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(photo by Elaine A. Russell)

Honey... I love you... and I miss you more than words can say.

You are my heart. You fill my soul... you saturate me with your love and understanding until every open wound... every empty space is filled with your sunshine. You make me a better person... and because of you I can go forth into this big bright world and be myself... feeling safe, loved, and able to come home to a safe haven. I could not wish for a better partner to share this life with.

20 years ago today... I married the best man on this earth.

Be safe and be happy my dearest...

and rest in the knowledge of our love until I can be with you again.

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(all photos by Elaine A. Russell)

When I was a little girl growing up in Coudersport; I lived just up the street from this house. I would pass it every day on my way to Elementary School... and coming home every day I would see this older woman working in her gardens.

She was not an overly friendly woman... and when I asked about her I heard stories of her chasing people off her property... and scaring some of the local kids away. But I was curious. Eventually... one day I walked up to her and casually started weeding the flower beds with her. At first we never spoke... just worked silently together... pulling weeds and gazing at the birds. As the days went by... she started chatting with me... telling me about the flowers... telling me about the trees. Telling me the latin names of everything we could see and touch.

One day... she allowed me into her house. She made me tea and brought out cookies. She told me of her previous years teaching music at the famed Juilliard School in NYC. She played her violin for me. We began a friendship... and I treasured my moments with her in the gardens. She eventually showed me the entire house... including a secret passage that was once used in the Underground Railroad times. I only saw her sporadically over the winter... shoveled her sidewalk a couple of times... but she was a bit of a hermit... and I didn't see her much in the wintertime.

She died one winter...I think it was the winter of 76... her frozen body not found for weeks... because few ever came to her house to call....I was devastated.

Ironically... the only "brawl" I was ever in; was when a local bully was ranting about how glad he was she had died... and I clocked him one... the force sending him clean over the teacher's desk and knocking him out when he then hit his head against a cinder block wall.

Her estate was quickly settled... her sister lived in New York. She had no children... no extended family. Her house was bought and sold several times over the years... and then lay empty... literally rotting into the land.

Recently, another fabulous soul... Mr. John Peet... bought the property and is trying to restore it.

Mr. Peet has a profound love for antiques, history and music... and was also acquainted with my dear lady friend in the red house. He is working hard to restore it in a manner becoming to the era of the house.

Yesterday I was driving by the house, and noticed that Mr. Peet was there; and he graciously gave me a tour. We talked about "dear Helen"... and room by room... we wandered. He told story after story... detailing the history of the town... of the county... of the furniture... and the families that owned them/ made them/ cherished them. It was fabulous... and happy... and a bit sad too. So many memories ....

And here are some photos from my tour....

an antique spinet piano made by the B. Shoninger Co of New Haven, Ct with an Italian wedding tapestry hanging above it....

and old spinning wheel

and old brass gas light -- once used on the streets of this town... now an electic beauty...

even a gorgeous antique 4 poster with a trundle... and antique handmade quilts....

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Even in little towns... there are hidden little gems. Places most of the people don't know about ... or see on a daily basis. These photos I took behind the main street's buildings. I just love the old bricks... the decay... the feeling of being in an "Olde World" setting....



Today was a very busy day... but at least I did get all my paperwork done and in for the grant I am trying for. And as a friend suggested... it was kissed and sent on it's way around midnight...


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

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

Well ... tonight is my last chance to get the grant paperwork in... and I am working on it as we speak. It's really hard to write about yourself... and I have never really had to do anything like this before... so it's a bit intimidating.

These past few days have been especially rough. Just when you think things have the opportunity of getting "easier" or calming down... it seems as though something else rises up to the surface to stir things up.

On the other hand, I have come to discover that perhaps my best accomplishment in life is that I married really really well. My hubby ( and the kids as much as they are able) have been so incredibly supportive throughout this whole thing... and I do not even want to think about where I would be without them. And... I have really good friends. Friends who write with encouragement, friends who come over for a hug, friends willing to loan me a tv for my dad. It has been an incredibly insightful journey. You never know what will happen when the proverbial shit hits the fan... and to my great astonishment... I have been truly blessed with good friends and loved ones.
Yes, there have been some klunkers.... and I am emotionally cutting them loose. It's time. (actually... it's probably past time).

