Reviews and Book Signing for Biggest Little Photographer

Posted on December 11, 2016 by Camilla

November 20 2016:

Reviews are partly the gas that fuel the forward momentum of our creations … xoxo …. Thank you so very much for being the bearer of that fuel! xoxo

If you have received your copy of Biggest Little Photographer and would like to share a review or thoughts you can do that here, message me, mail it to the PO Box listed in the book, or email to Camilla Downs @ gmail . com ….

“I got the coolest package in the mail today. Just when I was getting homesick and missing the west coast this came at the perfect time.
This book was created by the most amazing 8 year old I know who is the perfect example of determination and going after your dreams and he’s accomplished more in those 8 years then I ever will.

Thank you for warming my heart on this rainy Texas night. This kid is going places and has a positive message to share.” ~Gloria, Texas

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“Since your book arrived last week, I have read it a couple of times thru and also just looked at a few pages and smiled!

You certainly are to be commended for taking on and completing such a big project for an entire year! It is so lovely for you to have a dream come to fruition at your young age!
The quotes were just perfect and so appropriate!
The message for me is to not take life for granted. Your little photographer took pictures of the ORDINARY and made them EXTRAORDINARY thru his camera lens and your vision.” ~Patricia, California

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“The book is absolutely beautiful and literally exudes all the love that went into making it!! A real treasure!” – Michaela, Reno

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“It gives me so much joy! I love it! Just thought I’d let you and Thomas know.” ~Kathy, Reno

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November 21 2016:

Come see Mr. Minifigure (and us) this Saturday, 11.26, from 2-4! The Discovery Museum is hosting a book signing for Thomas.

We will be picking up our 3rd order of books tomorrow from LRP and that will put us nearing 100 books! Here’s the event on NVDM’s website …https://nvdm.org/event/book-signing-thomas-darnell/ ….. From the website: “Thomas’ book proves what can be done when you combine perseverance, a passion for Legos, and a huge heart—truly a great story of the potential of Reno’s youth.”

The Discovery Museum Gift Shop will also be selling Biggest Little Photographer so we will be delivering 20 books to The Discovery tomorrow.

If anyone is interested in learning more about the book, hosting a book signing, carrying the book, or personally purchasing, here’s the link ….https://www.BiggestLittlePhotographer.com

We are happy to make the book available for fundraisers also. In addition, we are available to speak at events.

Oceans of thanks to everyone for your support and encouragement!! xoxo

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November 22, 2016:

More fun news!! Galena Creek Visitor’s Center Gift Shop will also be selling Thomas’ book, Biggest Little Photographer! We’ll be delivering their books next week. This is a picture of Marilyn’s Pond in the Galena Creek Park area.

So far we have 4 local stores/shops selling the book. The Discovery Museum Gift Shop (delivered their books today so they will have for Friday), Don’s Pharmacy, Buy Nevada First, and Galena Creek Visitor’s Center.

If you know someone, we are looking for connections to gift shops in Reno, Virginia City, Tahoe, Incline Village, and Sparks. The book contains photographs from all of these cities taken by a local Reno youth and published and printed in Reno! Thank you everyone for the connections, enthusiasm, and support! xoxo

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November 23 2016:

We delivered 20 books yesterday to The Discovery Museum so they have them for this Friday!

Team TLC and Mr. Minifigure Photographer will be there this Saturday, 11.26, from 2-4 as The Discovery Museum is hosting a book signing for Thomas.

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November 23 2016:

As I’m making yummy, delicious dishes for the Team TLC Thanksgiving goodness tomorrow, I want to say again, “We are deeply grateful!!

Worlds of thanks to everyone for the connections to local shops in regards to stocking Biggest Little Photographer!” xoxo …. Blessings abound to everyone!!

Mr. Minifigure Photographer gets to enjoy being in another shop! Thank you Melanie of NeverEnderReno for your excitement about hosting Biggest Little Photographer!

