Monday, January 5, 2015
G'day and Hola Gagi How are ya?
Hi and G'day Gagi! Hola Gagi tambien!
Gagi the Unicorn became International today! Into The World of Gagi the Unicorn, the first book in a children's picture book unicorn series, is now available through my website and can be shipped outside of The United States ( International First Class USPS) to: Mexico, Australia, and Canada.
Please allow 1-2 weeks for Mexico and Canadian residents and 2-3 weeks for Australian residents ( The shipping times are probably a lot shorter and I will update once I have shipped to these countries. Please bear with me as this is a work in progress; it's always a work in progress :)
There will be ten books that will complete the entire collection. The large 8"x8" glossy board books are for children ages three to six. They will love all of the bright, shiny and colorful illustrations.
What's neat about The Gagi the Unicorn series is that a child gets to decide whether Gagi ( pronounced Gah-Gee) is a boy or girl! The intention of the series is to ignite a child's own personal interpretation and in turn create their own magical story!
The book's printing quality and format was very important to me; you will see why when you get your own copy! ( The format is the reason why I named my company 'Just Hold Me Books LLC'... you will see why :)
Check out my website for more information and for the most current updates regarding the second book in the series; "Look At Me". (This is a very special book and will be part of the Gagi The Unicorn Giving Program. See my site to see what it is all about :)
Thursday, January 1, 2015
To the One Who Knows...."The Memories of Night Trees..." Here's to a great year and now 2015!
Our world is made up of the most wonderful imaginations and dreams. We have and are who we are because someone decided to believe in what they envisioned, someone decided to act on what they passionately felt, and someone bravely risked taking that leap of faith so that we, you and I, could partake, expand, and explore in our own possibilities.
I remember when I was a child, I kept thinking about how old I would be in the year 2000. (It's 2015!?!?:) That didn't even seem real nor did what my future could possibly hold. I had no idea who I would become or what I would be though I did know; even then, that something magical would happen. I was in a high school Advanced English class and the assignment was to write a poem or prose that spoke to you. I went home, thinking, "What speaks to me?" It was funny, because one of my best friends at the time called me and said," This assignment is stupid. I am just going to write something like 'Roses are red, violets are blue, I hate this class and maybe you too". I thought to myself; hmm.. "What speaks to me....ROSES!! What is more beautiful on this on the earth, and for that matter, it must be here for a reason or for someone!" I loved poetry from then on and to this day, many of my poems on twitter ( @marylandmcat ) have that same essence in earth, nature and beauty.
Its a New Year and it's time to explore your path, both old and new! We all know there will be obstacles but never forget; you and your dreams ARE truly worth it. (How curious is trying circumstance in the moment; so seemingly dire, yet in outcome, quite contradictory and even glorious! How wonderful is vision in all capacity and in all senses when driven passion is acted upon so adamantly that somehow it is knowing, it is sure it is creating something magical in our universe.)
I hope that you will visit my website for updates on Gagi the Unicorn including the newest project of "Look at Me". I am working on creating a Gagi the Unicorn Giving Program where a child will be given their own copy when they are admitted into the hospital. This program will be because of your generosity. When you purchase a book one book will be donated to the hospital of your choice.
This project will not get off of the ground unless I gain exposure to it. What that said; I am hopeful ( with many prayers backing it) in 2015 to find a someone who can help me endorse this program. ( Someone who loves children and magical unicorns! Calling all celebrities??? :)
On that note; I leave you with this.... ( I think it is quite fitting....)
A New Year's Poem: ENJOY! :)
" The memories of night trees
The shadows in forests too
Look to the light when you gaze up to the moon
The barren desert fields
That meet even the bluest of skies
The heavens never forget your tearful cries
What imagination that comes
When you learn to let go
What dreams to follow
Somehow they just show
The memories of night trees
The shadows in forests too
In Everything
A purpose
Including
Beautiful YOU "
- Mary Catherine Leakan
I remember when I was a child, I kept thinking about how old I would be in the year 2000. (It's 2015!?!?:) That didn't even seem real nor did what my future could possibly hold. I had no idea who I would become or what I would be though I did know; even then, that something magical would happen. I was in a high school Advanced English class and the assignment was to write a poem or prose that spoke to you. I went home, thinking, "What speaks to me?" It was funny, because one of my best friends at the time called me and said," This assignment is stupid. I am just going to write something like 'Roses are red, violets are blue, I hate this class and maybe you too". I thought to myself; hmm.. "What speaks to me....ROSES!! What is more beautiful on this on the earth, and for that matter, it must be here for a reason or for someone!" I loved poetry from then on and to this day, many of my poems on twitter ( @marylandmcat ) have that same essence in earth, nature and beauty.
