holiday

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It doesn't feel like the Christmas season to me. I think it is because of all the traveling I did this year... and that it sort of distorted time a bit for me... but I still feel like it ought to be autumn.
I don't dislike Christmas... but to be honest... it's never been my favorite holiday. When I was a kid... it seemed like it was an excuse for some people to behave rather badly... and it seemed to never end well. Perhaps it is just a distortion of my memories... but it's there none-the-less.
BAJ has certainly done his best to make the holidays nicer... and having the kids always made it certainly better... but I still tend to get "down" at this time of year.

I know that I am not alone. And while knowing that doesn't necessarily solve the problem... it does offer some reassurance. Plus... there are lots of helpful informational sites out there... with hints and helps such as:

1. Stay Active. Get enough exercise and fresh air. Eat healthy.
2. Start new traditions. Understand what works for you and what doesn't.
"Starting new traditions is a good way to lift your spirits and focus your energy outside yourself."
3. Be aware of your family's dynamics. If shopping with Uncle Fester always makes you sad... don't do it!
4. Don't swallow the hype. "Christmas isn’t about gorgeous decorations, unbelievably happy families, and expensive gifts. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to be perfect or feel ecstatically happy. The stores, commercials, malls, Martha Stewart shows and radio advertisements turn Christmas into a merchandising cash cow – they also make Christmas about being flawless and full of glitter. Don’t fall into that pit of despair, which will send you headlong into an even deeper Christmas depression."
5. Don't be afraid to seek professional help. If you or a loved one are suffering... get outside help.


*photo by Elaine A. Russell

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It always amazes me how quickly the Christmas season comes upon us. It seems like every year it comes as soon as the Halloween decorations are barely off the shelves. I could blame all the hype that is thrown at us via the media about shopping and buying... and whatever... in fact, I do remember seeing commercials for Christmas back in October...

...but I think it also has to do with the fact that time for me this year has gone by very, very quickly. Time has simply flown by in alot of areas... that it is hard to imagine that it is already nigh unto December here.

And so... today ... as we sat around and talked about things we were grateful for this year (and there was alot)... I also wanted to mention how grateful I am that we are doing our best as a family to avoid all the hype that is the holiday season to come. We have pledged again this year to make as many of the gifts as we can... and buy what we can't make from local sellers as much as we are able to. Not only will it be a benefit to those local families who own stores and work so very hard to keep afloat... but it also gives us the "warm fuzzies" to know we are doing what we can to re-use, re-purpose, and re-cycle... as well as make some really cool stuff.

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

it is sunday... right?

photo by Elaine A. Russell




it's been an odd day. One of those days that kind of blends in with the others and leaves you wondering what day is it really??? So much (last minute) prep for the holidays.. and now it's mostly over. Time to rest. Time to enjoy the winter. Time to have fires in the fireplace and warm tea whilst watching movies. Time to snuggle with a happy puppy.

Today we ordered pizza. Yes, really. The leftovers are mostly gone.. and tomorrow I will be roasting a nice winter ham. So-- pizza sounded good.... it's green chile and chicken; in case you are wondering :)

We didn't mail holiday cards this year (* or last year, or the year before...) somehow we got out of the habit. I am thinking that maybe I will start a new tradition.... the Epiphany card....just in time for the Magi to visit... (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_Magi)... and to celebrate what "epiphany experiences" (Epiphany (feeling), the sudden realization or comprehension of the essence or meaning of something) ....we have had over the course of the past year. .... plus, it gives me until January 6th to mail the buggers ---always a *bonus*

I have enjoyed getting notes from you all...some have offered some great suggestions for my blogsite...and lots of you have inquired about me starting a website... which I hope to do in the year 2010.
And I reminder for those who haven't yet... just send me an email before Jan 9th at 9am... and you will be entered in a fabulous give-away ---> (moongipsies@msn.com)

In the meantime... sit back, relax, put on some great music or a wonderful old movie... and enjoy the evening.....

Wishing You a Very Merry Christmas

photos by Elaine A. Russell


It's a wonderful time of year... and Santa has been spotted at various locals here in ABQ...

Time to get the tree trimmed...the wreathe on the door.... the lights in the windows....ham in the oven... music playing.... fire in the fireplace..... stockings hung with care.... lists made and checked twice (have you been naughty or nice?).....cookies baked....loved ones loved... and a chill is in the air...maybe some snow? .... or a little Ho Ho Ho.....











(WONDERFUL WISHINGS for ABC Wednesday )

Feliz Navidad


photo by Elaine A. Russell


...working on the garage today... gathered a bunch of stuff to put on freecycle, and stuff to give to the contractor when he comes tomorrow to haul extra supplies .... and stuff to take photos of to list on craigslist....

...it is amazing... I can actually hang up all the tools on the wall... and stuff is back (mostly) where it belongs...


...and now I get to organize my studio better. This is awesome. I have been able to work on things... but it will be so much better when everything has a place and is in it..




tis the season

photo by Elaine A. Russell

Over the next few days I am going to try to post some holiday inspired photos... I took this one at Home Depot here in ABQ *(where else would you find poinsettias next to the cacti ?!).
This weekend has been a little busy... unloading dishes, washing stuff and putting it away...cleaning.. usual stuff. Today we got groceries and did some last minute holiday shopping. Saw Santa at the Mall.. when the hubby went to get his hair cut. ...the mall was crazy busy....
We also went to a local glass mosaic artist's house and got some wonderful equipment that I can't wait to play with... all in all... an excellent day.



the Monte Vista Mercado -- part 2


....in the continuing story.... I was wandering around the mercado... in awe.. and somewhat stunned by all the wonderful art. Here is some more!

Don't forget to check out these fabulous artists.... and BUY HANDMADE


artwork by the folks at OffCenter Arts (http://www.offcenterarts.org/)

art by the folks at ArtStreet (http://www.abqhch.org/artstreet.htm )


Buck Naked Stuff (BuckNakedStuff@comcast.net)

artwork by MariaTeresa Stoa


artwork by Elizabeth Howard-Forbes (abqforbes@comcast.net)



soft toys by Animal Crackers, and wreathes by Susan (www.animalcrackersOriginals.com)



paper arts, assemblage and mixed media by The Queen Bea (blombard@q.com)



**all photos by Elaine A. Russell

The Monte Vista Mercado -- holiday show


Yesterday I went to the 15th Annual Art and Craft Show at Monte Vista Elementary School. Having never been before; I wanted to look up information about it on the web... but I think it must be one of those "best kept -- local secrets" kind of shows that gets passed on by word of mouth. There were tons of people there... and lots of very happy vendors.

Because there was soooooooooo much wonderfulness at the show; I am going to spread the love over a couple of posts so that I can devote a bit more time to each of the artists I happened to talk with. I apologize in advance for not being able to get ALL the goodness that was there.. this is simply SOME of it. I have added links where I can... please tell the artists you saw their work here :) ... and BUY HANDMADE

(♥ and just an aside to the organizers of the show-- it was fabulous!! and I hope to show with you someday ♥)


artwork by Tamara Totoro Dick (mctvdick@comcast.net)

artwork by Pati Woodard (http://tomegallery.net/patispage.htm)

artwork and art journals by Lisa Gallup (spiritthing@comcast.net)

artwork by Annie Onderdonk (Annie5727@gmail.com)

art jewelry by Cheryl Thorpe (cthorpe@myartisticoutlet.com)

art jewelry by Phoenix Forrester (http://www.phoenixforrester.com/index.html )

artwork by Josie Mohr (graficjam@yahoo.com)



**all photos by Elaine A. Russell .... tune in tomorrow for more ♥