January 11 2017:
Top 10 Countdown Continues! The Number EIGHT 2016 CamillaDowns.com blog post with the most views: “The Biggest Little Photographer by Thomas Darnell” ……. xoxoxoxoxo …….
This was the post announcing the book trailer! FUN!! I still love how it turned out!!
The trailer … https://youtu.be/LYUOex6s5-s …. xoxo
December 18 2016:
Did you know there’s a local and live radio show all about the newest books? There is indeed!! It’s the LRP Book Hound radio show!
Thomas and I were on the show live on Monday, 12.19, between 4-4:30 talking about Biggest Little Photographer!! OKCKQ 1180 AM in Reno, NV …. Live streaming at https://amm.streamon.fm/ …
We are so grateful to Jan for this opportunity and the entire crew at LRP for all they have done with bringing the book together. Oceans of thanks to everyone who has supported and cheered from the beginning and who continue to support Thomas’ creation! xoxo
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December 19 2016:
Thomas was nervous to begin with, yet he got over that!! Went great and we had FUN!
Thomas and I were live this afternoon on OKCKQ 1180 AM in Reno, NV on the LRP Book Hound talking about Biggest Little Photographer ….
We are so grateful to Jan for this opportunity and the entire crew at LRP for all they have done with bringing the book together. Oceans of thanks to everyone who has supported and cheered from the beginning and who continue to support Thomas’ creation! xoxo
December 13 2016:
Thank you Terry Torpet Vasenden for buying 10 copies of Biggest Little Photographer to be sold at Sierra Family Pharmacies, including Don’s Pharmacy!! He gets a spot right up front at the counter! Your kindness, friendship, and excitement were refreshing to experience this afternoon! xoxo
So far 5 local shops are selling Biggest Little Photographer … He’s getting around! Tomorrow is post office run day so if you planned on buying a book and want it mailed tomorrow, place your order by end of day today.
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December 14 2016:
Biggest Little Photographer gets to travel to Bavaria, Germany tomorrow with Alexa! He will permanently reside there with her Photographer Uncle!!! We are so blessed to have had Alexa in our lives for this past year and a half. xoxo … (Alexa is the wonderful psychotherapist that we’ve been seeing to help Lillian with processing emotions. Today was our last session with her! We graduated!)
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December 15 2016:
Thomas and I will be on the LRP Book Hound radio show live this coming Monday, 12.19, between 4-4:30 to talk about Biggest Little Photographer!! OKCKQ 1180 AM in Reno, NV and live streaming at https://amm.streamon.fm/….
We are so grateful to Jan for this opportunity and the entire crew at LRP for all they have done with bringing the book together. Oceans of thanks to everyone who has supported and cheered from the beginning and who continue to support Thomas’ creation! xoxo
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December 16 2016:
Thank you Dave Asher at Buy Nevada First Gift Shop & Visitors Center!! Biggest Little Photographer looks amazing with all the other locally created souvenirs! It’s already time to re-stock! There’s only one left!
Thanks so much everyone!! Supporting another’s heart creation is indeed a blessing all the way around! xoxo
November 27 2016:
Mr. Minifigure Photographer gets to attend the Magic of Santa Craft Faire next Saturday, 12.3! Thomas and I and the Biggest Little Photographer will be part of the Book Blast! space.
We will be there from 10-4. Stop by for a hug and a book if you’re there!
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November 28 2016:
Thank you Natalie Gorden for surprising us on Saturday. I so very much appreciate you stopping by to see us and to buy a few books at the book signing! Oceans of love to YOU! xoxo
So far Biggest Little Photographer will be in five local shops: 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 Center, visitor centers, casino gift shops and hospital gift shops. xoxoxo
Worlds of thanks to everyone for the connections to local shops in regards to stocking Biggest Little Photographer!” xoxo …. Blessings abound to everyone!!
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November 30 2016:
Wednesday is post office day for Biggest Little Photographer. Safe, quick travels Mr. Minifigure Photographer! Have fun in Carson City, Nevada; Mountain View, California; and Youngsville, Louisiana!!! xoxo
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November 30 2016:
Thank you Coral Wilcox for coming by to see us on Saturday and buying a book. I’m incredibly happy we finally got to meet! Thanks, also, for the hugs! Oceans of love to YOU! xoxo
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December 1 2016:
Delivered books to Neverender today. What an absolutely beautiful shop! So many locally created items. I’ll be back to get some of the amazing soy candles in recycled bottles. WOW! For now, this is the place to get the book in Mid Town. Thank you Melanie Crane for your trust, kindness, and having such an awesome shop!
The other locations around town are: The Discovery Museum Gift Shop, Don’s Pharmacy (delivering next week), Buy Nevada First (delivering next week), and Galena Creek Visitor’s Center Gift Shop (delivered today).
So far that’s 6 “Yes!” and 5 “No” responses and several waiting to hear back from! Plus, one book signing. I say that’s a success.
Heck, just asking is a success. Even further, simply creating the book is a success. It’s interesting that all but one of the “No” responses were not referred and don’t know us. All of the “Yes” responses were referred or know us.
Oceans and oceans of thanks to those of you who have purchased a book or referred us. Books are certainly not a “popular” item and it’s difficult to get those who don’t know the story to not lump this in with past experiences with books.
I’m not sure I’ve seen a 365 photo a day project that was done by an 8 year old made into an actual published book with ISBN and LCCN numbers.
Every day I open my eyes and put my feet on the ground is a success. Today was a success!! xoxo
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December 2 2016:
Thank you Todd Kihara for coming by to see us on Saturday and buying a book. We hope your Dad loves the book!!! Let us know!
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December 3 2016:
Our magic is complete for the day! Home from The Magic of Santa Craft Faire. We were part of the Book Blast magic!
One person who bought Biggest Little Photographer is a photographer for magazines and he LOVED the book!
Thomas and I had our art fortune read and created by Pan Pantonja … our table mate. Thanks LRP Printing Publishing & Business Center for inviting and including us.
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!!!
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
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
