ABC Wednesday






*photos by Elaine A. Russell (click on pics to see them bigger)


ABC Wednesday is a blog posting with a twist. The host (Mrs. Nesbitt) hails from Great Britain... and there are participants from all over the world. Each week, people focus their post on a letter of the alphabet. They started with the letter "A" --and each week you post something in regards to the next letter of the alphabet. It is a fun, imaginative exercise... and it is great to see what everyone comes up with. This week's letter is, "R".

"R" is a pretty easy letter to try and come up with a post for... and therein lay my dilemma. Too many choices....

On Sunday I went to Santa Fe for the annual Recycle Show. I have never been before... and it makes me want to cry. The potential I missed!!! If you have never been.. .I highly recommend making the trip. Some friends and I chose to ride the Railrunner up to Santa Fe from Albuquerque.

On an aside.. I absolutely LOVE trains... so this was a huge *bonus* for me.

The station itself is gorgeous, and the ride up was full of great conversation, comfy seats, and stunning scenery.

Today's photos are just a sneak peak at the ride up. ... more to come on the actual show... and on the ride back :)

To see more on this great train ride: http://www.nmrailrunner.com/index.asp

ECHO project -- Abundance

This week, I joined this FlickR photo group called {ECHO}. I have been in a bit of a rut lately, and I thought the challenge of creating photographic pieces on a bi-weekly prompt would be good for me.


"In Autumn of 2009 we (Susan Tuttle: Susan's Blog & Chrysti Hydeck: Chrysti's Blog) decided to take a creative journey together, a collaborative photography venture we simply titled: echo. We invite you to take this journey with us .. to take our bi-weekly prompt and interpret it through the lens of your own camera. Whether you choose to work with a partner or fly solo – it is our hope that you will accompany us along our journey. We look forward to seeing life through your eyes.. your voice, your echo."


Every 2 weeks, they post a theme word to base our photos off of.
The current theme: Abundance.
I was able to partner with a wonderful artist from Texas, Brenda Seaholm-Wampler (Brenda's blog)

And here are our combined photos in a diptych ....



sign... sign

*photo by Elaine A. Russell

Just a short post for today... my son is taking us out for dinner with his girlfriend.
-- but I wanted to post a pic from yesterday's travels about....
(edited in my free download of photoshop elements... which I don't know how to use yet)

it's just a fantasy ......or is it....

.. a mist is swirling about in my brain... the haze is before my eyes... something speaking to me out of the darkness. Is it real.. is it a dream... something seems familiar. What are the things I am so afraid of? What are the demons that haunt my nights .... bringing on beads of sweat... furrowed brows... twisting contorted limbs and groanings of anguish.............

.... then the haze clears. The shadows lighten and fade away altogether... heavy, sturdy gates of old are before me... but where is the way to open them.. what must I do to pass... and do I want to enter.. what if my demons await for me there... what will be my fate... it looks to good to be true.. and oftentimes is..........

and will there be traps.. sticky oooey-goooey messes that I cannot get myself out of ... what if there are no knights in shining armor to save me... what if I cannot save myself.....what will be my fate.. am I brave enough to endure it... and I strong enough to withstand it....

...there is a light.. others have gone on before me.. and surely others will come after me. Things are more magical than it would appear... giggles... joyous laughter.... fun times may lie ahead.... this could be a journey worth taking after all. ... who knows what blessings will come about and line my path if only I am brave enough to keep stepping.. one step at a time.. into the future.. away from my past... into the great unknown.....

... though strangeness may come and go... things I don't understand.. ways in which I have not experienced before... come into my path... I move on. I am not alone. Even though obstacles loom... they do not harm me.. not in a permanent way... it makes me stronger.. and ready for the next journey.. the next adventure.... to see where that will go... what beauty lies ahead...

--- and yet, the journey never really ends.. it just changes... we .. each taking our own journey.. sometimes intertwining with those we love... sometimes not... sometimes one must take the journey alone. Sometimes there are wonderful guides along the way... sometimes we must be the guide.... leading the next wild wanderer through... to the light at the end of this tunnel... and onto the next.............


*photos by Elaine A. Russell, taken at the ABQ BioPark Fantasy Children's Garden........

mirror mirror

photo taken at "Little Anita's" restaurant in Old Towne on Sunday, by Elaine A. Russell


The hubby and I had planned on going to an event at the Launchpad tonight.. but it turns out it will cost us $26 to get in. I also mistakenly thought it was an art show... turns out it is a fashion extravaganza with live music. Cool... but not what I was thinking of doing. At least not tonight.

