New Book

New Book
Grandma's Purse

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year to YOU!


To Every single blogger friend new and old, Happy New Year
to YOU ALL!
Thank you so much for every wonderful visit and comment.
Your visits and comments mean so very much to me and
I am humbled that you would even bother to take time out
of you busy worlds and even drop by. I wish each of you much
joy , laughter, grace, prosperity, happiness and creative flow.
I hope that this year will blow last year completely out of
the box! Keep your head up and dream big! Anything can
happen! Anything at all. Sending you all the biggest hug
I can muster!
Best and Shalom

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Happy Holiday's Friends



I know that I have been missing around blogland.
So sorry about that. It's been a super busy year and that's a
good thing honestly. I just wanted to say to all my blogger
buddies, "THANK YOU GUYS!" You have made this year such
a joy and pleasure. Sending each and everyone of you best
wishes and prayers for a creative holiday season
and New Year! Keep making it do what it do!
Best to all.
Shalom

Monday, December 5, 2011

Drum Roll Please.......





Morning Wonderful People!
Well today is the day I make my announcement of the winner
of Oohlaladesignstudio's first ever contest! So sorry everyone
couldn't win, but thanks to each and everyone of you who came
by to share your favorite comfort foods. I have gained 100 pounds
just reading each and every one of 'em! Okay drum roll please.......
the winner of a TDAC Cook Book and Chef print is.....
ROBERTA BAIRD!!!!! "Tell her what she's won Bob"
CONGRATULATION Roberta, You have won a beautifully illustrated cookbook,
provided by the folks over at They Draw and Cook! Salli and Nate!
There are also five additional winners who will receive a print of
the Little Chef Girl.
Congrats to
Ben Clanton
Trauma Newell
Christy
Gwendoulash
Nita Jo
Thanks to ALL of you for your comments and
visits. I so appreciate each and everyone of you.
Stay tune there will be one more contest coming up
before the year is out so keep your eyes peeled.
Best to you all of you for a wonderful holiday season.
Shalom

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Happy Born Day Eli Allan Newton


We have a new addition to our already huge family.
Eli Allan Newton. We are super happy that Eli is here
safe and sound with us. Congratulations Al and Rene!
This is a little illustration I did for Eli's room.
Best to you all of you.
Shalom

Saturday, November 26, 2011


Wishing all of us Seasons Greetings.
Thanks for entering the contest and
remember I will be announcing the
winner on Dec 5th 2011. Hope you win!
Have a great week everyone!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Ooh La La Design Studio's First Ever Contest With, TDAC



Hey Beautiful People!
Are you hungry?? Well then you've stopped at
the right blog. Welcome to Ooh La La Design Studio's
first EVER, contest! It's painfully simply folks. I would
really love to know what are your favorite comfort foods?
Is it chicken pot pie, or mac and cheese? Maybe beef
stew or quiche? How about Shrimp and grits?
Or maybe Ho Ho's or a Funny Bone?
Whatever it is just share it in a comment left here.
You have the chance to win a lovely cook book from,
"They Draw and Cook" which I am featured in, as well
as a limited addition print of The Little Chef Girl".
I love "They Draw and Cook" it's a fabulous website that
has helped me embrace the foodie inside me. Over 100
illustrators share their love of art and food in this wonderful
book. So please join me and I will randomly select the
winner from a bowl and post it on Dec 5th,2011.
"They Draw and Cook" is also available at Amazon.com
Wishing you all cheesy goodness all month
long.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Happy Birthday Zoe


Hey there Zoe,
Happy Birthday my baby girl!
Today you are 11 years old and I still can't believe it.
I wanted to let you know how special and beautiful
you. You are my Sunshine and joy. I am so to be your
Mommy. YOU my girl are the bestest part of life.
There is greatness in you so run to your destiny!
Love,
Mommy

