Paint play...

For over a year now I have learned to love painting. I can think of a thousand excuses for not seriously studying art or exploring with my talent more - too busy, too broke (as long as I am a student I will always be too broke....). At the end of the day painting for me is still just "play." And for now, I am ok with that.

One day it won't be enough that I have never tried to paint with oil. I will not always be satisfied that when I try to paint a person, the face ends up looking cartoon-y. One day I will force myself to endure and be patient and not play....

But for now, its my fun little escape. And... that's ok. How do you like my cartoon-y lemonade girl?

Food for thought

The worst enemy to creativity is self doubt.

There is absolutely no failure in art.

First Saturday Art Crawl

Nashville, if you do not have plans this weekend I encourage you to check out this event hosted by the Nashville Downtown Partnership.


The basics: FREE access to over 20 downtown art galleries, FREE refreshments and wine at most galleries, FREE shuttles from 6pm to 10pm.

So what is not to love about this?

Here is more information, a list of the galleries, and the shuttle route for those interested.

Fear God and keep His commands...

This morning's message reminded me that our only duty is to fear God and keep His commandments... So I'm good on the "fear God" part. Still get a little intimidated on the "keep His commands" part. I mean.... let's face it, knowing that this is our only duty is only comforting if we could ever actually be successful at it! In life sometimes I feel hopelessly sinful... Thank God that we serve a merciful master. After reading today's message (which you can read by clicking here) I was reminded that though we must one day give account for our sins, by faith we know that God's grace covers them. We may have to give account, but we will not have to pay the price because God's son already did...

Join the YMCA

I did it AND I love it!

Best use of $15 dollars this month! Yes that's right, just $15 dollars a month is the cost of a membership at the Bellevue YMCA (for the typical student budget). YMCAs vary by region in that some offer large facilities with olympic size swimming pools and modern equipment. Others may not be as up-to-date. Generally they adjust the price of membership on a sliding scale based on earnings and probably the facility. Click here to find your YMCA and check out membership rates in your area.

At any rate - you get the concept. It's a great deal and it's all about community.

To read more on my personal experience with the YMCA click here.

Animal Adoption

I won't even try to squeeze this post into the category of art, music, or food - but I had to highlight the wonderful joy of life that comes with owning a pet.

It is relatively inexpensive (compare to the cost of having a child) and you interactively share your life with an animal who needs love, food and shelter.

No worries friends... I have not turned into a cat loving animal freak.... but I am very happy to have invited a new pet into my home.

Meet Nala. 

Click here to see more pics of this little cutie (not me, the cat...).

Mani Pedi

Nuff Said!

It's just necessary every once in a while for sanity... DO IT! The awesome nail salon that HANDLED these toes is located in Baldwin (Long Island) New York. Not only did I leave with amazing nails and toenails, but the manicurist topped it off with a light shoulder massage while I waited for my nails to dry.

The most amazing part of this adventure was actually the price... total cost of a manicure AND pedicure was only $25! Yes, you heard correctly. In the South you are doing well to find a salon that will simply manicure your nails for that price. If you're ever in the area, shoot me and e-mail at TLS.kellbell@gmail.com and I will gladly forward you contact info for this shop. I found it well worth the trip.

Deer Watch!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE when deer come out to play....

No.

I don't live on 10 acres of private property.

But God saw fit to send these wonderful creatures to share my peaceful morning walk outside of my Bellevue apartment. What a great Creator we serve!

If you live in Nashville, but have not had the fortune of deer watching in your backyard, try visiting the Percy Warner Park which has walking/biking trails and lots of open grassy areas. You are sure to spot a deer or two. Even if they are not around, the Warner parks are enjoyable any time of the year.

Check out this site for more reviews and information on Percy Warner.

Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup - Carraba's Italian Grille

Ah-May-ZING!

So my fiance and I have unintentionally made every night a date night.... I say unintentionally because it's not as if he formally asked me out.... I didn't blush and spend an hour in front of the mirror getting my hair just right... Nonetheless, we are definitely still dating each other. I genuinely enjoy his company and feel honored every night that we sit down to enjoy a meal and good conversation together.

Tonight, I chose Carraba's for our unofficial date night and it was surprisingly fantastic. For those of you who have had a bad experience there before, do yourself a favor and give it one more shot.

Read more here to find out about our favorite part of the meal ...

Fill My Cup Lord

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus! I'm a firm believer that the ONLY way to truly fill your cup in life is to get to know how good God is. If you are interested in daily meditations or morning devotions, check out these regular posts by my friend Brandon Rose. Here is just an excerpt of today's Bible message... 


What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. ¹⁰Is there anything of which one can say, "Look! This is something new"? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time.


Keep reading...

Nashville Radio

If you are like me, you really appreciate a radio station that, jam after jam, never fails to lift your spirits. I'm not talking about the occasional good song in the midst of filth and who-gave-you-a-record-deal trash! Just quality jams... Well haven't found that yet in the Nashville area (sorry for the build up)... But the closest thing to it is 92.1 or 92 Q.... Love the mix of Anthony Hamilton and Al Green... they can really blend the oldies with the worthy-to-listen-to new guys. So check them out!

Paint!

Sips N Strokes is a hidden gem in Franklin and Hendersonville TN. Check out their website here for information on their other locations. For $25 artists and amateurs can get their fill of paint supplies along with 2 -3 hours of basic instruction. Here are a couple of the paintings that I taught and assisted in:

New and Improved!

Soul Art Studio has been renovated! After a very inspiring chat with Sara Estes, co-creator of The Spotted Fox and indie-inspired artist from Nashville TN, I've decided to re-vamp the site into something that is more useful for the readers. Of course I will still highlight my own art work from time to time, but I am really embracing this new concept - The Lemonade Stand. The problem: this recession has tricked most of us into believing that the good days are over! We've lost jobs, cut back on spending, and settled for randomly surfing Faceboook as a source of entertainment... LAME! My solution: The Lemonade Stand (TLS from now on) is where you can come for inspiration! I refuse to settle. I'm filling my cup in life with all of the wonderful things that make me happy - loving the Good Lord, loving my family and friends, music, art, and food! But not just any food - "pretty plated" beautiful food! I'd love to hear ideas of things that you'd like to do or see on the site, so please leave a comment or send an email to tls.kellbell@gmail.com. Thanks for stopping by!

Under Construction!

Please hang tight... we are making some major changes to the blog. I think you will enjoy so check back a little later.


Thank you!

~KellBell~

Finding my paint style

The dragon was a mistake but eh.... comfort zones are restricting. So far I think the coffee mug and the bird cage really define my creative style. I love the simple and chic, minimally detailed pieces... These were a lot of fun to paint!

New Paintings...

Christopher paints a pot of "flowers"

My honey is the ultimate "manly man." So, on my first night of teaching a class at Sips N Strokes, I was not at all surprised to see his take on the painting that I taught - originally a simple black pot with red pansies. Shaking my head at his disobedience, but still oh so proud of his raw talent :)