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photo by Elaine A. Russell

I love rainy days. I love the smells, the sounds, the cooler air..... everything about it. The dogs do not. In fact, 2 out of 3 of them are petrified of storms... and spent the day either cowering in the bathroom... or glued to my side.
Fear is a funny thing. It can bring you to your knees ... or it can make you stronger. I am not afraid of much anymore... but at one time... I was afraid of heights, deep water, snakes... the list went on. Over the years... I have been relieved of most all of my fears... save one. Fear of failure. Course, this is all relative... what would seem a failure to some, is not always a failure to someone else.
Fear of failure is closely related to fear of criticism and fear of rejection.

Personally, I am always sensitive to other people's opinions. I take them far too personally for my own good. I am getting better about it... but I still have a long way to go. In an effort to combat this... I am trying to step out of my box more lately... try something new... put myself out there more.


Here is a link to an interesting article on overcoming the "fear of failure"....

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

I took this photograph tonight thru the window of "Hey Jhonny", which is a great store on Central Ave in downtown ABQ. The hubby and I took our daughter out to celebrate her 18th birthday... and it was fun. We had comfort food... lots of tea .... and even a sugar cookie for dessert. YUM.

It seems like everything is changing. I am not sure where things are going... but things seem to be moving pretty quickly around here. Kids growing up, getting married... leaving home. Becoming grandparents... taking care of parents... while still being there for the kids... it's all a mish-mash of emotions.

And my photography is changing a bit too. I have discovered the wonderful world of layering... and am trying my hand at some digital altering of a few of my photographs. It is a wonderful thing to be able to express my feelings and viewpoint with my art, and now I can do it a little bit more artistically.

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly." --Buddha

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


Today it finally rained and I am grateful. The rain came down ever so softly off and on today... and it was a welcome respite from the intense heat wave we've had. Tonight it is cool and calm... and is perfect sleeping and dreaming weather.

We were also blessed with a visit from a friend of a friend... who was able to fix our swamp cooler. And again... I am so very grateful. You never know how comfortable those things make our everyday existence... until it's broken for a couple of weeks.

It is also the full moon for this month.... and tomorrow is my daughter's 18th birthday.

"Today marks June's full moon and it is celebrated with multiple names: mead moon, honey moon, dyad moon, strawberry moon or pair moon. June is a month for decision making, working on inconsistencies, strengthening and rewarding yourself for your positive traits. June is a good time for protective, strengthening and preventive spells.

The Full Moon actually covers three days, including the night of the Full Moon, itself. This is a time for action, for harvesting the fruits of our labors, for realizing that which we began at the last cycle, and of giving thanks."

About the photograph for today: I took this photograph today while the rain was coming down. I had some great light coming in through my bathroom window... which is a textured glass. So I put a still life together using some vintage glass bottles ... this way the light could be seen through the various colored glass...

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................artwork by Elaine A. Russell


I feel a little better about things today... mostly because we all went out to Starbucks for an iced coffee... and to Chili's for a light dinner... and then tonight I picked up a couple plants at Home Depot to fix up the pots on the front patio. The coffee was excellent... the food was delicious... and the plants I got are gorgeous.
Working in the dirt always has a therapeutic effect on me... and I always feel better when I have healthy plants around me.
As of tonight, I also have a huge pot designated for herb plants to cook with. I have always had an herb garden, but these past 2yrs I haven't had the time to prepare one as I have been traveling back to PA so much. I have missed that.

About my photo for today -- I did this piece almost 3yrs ago.. but came across a photo of it today. Using this photo, I added the vintage TTV layer to it... making it new and fresh. I had made it for a former friend... who may not even have it now... so I am glad I kept a photo of it. And while it was not that great an art piece... I do love yellow prairie cone flowers; which was my inspiration for the piece.

