I have learned that the only person who is responsible for your happiness and joy is YOU. Find your fun spot and enjoy! Have a great day.

Awesome Sauce kind of day. Hope you are having one. HUGS ALL AROUND!

There are many books about Martin Luther King Jr. for reading aloud with children in celebration of his birthday on Jan. 15, including picture-book biographies like “Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” by Doreen Rappaport, with illustrations by Bryan Collier, published in 2001. But the trend for looking at big events through the prism of small things (“The Civil War in 50 Objects,” “A History of the World in 100 Objects”) is particularly attractive for children, who may have an easier time understanding the parts than the whole. “The Cart That Carried Martin,” by Eve Bunting, with illustrations by Don Tate, and “We Shall Overcome,” by Debbie Levy, with illustrations by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, take this approach, telling the story of the day of King’s funeral through the mule-drawn wagon that carried his coffin, and the story of the civil rights movement through a popular song. RELATED COVERAGE Times Topic: Children's Books Reviews Even adult readers may not know that Martin Luther King’s body was carried from Ebenezer Baptist Church “through the streets of Atlanta, past the Georgia State Capitol” to Morehouse College on a battered old wagon borrowed from an antiques shop. In an author’s note, Bunting writes that she first learned about the wagon in an article by Jim Auchmutey in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Bunting’s suspicion that the tale would make a good book for children proves to be accurate. Launch media viewer From "We Shall Overcome" Though her narrative — following the cart from the shop to its current home at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic site — has a simple trajectory, Bunting’s writing brings out the emotional weight of the day: “The cart was not heavy. The coffin was not heavy. The man inside it was not heavy. His great spirit had been the heaviest part of him. It could not be kept in a coffin.” Later, someone standing on the street asks, “Is it over?” And the response is: “It will never be over. . . . What he stands for lives on.” Along the route to Morehouse College, people sang “We Shall Overcome,” and that song, so closely identified with the civil rights movement, receives its own history in Levy’s book of the same name, which traces its powerful, inspiring message back to the slaves who “suffered, yet they sang — to soothe the hurt, to fight the cruelty, to declare that — yes! — they were human beings.” As protesters for the rights of African-Americans brought the church song “I Will Overcome” to the streets, Levy writes, the words changed slightly, to “We Will Overcome” and eventually to “We Shall Overcome.” Brantley-Newton’s cheerfully colored illustrations go on to represent the populations that have sought strength from the song in places as distant as South Korea, the Middle East and South America. For readers ready for the hard facts, Levy includes a timeline with notable dates when the song was sung, including Sept. 23, 2001, when the Boys and Girls Choir of Harlem sang it in remembrance of the victims of the events of Sept. 11. It’s a nice touch, reminding readers that “We Shall Overcome” still has plenty of work to do. THE CART THAT CARRIED MARTIN By Eve Bunting Illustrated by Don Tate 32 pp. Charlesbridge. $16.95. (Picture book; ages 6 to 9) WE SHALL OVERCOME The Story of a Song By Debbie Levy Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton 32 pp. Disney-Jump at the Sun Books. $16.99. (Picture book; ages 4 to 8)

Wishing You All a very blessed and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Hugs, V

If's "Spirit

Sarah told Ethan that her Great, Great Granny had the Christmas spirit in her mouth! Ethan did believe her. When Sarah's Great, Great Granny opened her mouth snow came out and so did the spirit of Christmas! Ethan is now a believer.

Hello All, Hope you All had a most wonderful Thanksgiving. The Holidays are here and before we know it the New Year will be too. I want to thank you all so very much for your awesome support and visits to my blog. It's been a blessing having you all as blogger friends. Okay so, there are a few character that I am working on. I illustrate people very well, but sometime I struggle with animals so I did these lions. Hopefully I get better and better. Wish luck! Later

Wishing Everyone one a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving. Thankful for you friendship and your comments. Don't eat to much people! Hugs V

Hello Blogger Friends and Family, Soooooo sorry that I have been away so very long. I do apologize for that. Work calleth and I had to answer so I can keep food, roof and lights and computer on. Know what I mean??? I knew you would. It's been a long while. Gosh I miss you all so much! I really do. Life has been going on from deaths to births and jobs and no jobs and all kinds of good stuff. I say good because if we stay on the negative to long it will bring one down and as you know, and if you know Vanessa, that ain't me. Anywhooo, I am working on books and doing things that I hope share soon. Looking to do some videos on collage and showing you the day in the life of Vanessa Brantley-Newton. It's so not what you think LOL! Okay, so here are a few pieces that I have been working on. Still doing character studies and then there is a piece from a up coming book by Disney -Hyperion which is called "We Shall Over Come". And the very last is a personal piece. I think people are beautiful and that I get to capture them beautiful, flawed, happy or sad, is a blessing and it is my joy to share it all with you. Hope that you all are doing well and will be with the ones you love for the holiday. I will be back before then to share more with you all. Shalom and blessing!!

