artwork by Scott Garcia (http://www.hypercanvas.com/)

...today I went to the "Celebrate the Earth Fest" here in ABQ today and it was fabulous!

In a perfect world... I would have been able to be part of it... but it was wonderful to be able to go and see all the great items for sale by vendors, and all the information booths.

I am truly a "hippie" at heart....or whatever that means and implies.

I was born in the 60's.. and even though most of my memories are really of the 70's... I identify more with the whole "peace and love" movement.

I really felt at home at the recycle show.

There were solar companies... herbs... plants....tons of art....ROCKS!!!.... and great music.

I was doubly blessed... to not only be able to go to the show with some great people....but I also got to meet and get re-acquainted with several artists that I greatly admire.

So--- sit back... and I hope you enjoy some photos from the event:

Old New Mexico Birdhouse Company by artist Thomas Hogan

organic coffees brought to you by the Seventh Generation Institute (http://www.seventh-generation.org/)

fabulous artwork by Josie Mohr and daughter Jacque (jmorhstudio.com)

gorgeous rocks, jewelry and beads available at the Kosmic Trading Post

honey and bee products from the Sparrow Hawk Farm (link: here)

this is a close-up of a Tibetan Rug being raffled by the Green Tara Foundation

(http://www.green-tara.org/)

and fabulous Cajun music by Bayou Seco (http://www.bayouseco.com/)

*all photos by Elaine A. Russell

My son as born on Fat Tuesday, 1991. At the time, we were living in Biloxi, MS.... and we had gone to Mardi Gras... and really enjoyed the festivities. I would love to go back.

Tonight, we went to the local restaurant "Pappadeaux" to celebrate Mardi Gras. The food was awesome, and I thoroughly enjoyed my Lobster Bisque soup, my Shrimp Etouffee, and some of the appetizer platter (*which was alligator, shrimp, and calimari, fresh warm bread and whipped butter).

They had a dixie-land band playing live in the bar area... and there were balloons and beads everywhere. A bit expensive ($160 --inlcuding tip, appetizers, drinks and entrees for 5 people)... but well worth it.

I love Mardi Gras... and we all had a great time talking about when we were there.

The photos for today were from 1991 ... New Orleans.

All photos by Elaine A. Russell

For more information on the restaurant "Pappadeau" ... look HERE

115:365

47:365