Its a New Year and it's time to explore your path, both old and new! We all know there will be obstacles but never forget; you and your dreams ARE truly worth it. (How curious is trying circumstance in the moment; so seemingly dire, yet in outcome, quite contradictory and even glorious! How wonderful is vision in all capacity and in all senses when driven passion is acted upon so adamantly that somehow it is knowing, it is sure it is creating something magical in our universe.)
I hope that you will visit my website for updates on Gagi the Unicorn including the newest project of "Look at Me". I am working on creating a Gagi the Unicorn Giving Program where a child will be given their own copy when they are admitted into the hospital. This program will be because of your generosity. When you purchase a book one book will be donated to the hospital of your choice.
This project will not get off of the ground unless I gain exposure to it. What that said; I am hopeful ( with many prayers backing it) in 2015 to find a someone who can help me endorse this program. ( Someone who loves children and magical unicorns! Calling all celebrities??? :)
On that note; I leave you with this.... ( I think it is quite fitting....)
A New Year's Poem: ENJOY! :)
" The memories of night trees
The shadows in forests too
Look to the light when you gaze up to the moon
The barren desert fields
That meet even the bluest of skies
The heavens never forget your tearful cries
What imagination that comes
When you learn to let go
What dreams to follow
Somehow they just show
The memories of night trees
The shadows in forests too
In Everything
A purpose
Including
Beautiful YOU "
- Mary Catherine Leakan
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Gagi The Unicorn Wishes you and yours a Happy Happy HAPPY Holiday Season!
What a busy holiday it is! Gagi The Unicorn is looking forward to the New Year with YOU! Please check out www.gagitheunicorn.com Events page to see what Gagi will be up to next!
Plan on seeing Book Two "Look At Me" release date, author signing appearances/dates, specialty retail outlets carrying Gagi the Unicorn Series, the latest news on upcoming books, book festival appearances, and much, much MORE!
I wish you peace and kindness this holiday season! Please don't forget those who are less fortunate and those who ask for nothing other than our love: the earth's precious animals!
Friday, December 19, 2014
Good Luck Gagi The Unicorn: "Happy Trails to You" You're on your way to Fifth Avenue in Manhattan!
Gagi The Unicorn is traveling to many places (due to the many book orders - thank you!) and now Gagi's new adventure is to pack it up and head to New York City!
"Into The World of Gagi The Unicorn" ( Book One of Gagi the Unicorn Children's Book Series) is on its way ( via Priority Mail USPS today- hee hee ) to the largest retail bookseller in the United States, Barnes and Noble! Will they consider placement in their 658 United States retail stores? I guess only time will tell!
As I patiently wait, I will keep Dale Evans' (a.k.a. Roy Rogers) "Happy Trails" playing in my head and heart; Gagi The Unicorn style:
"Happy trails to Gagi, until we meet again.
Happy trails to Gagi, keep smilin' little unicorn until then.
Who cares about the wait when in my mind it'll all come together?
Just sing a song and think about being in Barnes and Noble together.
Happy trails to Gagi, 'til we meet again.
Some trails are happy ones,
Others are blue.
It's the way you ride the rainbow that counts,
Here's a happy one for you Gagi.
Happy trails to Gagi, until we meet again.
Happy trails to Gagi, keep smilin' until then.
Who cares about the wait when in my mind it'll all come together?
Just sing a song and think about being in Barnes and Noble together.
Happy trails to you, 'til we meet again...."
Until we meet again Gagi...maybe, just maybe, in Barnes and Noble- together again! ( I now see me riding a unicorn into the sunset.....ha ha ha!)
Picture Day!
Hello!
Today Into the World of Gagi The Unicorn ( Book One in the Gagi The Unicorn Series) revealed it's more polished professional side. These pictures show the actual board book. Look how bright the colors are :) I wish you could see the size and feel of the book ( well; you can by ordering one ha ha).
I read this book to a little girl just the other day and after I was done reading it; she politely asked if she could take the book so that she could read it to her baby doll. It's the perfect size for a child to feel like they are the parent and in way that they know they are really holding onto something special!
There are just a few advanced signed copies left and are available at www.GagiTheUnicorn.com
Today Into the World of Gagi The Unicorn ( Book One in the Gagi The Unicorn Series) revealed it's more polished professional side. These pictures show the actual board book. Look how bright the colors are :) I wish you could see the size and feel of the book ( well; you can by ordering one ha ha).
I read this book to a little girl just the other day and after I was done reading it; she politely asked if she could take the book so that she could read it to her baby doll. It's the perfect size for a child to feel like they are the parent and in way that they know they are really holding onto something special!
