Why Can't I Make Fluffy Biscuits?

I love to bake. It is somewhat of a hobby, and I view the opportunity to bake something new as a challenge. I enjoy trying recipes that are difficult "just to see if I can." Well, I don't think that biscuits fall into the difficult category, but for some reason, I can't make them. I've tried numerous times only to be disappointed with the results. My mother can do it, but I can't. I cut in the shortening until it is pea sized, I used my grandmother's biscuit pan, I don't twist the biscuit cutter, I try not to use too much flour. . . what am I doing wrong?

Sometimes I envison myself as Olivia Walton. She's the type of wife I aspire to be. She always looks nice, she's always smiling, three meals a day are put on the table with perfection, a cake is always in the oven, and she always greets her husband with a warm cup of coffee when he comes in from the cold.

So, this morning when my husband went hunting (at dawn), I got up like a good Olivia Walton wanna-be does, and cooked breakfast. I brewed a fresh pot of coffee even though I don't drink it, prepared homemade biscuits just knowing they would be perfect, and cooked bacon, eggs, and gravy. Once again, disappointment.

Why can't my biscuits look like this?

I will achieve the perfect biscuit, and I'll let you know when I do! Any suggestions (besides Pillsbury)?