Giving Thanks ~ by Sheila Estelle

There are so many reasons to give thanks during this special season of Thanksgiving ~ for FAMILY, for HEALTH, for being an AMERICAN, for special friends, for all the women and men who are defending our country ...., and especially to our heavenly Father who loves us so!!!

 And a special thank~you to my dear Mother who decided to donate an ornamental candle~holder to me, which was made into a festive centerpiece for our family Thanksgiving celebration!

It was created using small pumpkins purchased from Trader Joe's, Magnolia Flower Pods & Magnolia leaves from my front yard.  There is something so yummy about the look of a Magnolia Flower Pod with those striking red seeds held delicately inside.

May the Lord bless you and keep you throughout the holidays ahead. ~<3

Blessings & His best always!

~ Sheila Estelle
(805) 444-5909

Meg Whitman On Her Final Stretch of the Campaign Trail Greets Supporters in Westlake Village, CA, on Monday, October 25, 2010 ~ by Sheila Estelle

In a fierce sprint to the finish line, Meg Whitman is blazing trails in the final leg of her Campaign Trail while in Westlake Village, CA on Monday, October 25, 2010.   Pledging to 'Create more Jobs', 'Improve Schools' and 'help California businesses thrive again' in her bid for the seat of Governor of the State of California, Meg appeared more deliberate and determined than ever!

Greeted by what appeared to be several hundred supporters in 'pep rally' fashion at the beautiful Hyatt Westlake Hotel courtyard lawn, Meg rallied the troops and led a pep talk that sparked enthusiasm and ignited the crowd.

No more false promises.  No more lies...., if anyone can do it, MEG CAN!!!

This evening, on Meg Whitman's blog was a link to a YouTube video showing Jerry Brown in an interview stating very clearly that it was a lie, that he had no plan for California when he was Governor!


On the contrary, Meg has a plan; and she has a proven track record with her many business mega successes and business acumen.

And as this photographer has noted, business skills are vital in todays changing and global economy.  You cannot survive without them.  The State of California desperately needs someone with the skills, track record, determination and ability to move California once again to be the 'Golden State' that it once was.


It is time for positive change ~ and the time is, 'NOW'!

I will be heading to the polls on Tuesday, November 2, 2010, ...., will YOU?

Blessings & God's best!
~ Sheila Estelle

Ken Sklute, Canon Explorer of Light visits PPLAC ~ by Sheila Estelle

This past evening was very delightful seeing my friend and mentor, Ken Sklute, Canon Explorer of Light speaking during PPLAC's (Professional Photographers of Los Angeles County) monthly meeting.

Ken's work never ceases to amaze his audience and always keeps them captivated.  What especially impresses me is the way he looks for a location first and then waits, sometimes days at a time for just the right moment;  perhaps someone walking into his scene, perhaps just the right lighting...., then click.

"I pick the background first in almost everything I shoot."   ~ Ken Sklute

Amy Cantrell, Sheila Estelle, Ken Sklute and Nadia Salameh pause for a photograph taken during the Ken Sklute presentation at PPLAC on Thursday, May 27, 2010.

When Ken is on assignment, his girlfriend, Nadia, at times is perplexed.  Ken apparently carries so much camera gear and equipment with him as he states he never knows just what he'll need for any given situation and he always wants to be prepared.

"It is hard to move forward when you are standing still."  ~ Ken Sklute

Spending time with Ken Sklute always brings a smile to my face.  His passion and excitement are contageous and I admit that I have caught the bug, Ha ha ha!

Look for some of Ken's work to be appearing soon in, 'Black and White Magazine.'  And as Ken is a Canon Explorer of Light, you can check to see when his next speaking engagements are and hopefully make it to one!

Wishing you much success in your photography endeavors and in life.
Blessings abundant!

~ Sheila Estelle

www.facebook.com/SheilaEstelle

Mother's Day!

We have so many reasons to celebrate on Mother's Day. 
This day is a day to cherish and remember. 

I am so very grateful for my lovely Mother.  She has been a
jewel and I have such wonderful memories growing up.

And I am blessed to have 3 lovely children and wanted to
introduce you to the latest...., my daughter and future son's
new little addition, little Body, only 4 months young!


Hoping your Mother's Day was blessed and filled with much goodness!

xoxo, ~ Sheila Estelle

A Delightful Day in Ventura at the Ventura Spring ArtWalk, April 17, 2010 ~ by Sheila Estelle

Spending the day yesterday in Ventura was a delightful experience.  The day was spent visiting artisans & photographers alike and meeting a couple wonderful photog friends to photograph with, laugh with, eat lunch with, bond with, namely Karen Vaisman and

Suzanne Gonzalez.

While visiting a special quaint spot, the Bella Maggiore Inn on California Street, we met a couple lovely artisans and their family and friends.  The ambiance was so warm and lovely that we lost track of the hour and must have spent a good 4 hours enjoying the day.

Here are a few pictures to remember this special day ....,

This is a newer artist to Ventura, named Courtney Ellzey, and her mother from left to right.  Courtney, of LZ Photography, had many of her fine art images displayed.

We also met up with Artist, Lindsay Collier and her delightful and colorful artwork.

A lovely view of the stairwell in the Bella Maggiore Inn.

Courney & Lindsay, both showing their artwork during the Ventura ArtWalk.

What a lovely way to display her imagery!  Inside the glass dome is an image from LZPhotography.

A view from the main show room into a smaller annex showing the art of Courtney and Lindsay, and an ArtWalk guest in the distance.

A view of the lovely sitting room inside the lovely Bella Maggiore Inn.

The stunning chandelier that hangs inside the Bella Maggiore Inn, located in Ventura, California on California Street.

I hope you've enjoyed the images as much as I enjoyed taking them!

Blessings & love abundant!

~ Sheila Estelle

Easter Restoration at the Adolfo Camarillo Ranch House 2010 ~ by Sheila Estelle

 Easter Sunday was such a blessing for me, that I wanted to share some Easter love with you.  This is Calvary Chapel Camarillo's 4th time that they have celebrated Easter on the beautiful historic grounds of the Adolfo Camarillo Ranch House.

Please enjoy the photographs.  If you were in attendance, how wonderful.  And for those of you who were not able to be with us, my hope is that next year that may change if you are blessed to be in close proximity to Camarillo!

Blessings Abundant & please share the link and make comments at the bottom if you like!
xoxo ~ Sheila Estelle