To see more about these kind of flowers: Look HERE

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I have carried a Moleskine notebook around with me for about 5yrs now. It started as a recommendation from a friend... to write in a journal daily... to learn more about myself and what it is I want to do in life. Failing at journaling.... I found that I used it mainly to sketch and collage and do Haiku.
It expanded... and I started a "series" of journals devoted strictly to my jewelry making. Collecting photos of pieces I liked... taking notes from various books and magazines.... and sketching original designs and layouts for pieces.

Several weeks ago, I signed up to participate in the "Sketchbook Project."

I have been trying to decide on what to include in the book... as I only have a few months with it before it goes into the collection. The theme I chose was "Beneath the Surface"... and it will focus on what is going on in my head and my heart... beneath the surface of my being. It will be a hodgepodge of drawings, photos, Haiku, thoughts on religion and spirituality, deepest dreams and desires, wishes and hopes....

In the front is a short list... a sort of set of goals for myself...(I've always made lists...)

*Imagine Peace and Health... not just for myself... but for everyone and everything

*Truly LOVE each other unconditionally

*"An artist is nothing without talent, but talent is nothing without work" ( Emile Zola)

*Everyday ... do something for someone/something else....

*Live every day as if it's your last



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

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


I am trying to think positive. Some days are harder than others to do this. Part of the problem is that the swamp cooler has been busted for a couple of weeks... and I don't tolerate the heat very well. Part of the problem is that my studio space is a mess... and I don't feel especially motivated to clean it up in the heat. Part of the problem is that I feel like a failure... because I had to cancel my participation in so many shows this year because of my parent's being sick... and the unpredictability of traveling back and forth to PA.
I need to focus on what I can do...

I have been fortunate this year to have been published several times in the Alibi newspaper... and even got a cover shot in April. Then... I was blessed to have been included in the 365 book *see link to the side*... and this past week I found out that one of my photos is going to be included in the August issue of "Artful Blogging" magazine. I am really grateful, and completely excited about this...

Things never pan out exactly like we think they are. I thought this year was going to be all about local shows, and instead, it seems to be more about publication. So... I am trying very hard to stay positive and go with the flow.

In what ways did something go awry... that turned out to be the best thing for you?

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*photo by Elaine A. Russell



The nights officially are going to be getting longer... as we progress along the calendar year. I love the night. I worked night shift for the better part of 17yrs as a nurse, and it is still a habit for me to stay up late at night. As a bonus, I am much more tolerant of the coolness of the night. It is calming and more serene for me; and at night I try to collect my thoughts and reflect on the day.
I talked with a therapist today. I was diagnosed with PTSD about 20yrs ago, and have had issues with depression and such .... waxing and waning at times... over the years. Like my photo for today's blog... I need to remember to go with the flow on a certain level... yet also "stand my ground" against the tides of life. It can be a fine line... but one I need to walk at the moment.
I need to remember that there is positive in everything; if we just focus on the blessings at hand... and not get bogged down in the sand by the negatives.

The photo for today's post was taken on the shores of the Rio Grande. In little spots along the river, are the occasional sand bar. It is a scenic thing... and quite a surprise for travelers here in the desert.

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I went up into the mountains late this afternoon in celebration of Summer Solstice.
I was trying to clear my head... as I've been feeling really "off" lately.

Many traditional celebrations on this day include hiking & camping... generally being out in nature... and bonfires.

"Solstice (pagan) festivities in Europe were "Christianized" when the Church set June 24th as a holy day celebrating the birth of St. John the Baptist. Jesus referred to John as "A burning and shining light" and so traditional pagan customs of lighting bonfires were easily appropriated for the Christian holiday."

"In Summer Solstice (Native American celebration) --we enter the Season of Shawnodese, the summer, the time of the Noon-day Sun. This is the time of the Coyote - the trickster aspect of Creator. During this season we are again presented with an opportunity to heal the doubt and fear blocking our heart's function. Growth, Trust, and Love make up the spirit path, the path of power of Shawnodese, from the outer circle of the Wheel of life to the inner circle where the power of life is focused in the elements of Creation..."

