16:365


Art Gallery: Sneak Peek #3
(I hope you are all enjoying this series... I know I am... it's fun to take "sneak peeks".)

Today, I am featuring the fabulous Harwood Art Center.


"The Harwood Art Center is one of the most alive art places in Albuquerque. Once a boarding school for girls, the Harwood Art Center has been home to a thriving art colony since 1992. The Harwood is a community of artists, a gathering place that brings the public and the art community together; it is a secure space for artists to work and a supportive environment in which artistic experimentation is celebrated.

The building's colorful history is etched in the walls and long corridors. Wandering through the high-ceilings and wide hallways of the imposing old brick building is both an exciting and eerie experience. One can easily imagine uniformed young girls living, studying and growing through adolescence in these rooms.

Many of the old classrooms and dorm rooms (whether lonely places of exile or snug havens) are now lively studios for about 60 painters, sculptors, photographers, art therapists, poets, performance artists and graphic artists. "--- info taken from the Collector's Guide


"The Harwood is the community outreach program of Escuela del Sol, an independent, non-profit Montessori school founded in 1968. Harwood was started to build and sustain connections between the school and the neighborhood in which it is located, as well as the larger community of Albuquerque. The unique relationship between school and community art center provides limitless opportunities for personal and community-wide education, enrichment, and growth through the arts." --from the Harwood website

Here are some photos from the wonderful 12x12 Annual Fundraiser Show




I first discovered the Harwood about a year ago. A friend of a friend was having an exhibit there, and I went to see it. I was fascinated with the actual building... as well as all the wonderful things the center does in the art community. Since then, I have been fortunate enough to have seen several shows at the Harwood Center; including the 12x12 Annual Fundraising event.

And... I am now taking my second class through the center... with artist Cynthia Cook.

I think that the Harwood is one of the most vibrant, essential, and active artist hubs in ABQ... and I think it should be on everyone's MUST SEE list.


The Exhibits for January 2010:
David Leigh,"posters"
Cheryl Dietz,"A Safe Distance"
West Mesa High School,"Annual Mixed Media Exhibit"
Shows Run: January 1 - 29



*all photos by Elaine A. Russell

15:365

(click on the photo, and you can see it larger )


Normally, today I would be posting an art gallery review. But I am sick today. I thought I was over it... and I was wrong. Coincidentally, my mother is in the hospital back in PA with breathing problems... so it's just an interesting day all around.

In lieu of the art gallery review (which I will hopefully be doing tomorrow)... I am posting a picture of the results of a collaborative venture between myself and a fellow photographer/artist who lives in Texas. We both decided to join the Echo Challenge group on FLickR (link: ECHO), and partnered together to form collaborative diptychs.

I am working with Brenda Seaholm-Wampler
(blog site: http://memoriesandtreasures.blogspot.com/).
Each couple of weeks; the theme changes, and we see what we can come up with separately; then we combine them. It is thrilling to see how well they come together.. and how the other participants interpret the theme. The challenge theme for this one is: MELODY.

14:365


Windows of opportunity often come disguised. More often than not; for me; it comes in the form of endings that I am usually quite distraught over. It's not that I am adverse to change; quite the contrary. But I do find comfort in the known, the comfortable... the predictable.

"It is often hard to distinguish between the hard knocks of life, and those of opportunity"...Frederick Phillips



Sometimes I have a tendency to get stuck in a rut... to park (so to speak) ... and get a little too lackadaisical in my approach... sometimes I need to just "mix it up" ... and try something completely new in order to open my mind and horizons.



I am starting a new class at the Harwood Art Center. It is going to be 4 classes over the course of the next month in various techniques primarily used in mixed media art. I have done some mixed media projects, and I have enjoyed doing them. However, I don't think it is my "main focus" when it comes to artistic endeavors. I do hope, however, to learn some interesting techniques to incorporate into my jewelry making and fabrication. It will be really interesting.. and even if I don't come away with something I can personally use in my day to day art, it will no doubt open my mind to a whole new world... and that is fabulous.