And thank you Coral Wilcox for the connection! The five shops so far are: The Discovery Museum Gift Shop, Don’s Pharmacy, Buy Nevada First, Galena Creek Visitor’s Center Gift Shop, and NeverEnder.

If you know anyone, we are looking for connections to gift shops in Reno, Virginia City, Tahoe, Incline Village, and Sparks; including Nevada Historical Society, Wilbur May Museum, visitor centers, casino gift shops and hospital gift shops. xoxoxo

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November 24 2016:

I LOVE you Carolyn R Smith, Sunshine Friend! Not simply for supporting Thomas and Biggest Little Photographer. Your friendship, support, encouragement, and love are deeply, deeply appreciated. I am grateful for YOU BEing YOU!

I so much enjoyed our chat yesterday morning. Chats with you bring forth the pure joy of sharing in oneness with another … Wonderful … xoxo

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November 26 2016:

First book signing done! We are so grateful to The Discovery Museum for hosting and for selling the book in the gift store.

And thank you to those who bought books! Pictures to follow! Thomas is experiencing deep learning from all of this.

He’s uncomfortable with the praise and compliments and processing the best he can. Overflowing thanks to everyone for understanding. It is his choice to keep moving forward with marketing the book so deep learning and growth happening indeed!!!

The Book Hound and Thank You and Where to Find Biggest Little Photographer

Posted on December 5, 2016 by Camilla

November 14 2016:

….. Coming soon to a radio (or internet radio) near you …. Thomas and I will be on a local radio show called “The Book Hound”; which airs LIVE on Mondays. We’ll let you know when the date is set. Wheeeee!!!!

Do we know anyone who knows anyone who owns/manages local gift shops or shops that carry locally “made” items? The book is printed here in Reno and almost all of the photographs were taken in Reno/Sparks/Washoe Valley/Virginia City/Tahoe. Thank you!! xoxo

We are also happy to offer the book for use as a fundraiser. Let us know.

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November 15 2016:

Thank you so much Theresa Garcia Grant for lunch, wonderful company, and for supporting Biggest Little Photographer. Look how graceful you are ……. xoxo

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November 15 2016:

Wonderful, fabulous, great news …..

Don’s Pharmacy will soon have Biggest Little Photographer for sale! So far in Reno the book will be sold at The Discovery Museum Gift Shop and Don’s Pharmacy …. and from us … Making the weekly trip to the post office tomorrow if anyone wants one mailed this week.

This is a picture of Thomas at a wonderful sacred Round Dance we took part in at the beautiful OdaBe!! Can’t wait for the next one!!!

Oceans of thanks and love to everyone for your support and kindness. xoxo

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November 16 2016:

Biggest Little Photographer is on his way to Florida and Texas …. Must be the cold front that visited us today ….. Safe travels little man!!!!

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November 19 2016:

The Discovery Museum is hosting a book signing for Thomas next Saturday, 11.26, from 2-4! We will be picking up our 3rd order of books next week from LRP and that will put us nearing 100 books!

The Discovery Museum Gift Shop will also be selling Biggest Little Photographer! We will be delivering 20 books to The Discovery on Monday or Tuesday.

If anyone is interested in learning more about the book, hosting a book signing, carrying the book, or personally purchasing, here’s the link ….https://www.BiggestLittlePhotographer.com

We are happy to make the book available for fundraisers also. In addition, we are available to speak at events.

Oceans of thanks to everyone!! xoxo

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November 19 2016:

Worlds of thanks to everyone for the connections to local shops in regards to stocking Biggest Little Photographer! We are deeply grateful!! xoxo

We’ve got another to add! YAY! Buy Nevada First will be selling the book also. Wahoo! So the three shops so far are: The Discovery Museum Gift Shop, Don’s Pharmacy, and Buy Nevada First.

We are looking for connections to gift shops in Reno, Virginia City, Tahoe, Incline Village, and Sparks.

Here are a few reviews that we’ve received:

“I got the coolest package in the mail today. Just when I was getting homesick and missing the west coast this came at the perfect time.

