Lady Good Nectar has the Bear Family over for Costume Tea Party

Oh Dear, I invited the bears over for Tea this afternoon.

When I opened the cottage door the poor dears ran away!

I thought I'd told them that it was a costume Tea and that

I would be dressed as a Mime. Mrs. Bear let me have it for

scaring poor baby bear to death. He doesn't take kindly to

clowns and Mine, but he sure ate his weight in tea and crumpets.

He he he!

Down The Rabbit Hole Again

Hello Family,

Oh well, It's that time again. I have to go under. Lots of work has come and I am grateful for each and every job as my wonderful and talented husband has been out of work for almost 6 years. It's a sign of the times. The tables have turned and now I am the bread winner for the family for a little while at least. Zoe is resting and we will not be sending her to school if she is not feeling better by tomorrow. That's the last thing any parent needs is another kid coming to school sick and spreading the joy! And all the parents said, "AMMMEEENNNN!" I will post on the weekends or when I finish a few things until then Yall behave yourself!! Have fun and laugh alot and be very, very creative!

Hugs and Plenty

Okay it's down

down

down

Zoe's First Day

Well, Yall... Zoe, my beautiful and talented almost nine year old will be starting third grade

on this Wednesday coming. Yesterday she woke up with a sore throat

and now she is coughing a little. She is now in my bed. It's 5:25 am

eastern time and I have a little itch in my throat too. I've been up since

3:25am this morning check and working on her.

This child cannot afford to miss the first day of school!!!!

Well just have to play it by ear. So, she ain't really feelin' school

right now. What is wee's gone do?????

HELPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!

Magnify

His wife was concerned about his health and quickly placed him on the latest diet plan.

The man wasn't even trying to hear anything about any new Magnify Diet!

This diet came complete with super magnifying glass, instructions and a card that said, "Good Luck Sucker!" I suppose you want to know what the instructions said???

Yup you guessed it!!! Hold the super magnifying glass up to your small portion breakfast,

lunch or dinner to, of course make it appear to be a larger portion, there by satisfying your

desire for a larger meal. He he he!

Have a good one folks

Duh,

Have you ever had one of those days as an illustrator or, one who creates, when you just can't seem to do anything right??? Maybe your wrote down the message wrong or you didn't get all that the client said before you hung up the phone? Oh well, anyway, I had the kind of day. I think my brain fell out of my head and somehow ended up on the bottom of my shoe. Okay, the client asked me to do character studies, but some how I totally missed what style they wanted it in. They wanted my tradition collage style seen here.

Anyway, now that we are all on the same piece of paper I can start doing what they have requested of me. Lesson learned: Get all the information you can before you start a job. Listen very intently and purposefully as well. Write every single thing down. Ask questions. If they have samples of your work as them to refer to the style the would like you have you do the work in. Of course their time is important, but so is YOURS. Get as much as you can so that you can follow through without problems. I have bared my soul today and I'm just going to laugh this one off. So don't laugh at me laugh with me. Oops hee he he hee!

Have a good one Yall

Let Freedom Sing On Just One More Book

Hey Family, I got this wonderful email from two creators of a wonderful

Podcast called, Just One More Book. They shared with me that they choose

my most recent book, "Let Freedom Sing" to be a part of their discussion

on todays show at 12:00pm. I am so honored and humbled by this. If you

get a moment or two would you please be my guest and tune in? Just click on the link here

share.php and it will take you to the site. Thanks so very much my friends. I so appreciate eac and everyone of you precious, precious souls. Sending very many hugs out to all today.

Keep your heads up and let your light shine

Drum City (sneak Peak)

Hey there Family,

Some of you know that I have been busy working on a couple of new projects.

One of which was a wonderful story called, "Drum City".

It is due to be released sometime this year before Christmas

through Tricycle Press. It's a fun book about a boy who is over

heard playing his little pots and pans in his backyard. Everyone

in the neighborhood becomes curious and wants to joins in. Both children and adults

find all kinds of objects to make a drums from and form a city wide band!

The whole city becomes one big drumming band.

