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Last night I had the awesome pleasure of joining some friends around the fire pit in their backyard. I love fire. Seriously. I have always had an affinity for fire... and it is very natural for me to be able to start and keep a fire going. As a kid/ early teen... I also had alot of premonitions and dreams revolving around fire.
So ... needless to say... it has always played a somewhat important role in my life.

According to Wiki... "Fire has been an important part of all cultures and religions, from pre-history to modern day, and was vital to the development of civilization. It has been regarded in many different contexts throughout history, but especially as a metaphysical constant of the world, along with air, water, and other forces of nature."

Ceremonial fire also plays a huge role in several religions and traditions all around the world. One tradition that is close to my heart... is the practice of writing down your troubles... things that bother you... things that seem to be in the way... and then to burn those in the fire... a sort of symbolic gesture in getting rid of those things. And so... in this season of winter... while you are gazing upon your individual fires... perhaps it is also a time to relinquish some of your troubles in the flames...



*photos by Elaine A. Russell

a brief lull

photo by Elaine A. Russell ( shadow of my drink at Starbuck's ... as it reflected on the overstuffed chair next to me )


It is a very brief lull between shows.
I learned alot from doing the 9x9 show...and it was fun. I learned what kind of people gravitate towards my art/ photography... what they like about it... what it is about my photography that inspires people.
I learned that what I have to offer the world with my photography is valuable, and is appreciated.

Today is a nice, but short break. I slept in this morning, and am doing some last minute work on some art pieces. Tonight the hubby and I are having dinner with friends. It is all good.

Tomorrow, is a little bit of madness again. I am showing at the Offcenter Arts show, entitled "We Art the People." It is held in Robinson Park, off of Central Ave and 8th. Show opens around 10am, and is an all-day event with a parade, individual shows, music, etc.
Please come by if you get the opportunity. There are over 100 vendors at this show... something for everyone !


Fat Boy Slim-Weapons of Choice

spa night





photos by Elaine A. Russell

Yesterday's travels took me from Cambridge, Ohio to Greenfield, Indiana. Again, it was a day. A day full of bad allergies. I have come to the conclusion that I probably had a bit of heat stroke from the morning at the Lancaster Farmer's Market.. based on the symptoms, and past experience with heat stroke. With the Lupus, it makes me much more susceptible to the sun and heat. Anyway, what that meant.. was that I didn't get anywhere near where I should have gotten in a day's worth of driving.
I really did enjoy alot of the scenery that I saw today... lots of trees, lots of hawks, lots of green hills... lots of rain. At one point, the rain was coming down in heavy heavy sheets. Traffic almost came to a complete stop.. and some vehicles were hydroplaning on the road. Then there was fog and mist.
I made the decision to stop for the day at 3pm....when I drove into Greenfield. It is a sizable city... and I was able to get some medicine, some fresh clothing, an ice pack, food, and my photos onto CD at a superWalmart.
I was also fortunate to find a super awesome hotel... the Quality Inn. I got a deluxe suite (for a reasonable price) with a king size bed, fluffy down pillow top mattress, marble topped nightstands.. .. and you should have seen the bathroom. Wow. So... I indulged in a spa-like retreat.. soaking in a cold bath to combat my fever and such. Took the meds... enjoyed the food....and the luxurious bed.
Sometimes there really is something to be said about the restorative powers of healthy food and lots of rest.

sleep glorious sleep


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

I guess I've been doing too much lately. One of the good things about having Lupus is that if you are doing too much... your body just quits. No slowing down of the merry go round. We're talking full throttle stop. Sometimes you get whiplash from the neck jerk if ya know what I mean.

Anyway -- today I slept until 3 in the afternoon. Yep. Like 15 hours. Now, to put it in perspective a bit.. there are MANY nights that I can't sleep for crap. And, on the times when I do actually sleep.. I am broken up by nightmares and nightsweats.

So -- I know I woke up a couple of times with stuff... but dang.


I love my bed.