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"Creativity is inventing, experimenting, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun"... Mary Lou Clark


I saw this quote in a magazine... and upon research, discovered that the author of the quote is a Santa Fe activist, author and icon (look HERE)...
I have been thinking alot about this quote today.

I have always considered myself a creative person. A few years ago, I was asked to help start and run a local gallery. At that time, I had a very hard time calling myself an artist. Partly because I was greatly influenced by a local group of artists whom I believed to be significantly more talented/knowledgeable/experienced than I... and so I felt that I would never quite reach the status of "artist."

In the few years since then... I have tried very hard to flesh out what being an artist means to me... and I think one of the crucial aspects is a willingness to put yourself out there. To do what you love... no matter what others may think of your art. To make art because you have to.... because it's part of your essential make-up as a human being.

This is one of the main reasons why I try to focus blog posts on local art, local galleries... things associated with the life of an artist... because I feel it is so important to try and lift these people up... to give them support... to show them that art is not only something they do... but a way of life.


It is a wonderful thing to be an artist... and I am so glad to be home.

photos by Elaine A. Russell

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... and my Art Gallery "Sneak Peek" for today is: Bright Rain Gallery
(peek #13 in my series)


Old Towne is pretty fabulous... and there are quite a few really nice galleries there.
One of the shining stars there is Bright Rain Gallery.

Owners Travis and Molly Black have created a wonderful place that makes you feel as if you have fallen down the proverbial rabbit hole.

Tons of colorful, vibrant and creative artwork abound in this place ... and you leave feeling happy, refreshed and excited to be alive. Painting, sculptures, photography, jewelry, mixed media, wood carvings, clay work... so very many incredible creations to see and ponder upon.
It is an awesome place... and I highly recommend a visit... SOON!

Here is a link to the gallery: HERE
and here are some photos from my visit there.....


artwork by Travis Bruce Black


jewelry art by Robert Redus


artwork by Louisa McElwain


jewelry by Kristin Diener, Rasham Omari Jones, and Aleta Riggs-Harroun


photography by Douglas Kent Hill


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

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As promised... today I am doing another post on one of the local art venues here in ABQ.

... and my Art Gallery "Sneak Peek" for today is: Chroma Studios
(peek #12 in my series)


"Chroma Studios is a contemporary art gallery focused on the art of New Mexico artists. We also provide studio space rentals for artists and musicians looking for a professional working environment. We now have two studio/classroom locations, downtown and near UNM."


This month's featured artist is Denise Kuntz; with her show entitled
" I See London - I See France."

Denise is a fabulous artist, as well as a wonderful person. She says she was inspired to do this series of paintings..... by the nose art of WWII plane artists; which included her father... and by the life and art of Betty Page.


Owners Paula Manning-Lewis and Aaron Lewis celebrated their 2nd anniversary in April 2010... and are still going strong. They have relocated the gallery space (formerly upstairs at Roma Station) to the new and funky "Underground" space. While it is now a smaller gallery space, it flows well... and continues to showcase top notch New Mexico artists.
This past Friday was the last "First Friday" event they will be participating in until the fall; and they will now be open by appointment only.


For more information, check out their site:


(top left - top right): Karl Eschenback - digital photography, Brendan Gould - oil painting

(bottom left - bottom right): Cari Pier - painting, Susan See - photography

artwork by owner Paula Manning-Lewis

(*photos by Elaine A. Russell)

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(*promo postcard from this month's show at REVLIS)

When I started this blog... I wanted to include lots of local flavor, thoughts on art and photography... and daily musings on life in general
... and I think I have achieved that (at least on most days)...

At the beginning of the year... I started a series of blogposts on local art venues; which I called "Sneak Peeks." However, having been back and forth to PA for many months... I was unable to continue this series. Now that I am back for awhile... and to make it up to you all; I am going to post on 3 different galleries here over the next few days....