“This book was created by the most amazing 8 year old I know who is the perfect example of determination and going after your dreams and he’s accomplished more in those 8 years then I ever will.

Thank you for warming my heart on this rainy Texas night. This kid is going places and has a positive message to share.” ~Gloria, Texas

“The book is absolutely beautiful and literally exudes all the love that went into making it!! A real treasure!” – Michaela, Reno

“Since your book arrived last week, I have read it a couple of times thru and also just looked at a few pages and smiled!

The message for me is to not take life for granted. Your little photographer took pictures of the ORDINARY and made them EXTRAORDINARY thru his camera lens and your vision. ~Patricia, California

Happy 11th Birthday Thomas

Posted on November 27, 2016 by Camilla

November 13 2016:

He wanted cheesecake for his cake. So that’s what I made for him with shaved dark chocolate on top. Oh my YUM!!!

He so loves and enjoys reading National Geographic so I got him a subscription for the print edition. Lillian made a handmade card and then a “mystery box” (which he renamed a “memory box”).

With help from me she collected items from around the house to put in the box and then she handmade a coupon for one stone or crystal from Stone Age with some of her own quotes on the back. Other goodies from The Romano Duo!!

“We’re the weirdest people I know.” ~Thomas Darnell (11.8.16) …. To which we both burst out laughing and let even more weirdness ensue. It’s true. I’m not your average person, nor the average mom. But, that’s another story for another time ….This one’s for Thomas ….

Happy Happy Happy 11th Birthday Thomas!!!!

Here’s to you! As you begin your 11th trip around the sun, may you live your life to the fullest. You have blessed me with countless gifts from the moment you joined us.

Your tender heart combined with your honesty, compassion, and empathy are indeed precious. Rounded out with your true confusion as to why age seems to be such a big deal in this world, by way if its limitations; have made for interesting, fun, and life shifting adventures and conversations. Your soul knows no age and you have not forgotten that.

“It’s like I’ve lived this life before, I have nostalgia almost every day, like I’ve experienced this all before.” said often by Thomas.

Snapshot of Thomas: Some of his favorite topics are minecraft, LEGOS, coding, math, and learning about topics that interest him. He loves fibonacci numbers, bernoulli’s equation, and the law of infinite probability. Some of his most cherished things to do are reading, being outside, going on adventures, and swimming.

And as of about two weeks ago, has a PUBLISHED BOOK!!! Wahoooo!!!

He asks a billion questions, makes funny noises, teases his sister too much, has sensory processing issues, gets overwhelmed in crowds and noisy places, takes longer than the average person to process questions asked of him ….

He calls me out when I’m not “doing” as I say, he holds the biggest freakin mirror in front of me when I need it most, and he has a heart of gold.

Thomas, I love you throughout all of time and all dimensions and am blessed we chose to be mother and son in this life.

PEACE and LOVE …. PEACE and LOVE …. PEACE and LOVE ….

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November 14 2016:

Birthday treat for the 11 year old this morning.

The most amazing vegan root beer float with coconut bliss ice cream and Oogave root beer. Plus a treat for me: Aztec D’oro, made with almond milk.

But first, a toast to Thomas’ 11th trip around the sun with this amazing and yummy water.

Thank you Great Full Gardens for the birthday discount … we are over the super moon thankful to you for that!!!

It IS a Book and Thank You and Ordinary to Extraordinary

Posted on November 25, 2016 by Camilla

November 6 2016:

Someone was looking at Biggest Little Photographer a few days ago and asked, “Are you going to make this into a book?”

I was a bit perplexed. So … yes! This is a real, actual, published book. Thank you to everyone for your support and enthusiasm!!! xoxo

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November 7 2016:

Beautiful message received:

“I got the coolest package in the mail today. Just when I was getting homesick and missing the west coast this came at the perfect time. This book was created by the most amazing 8 year old I know who is the perfect example of determination and going after your dreams and he’s accomplished more in those 8 years then I ever will.

