WRITING & ILLUSTRATING my own CHILDREN'S BOOK after being REJECTED

#art #illustration #artvideo After being rejected my over 100 creative agencies for book illustration work i decided to take matters into my own hands and write & illustrate my own chidrens book! This is the first episode where I illustrate the very first page. May my journey inspire you to go out and achieve your dreams!!
Dream big,
Chantal
🧚 SHOP MY ART 🧚
www.chantalleo...
⭐ ME ON PATREON⭐
/ chantalleonhardt
💌 MAILING LIST💌
www.chantalleo...
☁️ SOCIAL MEDIA ☁️
Insta: / chantal.leonhardt
TikTok: / chantal.leonhardt
🎨 MY ART MATERIALS🎨
www.amazon.com...
MUSIC
Epidemic Sound share.epidemic... (Get a month free with my referral link!)
Soundcloud
Nctrn- lost / lost
Blythe- the collection 01 / bl1themusic

[@davidhillmanillustrator5089]

I was in a similar situation. I submitted my stories to dozens of agents and publishers over the years, with no success. So I decided to launch my own publishing company and my first picture book will be released in early June of 2024 with more stories ready to go. It’s a great feeling doing it on your own, doing it the way you want to do it. More power to you and best of luck.

[@chantalleonhardt]

Omg I love this! Thank you so much for sharing, what’s your publishing co and book called I’d love to check it out 🙏

[@noname2day394]

Love this. So persevering. Never give up

[@Rum8146]

How is your first book doing? I think that is important to know if others are to take inspiration from your comment. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@davidhillmanillustrator5089]

My first book comes out June 11 so I won’t know how well it will do until the end of summer. Search Berkley the dog in a Noseful of Trouble, to find out more

[@davidhillmanillustrator5089]

My first book comes out June 11th. So I won’t know how well it’s doing until the end of summer.

[@superfluityme]

Large quality work takes time. Give yourself the time you need. If funds get low work on making money, then go back to it. You might not finish in the time you want, but it will be of the quality and standard you want in your work. Nobody will comment on how you got the work done in the anticipated time frame. They will comment on what you produce. What you produce is your reputation.

[@chantalleonhardt]

Thank you so so much this is exactly what I needed to hear ❤❤ My next spread has taken me four weeks! Some will take longer than others and I definitely don’t want to rush, you’re completely right!

[@superfluityme]

@@chantalleonhardt You're welcome :)

[@isa__belle]

I have no idea why KZbin suggested this video to me but OH MY GOSH you are soooooo talented!!! I was shocked when I watched you painting and I cannot understand why no publisher responded to you. I am truly sorry for you but also think you are better on publishing it yourself! All the children's book look so similar nowadays but your style truly stands out! I do believe it will work out for you!! ❤❤

[@chantalleonhardt]

Thank youuu ❤ welcome to the journey 🫶✨

[@chantalleonhardt]

I only sent my art portfolio to publishers not my story as well!

[@charlottesantos4199]

I absolutely understand why you are doing it so big. Like the illustrations that use Adobe or Procreate for the tablets and PC, they can zoom out to get the fine detail that they want. Once they zoom back in, the detail is smaller but it makes a big difference in the piece. It’s the same with how you are doing it. Since you are not able to zoom in and out. You are in the “zoom out” phase of your illustration. Once you photo it, it will be in the “zoom in” stage. Love what you are doing. Great work.

[@chantalleonhardt]

Exactly!!! Also it’s hard to paint detail with watercolour on a small scale especially with portraits. When I scale these illustrations down the details will actually be magnified ✨🫶

[@Lina-cy2yc]

I looove this attitude! I think waiting for any agencies /labels (in other industries as well) to be "kindly accepted" is overrated. Good luck!

[@chantalleonhardt]

Exactly!! We have to make our own opportunities ❤

[@pocketshrimp17]

the painting reminds me of Laura Stern!! it’s so cute! Laura Stern is a super popular german children’s book series about a little girl called Laura that helps a hurt little star that lost one of it spikes.. pure nostalgia!!! Your painting turned out really beautiful

[@TojiMe-rg4sb]

Keine Ähnlichkeit mit Laura Stern , ihr art style ist eher realistisch Laura Stern dagegen nicht (no hate).

