cafe

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Today has been interesting in alot of ways. I keep having these "spells" (for lack of a better word)... where I get anxious, dizzy, and a horrible headache. About an hour later... I am completely wiped out. I can only assume it is blood sugar problems... but man... it is almost like going through various stages of shock on a fairly routine basis.
I have been eating very well... so... I am confused as to the reactions and why they are occurring... but hey.

That said... my daughter and I went downtown and enjoyed some wonderful food from Annapurna's... which I adore. I also managed to get my submission completed and mailed in to the NYC gallery, Charming Wall... and it will be featured in the show running all of November. This is their final show... and I was very fortunate in getting in.
My submission is shown below...


I was torn as to which photo to pick for my photo of the day project. I saw the wonderful painted VW bus near UNM today as we were driving around (see the first photo above)... and it was just freakin awesome! It reminded me of the old SNL skits with the "land shark"...

But I had also taken the photo below... showing a package sent out in today's mail... and that was the one I ultimately went with.... as I just felt it was a stronger photo in it's composition. More importantly though... is that I am back in the swing of doing art... and that is wonderful :)

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

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(Maple Bacon Doughnuts at the Zombie Doughnuts and Cafe ... YUM)


... and my Art Gallery/ Show "Sneak Peek" for today is: Zombie Doughnuts and Cafe
(peek #14 in my series)


Today was a busy day. Puttering around the house... then off to a going-away party and BBQ for a friend... (thank you Sal and Debbie... the food was feckin awesome! -- and the very best wishes to Danielle)... then off to an art show at the Zombie Doughnuts and Cafe. A couple of friends and fellow artists are currently showing their artwork there... and it was a great time.

Couple this with some incredible maple-bacon doughnuts... and there ya have it!

If you've never been to Zombie Doughnuts... I highly recommend them.
Yummy, inventive... and they won't eat your brains out....


See these links:
Zombie Doughnuts and Cafe Website: Here
Unique Doughnuts review: HERE



artwork by Agatha and Torm (Too Ugly to Prostitute, Too Lazy to Strip)

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It's saturday. I am overwhelmed. I am behind on my blog posts; and hope to fill in the gaps here as I am able to get a reliable connection. Dad is doing a little bit better today... although he is not horribly happy about being in the hospital again... but that is the way it goes. Mom has been visiting him as much as she is able; and so are my daughter and I. We are trying to "hold the fort" ... and help with tasks around the house. I also have to sort thru alot of misc paperwork/ bills/ taxes etc and try to get them organized and caught up for my mother. Needless to say; I have a list.. that I may or may not be able to do everything on before I have to head back to Albuquerque. I had planned on leaving Coudersport on the 12th... and going to my niece's house in Lancaster for a day. Then.... I had hoped to take my daughter on a road-trip to New York City as a treat before we head back to NM. We'll see how it pans out... but for now; that is the plan.




Currently, I am sitting in Olga's Cafe and Gallery here in Coudersport, right on main street. It is a fabulous place... and I can log on to the internet while I am here. I have mentioned Olga's on my blog before. Olga is from the Ukraine, having moved to PA after getting married years ago. Once she came to Coudersport, she opened a shop, and has been a major source for the arts here. In December, she and her husband opened up a Cafe/Bar and Gallery in one of the restored buildings on main street. It is simply gorgeous inside. Olga's artwork covers a wide variety of techniques and materials.... original paintings, prints, handmade jewelry, knitted garments and accessories, glass painting on dishware and stemware, Pysanky egg art, felted toys and lovies... and so much more. It's hard to fathom it all.


The cafe features good home cooking... goat cheese pizza, panini bread sandwiches, home-made soups, and endless desserts. And the bar area features domestic and imported beer, wine and mixed drinks.

Upstairs is the gallery... featuring more of Olga's artwork, as well as providing space for classes and such. Plus... free internet... all in a warm and inviting space. You really couldn't ask for more.

Here are some photos from Olga's.....





(all photos by Elaine A. Russell)

Link to Olga's: Here

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Today was somewhat relaxing.... I woke up very late... and sat out by the river for a little while. I was able to get some photos of crocus and cinquefoil flowers... sure signs that spring is well on it's way and settling in. I saw robins.... and even some bees!



And I was able to visit with my parents... my dad is quite sore and swollen today. He thinks it is from the transfer in the ambulance... too much stress and lying down ... he thinks. But... he is progressing with his walking... which is just amazing.



