Shell-Rose Creations

Hauntingly Beautiful!

2012-02-19T16:45:00.000-08:00

Check out this hauntingly beautiful new original work of art by my friend Kim!
Click HERE to see it on her blog.

And please check back later for my updates on the February Photo-a-day challenge. I'm falling behind again. Hehe.

Day 14 ~ Heart

2012-02-14T17:37:00.001-08:00

We love to try new foods around here….and we love it SPICY!

On the evening I took this photo, it was my first attempt at making Pho at home.The local Vietnamese restaurant serves this yummy noodle soup, garnished with all this good stuff. My home-cooked version turned out to be pretty good, but I’d much rather let someone else make it!

Day 13 ~ Blue

2012-02-14T17:36:00.001-08:00

I love the moonlight. It makes everything seem so mysterious and transports me to a world withinin my imagination.

I created this 8 x 10 in. abstract painting a while back and recently decided to sell it in my etsy shop. You can take a look in my shop by clicking HERE.

Day 12 ~ Inside My Closet

2012-02-14T17:35:00.003-08:00

Um…are you sure you want to look in there?

You might find a little skeleton in my closet!

Day 11~ Makes you Happy

2012-02-14T17:35:00.001-08:00

Well, I know what DOESN’T make me happy….It’s when I typed out this whole post and it got deleted on my computer before I could publish it. ACK!

So, anyway, as I was saying…*deep breath*….

I was comparing my “homescape” to the landscapes I tend to love. I can appreciate the beauty of the desert, but I wouldn’t want to live there. (funny thing is, I pretty much DO live in the desert! ) And, I can appreciate the beauty of a simplified home environment….but I wouldn’t want to live there. I prefer a setting where there is a new mystery around every bend in the path. Like a woodland, I like my homescape to feature little vignettes of treasured items around every corner. When I stop to admire my little treasures, I think of the beautiful people who gave them to me or linger in the memories of the joyous events these objects conjure.

Above, you’ll see a bracelet I bought from an artist on Ebay, made from typewriter keys and a real bit of dragonfly wing in the last link. There is also a perfume-filled locket which I adore from my friend Kim of Gerusia’s New World. It reminds me of our trips to the High Voltage Tattoo shop and the Wonderland Gallery. That’s were she caught me fondling this and sneakily bought it for me! These lovely things are displayed against the backdrop of an original work of art by Kathryn Pinkham. She offered a “Magic Envelope” to her Facebook friends, and I was lucky to get this gorgeous dragonfly with sparkly wings.

Below, are photos of friends and family, a heart-warming portrait done by Charlino Kukino, and various trinkets. I would show you more of my little groupings of magical stuff, but I haven’t had time to dust lately. Someday, I’ll show you around some more.

Ooooh, Baby!

2012-02-12T19:43:00.000-08:00

I just listed a photo in my etsy shop of the baby hummingbird who grew up in our rose bush last year. I hope you like it!

Click here to see it.

I'll get caught up on my Photo-a-day challenge pics tomorrow. Busy, busy!

Thanks for stopping by!

February Photo-a-day : Day 10 ~ Self-Portrait

2012-02-10T12:19:00.001-08:00

Here’s a silly self-portrait that I did as a challenge from another artist.

And, here’s a digital photo collage I did several years ago.

Below are my first attempts at "Scanner Art"!...with a little digital manipulation because I just can't leave well enough alone. :)

This one is a clip form a painting video I made.

…and I made this one after my goldfish died.

Many times I make self-portraits when I am feeling vulnerable or sad. It seems to help me work through things.…

I don’t know what I was working through here! HAHA! This is me as an M&M….

…and as a Simpson.

…still a Simpson.

Finally, a self-portrait of me (the redhead) and my best friends from high school…all born in the year of the monkey. I made this to celebrate our 40th birthdays.

February Photo-a-day Challenge: Day 9 ~ Front Door

2012-02-09T15:09:00.001-08:00

I am trying to decide whether or not I should let you all in on a HUGE secret. Hmmm.

Okay, I’ll show and tell. But, be forewarned. If you already thought I was nuts, now you’ll have NO doubt! And, if you are a door-to-door salesperson, please don’t read any farther…further? …farther. Whatever.

Here it is. It’s a wasp nest above my front door.

“What’s so crazy about that?” you might ask. The thing is, that wasp nest has been there for a very long time, and I like it that way.

Here’s why:

One day the door bell rang and I looked out the peep hole to see who was there. Ehhhhhhhhhh, somebody wanting to sell me new windows, or trim my trees, or something. I don’t really know because I didn’t open the door. They just kept ringing the doorbell. I just kept watching them. That’s when I saw them in the “ho-hum-waiting posture”…looking up as if they were on an elevator waiting for their floor. All of a sudden, one gasped and pointed. The other looked up and saw the wasp nest and they both ran off across the lawn faster than lightening. It was hilarious. So, I guard my little watch-wasps from the hubby and they chase off unwanted guests. (Actually, they don’t chase anyone. It’s just that people who stand there long enough to notice the nest and get scared are usually not people who have been invited over.) It’s a great relationship. Unlike past front-door transactions, with happy wasps I won’t get stung!

