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Maybe that's what makes the Canyon Grand.

At my last show I read out loud a written intro to one of my songs called Canyon Grand.  Someone contacted me from the show and asked if I had published it because they wanted to read it again.  So, I've decide to post it here!  It's in its imperfect form, scribbled down with a sharpie, cut apart and pieced back together with blue painter's tape, but I kinda like it that way because it's honest.  

written by Jessica Rollins 9/1/2015

written by Jessica Rollins 9/1/2015

Below are the lyrics to my song, Canyon Grand.  I'm planning to play it at my next show on 9/19.  Would love to see you.  Here's the ticket link if you want to come: http://ow.ly/QrXFA

~Jess

 

CANYON GRAND (jr 4/15/2014)

I’m a lot stronger than I was

And about half as naive

Come a long way from where I used to be

Well, at least that’s what I think

 

Been a lot of places recently

I’ve been running running away

But I can never seem to get away from me

So I guess I’ll have to stay

 

Waves may crash and thunder roll

like a chisel to the soul

But Grace can hold when our hands won’t

at least that’s what I’m told

 

Something so crazy about love

It isn’t always like the movies

Cause there is a pain that is worse than death

But somehow it brings to life

 

Something so scary about life

Yeah, we think we’re in control

But the storms and clouds and winds and rain

They come when they wan’t to

 

Waves may crash and thunder roll

like a chisel to the soul

But Grace can hold when our hands won’t

at least that’s what I’m told

 

Something so beautiful about the Grand Canyon

It takes our breath away

It’s strong and wide and cut real deep

Maybe that’s what makes the canyon grand

Yeah maybe that’s what makes the canyon grand

 

Waves may crash and thunder roll

like a chisel to the soul

But Grace can hold when our hands won’t

at least that’s what I’m told

don’t you wanna know

 

I’m a lot stronger than I was

And about half as naive

Come a long way from where I used to be

Well, at least that’s what I think

 

 

Refiner's Fire (demo)

I wrote this song years ago after some traumatic seasons within my family.  I made this little rough recording to send to my band bc I decided to play live it at my upcoming show this Tues.  

I just thought that someone might need to hear it tonight so I'm sort of inviting you into my living room (because I just recorded this demo in my living room with my PJs on) to let you hear my genuine, raw, unfiltered heart.  We all go through times of trial and suffering that seems much like hell on earth.  This is just an encouragement that, though sometimes life seems unbearable, there is hope that somehow the hand of God will not only hold us through it, but also He will graciously change us into something much better than we were before.  We become better by being pressed further into the heart of God and knowing more of who He really is.  When everything is stripped away, He and His love remain....and THAT is gold.

After the fire, ashes.  After the ashes blow away, gold.

I'll talk more about this at my show, but I just felt let to go ahead and share this song for everyone who may being going through a hardship right now.  This song has continued to bring comfort to me in my struggles.  I hope that it will comfort you too.

Here are the lyrics...



LIVEpainting at LAS FLORES photos.

Las Flores is a wonderful authentic old mex restaurant in Conyers, GA.  They invited me to LIVEpaint during dinner hours to provide a fun entertaining atmosphere.

This was my color inspiration photo.  Found from __E_L_L_E_N__   a wonderful photographer on Instagram.

This was my color inspiration photo.  Found from __E_L_L_E_N__   a wonderful photographer on Instagram.

I set up in their main dining room and of course...Started with blank canvases;)

I set up in their main dining room and of course...Started with blank canvases;)

Blush and pink first layers.

Blush and pink first layers.

My sweet niece came to visit me;)

My sweet niece came to visit me;)

Added some rust and also some geometrics.

Added some rust and also some geometrics.

Layer upon layer and some maller paintings working on at the same time.  Beginning to tell a story now;)

Layer upon layer and some maller paintings working on at the same time.  Beginning to tell a story now;)

Had a little painters block at this point, but now after looking at the photos, I really dig it.  Almost looks like a coyote to me.

Had a little painters block at this point, but now after looking at the photos, I really dig it.  Almost looks like a coyote to me.

 Really dig the finished products.  Can tell I was subtly influenced by the old world mex atmosphere:)

 

Really dig the finished products.  Can tell I was subtly influenced by the old world mex atmosphere:)

I love telling a wonderful story through my songs and my paintings.  These certainly take your eyes on a journey:)

I love telling a wonderful story through my songs and my paintings.  These certainly take your eyes on a journey:)

Here is a link to Las Flores Olde Town Mex.  It is a wonderful place to eat with authentic atmosphere and food.

Pics from my LIVEpainting at Reformation Brewery!

