Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Happy New Year …

Here it is…that “Twilight Zone” time of year once again. If you are like me, the space between Christmas and New Year’s Day is a surreal time. I would always sit and wonder where the year went. I would think about the long list of resolutions I made during this time last year. I’d feel sad that I failed most, if not all, of them. Yet, once again, I am hopeful. I anticipate a fresh start…with cautious optimism. For looming in the back of my mind are all of those resolutions I really wanted to commit to, and still want to accomplish. I had this same optimism when I made the same resolutions the previous year…and the year before…and the years before that. I found, however, that with each year of what I perceived as failures, my optimism grew increasingly cautious…less bold and bright.
So, would you be impressed if I told you that this year I only have ONE resolution? Does that mean I was successful in keeping ALL of those promises to myself from the previous year? NOPE. It means I have made an attitude adjustment and I’m really excited about it!
I want to share this resolution with all of you and I hope you can connect with it, adopt it as your own, and share feedback of how it makes you feel throughout the coming year. Ready for it? …………..DRUMROLL please………..
My ONE and ONLY resolution for the year 2015 is to meditate every morning.
Here’s my thought process:
Years ago, I used to listen to soothing music during my pregnancy and practice relaxing for a set period of time each day. I didn’t really know any specific meditation techniques. But I did know that it was really good for me. After giving birth, I “didn’t have time for that anymore.” Now I realize, I needed it more than ever!
So, I’m going to give myself that gift once again. This time I choose to embrace it and not let go. I will make that time each morning a priority. Perhaps if I am centered, more balanced, with a calm mind, maybe everything else I want to accomplish will fall into place or the path to achieving them will be more clear.
So, every day, I am going to explore the internet and choose a meditation video to share on my blog. It will be just a random choice without even previewing it. How fun to reach into the grab-bag of knowledge and see what I might get! I would also love to hear from you about meditations you like so that I might learn and share. I’m sure some of them will be more helpful than others to different people at different times. I think it will be fun to discuss how each of us is affected, with our different personalities and situations. Will we find a common thread? Can we use this to lift each other up and share our success? YES!
ONE day at a time. ONE step at a time. One resolution!
ONEc

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Thursday, June 26, 2014

 This original painting is one in a series of mermaids I've been working on. "Maren" is now available in my Etsy shop!
 Click HERE!

shellrose creations

Saturday, June 21, 2014

"Maren" the Mermaid Final day of Special Pricing

Last Call for "Maren" before she swims over to Etsy and is offered at regular pricing! If you are interested in purchasing at this special Facebook-Likers price, let me know. I do accept Paypal and would be happy to work out a payment plan.

   CLICK HERE for details.

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Facebook Friends Special Preview Art Sale

 

Something new this season. Come stop by my art page on Facebook. If you like my page, I will be happy to give you special preview pricing. Check this album frequently if you are interested, as I will be adding new art each week.

The items in this album will be available for purchase for a limited time directly to supporters of my art page at a special price plus free shipping. After this, I will list them in my Etsy shop at the regular price. If you are interested in buying, send me a private message on Facebook. (Facebook is in no way associated with the items for sale.) Props not included. Here’s the link: Special Preview Sale - Click HERE!

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Thursday, February 13, 2014

One of my most treasured memories.


Good morning. Last night, in the wee hours, I finished a little watercolor painting which was inspired by a camping trip we took last year. We had never been to this particular campground…and it was my idea to go there.
I thought I would never hear the end of it as we tried to reach our destination. The road was narrow, curvy and steep with few guardrails and the edge of the cliff at our side. Huge septic trucks came barreling down toward us several times and Hubby had to veer cautiously, yet quickly to the grassy edge of the road….I thought we were going over the edge more than once!
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There were a few mishaps once we got there. The site I had paid for online was too small for our tent. The bathrooms were far away. And….we didn’t have to worry about bears so much as we did wild hogs and mountain lions! They even had special hog proof boxes for our ice chest!
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After we settled in, we began to appreciate where we were. We have never been to a campground with so much wildlife. An owl hooted softly over our tent all night long.
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In the morning, before the sun came up, I had to trek to the potty. On my way back, I decided to go look over the site we originally had. It was right on the edge of a slope overlooking the oak-studded valley. As I got near the edge, I looked out at one of the most incredible things I have ever seen. Of course, I didn’t have my camera with me, so I tried to soak in the view and etch it in my mind so I might be able to paint it later. It really took my breath away and actually brought me to tears.
My painting cannot come close the beauty I saw that morning….but I enjoyed trying. Here it is, listed at auction on Ebay. Enjoy!
 CLICK HERE to see it.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

So true, but not just for today.

 

 

I don’t follow my horoscope “religiously.” I just look at it once in a while for entertainment. Sometimes, I am very entertained my how appropriate they are.  Like today’s:

 

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Wednesday, Feb 12th, 2014

You can see potential in things that other folks miss today, and it's up to you to use this special vision to your advantage. Ultimately, it's your innate creativity that enables you to discover these magical possibilities. Now it's time to jump in and play an active role in manifesting results. However, don't try to do everything all at once or you might burn out too quickly. Follow your intuition and turn your dreams into tangible reality.

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     It just so happens I was about to post some photos today of my latest project. It is part of a larger project which will be unveiled later. Anyway, I have this old shower pole shampoo shelf thingy that is rusted too much to clean up and look nice in our recently rehabbed bathroom. But, instead of throwing it away, I saw potential!

     So, I decided to plant succulents in each shelf and place it in the garden. I’m really happy with how it’s turning out!

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I’ve also had the pleasure of working on another commissioned Whimsical Pet Portrait.

My subject was a beautiful cat by the name of JuJu Bee.

 

She looks as sweet as her name….

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…but her owner wanted me to portray JuJuBee’s mischievous side.

 

I came up with a few rough mock-ups for my client to choose from:jujubee compilation b

She liked them all but ultimately chose the first one. After discussing the colors and addition of garden window, I got out my paints.

So here is the final piece and I’m so happy that my customer said she loves it!

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If you are interested in a custom pet portrait of your very own, Click HERE to visit  my etsy shop.

I’ve got more projects in the works so I will be posting on my blog more frequently. I’d love for you to join me!   ~Shell