rainbow was very determined to conquer more fears. A couple of years later at the Party Dancers, Rainbow met a friend she connected with through Bookworm the previous year and had so much fun. Rainbow knew many friends and people that year.

Rainbow even tried to get in the cold pool. This year, Rainbow was pumped to go to the Party Dancers again since she found out most of her friends would be at the Party Dancers. Rainbow traveled to Sugary Land for the Party Dancers.

Again, Rainbow met the same friend again and chatted and had fun. Now, Rainbow was pumped to go to the next Party Dancers conference. Rainbow finished her story and sent it off to the publisher.

The publisher was very impressed. Many years past and Rainbow’s story was now a best seller book.

That’s the end of the 2nd story.

Use this Paypal link and enter your own amount over the $25 base price. For example, if you want to donate $50 towards my fundraiser, then you would enter $80. Go here.

Here’s a poem I wrote about the Egyptian Eye from May 2016 – It’s also included in my book:

Enchanted Egyptian Beauty

Triangular prisms sprout rainbows
From the tip of a triangle, triangles peak
everywhere
Amazing colorful teeth pointing toward a
catchy circle
It is an Egyptian Beauty!

I’ll be offering more art pieces, so comment here if you’d like to know when we have those ready too. To learn more about my abstract art, go to https://lilliandarnell.com/lillians-art/.

My mom will be offering one of a kind collections of her nature photography also. And, my brother, Thomas, is offering prints of his minifigure photography.

Use this Paypal link and enter your own amount over the $30 base price. For example, if you want to donate $50 towards my fundraiser, then you would enter $80. Go here.

How To Do A Criss Cross Braid

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Hey, everyone! I recently have been doing a hairstyle that I like to call the Criss Cross Braid but it’s called the Waterfall Braid too. You are about to read the tutorial for the Criss Cross Braid. I hope you enjoy!

What you need:

Time
Hands
Elastics (if you want it to stay in longer)
Bobby Pins (if you want it to stay secured)
Rat-Tailed Comb
Mirror
Hairspray or Water (if you want the loose hairs and volume to flatten)

Instructions:

  1. First, part your hair along the main part line with a rat-tailed comb. If you don’t have a rat-tailed comb, you can use your finger (just be gentle and cautious doing it).
  2. Second, take a section of hair. It doesn’t matter how thick the section of hair you selected is, just so long as it’s not too thick.
  3. Third, start braiding the section of hair. By braid, I mean a simple basic braid that’s easy to do.
  4. Cross one part of the section repeatedly until near the end. If you want to use elastics (use the elastic to tie off the braid).
  5. Gently let go of the braid (if you chose not to use an elastic). Otherwise, you can let the braid drop gently if you used an elastic to tie off the end.
  6. Repeat steps 3,  4, and 5 one or 2 more times depending on your braids and how messy you want your criss-cross braid to be.
  7. After you are finished braiding, you will take your 2 or 3 braids and tie them together, so it will look like you will have a braided beard.
  8. Next to last, you will find yourself holding the braid so just flip the braid over the back of the head.  Although, you might want to tug the braid a little to decrease the extra volume.
  9. Lastly, spray water or hairspray on your hair. This step is optional.

Tips:

Try different types of braids like a simple twist or a loose braid.

Try braiding every piece of your hair.

Try having someone else do the braid for you.

That’s the end of the tips. Anyway, please let me know if you have any tips you want me to add.

Queen Of Earth

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Hey, everyone! On April 22nd which was Earth Day, I felt inspired to write a story about the Earth. Here are some related stories: https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/04/23/the-back-of-black/, https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/04/17/why-ladybugs-wear-black-and-red/, and https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/03/23/why-trees-dance-in-the-wind/. I hope you enjoy!

Once long ago, there lived a girl named Alana who loved to smell the Earth and talk to the Earth. Her parents were King Hendricks and Queen Dahlia. Her parents reigned the Earth together.

Many years went by and Alana grew into a young lady. One day when Alana was picking flowers and the Earth spoke.  Earth asked, “How would you like to be my queen like your mother when you’re older?”.

Alana said, “Yes, Earth!”. A couple more years went by, and Alana was now the queen of Earth. Alana’s queen name is Queen Eve but her real name was still Alana for non-formal events.

Alana married Stellen a couple of years later and the Earth even invited him to be the King like Alana’s father years ago. So Alana and Stellen reigned the Earth just like Alana’s parents did many years ago.

Stellen’s king name was Marthur but just like Alana, his real name was still Stellen for non-formal events. A year passed and the couple had a baby. Her name was Lalani. The Earth liked Lalani’s name.

Lalani lived the same life as her parents and her grandparents before her. So if you hear voices inside the Earth, that might be Latani and her family. That’s the end of the story. I hope you enjoyed!