Reformation Brewery in Woodstock, GA makes some really good craft beer and has scheduled tours and tastings at their keeping room.  I was thrilled to LIVEpaint there and perform a solo show;)

Started with blank canvases.

Started with blank canvases.

Started with first layers of blush.

Started with first layers of blush.

Added some navy, rust, metallic gold and cobalt.  I like to do several paintings at one time so that I don't waste mixed paint and I can try out several composition ideas at one time;)

Added some navy, rust, metallic gold and cobalt.  I like to do several paintings at one time so that I don't waste mixed paint and I can try out several composition ideas at one time;)

Main large piece with the smaller ones leaning against the easel.

Main large piece with the smaller ones leaning against the easel.

My secondary piece.  A totally different composition and feel, but has a similar rhythm. 

My secondary piece.  A totally different composition and feel, but has a similar rhythm. 

After my LIVEpainting, I did a little live music set.  My little set up.  Playing at 8:)

After my LIVEpainting, I did a little live music set.  My little set up.  Playing at 8:)

The finished pieces I decided to name after two select craft beers that Reformation Brewery makes and offers.  The first piece is PROVIDENCE.  The second piece is CADENCE.  After reading the descriptions of these wonderfully craf…

The finished pieces I decided to name after two select craft beers that Reformation Brewery makes and offers.  The first piece is PROVIDENCE.  The second piece is CADENCE.  After reading the descriptions of these wonderfully crafted beers, I found their names so fitting for my paintings.  Too perfect!;)

Reformation Brewery wrote a cool article on their website featuring my LIVEpainting and live solo show. 

Reformation Brewery wrote a cool article on their website featuring my LIVEpainting and live solo show. 

Check the article here and read the descriptions of their beers Providence and Cadence and see how they are so fitting as names for the pieces I painted there.

Pics from the LIVEpainting at AWAKE coffee co.

Such a fun and creative atmosphere encouraging good community over coffee;)  

Started with a blank canvas.

Started with a blank canvas.

First layers of BLUE.

First layers of BLUE.

Some lithe ones too.

Some lithe ones too.

A photo of my friend, Juli Vaughn's, cute pup that I used for my color inspiration.

A photo of my friend, Juli Vaughn's, cute pup that I used for my color inspiration.

More layers of color.  Looking like something now.  The live music influenced my brush strokes and color selection.

More layers of color.  Looking like something now.  The live music influenced my brush strokes and color selection.

Finished.  Tells a cool story;)

Finished.  Tells a cool story;)

Live music at AWAKE coffee co open mic night. 

Live music at AWAKE coffee co open mic night. 

I brought my guitar and sang some too;)

I brought my guitar and sang some too;)

Pics from Live painting at Alli's Roberts Salon

Started with a blank canvas.

Started with a blank canvas.

Add a little color.

Add a little color.

Layer upon layer.  (and working on some small canvases at the same time;)

Layer upon layer.  (and working on some small canvases at the same time;)

Blush peach and blues.

Blush peach and blues.

Copper and teal for some visual texture.

Copper and teal for some visual texture.

It was fun painting live in front of people.  My favorite was hearing people say, "what is it supposed to be?" ;) I was motivated by the creative working atmosphere at Alli Roberts Salon and the talented hair artisans that work there.  Thank you Alli Roberts Salon for the opportunity to inspire one another with our craft!  ~Jess

Http://allirobertssalon.com

 

Video clips from my most recent show @ Eddie's Attic

Just wanted to say another thanks to Slade Adams on fiddle and Kevin Justmann on upright for playing my most recent show at Eddie's Attic.  Not all of my songs are this blue-grassy, but since I had them with me, I was thrilled to do this honky tonk original tune called Light of the City!  Here are a couple clips...

This song reminds me of a picnic square-dance party in a hay barn next to a sunflower field!  Don't ya think?  Tap yo feet on the "on-beat" clap yo hands on the "off-beat" kinda fun;) yeeehaww! 

~Jess

LIVE painting in Old Town Conyers.

I'll be painting LIVE at Alli Robert's Salon this THURS from 11-4.  Drop on by.  Alli is my talented and artistic sister who transformed an old historical FORD mechanic shop into a beautiful NY style salon, spa and retail shop.

Located:  943  South Main Street NE, Conyers, Ga. 30012

Alli's Salon is also a gallery for artists.  Many of my original pieces featured on my website are currently on display and for sale there...

FADE AWAY acrylic on canvas

FADE AWAY acrylic on canvas

GLANCING acrylic on canvas

GLANCING acrylic on canvas

RAZZLE DAZZLE acrylic on canvas

RAZZLE DAZZLE acrylic on canvas

 

As well as some other newer pieces not on my website yet.