**all photos by Elaine A. Russell

13:365

*all photos by Elaine A. Russell


Today I went to Artisans, a local art supply company... for the first time. This New Mexico business has been serving the art community since 1975. It is pretty darn cool. I went, because my daughter had to get some supplies for her college art class, and I wanted to see what all they had --- needless to say; we found alot of cool stuff... and got more than we probably should have. The selection of supplies was awesome, and the staff there was extremely helpful.



Additionally, I was able to get a couple of shots for today's post... as well as for my 365 Photo a Day project. This was really cool because I wasn't feeling very well.. and the idea of trying to come up with something potentially interesting... would most likely have been beyond me at that point.




So here I am (after having eaten and taken more allergy medicine)...editing pix and posting. The photos themselves got me thinking about color theory, and how it applies in a medical/ emotional way.
Color Theory is a formal approach that describes how colors mix together and interact with one another from a design perspective. The history of color theory began with Aristotle; and in 1630, Englishman Robert Fludd created the first printed color wheel in a medical journal.
Different theories have abounded since then... hence the "craze" of painting prisons and hospital wards specific colors to calm people down and help them to relax. Different colors are thought to bring out certain moods, affects... emotions in people. And... they are also thought now to actually induce healing for certain physical and emotional problems.


Now... if I can just find the right color to get rid of my allergies.....


Living Simply: tip for the day......
If you believe in the whole concept of color theory effecting your mood... put it into action. Paint the walls of different rooms to bring out your best. Blue walls for relaxing in your bedroom, green in your bathroom for renewal and balance, yellow in your office for inspiration and wisdom....see what colors will work for you :)



Here are some cool links:
http://www.artisan-santafe.com/index.cfm

http://www.therapycolor.com/

http://www.color-medicine.com/

http://www.colorglasses.com/Emotions/

12:365

*photo by Elaine A. Russell

...resting... figuring out finances... eating home-made cookies...
...getting packages ready to mail out to some lucky winners of my
First Ever Give-Away...

...enjoying some nice and spicy tacos for dinner...
Thinking how very fortunate I am to be as healthy as I am in spite of everything... and in spite of being not so healthy in the past...
(even though I have to take a BUNCH of meds/vitamins -- hence my inspiration for this photo I took today for my daily photo challenge)





Living Simply tip for the day: If you like spicy food; consider that you quite possibly could be benefiting greatly from the spice as well. I know in my personal experience, nothing boosts my immune system quite like a slathering of green chile on my fav foods. It is a boost in vit c; as well as helping me clean out my sinuses... and giving me a general flush of well being.

"Most of the health benefits of spicy foods appear to center around capsaicin, the ingredient which makes chili peppers hot. Other ingredients like turmeric, coriander, and mustard seeds which appear in spicy foods in some regions of the world may also confer additional health benefits. One of the most widely accepted claims is that eating spicy foods promotes sweating, opens the sinuses, and encourages expectoration, making spicy foods a good thing to eat if someone has a cold. The hot temperature of spicy foods can also promote an opening of the sinuses and bronchial tubes.

Some studies have suggested that the health benefits of spicy foods may be especially important for the brain. People who eat a lot of spicy food appear to be at a decreased risk of developing degenerative brain and nervous system conditions, and these foods may also help with depression and migraines. Eating spicy foods also increases the metabolism, encouraging people to process food more quickly, leading some researchers to suggest that spicy foods may help with weight loss. " -- from http://www.wisegeek.com/

11:365

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

It's definitely a Monday. Too much to do this week... and not enough time or (at least at the moment ) ... the energy to do it.
And so... I ran around trying to catch up on things that refused to co-operate. I spent way too much time trying to wrap up some things to get in the mail. I did way too much laundry. I spent way too much time trying to get a hold of a company via the phone.... and was unsuccessful at that. I did get a photo done for my daily photo project... but frankly, wasn't that happy with it. However, I was quickly running out of time...



I need a road trip. I need an excuse to get in the car and go in no particular direction to an unknown destination. I need the wind in my face...a bag of pita chips... some Starbucks coffee...and a happy puppy at my side. Also some good music. Not just some random radio station where I end up with a thousand bad songs in a row....



