scenic

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Artist dates are a wonderful thing.
Today, my daughter... a friend... and I went on another artist excursion in and around Old Placitas.

And over the course of the time there... we saw gorgeous mountain views... and tracks in the dirt of "wild things"... We put out some fresh hay for the wild horses that run around there (just to help them thru the winter a bit)... and explored a very old cemetery (dates back to the 1860's)...
We also had some fabulous food at a local restaurant... and drooled over lots of interesting art magazines for ideas...

The end of the "date" came all too quickly... and yet, that glorious moon was beckoning to us all; a night of sweet dreams...


...And of course... I took some photos...


*photos by Elaine A. Russell

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Today has been an interesting day.

I was told that the American Black Bear... the one of my encounters... was trapped and moved to a secluded area just a few days ago. And I also was told (and noticed) that there is a photographer about the area with a pro set-up... who happened to be taking photos of the same things I have posted these past few days. Apparently someone reads my posts? or perhaps it is coincidental.... either way... it's flattering.

I also had a well-meaning individual mention that after being here for 3 months... that my business was probably down the toilet at this point. Probably true... although I hope not. Be it good or bad; my art/photography/jewelry business has definitely been on the back burner while I helped out the parents....but I would not have chosen to do anything any differently. Sometimes in life; you have to make choices like this... and while it's been extremely difficult, I would have felt horrible if I had not helped.

Ah...but enough of that.


The other day I took my mom for a drive to Brookland, PA. I am not familiar with the area at all... but it sure was some gorgeous scenery. We went in that direction.... because I had been told about the All Saints Episcopal Church there; and was told about it's architecture and beauty.

I was not disappointed.

From what I gather... the congregation was around for several years prior to the current building being built in 1888. It is a stunning building, made of grey stone... with a gorgeous woodland setting that makes it look straight out of an English fairytale.

I was not able to see the inside; but I am told it has a font made of Italian marble, and some stunningly beautiful stained glass windows. These items were either donated by, or in memory of Henry Hatch Dent; whom I mentioned in a previous post as being the person who donated the clock for the courthouse building in Coudersport.
(it's a small world here...cue the music to "It's A Small World".. )

At any rate... the photos for today's post are photos of All Saints Episcopal Church.



*all photos by Elaine A. Russell

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Today has been a trial of all sorts... the final straw being the loss of my internet connection here at the house. I am not sure what was wrong... but I drove all over town trying to get a connection in known spots where I've gotten one before... and it still didn't work. So I powered everything down when I got back to my parent's house... and for some reason it is working now. Go figure. It has been like that with everything I tried to do today... just one of "those" days I guess.

I have also been trying to wrangle up a small-ish TV with a dvd/ vcr player for my dad's hospital room. There are no sets available at the facility... and every lead I have had today has gone dry. Watching movies seems to be one of the few things he is enjoying these days... and I am trying to make it so he can continue to watch them as he feels able. Tonight... we watched "Father Goose" on my laptop... but this is not an ideal solution long term.

And in other news... I am down to the wire on getting paperwork in for the grant I am trying to get. I am at a complete loss as to what to write... and I am very limited in the photos I have available with me to submit (only the past year's worth of photos are on my laptop). It is extremely frustrating to say the least, and everything needs submitted by tomorrow night. Wish me luck.

The photo for today's post is of a farm on the way to the nursing care facility where my dad is. It is a quiet... very picturesque setting... and usually the cows are all over the field right in front of the barn. Today, however, they were lazing about in the sunshine a little ways away... so I had a scenic view of the barn and the creek sans cows.


On a completely separate subject... I filled up my dad's car with gas today. He has always preferred this little station just on the outskirts of town to get his gas... so I went there today. Would you believe it?! The attendants still come out to each and every car, and pump the gas for you... plus.. they offer to check your fluids and air and such if you need it. I thought that these kind of places were a thing of the past... but no... not here! I was in shock ... and just thought I would mention it....it was pretty darn cool.

* all photos by Elaine A. Russell

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One thing about being where it rains alot... is that there sure are some pretty ducks and birds around. My parents love to watch the birds... and they have their "regulars" that come to visit. Robins, evening grosbeaks, nuthatches, blue jays, cardinals, doves, wrens, finches.... the list goes on. There is also a local small group of ducks that come every night and wander through the back yard to get to the river.



This mated pair are just adorable. He follows slightly behind her no matter where she goes; always pausing so that she eats first and such... I'm not sure if mallards mate for life... but these two sure seem to get along well.



