Feels like Fall

The weather is definitely beginning to change, signs of fall are in the air. Fall is actually one of my favourite seasons. I love the crisp freshness it brings. So do certain things come to your mind when you think of fall days. Hmmm... like colourful leaves, pumpkin pie, refreshing nature walks. These are just a few things that I think of. How about you? I've been working on designs for my store. Everything from Halloween pumpkins to snowmen. I know I'm a little early with the snowman designs but when you have a business you always have to be thinking ahead to the next holidays! Hope you enjoy some of my fun creations. I am creating new ones almost everyday, so come on by for a look around! Designs by Shell

Rain Brings Renewal and Growth

It's raining, it's pouring...today it feels good to be refreshed with some rain. The lawns and flowers sure could use it right now! I love the freshness and scent after a good rain. Just like the earth needs rain to grow and flourish we all have days and things that happen in our lives and sometimes it feels like we are being rained on. I believe we are given these times to shape us and help us grow, to make us stronger and develop our character. This last week has been busy for me so I will have to get busy now with some new designs for my store. I thought I'd share some of my nature and sunflower designs. I've used these on items such as business cards, greeting cards, mugs and magnets. Feel free to visit my store to see many more like these.
Designs by Shell

It's A Hot One

Whoa, I stepped outside today to go do a couple of errands and the temperature in my vehicle read 36 degrees, it came down to 34 by the time I got moving but talk about a hot one. I like warm weather but not so hot that you can't do anything. Hope you're keeping cool wherever you are! Well I've been working on quite a wide variety of designs this last week so the items I post may be quite a mix. I did some more cupcake designs with sayings, some inspirational sayings paired with some of my floral photography and some cool items I designed using pics' I took of the cutest duck we saw at a park recently. Hope you enjoy this one! Have a great day!
Designs by Shell

Playing with the Cats

Pets are for Life, Not Just for Christmas

Pets are for life, not just for Christmas.



Each of us waits for the joy of a home.


Take one of us in and you'll never go kiss less,


So long as you treat us as one of your own.

                                            Nicholas Gordon



 

I went along with my daughter, Janine, to play with the kittens at the Warrick Humane Society yesterday.  It was a real good time once we got past the initial smell. When we walked through the main door, we were hit with whoowee something fierce.  It was like I had put my nose directly into a dog's mouth. with each breath I wanted to gag and I actually did a couple times while I waited for my daughter to sign us in.  I admit I gag easily, but it was pretty bad.  I thought please God make the Cat Room a better smelling place!  It had to be.  I told her I'd spend some time with her here.  But, I can't breathe!  She'd forgive me if I just couldn't breathe, wouldn't she?  Janine has always loved animals-- lately I've been trying to spend more time with her doing some of the things she enjoys doing.  Lucky for me the cat room was tolerable.  It smelled like catfood--a big step up from whatever we were smelling before.

There were some cute little kittens in this room.  All the cats loved Janine.  The black and white one on her lap couldn't get enough attention.  We spent about an hour with them before we had to brace ourselves for the smell in the hall .  When we left the room we expected the worst, but it was gone.  I don't know what they did, but that putrid cloud of stink was completely gone.  And everybody lived happily ever after.  The end.  Or-- did they?  When we got home our cat Biggles sniffed Janine and when she tried to pick him up, he hissed at her.  Someone got their feelings hurt.

                                                   

Cats

There's a cat sitting on my foot

My leg is feeling numb

I really should be nasty

And kick it up the bum

But, it's so cute, I have no choice

I just have to let it sleep

So, I'm momentary paralyzed

And lost the use of both my feet

And now the other cats arrived

So enchanting and appealing

The purring gets so loud and shrill

That I lose my sense of hearing

And then she jumps onto my lap

And rests her head upon my arm

Further 'paralyzing me'

With her captivating charm

And so, each day I spend my life

Like some disabled fool

Thank you God for inventing the cat

I didn't know you could be so

CRUEL!

By Paul Bearer

Some Like to Fish

All of these items can be purchased in my store, under the Sports category!

Well, as I was thinking about what I would blog about today... our recent visit to Kelowna came to mind! Summer is the time when so many are travelling and exploring the outdoors. My husband and I recently went kayaking on Okanagan Lake. A beautiful hot day, the lake was a different kayaking experience than I'd had on a calm river in Kauai, Hawaii. It took me a little time to get used to the waves and choppiness that the boats created for us. A fun experience though! Some people like to hike, some like to swim, others like to fish. What's your favourite summer activity to do? Above you'll see a few cute fishing designs that I created for products for my store. Hope you stop by for a visit! Designs by Shell

Quote: "Friends are the flowers in the garden of life"

Janine and her friend Eddie

Janine and her friend, Eddie.

The Town Of Don't-You-Worry

Well here they are.  My kids. At one time or another I have worried over each one of them. Matthew, (the one in the middle : ) ), is going to try my fragile nerves next-- he is going to Alaska soon.  Lots of people go to Alaska, right?  Big deal.  Sounds like an interesting place to visit. I agree.  It is an interesting place to visit.  In fact my husband and I chose to go, to that place where the sun never sets in June, on our honeymoon trip, 27 years ago.  If you imagine renting a car, a little hiking and climbing, a ferry boat ride to see the glaciers, and a picnic on the beach, then you imagine the sort of trip we took; the sort of trip most people take.  Matthew and his friends are not like most people, however.  They will be kayaking in water that contains whales, white sharks, and all sorts of sea creatures.  They will be hiking in the back country where there are no trails.  I'm reassurred they'll be fine because they have a map, compass, and have read literature on the habits of bear.  There will be very little communication so it's just me and my lovely imagination to fill the silence while he's away.  As much as this worries me, I'm thankful that he dares to live.  To taste life in a big way.  The experiences he has, have been/will be wonderous.  They're all smart boys-- while they are in Alaska, I think I'll visit The Town Of Don't-You-Worry.

The Town Of  Don't-You-Worry

There's a town called Don't-You-Worry,

On the banks of River smile;

Where the Cheer-Up and Be-Happy

Blossom sweetly all the while.

Where the Never-Grumble flower

Blooms beside the fragrant Try,

And the Ne'er-Give-Up and Patience

Point their faces to the sky.

In the valley of Contentment,

In the province of I-Will,

You will find this lovely city,

At the foot of No-Fret Hill.

There are thoroughfares delightful

In this very charming town,

And on every hand are shade trees

Named the Very-Seldom-Frown.

Rustic benches quite enticing

You'll find scattered here and there;

And to each a vine is clinging

Called the Frequent-Earnest-Prayer.

Everybody there is happy

And is singing all the while,

In the town of Don't-You- Worry,

On the banks of River Smile.

                           I. J. Bartlett

Flowers Galore - A Photographer's Dream

Can you believe it's August already? The summer is going by far too quickly! It's been a busy week for me. My husband Brian and I have been doing day trips to parks and gardens. We went to a beautiful 'Botanical Garden' called VanDeusen Gardens in south Vancouver. I was in photographers heaven. I took so many fabulous pics' of unique flowers and plants. My favourite hydrangea flowers were all blooming in a variety of colors and sizes. There were daisies and sunflowers, begonias and petunias and so many varieties of roses. So above you'll see a few of the pics I used for products in my store. We also experienced our first B&B in Kelowna. Stayed at a great place with a swimming pool right on the golf course. We had a good time gofing on a natural green putting course and kayaking on the lake. Also got in some visiting with family too! Now it's back to work... pop by my store to see more of my creations.
Designs by Shell