Monday, October 24, 2011


Remember when going to the toy store was fun?
I loved going to the toy with my parents. We'd
start going right about this time of year so they could
get some since of what my sister and I wanted for
Christmas. There is something so charming about the
mom and pop toy stores back in the day
that you don't find with the big chain stores.
I often find the toys that I played with as a child and
the most beautiful pictures books in places like these.
When I grow up I am going to have a huge toy store
for grown folks who still like to play Battleship, Operation,
Trouble, Jacks and Paddle ball. Big babies who still
love Radio flyers, Dawn dolls, Flatsies,and model airplanes.
And less we forget the eye damaging Klick Klacks!
No bells and whistles or electronics just your fabulous imagination
to make it all work he he he he! Have a wonderful week everyone!

Monday, October 17, 2011

Be Kind To Someone Week


Hey there,
It's Be Kind to Someone Week.
Yes indeed it is. Oh, so you haven't heard
about it?? Well that would be because I just
made it up. So lets be kind! Yeah... go ahead
and speak to that nasty little old lady who
tells you" Hey get off my grass?" Be kind to
the postman by keeping your dog away from
him. Find another way to get your laughs. And
for Pete's sake keep your comments about
Aunt Ada's wig to yourself. Find something
nice to say about it. Man up people and be
kind to someone. Anyone! LOL!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Saturday Morning Doodles


Doodles in my head now on paper.
Hope that you're having a wonderifical weekend!
Shalom

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Berthas, Bettys and Belluahs


Hello Friends,
I know it's been a long time. Between falling down,
working, death, and life, it's been really busy.
I live for my weekends and this is what I did
on Sunday morning. As many of you already know,
I am a Geechee Girl or Gullah Geechee.
I come from a long line of strong men and woman who
all could either cook, sing, dance, preach, or tell
a tale. In honor of my Great Grammy , Grammy and mom
I did this collage called Berthas, Bettys and Bellauhs named
after some of the woman in my family.
I adore the Russian nesting dolls, but I have never seen
any African american ones, SO, I made my own, but started
it out as this collage piece.
Can't wait to show you the nesting dolls. It's a weekend project
so it won't be for a while. Hope that all of you are
doing well and being creative. Sending you all
the positive energy I can muster up.
Have a great week!
Shalom

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Filler Up Please


If we fill them up now with love, knowledge, self esteem, manners ,
creativity and imagination then the world can't drain
the life out of them.
It's time for self care. When we are filled to overflow,
then we will have enough to share with others.
We can't keep giving out of our empty places.
I hope that you show yourself some love and care on
today. Take some much needed time for yourself.
I'm just saying......
Shalom

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Stuff Laying Around


Back to Fashion and design.

These chicks are on the hunt for kill and a steal.

A character study "The Girl Who Heard Color"

Hey Friends,
There is so much that has been going.
Weddings and funerals and then I fell down
and really got all banged up! I am all bandaged up
at this point and getting some rest.
Thanks so much for coming by and leaving
such kind comments and messages. Please know
that I appreciate you for doing so. Take care of
yourself and I promise I will return to visit each
and every single one of you beautiful souls.
Be blessed be creative.
Shalom

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

At My Desk


Hello Blogger Friends and Family.
It's been a while I know. Please forgive
me for not responding to all of your comments.
I lost my Grammy and I have been working
on projects. It's been super busy, but I wanted
you all to know that I am thinking of you all
and I will be back to play as soon as I finish all
my homework and life chores. Sending you
much creative energy and positive thoughts.
Shalom

Monday, August 29, 2011

Ruby's New Home The Dungy's


Coach Tony Dungy and his beautiful wife Lauren
have written this Ready to Read book called
"Ruby's New Home" What happens when Mom
and Dad bring home a brand new puppy? All
the children's want to help and take care
of Ruby. Tony and Lauren do a wonderful
job sharing this story and I got the chance to
do the illustrations. Check it out. Hope that everyone is
safe and dry wherever you are. Have a great week.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Fall Cometh


Getting our kids out into creation and away from the
T.V., Wii and Xboxes is so important. My little one can be
on that Xbox for hours if I let her. Now that we are living
in a new state, I want to get her into a new state of mind
and that is being out in creation. I love the fall. It's the best
time of the year to me. I am looking forward to the Autumn
crisp air and the changing of leaves. Heck, I'm looking forward
to weaving a few scarves that I've knitted over the summer and
showing them off he he he he! Well time to go and batten down
the hatches for the storm cometh! Earthquakes, record heat,
Hurricanes... are we having fun yet people??
Have a great, but safe weekend everyone!