I have to say I so enjoyed working on this project. I got stretched

in so many different ways he he he he!

I will tell you that this is not the business for thin skinned illustrators.

Just because you like your illustration doesn't mean everyone else

will and so you have to take the critics and comments on the chin, build up

a thick skin and of course, don't take it personal. Remember this is what you love to do!

I have learned so much through the process. I will forever be a student

because I love to learn. With each new project I learn something new.

Here are just two spreads that I would

like to share with you. I'll let you know when it goes on sale.

Enjoy!!

Caution

Tabitha told her father

not to add to much

yeast. " I know what I'm

doing honey." he replied.

She had cautioned him

many, many times before.

There is still remains from

his last meal on the ceiling.

hee he hee !

Have a wonderful weekend!

Meet Davelean

Hello There,

Meet Davelean. She is just one of the newest

characters that I have had the pleasure to

work on. I love developing character for

books. So, of course I want to know what

Yall think. She is about 6 ish or 7.

Have a good one!

THANKS CAREN!

I got one of the nicest surprises on last week from a wonderful friend
Caren kdottiedesigns.typepad.com. Caren has one of the most beautiful

Blogs around. It's like a going to high tea, A garden party, girls night outs,

and A fabulously delightful Shabby Chic shop all in one!!! It's a pleasure so please

when get a moment or two check it out. Caren has was she calls,

PINK SATURDAY AND A GIVEAWAY!

Welcome to PINK SATURDAY! Has another week gone by so quickly? So glad you stopped by to visit me today....it's another GIVEAWAY!

In honor of our new website (see previous post), we are giving away to one LUCKY winner, a FAIRY DOOR of your choice. We have plenty that are PINK but you don't have to choose a pink one! Please leave a comment and if you would like you can jump on over to our website -( just click that button over there on the right) and let me know in your comment which Fairy Door you prefer!

Well I won!!!! Yeah, they picked my name out of hat and I won! I'm so excited about my little fairly door.

here is a picture of what these awesome fairy door look like!

So cute!!!

They are the cutest item. A beautifully painted door with wonderful details. If you would like to see it close up take a peek at Kdottiedesigns.com.
Of course if you would like to purchase one you can purchase online as well.
Thanks again Caren. I will treasure my Fairy door and take a picture of it when it comes so
you can all see where I've placed it. Thanks again Caren you made my day!!!
Have a good one everyone!

Wrapped

Auntie Harriet had kept the poor thing hidden in the back of the closet
until just the right time. She had worn Trixie to her high school prom
and wanted Jillian to help keep the tradition going.
Poor Jillian she had always known that Auntie Harriet
wasn't "Wrapped" to tight. Trixie was still alive and kicking!!!
hee he hee!!!
Have a great weekend everyone!

I'm doing the Happy Dance over these Awards!

I have been blessed to know so many, many wonderful and talented people
out in what I like to call, "Blogland". Some of these beautiful souls are
fabulous people that I might not have ever gotten the chance to meet
at any other time in this life. I hold things thing as precious and priceless.
I view each of you as valuable and precious. We are like vapors. Here
one beautiful moment and gone the next. I have been given some very
sweet awards and I want to thank these fabulous people.
First a very talent woman and sisterfriend Michelle Henniger
for the "Superior Scibbler Bloggy Award. Thank you so much Michelle I will always cherish this fine award.
This next ward was given to me by Janine who is a fabulous
artist and illustrator be sure and check out her blog. Thank you so much for this wonderful and fun award I really appreciate your kindness.
The next award comes from talented friend, who made me drool all over my computer key this morning
with her latest post called, " Food Art".
I gained 50 pounds while looking at it and reading it! thank you
Miss D BTW this award was created by Diana!
Then there is Ms.Shirley
The Bella Sinclair award has come full circle and this is just fabulous!
I love you Bella Sinclair
Thank you so very much my friends. I am so blessed by all of your kindness!
Thank you all for sharing these award with me and I will pass them on later
on in September as I am in the middle of working on some projects.
Thanks again Lovely Ladies you ROCK!

Mermaids a Plenty

Lately, this is the only way I can get Zoe into the tube.
Hee hee hee!
Have a good one!