And I have had the great opportunity of learning (more than I care to)... about the insurance industry, finances, elder care, and planning for the future. In the whole scheme of things... it has truly been an education; and I'm sure it will be something I will tackle with the hubby on our own end when I get back to ABQ.

Life is too damn short. Too short to try to "save for a rainy day"... to not go on vacations.... to think that all our life is about is the work that we do... or the appointments we keep.... or even the company we keep. It's about experiences. It's about doing what we can for our fellow humankind and the earth and it's creatures. It's about helping each other out. It's about truly loving... deep and wide... til we split open and spill out all that goodness on each other. It's about enjoying food.. nature... life.

And I; for one... am not going to miss another day.

=======================================
the photos for today's post are of a massive pine tree in my parent's back yard. There are several of these type of pine trees here in town... and even more in the surrounding woods. As a kid... I thought of studying botany... and at one point... I knew the names of most every tree, grass, weed, and flower in the county. Course, I have since managed to forget most of it... but some I remember :)

My parent's have a vintage little pocket tree book; and from the description, I thought that this was a Sugar Pine. However, after doing some internet research... I think it is actually a Norway Spruce. This tree is massive... and it has these gorgeous bows that hang low like curtains and shade you from the world...

It also gets these really big pine cones that make great "boats" to sail down the river....

Personally; it has been a great pleasure these past few days to just stand under these formidable bows... sheltered from the world around me... and pretending.. if only for a moment... that I am in my own world.

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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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This has been the worst day I have had in a very long time.

Guilt,frustration, anger, sadness... all rolled into one big, messy ball. And at the end of the day.... my dad is spending his first night at a nursing home in Palliative Care. Words cannot describe how awful I feel about it.

Our alternatives were few.

We weighed all the choices, and went down the list of options ( it was a short list).

I have worked very hard to be a good advocate for my parents... and I feel like a failure.

I find it astounding... that my father has worked full-time his entire life (and sometimes more than one job at a time)... retiring from one job; and working several more years at another job... retiring at the age of 75.... paid all those years on insurance policies.... and now he is only able to get 50 days or so of care through private insurance/ Medicare/ Medicaid... and only because of a wound that he has. When that wound heals... we will either have to pay out of pocket for his care... or bring him home.

We have been overwhelmed with money situations above and beyond our control. ... and were basically told to either sell the house... and/or cash in all the insurance my parents have paid on for the past several decades (at a cash value/ significantly less than true value... which means no insurance payout when one of them dies) ...to pay for his care when that time comes.

Which if we do that, will leave my mother broke and homeless in short time.

He is confused, unable to do any care for himself, unable to even move in bed....let alone stand, or sit, or function. He is in severe pain without frequent doses of medication. My mother is sickly and frail herself... and is completely unable to take care of him on her own... and yet, that is what would be expected. Any in-home help would also come "out of pocket."

I do not understand our health care/ insurance system at all.

And I am furious at the "powers that be" that have led us to the state of affairs that I find my parents in. My father worked his entire life, never had any savings to speak of... never went on any grand and glorious, extravagant trips... never bought anything other than what was needed at the time. They lived a life of humbleness and frugality. They ate healthy, stopped smoking (years ago), stopped drinking(years ago), walked every day... did everything right. It seems totally unfair. I know, realistically, life is not fair... but days like this really, really make me mad.

It seems so much an insult to injury... when a loved one is sick and dying...to be faced with financial decisions such as these that could leave the surviving spouse in a position where they are grieving, despondent... and then too.... would not be able to financially support themselves... or even have a place to call home. I always thought that that was what insurance was for... to protect people and their savings and such when tragedy struck. Perhaps I was too naive.

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(photos by Elaine A. Russell)

In the middle of town here, is a HUGE horsechestnut tree. When I was very little, it sat in front of a tiny house owned by Mr. & Mrs. Butler; an elderly couple who have since passed on. I remember Mr. Butler telling me about this tree one time... when I asked about the thorny looking nuts it bears in the summer and into fall.