Thank you @camilladowns for warming my heart on this rainy Texas night. You all should check out his book at biggestlittlephotographer.com. This kid is going places and has a positive message to share.” – Gloria, Texas

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November 7 2016:

Thank you Ms. Elyse for buying Biggest Little Photographer and supporting Thomas. And thank you Ms. Nicole for buying one too!!

Elyse was Thomas’ 4th grade teacher and Nicole was his 1st-3rd grade teacher. Such amazing, wonderful, and great people!!

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November 8 2016:

Thank you Diana Beeghly Rovetti for your enthusiasm and support!!!! We are so grateful!!! xoxo

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November 9 2016:

A chocolate toast ….. from all three of us: Here’s to receiving an order of 20 books from The Discovery Museum this afternoon and confirmation of the book signing date of November 26th from 2-4 …. one of THE busiest days of the year for them.

Here’s to food, to becoming a family of authors, to Lillian’s accomplishments … And here’s to being the light in the darkness. Love and light from Team TLC to you… xoxo

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November 11, 2016:

Yesterday was a good day to mail more books!! Oceans of gratitude to everyone!! xoxo

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November 11 2016:

This was waiting for me in the mail today! Thomas Darnell, an amazing 9 year old, started a 365 day photography project when he was 8!!! He is now a published author with his book titled, “Biggest Little Photographer.” With a passion for legos and a determination to go from “I can do it!” to “I did it!,” Thomas has accomplished an amazing feat!

Is there a child you want to inspire to go for their dreams?? Consider this book a wonderful Christmas gift idea! – Lois, Louisiana

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November 12, 2016:

Received in the mail a few days ago …. This brought on more joyful and heart opening tears …. May it carry a beautiful message to you as well …

Dear Thomas,

Since your book arrived last week, I have read it a couple of times thru and also just looked at a few pages and smiled!

You certainly are to be commended for taking on and completing such a big project for an entire year! It is so lovely for you to have a dream come to fruition at your young age!

The quotes were just perfect and so appropriate!

The message for me is to not take life for granted. Your little photographer took pictures of the ORDINARY and made them EXTRAORDINARY thru his camera lens and your vision.

Congratulations and best wishes for your future … ~Patricia, California

Biggest Little Photographer to Meg and Buttercup

Posted on November 25, 2016 by Camilla

November 11 2016:

Thank you Barbara Richmond Chastain!!!! We got to deliver three books to Barb this afternoon! She bought one for herself and one for Buttercup and Meg since they are famous now!!!!

Actually, she’s very excited to be gifting the books to her grandkids. Barb’s place has its very own section in the book. We love you Barb and Buttercup and Meg too!!

A visit to Barbara Richmond Chastain’s place is always a treat. Thomas says, “Every time we come here, you two spend more time talking then I do riding Meg.” Told him that I was sorry about that and he said, “That’s okay. I wasn’t complaining. It was just an observation.”

Barb: Your grace, patience, kindness, and acceptance of Thomas and his abundance of and nonstop questions is wonderful. Thank you. xoxo

Signing and Mailing Books and Creating and Courage and Learning and Library of Congress

Posted on November 20, 2016 by Camilla

October 30 2016:

It’s a great day to sign books and get em ready to be mailed tomorrow. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone!!!

Want one? Want to help spread the word? Want to host a book signing? Want to sell the book in your gift shop? Let us know.

Also available for fundraisers! Blog post upcoming with a behind the scenes look of the book coming to life. xoxo

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October 31 2016:

It’s a perfect day to mail Biggest Little Photographer to Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana, California, Illinois, Montana, Nevada, London, and Finland!!!

Whew!! That was a huge stack of packages!!! Have fun Mr. Minifigure Photographer. xoxo

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November 1 2016:

Thank you Renee Portnell! May you and Casey enjoy and be inspired!! It’s a magical feeling when others are moved and inspired by something one has created purely for the sake of creating. Create on! xoxo

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November 2 2016:

Thank you Loretta Zatica Bonilla for supporting Thomas‘ creativity!! Being an artist and putting forth your creations to the public is a courageous endeavor indeed! Oceans of gratitude to everyone for your support!