The photo above shows my screen door. I hand-painted the roses on it about 20 years ago when we first bought our house. I’m thinking it’s time to repaint!

Below is the entryway, showing some thrift-shop treasures, including old keys and a Frida Kahlo plate.

So, CONGRATULATIONS! It looks like you made it past the front door! WELCOME!

Day 8~ Sun

2012-02-08T13:47:00.001-08:00

February Photo-a-Day ~ Day 7 BUTTON

2012-02-08T13:05:00.001-08:00

As these photo buttons of my son show, the years have really ZIPPED by!

Day 5 came and went. Here’s Day 6.

2012-02-06T10:28:00.001-08:00

Well, I was driving at 10 a.m. yesterday. I’m sure the fellow travelers appreciate that I was not fumbling with my camera while barreling down the highway!

So, here’s my cheat shot.

This is from 10 a.m. this morning. I’m actually thinning my little row of lettuce and will use what I pick for a baby-lettuce salad to go with our DINNER. I’ll post my dinner photo later, since that is really today’s theme.

By the way, I just discovered that picking fresh lettuce from the garden makes your hands smell really good!

UPDATE: DINNER ~ Trout Almondine, Baby lettuce With Vinaigrette, Organic Red Potatoes with garlic and Rosemary

Photo a day ~ Day 4 ~ A Stranger

2012-02-04T20:52:00.001-08:00

There has been a stranger hiding in my closet for a long time now. Actually, we were very close back in the day. But, as time went by, we grew apart. We became like strangers …to the point that I completely forgot about how we were once inseparable. Gone are the days that we spent every waking moment in a comforting embrace.

Gone are the days that I could fit into this pair of my “skinny” jeans.

So Many Words and Such Idle Hands.

2012-02-03T15:41:00.001-08:00

Words are good. I like words…most of them, anyway. Sometimes the words pile up in my head. Then, they might spill out in a mad rush to release the pressure on my brain.

Beware: the floodgates may open at any moment….or not. I’m just going with the flow.

So, this February photo a day challenge I started two days ago…well, I feel like a failure already. I missed the SECOND day! Really.

But, I am getting caught up today. The DAY 2 theme was WORDS. I thought about all of my books, dusty on the shelves. I realized that I spend so much time online that I forgot about many of the books I tucked away to read someday or the many I would love to revisit. It’s quite an assortment….mostly non-fiction. I know it seems strange, but I really prefer non-fiction. I do, however, ADORE children’s books…especially the pop-up kind! I really need to make time to explore my bookshelves again!

This is just a teensy, random assortment of my favorites.

Now, with all of these words in my head and dreams on the back-burner I seem to have become rather overwhelmed. Do any of you ever feel simply paralyzed by the many things you want to do, to the point where NONE of them get done effectively?

This brings me to the next photo of the day…DAY THREE ~ hands.

As I sat and pondered my hand…pondering the paintbrush I held to identify myself…I realized I have not created art in far too long. But, I have so many excuses. Then my mind wanders to thoughts of all that I should be doing. I begin to wonder if I should set aside my dreams of selling art for a while. It seems to be going nowhere at the moment..mostly because of my questioning my ability, my goals, all of that. I feel as though I have tied my own hands. Then again, maybe it’s just one of those days.

Now, these hands had better get off of the keyboard and into some dish soap! Go with the flow!

My Dormant Dreams

2012-02-01T21:20:00.001-08:00

I don’t quite know how it happened, but I know I used to have so many dreams for the future. I had cockamamie dreams. But, slowly I began to deny myself those fantasies.

In the beginning, I imagined that my garden would feed my family…even the landscaping would include pretty, yet edible organic plants.

For hours on end, I would scour books, catalogues, and magazines, learning all I could about xeriscaping and chemical free pest management.

I dreamed of a chicken tractor and a pet duck. I dreamed of a fish pond and a separate tank to raise crawdads in the backyard.

Over the years, some of those dreams did come true.

We dug a little water garden with a barrel fountain and koi.

The tangerine tree and grape vines feed us for a short, lovely while.

AND, I got my pet duck, Serendipity, eight years ago.

However, I gave up on the moveable chicken coop and green eggs. No longer did the gears in my head spin over thoughts of mini-lobsters out back.

Weeds choked out my garden and hopelessness choked out my imagination.

But WAIT, there’s more! Maybe it’s this crazy California weather, but I think I see a sprout of a wacky goal….a glimmer of crazy hope peeking out from my cold, dreary yesterday and reaching toward the sun!