[@pocketshrimp17]

@@TojiMe-rg4sb brooo, ich sage ja auch nicht dass es ein Laura Stern rip off ist?? Oder dass sie Laura Stern gemalt hat??? Es ist ein Mädchen und ein Stern... guess what Laura stern ist? Ein Mädchen und ein Stern. Es ist einfach eine Assoziation. „no hate“ macht deinen Kommentar nicht wertvoller lmao

[@Alisha.Etoile]

I'm shure your book was supposed to be rejected so you can make it fully yours, which is even better and more personal. It IS a masterpeace, so I don't believe that your illustrations weren't deserving it to be rejecting. Love your work 💙

[@soimsha.]

I’ll buy one. 100% I will. Sometimes you just have to take things into your own hands!

[@Lex1_12]

It’s really great to see an artist who is genuinely passionate about their work. You hear a lot about people who do things solely for monetary gain or five-seconds of fame, but it’s clear how much you love what you do. I truly admire how much detail and attention you put into a single piece of artwork. Good luck with your book!

[@chantalleonhardt]

Thank you so much it’s definitely a journey or love, I guess this book also comes from a very dark place in my life and was the fruition of me finding my dreams!❤

[@Lex1_12]

I’m glad you’re in a better place-finding one’s dreams is no easy feat. I really do wish you the best with your future endeavors! When you lead with your heart you can’t go wrong.

[@nads420]

wow im blown away!!! i simply dabble in watercolour and I hadn't even imagined you could do this on such a SCALE! BLOWN AWAY!!!!!! absolutely incredible work💘 it's so nostalgic and sweet. i love the vibe of it i hope you can stay on track and finish it next year😮 much love!!

[@chantalleonhardt]

AHHHH THANK YOU I sometimes think people underestimate how hard it is so your comment is very much appreciated! I’ve been practicing for a couple years now and having a lot of patience helps also ❤⭐️🙏

[@nads420]

@@chantalleonhardt yeah it's hard for people to know the true effort that goes into art, if they dont practise art themselves! i cant wait to see where i am in just a few years, quite inspiring🥺💘

[@katelyngreller]

SO inspiring and visionary! And your art style is incredible: warm, nostalgic, and expert all in one. This will be a core memory for the children who read it!!

[@chantalleonhardt]

I really hope so ❤ and not just children but adults as well take a lot form this story!

[@2FullMoons]

This video randomly got recommended and it made me happy, I hope this dream comes true for you and the book is a massive success!

[@irinasams1381]

KZbin suggested me this video and I watched it without blinking. Love your work and love you vibes! I will be following your journey ! Good luck !!!

[@rebeccavian8761]

Girl, good luck!!! I wish you the best and it's so lovely that you bring us along for the ride. KZbin seems a better medium for this than Instagram I really hope all your dreams come true

[@SailorVenus666]

"Numbah 2: It's iconic" Girl I LOOOVE you lol. I'm working on a graphic novel, and I've been considering drawing each page by hand on a large scale. I'm so inspired. Thank you!

[@WorldWideWebObserver]

Your art is fabulous! I wish you utmost success with this book and all of your future books!

[@sallythatgurl8210]

Im so impressed that you wont let anything stop you and I wish you the best. The illustration is incredible and reminded me a bit of a german tv show i watched when i was small called lauras stern. This book will probably also be a core memory for many children in the future🩷I wish you much success with the book

[@yobeenocreative6984]

You will refine a process and build up speed as you go. Awesome results and mega-scale! Beautiful work.

[@MissRedWine]

you go girl! i'm so proud of you i LOOOVE that attitude. just wow. may blessings come your way

[@rhondapowell4139]

Awesome is the first word, then Fantastic. I have loads of friends with Littles and I see this as an addition to their libraries. I look so forward to seeing the next installment. I paint as to and understand the need to be perfect. Thank you for sharing.❤

[@chantalleonhardt]

@@rhondapowell4139 thank you so much 🥺🙏 page two, three and four are up on my channel 🫶❤️ working on five as we speak !!

[@SharonCullenArt]

I just had you pop up on my recommended list here and decided to watch. I am so excited for you and I’m so excited to read this book. I’m going to have my first grandchild this year. I am going to continue to follow you to watch for its release. Good luck to you.