Links about Summer Solstice:
here
here


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

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(Maple Bacon Doughnuts at the Zombie Doughnuts and Cafe ... YUM)


... and my Art Gallery/ Show "Sneak Peek" for today is: Zombie Doughnuts and Cafe
(peek #14 in my series)


Today was a busy day. Puttering around the house... then off to a going-away party and BBQ for a friend... (thank you Sal and Debbie... the food was feckin awesome! -- and the very best wishes to Danielle)... then off to an art show at the Zombie Doughnuts and Cafe. A couple of friends and fellow artists are currently showing their artwork there... and it was a great time.

Couple this with some incredible maple-bacon doughnuts... and there ya have it!

If you've never been to Zombie Doughnuts... I highly recommend them.
Yummy, inventive... and they won't eat your brains out....


See these links:
Zombie Doughnuts and Cafe Website: Here
Unique Doughnuts review: HERE



artwork by Agatha and Torm (Too Ugly to Prostitute, Too Lazy to Strip)

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Another busy weekend is coming... full of technicolor beauty and energy. And so... I was inspired to take these photos today. The gorilla is a huge inflatable that is sponsored by a local car dealer. He is just awesome... and was staring at me from the side of the road.
The tennis balls were in a box in the back of a truck in the parking lot of the mall today... you just never know what is going to inspire you... it pays to keep your eyes open...

“Out of need springs desire, and out of desire springs the energy and the will to win.”
--- Denis Waitley

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

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Yesterday I met a fellow photographer, and we walked in the Bosque. It was a fantastic hour in nature. ... and the area was beautiful. The cottonwood trees were aglow with the afternoon sunlight, and the sky looked as if it was raining cottonwood fluff all about us.

I am having a hard time. I feel as if everything is a mess... and I get caught up in other people's drama far too easily. I need a break. I need to re-focus and re-charge my energy.

Normally, it would not be a huge task to just run off for awhile.... but there are commitments, money is tight, and it's hard to get moving and get around when the melancholy of life is coursing through your body.

In an effort to relieve some of this; the daughter and I went to Flying Star today. For the cost of a couple cups of tea ... we spent a couple hours relaxing, reading magazines... and talking about food/ culture/ art. We were also able to enjoy the air conditioning; as our swamp cooler is on the fritz.... it was nice.


"The marvelous richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy if there were no limitations to overcome. The hilltop hour would not be half so wonderful if there were no dark valleys to traverse."... Helen Keller

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-----------------------------> Original photo; taken in PA of a pink dogwood tree in bloom


Sometimes I am an idiot. Seriously stupid.

About a year or so ago... I briefly had a Nikon D70 (2nd hand equipment, bought from a friend). Before that; I only shot photos with film. I love film. At one time, I specialized in hand coloring of infrared photos... and it was awesome (note to self... do more)... but I digress.

Last September, all my Nikon equipment was either stolen, broken, or hopelessly worn out. Selling the remains, I was able to buy a Kodak Easyshare camera... a simple "pocket" digital camera ... for about $140. And... this is the only camera I have used since. (so yes, all the photos on my blog and such were shot with the Kodak).

I mention this only to show that my experience in the world of digital photography is pretty slim.

One of the types of photography I absolutely adore; is TTV. Through the Viewfinder photography is simply that... you take a photo.... through the viewfinder of another camera (*usually an old one... I have a Kodak Duaflex for this purpose). Since getting the Kodak, it is darn near impossible to get a good shot TTV with the Duaflex because the focal abilities on the Kodak just aren't what they need to be for this kind of thing.


-----------------------> 2nd stage. Photo is cropped and the color somewhat overly tweaked, etc....

So... missing this type of photography very much... I decided to explore other ways to get that look. Using PhotoShop or some such program (I use a free program online called FotoFlexer)... you can get this effect by using a "layer" on top of your photo that you want to make look TTV. This "layer" is actually another photo that you essentially collage on top, and then lighten so that you can see through it to the photo below.
But to find a TTV photo frame to use as a layer..... ah. FlickR! There are tons of textures and layers available for people to use. However; most of these images come with copyright rules and regs.... so you need to be aware of that. Or... you can make your own layers/ textures... which frankly... I have never tried.

