Winter Wonderland at Night and Love and Dreamy and Sparkly Magic

Posted on February 8, 2017 by Camilla

January 23 2017:

It was so bright last night while I was taking Happy for his last walk of the day. I was able to take pictures!!! These were taken about 9:15 last night. Another Winter Wonderland for us last night and today.

____________________________

January 23 2017:

Lillian and I went for an amazing and sparkly winter wonderland walk this afternoon …. I just had to give this picture its own post.

This is zoomed as far as I could go. A tiny snow and ice heart hanging from the tree limb.

Perfect and magical message to match the perfect and magical phone call I had with the Parks Ranger for Rancho San Rafael. She is over the moon excited about Thomas’ book. She bought a book at The Discovery Museum and that’s how she found out about it.

During the call, I found myself thinking, is this call really happening? Well, YES, yes it is and …. YES!!! Wonderful things are being planned!! Life is truly magical and miraculous when we get out of our own way … xoxo

_________________________________________

January 23 2017:

“It’s like a dream.” …… Said to me this morning by another resident who had just stepped outside.

I was on an early morning walk with Happy, taking many pictures. This persons comment caused me pause, inspired me, and brought forth oceans of gratitude for not just this ….. for life itself. xoxo – part 1

_________________________________________

January 24 2017:

Icicles and ice are fun to photograph!! More walking and being outdoors yesterday. xoxo

___________________________________

January 24 2017:

Magical, sparkly, icicle and love filled walk with Lillian yesterday afternoon. Grateful to the icicles for letting me practice with the macro lens. xoxoxo …

_____________________________

January 25 2017:

Walk with Thomas and Happy yesterday ….. Another snow heart and check out how the lake is thawing. Like a sun and sunbeams!

My time is nearing an end with Mr. Happy. He and Debbie head back home to Florida in about two weeks.

I’ve been walking him almost daily since they arrived in September and dog sat a few times while Debbie was out of town.

In November I noticed he was wobbly, unsteady, and dragging his left back paw.

Debbie took him to UC Davis where a tumor was discovered on his brain; which was later removed at UC Davis. They weren’t able to get all of it and the symptoms are still there a bit.

He seemed incredibly sad before the surgery and now … he’s “happy”! yaY!!!!

_________________________________

January 26 2017:

More icicle magic yesterday. Love the wee little ones!!

United Nations Replica and Biggest Little Photographer Coming to Rancho San Rafael

Posted on February 2, 2017 by Camilla

January 15 2017:

This morning Thomas asked if he could show me what he’s been creating.

Minutes later I sat cuddled next to him looking at a replica of the UN building and grounds ….. in Minecraft. He says he did a few searches to find out what it looked like. xoxo

********************************

January 18 2017:

Message received today from Ranger Marie with Washoe County Parks – Ranch San Rafael Park … “We’d love to help share Thomas’ book with the community and discuss an exhibit. I am so happy! I talked to all the Rangers about it and we are so thrilled!!!! …. you can call me on my personal cell anytime …. ”

PLUS an email from one of the BIG casino’s here in town about the book for their gift shop … We shall see what happens with this one …

It is when we are in the depths of our own darkness, we can rest assured the light and solutions are simply awaiting our embrace of said darkness ….. for the light will shine, shine, shine once we patiently dance with the darkness … xoxo

Biggest Little Photographer Book Trailer

Posted on January 20, 2017 by Camilla

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 …….

The Biggest Little Photographer by Thomas Darnell

This was the post announcing the book trailer! FUN!! I still love how it turned out!!

The trailer … https://youtu.be/LYUOex6s5-s …. xoxo

Biggest Little Photographer Enters Reno Stores

Posted on January 9, 2017 by Camilla

January 4 2017:

Top 10 Countdown Continues! The Number TWO 2016 blog post on CamillaDowns.com with the most views: “Biggest Little Photographer Arrives – We Did It!”

“This book represents the fruition of a desire. Yet, within that is the message that the steps along the journey of ones desire are what comprises life itself.

It’s sure to inspire with great quotes; almost all of which were chosen by Thomas ….. for ages eight to eighty and beyond!”

Biggest Little Photographer Arrives – We Did It

Craft Faire and Book Signing and Where to Find Biggest Little Photographer

Posted on December 19, 2016 by Camilla

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!

_____________________________________________

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!!