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


... and my Art Gallery "Sneak Peek" for today is: REVLIS
(peek #11 in my series)


Behind a somewhat unassuming exterior on Central Ave, lies a fabulous selection of funky...
hip hop... wild and colorful... exciting and fresh... art.
Graffiti fans beware... you will be sucked into the abyss
... at a vibrant new art gallery called REVLIS.

(yah well... I couldn't help myself... )

I stopped in this First Friday for the first time in several months. Only a short while ago, it was CIRQ gallery... and I loved it's creative spark. Honestly, I was a little reluctant to go now that it is a new place... but the owner; Nicole Montes, has gone out of her way to keep it all "street" and exciting and new. She heartily supports local, up and coming talent... and the energy is fierce.



This month's featured artist is J.L. Johnson... a truly fabulous artist.
For more info on J.L. and her art... check out THIS article at Duke City Fix.
Lisa Gill wrote this great article, and it is well worth the reading.
PLUS... here is a link to J.L. Johnson's website.

And so... here are some photos of some of the art at REVLIS...

artwork by Frank Andrade


artwork by Zack Meyer



artwork by Guillermo Gomez

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

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Theme: Abundance

Theme: Surprise

Theme: Melody

Theme: Face

Theme: Juicy

Theme: Illuminate

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Tonight I am posting on a FlickR group I belong to; called the ECHO Project.
"In Autumn of 2009 we (Christy Hydeck & Susan Tuttle) decided to take a creative journey together, a collaborative photography venture we simply titled: ECHO. "
Every two weeks, a new theme is posted... and photographers in the group (who generally are paired off into teams), come up with a set of photos (or diptych) created with one photo from each of the partners... based on that theme.
My partner is Brenda Seaholm-Wampler (blog site here), and together we have done 12 challenges... all of which are shown here in the order in which we did them.
(if you click on the photos, they will enlarge so that you can see them better)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Theme: Collections

Theme: Blossom

Theme: Dim

Theme: Abstract

Theme: Fauna

Theme: Rouge

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I have slowly begun the process of getting re-aquainted with Albuquerque.
I really do love it here. I also love PA... basically... I love being most anywhere, as long as I have friends and my dear hubby.... and a puppy or two or three....


Today I got to spend the afternoon with a friend talking about art, and the business of art... and it was awesome. There are so many truly talented people in the world striving to get their art out there and be seen... and so many who have devoted all their time and talents into making it their career as well. It is a rough and weary road... but I have to say, I personally am enjoying the trip.



After our visit, I drove by the Albuquerque BioPark; and while it was closed for the day... I was still able to get a few photos of the pond and cacti areas right near the front gate. I love this park, and I never fail to find something extremely exquisite there to take photos of.


And I have re-opened up my Etsy store after 3 months of being on "vacation mode."
My goal for the next week or so is to take photos of a tub o' stuff and get things listed.
So.. feel free to check it out (link here).



In the meantime... have a great night... and I will see y'all tomorrow :)


* photos by Elaine A. Russell

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I have learned an awful lot being away from home for the past 3 months. One of the interesting things I have learned is that my body can be a very fragile beast. I have always felt a little guilty for insisting over the years on buying as much organic and fresh foods that we can afford. I always felt a little guilty because in the back of my mind... I figured I was sorta being selfish in wanting "the best" foods... when I could probably do fine with something cheaper.
However. After living for 3 months on a diet of mostly canned/ frozen veggies... lots of carbs... very little meat... and more processed food that I care to admit -- I am sick. I have bruises all over me... a nasty skin rash... infections... joint pain and soreness in odd places... headaches... and I have gained alot of really flabby weight.
I can only assume that my diet has to be the culprit (that and stress).
When I was diagnosed with Lupus back in 1992; I saw a nutritionist who insisted I try a diet of fresh, organic food... no red meat, very little dairy... no sugar, no caffeine, etc. After 6 months I was in remission of the Lupus, and periodically over the years I go back on this diet when things get bad ... with good results.
When I had cancer back in 1997; I went on a strict macrobiotic diet. I also did meditation, massage, and acupuncture... and was very happily surprised that after 6 weeks I was able to go back to work... and after 6 months... I was in remission.
Watching my diet has always been a crucial factor with my health.

