10:365:2011

Relationships are hard. All too often, one person will sacrifice their beliefs, their ideals, their goals ... in favor of the other's. They think they are helping... or being kind... or even being selfless. But I think, more often than not... they end up losing their sense of self. Not gracious... not giving... just lost and a mere shadow of what they used to be. Oftentimes, resentment is a companion feeling to this sense of loss.

There aren't many examples today where there is genuine give and take in a relationship. Where one person truly cares as much for the other, as they are cared for by the other. It is sad.
All too often... we see a "what's in it for me" response.

Just look at a news segment... and you will have an instant reminder of the worst that humanity has to offer. Perhaps I am an idealist... but I think that NOW more than ever... we need to get back to simple kindness. Looking out for each other. Helping each other. And not because we might get some kind of reward... but because it's the right thing to do.

Tonight we all went out for dinner at the Route 66 Malt Shop here in ABQ. It was freezing balls out... and yet... there were instances when gentlemen still held open doors for "their girl" instead of rushing in for warmth... where waitresses were helpful and nice... where cooks sat down and chatted... where pleasant conversation was shared around a good meal.

...kindness matters... simplicity happens... love abounds... ((spread it around))

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

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Art Galleries and Art Shows: Sneak Peek #18 in my series...

A few days ago, my daughter and I were roaming about the Nob Hill area... as we are inclined to do this time of year (especially)... and we stopped in at: The Talking Fountain Gallery.
It was incredible. It is a fairly small gallery, but it is jam packed with tons of fabulous art.

The owner, KatieCalico, is also one of the featured artists there; and it was a pleasure to be able to chat with her for a bit. The entire atmosphere of the place is welcoming and nurturing to the artistic soul.

Opening in May 2009, the gallery and boutique offer locally made art and goods, custom clothing, jewelry, bags, accessories, stickers, posters, local music, fine art, and lots more. Below are some "sneak peaks" into some of the awesome stuff held inside The Talking Fountain Gallery doors...

(*photos by Elaine A. Russell)

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Late last evening, I realized that I hadn't taken my photo for the day yet. I had gotten sucked into listing things on Freecycle, and doing some odd stuff around the house... and I got side-tracked. Such is life sometimes.
And so... around 11:30pm... the daughter and I headed out to see what we could see... and to catch a photo. We ended up having a great time... and actually got photos for (technically) last night and today.
I have been working this week on my night-time photography skills (or lack thereof )..... so it was a good lesson for me. I am also coming up on my one-year anniversary of having just the Kodak point and shoot camera... and this whole year has been quite amazing in terms of my growth as a photographer... it is really quite exciting.

***all photos by Elaine A. Russell

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----->photo by Elaine A. Russell

Today I spent the entire day taking photos at the "Nob Hill Days and Nights" festival (otherwise known as SummerFest)... located on Route66, here in Albuquerque. There was a vintage car show, tons of vendors and food, TONS of live music... dancing... demonstrations, ..... so much fun!

And now I am home... and wading through the photos briefly before heading off to bed.

43:365

One of my favorite galleries here in ABQ, is the Mariposa Gallery.


Owners Liz Dineen and Jennifer Rohrig have gone out of their way to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that is home to some of the most talented artisans in New Mexico.

Hence, my Art Gallery "Sneak Peek": Mariposa Gallery in Nob Hill

(peek #6 in my series)

Just thinking about Mariposa makes me smile. It has a wide variety of artwork; ranging from jewelry, paintings, ceramics, encaustics, mixed media and more. Located in Nob Hill, it is a centrally located... and is easily accessible to the art loving community.

I have gone to several shows there... and am always pleased with what they have to offer. I would highly recommend a visit... but plan on spending some time... there is alot to see.

(Included in this post are just a sampling of some of the fabulous artwork there....)

To see more about this gallery, look: Here

(*all photos by Elaine A. Russell)

Nob Hill Nights

Masks Y Mas

Nob Hill Grill

fire guys

drummer dudes

photos by Elaine A. Russell

so-- last night was pretty cool. The hubby, daughter and I went to the first-ever "Nob Hill Nights." This is a new idea proposed by the merchants of the Nob Hill area in ABQ. Essentially, they close off a bunch of the streets in Nob Hill, and only allow pedestrian traffic in the evening on the first thursday of each month. Shops and restaurants are open late to allow browsing... there are street musicians and special events. http://rwarn17588.wordpress.com/2009/09/21/just-another-nob-hill-night/

We left the house around 6pm, and ended up staying past closing of the events which was around 9pm. First stop for us was Masks Y Mas. This is a fantastic locally owned store (actually... several store spaces in one). The owners have one section of the store as a gallery space, and tonight they were featuring 2 young local artists: Rain Green and Noah Valencia.

http://www.masksymas.net/index.htm

From there we stopped in at Astro Zombies. This is a very cool shop that features a wide selection of comics, graphic novels and figurines, etc, etc. Awesome selection! http://astrozombies.com/

Then we went to the Nob Hill Grill. We got sucked in by the free green chile stew samplings... and ended up having a great meal. Our server; Maureen... was gracious and accommodating. The food was great, and affordable. ($45 for 3 entrees, drinks and an appetizer)http://www.upscalejoint.com/

We got done just in time to see the fire jugglers... doing awesome feats of fancy with fire. And we got our groove on to this awesome drumming group. ... and we also got to see a demonstration by the Tango Club of ABQ. http://www.abqtango.org/

All in all... a pretty fabulous night out.

the manic wolf

----------------------------in the window of Mariposa Gallery -----------

--------------------------in the window of Old World Imports-----------

-----------------------close-up of a mural at Annapurna's Chai House ---

---------------------------------------------photos by Elaine A. Russell

So -- if you know me, you know I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythmatosis about 16 1/2 yrs ago. Most days I am fine. About once a week, I get a fever, chills, headache, some kind of crappy thing, etc and ache all over. Today ( and yesterday ) is one of those days.
I'm not complaining. There are certainly people who have it worse, and I know several.

I mention it only in the sense that ... today I am home, drinking some hot coffee, and enjoying listening to the wind outside.

Here are some photos that I took on Sunday... of the Nob Hill area on central ave.