So, once again I dream. In fact, I planted peas and lettuces and green onions, too. I’m scheming on how to turn an old trampoline into a chicken run. And, watch out, Hubby…we’re goin’ crawdad’n’ one of these days!

(Plus, I’m getting excited about some art related ideas these days. So, stay tuned!)

(P.S. My friend Kim, at Gerushia's New World, told me about this blog and the photo challenge which inspired my post today: Fat Mum Slim .)

SOPA and PIPA

2012-01-18T08:43:00.001-08:00

I oppose SOPA and PIPA. As an artist, I am sensitive to issues of copyright infringement, but SOPA and PIPA are not the answer: they would fatally damage the free and open Internet.

Finding Joy…

2011-08-26T12:33:00.001-07:00

I was feeling fine this morning, tired, but fine. Then, in a matter of seconds, a minor faux pas on my part took me to that place inside where the movies play over and over again, like a Twilight Zone episode. Dwelling on feeling misunderstood, or guilty, or whatever that icky feeling is, really brought me down.

I mentioned it on my Facebook wall, and was delighted to be reminded once again that the internet isn’t always a cold, harsh, impersonal place. In fact, more often than not, I have found true friendship and caring and thoughtful support there. Some friends I have met in person, some are family, but most send their kind souls out through the magical world wide web and that is the only way we would have ever connected. I think.

One of them felt my pain as she admits to dwelling on those things herself. One put great thought and care into responding with personal anecdotes and information. And, one sent me outside. I went.

I could hear the scrub jays calling…creating quite a ruckus. I followed the sound to my pomegranate tree located at the very farthest corner of our backyard, which is hidden from easy view. When I got there, the birds had gone. But, I noticed that the fruits looked like they were ripening already.

Reaching up into the branches, I plucked one from its stem. It was quite firm and none of the fruits had split or been pecked open yet. I had to really work at it, but figured I would keep trying, just to see if it was ready to eat. To my surprise, it was!

This tree has survived a lot of neglect, being out of view such as it is. Yet, it still bears a most interesting fruit. When I planted it, I had not realized it was different than other pomegranate trees. It is unlike the gleaming, vibrant red jewels I remember from childhood…staining my hands and face and getting me in trouble with a crabby third grade teacher. No, the fruits of this tree are the softest pinks and translucent white…like tiny quartz gems all lined up in curvaceous rows. I pondered the beauty in its subtlety. I accepted its differences as being quite a blessing. As I peeled back the mysterious layers, I discovered pure JOY!

Do you see it?

Oh, and by the way, the scrub jays have not made a peep ever since!

Longing for the Forest

2011-05-23T13:19:00.001-07:00

Well, Summertime is approaching quickly and I can’t wait to go camping again. I keep looking at the photos we took during our last trip. While it started out with several mishaps, it ended up being one of the best trips we’ve ever had!

Relying on serendipity, we drove to campground after campground and there were no sites available. We were unfamiliar with this area and had only one choice left. So we headed back down the mountain and turned off toward the only campground we hadn’t already checked. As we drove through, we had the sinking feeling that we would not find a site big enough for our “super-dome” of a tent. (It’s a big one alright….big enough to dance in….but…nobody will dance with me! WAAAAAAAAAH!)

Anyway, to our surprise, the last site before the driveway exiting to the highway was open and, upon further inspection, it was big enough, too! Later, a woman at the restrooms commented that we snagged the best spot in the whole campground! I have to agree…with a meadow behind us and a creek flowing past….it was PERFECT!

I sooooo love exploring near the creek. Around every bend in the path, beyond every little thicket or stand of trees, is another awe-inspiring scene.

The first night, I made chicken and dumplings in the dutch oven, nestled in hot coals. That is, after our son used flint to make fire since we had forgotten the matches.

The next night we had so many trout…and they were so fresh and delicious. Another mishap was when I discovered I’d forgotten to bring flour to bread the trout. I added spices to my pancake mix and dusted the fish in that. It turned out so yummy…if I do say so myself!

I have so many more photos, but can’t find what SD card they are on. One of the funniest is a photo of a trout that was so big it didn’t fit in my frying pan. I told our son that I need smaller fish! He had a quick come-back for that. He quipped that he’ll get Dad right on that! (They have a little fishing rivalry going on.)

It was such a fun trip! I hope we can get back to the Eastern Sierras soon. I really feel the desire to wake up to the sounds of nature, unzip the tent and see a glorious, snow-capped mountain, and sneak off for a little while.

A Perfect Sunday Hike

2011-04-25T21:22:00.001-07:00

The Sunday before Easter, my family and I discovered another wonderful place to take a little day hike. It’s the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve.

I took a lot of photos, of course! How could I resist? The wildflowers were blooming all around the meadows, which are dotted with large, gnarled oak trees.

We had such a magical day!

