Thomas and Camilla November 2016 Date Day

Posted on December 18, 2016 by Camilla

December 2 2016:

Thomas and Camilla November 2016 Date Day … wee bit late – last stop –Great Full Gardens South Meadows Reno: We were only going to get Thomas dessert. Surprise! Happy Hour with half price appetizers!! So we added Vegan Stuffed Portobello mushrooms. Words cannot even describe how yummy these tasted! Thomas dessert: Bread pudding! Our plates were all but licked clean!!!!

1st stop – Galena Creek Visitors Center. 2nd stop – Galena Park

It was so cold …. about 15 degrees … that my phone went dead after the magical tree picture. Perhaps so that I could truly soak it all in without distraction. Phone came back on once we got back down Mt. Rose Hwy. xoxo

Simply love this area. So peaceful and serene ….. incredibly beautiful and majestic with gigantic pine cones. I am hugely blessed this is what Thomas chooses for Date Day.

Gratitude Letter and Paper Strip Pumpkin and Cheers

Posted on December 12, 2016 by Camilla

November 22 2016:

For the past 3 years we have created a daily gratitude poster for the month of November; with each day adding an expression of our gratitude to the poster. I was moved to do something different this year.

This year we are working on three separate activities:

#1 – Writing a letter to our self telling our future self what we are grateful for now. We used dice to determine when we will mail this letter to ourself. These will be mailed in 5 years … November 2021.

#2 – Writing a letter to each other explaining what we are grateful for, enjoy, and love about the recipient of the letter. Again we rolled dice to determine the mailing date. These will be mailed in 6 years … November 2022.

#3 – Write a letter thanking someone for something that we neglected to thank them for previously. Meet with the person and hand deliver the letter.

I plan on adding the mailing of the letters on my calendar with a very important note to self. What’s the note to self? The location of the letters; which I’m sure I’ll place somewhere safe! HA!

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November 23 2016:

Paper strip pumpkin …. by Lillian Darnell …. with a little help from me. Pretty cool!!! YAY Lillian!

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November 24 2016:

Thomas and Lillian are still asleep and I’m feasting on a piece of pumpkin bread and dark French roast. So incredibly thankful … and …. yum!

Next up … Reading and getting The Team TLC blog caught up.

Abundant blessings, love, and peace to all.

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November 25 2016:

Hope everyone had a warm and wonderful time yesterday. We enjoyed a quiet, relaxing, and comfy day at home. Cheers! Here’s to a great weekend, blessings, and a grateful heart. xoxo

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Strong Wind and Mindfulness and Thanksgiving

Posted on December 12, 2016 by Camilla

November 20 2016:

Thomas and I took a walk yesterday afternoon. Incredibly strong wind! It was so great and refreshing and we had a ball playing with the wind. xoxo

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November 21 2016:

This mornings Walk With Me message: Mindfulness …. These tiny little rain drops caught my eye. Great message tree and water. Thank you ….

The practice of mindfulness can be trying … releasing thoughts of the past and future and focusing our entire being into whatever it is we are doing in that moment … it can seem like an internal tug of war. Yet, with practice it gets easier.

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November 21 2016:

Wonderful walk with Thomas this afternoon!!!! So incredibly beautiful!!!! xoxo

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November 22, 2016:

Lillian and I took a walk this afternoon. Just gorgeous! We stopped for a few minutes so she could share a bit about the extensive Thanksgiving post she shared a few days ago. xoxo

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November 25 2016:

Beautiful, peaceful, and reflective walk yesterday. So wonderful that I got to see a blue billed duck. This is where I sat for a bit watching the ducks. xoxo

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Watching and listening to the ducks yesterday. This was going on the entire time I sat there. Nature and animals are wonderful teachers. xoxo

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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!!!

Amazing Sky and Beauty and Grace and Magic and Trotting and Leaves and Wind

Posted on December 6, 2016 by Camilla

November 13 2016:

Amazing sky greeting us when we got home on Friday. Just WOW!!!

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November 14 2016:

Oh so wonderful walk with Lillian yesterday. Beauty and grace in every direction. Magical! xoxo

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November 14, 2016:

Thomas doing two of his favorite things!!!! Trotting on Meg and Asking Questions! He has certainly mastered the technique of learning by asking questions. Thank you Barbara Richmond Chastain …. xoxo

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November 15 2016:

On our walk yesterday Lillian took a moment to share her thoughts on why the leaves change color and fall from the trees. xoxo

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November 16 2016:

A Team TLC windy walk yesterday. Lillian pointed out the wind was creating waves in our little lake. So … sharing with you ….. xoxo

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November 16 2016:

More from our windy walk yesterday …. Beautiful and brrrrrrr!! Just breathtaking …. xoxo

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November 16 2016:

Wind …. from our windy walk yesterday … Watch, listen, let it blow away …. xoxo

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November 17 2016:

Spa day here I come! So blessed and grateful! This morning I get to trade Biggest Little Photographer for a massage. THANK YOU Michaela Koenig!! Can’t wait!!

This afternoon I get to float in bliss for 90 minutes. I WON a 90 minute float session at Healing One!!! So looking forward to this! It will be my first time!

Thank you … Bring it on … I’m so grateful …. And, yes, I’ll have more …. Thank you ….. Hope everyone has a GREAT and LOVE filled day. Signing off til tomorrow morning … xoxoxo

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November 19 2016:

Thomas and I decided to take a walk about an hour ago. WOW!

Strong winds and drastic contrast between directions. Storm clouds vs blue skies.

We got blown around almost like rag dolls, got rained on, saw the most white caps I’ve ever seen in this little lake, saw a huge, gorgeous rainbow, and laughed a ton!!!

Wonderful and beautiful!! xoxo

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

Weirdest People

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Camilla

“We’re the weirdest people I know.” ~Thomas Darnell (11.8.16)

Indeed Thomas! Indeed! Wahoooo!!

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