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November 3 2016:

Thank you Kat McLain for contributing to the success of Thomas’ book. Although she was looking as beautiful as ever, Kat didn’t feel her best and opted out of a picture.

However! We took a picture of the V8 Cafe which Mr. Minifigure captured a photo of and it’s on page 4 for those that already have a book.

Kat: We are truly blessed to have known you over these past 8 or so years. Thank you, thank you!! xoxo

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November 3 2016:

We got to pick up the second round of books today!!!!! Thomas is still trying to process the accolades and compliments. Great experience and learning opportunities for him!! Sending out oceans of gratitude to all! xoxo

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November 4 2016:

Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!! We just got an email back from The Discovery Museum that they would LOVE to have a book signing there AND to sell Biggest Little Photographer in the gift shop!! Discovery Museum picture on page 3 of the book.

We are so excited and thrilled! Stay tuned for the date and time. So FUN!! So grateful and blessed for everyone’s support and cheering! xoxo

Would you like to host a signing, have us as an inspiring mom and son duo to speak for your group, sell in your gift shop, or use the book for a fundraiser? Let us know! Yippeee!

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November 4 2016:

It was a great day to mail a book to the Library of Congress! And to Missouri and Florida.

That adds to Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana, California, Illinois, Montana, Nevada, London, and Finland. With orders from Singapore and Sweden too!!!!

I love love. xoxo

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November 5 2016:

Thanks so much for your support Kathy Fuetsch!!! It was great to see you and Caitlin Fuetsch!!!! Grateful, grateful, grateful …. xoxo

Mr. Happy is a Blessing

Posted on November 19, 2016 by Camilla

November 2 2016:

What a blessing Mr. Happy and his human companion, Debbie, are to us! It has just been the perfect pairing! xoxo

“I am here working on a 4 month consulting job and have my dog, Happy, with me. I needed a loving person to take Happy outside for a potty break around noon time every weekday and to dog sit when I am out of town. What a treasure to find Camilla living in the same community. She is a blessing. I highly recommend her and Team TLC to help out with your special pet family member! -Debbie, Building #17

Do you need help with your to do list or someone to walk your 4 legged family member? Let us know! Go here to learn more … https://theteamtlc.com/team-tlc-errand-services/

Biggest Little Photographer is Almost Here

Posted on November 8, 2016 by Camilla

October 20 2016:

Got the email this afternoon that we will definitely have Thomas’ book, Biggest Little Photographer, by Friday, October 28th! We received about 35 pre-orders so that means we will be able to start mailing and delivering books! If you are one of those, your book will be on the way soon!

This is not your typical photography book, yet, I’m positive it will not disappoint. We’ve placed it in the photography/gift/inspiration category. So if you’re looking for a unique gift for someone … especially someone trying to get started with a project, in the beginning stages, or perhaps stuck; this may inspire and ignite their creativity.

We sold one at the Kids Business Fair to a wonderful woman who wants it for her photography club and she thinks this will inspire them! Thomas received many compliments from adult photographers at the Business Fair. YAY, YAY, YAY!!! xoxo

Support Team TLC

Posted on November 6, 2016 by Camilla

October 17 2016:

A homeschool facebook group I’m a member of just began a Monday thread of sharing what one does so as to support one another. Thought I’d share here too for anyone who is inclined to support Team TLC … xoxoxo … Feel free to add a link or comment as to what you do in the comments … When there’s time and availability, we are open to trading …

1) Thomas, my 10 year old, completed a 365 a day photography project when he was 9 years old and we’ve published that into a Photography/Gift/Inspiration book. It’s being printed and bound this week! YAY! Go here to learn more and watch the short 2 minute trailer …https://BiggestLittlePhotographer.com

2) As a family we assist other families with errands and to-do lists. We are pretty swamped (YAY), yet we have room for a bit more. One of our jobs is for 4 months (September – December)! Wahoo! Go here to learn more about our services ….. https://theteamtlc.com/team-tlc-errand-services/ … This is also our family blog so stick around over there and perhaps get some ideas.