Here’s the link to the Reserve’s website:

http://www.srpf.org/

The Jungle Outside my Door

2011-04-11T10:13:00.001-07:00

Sure, it may not look beautiful from across the street. The roses are overgrown and the birdseed has sprouted into a massive bamboo-like stand which towers overhead. The tangle of purple vines and gnarled trunk of grapes is out of control and now engulfs the rickety bench below.

The Contorted Mulberry is just so. The neglected Peach tree, a cutting from a departed friend, is still struggling to overcome adversity. Behind the hedgerow of unkempt Boxwood...(more like "Out-the-box Wood"), the Bay tree I bought at a yard sale years ago still offers leaves for my stew.

After splitting and losing a limb, the Mesquite hybrid planted by Mrs. Turner still stands and gives us shade. She would not be so proud to look down from the clouds and see its un-pruned canopy. She would, however, be proud in the fact that it still stands after all the neighbors told her not to plant it in the first place.

Now, I wonder…can there be too much passion in the garden? Well, when it comes to the Passionflower vine which migrated under the block wall to escape the neighbor’s hired help, yes…yes, I think there may be a bit too much passion back there. In fact, it has climbed the telephone wires and is trying to overtake the Mesquite. Now, it peers over the wall at Ms. Pat’s barren yard and sticks its tendrilly tongue out at her. I’m sure she is not amused.

Here, in this horticultural mess, I find peace. I can get lost and hide away in the dark, hidden nooks of my jungle. It may not look great from afar, but when I am hidden amongst the blanket of leaves, sheltered by the outstretched arms of beauty gone wild and free, I feel safe.

Sometimes if I think too much, I feel sad to see that I have not mothered my garden well. But, perhaps in her unwavering tenacity, she has mothered me.

Trying a new way to edit my Blog.

2011-01-28T08:47:00.001-08:00

I discovered this thingy on my new computer called Windows Live Writer. So, I’m experimenting with it to see if it makes it easier to post.

Now I will attempt to add a photo in just the right spot.

Oh, WOW! I think this is going to be MUCH easier!!!! WOOHOO!

(P.S. this is another entry in the sketchbook I’ve been working on.)

New Year, New Ways?

2011-01-27T12:11:00.000-08:00

Here it is, the end of January. My resolution was to make small changes, and to keep trying even if I don't at first succeed. I HAD a tendency to get overwhelmed and then paralyzed from indecision or confusion. (Using past tense to show a change in attitude.) Now, I will step back from those moments and reassess my strategy....take it in small steps if I have to.

So, here is my small step toward keeping up with my blog. :)

I will not try to be perfect here....because that is what would make me freeze up in the past. So, please bear with me if things are out of order....or typos abound.

Let's see, I guess an update on Charlie is due.

He's still pluggin' along. And, when I see the warmth in his eyes...past my own reflection in his clouded field of vision, I still see the loving puppy that I agreed to care for until the end. It makes the chore of cleaning up after his...senior issues...much more tolerable.

We spent some time this morning warming up in the sun-drenched grass. He and Grace enjoyed lots of tummy rubs and my horrible migraine went away!

The cherry on top was that I witnessed the return of Western Bluebirds to our area.

As for my art, I've been finishing up an art journal project and working on a commissioned painting. I'll fill you in on that later. For now, I'll hit publish and feel like I accomplished something. Hey...it's a start, right?

The Timid Moon

2010-09-18T09:58:00.001-07:00

‎"Luna Tímida" ©2010 Rochelle Rosenkild

One evening a few weeks ago, my husband walked out the door to run some kind of errand. I thought it was cute that he ran back in to tell me I might want to take a picture of the moon.

I grabbed my camera and ran outside, but was bothered that I could not get a clear view. Then I decided to work with what I had. Here is the result.

The funniest part was, the hubby forgot he sent me out with my camera and could not figure out why I didn't answer the phone when he called a billion times to ask if we are out of milk. Silly man...he should know better! It was ALL HIS FAULT! I must have been out there for an hour or so. I'm not sure...I lose track of time.

Charlie Update

2010-08-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to take a moment to say that Charlie is still alive and lickin'! He is still old, of course, but he is up and about (with help) and wagging his tail and awaiting his next treat....

I also want to say that I feel like it appears I was "crying wolf" over Charlie. But, we truly thought he was taking his last breath. He has amazed us with his recovery from what we believe was a series of small heart attacks. I just don't want any of you to think I was toying with your emotions because I know so many of you really take something like this to heart. I appreciate that!

New offerings

2010-08-17T08:44:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I have some new original paintings for sale.

Click here to see the beach scene.

Click here to see the Abstract Mountain Landscape.

I'm hoping to add something new to my shop on a daily basis.

Thanks for stopping by!

Shell

The Passing of "Puppah Chawllie"?

2010-08-07T16:25:00.001-07:00

As I begin typing this, our 14-year-old black Lab, Charlie, is on his bed in the kitchen. He is very weak and in the last stages of his journey here.