YOU GO BELLA SINCLAIR!!!!!

Hello Friends, Just dropped by to tell you about a cute new book by my dear Friend Bella Sinclair Bella is an amazing illustrator and has a sense of humor second to none!! This little book is just TO CUTEEEEEEE! I am soooo very proud of her!! YOU GO BELLA! How awesome is this! Of course we are looking to see more. You can purchase the book here on Amazon.

I want to THANK EACH and EVERYONE of you who stopped by and left me such sweet and encouraging words at such a difficult time in my life. Your comments and words are like healing balm to my soul and I appreciate that you took time to say anything at all. God bless each of you. Now just a little something to make YOU smile. I love when Trick or Treaters come to my door. Honestly I do! I love the costumes and the cute little faces. They always bring a smile to my face. I just had to share a moment that I captured. These kids really made my day with their awesome costumes. Have a wonderful week beautiful people!!

Hello Good People!! It has been a super duper long time since I have had the pleasure of blogging. The last couple of weeks have been really very difficult for me and my family. I lost three very special people in my life. One right behind the other and it was devastating to say the very least. I have done more crying over the last couple of weeks then you even want to know about. Everyday day gets a little bit better. Today is one of those days. I had the pleasure to work with Debbie Levy a wonderful author of children's and young adult books. The book is called, " We Shall Over Come" Published by Disney-Hyperion Books. I am happy to share some of the pictures here with you. The release date is set for Dec 2013. You can find it at Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Hope you like it. Best to you all.

Have an exciting week beautiful people!!

Wishing everyone a whimsical and wonderful week! Keep smiling Y'all! V

Pondering all this sweet and beautiful and very whimsical!! Someone very special, whom I love vey much, helped me in my greatest time of need. She didn't judge me, but loved me and helped me more than she will ever really know. I will always be grateful to her because people like her don't come into your life everyday. She is more precious than gold and sweeter then honey from a honey comb. We don't speak or email everyday. We don't do lunch every week. We don't even send each others birthday cards or anything, but she is family. My sister from another mother. Thinking of you today with so much appreciation and more love then one heart can hold.

Hello Blogger Family, Well it has indeed been a long time since I have posted anything. I have been so very busy with family and work up to my eyeballs. I am so grateful for work and all, but I really, really, really miss blogging and visiting your blogs!! Now that the children are back in school I should hope to find more time to blog. Please forgive me for not coming around to visit you all. I hope you all know that I appreciate your comments and encouragement. All of you are in my thoughts always. Your visits mean so much. Wishing you the sweetest week ever! Best to you all. Just a little project that I am working on. Stay Creative!

Thinking of you all today! All of my blogger friends. You are in my thoughts constantly. Sending each of you the biggest hug right now. Lord knows we need it. Hope that your day is filled with smiles and giggles and yes, a hug or two just when you need it most. Thinking of you Bella Sinclair!! Hugs

If's Travel

One day I will travel to see Laura Muvla. She is my new muse and I love her sound and her beautiful spirit

Hello Blogger Family, Hope that you all are enjoying your summer! It's been raining here in Charlotte, NC for about 3 weeks now and I need some sunshine beautiful people. If there is anyone who can lend me some sun, please let me know as soon as possible as I think I am gettin' all pruney. Some good things are happening and I think that the rain is a good indicator for that. Last week I was interviewed by Rachel Awes, of Allididwaslisten and I just finished another awesome interview with Koosje Koene on her fantastic blog Koosjekoene.blogspot.nl Here is a little excerpt from her blog. Finally, my very first Online Character Design Workshop is ready to be launched. Below is a little sneak peek. It's a 4-week workshop starting Monday August 5. It ends on Saturday the 31st of August. There are limited seats, so be quick to enroll! Read all about it by clicking here Then another interview with Julie Danielson of Kirkus Reviews. and Seven Impossible Things before Breakfast!! Thank you Lord for the wonderful people that you have given me through Blogging. You beautiful souls have been such a bright spot in and through some very, very rough times. Thanks so much for your support and encouragement. It's such a blessing! Shalom to you all.