And so... today marks a fresh start.
A revamping of my diet... a cleaning out and re-organizing of the house...
and a re-grouping of my art business.
Course... first I have to get rid of this headache...


(*photo by Elaine A. Russell)

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

Today was awesome. Normal everyday stuff... made extra-ordinary simply because I am in my own home and doing my own thing. Laundry, cooking, walking the dog... all simple chores... but joyfully done today because I am so happy to be home.


We are extremely broke... and tomorrow I am going to start the process of cleaning the house and clearing out items that we no longer need or want. If these trips have taught me nothing else... it has taught me that it really is so very important to have all your finances in order, all your information/ passwords/ codes for things etc tucked away in a safe place... and to downsize your stuff as much as you feel comfortable with.

I am also really looking forward to working in my studio space. It is a complete disaster at the moment; not just because all my art supplies and such are in chaos... but also because the area ends up being a dumping ground of sorts for excess stuff around the house.


As an extra bonus... my hubby not only got me some beautiful flowers to welcome me home... but he also bought me a container of Kona coffee :)
he knows me sooooooooooooo well.

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(Philadelphia airport... art display by Myungjin Choi)

Today was a long day of traveling... but it was actually pretty nice. I had lay-overs at each stop.. so I had time to walk around and see things instead of rushing from gate to gate.
the bad part... of course, was getting only 2-3 hours of sleep before my first flight... which was way to early in the am for my comfort.

(flightlines in Phoenix)

From Williamsport, PA... I went to Philadelphia. I was fortunate enough to get a fabulous Philly pretzel and a drink.
From Philadelphia, PA... I went to Phoenix, AZ. It is a pretty nice airport, and there were lots of interesting things to look at ... including some pretty cool art displays.
From Phoenix, AZ... I came back to Albuquerque. I was really hoping for a window seat.. and I was fortunate enough that the only passenger to not show up for the flight was the person who had the window seat next to me... So I was allowed to slide over and enjoy the view. I also made friends with the flight crew, and after the flight... the pilot showed me the cockpit and controls.. and even let me take some photos. It was really cool.

I got home around supper... and needless to say... it is great to be home.

(flying into New Mexico)

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

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I am on my way... well, sort of. After visiting with family... and then my dad in the hospital; my niece drove me 2hours to Williamsport,PA where I got a hotel room. From here, I will get a taxi to the airport around 3:30am.

I am feasting on an interesting assortment of food (hence my offbeat photo for the day)...watching TV... and generally relaxing & resting for a few hours before I have to leave.
(dinner: Beef jerky, fresh strawberries, roasted/salted almonds, a package of apple slices with caramel, cheese puffs, Woodchuck Amber hard cider...not pictured was a hazelnut steamer from the gas station nearby).

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Tonight is the last night I will spend in PA for a little while...

I am leaving tomorrow afternoon, and my niece is driving me to Williamsport, PA. I will stay overnight, and will be leaving at 5am for various flights that will eventually bring me home to ABQ.
And so today... I was trying to finish up a plethora of projects. I went to a friend's house... she recently had heart surgery and is still recovering... and so... I took a couple hours and tried to do some weeding in her gorgeous flower beds. She didn't ask me to do it... but I know how much her flowers mean to her; and I know she hasn't been able to do it for quite awhile. In the end... I got the largest of her beds (which runs the full front of her house) done... and she in turn, allowed me to dig up some white bleeding heart plants that had over-run another bed.

I took some of these plants to another friend... who was overjoyed... and immediately started to find a place for them in her yard. I still had a bucket-full.... so I took them to my mother's house.

I then went to one of the local nurseries... and bought a whole bunch of plants ( perennials and annuals)... to add to her pots on the patio, and to fill a bed just under the living room window. If my father is able to ever come back to the house... it will be this window that he will be able to look out... and hopefully be able to see some flowers. I also got her a stunningly gorgeous Fuschia plant that is in a hanging planter for her front porch. This will attract hummingbirds... which she loves... and will be able to see from her kitchen window.