... as the sun came to rest in the Allegheny mountains... I took my mom home to rest for the night. Then, my daughter, my nephew, and one of my nieces and I all went to "Olga's Cafe" in town. The featured band tonight was an Irish group from Buffalo, NY. The band's name is "Cairde", and normally they have 4 members in the band, but one was absent tonight. They were quite good...but then, I love Irish music. There was a couple who came with the band; who were trained in Irish dancing, and they got up and did some jigs.... as well as help leading some audience members in a dance... which was fun.



And we enjoyed the atmosphere at Olga's... warm and welcoming... with excellent food... and (in my case)... a good glass of Riesling. We all shared "bangers and mash" (sausage and mashed potatoes), spinach dip with chips, a vegetarian goat cheese (small) pizza, and a buffalo wing panini. Everything was really, really well made and tasty.



And now I am back at my parent's house... enjoying a warm cup of tea... and about to tuck in.... with Irish jigs dancing in my head.... and a warmth in my heart....


............................................................................................All photos by Elaine A. Russell
Links:
The band.... Cairde: look here
Olga's Gallery & Cafe: look here

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(all photos by Elaine A. Russell)

In the past 24hours... I have learned that my friend's (from high school) mother passed away.... that my husband's sister is in the hospital with a possible heart attack... and I've learned more about bone cancer than I ever care to know.
Crazy how things seem to "dogpile" when they hit like that....

And yet the world goes round... and it goes on. I had a fabulous lunch with my daughter at Kelly's Pub in Nob Hill.
It is a really cool place... and the food portions are not only HUGE... but they taste awesome.

From there... we went to a great local gallery (which will be featured on Friday's blog "sneak peak")...stopped at Cafe Giuseppe for a hot chai ( totally awesome!! and the place is really cool).... and then we stopped at this incredible little bookstore "The Book Stop," where we found the most amazing selection of books (new and old).




I was able to take a few pictures while roaming about... and then we made a quick stop at Albertson's grocery store for a few items; where I saw the most beautiful orchids in their floral area. WOW.





And now I am home. And it is late. And I can't help but think about how crazy life can be. Life doesn't just stop... even when you want it to... if only for a minute while you catch your breathe. Illness and tragedy rains on everyone. ... and can... seemingly out of the blue...
And just as miraculously... good and great things happen as well. We may never know why things happen the way they do... and perhaps that is a good thing.



Living Simply Tip for the Day:
Enjoy life. Have good coffee. See good art. Read a good book. Enjoy time with loved ones every chance you get. Buy yourself flowers. Yes, it's more than worth it.... and these are the things you will reflect upon when the rough times sometimes hit you, or someone you love.

----------------------------------------------------------------
LINKS:

Kelly's Brew Pub -- fabulous food, great service, big screen Tv's, billiards and more!

Cafe Giuseppe -- awesome coffee... tea... and a neat little lounge area

The Book Stop -- hidden TREASURE! Great little book shop.

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*photos by Elaine A. Russell

Had and interesting day today... spent my morning in the doctor's office, then went for lunch in Old Towne at the Church Street Cafe and had the best fajitas, chips and queso. What can I say ... I like my queso and chips.


Church Street Cafe is a wonderful cafe in Old Towne, ABQ... quaint, historic... rumored to have ghosts....I first saw the place when my family went on the Ghost Tours of Old Towne about a year ago. But I digress. The food is awesome. Seriously. My waiter... Tony.. was fabulous. What more could I want? Oh ya.... a bag to take the rest of it home... which I relished over dinner.
To see more on the cafe: Church Street Cafe


But back to my posting...
Came home, did a few things that needed to be done; and took a nap. How wonderful is that?
Dinner was delightful; conversations with friends --awesome.... a good day.







Some days are perfect like that ... others ... are -- well... not. And that is OK. There is not always a reason for the sequence of events that make our days what they are... and yet, how we react to them can make a world of difference. For instance; yesterday I let a series of events completely throw me off... and it made me weary and frustrated and sad. A friend of mine sent me this quote today:

“Trials, temptations, disappointments -- all these are helps instead of hindrances, if one uses them rightly. They not only test the fiber of character but strengthen it...Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before.” —James Buckham



And so - - I must remind myself that no matter what happens.. I may not have control over the situation .. or the event itself per se... but I always have control over my response to it.


Living Simply tip for the day:
"The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak." --Hans Hofmann

I think this must also include our emotions. Take what you absolute must.. and try not to worry about the rest. Don't bring more into the situation than is actually there .... or actually necessary.

neat to eat ...part TWO

.. and in our continuing story ....here are some more places the hubby and I have gotten to eat at in the last few months....