I have been using a TTV texture with my photos these past 2 weeks ( I also used it once about 7 months ago for a project... then quickly forgot about it or where it was from). I thought this layer was free from copyright laws... and I was madly in love with it. But last night I discovered that it was copyrighted work. What to do? I certainly have the utmost respect for artists and creative people everywhere and completely understand the importance of copyrighting your work. I did not want to offend anyone, or use anything without permission. I was awake all night worrying... and sad at the thought of not being able to put these photos in a show ... or to potentially sell them should the occasion arise... and then... thinking that maybe I shouldn't even post them on my blog or FlickR and that I would have to take them all down... or...or .... I was frantic....

The texture I fell in love with; happens to be the creative work of Deborah Gwinn. She is a fabulous artist, and after writing to her today, she graciously gave me permission to use her texture on my photos for personal use as well as for selling/ showing. WOW! I am thrilled. Beyond happy. And very fortunate... and very blessed... and in awe of the niceness of people...
So... show her some love folks... and check out her links♥

-------------------------------->the final rendering with Deborah's awesome texture layer


Deborah Gwinn's photostream on FlickR: here
Deborah Gwinn's Etsy shop: here
Deborah Gwinn's website: here

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*photos by Elaine A. Russell


"If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive..." ~Eleonora Duse (1859 - 1924)

I have been rather despondent as of late. Part of it is a change in my medications (*or more accurately, having been without them for several months.. and going back on them), feeling overweight and out of shape, and having been through the great turmoil of life that is my family...

I am trying very hard to change what I can and be as optimistic as possible.
Some days are easier than others.

However, today was my dear hubby's birthday. And after dinner we went on a drive... chasing the sunset as far west as it let us go before it faded into the hills. It was awesome.


I have no answers to the depression that fills some of my days... I have no words of wisdom. I only know that I must keep on doing what I love... and hope that everything works out in the best way possible. Art and the love of my family are what is currently keeping me going...
What do you do when despair knocks on your door?

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photos by Elaine A. Russell


"You must understand the whole of life, not just one little part of it. That is why you must read, that is why you must look at the skies, that is why you must sing and dance, and write poems, and suffer, and understand, for all that is life." --- Krishnamurti, Jiddu


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photos by Elaine A. Russell


Today my hubby, my daughter and I went to Madrid, NM. I have never been; in spite of the fact that it's only about an hour away from the house. Madrid used to be a coal mining town up until the 1950's.. when it became more or less a ghost town until it was purchased (yes the entire town) by a fellow named Joe Huber in the 1970's (he grew up there... his dad was involved in the mining operations). Joe got alot of artists and such to move there... and well... the rest is history. The film WILD HOGS was shot in part there... and we ate at the Mine Shaft Tavern where some of the filming took place.


Today there was a "Gypsy Festival" there... and so we went. The festival included lots of tents of vendors selling candles, scarves, jewelry, and more. Then there were the hula-hoop dancers, people in costume, a magician and his assistant, and tons of performances by belly dancers.


In spite of the heat (and it was actually much cooler this weekend than last)... we had a really good time. The road up and back from Madrid is really, really scenic...
and it is on my short list of things to do again in the future.

To see more on Madrid:
Look HERE and HERE and even HERE

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The circle of life was close today.

I spent the morning at the PRIDE parade here in downtown Albuquerque, and it was a joyful celebration of life and love. Colorful costuming, floats, music... it was vibrant and alive and exuberant.
This evening I gathered with a circle of women for a new moon ceremony. Grounding, releasing of negativity, thankfulness for what we have in life... hopes and intentions for the future... all important aspects, and covered with love and grace.