Impatience

Mr. Cobblepot grew more and more impatient with the thing that followed him.
His, "Impatient" character had always chased the ladies away. Girlfriend
was merely trying to give him a clue.
hee he hee he!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone.
V

About a month ago I got the most wonderful surprise from my very sweet Sisterfriend,
Ces This is a very special
blog award named after the a wonderfully, talented and hilarious children's book illustrator
and artist Bella Sinclair.

Both of these talented woman have been an inspiration in my life while at this blog.
I love them both for their unique styles and contagious humor.
They keep all of us in stitches out here in blog land. They are also very inspiring and encouraging as well.
It has been my awesome honored to receive such an award.
As many of you already know Bella and her children suffered a great lost
this year when her loving husband past suddenly.
It deeply touched all of our hearts. Bella is much like this beautiful
oak that Ces writes about. She is strong and sturdy and give much shade to all
that come near her. To Bella, know that you and the girls are in my heart and
prayers always and remember to laugh. Laughter maketh like a medicine and there is much healing in yours.
I waited purposely before posting this award because I really wanted to give it
to some very special Sister and brother friends in my life.
Those who have encouraged me when I really felt like giving up somedays.
Some of you will never ever know how powerful your comment are to me.
My heart just wells up with such gratefulness. The world is a better place
because of all of you. All of you beautiful souls who create works of wonder.
Thanks so much for sharing your talents with all of us.
And now I would like to present this awesome award to the following persons.

Mr. Eric Barclay
Mr. Peter Breese
Ms. Cheryl Pastor
Ms. Yoon See
Mrs. Roberta Barid
Ms. Tessa
Ms. Indigene
Ms. Amy Cartwright
Ms. Kathy Hare
Ms. Froggie
Mr. Tomas

You wonderful souls are such an inspiration to me. Thank you for being a friend.
I will be giving this award out again in about week so look out!
Have a great day.
Now pass it on!!!

Happy Anniversary Raymond

This is one of the scenes from a commissioned picture book that was
requested by Scholastic employees for their boss's retirement.
They told me that He an his wife of many years, love to travel.
On August 4th My best friend, lover, husband, and yes baby daddy
will be celebrating 14 years of marriage. Ray says that it's 14
years I say it's more hee hee hee! Ray, You are truly one of the
best choices I've ever made in life. We have been through so much
together and yet here we are. Still standing. Grow old along with me
the best is yet to be! Though tomorrow is not promised to us,
I just want to let you know today, I LOVE YOU BABY hee he hee!

Natalie's Monster Tails

When Natalie returned from her long summer vacation she'd
brought home more than Grandpa had bargained for.
Natalie explained that she had purchased the poor creatures
from a strange bubble gum machine in Lake Wood, NJ.
She told Grandpa that he needed to add on 3 more
rooms for the little darlings. hee he hee hee!
I'm going back to South Carolina to visit my peeps.
Just wanted to make you smile before I head on out!
Have a wonderful week everyone.
Fish and grits Yaw!!!!

Lady Good Nectar at the Circus

This is my entry for WibblyWobblyWoods.blogspot.om

Idle

Keshia, was funny, sweet and very beautiful. She and Tim enjoyed their
Saturday afternoons in the East Village visiting their favorite stores and cafes .
Tim would not be,"Idle"about his feeling for her any longer.
He liked it so much that he thought he'd better put a ring on it!!!! hee he hee hee!
For my niece Neille bug and her new Husband
Steve. I love you both so much!
Yaw have a wonderful weekend K!
V

Family Reunion

Ray knew that his very americanized children would again try
to stir up trouble at the annual Hung family reunion. Even though
they said nothing, he could see and hear them plotting devilment
in their little heads. This time Aunt May and cousin Charlie
would truly get it in the end. hee hee hee!
Happy Wednesday everyone.

What's On My Desk or What are you Drumming Up???