Chili's on Ouray
http://www.chilis.com/EN/Pages/home.aspx

(I had the fajita trio and a margarita...awesome)


Sadie's on 4th Street


(Wow. Had the stuffed sopas. Tons of great food.. and such a cool place!)


Flying Star -- both the one on Central, and the one in Corrales


(Always good food. Favs are: Earl Grey tea, the Southwest Bennie, and the bread pudding)


Chow's ... in the Cottonwood Mall


(love the coffee chicken and the Santa Fe Wonton soup!)


Blue Cactus Grill on Coors


(I had the tequila-lime chicken, fall veggies, and these great sweet potatoes--yum)


Little Anita's in Old Towne
http://www.littleanitas.com/
(It was cold, and all the food was great! I had one of the platters with beans and rice)


**all photos by Elaine A. Russell

neat to eat ... part ONE

Because I will no doubt be busy with Nob Hill Nights, First Friday events.. and making the rounds of some cool places.... I have decided that today's and tomorrow's entries will be on a theme.
We started working in earnest on our house back towards the end of September.
And... the hubby and I LOVE to eat out... so we took this as an opportunity to visit some local places.
This post (and tomorrow's) will feature some of the places we have visited over the course of the past few months, and some of the great food that ABQ has to offer.
When possible, I have tried to include links to the places.

♥♥♥I hope you enjoy this ♥♥♥


Satellite Cafe on Central Ave
(I love the Cafe con Leche and 9 grain toast with hummus)



Kai's Chinese Restaurant
(I had the Jasmine tea and the Thai chicken with fresh veggies on rice)



El Patio
(it's all about the huervos and coffee)



BlackBird Buvette
(my fav is a glass of white wine, and a plate of Bruschetta)



Lindy's Diner
(like it all... you can't go wrong--I love diners)



Johhny Rockets @ CottonWood Mall
http://www.johnnyrockets.com/index2.php
(Cold coke and chili fries with everything... )



**all photos by Elaine A. Russell

Freecycle, framing, and Flying Star



photos by Elaine A. Russell

One of the blessings of having remodel work done, is that it is sort of an adventure.
Right now, we have one working sink (kitchen) .. one working shower (hall bathroom)... and lots of plasterboard dust all around (framing walls). With 4 people in the house... it's going to be a testament of patience.
And right now.... we are doing well.
Another benefit is that I am slowly going thru things again. Because the workers are putting in a different doorway to the garage, we had to move all my craft/ jewelry making stuff and tables, as well as a heavy duty work bench and alot of tools. Today I hope to go thru alot of it and potentially get rid of some stuff.
Yesterday I was able to give away some buildings supplies ( lumber, cinder block , etc )...gotta love Freecycle (http://www.freecycle.org/). I have been a member for several yrs, the last 2 of which I have donated an item or more for every day of the year. I think it's an awesome program, and seems to help alot of people who are both looking to get rid of/ or get ... good used stuff.
A final benefit, is that we are getting to sample some of the great food places ABQ has to offer. The hubby and I have always enjoyed eating out and exploring ... so this is a real treat. The other day we went to Flying Star up on Coors and Alameda (http://www.flyingstarcafe.com/), and last night we went to Nothing but Noodles (http://www.nothingbutnoodles.com/). Great food.


*Pictures are from that Flying Star location.

The Pita Pit

photos by Elaine A. Russell


Sunday afternoon... the daughter and I stopped at the Pita Pit on Central Ave near UNM. In all the time we have lived here, this is one place we just never got around to stopping at. And what a shame.

The Pita Pit sorta resembles a Subway restaurant in layout.... but the food is definitely Mediterranean in style. Gyros, Pitas, babaganoush.... fabulous. Everything is fresh and affordable.

Messy.... but dang.. they are good.

As a "bonus" .. they have a sitting area out back. Someone has taken a definite effort to bring in some desert friendly plants, and landscaping designs so that it's not just a few tables near the alleyways. It's actually quite nice.

And an even nicer "bonus" ... the guys who work there are really friendly, and really enjoy their jobs.... and it shows.

a nice long weekend

photo by Elaine A. Russell
Our Lady of Guadalupe... taken at the Daily Grind Cafe on Central Ave


a nice long weekend.....and I need it.

So much to do in a short amount of time. Starting Wednesday.. is the 9x9x9 Show to be held at the Factory on 5th. This is exciting. I am looking forward to seeing what everyone has done for this special show.

I have all my art back from the printers.. and am doing some last minute embellishing.

I am organizing my home studio... and it has been fun. I am finding things I had forgotten I had.. and lots of things to list for sale in my Etsy shop.