All I Did Was Listen Rachel Awes Shares My Art Work

Hello Bloggers, Hope that you all had a wonderful holiday and if you are still enjoying the holiday that it's filled with lots of good food, friends, and family. Rachel Awes of, allididwaslisten.blogspot.com invited me to share to how I listen with my brand of art. I really, really love Rachel's blog. She has been a great inspiration to me as an illustrator and artist. She is also a fantastic Artist and illustrator too. She is a great listener as well. Check out her blog for her new book named after her blog! YOU WILL LOVE IT A wonderful journal that will warm your heart and inspire you to just listen. Thank you Rachel for letting me share my art with you and your blogger. XOXOXOXOX

I really, really miss all of my blogger friends. Sending you all so much happiness and joy today. Have a blessed weekend beautiful people. Me Shalom

Hello Blogger Friends, It's been a while I know! Hope that all of your are enjoying your summer and that all is well with you and your families. Well it's wedding season and I have so many request for wedding invites and things. I just did this cute one for some close family friends. They have had a very hard time trying to find invites and special things that reflect who they are as couple. Actually it's been kinda painful for them and now it is my joy to present this wedding invite to the both of them and take away a bit of the pain! Congrats Kela and Jacob!! Tearfully Happy V

Arrrrrgggghhhh There Mates Thank you so much for your sweet and kind comments. I read all of them and I am so grateful that you fabulous people still take time out of your busy day to come a visit and leave such kind words and encouragement!!! This Pirate is up to she skivvies in work! Will be back soon. Arrrggghhh!

Unleash your Cereal Super Hero today! Stay Crunchy!

Hear this my friends, You are beautifully and wonderfully made! Have a great week!!

A few weeks ago, I was commissioned to create a handmade picture book for actress Kerry Washington, star of ABC's “Scandal”. It was an exciting project and it allowed me to work alongside some beautifully talented women: my sisters Coy LaVerne Brantley Curry and Moo Karen McLendon Gunter, along with my sister-friend, Editor Karen Procter. This beautiful project was for the community organization, Cool Culture (www.coolculture.org), which addresses the absence of low-income families in the audiences of New York's wonderful arts, cultural, and scientific institutions. Bevy Smith, (Host of Dinner With Bevy- www.dinnerwithbevy), graciously presented the book to Kerry Washington. To God Be All the Glory for the opportunities that HE presents. Our God IS AWESOME!!!

Hope that you are having a wonderfully creative day!!

Somewhere over the rainbow birds fly high Be very careful when you look up for they might just poop in your eye! My version..... Have a great week.

I had a baby! Yes indeed she was living in my head for well over nine months and she was born last night. Meet Efaytayoh. He he he he! This little character has been begging to come out and play. Glad to finally have her out of my head and on paper! Best to you all. V

If's "Shy"

Something to make you smile. Sending you hugs and well wishes for better days ahead! Hugs, Shalom

Musings and mine. Hope that you are having a wonderful week! Shalom

Sing,make a joyful noise!!

Hey there! Just came by to let you know... IT'S HEREEEEEEEE! Yes now you can have your very own copy of Cedella Marely's, "Every Little Thing" illustrated by Me! Get the book from Amazon or Barnes and Noble for under $10.00. Makes a great gift for Birthday's, Babyshower, Rosh Hashanah, and Christmas.

I came by to say, "Hey, I care!!!" Okay nothing more to see here people. Move on to a wonderful week. Shalom.

Kimee really had a crush on her teacher Mr. Martinez. She loved those funky pants and shiny shoe and oh boy the way he could tell a story. Have a great weekend Everyone! Shalom

When negative thoughts,words and people come a buzzin' just keep thinking big. I have had some major blows over the last couple of weeks and some of them took the very wind out of me for minute, but I have learned that what doesn't kill me fattens me for this journey. It's not enough to survive, we must thrive and live. Sometimes what is meant to hurt and mame can quickly turn out to be what cause us to move forward and grow. Encouraging all of you to live your best life and keep reaching for your own dreams. Have a sweet weekend. Shalom

Hello Blogger Family, I know it's been a while since I've been here. Thanks so much for your wonderful and kind words and comments. On Sunday evening I had to put down my 15 year old cat named Kirby. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Kirby was my best friend and I miss him terribly today. I am lost for words and very sad. This is in memory of Kirby aka Dog boy. I love you man.