I like to say he and our son, Clay, were puppies together. They both came into our lives within the same year. As our son grew, he thought he was a puppy, too. He would try to drink from the dog's water bowl and chase Charlie around the yard. "PUPPAH! PUPPAH!...T'Mere Puppah!"he would shout, with toddler glee.

One time we went fishing out at the lake. Luckily, the stroller made it down the hot, dusty path to the fishing spot. Charlie had a great time learning to swim and running around doing puppy things all day. After a long and tiring day, we headed back to the car. I stopped to pick something up that had fallen off of the stroller and before I could start again, Charlie had crawled into the storage compartment beneath the stroller! I guess he figured, "if that puppy doesn't have to walk, why should I?" He rode the rest of the way down there.

When our son was about 3, just after sunset, he and I were lying on some cushions on the floor...playing and talking. Clay looked out the glass doors and saw Charlie out in the yard looking back at us. He turned to me and said, "Mom?.... look how Charlie soaks into the night....and his eyes shine like stars." I was dumbfounded by this poetic statement from such a little guy.

Charlie has been a faithful friend over these many years. He has been with us on our walks...where his boy was in a stroller, then a wagon, a scooter and now a skateboard. Clay is just starting high school, a new journey for him and us. He is our only child and we are really feeling how quickly time is passing now. As we learn to let go in many ways, we know that Charlie will always be with us wagging his big, old tail.

Soon, he will soak into the night... one last time...and he will be a shining star in so many of our wonderful memories.

*****

Well, evening is upon us and once again, this old dog is full of new tricks. He wagged his tail at the mention of dinner and (with a lot of help) is now outside trying to eat. That's a Lab for ya! I'll keep you posted.

The Depths of Simplicity

2010-08-03T23:46:00.000-07:00

Beauty is an ecstasy; it is as simple as hunger.

There is really nothing to be said about it. It is like the perfume of a rose:

you can smell it and that is all.

W. Somerset Maugham

To me, this labyrinth of petals shows that simplicity and complexity often reside in the same place.

When I delve into those deepest areas, I come right back to the realization that no matter how much I might overthink something....it just is what it is.

Independence Day

2010-07-05T23:42:00.001-07:00

This weekend flew by and we didn't really have any fantastic, outlandish plans. We didn't go fight the crowds to see the fireworks show. We didn't spend oodles of money on fireworks at the local stand. But, we did spend time together as a family.

As the mother of a teenage boy, I am ever so grateful for each fleeting moment together. All of a sudden, on this weekend celebrating our country's independence, I was really bummed out by the growing independence of our son! It dawned on me that he is becoming a young man. I mean, I knew this...but it hit me that my little boy is gone.

That trip to Legoland I have wanted to take all these years...well....I guess that's out the window, now. While the builder in him is still fascinated by the amazing structures that can be made out of Legos, I don't think a day surrounded by toddlers sounds particularly thrilling to him anymore.

He would rather send text messages all day, than make crafts with Mom. Rather perfect his skateboarding tricks than help me in the kitchen. He'd even rather do hard physical labor at his Grandma's house than hang out at home!

I'm trying not to take it personally, but I have a lot of growing up to do! So, when I take a step back I realize, a simple barbecue with his family was good enough for him. No tantrums over how much was missing... I need to do the same. I need to savor what we have, not pine over what has changed.

This weekend has taught me that we don't need a lot of fanfare. Don't need a lot of fuss. And, even with our growing independence, we still come back to each other in those beautiful moments where the explosions are in the distance and the light is in our hearts.

A surprise by the pond...continued...

2010-06-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

(If you are stopping in for the first time, be sure to scroll down to the previous dates and see how this all came about!)

So, as I was saying...the odd little snail, who was sent to wake me up, wanted me

to lift him up to my painting which hangs in the hallway. I was quite hesitant, because

I intend to sell that painting and don't think snail tracks would add to its value.

Anyway, I did it.

To my complete surprise, he went INTO the painting and told me to follow.

I stood back (as far as I could in such tight quarters) and thrust myself head first.

It worked! Which is a very good thing as I would hate to have had my husband

wake up to a loud thud and find me on the floor with a broken painting on my head!

I'm sure he would just roll his eyes and go back to bed because he has come to

expect the unexpected around here! But, still...

After taking my leap of faith, this is where I landed.

As I got to my feet, I looked around and tried to rub the sleep from my eyes.

I thought surely I must be dreaming!

My eyes adjusted and I could see that my little friend was on the move once again.

We wended our way past the Lamb's Ears and beneath the Wisteria Vine.

It was all very familiar, since this is my own backyard....but it was if I had never

been here before. I'm sure my mouth hung open and my

eyes were as round as the moon.

There were pond-dwellers here and there, enjoying the atmosphere as well.