After eating supper with my niece... and visiting with my dad... I found myself at 9pm -- weeding that over-run bed under the living room window that was full of weeds; and trying to get all these plants into the ground... and into planter boxes... and into hanging pots.
I finally finished around midnight.

Now I am doing a last load of laundry... and enjoying a lovely cup of tea.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I believe in the whole philosophy of "Pay it Forward." If I am able to help someone have a better day by helping them a bit... planting flowers... weeding to make things look a little nicer... whatever... then I feel that the joy that it brings them will become a contagious thing. Perhaps they will in turn do something nice for someone else... and on it goes...



*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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"Time is free, but it's priceless.
You can't own it, but you can use it.
You can't keep it, but you can spend it.
Once you've lost it, you can never get it back."

--Harvey MacKay


(...time can be lost....)

(... time can stand still... or you can travel in time and space...)


(...but time waits for no one ... you must choose to live in the present...)


~~~~~


I've been thinking alot about the concept of time. Oh... time is real enough.... but it means so many different things to different people. And just as there are so many people in this world... so are the many perceptions of time-- how to use it, how to make it pass more slowly or more quickly... the list goes on.
And so today... I took some time out to take some photos of an old pocket watch. I believe it was my father's grandfather's watch... and it has been broken forever... or so it would seem.

And like that old pocket watch.... I seem to be at a fixed point in time...
not moving forward; nor backward...


*all photos by Elaine A. Russell

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One of the most amazing attractions in the area here; is Cherry Springs State Park.

Only about 15 miles out of town...just a short drive... is this worldwide renown site for stargazing. It is known for having some of the "darkest night skies on the east coast" of the United States, and was chosen by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and its Bureau of Parks as one of "Twenty Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks."

I could go on and on.... how it was land to the Seneca Indians... how this area was a huge part of the lumbering boom of the 1880's... how it was the site of a CCC encampment... (there were 8 of them in Potter County)...how the land is the plateau of the Appalachian Mountains, and surrounded by the Susquehannock State Forest ...(and home to tons of wildlife and vegetation)...

...but really... it is late... I am tired... and this site HERE... tells it so much better than I ever could.

So... here are some photos ...

..................................photo of young men in the CCC

...................................the main pavilion; built in 1939

.......................................astronomy domes



............................................all photos by Elaine A. Russell


(*the CCC picture is a photo of a photo ... which is on display at the park)

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(photos by Elaine A. Russell)

One of the most prominent buildings in town is the Courthouse. Coudersport happens to be the county seat for Potter County, and so lots of proceedings take place inside it's fine walls. It was built in 1851-53 by contractor William Bell of Warren and carpenter Eli Rees, at a cost of about $17,000. And it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970's.


"Alterations were made in 1888-89, including relocation of the courtroom from the first floor to the second. Contractor was Home Hall of Olean, N.Y., who also built the Coudersport Consistory.
During the winter of 1933-45, through the Civil Works Administration, Potter County was able to renovate the courthouse. The basement was excavated for establishment of additional office space. Concrete footing was placed under the old walls. The entire interior and exterior were repainted and modern conveniences were added.
A cupola clock keeps time for the town. It was a gift of Henry Hatch Dent.
A courthouse bell was donated by the Hon. Timothy Ives.
Atop the clock tower is a statue of justice."



The original statue is one of only 5 statues of Lady Justice where she is depicted with her eyes wide open. The statue was ordered from Humphrey and Jones of Jamestown, NY; and was placed atop the courthouse on October 25, 1888. She stands 12 feet tall, and is carved in a Greco-Roman neoclassical style. "The statue was carved from a block of wood and overlaid with handcrafted zinc panels by a process of 'tin knocking', which the hammering of the metal into the carved sections of a tree trunk." She is overlaid with gold plating ... and is adorned with an olive branch crown.

The original statue now takes an honored position inside; and a few years ago a replica was cast and placed atop of the building where she once stood. This new replica will withstand the weather much better than the original, who had a grand restoration about 10yrs ago.