There are just a few advanced signed copies left and are available at www.GagiTheUnicorn.com
Thursday, December 18, 2014
"The Gagi The Unicorn Giving Program" is being developed ...Here's to HOPE!
Hello!
I posted my very first blog yesterday and now it's time to keep moving forward in the many adventures of Gagi the Unicorn Children's Book Series.
Up next; I am trying to finalize the logistics of how "The Gagi The Unicorn Giving Program" will be implemented. Every book sale from "Into the World of Gagi The Unicorn" ( Book One) will help pay for printing of Book Two; "Look At Me". "Look At Me" is a very, VERY special project I have been working on for the past five years ( all of the books in the series have taken this long in combination). How "The Gagi the Unicorn Giving Program" will work is when you purchase a copy of the book you will receive your copy and one will be donated to a Children's Hospital of your choice.
Please pray I can get the logistics worked out so that this will become a reality!! The book will retail for $9.99 each ( $19.98 total ) and has 28 pages ( the first book retails for $8.99 at 24 pages ). Imagine a child and a family receiving their own big and bright board book when they are admitted into the hospital- priceless!
"Look At Me" is in the same format as the first book with its bright and colorful pages and rhythmic story. But, what's different about this book is that Gagi has no hair or pattern! Why? Well, Gagi is a patient going through Chemotherapy in the hospital and this is Gagi's journey. Through it; Gagi gets better and waits for the reader to get better too so that they can go home to learn and play.
One of my favorite illustrations that I have created; is a page where Gagi looks into the mirror and from the outside Gagi looks pale and has no hair yet Gagi only sees a beautiful and colorful unicorn! This is so true with children who are sick. Though it is so tough for parents to have to endure and painfully see; children don't realize how sick they are. With their innocence comes strength and beauty and from their illness comes a lesson for us all!
I was diagnosed with Carcinoma In-Situ Cervical Cancer when I was pregnant with my daughter, Catie ( the sweet little girl from book one who created the word "Gagi"). I was given two choices: eliminate the pregnancy or take a chance and carry her to full term. My, my how choices create our world! I am so thankful Catie is here and I am in remission. I truly believe she saved my life from early detection and I saved hers! This book is my way to give back what life has given me- more time!
This book will NOT be sold in stores and will be available on my website: www.GagiTheUnicorn.com solely.
I hope and pray this becomes a reality! I truly believe this is the reason Gagi continues to grow and continues to move forward in many adventures we all will see; each and every one of them...Where will you be?
I posted my very first blog yesterday and now it's time to keep moving forward in the many adventures of Gagi the Unicorn Children's Book Series.
Up next; I am trying to finalize the logistics of how "The Gagi The Unicorn Giving Program" will be implemented. Every book sale from "Into the World of Gagi The Unicorn" ( Book One) will help pay for printing of Book Two; "Look At Me". "Look At Me" is a very, VERY special project I have been working on for the past five years ( all of the books in the series have taken this long in combination). How "The Gagi the Unicorn Giving Program" will work is when you purchase a copy of the book you will receive your copy and one will be donated to a Children's Hospital of your choice.
Please pray I can get the logistics worked out so that this will become a reality!! The book will retail for $9.99 each ( $19.98 total ) and has 28 pages ( the first book retails for $8.99 at 24 pages ). Imagine a child and a family receiving their own big and bright board book when they are admitted into the hospital- priceless!
"Look At Me" is in the same format as the first book with its bright and colorful pages and rhythmic story. But, what's different about this book is that Gagi has no hair or pattern! Why? Well, Gagi is a patient going through Chemotherapy in the hospital and this is Gagi's journey. Through it; Gagi gets better and waits for the reader to get better too so that they can go home to learn and play.
One of my favorite illustrations that I have created; is a page where Gagi looks into the mirror and from the outside Gagi looks pale and has no hair yet Gagi only sees a beautiful and colorful unicorn! This is so true with children who are sick. Though it is so tough for parents to have to endure and painfully see; children don't realize how sick they are. With their innocence comes strength and beauty and from their illness comes a lesson for us all!
I was diagnosed with Carcinoma In-Situ Cervical Cancer when I was pregnant with my daughter, Catie ( the sweet little girl from book one who created the word "Gagi"). I was given two choices: eliminate the pregnancy or take a chance and carry her to full term. My, my how choices create our world! I am so thankful Catie is here and I am in remission. I truly believe she saved my life from early detection and I saved hers! This book is my way to give back what life has given me- more time!
This book will NOT be sold in stores and will be available on my website: www.GagiTheUnicorn.com solely.