Apparently, these trees originated in the Balkans, and were carried to Northern Europe, and then to the USA. I have read that these trees were primarily planted for their decor, as they would get big and have large showy leaves in the spring... and big showy flowers in the summer. The nuts are very bitter, and generally considered not to be edible. However, old herb books do mention that the bark was sometimes boiled, and the liquid could be consumed for everything from rheumatism to fevers. (link: here)


All I know... is that when I was little... it was a tree unlike any I had seen before...

and I was fascinated by it.

I have always had an affinity for plants and trees...

and this one was "extra special."

Well... that little house is long gone now... but the tree still stands strong and proud there. I stopped by today to check on it, and was blessed to see that it was not only doing well... but had gorgeous blooms on it.

You'd think that... with all this tree has seen in it's lifetime... that it would give up and wither away. But ... it actually seems stronger today than I remember it being. People can be like that too. Sometimes, with all the crap that goes on in the world... our first thought may be to shrivel up and hide somewhere.... sink into the ground and stay there. But... if we let it... adversity can also make us stronger... majestic... able to handle the wild winds.

My father is carrying on. In spite of all predictions... and certainly beyond belief at times. I do not understand it... nor will I try. I can only believe that there must be a purpose... and like my tree that I love so much, I will try to bend with the wind... and listen for the lesson.

( and in other news.... I was shocked to learn that another one of my photos won the Alibi's Shutterbug weekly contest... WoOt!.... see HERE)

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Today on one of the trips my mom and I took to the hospital... we were going through town and saw this fabulous car sitting at the Courthouse. We stopped, hoping to get a couple photos to show my dad... who is a HUGE lover of cars.

While we were taking a few photos... the owner came out of a nearby building and came to talk with us. John Walk is from Westchester, PA... but has a cabin close by. He bought the car already restored, and believed it to be a 1944 Ford. It has been customized, and now sports cruise control, a CD player, and a gorgeous chrome dashboard with interesting looking tachometers. The body is all steel, except for the fiberglass running boards on the sides. Oh... and yes, it really was that bright a shade of yellow :)

My dad loved the photos... and actually was alert enough to look at them (*BTW... my dad thinks it is really a 1941 deluxe Ford.. but who knows...)

We also drove this afternoon to the Genesee Natural Foods Store (in Genesee, PA... about 1/2 an hour away). The store has been in business since 1979... and it is a wonderful source for all kinds of natural bulk items, foods, drinks, herbs, vitamins, and educational materials. It was a scenic drive over... in spite of the rain... and it was great to see such a fabulous store still doing well after all these years.

To see more on the Genesee Natural Food Store: look HERE

*all photos by Elaine A. Russell

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... to grow strong and upright in this world... you have to have strong roots... I am reminded of this daily while back here in PA. The natural world has so many lessons to teach us if we are just willing to listen to their wisdom....

this beautiful rhododendron is right in front of my parent's house. I never really liked these plants much as a kid (compared to others I suppose)... but I have grown more fond of them as of late. I think their exotic beauty is just stunning...

... and today it rained all day... sometimes coming down in buckets. I wondered if I would get a good photo for the day... and as it turns out... I got several :)

My dad is markedly more alert today than he has been... it's a puzzlement... but one I am grateful for. Today I spent a goodly portion of the day resting... in between phone calls.... and it was good.

I am very worried about getting my grant packet in on time... and have no idea what I am going to submit at this point... but I have to have faith that it will all work out. That seems to be my modus operandi at the moment...

*all photos by Elaine A. Russell

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Today is monday... and I have had very little sleep. I am beginning to get cranky and exhausted... and so I took some extra time this morning to rest.

I picked up my mom from the hospital after lunch, and decided to take her for a drive in the countryside. It was a beautiful day today... and it was wonderful to enjoy the sunshine... the very blue skies.... and the plant life bursting to life around us.

We went onto some of the backroads today... and it was teeming with the critters and such of springtime. Bunnies... hawks... cows... goats and sheep and horses... even a turkey vulture looked at us as if we were disturbing his springtime frolicing.

I have been taking lots of movies and music up to my dad... and we have been enjoying them all over again. He rests alot in between times... but every so often he will burst into laughter and grin like a kid at Christmas over something.

It is a joy to see.

I am trying to make sure my mom is well rested and eats...

sometimes this is easier said than done.

But for now... here are a couple shots from our drive today...