And I have 2 more shows coming up this month to get ready for. WOOT !
* We Art the People Show -- sponsored by Offcenter Arts...September 13th
* Aki Matsuri -- sponsored by the JACL here in ABQ..... September 27th

More info to come on these fabulous shows !

the railyards



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


so -- went on a photo expedition today. It was a FlickR photo group outing.. and didn't exactly go as planned... * if ya wanna know -- I'll tell ya later*

Woke up early --after only 3 hours of sleep.. got to the railyards in downtown ABQ around 8am.....and spent a pleasant hour or so wandering about taking photos. Having never been before.. to this ABQ iconic place... it was feckin awesome. I see why so many people have snuck in there over the years. It is now "off limits" to the general public, and is in the paperwork stages of becoming a museum. (http://www.wheelsmuseum.org/)

Today there was a local group there that was participating in the 48hrs filmfest (http://www.48hourfilm.com/albuquerque/).
I had an incredible time, and wish to thank them profusely for allowing me to take some photos.


Then --- the hubby and I went to the Chocolate Cafe (yummy desserts !) ... where I am participating in a photo show thru the end of August. I did a canvas print of a rusty old chevy... it is near the door if you want to stop by and look. (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60933-d554835-Reviews-Chocolate_Cafe_Bakery-Albuquerque_New_Mexico.html ). The show will be up thru the end of August in the cafe.

Then... went to the mall for a much needed massage. I can't say enough about the folks at Panda Break (http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=214). They were kind, conscientious, and really helped me out alot.

Now... for some motrin and food... and a shower :) ----- and maybe some CSI !!

for wednesday

Cafe Chair photo by Elaine A. Russell. Taken at the Golden Crown Panendaria



Sometimes I get sooooooooooooo busy doing the seemingly simple things.. and life just passes by quickly, and the next thing I know is that it's 1am, and I haven't posted for the day. Sorry.

Today was one of those days when I literally had a list of things to do.
1. pay bills/ balance account
2. get groceries
3. buy BIG envelopes
4. go to the post office
etc etc. You get the idea.

Amongst the pleasant surprises though... was making a connection with a local printer to do up some of my photography. This led to a discussion on my style/body of work.. and the offering for future work or display. It was fecking awesome.

A quick visit with a couple friends... getting together a plan for a future art date....

Then, a quick cup of wonderful tea and a yummy empanada at the Golden Crown Panendaria on 12th. http://www.goldencrown.biz/index.htm


Then off to the studio to do some work... Then dinner and discussions with like minded artist friends. Pretty much a perfect day.

it's been an odd day

-------photo of the Satellite Cafe on Central by Elaine A. Russell

First of all.. I didn't sleep well. This is a longstanding problem of mine. As a kid... I loved to sleep in; but was never allowed to. I started working at a fairly young age.. and my hours were often messed up. Along the way I was diagnosed with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). As a nurse, I worked night shift for almost 17 years. So -- needless to say, my sleep can sometimes be erratic, and I have taken medication at times to help me sleep.

So -- today I was still asleep when the "door to door" religious people decided to chat about how we need to go to church for Easter at their services. yah.
Somehow I managed to get through that one and head back off to a light doze... when the dogs went absolutely ape and the doorbell rang again.

This time, it was 2 --what appeared to be Bounty Hunters -- looking for 2 "persons of interest" that they were told were in my neighborhood. Specifically, at a certain house. I asked for ID. I'm like that.
Now. You have to understand me. I am not a nosey neighbor. That said. I am one of those old-fashioned types that bring coffee and cookies to new people moving in. I pick up people's mail for them when they are out of town. I watch their pets. Their pets come to my house automatically for treats when they get "out".. and I take them in. I know all my neighbors. I know essentially where they work, and an emergency phone contact for them. I am NOT a watchdog... but I am home alot, and my neighbors all trust me to sorta keep an eye on things.
To sum it all up ... there is NO WAY that my neighbors were caught up in a "situation" such as this.

It was almost like a surreal scene from a movie. I gotta say.
So -- I am off for coffee... and the dogs are all in guard dog mode and are routinely "patrolling the area."

Nice guy -- awesome sign

-----------------------------------------photo by Elaine Russell
So -- I love Central Ave here in ABQ. I love to just walk up and down and window shop and talk to everyone.. and then go get some great food at the Frontier Restaurant or a coffee at any number of shops.
So -- here I am walking down the street and there is this lovely guy... selling art.. and holding the most fab sign I've ever seen in my life. After talking for about 15 minutes, he let me take his photo, and I even got to purchase one of his girlfriend's original art pieces. FABULOUS !

It's a good day.