when i found out that we would be visiting my mother last month, i quickly remembered that she lived close-by, i hurried to give her a call and ask if she would be available to meet for the very first time. i had been following her work for years. shortly after i found her, i learned that she was a relative of brian's!!!! we have loved on each other, back and forth, over the years through social media. and, finally... i would get the chance to hug her and gush about her gifts IN PERSON!!!

her name is Vanessa Brantley-Newton and she is a children's book illustrator and an incredible storyteller. basically, my FAV! when i asked if i could bring the kids over to meet her and ask a few questions for our homeschool channel she replied with jubilee even before to answered with any words.