[@esther.slocum]

Your illustrations are honestly moving, i love it

[@CeruleanCzarina]

This is spectacular and ambitious! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a watercolor painting at this scale and level of detail. I am so enthralled and your work is gorgeous. I look forward to following your journey and congratulations!

[@rebb9726]

This is simply stunning, congratulations, hope the best for you really, your style is such a breath of fresh air and I love it

[@alyssabracamonte8517]

I cannot wait to preorder the book! I’m also extremely inspired by you and going for it as well as making a TY chanel because its so beautiful to watch! YOU GO BABE!!!!

[@chantalleonhardt]

Thank you darling 💗💗

[@breannakuhn9336]

I love this! The idea everything truly inspiring.

[@Avimations-tl7om]

Wow it would be great to have a copy, best of luck on your journey ❤❤❤

[@buttercupsandlegobricks]

I have a children’s book inside of me too! You are giving me courage and showing me just what is possible. Thank you ❤

[@jannahyoung7526]

The art is phenomenal, cant wait to see the end result, will be buying your book, your such an inspiration!!!

[@gailcarey3597]

I’m a fan. I’m so charmed by what I see so far. Hearing your story makes me so much more excited for the launch of your book.

[@jaymoussamann]

This is really cool! So inspired by what you're doing, I just discovered you today and have subscribed!

[@tianawithaj]

love that you decided to go ahead to illustrate and write this book on your own despite the rejections, good luck! your watercolour work is amazing 🤩

[@chantalleonhardt]

Thank you so much Tiana ❤

[@tenhoursbetter]

The rendering of the little girl’s face is STUNNING. I am utterly blown away by the detail and meaning in each stroke. Well done!

[@BingeJam1111]

I love your patience and commitment. Good things take time❤

[@kathleen4811]

With dedication, passion and talent like yours it is sad that you cannot spend full time making the world more beautiful with your illustrations. They are so perfect and inspiring.

[@chantalleonhardt]

Awww thank you! Hopefully I’ll have the financial freedom once I publish this book next year, to create full time ❤

[@kellygeurden6151]

This is incredible, never have I ever commented on a video, NEVER! But needed to let you know how much I admire you!❤

[@chantalleonhardt]

Oh wow!! Thank you ❤❤

[@coffeewithmia7498]

Your colors and gradation are very beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

[@nataliesoutlet]

Proud of you!

[@Lazyeyedpup]

You go girl! I’m interested in your process because I really want to write and illustrate my own children’s book someday - it’s been a dream of mine for years! I believe in you! And even if you get set back on your year plan, I know you have this beautiful project in the bag!

[@FaithMichelleStudios]

Don’t rush yourself! I know you really want to finish and publish, but if you rush yourself you will be upset with yourself afterwards that you didn’t give every page all the love and attention it deserves. I know because that happened with me and a comic book series I was making for my class. I rushed making 4 volumes of comics fully lined and coloured in one month. I finished, but wasn’t fully proud of it.

[@nadjak3410]

What a beautiful piece of art! I wish you much success with your book

[@marybaksheeva2874]

It's cool, I am completely with you on the scale, on doing it the way you do - all by yourself , with the thousands of treasure-like details, thoroughly and exactly with watercolor... It is amazing and beautiful and you will pull through I am sure!!❤❤❤

[@AmeliaDayal]

Underrated. The amount of detail is amazing and the story line is awesome. I reallly wish you luck in getting published! ✨

[@IsabelleMoegelin]

Wow you are incredibly talented! Wishing you all the best on this journey 😍

[@jenniferdaney24]

Great ... love the inspiration ... beautiful artwork

[@lyra3517]

omg i absolutely adore your art style!!! it feels so whimsical and nostalgic and the colours are stunning and really takes me back to books i used to read as a kid. can't wait to follow you on this journey 💖

[@Mia.Aimworks]

What a video!!!! ❤❤❤❤ a dream of mine as well. V inspirational

[@pat4005]