I hope and pray this becomes a reality! I truly believe this is the reason Gagi continues to grow and continues to move forward in many adventures we all will see; each and every one of them...Where will you be?
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Gagi the Unicorn is Here! Who is Gagi anyway?
This is my very first post and I hope you will join me in celebrating the creation and life of Gagi the Unicorn.
I wrote, created, and illustrated a series of children's picture books for children ages 3 to 6. Gagi is a sweet and kind spirited unicorn who is either a boy or girl. You get to decide!
What does "Gagi ( pronounced "Gah-Gee") mean anyway? Well, my daughter, Catie, had the funniest words as a baby. Before she could formulate the proper pronunciation of words; she would make up her own ( just like most children do!). She couldn't say "I love you" but she could say "Gagi" mama Gagi. She would hug me every time she said it; which made me realize what it meant.
Catie loved unicorns almost as much as me; well, maybe as much (ha ha) . We would create our own fictious stories at bedtime. Catie eventually would always end our bedtime stories with this one:
"Goodnight with rainbows and unicorns that slide over the rainbows and after they jump on cotton candy clouds and bend down to eat them; they enter the land of candy as you are riding on a unicorn." "Gagi Mama, Gagi".
Catie is now a teenager and even to this day; her story has stuck with me. Little did I know, one day her lovely little tale would end up as a children's book series! I am full time writer ( yes, my dream has come true). I am currently working on an adult novel that I thought would be the first published. Boy, was I wrong!
Though some feel picture books shouldn't have a rhythmic flow to them, these books do for a reason. Everything is about kindness, how fun reading can be, and how important visual illustrations are to the one who is interpreting them. To me, everything is about personal interpretation; what you see may not be what another does. How you feel about something may not be how somehow else feels about it. In turn, if even one page ignites a story to the reader; the book has done its job!
"Just Hold Me Books" is my LLC for a reason. The book is published in a large 8"x8" glossy board format so that two people can enjoy reading it. Imagine a child being held when reading a big bright book and how one day they will remember it!
This series has taken me well over five years to create (and yes; it is still ongoing!). Every single page that I create must emit kindness and most importantly bring a smile to the reader!
"Into the World of Gagi The Unicorn" is now available on my website; www.gagitheunicorn.com or www.marycatherineleakan. It is available on Kindle and Amazon as well.
"Let us explore the many adventures to see; each and every one of them....Where will you be?
Join me on my blog page to see how Gagi The Unicorn develops!
I wrote, created, and illustrated a series of children's picture books for children ages 3 to 6. Gagi is a sweet and kind spirited unicorn who is either a boy or girl. You get to decide!
What does "Gagi ( pronounced "Gah-Gee") mean anyway? Well, my daughter, Catie, had the funniest words as a baby. Before she could formulate the proper pronunciation of words; she would make up her own ( just like most children do!). She couldn't say "I love you" but she could say "Gagi" mama Gagi. She would hug me every time she said it; which made me realize what it meant.
Catie loved unicorns almost as much as me; well, maybe as much (ha ha) . We would create our own fictious stories at bedtime. Catie eventually would always end our bedtime stories with this one:
"Goodnight with rainbows and unicorns that slide over the rainbows and after they jump on cotton candy clouds and bend down to eat them; they enter the land of candy as you are riding on a unicorn." "Gagi Mama, Gagi".
Catie is now a teenager and even to this day; her story has stuck with me. Little did I know, one day her lovely little tale would end up as a children's book series! I am full time writer ( yes, my dream has come true). I am currently working on an adult novel that I thought would be the first published. Boy, was I wrong!
Though some feel picture books shouldn't have a rhythmic flow to them, these books do for a reason. Everything is about kindness, how fun reading can be, and how important visual illustrations are to the one who is interpreting them. To me, everything is about personal interpretation; what you see may not be what another does. How you feel about something may not be how somehow else feels about it. In turn, if even one page ignites a story to the reader; the book has done its job!
"Just Hold Me Books" is my LLC for a reason. The book is published in a large 8"x8" glossy board format so that two people can enjoy reading it. Imagine a child being held when reading a big bright book and how one day they will remember it!
This series has taken me well over five years to create (and yes; it is still ongoing!). Every single page that I create must emit kindness and most importantly bring a smile to the reader!
"Into the World of Gagi The Unicorn" is now available on my website; www.gagitheunicorn.com or www.marycatherineleakan. It is available on Kindle and Amazon as well.
"Let us explore the many adventures to see; each and every one of them....Where will you be?
Join me on my blog page to see how Gagi The Unicorn develops!
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