Tea cups were filled to the brim with invisible tea. It was so delightful, like Earl Grey

only more divine. The tea pot never emptied and I never got too full. Which is a good

thing because I was told that just around the corner of the pond, near the stand of cattails,

there was an array of treats for me to eat.

As I got up close, I could see...these goodies set out for me.

Um.........well...you know....it IS the THOUGHT that counts.

Ah hem...and the worms weren't so bad, but the flies were a

little rough going down. I couldn't believe the wonderful things

my friends had done for me!

I sat on the bench and soaked in all of the magical things around me.

Mr. Mockingbird sang his marvelous songs...which can be annoying when

you're trying to sleep, but this night he could do no wrong!

I must have dozed off, of course you saw it coming, for I woke up in my bed

and wondered if it was all a dream.

But, I can tell you one thing by looking at the pond this morning.

There was SOME kind of magic going on!

There are a bazillion tiny, new frog eggs in the shallows!

With all those helpers next year, just imagine the Mad Moonlit Tea Party we shall have!

A surprise by the pond

2010-06-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

As the moon rose into the sky, I drifted off to sleep...not sure of what was to come

or how I would know it was time.

I slept soundly until I felt upon my cheek, the tiniest, whisper of a tickle.

When I opened my eyes, this is what I saw upon my pillow.

He beckoned me to follow him, so I headed toward the door. My anticipation

was so great that I didn't want to wait and follow him to a familiar place...at a

snail's pace! But, to my surprise, he said, "That's not the way. Lift me up to this

painting and come after me right away!"

(Due to technical difficulties, I will continue telling you all about this wondrous

experience as soon as I can....so for now....I must say...."TO BE CONTINUED"

....Didn't you always hate seeing that at the end of a show when you were a kid?)

Dusk is falling...and things are happening out there!

2010-06-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

I tried to be so good, but as the sun was setting,

the curiosity overwhelmed me.

Did someone say Tea Party?

2010-06-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

I've heard so many wonderful things about a fabulous day of sharing tea and goodies

with lots of interesting people in the most fantastical way.

"I'm so new to this....and so busy...and can never seem to catch the tail I must be chasing."

That's what I said to His Royal Frogness as I knelt by the pond and told him about

how I would love to be a part of it all.

He told me I had at least one very good excuse for not taking part as I had hoped. The

opportunity to display a painting in the Riverside Art Museum doesn't happen

every day. It just so happens to have happened on THIS day!

Then, do you know what he told me? He said I shouldn't fret.

"Something amazing will happen tonight," He whispered.

He has something in store for me since I have given him this kingdom where he can

protect and watch over his kin.

I can hardly wait to see what's going to happen. I hope you'll come back and find out, too!

And, if you haven't been there yet, visit http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/a_fanciful_twist/ . What an inspirational place!

Be sure and stop by my friend Gerushia's place, too. http://gerushiasnewworld.blogspot.com/

Inspirations from the Garden

2010-06-24T14:03:00.000-07:00

Well, Here it is...Summer has already begun and I just finished

my list of New Year's resolutions....writing it...not doing it! So, I

think the last resolution should be, not to feel guilty or oppressed

or diminished by the things I have not yet done. Those

thoughts only lead to a kind of paralysis for me. Then, of course,

the guilt and all gets even worse.

So, a little surprise in the front yard gave me a gentle, uplifting

reminder this morning. It's the Easter Lily that I assumed was dead

because it hadn't bloomed this Spring.

All of a sudden while we were away on vacation, it burst

forth in all of its beauty and grace. Upon discovering this,

I was filled with joy to see that it was alive, not scolding it

for being late. The lesson here is...Better Late Than Never.

While it is a virtue to get things done on time, it does not

benefit us to berate ourselves if that doesn't happen.

Sometimes the right time is not necessarily the time we

have set up for ourselves.

So, we must let ourselves bloom when the conditions are

just right, and not kill ourselves in the meantime.

Each new day..each new moment... is a new opportunity to start fresh.

Heh heh! Oops again!

2010-02-01T18:31:00.000-08:00

There went January. :(

OOPS!

2010-01-06T09:50:00.000-08:00

There went December!

New listings

2009-11-30T13:18:00.001-08:00

Just trying to get back into my selling niche. Here's a start...I hope! ;)

Come check out my Ebay store if you have someone on your list who is difficult to buy for. I also do commissioned work! Personalized, original art makes a great gift! Just ask me about it!

Click here to see what's in my Ebay store.

YIKES! Where did November go?

2009-11-30T13:05:00.000-08:00

OK, so I promised to have a November give-away. Here it is:

Just leave a comment that you want to have a chance to win "First Rain" and you will be included in the drawing. No strings attached. You'll just have to give me your mailing address if you win. If you would pass this on to your social networks, that would be great, but not required. I'll pick the winner at random in a few days.