I am plotting... ....but in the meantime... here are some photos from my trip cross country last summer. These 3 photos were taken somewhere in Texas...as I was going in and out of this cool thunderstorm. The clouds were impressive....the wind was incredible... and the rain was imminent.


Living Simply tip for the day: when you can... travel. Even if it's just down the road a few miles.

"The health benefits of travel are as extensive as the world itself. A vacation can give you a much-needed break from the stresses of your life and rejuvenate your spirit. Plus, it will save valuable money in the long run by preventing doctor bills, sick days and the buildup of stress that can hijack your life."
"Taking a break from the daily routine relieves stress simply by providing a change of scenery. The excitement of getting ready for a trip can be a euphoric experience and the anticipation will take your mind off daily petty problems that often seem larger than life. Getting away from your daily experience helps to put your life in crystal clear terms and allows you to redefine what you find important." --- these are from the AMA

10:365


Somehow this weekend really got away from me. I love the photo above... because it reminds me to slooooooow dooooown my everyday activities... and to really appreciate what is happening in the NOW. I took this photo last week while running errands.. and I need to go back sometime and take a more leisurely shot.
The one of the snowman --- I took while driving down I-25 south ... heading home. It is a huge mass of tumbleweeds, fashioned into a snowman; facing the highway. It is fabulous.



And this one I took just a few minutes ago.... of my beloved Sabrina... waiting ever so patiently *not* for me to get off the computer... and take her for a walk. (which I will do )





Sometimes life feels like a series of snapshots. Here one minute.. gone the next. And it is..... and yet... if we try hard enough... we can learn to appreciate those moments in time. Maybe stretch them out a little.... savor them like a fine wine.
My honey is still sick. I am going to make a fire in the fireplace, heat up some wonderful pot roast leftovers, and put on a movie. Maybe I will make hot toddies....wrap him up in a warm blanket and forget about the world for a bit....

Living Simply tip for the day: If you can afford to; and have the ability to... adopt a pet. I realize that alot of living situations are not conducive to having a pet.. and not all people are able to have a pet (allergies, economics, etc)... but if you can....
Studies have shown that owning a pet can provide significant health benefits.
Pets can decrease your: Blood pressure, Cholesterol levels, Triglyceride levels, Feelings of loneliness, stress levels, and more.
Pets can increase your: opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities, as well as for socialization.

I know on a personal level, how very much having Sabrina in my life has increased my overall health.. and I would wish that on everyone....

9:365


Some days are the kind where you wish you would have/ could have ... stayed in bed. Lazy days where the bed seems way too comfortable to leave... and the floors seem way to cold to be on....

Today was one of those days. My dear hubby is sick today... something that only happens about once a year. It is cold and dreary out. ......And yet, today was also the last day to submit entries in my "give-away" --- me giving gifts in celebration of this blog site being one year old. So it was with excitement that I went through all the mail that I had received ... tallying up who all had entered..... And so... in the next few days I will be getting addresses from some lucky winners... who will each get a present in the mail.



So, today I did some laundry, picked up the house a bit... took my photo for my "Photo a Day project; year 2010".....made wontons and rice.... ran a couple of errands....went to a Pampered Chef Party briefly....and got back home in time to make my honey some tea and make sure he had taken some medicine.



Tuck yourselves in ... dear readers. Read a good book, watch a good movie... snuggle with someone you love. See you all tomorrow :)

Living Simply tip for the day: Get enough sleep for you. Don't be embarrassed if you have the opportunity and inclination to take a nap. Likewise, if you do better on less sleep... enjoy the extra time doing something you love. This will ultimately reduce your stress, increase your health and well-being... and will make your life much more simple.

""The first thing experts will tell you about sleep is that there is no "magic number." Not only do different age groups need different amounts of sleep, but sleep needs are also individual. Just like any other characteristics you are born with, the amount of sleep you need to function best may be different for you than for someone who is of the same age and gender.""

*all photos by Elaine A. Russell

8:365




*all photos by Elaine A. Russell


Art Gallery: Sneak Peek #2

Today I am featuring the South Broadway Cultural Center here in ABQ. To be honest, in all the years that I have lived here; I didn't realize what a treasure this place is. Now I do.