Hello Everyone,
I just wanted to give you all a peek of what's on my desk right now.
I've been working on a second book that I've had the pleasure of
illustrating called "Drum City". I wasn't able to show, just yet, the
finish pieces. This was the first cover that I worked up. It has been
redone a few times now. He he he hee hee! I don't always get it
dead on. Sometimes it take 50/and 11 tries to get it right!
I will keep you all posted and show what I can when I can.
All in all, I'm enjoying the whole process. Even when I get
a little frustrated and stressed I get the joy of doing what I love.
Have a great week my friends.
Oh and please, please, please don't get offended if I don't
response to your comments right away. I'm going back under
my rock to finish up some more wonderful stuff. Mama says,
I can't come out to play till my desk is clean, but every once
in a while I'll come to the window and you throw your pebbles
it's our little secret yall! hee he hee hee

Bonjour Monsieur Kiwi

My wonderful friend Yoon See sent me a cute little challenge about
a week or two ago and I just got a chance to do it. She sent me a picture of a kiwi that she was having
for breakfast and wanted to see what I might do with it. She sent a Kiwi to a couple of us
and this is what I did with mine. Meet Monsieur Kiwi! hee hee hee! It's funny because
I don't eat Kiwi, but I would take this one home hee he hee! thanks so much Yoon
for challenging me to stretch my imagination. It was fun! Have a good week
everyone!

Hollow

Wofie always had that "Hollow" feeling deep inside. That was until Red came over
with a treat just for him and him alone! Red felt that even Wofie boy deserved
to be celebrated. Maybe this would even put him on a new road to doing
good! hee hee hee!
Just stuck my head in to say hello and to thank YOU BEAUTIFUL SOULS
for all your encouraging words. I'm still working and will be back soon
with more wonderful stuff to show and share. YOU FOLKS ROCK!!!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Grits and shrimp Yall!

The Bella Sinclair Award from Ces

Hello Family,
I've been meaning to post the wonderful awards that some of my Sister friends have given me. It's been so very
busy around here for me and I really haven't had the chance to post them like I wanted to, but I got this
message from Ces and honestly it stopped me in my tracks.
You ladies are to kind, so to my Sister friends, Tessa
and Art Fan Ako and Sabbio Thank you beautiful ladies for your kindness shown towards me. I send you each much happiness, hugs and kisses from the bottom of my heart thanks again and again.
I got the most wonderful and moving comment from my Sister Friend Ces
asking me to accept this very special and wonderful award. I am always, always honored when anyone of you
give me an award. I am grateful to have such wonderful and beautiful souls in the blog world who care so much
to even pick me. I don't always get to post them right away because of work, but please, please, know that
each one touches my heart and I appreciate each one and hold them all in the highest esteem. Many of you
know about the tragic and untimely death of one of our dearest blogger friend's husband,"Bella Sinclair Bella and her family were in the process
of moving back to the states from Japan when her husband suddenly passed away. This came as such a shock
to all of us! If any of you know Bella Sinclair
she is one of the nicest, hilariously funny and super talented woman out here today. She is amazing!
I miss her deeply and I know that many of you miss her as well. Life is so fragile. One moment we are laughing
and creating and in the next we are dealing with the most painful situations that cause us to scream out
in deep sadness and heavy sobbing. We know that Bella will be back and we will be here to receive her with
open and loving arms. Not to preach at you or anything of the sort, but I would encourage us all to hold the ones
we love so dearly closer today. To turn around and get the last bump of the fist or that hug or kiss and say, " I love you."
Thank you Ces for this beautiful award.
Have a wonderful 4th of July Everyone!

Got to Get Gone for a Minute

Hello Fellow Bloggers,
Well it's time to go and and make a little change (as in cheedar, green backs money, hee hee hee!
In other words, I'm going under. Got a few things cooking
and must be taken care of. I'm working on two books
and few other things. Can't come outside and play right now
but I will be back soon. Of course you know I will sneak
out every now and again hee hee hee!
Stay cool and stay creative .Take care and
have wonderful 4th.

Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes

Hey Folks,
I love Roald Dahl's "Revolting Rhymes"
It's the best!!! One of my favorite illustrators Quentin Blake
Illustrated it. It's fabulous. I love the looseness in his
wonderful illustrations. When I grow up I want to be like
him (sigh.) Anyway, my very dear Sisterfriend Loredan
Avery at Wibbly Wobbly Woods and myself posted a prompt
for our Wibblins to try and illustrated one of the poem and
either do a spread or a cover for a book. We are looking to stretch
the imagination. I can't wait to see what the others will come
up with. It's exciting!!! Here is a cover and the verse that I chose to illustrate.
Hope you like it!
Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes
He wrote to every magazine
And said, 'I'm looking for a Queen.'
at least then thousand girls replied
And begged to be the royal bride.
The kind said with a shifty smile,
'I'd like to give each one a trial.'
However, in the end he chose
A lady called Miss Maclahose,
Who brought along a curious toy
That seemed to give her endless joy-
This was a mirror framed in brass,
MAGIC TALKING LOOKING-GLASS.

Drifting

Tara just couldn't resist the gassy baked bean served at lunch.
Being so full of gas she was often found "Drifting" by her dog.
Marshall always wanted a human balloon.
hee hee hee!
Happy Friday Yall.

Neo Soul Nursery Rhymes

Hello Everyone,
I would like to share some wonderful news with you all. My baby Sister
Coy Curry of 2geecheegirls.blogspot.com
along with our sistergirl Wendy Jean of Redhipppbox.com
are about to release a brand new fabulous
CD of children's music called Neo Soul Nursery Rhymes Vol. 1.
I am so excited for them! They have really worked so very hard
on this awesome project. This is something fresh and new I promise.
Have you ever been stuck in the car with your child or children and asked
to play the same songs over and over again??? You know, those songs
that make you want to.... oh well.... umm... pull your hair out and
scream to the top of your lungs??? Okay this is the remedy for that.
Neo Soul Nursery Rhymes has something for everyone. It's old
school rhymes set to a neo soul sound. If you like Jill Scott, Nora Jones,
OutKast, or Common then you are going to enjoy this little slice of
heaven. I kid you not, you will find yourself singing the tunes along
with the kids. I had the joy and honor of doing the CD art as well as
writing some of the songs and yes singing. Some of you know that
I am a musician and singer as well. You will get to hear
my big mouth on most of the songs like "The Wheels on the Bus
and Hey Diddle, Diddle. You can check out what it sound like at their website
Neosoulrhymes.com
You can also purchase it there as well. It will be released at the end of
the month, but you are welcome to pre-order if you would like.
To Coy and Wendy, thanks so much for letting me share in your
joy! You make me so very proud! You ladies, of course,
ROCK!!!!!!!
I want to Thank all of you for your support in advance. It means so
much! Thanks again.
P.S. just click on the link on the side bar to the right.

Unfold

Who knows what will ,"Unfold" when we dare to dream.
Have a wonderful weekend.

Watercolor Wednesday's Post

I did this for Watercolor Wednesday's "A day at the Beach"
Girly's going to have a whale of a time trying to clean
this guys teeth. hee hee hee!
Have a good rest of the week everyone!

Ole to Bread

He wakes up way before the rest of world to bring his delicious delights
to customers near and far.
His warm crusty breads and cakes fill the air with their sweet scent.
Causing big girls like me to break
down doors and drop kick open refrigerators and bread binds, open like
some crazed bank robber! There I sit crusted face and crumbed growned.
Butter on my face and hands. On my walls and table. Busted, disgusted, can't be trusted.
So now here I sit with 10 other addicted Foodies confusing my sins,
of honey wheat, potato and 7 oats, of sour dough and rye, trying to tame the
hunger within. Hello my name is Vanessa and I'm addicted to bread.
Hee, hee, hee!
Have a tasty week everyone!

Craving

Stanley's pet octopus had a real thing for fashion.
Stanley gently sat her down one day to tell her
that she would have to control her horrible
"Cravings" for socks and stockings. He explained
that he simply could not borrow against his
allowance any more. He was already 3 weeks
in the hole because of her cravings.
hee hee hee!
Happy weekend everyone!

Tomas Is Geechee!