Earth

The Back of Black

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Hey, everyone! On the night of April 18th when I was trying on under clothing that was a sparkly black color, I said to myself,”Is this the back of the black?”. Then I realized it would be a great story. Anyway, here’s the related stories: https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/04/12/starry-life/, https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/03/19/what-if-rainbows-were-magical/, and https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/03/20/how-flowers-got-their-color/. I hope you enjoy!

Once long ago, there was a side of planet Ventura that was a dark black and a bright side that was a neon white. The bright side of Ventura was actually the back of the black (as it is known today).

Long ago, people who lived on Ventura didn’t realize that there were 2 different colored sides of Ventura until 2 girls were born. The 2 girls names are Savannah and Aurora. The sisters grew up to be very smart people who studied Ventura from outer space and on Ventura.

One day, the sisters made a remarkable discovery. The sisters spread the word and soon everyone knew. The discovery was indeed that there were 2 different colored sides of Ventura. Everyone had always suspected something but they were equally shocked at what the sisters had discovered.

So they honored the sisters with a museum named after them. The sisters were so pleased that they nicknamed themselves The Ventura Sisters. The mayor of Ventura asked, “What do we suggest we do about this 2 sided different colored planet?’.

The sisters said, “Just leave the planet like it is and also call today of every year Ventura Sisters Day or Ventura Day for short.” The mayor agreed and announced today Ventura Day.

The Ventura Sisters were very happy. As the years went by, the Ventura sisters got married. Savannah got married to Merc who was the owner of Adventura which was the grocery store in Ventura.

While Aurora married Assesa who was the Ventura writer, Savannah had a baby who’s named Gelica was known as Stella later in life. Aurora had a baby too a couple years later. Aurora named the baby Meloniclia who was known as Penny later in life.

So if you see Venus, that is the remains of Ventura and maybe the Ventura sisters live there with their family along with the rest of the former Ventura people. That’s the end of the story! I hope you enjoyed this story.

Why Ladybugs Wear Black And Red

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Hey, everyone! I got inspired on April 10th when my mother Camilla Downs saw a ladybug in her hair. Here are some related links: https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/04/16/why-butterflies-float-in-the-sky/, https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/04/13/why-flowers-dance-in-the-wind/, and https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/03/23/why-trees-dance-in-the-wind/. I hope you enjoy!

One day long ago, there lived a ladybug named Spotty (nicknamed Oreo) who loved to eat Oreos. Her mother even teasingly joked that if she didn’t stop eating Oreos, she would turn red and black all over.

Little did Spotty know, there was an evil wizard hiding behind a huge bush who planned to turn Spotty and future ladybugs red and black all over. So one day the wizard disguised herself as an aunt to Spotty.

The wizard asked, “Can my favorite niece stay over at my home?”. Spotty said, “Sure thing, Angelina (the name of her real aunt).” Boy, Spotty was surprised when she saw a wizard’s lab instead of a cozy home with 2 beds.

The wizard took off the disguise and secretly did the potion. After she was done making the potion, she disguised herself once again as an aunt. “Spotty, my dear. I have some of your favorite fruit juice”, said the wizard.

Spotty said, “Thank you, Angelina! I was thirsty.” As soon as Spotty took a sip of the potion, Spotty said, “I feel funny.” “Keep drinking the juice, it will help you feel better”, said the wizard knowingly.

So Spotty continued to drink the juice until the cup was empty. When she looked in the mirror and saw her reflection, she gasped. She was red with black spots all over.  The wizard walked in not wearing the disguise.

Spotty said, “I knew it, you are a wizard. You aren’t my aunt.” Spotty flew all the way home. Luckily, the wizard’s potion didn’t affect most ladybugs. So if you see a red with blacks dots, it might be Spotty.

Ladybug

Why Butterflies Float In The Sky

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Hey, everyone! On April 9th, I saw a butterfly flying across the sky and I got inspired to write a story about the butterfly. Here are some related stories: https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/04/12/starry-life/, https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/03/22/how-the-sea-expanded/, and  https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/04/13/why-flowers-dance-in-the-wind/. I hope you enjoy!

Once in a land far away named Blossomia, a butterfly named Orchid Rose (nicknamed Rose) hoovered low over the ground as she flew. Suddenly, Orchid gasped as a thought came to mind and landed on the ground safely.

Orchid slowly went to go ask her friend Lemona the Yellow Butterfly (nicknamed Lemon), Orchid said, “Hello, Lemon! I just got a really good idea. Do you want to help me get started with the idea?”.

“Hello, Rose! Sure, can you tell me the idea though”, said Rose.  Orchid said, “Sure.” So Orchid whispered the idea into Lemona’s ear. So Lemona got a balloon and a fan while Orchid got a butterfly vest and an umbrella.

Orchid put on the butterfly vest and opened the umbrella. Lemona blew up the balloon and turned the fan on high and facing the sky. Orchid flapped her wings and took off. Orchid was amazed that she could float.