Tomorrow I am planning on a "road trip" up to Santa Fe for the Recycle Show.. and Sunday I have a photo shoot... yes... with my little point and shoot. Amazing huh. Hopefully, the photos will turn out... I will certainly be trying my best.

I am trying to keep busy. I have always been prone to episodes of depression... and it usually exacerbates around my birthday (spring) and at Christmas. So-- I try to keep busy doing things... even though in reality, I prefer the comfort of my bed.

Depression is an odd thing. It's not like you plan on it... it just sneaks up on you in the middle of the night and takes control in little ways at first...odd little things... sleeping a little later.. staying in more...lack of enthusiasm over projects.... then it overwhelms until it has consumed almost everything and every waking moment. I am trying to counteract it... and head it off at the pass before it latches on. Like an old western.. I am riding on ahead on my horse to that cliffed area... waiting in the shadows to stave off my evil foe. My horse is nervous.. and so am I.. but we are trying. I am a good shot though... and my chances are good. Maybe if I get there in time.. and the wind is in my favor... I will come out shining. Have a drink at the local saloon.. and go dancing.


getting the garbage out




*photos by Elaine A. Russell



...the sky is very overcast here in ABQ.. and frankly, it looks like it may snow. I am not ready for winter. I want my fall back. I admit... I have been feeling quite behind and melancholy of late. ...too much to do, not enough time to do it in... not enough ambition either way....

I have been trying to force myself into happiness... but it's not working today. Short of an infusion of super strength prozac... not sure what would work. My kids are growing up and moving out. It is that time. The time I thought would never really get here. And now I am worried. Did I teach them enough > Did I love them enough> did I show them how wonderful the world is without making them naive to the badness of life... And the big question... what will I do without them around. The boy has a job, a girlfriend, is in college part-time and is saving up to move out. The girl, although a year younger.. already has plans in motion to be on her own come spring. Full time college, and making her way in the art world.

The hubby and I are fixing up the house in an effort to sell... and move. But where?

We are trying to pay off all of our debt.

We are downsizing and organizing.

It's like we are on the brink.. but who knows for what.. or where.. or when.


And for today -- it just seems to be an almighty effort just to get the garbage collected and to the curb. Some days are like that.

I will make coffee.


Photos for today's post are from a gorgeous Buddhist shrine that is literally in the middle of what used to be Indian land, now part of Petroglyph park. It seems so out of place, and yet, so perfect. I took these photos as the sun was coming up on the mesa.....

Sabrina Soto Sunday


so-- I am always sorta on the look-out for affordable fun things to do around ABQ. While surfing Facebook, I came across a notice for free tickets to ride the ABQ Trolley here in ABQ (http://www.abqtrolley.com/) for a fun tour.... which happened this past Sunday. The bonus??

HGTV is building it's fabulous DREAM HOME here in Sandia Park this year. This past Sunday, Sabrina Soto ( host of HGTV's "Get it Sold" and many other shows ) was going to be riding the ABQ Trolley... and doing some promo type TV spots. ABQ Trolley was generously offering free tickets on the same tour to some lucky locals... and the hubby and I got to be on board.

The ABQ Trolley was a venture started only 6 months ago by owners Jesse and Mike. They were both gracious and knowledgeable about all things ABQ, and it was an awesome 66 minute tour. If you haven't gone.. I encourage you to take the ride.

From the tour bus we got to see Old Towne, Museum Row, Downtown, EDO, Nob Hill, the Bart Prince House, UNM... and the Lobo sculpture, the Sports Stadiums, the Railyards, Barelas ( the tour was cut short due to the lateness of the night, otherwise we would have also seen The Rio Grande Zoo and BioPark, and Tingley Beach ).









(all photos except for the first one of Ms. Soto, and the last one of the ABQ Trolley logo are
by Elaine A. Russell)

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See these links for more info:


ABC Wednesday



*photos by Elaine A. Russell (click on pics to see them bigger)


ABC Wednesday is a blog posting with a twist. The host (Mrs. Nesbitt) hails from Great Britain... and there are participants from all over the world. Each week, people focus their post on a letter of the alphabet. They started with the letter "A" --and each week you post something in regards to the next letter of the alphabet. It is a fun, imaginative exercise... and it is great to see what everyone comes up with. This week's letter is, "Q".

although these words were fascinating....
  • quaesitum : something sought for; the true value

  • quiddity : unique essence; eccentricity

  • quilt : I could do a ton of posts on my love of quilts....


I chose to focus on....Queen Anne's Lace: (Daucus carota) --also called "Wild Carrot," is a common plant in dry fields, ditches, and open areas. It was introduced from Europe, and the carrots that we eat today were once cultivated from this plant.

I love this plant... and frequently picked it when I was little. My grandmother showed me to put them in vases of colored water so that the white blooms would turn the color of the water. It was magical.....