The South Broadway Cultural Center (SBCC) is "a multi-cultural, visual, performing and literary art center, that promotes, preserves and educates the community about the cultures and ethnicities that define Albuquerque."

My most recent trip to the gallery was a great honor. One of my photographs was featured in the "La Guadalupana 2009 Art Exhibit" that ended on January 5th. The photos I am including for today's post, are from that exhibit; which was curated by Augustine Romero.

In addition to the fabulous gallery space, there is the John Lewis Theater(which hosts musical and theatrical events throughout the year), a public library, and services for youths and adults.


I highly recommend a leisurely visit to this gallery space. It is fabulous.

For more information on the SBCC; click here


Jeff Sipes

unknown artist

Francis Bustamanti

Luis Gonzales

unknown artist

John de Jesus

Amanda Griegos

~~~~~


The next show at the SBCC, is "OUT OF AFRICA TO THE AMERICAS"


Presented by:THE NEW MEXICO AFRICAN-AMERICAN ARTISTS GUILD

Exhibiting from January 14 through February February 26th, 2010


January 14, 2010 - Thursday - Artists Reception from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
Hakim Bellamy; National Champion in Slam Poetry, playwright, actor, journalist, and social justice advocate, will perform his Slam Poetry at the Reception.

Refreshments provided.

Exhibiting their art will be African, Afro-Caribbean, and African artists of the New Mexico African Artists Guild. Curator/contact: Marianne Gendron

~~~~~

*Don't forget to write me and enter yourself in my "anniversary give-away" --- moongipsies@msn.com. Entries must be submitted by 9am tomorrow!

7:365

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

Had and interesting day today... spent my morning in the doctor's office, then went for lunch in Old Towne at the Church Street Cafe and had the best fajitas, chips and queso. What can I say ... I like my queso and chips.


Church Street Cafe is a wonderful cafe in Old Towne, ABQ... quaint, historic... rumored to have ghosts....I first saw the place when my family went on the Ghost Tours of Old Towne about a year ago. But I digress. The food is awesome. Seriously. My waiter... Tony.. was fabulous. What more could I want? Oh ya.... a bag to take the rest of it home... which I relished over dinner.
To see more on the cafe: Church Street Cafe


But back to my posting...
Came home, did a few things that needed to be done; and took a nap. How wonderful is that?
Dinner was delightful; conversations with friends --awesome.... a good day.







Some days are perfect like that ... others ... are -- well... not. And that is OK. There is not always a reason for the sequence of events that make our days what they are... and yet, how we react to them can make a world of difference. For instance; yesterday I let a series of events completely throw me off... and it made me weary and frustrated and sad. A friend of mine sent me this quote today:

“Trials, temptations, disappointments -- all these are helps instead of hindrances, if one uses them rightly. They not only test the fiber of character but strengthen it...Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before.” —James Buckham



And so - - I must remind myself that no matter what happens.. I may not have control over the situation .. or the event itself per se... but I always have control over my response to it.


Living Simply tip for the day:
"The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak." --Hans Hofmann

I think this must also include our emotions. Take what you absolute must.. and try not to worry about the rest. Don't bring more into the situation than is actually there .... or actually necessary.

6:365



So.... the other day I went into Old Towne... here in ABQ. Walked around for a bit.... looked at the wonderful carving of the Our Lady of Guadalupe that is carved into a tree near the San Felipe de Neri church. The sky is often-times just amazing here... totally awesome and saturated in the deepest blues ever. I couldn't resist taking some shots of the bare trees against this magnificent blue.



Today was a rough day.... had a run-in with a guy via email. When things like this happen... I really need to take a moment and realize that sometimes there are just jerks in the world. No amount of reasoning with these people helps. Things like this always upset me... and when I am upset... I clean. Maybe it's because of my heritage... or my mom being a "bit" OCD.... but I always clean when I am upset.




So now-- the laundry is caught up, the dishes are done...the kitchen is clean....


Living Simply Tip for the day:
Clean a little bit every day. It's much easier to quickly wipe things down as you go; rather than to try and do major cleaning once a week. This also saves money... because you don't have to buy caustic cleaners that are often-times pricey as well. Instead, just a quick wipe with soap and warm water.. and you are done.