Hello There,
A couple of months ago I posted some low country recipes that I often cook
around my home. Red Rice and Pineapple Upside down cake Low country style.
My very talented and very funny friend Tomas of Waldowalkiria.blogspot.com
did something so darn awesome that I just had to show yall!!!!
OMG!!! Look at what he did. TOMAS!!! YOU ROCK MAN!!! How awesome is
this???? he even added his own touch with a slammin' pineapple design.
I was so thrilled and honored. Many of you know about Tomas awesome
and hilarious illustrations! He is super duper talented and very kind.
The only downside to this post is that I could get a piece of it!!!
I'm drooling all over my key broad. Excuse me. I'm so very proud of him.
Tomas you're the best!!!

Adapt

Okay, first the nasty alien that answered the front door,
then Auntie Faye's three headed boy friend from Staten Island,
blue milk at dinner and now this little green boy inside
the vase. Tammy was beginning to rethink her decision to spend
the summer at Blooak Side Manor. It would be hard for her
to "Adapt".
He hee he!

Bunny Fields

Bernie often lost his bunnies during his magic shows.
He would simply make them dissappear. The problem was getting the
little stinkers to come back. Needless to say Bernie lost a few.
With the economy being what it is right now, he figured he'd
start growing his own his in backyard. You can come by
and get your freshly picked bunnies from 5 till 6 pm.
Just look for trail of magical rabbit piddles. hee hee hee!
Have a piddle free day!

Cracked

Soup Spoon could no longer contain his true feelings about Forktina.
He decided that they would tell Dish all about their torrid affair after dinner.
Of course Dish cracked at the news. They explained that they
were better suited for each others. What the couple didn't know was that
Dish wanted out of the relationship anyway. She had a handsome
Platter waiting on the side. Tuned in next week when Soup finds out
that Forktina is having a baby for Dr. Spork.
Hee hee hee!
Have a cracked weekend everyone!

It's a Wonderland Kinda Day

I love Alice in Wonderland! I love everything about it!!!
The story, characters and all. There are so many artist
who have illustrated these beautiful characters. I would love to
illustrate," Through the Looking Glass" one day. What story would
you like to illustrate??? Is it " Red Riding Hood", or maybe
"The Boy Who Cried Wolf"??? Whatever the story, be it your own
or one of the classsics! Give it a try and give yourself permission to
explore. You never know what you might come up with.
Have a Wonderland Kinda day!!!

Contagious

Natalie's sense color and fashion was very contagious.
Right down to the little red hat she wore.
Remember when it was okay to dress like your friends.
Then one day we grew up and suddenly having the same
outfit isn't cute anymore hee hee hee!
I'm still trying to figure that one out! hee hee hee!
Have a wonderful week!

Sweets for the Sweet

I just had to tell all of you bloggers and visitors of Oohlaladesignstudios, how much
I really appreciate all of your kind words and visits to my blog. It's a real
spirit booster! Thanks for making me laugh so hard that sometimes I snort
hee, hee, hee! Thanks for all the beautiful awards and taking time
out of your very busy lives to visit me. YOU PEOPLE ROCK!!!
Thanks for inspiring me with your delicious and tasty blogs that
I get to visit. It's so nice to be counted with such crazy creative
and talented people like you!
Have a wonderful day on me!

It's On Now!

Aw shoot it's on now! All heck just broke loose!!!! I would just love to hear what YOU all
have to say about this one! Hee, hee, hee!
Have a great week.

Happy Mother's Day Everyone

Happy Mother's day to everyone and I do mean everyone. Whether you are a mother,
sister, niece, grandma, step mom, single or married. Maybe you are the guy who's raising
you children's all by yourself. I just wanted to tell you that YOU FOLKS ARE AMAZING!!!
To everyone who visit this blog I wish you all a Very Happy Mother's Day!!!

If's Hierarchy

The marionettes now rested and in control of the situation would show
girly who was really in charge of the show!!! Once the hierarchy was in
place, the three got along nicely. You can catch their bit in Dee's bedroom
where she serves them ice cold lemon aid and oils their joints regularly.
No children were hurt while doing this illustration hee hee hee!!!