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

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I feel almost as if this were some sort of time warp. I know I have done things... but I seem to have lost the weekend completely. It has been a blur...trips to the hospital... trips to the store... trips to the house... long hours sitting at the bedside. Very little sleep. Rushed meals. Endless support.... endless phone calls. Visits from friends and family.

It's an odd thing. On one hand, my father's health has plummeted ever so rapidly. And yet, he has been better these past few days than he has been in a week... it is confusing.... and hard to not be puzzled by things...

I know that I was only back home in ABQ for 2 weeks... and yet so very much has changed. The hills are green and lush. The town is "buzzing" with last week's Maple Festival activities... (which I sadly missed). And my parent's lives have changed so dramatically.


This "hurry up and wait" time has been it's own special hell.... but we are all resigned to the inevitable, and dealing with it the best we can. ... and I am grateful; in spite of the strangeness;
for this slowness of time to spend with my parents...

photos by Elaine A. Russell

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...the phone started ringing at 9am. I am not a morning person... thank goodness my mom is.

We ran lots of errands today... and actually got quite a bit accomplished. Then we spent the afternoon visiting with my dad... who; according to my mom.... was the most alert he has been since I left 2 1/2 weeks ago. Not that he wasn't confused... or easily distracted... and fading in and out of conversations... BUT... he wasn't sleeping, and he even drank some fluids while we were there.

We left and had supper, and then we brought my brother and his son back with us to visit this evening. My nephew and his fiance also came... so it was sort of a small reunion of sorts.

My father was very affectionate with my mom today... lingering with his hugs... kissing. It was so good to see. I am so glad that he and my mother had such a good day when they celebrated their wedding anniversary a few weeks back ( it was their 58th anniversary).

Tomorrow, the son of a friend of mine is getting married. I am not sure if I will be able to go... but I was thinking of them today... and how it is a glorious time of year to get married. I wish them all the best.

And in a few weeks, I will be celebrating my 20th wedding anniversary with the best guy on the planet... and I love you honey

♥ ♥ ♥

photos by Elaine A. Russell

(from top to bottom: a mock cherry tree in afternoon light, wild white trillium flowers, and flowering pink dogwood)

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I left the house at 7am, after getting little to no sleep. The flight from ABQ to Phoenix was fairly uneventful, although I still don't understand why I had to travel west in order to go east. I had a wonderful conversation with an Air Force Sergeant on his way to Hawaii... sounds like alot of fun!

the Phoenix Airport... and the flight somewhere over Arizona

In Phoenix, I had a short lay-over.. and it gave me just enough time to check my email and play around a little on-line. However, I was one of the last groups to board the flight to Philadelphia, and we were told that we had to check all our bag due to no room in the cabin. Reluctantly, I did. Come to find out, the person who checked my bag marked it as if Philadelphia was my final destination... so when I got to Philly, I had to go the full length of the airport in order to get my carry-ons... and then I had to go thru security checks again.. and take a shuttle to my section of the airport to catch my last flight. A little chaotic... and a little nerve-wracking.. but it all worked out fine. The other thing was that I was supposed to get a meal on my flight, and I didn't... which means I was without food from 8am until 6pm. NOT that I can't lose a little... :)
Philadelphia has a great airport. I can't believe that I lived in PA for over 25yrs, and never went to Philadelphia. It looked vast and cool from the air...
Had a fabulous dinner at a "Hard Rock Cafe" type place where I had a really good Asian salad... YUM.

the flight from Phoenix to Philadelphia... some where over Kansas, and then over Missouri

and finally coming into Philadelphia....

And now... I am waiting for my flight to Williamsport, PA. From there, I have a friend coming to get me... and it will be a 2hour drive to my parent's house. Such is the quirks of living in the middle of PA forest country I guess.

and this was the sunset in Philadelphia..... and then coming into Williamsport PA

all photos by Elaine A. Russell

In other news... It has been an interesting couple of months... and the journey is not over yet. I had mentioned in my blog once that I never anticipated this time of my life... that glorious in-between time of children leaving the home/ whilst helping the parents into "older-age." It has been a vast learning experience, and one I am glad to have gotten... but at the same time... chaotic... and very emotional.
I have also learned that I am going to be a grandmother for the 1st time... and I couldn't be happier for my son and his new bride. Such an incredible time of life... a new life developing and coming into this world... as my father prepares to leave it for the next part of his life....