5:365

**photos by Elaine A. Russell



I know that the new year is all about beginnings... new birth so to speak... creativity... that spark that starts things rolling. Well... most times you can't have beginnings without endings as well.
I am not a morbid person. Anything but.
I have certainly had my share of loved ones who have passed on ... and having had cancer; I understand first hand the realization that life truly is short. For me though... it is not a scary, hush-hush topic. It is a reality that life as we know it does come to an end at some point... usually, not a point we necessarily expect...nor one we generally plan for. I also like to think of it as actually a more joyous time... a time when we get to be with our loved ones who have already passed... a time away from the pain, misery, and whatever else was our trial in this lifetime.


Today I stopped at the San Jose del El Rosario Cemetery. It is just off the I-25 south freeway onto Gibson Ave. When the highway was built in the 1960's... it looks like they literally shoved this cemetery to the side... It is very sad... Very unkempt... quite ... forgotten looking. Most of the graves are not even standing, let alone have any readable markers... The wear and tear of the desert winds and sun have taken a huge toll on this place. And yet... it is still being used.

In the midst of some of the weathered and worn sites, is a boxing ring – a memorial to a boxer, Vicente “Picosito” Garcia, who died at age 20 in 2006.

Most of the grave sights are outlined with rocks. Some are accented with bottles, flowers, even a toy car or two. Graves of little children are often surrounded by the sides of cribs. And there are alot of them. What would those children have gone on to do? What was their potential that somehow got misplaced ? or perhaps it was their goal to teach us more about death... and about life. To enjoy it while we have it. To live life to it's fullest. To become our absolute best... to live up to our innate potential.

And so ... that is my word for this year... Potential. What will be yours?


To see more about this cemetery:

http://www.interment.net/data/us/nm/bernalillo/sanjose/index.htm

http://www.dukecityfix.com/profiles/blogs/resting-places-and-an-appeal

4:365


photo by Elaine A. Russell


I don't know why some days are so chaotically crazy as compared to others....
Today was going to be a simple day when I ran errands... and did some work in my studio in the afternoon. So -- of course, this was one of those nights when I didn't fall asleep right away.. nor did I apparently sleep very soundly until the am.. because I ended up sleeping until noon.
Took a shower... and have been on the run since. Post office, groceries, a few stores to get some stuff.... pick up an item off of Freecycle (Thank you Betty for my wonderful new cake stand!!!)... got stuck in traffic... 3 car pile-up....tried to take some photos for my daily photo project....lost my wallet. Re-traced my steps. Freaked out. Went home. Started calling places. Cleaned out my car -- and found it wedged in the passenger seat.

Ok. Time to slow down and breathe.

Made supper. Fresh salmon with lemon and butter... edamame....shrimp with cocktail sauce... fresh bread with brie cheese. My honey made coffee :)

Sorted thru my pics from the day. The one above, is this girl (dressed in a blue dog suit) who was dancing and jogging in place on San Mateo and Academy --advertising a local fitness place. Not sure if she was moving about as inspiration for people to get in shape... or if she was cold. ... But it was cute.
I also got a fabulous photo of a neon green alien statue on an off street ... and of the tumbleweed snowman on I-25 (which I took while driving down the highway ... don't try this folks... ).... I will try to get better ones some other time.. but it was a great exercise in creativity.


Which I guess brings me to the Living Simply section of today's blog post.

Don't rush. Organize your errands so that you can consolidate trips. And if all else fails.. enjoy the chaos. You might get a good picture out of it all..

3:365


Today I went to the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History. While, I suppose, there are some that would not consider it a "gallery"... as in ... let's go buy some art..... I definately consider it one. And so... it is my first "Art Gallery: Sneak Peek" of 2010. (as in ... a peek inside)




The museum, as we know it, first started as a feature at the Albuquerque International Sunport in 1967. It later outgrew the area, and was built in it's current location by Antoine Predock.




