most days we wake up wondering if this little project called camp, is the most ridiculously irresponsible thing we could ever have done.
the constant hammering of the sub conscience:
was this a huge freaking mistake?
how the hell are we going to care for this place when we’re old? (oh wait, we are already old).
how is it ever in a million years going to break even?
how am I going to keep my sanity and my job trying to keep the gates open?
does anybody even give a crap that i just spent 67.5 hours designing a matchbook?
that little voice inside says no.
it’s highly unlikely that anyone will give a rats ass about any of the microscopic details that you obsess over.
so.
most times you listen to that little voice of reason.
and you should. (it’s the same one that keeps you from jumping over bonfires & sending out all-office memos after cocktail hour).
and, sometimes you tell it to shut the hell up, because you love those little matchbooks so much that you just don’t care if it means re-designing them 20 times to get it vintage enough. historically accurate enough. ‘enough’ enough.
and- same with the postcards, the souvenirs, the miniature soap bars, the hand engraved key fobs, the silkscreened towels, and.. and…
and just when you & your thinning wallet have all but given up & given into the all-powerful voice of reason…
you get a phone call on a tuesday afternoon and somebody tells you that they like what you’re doing and ‘lets makes something together’
WHAT?
and— that other little voice inside you (the less rationale, overly hopeful, socially awkward one) that secretly had dreamed that this day would come, does a little cartwheel.
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The day we got that call almost a year ago, was the day we realized that anything is possible.
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It’s still actually hard to believe that this is possible, really.
The thing here is that if it wasn’t for all of the friends, guests & supporters of our little labor of love camp project, we would never have received that phone call.
…Every single photographer / filmmaker who was generous enough to share their photos of their visit.
… Every chef who was kind enough to share out a nice little tweet event though our ancient kitchen doesn’t have a decent knife.
…Every guest who slept on a crappy mattress who didn’t just suck it up, but actually took the time to write a compassionate review on yelp anyway.
…Every single bride & groom crazy enough to trust us with the most important day in their lives (& dragged their friends to an 1/8th of a star facility)
…Every writer who wrote nicer things about us than we will ever be worthy of.
… Every family member & friend who helped us dig out broken clay pipes, clear timber after a storm… and listened to hour after hour of tear-filled tales of zoning, taxes, permits and rabbit raccoon infestations.
We never, ever would have received that phone call if it wasn’t for you. (every one of you know who you are)
This product launch is a direct result of the power of sharing. The literal manifestation of community in every sense of the word. It is one more small part of what will help us continue our creative mission, and house more not-for-profit camps in the future.
So a big fat thank you from our bursting hearts to yours, we are so humbled & proud to share the line that is a product of your support:
The LAND OF NOD Camp Wandawega line. For Holiday 2015.
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This morning we launched it in NY to a sea of wonderfully supportive reporters, bloggers, editors and writers. So many people came from so many corners to show their support. We are humbled + grateful.
The line rolls out starting late September.
The catalog comes out this October.
The joy Charlie is going to have on her face when she sees that her treehouse has been made into a dollhouse will last a lifetime.
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AND!
A very special thank you to the girl with the biggest vision and the biggest heart. The shining star for so many- who has a built-in radar for potential & makes dreams come true. MICHELLE. AND – Danielle, Seana & the entire crew at THE LAND OF NOD!
so much more to come. stay tuned.
Just a few of the products from the event today- cant wait to share it all.