I completely understand (as a great lover of detail myself), that you want to make sure the important detail that you love, will be seen in the printed book, but you also need to realize that the finished size of the book has to be taken into account. It is unnecessary to paint the original any larger than about 3x the size of the book's page. Please keep in mind, that any extra detail beyond what the printer can physically print at the finished page size for the book, will not be seen because the data will not be there after it is reduced in size. The initial photograph (or scan) would capture the detail, but it will be most likely be digital. The minimum resolution should be 300 dpi and, you will need to see it ideally, in CMYK format. And then color-corrected to get as close as possible to your original paintings, as well as possibly having to remove any watercolor paper texture that may show up (if you don't want it). Light or pale colors are harder to reproduce digitally and take more time to color correct. Also, any fine art prints that you make to sell, will probably be much smaller than the original size that you have chosen to paint at, and will suffer the same loss of detail to some extent. It may be a good idea to hire a person skilled in art book or children's book production in order to guide you through optimizing the design and layout of the book and the rest of the process, or at least for their expert advice and tips at strategic points in the process. Which could save you lots of time and trouble overall. ❤

[@chantalleonhardt]

Thank you so much!! I'll be photographing the pages professioanlly with a colour match. I've had a practice run and all the details show up beautiful digitally, I just need to find a printer that will do them justice. There are a few mind, although more expenisve, I think it will be worth it. Also page one 2.50 is when i talk about why I paint so large!

[@rileyjacobsen16]

Respect for the dedication to doing this in watercolor my girl

[@Randombuggy-q9x]

wow. THIS IS SOOOO INCREDIBLE. I came across your video on my recommended and I am so glad that I decided to click because this is so inspiring!! I know you will achieve all your goals that you have in mind, I can't wait to see the finished product!! This is such a unique and amazing project

[@Xxnyx07]

I love this so much! I’ve been working on a childrens book (also self illustrated in watercolour) and this really inspires me!! 🥹 your work is amazing

[@emanarose]

Thank you for sharing your process. You are such an amazing artist and a huge inspiration for me🤍

[@pinkangel2393]

Amazing work! And great project! I have a great feeling about it! Looking forward to following your journey ❤

[@chantalleonhardt]

Thank you so much 🙏☁️ new spread coming soon!

[@Thecolorofasummer]

Younare a champ for doing this. I tried doing story illustrations digitally, gave up haha, and it is so much work. i can't believe the time and concentration, doing it all by hand. I wish you alot of luck publishing it!

[@natlisan]

Beautiful work!!! As a fellow watercolourist I know how much time and effort goes into each piece!

[@_JoyceArt]

I once illustrated a cookbook of recipes from my mom, for my brother as a gift. It took well over a year and a half. And I worked on a muuuuch smaller scale. So to me end of next year seemed like a pretty accurate time frame.

[@AlexKleinichen]

You are so inspiring and I definitely going to get your book for my little niece. 💖💖💖 your art is just beautiful 💖

[@marieclaire13579]

Omg this is beautiful!! This is such a long-term hard work project and it is so impressive that you are putting so much into it. I can't wait to see the progress-- and even if it takes longer for you to put it out! If it keeps you doing it to slow down and give yourself a longer timeline I think that is worth it!

[@biancazeichnet]

Firstly Good Luch on your journey! As a watercolor illustrator myself, i did the same exact thing 2 years ago. After being unsuccesful sending out and showing off my portfolio, i took my book idea into my own hands. Now i will be publishing my second book in about 2 months. I also love to use the big format, but i do draw hidden objects books. I don`t know what they are called in english. Out of experience i can tell you, that setting a goal and showing off your work from beggining to start is a good idea. Also from experience i can tell you, that investing in high resolution scans from a printing company is an inestment you should consider. Especially for this big of a format. I've had the pleassure of finding a great company, that was not that expensive. Just ask locally or do your research. Having a plan for Marketing is a good piece off advice, cause that is what i was lacking. Still am. So you are doing the right thing and i LOVE this big format illustration. Just take your time, but set a date. And the most important think: i know it can be a rocky road with doughts and failure, but BELIEVE in what you do! Hype yourself up. This is an amazing journey not many illustrators embark on. Try to enjoy it and just learn from it. I am still running my little publishing company and i might do a thrid and fourth book. Just do what your heart tells you! All the best from Germany!! And of course: you are not alone in this!

[@autumnsingleton1668]

This is sooo awesome and I actually get to watch it unfold from the beginning!! Can’t wait to see your future progress!!

[@johannaferdinandfilms]

you are so talented ! I love this , you are amazing

[@mildridgeiii]

the second i have a proper income coming in im gonna sign up for your patreon because your work in incredible and your work ethic is inspiring!