See more about this beautiful plant at :


magik in the night

I once had a discussion with my sister. She was sorta teasing/ sorta snarking at me because she thought I got so very much done all the time. I laughed inwardly. Kathy was in the throws of cancer though -- and I understood her lack of energy. Having had cancer myself (albeit not anywhere near as bad), and having had been diagnosed with Lupus in 92...I've certainly had my "down" days. It was funny to me... because I don't see myself as accomplishing a whole lot on a day to day basis. There are days when I don't get anything done at all.


I don't know if it's the Lupus, or having worked night shift for so very many years... but lots of nights I just don't sleep. So.. I try to make use of the time. I putz quietly (I hope) around the house... I try to catch up on mail, dusting... quiet things. As much as I am not fond of Walmart... it also allows me to go get groceries and things like that when normal people are asleep. Tonight, I got the groceries, and got gas in the car at 4am. Why ? Because... you never know when you will be able to sleep.. and this way I can do things while I am awake and sorta have energy.. and I rest later when I can. It gives me the luxury of doing things... when I can.. and usually in small batches to match my energy level. I have even planted my garden and weeded the flower beds at midnight. I have driven around and taken photos. I have done mending. Strange, I know... but you do what you can when you are able.
Course, there are some days I feel fine.. and get along with business as usual.... at least in the eyes of most people.

What I have been given is a gift. There is a definate magik in the night world that alot of people just don't get to experience. Owls hoot. Coyotes howl. Bunnies scamper about. People are busy stocking shelves, yet not so busy that they can't talk to you... say.. about onions (like tonight). There is a steady hum.... not a rush... to the movement of things. The moon can be glorious. The clouds move about in a timeless fashion to lighten (or not) the night skies. The wind can whisper. The mountains can sing... and then the dawn comes.

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

First Friday gallery events

On our way to see the First Friday events....galleries, art, demonstrations and more ...

First stop, Robert Redus is the featured artist this month at DreamScapes Gallery. Fabulous art... and innovative jewelry creations. See more at: http://robertredus.wordpress.com/

Next stop was the Matrix Gallery. We saw a printmaking demonstration by Suzanne Marshall
http://www.newgroundsprintshop.com/

Then we saw the fabulous renderings of Susan Reid...the "Hypnotic Pulse" series
http://www.matrixfineart.com/

wow... look at that detail :)

Then we went to Mariposa... I just love the variety of artwork there...
I hope to get to see more shows at other galleries, as most of them run through the end of the month.

Nob Hill Nights.. a photo journal


Nob Hill Grill

Wagogo

Ridgecrest Yoga

some great band.... anyone?

Ignite Poi -- fire dudes extraordinaire

flame-age

Flying Star Cafe samples

Animal Humane

dinner and a drink with my honey :)
**all photos by Elaine A. Russell

Nob Hill Nights - November

Last night was November's rendition of Nob Hill Nights.
The first one ever was last month, so last night's was the 2nd in what looks to be a promising venue.

Lots of music... lots of dancing.. yoga demonstrations....Capoeira demonstrations... free food from the likes of Nob Hill Grill and Flying Star (yum)....and the fire dudes were back!(Ignite Poi: Fire Spinning for Parties and Events)
Took lots of photos.. which unfortunately need editing due to low light and street light.
So.. for now.. I will post a jumbled photo collage of the night's pics ....
(click on collage pic to see it bigger)


Tonight is First Friday Art's Crawl events... so I need to get ready to make the rounds of some local galleries.... :)

a late night ....oversleep kind of day



*photos by Elaine A. Russell
I am having a difficult time writing a blog post today. It feels like so many things are swirling about in my brain that I can't focus on one topic. So... I will make a sorta schizophrenic list of things rambling about in my brain:
  • I am very happy that the hubby is home. Picked him up at the airport last night (photos above)
  • I am worried about my one neice. She has had a very rough life these past few years, and just when things seem to be looking up, they aren't. I spent several hours on the phone with her today.
  • I am concerned about my nephew. Won't even go there, right now.
  • I am missing my sister.... but I am also grateful that her husband found such a wonderful woman to be his new wife.
  • I am frustrated with the remodel progress... we have been in limbo now for a couple weeks.
  • And yet, there are so many things I should be doing to fix up the house on my own...
  • I need to pay bills, etc
  • I need to get back to work on my jewelry and art projects
  • my daughter made some fabulous pumpkin soup, seasoned pumkin seeds, and scones :)
  • have to go in for a biopsy test on my thyroid (nodules>?)
  • kids are growing up so fast and moving on...it's like a whole chapter is closing
It's just a confusing kind of day. But... tonight is the Nob Hill Nights venue... and I hope to go and look at some cool art, and see some fun stuff...