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-----------------------------------> photo by Kristin M. Russell


I am leaving in the am for PA. I am leaving at 8am; and I won't get there until just before 11pm.... and then it will be a 2hr drive to my parent's house. The doctors have told mom that "it's getting close" to the time when my father may pass.
I am traveling light. I always travel light... but this time I am only taking what I can fit in a carry-on and my tote/purse. I have about $20 on a credit card. No cash. This one is gonna be tight.... and we'll have to worry about things later.

Things can get chaotic in life. Sometimes you just have to set your priorities and go full steam ahead... no matter what the consequences. I did the same thing when my sister passed... and I wouldn't do it any differently now.

I apologize if yesterday's post was in any way offensive. There are piranhas in this world who will cut you down, especially when you are potentially vulnerable... and it's just wrong. My tolerance for this is gone. I am tapped. I will no longer be the victim/weakling they perceive me as. Here too... sometimes when you are "balls to the wall"... you find your strength... and I am stronger than I thought.
From now on... and I would encourage everyone to do this: Life is too short to surround yourself with people who do not love you, and who do not have your best interests at heart. Cut them loose. It doesn't matter who they are, or who they have been to you in the past... or what they could potentially be to you in the future. It's just not worth it. You don't have to "be nice..." and keep these people around for propriety's sake or whatever ...
Enjoy your life. Be happy. Be loved, and love in return... fully and unconditionally.

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

this is to anyone.... perhaps a very specific someone....perhaps on behalf of everyone

.... who has ever had the misfortune of being treated badly by another human being

You belittle me with your words and your actions. You make me feel small. You fluff yourself up; and manage to impress some... but I know the truth. You are opinionated. You rant ideologically to anyone that will listen. You act as if you know all, have seen all... and have done it all.

You have traveled so far, and yet, really learned so little about humanity... about what it is to truly be human. To care for one another. To boost each other up; not to tear each other down. To be supportive. To honestly want to help someone... not for your own gain or self esteem... or because of what others may think of your good deeds.
You try to impress me with your talent and your intelligence, but it all falls flat when compared to what you have actually done. What does all that education and talent mean if you can't make the world a better place... if you have no desire to share your talents for the betterment of mankind.... but only to glorify yourself?

I do not know the answers... and I do not understand people sometimes

... but what I do know is this:

the bullshit stops here.

I am not vindictive. I have no agenda.

I just want you to know that I will no longer be bullied by you or your behaviour.

I refuse to let you get to me... because by doing so... I lose my personal power, and you win.

There are givers and takers in this world... and you are a taker.

You have no power over me. You cannot hurt me anymore.

Get off my feckin lawn.

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

...today has been a strange day...

... I can hardly move from my travels about on Saturday...

I was talking to my mother last night about how it was probably time for her to get full-time hospice help for the care of my dad. He is sleeping most of the time, but has very brief episodes of alertness. Most of the time he is confused; be it because of the medicine or because of his disease process... I am not sure. She was hesitating because she really wanted to keep dad home for as long as humanly possible, and she felt like she had to try to keep up with it all... but it has quickly become very overwhelming.

Sometime in the wee hours of the morning, my dad actually got up and tried to walk to the bathroom... but fell. Mom could not get him up, and dad did not have enough cognition at that point to help at all. She called the ambulance; and he is now in the hospital getting hospice care.

And so... I am having a dilemma... and I feel full of guilt. I feel like I should be there to help... but realistically, I fear that I haven't the money or the stamina to go again at this point.

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

Because I was in PA for so long, I wasn't able to do my weekly "sneak peaks" inside local galleries here in ABQ. But yesterday, I went to La Parada for the "Cinco de Mayo Folk Arts and Music Festival" here... and today I am featuring some of the excellent artwork from that show. It is amazing how much talent is right here in NM... so... many, many kudos to all of you for continuing to provide us with such fantastic art.

artwork by Richard Trujillo

artwork by Kenny Chavez

artwork by The Iron Guy

artwork by Marci Sednek

artwork by Catherine McCandless

artwork by Ken Fincke

artwork by Carolyn Flores

artwork by The Fancy Chola

artwork by John De Jesus

artwork by Mayling Garcia

artwork by Scott Garcia

artwork by The Two Gringas

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

...today was an incredibly busy... but totally awesome day. It started off with a full body massage by Masterpiece Massage on Carlisle. The owner, Karla Linden is a very skilled therapist... and I left feeling refreshed and in less pain than I have been in weeks.