[@soleil7259]

This reminds me of a german children book series called Lauras Stern ''Lauras Star''. This is so cute !! Well done, i hope you succeed !!

[@Lesedi_Gololo]

I love this, it’s so beautiful to see you pursue your dream. And the time and effort you put into it will pay off in due time, I just know it!!

[@KANEERA]

Yeah ! She is absolutely Great 🌸✌️

[@aquacommelina]

Beautiful!! You are doing a lovely job!! You are going to get much stronger as you go along, and faster. Blessings! Enjoy!

[@MagsArt]

How is it possible that such beautiful illustrations were rejected?? Keep going, your talent is too big not to share 😊👍

[@DeniseGrise]

Absolutely beautiful!!!!! I only whish !

[@thebluebee22]

Absolutely gorgeous, i love your art style 💕💕

[@pamelacain2541]

Beautiful painting, thank you . This is going to be a successful book.

[@pedroclaudio3401]

Very beautiful work Chantal, and what a project, it is amazing. You are so driven, your book is going to be awesome. You've set a goal, reachable with hard work, but please be kind with yourself if things take more time than expected. It is often the case, especially for a first project, and with high standards. You inspired me a lot in the process of opening my own workshop/gallery, with a part time job also. As you say in Australia, take it easy mate ;) Thank you. Pierre from France

[@chantalleonhardt]

Thank you so much Pierre! I’m so glad to inspire you so that motivate me so much to keep going 🫶⭐️ I think I’ve started enjoying the journey as much as the prospect of finalisation of the end product and that’s what matters!

[@wryter93]

Retired writer here. I've had 37 books published by 2 major publishers, and a 25 yr career so.. some inside advice. 1st, Children's books are actually the hardest genre to sell. You must have the age group target locked in before you start. (I-3, 3-5, 6-8 etc) Find a book on the shelves now that is similar. those are the houses and editors you submit first. (Same goes for any book) See The Writer's Market for names, addresses, requirements of each Publishing House. 2. Illustrations and manuscript by the same person is a big difference. If you do not have illustrations, the publisher will choose and you have little say in the matter. Submit manuscript and art as ONE manuscript. Be open to editorial changes, even art work changes. That's the price of writing. You have to know how to and be willing to, edit yourself. Another point in your cover letter is to add in references to what you have produced and sold of your other works. No work, just the links and refences. It's showing you have reliable professionalism. An agent will help open the door and get on the desk of the editor you want. To Editors, the agent means you passed the first gauntlet of publishing. You submit to the agent 1st, and if you have submitted to a House prior, you must tell the agent. Have TWO books, ready to go. I have never met an editor who wanted to buy the one-book only writer. They always want 2 books from a new author. The sales of those 2 will determine your 3rd book purchase and release. They need to know you can produce and do it on time. Accept that rejection and growing a thick skin is the hallmark of being a published writer. I once had 2 series proposals = 7 stories, rejected in one day. As a new writer, that would have ended me, But I'd had 18 books by then. So... I revised them and sold them bother to other publishers.

[@chantalleonhardt]

omg thank you so much for all the advice, very much appreciated!! I don't think it was clear in the beginning of the video but I didn't submit my story to any publishers (and I don't think I ever will) just my art portfolio as I looking for work as a illustrator but now I've found building social media portfolio brings in work the best!! I illustrated my first childrens book last year for an author and it was such a beautiful experience however I don't think I will publish my own book here traditionally, at least not in the first print runs or unless a a publisher offers a good enough deal. You probably know already on average a cb author/illustrators get 5-12% in royalties, as the publisher wants to maximise profit- that to me is absolutely crazy! I've already had a few publishers email me but I could not give away my hard work for that (and lose alot of control over my work as well)!! Building a community online and being self published sounds so much more attractive! Also working with a agent who can get my book into bookstores/platform and then they get royalties per book.

[@Amanita._.Verosa._.]

😑Having to have multiple projects like that sounds like the reason the market is flooded with cheap literature that all sounds the same and means little. No one is ever given the time to actually work on anything and develop something worthwhile. I am beginning to see why we'll probably never have another Tolkien and that's honestly very sad.