3) Lillian, my special needs 15 year old, creates abstract art and sells prints …https://lilliandarnell.com/lillians-art/ …. She is also an aspiring writer and has some great content on her blog at https://LillianDarnell.com ….

Also, also, she reads a TON and recommends books on her blog. If you click through to any of the books on amazon to learn more and end up purchasing anything at all, we get a few cents. And it doesn’t cost you any more than it would have if you had not gone through her link.

4) I am also a writer. I have one published book, “D iz for Different – One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance” … https://camilladowns.com/books/ ….

I write book and movie recommendations also. The same concept applies regarding the amazon links … https://camilladowns.com/category/book-and-movie-musings/ … I write poetry also that I usually pair with one of the nature photographs I have taken … https://camilladowns.com/category/photography-musings/ and https://camilladowns.com/category/poetry/ …

I sell custom created poems and poetry which I handwrite on recycled materials and sometimes include a painted rock to accompany.https://camilladowns.com/mystique-boutique/

I am a certified coach and offer unique coaching sessions paired with a walk in domestic nature. https://camilladowns.com/walk-with-me/

And, lastly, I write on my blog simply to share what I feel inspired to share. Most of my writings have to do with mindfulness, emotional connection, spirituality, and loving kindness. I share from the heart and always using myself and my family as the base of sharing. https://camilladowns.com/

5) I am available to speak to groups having do do with any of the above as an inspirational speaker. And now Thomas and I will be available to speak as a mom and son duo about his photography to book journey.

A Tribute to Our Friend Heather England

Posted on October 25, 2016 by Camilla

August 12 2016:

I am so incredibly saddened and my heart aches. Heather is a beautiful soul we got the chance to know through our chromosome 18 family. All day yesterday your face was right in front of me dancing with me as we did at the farewell dinner just last month at the C18 Conference. Heather England, you and your family, have blessed me and all you encounter with how you shine and love. Ronda England: I send love, light, prayers and strength … My heart breaks for you … xoxoxo …

Please send prayers, love, and strength to the England family.

From Heather’s family earlier this afternoon:

“Feeling very thankful and grateful for the tons of folks that stormed the gates of heaven for Heather England’s life over the past two days! I am saddened to tell you she has left her earthly dwelling, however, I rejoice in knowing that she has gone to heaven to party with Jesus! I will miss her infectious smile and her compassionate heart. Heather I will see you in eternity! Until then …………. Hold heaven down for me!”

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August 16, 2016:

Found some purple flowers to take a picture of for you this morning, Heather England … Beautiful shining you … You shined at the farewell dinner and dance. And you shared your shine with all you touched .. Just look at YOU!

Thank you Rick Guidotti for capturing this amazing picture. Ronda England … All my love, heart, prayers … everything to you and your family today as you celebrate Heather’s life this afternoon .. xoxo

Thank you Mark Sogard for being there with the family in place of those of us all over the world who want to show our love and support! xoxo …#purpleforHeather

More thoughts of Heather … Thomas made purple Heather flags to hang from his glasses … Team TLC Loves Heather England … xoxoxo …#purpleforHeather https://leaandsimmons.com/…/9…/Heather-England/obituary.html…

One more for beautiful, shining Heather England … #purpleforHeather … Oceans of love, prayers, and strength to you and your family Ronda England…

Team TLC = Thomas, Lillian and Camilla

Category Archives: News and Events

Reviews and Book Signing for Biggest Little Photographer

The Book Hound and Thank You and Where to Find Biggest Little Photographer

Happy 11th Birthday Thomas

It IS a Book and Thank You and Ordinary to Extraordinary

Biggest Little Photographer to Meg and Buttercup

Signing and Mailing Books and Creating and Courage and Learning and Library of Congress

Mr. Happy is a Blessing

Biggest Little Photographer is Almost Here

Support Team TLC

A Tribute to Our Friend Heather England