"First Rain" is the ACEO I chose to give away for November. We just had our first good rain of the season here in So. California. I just LOVE the rain. It is so refreshing. If I were a fairy, I might sprawl out on a mushroom to soak in the invigorating drops, too!

We have a Winner!

2009-10-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

I wrote all the eligible names on little pieces of paper, with extra entries for those who were entitled, rolled them up, put them into a box and drew...........

DRUMROLL PLEASE..................

the winner of the October free-art give-away is zJayne! Thank you all for entering and please try again next month!

"His Eye is on the Sparrow"

2009-10-25T21:49:00.000-07:00

I'm getting back to a painting I started previously. It was inspired by my sweet neighbor, Millie, who passed on recently. At her funeral, they sang a song which she had requested. I had never heard it before, but found that it resonated within my soul. I never knew that soft-spoken Mildred liked to sing and discovered at her service that she was quite the songbird in her church. I imagine her singing this now, when I think of her fondly.

Subsequently, I discovered a beautiful rendition on YouTube. I hope you'll enjoy it, too!

"His Eye is on the Sparrow"

"Autumn Repose" for sale on EBAY now!

2009-10-25T17:56:00.000-07:00

I made a few changes before putting her up for bids. If you are interested in owning this original work of art, here is the link to the listing. Thank you!!!

Click here to see the Ebay listing.

"Autumn Repose" is Done!

2009-10-24T13:07:00.001-07:00

Here it is, finally finished. I added another dragonfly because I just couldn't leave out the blue one. Touched up her face a bit and darkened some areas within the leaves. I hope you all like her. I will be putting her up for sale tomorrow. SCROLL DOWN to learn about the symbolism and process behind this piece.

Don't forget...Easy Contest for FREE art, ending soon!

2009-10-22T18:01:00.001-07:00

Scroll down for details.

(Sorry, Folks! This one ended today. But, please follow me , bookmark me, whatever it takes to check back often. I'll be giving away art every month!) :)

"Autumn Repose"

2009-10-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a painting for several days now. Perhaps you have been following the progress on my Facebook page. If not, the recap is, I started with a canvas which I had used as a palette for a previous painting. Using the colors, textures, and masses of light and dark, I began to see an image. I played with it until it became "Autumn Repose."

This painting is beginning to express dreams of transformation. So, to deepen that meaning, I added a dragonfly. I am fond of them anyway, since they visit my backyard pond frequently and have even landed on my finger before!

Dragonflies have long been symbols of transformation and change. They spend the first phase of their lives beneath the water's surface. Water is associated with the subconscious mind, so dragonflies have come to express a connection with deep thoughts and desires. They begin as a very ugly creature but when the right time has come, they pull themselves out of the water and shed the unsightly exterior. It is then that they show what was hidden inside. The beautiful creature of reflective light and grace that we know. In addition, because they don't live very long, they are a reminder to live life fully while we have it.

Autumn is also a time of change. Many people think of it as the harbinger of winter which may seem depressing. But, in my mind, it is a brilliant time to reflect on the past in preparation for the future. The figure sleeps beneath a blanket of leaves, taking shelter in beautiful, comforting memories. She dreams of what is to come.

So, as I work on this painting, I wonder what message is being sent to me. Is the Master Creator trying to tell me something? Most of this painting was done through "stream of consciousness" where I didn't look at any reference photos to guide me. It simply came from my mind...and the Source which must have put it there.

Now, the "funny" part is...I am having the worst time finishing this painting. Wouldn't you know, the two areas where I am trying to use my photos for reference have given me the most stress! I am using a photo of one of my backyard dragonflies and a photo I took of my own hand. I'll show you it's current state of being...and I'll be cringing the whole time until I can figure out how to fix everything that bugs me in it.

Can you guess?

2009-10-21T14:47:00.001-07:00

Just for fun, can you guess what my son is going to be for Halloween? Here is a photo showing some of the materials we will be using to create it.

October Give-away Contest is HERE!

2009-10-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

Hello my friendly followers. The time has come for me to unveil the A.C.E.O. which one lucky follower will win this month! Here he is, "Pumpkin-Head".

Here are the contest entry guidelines:

1. Follow my blog.
2. Leave a comment on how I can improve my blog and use it to increase art sales.

Optional: For another entry in your name, share this on your Twitter, Blog, Facebook, and/or Myspace page. Please supply the link here. One additional entry for each link where this is shared.

Contest ends Saturday, Oct. 24 at noon Pacific time. I will post the winner on Monday, Oct. 26.

(This is my first contest of this sort, so please bear with me if there are some kinks I need to work out!)
Just look at that face...won't you try to give him a home?

BY THE WAY: You may also comment on my other blog if you can't think of any ideas for this one!

Towers, and JUMBLES, and Stacks! OH MY!