This afternoon, my daughter and I went slightly out of town on Route6 west to what used to be Dr. Clarence Baxter's home. My parent's don't seem to know who owns it at the moment... although I did notice that it's been for sale for a couple years now. It is a gorgeous piece of property... nestled in a luscious pine-wooded area.



At this property, is a whole flock of Canadian Geese. They are beautiful. My daughter and I walked around for a short while... watching the geese swim in the ponds, and wander about the grassy areas....honking all the while at our intrusion in their space....




And so... these were my photos for the day. Not much else is really going on. I feel ... to a certain extent... that I am simply treading water and biding my time here. I am not sure how very useful I am; save for driving my mom back and forth to the hospital, and talking with my dad. I do a little laundry, wash some dishes, burn the trash.... walk the dog. Simple stuff.
Well.... that and answer the phone as it is constantly ringing....


I went to the grocery store late this afternoon, and got some goodies.... Kristin and I made butter and garlic roasted chicken breasts, and a pan full of fresh veggies (yellow squash, red/yellow & green sweet peppers, fresh mushrooms, celery, scallions, garlic, & snow peas). I also made acorn squash slowly cooked in the oven with butter, brown sugar, raisins, cashews and almonds as a sweet treat....oh, and pickled beet eggs and whole wheat bread from the store.... good "country cookin' "...



...and so.... I will bid you all a safe and happy goodnight.....



*all photos by Elaine A. Russell

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This little robin has been hanging around my house for about a week now... cleverly eluding me and my camera most all the while. Today she allowed me to snap one photo... and then she was off. I can only assume that she has a nest very close by. So today... I went and got some extra good birdseed to put out tomorrow.



Then the hubby and I ran some errands. It has been a crazy ( as in bizarre) few days. But... we stopped and got coffee... an item off of Freecycle to work on as a craft.... got haircuts... and all the while I was trying to figure out what to take a photo of to be my photo for today.


We were discussing what... if anything... could sum up my style of photography. I am going to be applying for a grant in the next month or so... and it would help if I could adequately describe what my style is. Funny though... I never really thought about it before. I don't have a specific "thing" I shoot.... (ie: models, cars... sports)... and I don't use a particular filter or whatever that would give most all my shots a signature LOOK. I do a combination of both nature shots, and urban viewpoints... so I am not strictly a nature photographer, for example.


I had a friend recently who described my work as "zen"... and "meditative"... and another friend who said that my photos "depict a world she/ he wished they lived in."

Sort of like a more positive view on everyday life... I really like that.

Or as my hubby put it ..."life affirming..."


And then I got the call. You know... the one I have been anticipating for about a week now. Bad news... but nothing I can divulge today. It has thrown me for a loop. And while it doesn't involve me specifically ... it does effect me completely and utterly. I know, in the whole scheme of things... that goodness can come out of everything... and I have to believe that goodness will come out of this as well.


And so... I am including some "life affirming" photos that I took today... let me know what you think.

(*all photos by Elaine A. Russell)

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Today I went out to the Volcanoes (also known as the Three Sisters).... part of the Petroglyphs National Park, and conveniently near my house. I only had about an hour's worth of energy.. and fortunately... this was close enough that I had plenty of time to get there... walk around a bit.. and enjoy the scenery.

This has been a favorite spot of mine ever since we moved here in 1995.
~~ I'm sure you can see why ~~




((...If you click on the panoramic photos... you can see them enlarged... ))



For more information, check out these links:

cool nights on the west mesa


**photos by Elaine A. Russell


Today has been an interesting day. I have been sick for a couple weeks with what I thought were allergy symptoms, and now I'm thinking that maybe it has been the flu all along. Who knows. Either way, I was very happy that the re-model crew decided to take the day off and allow me to sleep. And sleep I did. Awesome.
Then I got a bunch of calls from people I don't know.. and a bunch from people I do know... but my phone was on vibrate.. and I missed them all. eeks.
I got a call from the Harwood Art Center to see if I wanted to attend a class (tomorrow!) as someone cancelled... ummmm.. YES!> So I went down to pay for my class. While I was there.. I got to see the 12x12 show (again). It is soooooooooo good. And there are actually a few art pieces yet that haven't sold!!!
Then the daughter and I went to Elephant Bar Restaurant. I have never been there.. and WOW was it good. A bit pricey... but worth it. $62 got us 2 drinks, an appetizer, 2 entrees and a dessert to share. I had macadamia encrusted Mahi-Mahi...talk about fabulous.
Then we went to Trader Joe's in Uptown. (I didn't know there was one there). We found the most beautiful wreathe for $12, and got some snacks and fruit, cheese and treats....always fun.
And now I am home ... a fire in the fireplace, and warm tea.... a perfect end to a great day.
See you all tomorrow!