SOMETHING SOMEONE acrylic on canvas

SOMETHING SOMEONE acrylic on canvas

WINDSHIELD RAIN acrylic on canvas

WINDSHIELD RAIN acrylic on canvas

I will be set up at the salon painting some originals and selling some merch.  Come on out!  I'd love to see you.

~Jess

 http://allirobertssalon.com  

Thanks for coming out to Eddie's for Cinco de Mayo!

What a great night at Eddie's Attic.  An authentic atmosphere w great friends and great music.

For those who couldn't join us here is a video clip and some pics for ya.

 

a song about wanting to live in freedom

jessateddies
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Hope you can join us next time! 

Thanks again to Mark Miller and to Eddie's Attic folks for having me.

Cheers,

~Jess

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Playing Eddie's Attic on Tues May 5th at 8PM;)

 Mark Miller at Eddie's Attic with "special guest" Jessica Rollins....  Get tickets at www.eddiesattic.com They call the opener the "special guest" nowadays.  Get there early if you want so you don't miss anything.  Doors open at…

 

Mark Miller at Eddie's Attic with "special guest" Jessica Rollins....  Get tickets at www.eddiesattic.com 

They call the opener the "special guest" nowadays.  Get there early if you want so you don't miss anything.  Doors open at 6:30 if I'm not mistaken so that's plenty of time to get there, get a good seat and eat a bite of food.  The food at Eddies is exceptional!:)

~Jess

Concert and Art Show success!

The #ConcertandArtShow at Alli Roberts Salon was a success! Here are some pics from the show.

Thank you for coming!!

My sister, Alli, introducing me.

My sister, Alli, introducing me.

Backlit beautiful stage.

Backlit beautiful stage.

Me and Slade, a great friend and fiddle player who always makes my songs sound good.

Me and Slade, a great friend and fiddle player who always makes my songs sound good.

Tuning.

Tuning.

The winner of the raffle was @cdmc56 , but since she is my mom....I went ahead and drew another name out of the hat! So there were two winners of my original artwork;)

The winner of the raffle was @cdmc56 , but since she is my mom....I went ahead and drew another name out of the hat! So there were two winners of my original artwork;)

 The second winner of an original acrylic on canvas was @kterry6609 !  Congrats and thank you for helping me spread the word about the concert via Instagram.  ~Jess

 

The second winner of an original acrylic on canvas was @kterry6609 !  Congrats and thank you for helping me spread the word about the concert via Instagram.  

~Jess

Thanks to your giving at the concert, we also raise over $70 towards a children's art scholarship at the Sketching Pad!!  So thank you so much.

 

Connecting with the community.

Since my sister, Alli Roberts, and her salon have become such a staple in the Old Towne Conyers community and since she is so graciously hosting my upcoming Concert and Art Show, we thought it would be a great opportunity to support local creative arts.  We are asking a suggested donation of $2, of which the proceeds will go towards a children's scholarship to The Sketching Pad, a local art studio/school.  We are excited to not only be doing such a fun event, but also to connect and support the local creative arts community.  Hope to see you there! And thank you ahead of time for helping a child get art lessons.  Something near and dear to my heart for sure!! 

 ~Jess;)

 

 

"Pink Autumn" Instagram Giveaway!

"Pink Autumn"    {24"x48"  acrylic on canvas}    by Jessica Rollins

"Pink Autumn"    {24"x48"  acrylic on canvas}    by Jessica Rollins

FALL IS MY FAVE!  So let's celebrate with an Instagram Giveaway :-)

During the month of September, if at least 25 people Pre-order a print of my painting, "Pink Autumn", I'm giving away 3 prints for FREE! 👏

{24"x48" canvas giclee print $100 +shipping}

Contact me either via my website or you can email me directly jessica{at}jessicarollins.com to place an order.
Once your order is confirmed, I put your name in the hat and will draw 3 lucky winners at the end of the month that will get their print for FREE! 


ALSO, If you just Regram this post on Instagram w the hashtag #jessicarollinsgiveaway ,
I might pick you to receive ANOTHER GIFT: 
5 regrammers will be picked to receive a free Jessica Rollins coffee mug:) ☕️ Ya know, since I LOVE coffee so much!

If you Pre-order aaaaaand Repost w #jessicarollinsgiveaway and tag @_jessicarollins ,
You could totally win both a print and a mug;)

Promotion ends Sept 30th. Winners announced October 1st.
2014


Share the love!! 💕
~Jess