2009-10-19T09:43:00.001-07:00

Do I dare post a photo of my art studio as it is now? Does anyone want to see how bad it is? It might make you feel better that someone has a worse mess than you! Really, it is BAD! If you read my earlier post, you'll know why. But it is still embarrassing! You can follow along as I make progress...transforming this room into my dream studio.

Not sure if I'm brave enough to share the photo yet. Maybe later today! ;)

Give-aways coming soon!

2009-10-19T09:11:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone! A big thank you to my new followers! I'm setting goals for some nice give-aways here for my followers, so keep an eye out! Pass it on.

HEADS UP:

Think about the best tip you can give me to enhance this blog or my other one. Keep in mind ideas to help me sell my art, how I can use my blog most effectively, any and every idea to improve it. Don't tell me yet, just start looking and thinking. That will be how you can enter my first prize-drawing. I'll let you know when it starts, what the prize is, and all the details in a few days.

But, remember, the first step is to become a follower. You can do that right away! ;)

XOXOXO
shell

Still working out the kinks.

2009-09-29T10:07:00.001-07:00

My website www.shellrosecreations.com is still not quite ready. In the meantime, I'd love to have some followers here and some comments are always welcome!

When my website is done it will have a link to my other blog showing how my art progresses from a sketch in my journal to the final work of art. Follow me there, too! Please? :)
http://shellrosecreationsideas.blogspot.com/

Check this out!

2009-09-29T10:03:00.000-07:00

You can have a chance to win some nifty, upcycled shopping bags made by one of my favorite people! Go here: http://olivebites.blogspot.com/

Beginning to emerge

2009-09-16T11:44:00.001-07:00

I had major surgery 3 weeks ago and am starting to feel human again. I can't wait to get into my art studio and paint. Unfortunately, I tried to do a major overhaul/ room switch prior to the operation. Didn't get finished, so my studio is full of chaotic stacks and jumbles of boxes and doodads and canvases and oddities. All necessary, but in my way.

Light at the end of the tunnel!

2009-08-10T12:02:00.001-07:00

"www.shellrosecreations.com"
My new website is almost ready. You can check it out now, if you like. But, be sure to come back again because I am planning some big grand opening events and giveaways!

New work in progress

2009-03-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

I'm almost finished with the latest painting in my "Solar Goddess" series. I am going to add some raindrops and starbursts. Then, she should be good to go. I'm preparing for an art show in Redlands, CA and will probably focus on this series as the main feature of my display.

For this painting, I was inspired by something my Mom used to say to me when I would get all too fretful as a child. "...and this, too, shall pass." So, our cheery sun looks to a tiny thunder cloud. She knows it's just a little rain and there is always the chance of a rainbow after it passes.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-26T18:21:00.000-07:00

Here we are...all handmade costumes...except for the horns and helmet.

We had a Greek Mythology theme this year.
A satyr, wood nymph, and Perseus. If you knew my husband, you would appreciate how hilarious this is. He is rather stoic...but puts up with my nonsense very well.

Nautilus, Spirals, symbolic art

2008-10-07T12:40:00.000-07:00

I'm relisting this painting. Here's the link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360095811375&_trksid=p3907.m32&_trkparms=tab%3DSellingdecor,wall, gallery, studio,fine art,coastal

Help! I need your opinion!

2008-10-01T18:25:00.000-07:00

HI there!

I have the opportunity to have 7 of my ACEO's printed in a book on the subject. Please, when you have a few moments, look through all of my albums and jot down your favorite pieces which are marked as ACEO's! Then let me know which ones they are so I can make a decision. Here's the link to my Myspace albums:

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewAlbums&friendID=143263752

THANK YOU! Your input is very valuable to me, whether you are an artist or just have eyeballs and a soul.
:)

With sincere appreciation,
Rochelle "shell"

New art on EBAY

2008-09-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

This 18 x 24 inch abstract style painting depicts a nautilus or ammonite-like shape swirling through an imaginary scene where jellyfish swim through a creamy ocean. Hopefully, the viewer experiences a sense of calm with a hint of mystery as they gaze at this painting. Spirals symbolize cycles of life, growth, change, the inner and outer journey to God and/ or self. Spirals also can symbolize our Soul.
This original work of art was created with acrylic paint on a gallery wrapped, 18 x 24 inch canvas. Staples are hidden in back, so it doesn't need to be framed. Can be hung as-is. The sides are painted. It will be signed and dated on the front. A Certificate of Authenticity will be included.

This painting is NOT framed, but is ready to hang.

Click the following link to see the listing.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=360093722451&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

LOL...so distracted elsewhere...

2008-09-15T12:53:00.000-07:00

...that it took me almost a year to find my way back to this spot!!!! Oh well, today is a new day. A new beginning.

Hmm...yet another way to be distracted!

2007-10-21T14:31:00.001-07:00

OK, OK, I finally broke down and decided to start blogging! SO...here I am.