Amongst the relics found during her restoration, was an antique pin... which was later reproduced and sold to help fund the restoration of the statue. The photos here, depict the original statue and the general architecture of the building.



For more info look at these links:

Living Places info...
Visit Potter County website
Coudersport Info on Wiki
and more quotes and info from this site here

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Well... you can't call a trip to PA complete without a "close encounter" with the bear. I'm not talking just any bear... but I think it is the same one that I have been meeting on my nightly walks for the past couple of years. He must live fairly nearby... as I almost always hear him near the back end of the Consistory, and I am told that he is frequently seen (or at least evidence of him is seen) in the neighborhood.

Last night we got back from the hospital around 10:30pm; and realized that we had forgotten to get in the 2 finch feeders just off the patio. I casually walked out and started to take the feeders down off the post... when I realized that I was being watched. I glanced... and there was THE bear about 7 feet away from me. He started sniffing and snorting the air... and I ever so slowly, backed away to the patio door and came inside... leaving the feeders outside.

Well... my mother; insisted that she had to have her feeders... and that she would go get them then. Realizing that this was indeed a futile effort; I made her stay inside and I went to get her feeders. I am not sure if she didn't believe me when I told her that the bear was right there... or if my life is worth about $30 or less in plastic feeders to her... but I wasn't about to let her go.

Fortunately.... the bear and I; having been acquainted before.... were on the same wavelength. I talked gently to him...."I'm only after these blanketedly-blank feeders... don't mind me...."
He sniffed the air; snorting loudly enough so that this time my mom heard him from the patio doorway (it was very dark... so she couldn't actually see him in the shadows of the tree).

The bear... decided that this was too much excitement for the night... and started to climb the tree. This is the massive Norway Spruce I talked about in this post: here

This time my mom was able to see the branches swaying and hear the crackling of limbs from his weight....
I got inside... no harm, no foul... heart racing... and joyful from my eye to eye contact with him.

He stayed in the tree; after being startled by a neighbor coming home late and setting off her car alarm accidently right after I came in.
I fixed him an apple; cored and filled with peanut butter....and threw it out in under the massive tree around 2am, and told him to come down when he felt safe... but that I wanted him gone by the am so that people wouldn't freak out; and too-- so that he would not be scared any more by the people... and that he probably shouldn't come this close to the houses anymore...it just wasn't safe for anyone. He snorted at me again... sniffing the air heavily, and waving the bows in silent agreement.... came down; grabbed his apple.... and went on back to the woods.

According to one source:
"Bears in general teach us to slow down and reserve our energies. Bear medicine also has to do with awakening from within. Bear teaches us that life's answers are no further than your own subconscious. There is no need to look outside of yourself when bear is nearby. Bears are also climbers and can teach us to reach new heights. Bears love honey and teach us to appreciate the sweetness life offers."

Link to info on American Black Bears: here
Link to info on Bears as totem animals: here

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Well... we started off the day by going to Erway's Market for the breakfast buffet... and looked at all their marvelous plants for sale in the store area. It was awesome. Did a couple things around the house... and I also dug up and transplanted a few plants into pots for the patio. Afterwards, we took a short driving tour (so to speak) of the downtown... then spent the rest of the afternoon visiting with my dad.

Dinner was spent with my niece and her 3 kids... burgers and corn on the cob... peanut butter no-bake cookies... iced tea.... fabulous. Then... back up to visit with my dad again.
All things considered... today was actually fairly pleasant and easy. Not all days are like this.

This seems to be (sort of ) the normal routine as of late (course, usually without the benefit of the extended meals... which I insisted on today)...and it's not that it's a horrible routine... but it is rather exhausting. We have been getting home from the last visit of the day around midnight... give or take... and I haven't been getting to sleep before 3am usually because I am trying to keep up at least with my blog and some photo projects that I am involved in. It is a hard thing to try to keep up with stuff... but at the moment... it is also the only thing keeping me relatively sane.

