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Sometimes change can be totally seamless. It's rather amazing in a way. It's as if the very thing you are looking for presents itself... whether or not you realize at that moment that that... is the very thing you are indeed looking for. It's almost serendipitous.

Sometimes life can be a struggle... you push and push ...and try and try... and things just don't fit. And then there are times when everything is so effortless and easy. Today was one of those days. In fact, if I were to look back on the vast amount of change I have experienced this year... it actually makes sense... there is almost a pattern to the way things have played out. Yet... most all along the way... it seemed so much of a struggle.

Like the red-tailed hawk I mentioned in a previous post... it seems as if today the blinders came off, and I can almost see the "big picture".... along with all the little details. Incredible.

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

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On Sunday.... a friend, my daughter, and I all went down to Tome Gallery for their Day of the Dead Art Show.

Needless to say; it was fabulous.

It was not only a gorgeous drive there... with the roads weaving in and around beautiful cottonwood trees, lush farmlands, and fall splendor... but it was great company... and great conversation the whole way.

I always enjoy going to gallery shows... it is a fabulous way to see what other people are creating... and it amazes me how much talent is right here in our own backyards.

So... here is a sampling of what I saw...





*photos by Elaine A. Russell

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Today we left Coudersport, and are on our way back to New Mexico.
We left rather late... and we have stopped for the night at a Days Inn in Ohio....

It has been a fun day for the most part....although leaving my parents was hard. I can only hope that I have helped them a bit... and that from here on... they will get some additional help from people they know.

We stopped in Burtville, only about 10 minutes away from Coudersport at this little book store. It looked a little "worse for the wear" on the outside... but had an incredible selection of books inside. The owners were really nice... and I was able to buy a fantastic book of Tennyson's poems. Turns out that one of the owners is also a painter -- her name is Pat Bosworth... and she runs the "Galloping Gallery" from the back room of the book shop; which is also a framing shop. I have included a couple shots of the book areas, and one of one of her paintings as an example. Pat does not have a website... but you can reach her at galgal@zitomedia.net .

For a late dinner... we stopped at a Waffle House. The staff there was absolutely fabulous.

We had a terrific meal *$24 for 2 people* and some great conversation as well....

And we saw this stunning magnolia tree on the way,

and I couldn't resist stopping and taking a photo....

-----------------> all photos by Elaine A. Russell

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It's Friday! ... and my Art Gallery "Sneak Peek" is: the ClaireWorks II Gallery
(peek #8 in my series)


In December, owner Claire L. Haye opened her second gallery here in New Mexico.... this time in wonderful Nob Hill. The original ClaireWorks studio and gallery are located in the charming village of Arroyo Seco, New Mexico, a short drive from Taos, on the road to Taos Ski Valley.

Claire L. Haye is the owner and exclusive artist at ClaireWorks, and has been creating art for the last twenty five years (primarily paintings and sculptures) and jewelry for the last fifteen.

I stopped in this week to check it out, and the manager Nancy (as well as the ever handsome Beau the terrier)... was happy to show me around. Featured in this small; but very classy gallery are a few of Claire's sculptures, some very bright and fun paintings, and a wide variety of sterling and precious gemstone jewelry.

All the pieces are very well made, designed, and executed with flair and quality.

I was very impressed with the layout, colors and displays.

In short... if you are looking for a wonderful, quality piece of art or jewelry.... you will definitely want to check this place out.

For more information on this gallery, check HERE

*all photos by Elaine A. Russell