“Lemon, fly up to the sky and float like me.”, shouted Orchid. Lemona said, “Ok, Rose.” So Lemona flew up to join Rose. So to this day, if you see a butterfly floating in a sea of sky chances are it might just be Lemona or Orchid. That’s the end of the story. I hope you enjoyed the story!

butterflies flying

Why Flowers Dance In The Wind

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Hey, everyone! I saw some daffodils blowing in the wind on April 9th and got inspired to write a story about flowers. Here are some related stories I’ve written: https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/03/23/why-trees-dance-in-the-wind/, https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/02/26/why-trees-sparkle-with-water/, and https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/03/20/how-flowers-got-their-color/. Anyway, I hope you enjoy!

Once long ago, there lived a daffodil named Sunny. She loved the way the sun felt on her petals. At the same time, Sunny wondered why the wind was making her sway from side to side.

So Sunny went to her friend Rosetta the rose to ask why the wind was making her sway. When Sunny got to Rosetta, Sunny got to experience Rosetta swaying in the wind gracefully.

Sunny observed Rosetta for an hour before leaving to ask Dandy the dandelion the same question so she could find out the answer. Sunny said, “Hello, Dandy! Why do I sway in the wind from side to side?”. “Hello, Sunny! You move side to side in the wind to make room for more flowers to move the same way”, explained Dandy.

Sunny thanked Dandy and went to go talk to Rosetta. Sunny asked, “Hey, Rosetta! How do you sway from side to side so gracefully?”. “Hey, Sunny! I sway like this”, said Rosetta as she demonstrated.

So Sunny thanked Rosetta and did what Rosetta had demonstrated at her own home. So if you see a daffodil swaying from side to side gracefully, chances are it could be Sunny swaying among her daffodil friends. That’s the end of the story. As always, I hope you enjoyed!

Daffodil

Starry Life

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Hey, there! I had been wanting to write a story about stars recently. Here are some related stories: https://lilliandarnell.com/2016/07/11/reach-for-stars/ and https://lilliandarnell.com/2018/03/23/why-trees-dance-in-the-wind/. So I hope you enjoy the story!

Once many centuries ago, there lived a starry-eyed princess who wore shiny and shimmery gold, white. and silver dresses. The princess longed to know what stars’ life would be like.

The princess’ name was Starry-Goldie. Starry liked anything that had to do with stars. One day, Starry went to her sister, Princess Spark-Animalie who was nicknamed Judi or Judy for short.

Starry said, “Please tell me what the stars’ life is like, Judy. Can I go up to the sky to find out for myself? “. “I can’t exactly tell you what the stars’ life is like, Goldi. Yes, you can go up to the sky to find out for yourself under one condition. You must promise to be back by dawn tomorrow”, said Spark as she walked off to her personal library.

Starry promised she would be back by dawn tomorrow. So Starry went to her bedroom to pack some of her gorgeous dresses and other essential stuff she needed for her trip. After Starry finished packing, she decided to leave this afternoon as she knew that where the stars live is pretty far from where she lived.

Starry flew up into the sky slowly and knew she would be back on time. So by the time, Starry reached the part of the sky where the stars lived, it was early evening where she lived.

Starry went to go find Staricial, the leader of stars. When she found Staricial, Starry said, “Hi, there! I came from planet Earth and I’ve seen you look down at the Earth every night. I had been wondering what your stars’ life is like. Also before I forget, I have very limited time tonight.”

“Greetings! I’ve seen you look up every night at me and my stars. How would you like to be a star for a night? I know, I’ve heard that you have only until dawn tomorrow before you head home. I’ve got to give you a warning though. If you forget to go back home to Earth by dawn, you’ll be a star forever. “, said Staricial in a deep booming voice.

Starry said, “Great, I would love to be a star for a night. I will also try to remember that warning. Thank you!”. So Staricial granted her to be a star for the night. Meanwhile, Spark was looking up at the sky wondering if the new star was Starry.

Starry got know star people and instantly knew that she had been one of the star people long ago. Anyway, Starry got so caught up in meeting star people that Starry had forgotten to head back to Earth by dawn.

By the time Starry realized that she needed to be on Earth, it was already too late. Starry needed someone to tell Spark what happened to her. Luckily, a white horse told Starry she would love to deliver a message to Spark. So Starry wrote her message down.

The white horse flew down to Earth to find Spark to show her the message. Naturally, Spark was very ashamed of what her sister did but she was also very glad that Starry found her previous family. Starry said that she wanted to change her name to Star to match her location.

Now Starry always looks down at Spark while Spark looks up at Starry throughout the evening. Every night before Spark goes to bed, she says Goodnight to Starry. If you ever see a star at night, chances are it might be Starry looking down at her relatives on Earth.

That’s the end of the story. I hope you enjoyed my story!

Milky Way