I suppose I am whining... and that is not my intention... but few people seem to understand how very different this is from my normal life. I have essentially been in PA for 3 months... and I am used to working on my art for hours at a stretch.... having leisurely dates with my hubby...working in my studio.... and here I am in a situation where there is no TV, no radio, rushed meals in between visits to the hospital... having to grab snippets of time to work on a daily photo... and I won't even address the family dynamics. Things have been very stressful and uptight. All families have interesting quirks and characters... mine is no exception.... I just think perhaps that I am more sensitive to it all because I am tired.

The crux of it though... is that I am quickly and definitely heading towards a nervous breakdown of sorts. It's hard to be strong and reliable and completely there for other people 24:7.... and I have made a valiant effort... but I thoroughly need a break... and not just a 3hr escape to the woods (which although it was completely awesome, and completely needed... was just not enough)...

I thank the gods daily for my wonderful hubby... whom I miss very much... who not only knows and understands my family.... but allows me to try to be a "good daughter." Who... understand me... (and still loves me)....I hope to spend much more time with him in the future.....


*all photos by Elaine A. Russell

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photos by Elaine A. Russell


First thing after I awoke ... I somehow got convinced into cutting my niece's hair... and all I kept hearing in my head was Bones from Star Trek... " I'm a doctor Jim, not a barber... " well...She likes it... and I guess that is all that matters.


I took my mom to the hospital to see my dad; but merely dropped her off for a visit with him alone... I decided to take the afternoon off. I'm not sure how that decision went over with *the masses*.... but I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I went on a drive through some of the Susquehannock State Forest... which happens to have an area not far from town. Even though it rained the entire time I was in the woods... and even though it was really coming down at times... and I was soaked.... it was absolutely fabulous.

Anyway... now I have some pics to play with for a day or so... if they turned out....

On the way out of town... just past the nursing care facility... is a farm that my mom says used to belong to the Leet family. Not sure if they still own it... but it certainly is picturesque... and there were several families of Canadian Geese there... so I stopped to take a couple pics....


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I have learned... if nothing else... to never say "never." Dad is actually doing better... and enjoying the movies we are watching on a daily basis. Tonight we watched a couple 1970's episodes of the "Carol Burnett Show".... and we watched "The Philadelphia Story" with Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn. Honestly, I like the Bing Crosby remake better...much as I do adore Katherine.

These past couple of nights his mind has been as sharp as it ever was... on most subjects anyway... In fact... on most he has me beat. I, however, am hopelessly falling apart..... I won't go into details because, frankly, it is NOT a pretty picture... and I'm all about the photos 'eh... (a little humor here).

Today I had a few minutes while my mom was in the grocery store... and I wandered up the alleyway to see if I could get a photo for today. It's funny. This is such a small town really... but parts of it look fairly urban... almost congested in spots. I love all the little nooks and crannies of the buildings here... and knowing that most of them were built in the 1880's.... I can just imagine people of those days hanging their laundry out on the lines... chatting away about the hustle and bustle of the town...I can almost see paperboys looking around the corners... hoping for an extra coin to buy candy....


(...go on and watch now... ya know it's good...)


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One of the assets of living here is that we have a pretty good library system. The library here has always been really good about trying to get new and sought-after books and media... and often have to rely on annual sales to supplement funding. I am not sure how they do what they do.

My family has always been full of readers. I remember being quite young, and taking my weekly walk to the library to get a paper bag full of paperbacks for my grandmother to read. My father often times would read at least one book a day... even after working long hours at the factory. My sister and my brother both loved to read; and passed on that love to their kids. I am a big reader myself... and try to read at least 10-20 books a month. I actually prefer magazines alot of the time... and usually on the weekly dates with my hubby, we go thru the magazines for the month over a cup of coffee or two.

I believe that the library here is having a book sale tomorrow... and I wish them the very best... and hope to get up there myself at some point. For it is partially thru reading... that we continue to learn and grow as a people.... something I think we all tend to take for granted at times.