_________________________________________________________________________

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

_____________________________________________________________

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

_________________________________________________________

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

____________________________________________________

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!

__________________________________________________

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.

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

***************************************************************************
“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

***************************************************************************

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

****************************************************************************

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

_________________________________________________

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

____________________________________________________

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

______________________________________________________

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.

_________________________________________________

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

____________________________________________________________________

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

__________________________________________________________

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!!!

Pumpkins and Blessings and Adventurous Eater and Sibshop

Posted on November 20, 2016 by Camilla

October 30 2016:

Playing with pumpkins time 🎃 ….. xoxo

___________________________________________

October 31 2016:

What a beautiful night! The hills and mountain in the distance were magical with a dusting of snow. Plus, there was a huge bat shaped cloud over the mountain. So incredible!!! These two blessings had a great night. 🎃

_____________________________________________________

November 1 2016:

Thomas made a vegan coleslaw to go with dinner to night. So yum!!! I enjoyed it with sweet potato noodles and he enjoyed his with wild shrimp. So happy he’s an adventurous eater.

_________________________________________________

November 5 2016:

Sibshop day for Thomas!!! He really enjoys these and especially today as Don Meyers was facilitating! Thanks Down Syndrome Network of Northern Nevada (DSNNN) and JUSTin HOPE Foundation for hosting!!

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/

Walking Happy and Oktoberfest and Morse Code

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Camilla

October 21 2016:

Thomas and Camilla walking Happy this morning. Enjoying being Happy’s dog nanny …. as his human calls us. 💙💚🐾 …. xoxo

_____________________________________________________

October 21 2016:

So fun tonight at The Vintage Oktoberfest!!!! We love where we live!! Check out the cool Polaroid picture Chrissy took of Team TLC!

_____________________________________________

October 22 2016:

Walking Happy yesterday afternoon. As I walked past the trees this greeted me. Oh yes, Happy, we must stop a moment so I can soak it in and capture it. xoxo

___________________________________________________________

October 22 2016:

Thank you Down Syndrome Network of Northern Nevada (DSNNN) for treating families to a day at the Discovery Museum! Thomas and Lillian loved it! Last visit there was summer 2015!

Lillian’s name in morse code … via Thomas ….

July 2016 Date Day with Lillian

Posted on August 11, 2016 by Camilla

August 10 2016:

July’s date day was delayed due to our travels to and from the 2016 Chromosome 18 Conference. So we did something different for this date day.

After dinner Lillian and I headed to Whole Foods to pick out a cookie from the “Cookie Bar” … cheapest dessert ever …. and made with real food ingredients!

Next up we took our cookies to Audrey Harris Park so we could eat with a lovely view. When we got there, we saw the park was closed due to an event down below at the Bartley Ranch stage. We decided to go for a walk around Bartley Ranch and have our dessert later.

We enjoyed a wonderful time looking at the old equipment and buildings, trees, sky, and sunset. After our walk we enjoyed a slow, quiet, and peaceful drive the long way back to our end of town. I just love this drive of taking in all the farms and older houses and simply how peaceful it seems.

Next up was to head to Geiger Way Lookout to enjoy those cookies with a view. It was dark by the time we arrived so the pictures our fuzzy, yet they capture some of the beautiful essence. So incredibly wonderful.

And, last we enjoyed another slow and peaceful drive back home. I’d rank this one up there with one of our most beautiful date days. Simple and wonderful. xoxo

Blessings,
Thomas, Lillian and Camilla = Team TLC
See It. Share It. BE IT … Spread Love Everywhere You Go!

Wonderfully exciting news! We’ve completed the first book trailer for Thomas’ upcoming book, Biggest Little Photographer. You can learn more and pre-order here.

Team TLC = Thomas, Lillian and Camilla

Tag Archives: reno nevada

Winter Wonderland at Night and Love and Dreamy and Sparkly Magic

United Nations Replica and Biggest Little Photographer Coming to Rancho San Rafael

Biggest Little Photographer Book Trailer

Biggest Little Photographer Enters Reno Stores

Craft Faire and Book Signing and Where to Find Biggest Little Photographer

Reviews and Book Signing for Biggest Little Photographer

Pumpkins and Blessings and Adventurous Eater and Sibshop

Mr. Happy is a Blessing

Walking Happy and Oktoberfest and Morse Code

July 2016 Date Day with Lillian