Monday, August 15, 2011

Remembering the Help


Have you seen The Help yet??
Oh my goodness it's wonderful! I laughed
and I cried and left the theater lifted. I thought
of my mom who was a midwife at the age of 16
and became a certified baby nurse and phlebotomist.
She and my dad where very young and coming from
the south they had to find work and quick. My mom
got hired by a very wealthy family in Upstate New York.
She was the help for their family. Her main job was
to care for a little boy named Danny. I still have the
picture of my mom holding Danny. Faded now, they had a sweet
relationship she said. She was a live in nurse and stayed with
Danny during the week and went home to be with my Dad on
weekends. Danny got so attached that sometimes she
brought him home over the weekend when his parents
were traveling. She had a great relationship with Danny's folks
as well. My mom became pregnant with me and as her
belly got bigger it got harder to carry little Danny.
Sometimes Danny would forget and call my mom, Mommy.
This of course didn't set well with Danny's parents.
Soon it really became a problem and there was a really
nasty argument and finally my mom was fired. It was one
of the hardest things she said she ever had to do. Walking away
from Danny broke her heart. A couple of weeks went by
and Danny's parents starting calling. They called everyday
for almost 2 weeks or more. My mom was to hurt to
even answer the phone. One day my mom hears the
doorbell, struggling with big belly, waddles to the door
to find the Ice man standing there with a note in one hand
and a box in the other. I believe it was the Armel Ice Company
that came. The note read, " Shirley, it has not been the same
since we let you go. Danny cried for days and days afterwards.
We are so very sorry. Would you please consider coming
back? We need you. Please expect these gifts." Danny's
parents paid for two years of diaper service and also sent
the most beautiful plaid blue baby carriage ever! My mom
finally spoke to Danny's parents and while all was put right,
she said she just couldn't go back. She told me that she
loved Danny to much and he loved her. Said she
couldn't stand for his heart or hers to be broken again.
My mom shared her stories
about Danny and other children that she helped to care for.
I often wonder where these children are now? Are they doctors,
teachers, Lawyers? Did they get married and have children of
their own? Do they ever think of Miss Shirley? Before their
was a book called , The Help, there was my mom, Miss Shirley.
I miss you mommy and I'm sure there are a bunch of other
babies that miss you too.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

From Funny Face


Sometimes I just have to go back to my fashion roots.
Here is an illustration of the black dress worn by
Ms. Audrey Hepburn in "Funny Face" one of my favorite
movies. Have a wonderful week.

Friday, August 5, 2011




I married my best friend Ray 17 years ago today.
This is for my bestest friend in the world.
Happy Anniversary Ray.
Have a great weekend everyone.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Sister Abby Girls


It was said that Sister Abby could teach a bird to sing,
but teaching McKinsey Laporte would be the real
challenge. That poor child couldn't hold a note if
you tied it to her.
Have a great week folks.
Shalom

Saturday, July 23, 2011

RIP Amy


My heart is aching a bit today.
I just heard about the death of Amy Winehouse.
As talented as she was, talent just wasn't enough.
I hate to see potential die. I had always hoped that we
would one day see her sober, drug free and happy.
While I didn't always like the lyrics to her songs, because they
where so sad and often depressing,
I sure did love the way she sang!! She was an amazing
singer. I loved that ratty hairdo of hers and that over
the top eyeliner. She was different and I liked that about
her. I will never forget that awesome gap between her teeth.
27 was way to young to go. I feel for her parents. No
parent should ever have to bury a child. It seems so
out of order.
RIP Amy.
Shalom

Thursday, July 21, 2011

The One Love Trailer


Hey Friends, my Momma always told me to share with my friend so
here you go!! Hope it warms your heart and makes you smile!
Have a great rest of the week!