According to Fodor's Guide: "This modern structure, which underwent a spectacular 40,000-square-foot expansion in 2004, houses the largest collection of Spanish-colonial artifacts in the nation, along with relics of the city's birth and development. The centerpiece of the colonial exhibit is a pair of life-size models of Spanish conquistadors in original chain mail and armor. Perhaps the one on horseback is Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, who, in search of gold, led a small army into New Mexico in 1540—the turning point in the region's history. Among the museum's attractions are treasure chests filled with pearls and gold coins, religious artifacts, and early maps (some dating from the 15th century and showing California as an island). A multimedia presentation chronicles the development of the city since 1875. The sculpture garden contains 45 works by 20th-century southwestern artists that include Glenna Goodacre, Michael Naranjo, and Luís Jiménez."



Specifically; I went with a friend today to see the "Albuquerque Now" presentation.

Albuquerque Now is a pair of exhibitions, comprised of two distinct installations of recent works created by artists in Albuquerque. A wide variety of media and styles will be featured, from traditional to post-modern, and the artists represented range in age from the mid-twenties to over eighty.

Among the artists included in Albuquerque Now Fall :
Jane Abrams, Garo Antreasian, Cynthia Cook, Ann Dunbar, Betty Hahn, Aaron Karp, Stephanie Lerma, Orlando Leyba,
Reg Loving, Santiago Pérez, Bart Prince, Alan Radebaugh, Holly Roberts, Peter White


It was simply stunning. Words cannot describe it.... but I was blown away.


Curator of Art, Andrew Connors (who envisioned and put together this show) said, ''The more I discover about Albuquerque, the more I appreciate the real, visceral, integral and experimental feel of the art scene here,'' Connors explains. ''Some of our most significant artists possess a pioneering enthusiasm...there’s something about the appeal of New Mexico and the Southwest lifestyle that allows people to be who they are without expectations.''

I couldn't have said it better myself....


Here are some additional links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albuquerque_Museum

*all photos by Elaine A. Russell

2:365

photo by Elaine A. Russell




Last year was pretty fabulous. Starting this blog was a real adventure for me... and I am looking forward to another year of posts. One of the things that this blog has encouraged me to do; is to take photos every single day. It has forced me to expand my creative boundaries and push through them. I highly recommend it.
I have started a project for this year as well. You can see the photos here ... where I will be posting a brand new photo taken each and every day in 2010.

I am going to be starting a series of posts this year. Once a week; I hope to review a local gallery and post about it. This will be a new "art day" kind of series. There are a small ton of galleries here in ABQ and the surrounding areas, and I am sure that I only know of a few in comparison. This will definately be an adventure... but one I relish.

I am also going to be posting "living simply" tips. When I was in college, I helped put myself thru financially by cooking, cleaning and organizing for people. Sort of a professional organizer... long before the term was HOT. It is something I am quite good at, and I often get called upon ( ala the shows Clean House and HOARDERS) to come and organize for people. For me; it is awesome because I love the satisfaction of being able to see almost immediate results. And... truth be told.. I love to search thru people's stuff. It is like digging for buried treasure. Anyway; I have spent years organizing and pairing down my own stuff... re-using, re-purposing items... turning them into art and craft pieces... refurbishing things and passing them on. I am an avid recycler... and I frequently post on Freecycle and Craigslist.

and... I am getting rid of titles; and merely labeling them 2:365 and such. Who reads the titles anyway.. and it's usually hard to come up with one to be honest.

So-- some new changes, as well as embellishments to the "tried and true."
*Don't forget to write me and enter yourself in my "anniversary give-away" at moongipsies@msn.com



once in a blue moon... Happy New Year










*all photos by Elaine A. Russell


I went to bed last night around 2am ...only to awaken at 4am. Not sure why...except that I got to see the most beautiful Blue Moon staring back at me as it settled behind the volcanoes to the west.


I am not a morning person... as those of you who know me KNOW. So... this was a rare event...as well as a gorgeous photo opportunity for me. And while my little kodak isn't professional by any stretch... I think it did an awesome job.

