In astrology November 2 has the rather wonderful title of: The Day of Transformation. I didn’t know that until today but, in preparing to write this note, I had a peek and smiled at the synchronicity of it: that a project started six years ago, abandoned by the original creator in 2020, is finally ready - in its transformed state - to be published and purchased! <insert my happy tears!>

The first proof was BEAUTIFUL - wow, to hold something IN YOUR HANDS that you’ve worked so hard toward AND to feel it truly honours your subjects is pretty damned special. I did find a couple of small things I wanted to tweak… always in pursuit of a finished book we can all be really proud of! I expect to sign off on the final proof this week (I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for its arrival!)… which means: I’m NOW ready to take pre-orders for the book starting today through Sunday, November 15. Offering the book as a pre-order will allow us to get a volume discount, bringing the purchase price down and saving you on any shipping charges. Yay! 🙌

I am beyond thrilled to announce that I am now taking pre-orders for:
53 BIRTHDAYS: A PORTRAIT COLLECTION !

Book deets: an 8x10, 62 page hardcover book showcasing each of the 53 portraits on individual pages, with upgraded white end-sheets that add - as my daughter said - a gallery vibe, high quality pearl paper that ensures beautiful colour and contrast for these incredibly special portraits, a foreward written by a subject/author/friend/changemaker, a handful of wonderful quotes from people both within the collection’s pages and their loved ones, heartfelt recognition to those we’ve lost, and a whole lotta effort, heart & soul from yours truly! I am also really, really proud to have been able to produce a beautiful book while keeping the price to ‘$100 or under’, as I’d promised was my goal…book printing is new to me and I just desperately want for it to be accessible to all, especially given the current challenges we all face.

To purchase your copy(ies) simply e-transfer $80/book to lori@lorimaloney.com (no password required) with a note that includes your first and last name and the number of copies you’re purchasing (what a fun holiday gift for loved ones! 🤗) The books will be available for pick up in NW Calgary in early December (barring any delays because of Covid and/or postal delays).

If you’d like to arrange for a different payment method OR you will be unavailable to pick your order up in Calgary, please contact me using the email listed above and I’m sure we can work it out! 🙌

The book will be available on-line after November 15; however, the price will be higher, shipping charges from my publisher will apply, and no guarantees on a pre- Dec 25 delivery…I do hope you’ll get in on the pre-order!

This book of portraits represents so much….the joy of birthdays and what they might mean to each of us, the legacy of portraiture, the choice we each have to raise our hands when given the opportunity to participate in projects that might seem ambitious, and the tenacity & perseverance we can each summon when things don’t turn out as planned. I am beyond proud to be writing this note, to know that we crossed the finish line together, and that these portraits will live on in print. 🙏🏼

Whether you are a subject in this book, or someone who participated in the bigger Birthday Book Project, or if you are simply (wonderfully!) keen to support a local artist…I am deeply appreciative for each and every purchase.

My heartfelt thanks to the 58 people, across 53 birthdays, who raised their hands and allowed me the privilege of trying to capture a little piece of what they wished to convey; I hope you and yours LOVE what we’ve created together! I must also thank my family who have supported me throughout as I first exceeded the initial project’s commitment and then chose to navigate salvaging it. ❤️

…here’s to transformation!