Monday, July 18, 2011

What I Wore Today


I came across this wonderful website by Gemma Correll.
She is a brilliant and very funny illustrator. I adore her work.
She has created this wonderful blog called, " What I wore Today".
All you have to do is illustrate what you wore today and post it to the flickr account.
All this can be found on her website.
There are only a few more days to post so hurry up and get drawing folks.
Best to all of you. I would love to see what you wore today!!

Monday, July 11, 2011

Empty Head for Rent


Bubba and the Spider trio cut a sweet little deal.
They get to live in his head and he gets to have
company. It was a win win for everybody!
Have a wonderful week everyone!

Monday, July 4, 2011

American Girl Summer Shorts





Hello Family and Friends,
Hope that you all are enjoying all this hot, hot weather.
Back in Feb of this year I was asked to illustrate a puzzle
for American Girl Magazine
and I have to tell you that I LOVED EVERY SINGLE MINUTE OF IT!!!
I just love being a girl and illustrating for girls. Not that I don't enjoy
illustrating things for boys, but I just get to work with hair and clothes
and all! Run out and get yourself a copy. Happy 4th of July everyone!
Be safe!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

More from the Sketch Book


Cordell Monkhouse has escaped from my
sketch book. Said he'd had it with the smell
of moth balls and Buttered Rum Life savers candy stuck to
the bottom of my purse. He going to be a print soon.
I'll let you know when. Have a good one everyone!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

From My Sketch Pad


Hey Family,
Thanks so much for all your comments and visits.
They mean so much to me. Just wanted to share
a little something from my sketch pad.
I'm playing around with Halloween ideas.
Yeah, I know, but it's just around the corner he he he!
Have a wonderful week.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Sneak Preview of "One Love"



Hello Family,
I finally got a chance to catch my breathe for a second,
to come around and visit, but to also share a little bit
of what I've been up too. I recently had the chance to
work on a wonderful children's book that will be out soon
called,"One Love" by Cedella Marley. I am so excited about
this book! Cedella has so wonderfully adapted the words
of Bob Marley's (her Daddy) song and created this touching
story. You will want to read it again and again. The book is
going to be in stores on or about Oct 5th and I wanted to
share just a few scenes to wet your taste buds. I had fun
doing the illustrations and playing the song,"One Love"
while working on it he he he he! More to come my friends.
One Love Y'all!
Shalom
Happy Father's Day to all of you wonderful fathers!
Who's knows, may your daughter or son will take one
of your songs and turn it into a great book he he he!

Saturday, June 11, 2011

The Happy Dance From My Chair


Hello Friends!
Oh my goodness it's been a long time since I had
the chance to blog, but I wanted to tell each of you
how much appreciate your visits and comments.
They have been such an encouragement to me while
relocating. I will slowly get back into blogging and coming
around to leave each of you a message. I am so happy
that I had today to do some blogging and see what YOU
talented folk have been up too. I'm so excited I'm doing
the happy dance my chair he he he he!
Have a wonderful weekend and
week everyone!
YOU GUYS ARE THE BESTEST IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD!

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Where You At????