the Tome Gallery


so-- this past weekend I got to go to the Tome Gallery for it's Dia de Los Muertos celebrations.
The Tome Gallery is home to over 40 artists. It is a co-op gallery, which means the artists have the opportunity to work, consign or become an active member.... with different levels of membership available.
The gallery features art from a broad range of mediums.... weaving, pottery, wood carving, fused glass, paintings, jewelry, mixed media and more!
While there, I had the pleasure of meeting Pati Woodard, one of the co-op managers and featured artists. She was teaching a short class on Shrinkie Dink jewelry making, and I got to make a cute Catrina pin.
For more info on the gallery -- look here: http://tomegallery.net/index.htm
In the meantime... I hope you enjoy lots of photos from my visit.








*all photos by Elaine A. Russell

ABC Wednesday


photos by Elaine A. Russell



ABC Wednesday is a blog posting with a twist. The host (Mrs. Nesbitt) hails from Great Britain... and there are participants from all over the world. Each week, people focus their post on a letter of the alphabet. They started with the letter "A" --and each week you post something in regards to the next letter of the alphabet. It is a fun, imaginative exercise... and it is great to see what everyone comes up with.
This week's letter is, "P".

I have chosen the word: plenitude-- fullness, completeness, abundance, sufficiency

I am not short on feelings of abundance, sufficiency.. and yes, gratitude this week...

*for good friends and family*
*for my lovely Sabrina*
*for shelter, food, and the essentials of life*
*for good health*
*for the ability to express myself with art*
*warm soup on chilli days*
*fall leaves in the sunshine*
*trees*

late night thoughts

photo by Elaine A. Russell

Today was a weird day. Seemed like everything I was intending to do; got shuffled off to the wayside... and things I didn't intend on doing at all... came more to the forefront of the day's activities. As such... it is late, and I am just now posting.
Dinner was brie cheese and pepperoni on seeded rye toast, gently stir fried fall veggies, and a glass of white wine. Dessert was fresh fruit, and a hot, spiced chai. Fall is definately here for good.
I kept thinking today about my core beliefs, what is really essential to me. ..how very important loved ones are. So tonight... even though the hubby is way far away... we played a game of scrabble on-line, and IM'd each other notes. Ah.. the internet. And.. I got the son and his girlfriend to play a game of scrabble together (she had never played). They seemed to be having fun... and another generation of scrabble lovers is born :)

And... did you see that moon out there ?! ---> full and lovely, and becoming, and beauteous ... and so delicious up there in the night sky....

wow. Dia de Los Muertos rocks....

*photo by Elaine A. Russell



---such a busy weekend..... yesterday the hubby and I went to the Psychic Fair at the ABQ Garden Center on Lomas. It was simply fabulous. So many cool things to look at.. and I got my yearly Samhain tarot reading for the upcoming year :)
More on that later ....

Early this am, had to take the hubby to the airport for another out of state work-related trip. ergh. He is, however, going to be able to see some family while there.. so that is awesome.
This afternoon-- a friend and I went to the Tome Gallery to see their Day of the Dead festivities. Lots of great art.. lots of great food... lots of great people. I will definitely be posting more on this later on in the week.
Then.... we made it back to ABQ in time for the Dia de Los Muertos Parade in the South Valley. Freakin' awesome.

So-- provided any of the pics I took turn out... there will be lots to play around with this week for blog posts. But for now... hot chai and bed :)

fall foliage





*all photos by Elaine A. Russell

Yesterday's freak snowstorm, reminded me of how very short life really is... how quickly the season's can change... how temporary things truly are.
I love fall. I think it has alot to do with growing up in the NE... and having such glorious fall foliage every year. Halloween is by far my favorite holiday. I usually am sooo incredibly happy this time of year. Today seems to be a black spot on an otherwise perfect sky. There is no reason for it. Sometimes it just happens I guess.
So-- rather than ramble on... I will stuff you full of pretty fall foliage pics that I took Tuesday at the entrance to the BioPark. I didn't have enough money to actually go in that day... so I took some shots around the parking complex and the entryway to the park.

freak snowstorm



*photos by Elaine A. Russell

Today we had a freak snowstorm here in ABQ.
I was just leaving a doctor's appointment.. and I came outside to this wonderful crisp, clean, air and the most huge snowflakes coming down. It was glorious. Never mind that the local radio station decided to play Bing Crosby: "Baby, it's cold outside"....it was so cool.
Ran a few errands, and had to come home so that the son could drive to work... and now the snow is gone; except for in the mountains. Blue skies... and sun now....
What a great day :)