[@suzanneartist1026]

Stunning work!❤

[@ArtDreamPainting]

‏It was very amazing and interesting, thank you dear🥹🤍

[@yeseniatorres41]

Wishing you the best of luck on your endeavor 💗💗 nothing more admirable than artists who embark on journeys they know will be a challenge but choose to do so anyways! Beautiful artwork btw ✨🫶

[@chantalleonhardt]

Thank you so much for following along❤❤ I definitely may have underestimated how hard book illustrating children is but I know it’s going to be worth it!

[@lolly7149]

You are so talented!! Cannot wait for the book to be released, it’s going to be such a hit! 🤩

[@krazulo]

thanks to the algorhythm. I am going to buy this book! I am exited! Greetings from Berlin - Germany

[@MorgansCreativeLife]

You’re going to be so successful for putting your destiny in your own hands. You give me so much hope for my future and taking control of my future. Thank you so much and I wish you so much success and a whole series of children’s books ❤❤❤❤

[@chantalleonhardt]

Thank you so so much Morgan 🥺💗🙏 THIS motivates me so much to keep going! I hope you have an amazing 2024 xx

[@Derio]

I love when people speaking about problems when they have work space like this :) anyway your art is amazing, love it! 100% you are on good path with your own book!

[@chantalleonhardt]

Thank you! My one room “apartment” that I share with my boyfriend is half the size of my gallery, so you can definitely say I invest everything into my passion 😊

[@ayushi6633]

Omg you are so talented came across your channel just few minutes ago and lemme tell you i am instently subscribing!!!!

[@cruelladaville-sn9gx]

so inspiring!!

[@skatingcreative5999]

I understand wanting to paint this large for joy but make sure you test print at scale because a lot of the details you are painting are so fine they just won’t print effectively in a book size. And it might save you heart break or time. Also (as a book designer and illustrator) I highly recommend planning your type setting too and how your text and image play together. Hope you have fun on your journey and succeed in your goal.

[@east_coastt]

This is the most important advice

[@chantalleonhardt]

Thank you so much!! I’ve test photographed the spreads and showed up perfectly with all the details when printed professionally! I’m looking at few book printers to do it justice. I didn’t plan type on the first page and quickly realised I need to take account for it asap, so now I’ve planned all my pages with the sentences ✨🫶

[@PeanutJo]

Absolutely incredible illustration omg

[@thacavalcannte]

omg it's amazing!!!!!

[@florencecampbell774]

Awe that is beautiful,keep going.🌺🌺🥰

[@coachcarenfern]

I enjoyed this so much and thank you, I’ve written a children’s book (a series really) had it edited, but haven’t published it because I have to do. Y own illustrations, and I’m not an artist but something inside of me keeps telling me I can You have inspired me to try 💕

[@chantalleonhardt]

thank you 🙏 practice and never give up, if something inside tells you keep going xx

[@Iadoobmaih]

i fr want to be you when i grow up your art is so inspiring to me 🥹💖💖

[@fionaaa4112]

I keep a small collection of children's books because of how beautiful and detailed the illustrations can be! Good luck on your journey, i will be keeping an eye out for the release!! 💞

[@chantalleonhardt]

Thank you so much ❤❤

[@elisabethprice4697]

This page is gorgeous!

[@Alouna444]

Ouahou it is just amazing beautifull ,congratulation

[@tuiva6207]

It is Fine Art!

[@annemargaret24]

I will definitely buy!

[@inkanotes]

this is so inspiring in sharing just the journey i love this… excited to see where this goes ❤❤

[@Manara111111]

This looks amaaaaazing❤

[@Numa1125-k1i]

Watching your video completed my day 😊

[@MzBonafyde]

Imagine years later once your book has taken flight how much these OAK paintings will go for?! Collector pieces they are and at the very least an amazing curated gallery show! just phenomenal!.

[@chloe-7up]

wish you all the best for your journey!! this is amazing! :)

[@BettyKoehler-zg5sv]

Your artwork is gorgeous! I am a new subscriber, and will enjoy following you on your journey! Love from Pennsylvania, USA💕🌷🐻

[@chantalleonhardt]

@@BettyKoehler-zg5sv thank you so much for joining the journey 🥰💓🫶

[@zeezoobest]

Love your work keep it up😍

[@freshspiritworks4535]

So beautiful! Many blessings to you and patience - you will finish - don't give up. Linda H

[@chantalleonhardt]

As they always say “the time will pass anyway” thank you Linda 💗