Hey Gang,
Under a freakin' rock!! AGHHHHHHHHH!
I know I've been missing in action, but I have been
getting your messages and comments in between
breathing, working and unpacking. It's been a crazy busy
relocation to Charlotte. DRAMA! I miss each of you. I really do.
Thanks so much for you comments and while I am not
able to response right now to them, I so appreciate you
stopping by to leave a word or two. I owe
all of you fabulous people BIG TIME!!!! I am almost
done with a big job and I will be back soon to play.
Right now I have to find out where stuff is you know??
he he he he he!! My very best to ALL of you.
Shalom

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Work it Lady Ming Ting


Lady Ming Ting is such a copy cat!
Her Toilet Bowl hat doubles as a litter pan
when she has to make piddles.
I miss y'all so much!!! Will be back soon.
Charlotte here I come!
Shalom y'all

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Waiting For Uncle Al


Hello Family,
I wanted to share with you two very special people close
to my heart. My daughter Zoe and my dear Brother-In-Law
Alan Newton. Their story. Alan was wrongly convicted and
served 22 years in prison for a crime that he didn't commit.
It tore our family apart and caused us great pain. Zoe grew
up knowing about her Uncle Al. We spoke to Al over the phone
and wrote letters and sent cards. One day in 2006 we got
the most wonderful news and phone call. Alan was coming home!
DNA evidence tested by the Innocence Project freed my Brother-
In-Law and he is doing excellently today. Zoe and Alan have their
own special relationship. She is so proud of him and you can see
it all over her face when she sees him. Alan has been on CNN
and Fox News talking about his case and sharing his story with others.
The blessing is that he is NOT BITTER. Though wrongly accused and
imprisoned, you will often hear him say, " I did the time, but the time
didn't do me. I still feel sorry for the victim because the person that
has done this wrong is still out there." Alan speaks to young people
about the choices that they make. He speaks to my Zoe about who she is
and what she wants to be. He encourages her to work hard and
reach goals. I decided to write a book about Alan and Zoe's story.
About how they waited for each others and what it was
like meeting Uncle Al face to face finally.
It was a very special moment that my husband and I
will always remember. Al coming home was the best present
ever. There is still a long fight ahead of us and I still believe,
"What doesn't kill us, fattens us for the rest of the journey"
We still have a long way to go ,but at least we get to do it
together.
Shalom to All

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

One Love By Cedella Marley


Hey Family,
I just stopped by to show you a new book that I had the
awesome honor of illustrating called "One Love".
Written and adapted by Bob Marley's own beautiful daughter,
Cedella Marley! Cedella is a mom and designer of her own
fashion line as well as an author of children's books. Oh
and the girl can sing too! The chip don't fall to far from the
tree he he he he! When the book comes out later this summer
I will share with you some of the artwork. Hope that you all
are doing well and getting ready for the summer. I'm still packing
y'all. Sending massive hugs and best wishes to all of you.
Later guys.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Cowboys and Princesses


Missing each and everyone of you so VERY much.
Have great week all you Cowboys and Princesses.
Best to you all.
V

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Happy Mother's Day


To all the wonderful and beautiful women who visit my blog
and leave such hilarious and awesome comments,
wishing you the very best and sweetest Mother's Day ever.
Even if you are not a mom, maybe a sister, aunt,
girlfriend, or caretaker, this Mother's Day wish is for you.
So lock the children outside and tell that man to make
a run to the Cheesecake Factory and get you some good
eats and of course watch all the chick flicks you want!
Oh... thats...um what I plan.. to..do.. yeah.
Happy Mothers's Day

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Riley's World 2011

A print for babies room coming soon 2011

Moving, working, packing!
More change of scenery.
Hope that you all are doing well
and staying creative! I miss Y'all.
Hope to be back blogging soon.
You guys don't have to leave a comment,
but I'm sure glad that you visit and you do.
I so appreciate every comment and every single
visit. Best to you all.
Hugs
V

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Working While Moving

For National Geographic children's work book 2009
Personal Project, " Gloria and Cous Cous the Cat"
2010 copyright

Just came by to change the scenery around here.
Hope that you all are doing well. I will holler back
a little later on. Be well and much
Shalom in your homes Y'all.
Blessed Passover and Easter
Peace Out

Monday, April 4, 2011

I Know Ya Got Soul


Just came by to change the view.
It is April after all. I won't be able
to respond to comments cause I've been
abducted by life!! Remain creative and happy.
Peace Out.