From there I went to an Art Sale near UNM, and got a fabulous art piece by Thomas Christopher Haag! He is one of my fav artists here in Albuquerque... and I am honored to have the opportunity to own a piece of his work.

On my way back home... I saw a demonstration on the UNM campus... providing info on medical marijuana... lots of peace and love, folks :).... and a great photo op. I have my own opinions on the subject... and having been a cancer survivor... have some real experience as well.

Later on this afternoon.... the hubby and I went to La Parada where the "Cinco de Mayo Folk Art & Music Festival" was in full swing. It was awesome. It will also be the main topic for tomorrow's post... so check back for lots of cool photos of some fab art by some awesome artists!

(Aaron Campbell)

And... before we headed home for the evening... we stopped at Astro Zombies on Central Ave; as it was their "Free Comic Book Day." We got to meet comic artists Aaron Campbell (Green Hornet Year One) and Andy Kuhn (Firebreather), and were even lucky enough to get signed comics and photos! WOOT!

It was an insanely busy day... and my back may kill me for it tomorrow... but in the meantime... it was feckin awesome :)

Gotta love Albuquerque in the Springtime

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...thank God it's Friday... and tomorrow I am getting a back massage... that's all I'm sayin'...


But... it was a gorgeous day today... and I got to listen to an interesting interview on art & money today that really got me thinking about the whole business of art. How we as artists tend to put ourselves in a lose:lose situation when it comes to money most of the time. We want to make money... but we are afraid to charge what we "are worth" (whatever that means) ... when it comes to our art. It was extremely thought provoking... and it is a subject all artists need to think about.

The hubby and I love to eat out on occasion, and tonight we all went to La Provence on Central Ave. The food was absolutely delicious... and we had a marvelous time.

We then went to Black Market Goods... where they were having a slam poetry night. Not usually "my thing".... but it was interesting, and, as always... there was lots of cool art to be seen on the walls.

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

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


So... I have finally caught up on all my posts from traveling back to NM. So... If you are interested, check out the previous week's worth of posts of updated pics and such...I have added to the posts...

Today was a wonderful day. With the help of Vicodin (yes, narcotics are my friend)... I am able to move about without too much pain... and it is a "good thing." I have been going thru our DVD collection... and will be selling off about half of it soon on Ebay.. stay tuned for some fabulous auctions folks...


AND I have been watching and listening to the wind today. The wind here is absolutely amazing... and today was a prime example of the wild winds here in New Mexico. Accoring to the weather channel... they were blowing at 36mph with gusting up to 44mph....and the skies were just awesome.
And so... I took this opportunity to spend a few leisurely hours looking up fun info on the web... talking with my daughter... and nibbling on alot of interesting candy that we have around the house.
(we have: donuts, spicy peach rings, English tea biscuits, Mexican chile candy, Lego sweet tarts, Dutch mints, burnt candy peanuts, India sesame cookies, gummy sharks, German blueberry and raspberry treats, French pastel mints, sesame sticks, Swedish fish, sour peach and watermelon gum drops, and honey roasted almonds... )


I also received a brand new copy of this book: Look HERE.... of which I am one of the featured photographers. I was very honored to have been selected as one of only about 50 photographers from around the world to be featured in this publication... AND... I was lucky to have gotten a larger 6 picture spread. I am deeply honored... and personally, I think the book is pretty fabulous.
It is the first book I have ever been featured in... so it is really exciting! .... and I am hoping that it won't be the last...
I was SO excited when my book came...and then...to sit and actually be able to flip through the pages, and see all the amazing shots submitted for this project...well, I don't have words to describe the feeling.
Thank you to all who helped put this amazing piece of work together.... YEAH!
All proceeds from the sale of this book are being donated to "Doctors Without Borders".


------------------------------------>freakin awesome!