There have been a handful of very challenging moments throughout the creation of Shellebratate. Never once have I thought, "this is not worth it."
It's been quite the opposite. As challenges arise, I find myself leaning even more into the story within Shellebrate...even more so now that the bleed lines are set, and the final print-ready files have been exported!
Shellebrate is a story of friends who have learned to recognize the gifts within one another and their own lives. It's a story of learning from one another's culture, life, and experience and how it actually connects us when we learn from one another.
This past weekend, I was given the gift of reading Shellebrate to Ollie, my three-year-old nephew. This was the first time I read the story aloud to a kiddo. We went through all 24 pages (the pdf version) and talked about each friend. We learned how to say hello in 8 new ways, and he pointed out how there were dots on the sea plants and how the moon reflected on the water. "Can we read it again in the morning?" Ollie asked as we finished the book. "I love this book.". A tear formed in my eye, and Ollie was quick to say, "why are you crying, auntie Cas? Are you sad the book is done?" "No, Ollie, I am thankful that the book is just beginning!"
I can not wait to get this book into the homes and hands of people all over this world! Thank you so much for believing in this with me and at times for me!
SHELLEBRATE UPDATE
The goal was to fund 500 copies of Shellebrate by November 11th!
Currently, 200 books have book funded! That is honestly amazing and enough to cover the cost of all the art work & to cover this first round of printing. That means that everything from this point on will have a direct impact on The Giving Gifts!!!!
Here are just a few things to consider:
A lot of you have already secured your special edition Shellebrate! Who can you share Shellebrate with this week? Family, friends, your preschool, church, neighbor, librarian, etc. Think of someone you can share Shellebrate with!
If you still need to participate in the Shellebrate Campaign, I encourage you to consider it! This is a perfect Christmas gift for honestly anyone!
You may have already given to this campaign and received your book. Thank you!!!!! If you are considering year-end giving and want to give additional to this campaign, ALL gifts are a tax write-off, and you can be sure that your gift will have multiple layers of impact. ANY GIFT GIVEN FROM NOW THROUGHOUT THE REST OF THE YEAR WILL RECEIVE A STICKER PACK & A SPECIAL GIFT!!!!
Exciting waves coming your way!