And tonight, as I watered my plants and said my reflections on the day... my dogs discovered a severely injured baby rabbit in the yard... and potentially injured him even more as they brought him to me. As I said prayers of thanks for this little life, and tried to convey my deep love and caring for the baby... I ended his life as humanely and peacefully as possible; knowing that there was no way that the baby would recover or be able to live a wild life.

While I feel absolutely horrible about the bunny situation (and those of you who know me know how much I adore rabbits)... I feel fortunate in that; in spite of the fact that he was alone, confused, scared and hurt... he was able to somehow end up in my yard... where I was able to help him go on to the next phase of his life where he will hopefully be running around happily and safe from harm.



To read more about new moon rituals.... look HERE
(*photo by Elaine A. Russell)

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Today my daughter and I had a late afternoon lunch. It followed a nice visit with an artist friend of mine... and I had a good time catching up on things and seeing her in-home studio space.
We ate lunch at the Bandido Hideout... a local favorite amongst college students; as it is right across the street from UNM.

I have seen the masked guy in the middle of the meridian oftentimes while cruising up Central Ave... advertising fresh roasted chicken or some such... and I have been curious as to the restaurant; but until today... had never stopped in.
It is a very colorful place... from it's brightly painted, mural walls; to hanging flags.... to mariachi music... it is a vibrant feast for the senses. The menu is extensive... and very reasonably priced. Total bill for entrees with drinks for 2 people was just over $20. (... including the BEST horchata ever...)

The food was fabulous... as you can see...







In other news... I have traded in my SmartCar. I know... shocking. It was a fabulous car... and I enjoyed every minute with it (well... except getting stuck in the mud in Amarillo). However, as part of my quest to go full throttle in life... I have decided that I really do enjoy going on back roads... traveling the road less traveled *literally*... fishing... camping... participating in craft shows... and such. And while the SmartCar gets incredible gas mileage... and is the perfect commuter car... it is not the best vehicle for me. Amazingly, I found a great deal on a used Jeep, and will be making essentially the same low payments I made for the SmartCar. Yes, I will end up buying more gas... as the Jeep (actually... no other SUV-ish vehicle) can match the gas mileage of the SmartCar... but it will give me additional freedoms the car could not.

I mention this only in the context of ...
What are the things that are holding you back from your dreams...
And what could you do to change that?


(My little SmartCar sitting next to a modified Hummer that was also on the lot)

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

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photo by Elaine A. Russell


“Don't rely on someone else for your happiness and self worth. Only you can be responsible for that. If you can't love and respect yourself - no one else will be able to make that happen. Accept who you are - completely; the good and the bad - and make changes as YOU see fit - not because you think someone else wants you to be different.” .... Stacey Charter

I randomly was surfing the internet for quotes tonight... (yah, I'm strange)... and I came across this one. I love it. So... I began to wonder who this Stacey Charter was; and found this:

"Hi I am Stacey Charter. Not famous though my quotes end up in places that say I'm famous. Cancer Survivor, divorce survivor, attack survivor and all around positive person. Still learning to love myself 100% and thrilled that others have discovered the little pieces of myself I've placed on line. And yes - It's really me and yes I really did write those quotes."

How fabulous is that?
And... what does it inspire in you?

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photo by Elaine A. Russell


I've been thinking alot lately about what I really, really want in life. I know without uncertainty that I will always be taking photos. It is part of my soul.
And... I have been making jewelry for over 15yrs now; and I am still in love with it.
Two things that are so essential to my being. It is more than a ways to make money... it is a calling for me.

Once this becomes clear... it becomes easier to get rid of all the extra "stuff." Organizing, getting rid of things, downsizing...
I am in the process of gathering things to sell... to list on Ebay, Etsy, and Craigslist.... with the hopes that any money procured will go towards the purchase of a new camera, and some jewelry making equipment.

Sometimes evaluations like this are so crucial... and we tend to put them on the back burner... but it really is an important thing to do.
So... if you could only do one or two things for the rest of your life to really make you happy... what would it be?