Welcome to the New Year. Welcome to a gorgeous Blue Moon. It's all shiny and fresh, exciting and new... waiting....just for you.

ticket to ride


photo by Elaine A. Russell

well folks.. here it is. The last day of the last month of the year. In many ways.. it has been a wild ride...but I wouldn't have it any other way. I thought I would end the year with one of my humble haiku poems.....

round and round we go

spinning wildly thru days... months

must eat funnel cake



**don't forget to write and enter in my Anniversary Give-Away! Entries must be submitted by Jan 9th at 9am... simply write to me at moongipsies@msn.com with your likes/dislikes about my blog... and you could win a prize! 9 winners will be chosen, and each will receive a handmade item (scarf, jewelry, art, photography art prints ) or a stash of crafting supplies.

...and now for something completely different to rock in the New Year's


the year's top 5 -- words that is

photo by Elaine A. Russell



Words interest me. I am not a writer by any stretch (as you may have guessed).... but I do love to read (hence the rather large "books I've recently read" list on my sidebar). I will be the first to admit that grammar and punctuation are not exactly my strong suites... although I do try.

So... it was interesting to note this article today on a Google search I did----

According to this site: http://blog.tamar.com/2009/12/top-words-and-phrases-of-2009-provide-insight-into-global-psyche/..... the top 5 words of the year 2009 are:

1. Twitter
2. Obama
3. H1N1
4. Stimulus
5. Vampire


I guess I shouldn't be surprised by the top 5 listings.

Twitter, Facebook, Kindles, Nooks, etc... as well as Ipods and Iphones are all the rage..... ObamaMania has been a HUGE topic for the past year....and of course.. who doesn't know someone attacked with the H1N1 virus?

Stimulus.. the economy... business rises and fails... all a worry ... and Vampires!!! Whodathunk? Having never read the "Twilight" series.... I cannot say first hand... but I know many people who have raved over it.... and just as many who haven't. But it is certainly a topic of discussion....

So-- here's to some good reading... and (hopefully) good writing in the year 2010.


Check this out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNcex6I7qls

And this one:

the "after" days....


photo by Elaine A. Russell


This has been a difficult post to write. Although most people do not come into contact with the celebrities of this world.. they effect us nonetheless. They brighten our lives with tender songs, wonderful movies, and joyous events.
Today has been a day of reflection. Of people that have passed on this year... of music that will never quite be the same... of songs yet unsung. As this year ends, I would like to post a tribute of sorts, to the actors, singers, entertainers who have gone on this year to a better place... may you all rest in peace.





...and a little video on Mary Travers, who also passed away this year. Even though I was born in 1964 (which some people would argue was too late to be influenced by this time-frame) --- the folk/rock era was (and is) my music. I felt so at home with the music and ideology of this period. The love, the desire for peace, the need to get back to nature ... to take care of this land and its' people... it still speaks to me. And groups like Peter, Paul and Mary were a big part of that. I loved these songs... as well as the activism that groups like this stood for...


wintertime reflections


"winter" photo by Elaine A. Russell. Taken TTV with a vintage Brownie Hawkeye
... my very first camera.


The year is winding down rather quickly. I am finding that I have several projects that I would like to finish before the new year...phone calls to make... business taxes to do... etc. This way I can start off the new year "fresh."
This past year has been a difficult one on many levels... friendships that have come and gone... people who have passed in and out of my life... health issues... money issues... kids growing up and getting ready to move on to their own exciting adventures...remodeling and working on the house...no longer having any pro camera equipment...making some major career decisions...
And yet; these seemingly troublesome issues have brought goodness. New friends. New people in my life... a resurgence of good health...a simpler lifestyle...a moving on to a new phase of my life...re-inventing and becoming more creative with my photography...discovering what is really important to me...

In the whole scheme of things... alot of what we(I) worry about is trivial. Sometimes it takes events and transitions to make us reflect more and figure out what truly is necessary to this life. What moves us. What makes us happy. What could possibly change things for the better... not just for me in my little corner...but possibly for someone else as well.

I've never been one for making resolutions for the new year. It seems like a self defeating prophecy of sorts...at least for me. I prefer to think of each new year as a new opportunity for growth and change. For explorations inward and outward bound. To meet new friends... to learn.
What will this next year hold? Who knows. But I am looking forward to the adventure.