359:365

*photo by Elaine A. Russell


Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings...

Afrikaans - een plesierige kerfees
Arabic - I'd milad said oua sana saida
Argentine - Felices Pasquas Y felices ano Nuevo
Armenian - Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand
Azeri - Tezze Iliniz Yahsi Olsun
Basque - Zorionak eta Urte Berri On!
Bohemian - Vesele Vanoce
Brazilian - Boas Festas e Feliz Ano Novo
Breton - Nedeleg laouen na bloavezh mat
Bulgarian - Tchestita Koleda; Tchestito Rojdestvo Hristovo
Chinese - (Mandarin) Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan
Catonese - Gun Tso Sun Tan'Gung Haw Sun
Cornish - Nadelik looan na looan blethen noweth
Cree - Mitho Makosi Kesikansi
Croatian - Sretan Bozic
Czech - Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok
Danish - Glædelig Jul
Dutch - Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!
English - Merry Christmas
Esperanto - Gajan Kristnaskon
Estonian - Ruumsaid juuluphi
Farsi - Cristmas-e-shoma mobarak bashad
Finnish - Hyvaa joulua
French - Joyeux Noel
Frisian - Noflike Krystdagen en in protte Lok en Seine yn it Nije Jier!
German - Froehliche Weihnachten
Greek - Kala Christouyenna!
Hawaiian - Mele Kalikimaka
Hebrew - Mo'adim Lesimkha. Chena tova
Hindi - Shub Naya Baras
Hungarian - Kellemes Karacsonyi unnepeket
Icelandic - Gledileg Jol
Indonesian - Selamat Hari Natal
Iraqi - Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah
Irish - Nollaig Shona Dhuit
Italian - Buone Feste Natalizie
Japanese - Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto
Korean - Sung Tan Chuk Ha
Latvian - Prieci'gus Ziemsve'tkus un Laimi'gu Jauno Gadu!
Lithuanian - Linksmu Kaledu
Manx - Nollick ghennal as blein vie noa
Maori - Meri Kirihimete
Marathi - Shub Naya Varsh
Navajo - Merry Keshmish
Norwegian - God Jul
Pennsylvania German - En frehlicher Grischtdaag un en hallich Nei Yaahr!
Polish - Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia
Portuguese - Boas Festas
Rapa-Nui - Mata-Ki-Te-Rangi. Te-Pito-O-Te-Henua
Rumanian - Sarbatori vesele
Russian - Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom
Serbian - Hristos se rodi
Slovakian - Sretan Bozic or Vesele vianoce
Sami - Buorrit Juovllat
Samoan - La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou
Scots Gaelic - Nollaig chridheil huibh
Serb-Croatian - Sretam Bozic. Vesela Nova Godina
Singhalese - Subha nath thalak Vewa. Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa
Slovak - Vesele Vianoce. A stastlivy Novy Rok
Slovene - Vesele Bozicne. Screcno Novo Leto
Spanish - Feliz Navidad
Swedish - God Jul and (Och) Ett Gott Nytt År
Tagalog - Maligayamg Pasko. Masaganang Bagong Taon
Tamil - Nathar Puthu Varuda Valthukkal
Thai - Sawadee Pee Mai
Turkish - Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun
Ukrainian - Srozhdestvom Kristovym
Urdu - Naya Saal Mubarak Ho
Vietnamese - Chung Mung Giang Sinh
Welsh - Nadolig Llawen
Yugoslavian - Cestitamo Bozic
Papua New Guinea - Bikpela hamamas blong dispela Krismas na Nupela yia i go long yu

358:365


Tonight we did something completely different for Christmas Eve. There are lots of wonderful traditions that go with the holidays... and one of the ones here in New Mexico, is to light luminarias and surround the grave sites with them... in remembrance of loved ones.
And so... we went to Mount Calvary Cemetery here in downtown ABQ... and watched as hundreds of luminarias were lit in honor of loved ones who have passed...




*photos by Elaine A. Russell


You can see a video on this here

357:365


December seems to be going out like a lion... hence my photo for today's post. It has been quite a year... and I am still healing and resting from it. My photo of the lion statue above, reminds me to have courage... to stand up for myself... to go forth and conquer. As one site put it:

"LION brings us courage to make the right choices. The Lion symbolizes the astrological sign of Leo, which rules the heart. Courage comes from the heart and from one's deep sense of personal authority, which creates the power to act in a way that accords with one's spirit. One who acts truly from the heart is capable of leadership, achievement, and the kind of success that encourages the accomplishments of others. It is also about not being able to speak one's own truth, or to roar if you feel threatened in any way."
_______________________________

It has been bright and sunny here in Albuquerque... nothing like the traditional weather gracing holiday seasons back east. But that's not a bad thing... and I am enjoying the blue skies and sunshine. The photo below, and of the lion above, I took yesterday on my walk around the college area downtown.

My hope is that it will fill you with sunshine thoughts and blue skies... and courage to face your day.

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

356:365


Today I had a fabulous lunch date with my daughter... after which, we had a very inspiring walk about the college area... happily taking photos. While we were eating lunch... I happened to pick up a book called "14,000 Things to be Happy About" by Ann Kipfer. Feeling motivated... I decided to devote this post to a similar list *although not nearly so long :)

1. tea. So many varieties... so little time...
2. singing with the radio on full blast
3. puppy kisses
4. my camera... my little creativity box...
5. BAJ and the kiddos... and little Sophia
6. full moons
7. blue skies
8. bagels and cream cheese
9. flannel sheets
10. colored pencils and Moleskine notebooks
11. fresh flowers
12. mail
13. art on the walls
14. handmade furniture
15. 4-wheel drive
16. cottonwood trees
17. a stack of books at my bedside
18. good friends
19. neighborhood shops
20. candles


---perhaps this will in turn inspire you to make your own "happy list"...

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

355:365


What a past 24hrs it has been! I purposely went to bed early last night and set my alarm for 1:30am... because I thought the eclipse was going to be most visible at 1:44am. Turns out... it was 12:44am here... eeps.

That said... From what I understand... nothing could be seen here on the westside of ABQ due to cloud cover. I stayed up... trying to get photos of ... well... anything... and did manage to get some shots... but not what I was thinking I would get. Ah well.

Sometimes the best laid plans..... well... you know.

So... the first shot is from around midnight... right before I took a nap... and it shows a glorious full moon. The middle one is from around 2:30am... when I had about 5 seconds of sky before it got all cloudy again. And then the last one... is from 3am... when it went back to a briefly clear sky... and a mostly full moon.


Today I got some wonderful items from a dear friend... she is clearing out and refining her own life... and felt it was time to get rid of alot of her stuff. And so now... I have this incredible art installation in my house comprised of bones... stones... gourds and such. I am beyond thrilled. It is amazing.


And I also got this fabulous info from another dear friend (who saw it on this blogpost) ... about the Winter Solstice... and I thought it was only befitting that I in turn, pass it on to you....

Vicki Noble writes: "At Winter Solstice, a (metaphorical) seed is planted in us. Over the coming year, this seed–planted in the darkness of Winter—will sprout and grow, becoming something manifest in our lives by the fall harvest time. What is it you would like to bring to birth in this coming year? What do you care about and want to protect? What act of power can you make that would transform your fears and doubts into confidence and empowerment?
How can you improve your health, your job, your relationships? These are the ruminations I would suggest you entertain on this powerful Winter Solstice; make it count!
From midnight to late afternoon is your Tuesday window of ritual activity . Fast from gossip and irritability; imagine peace in your heart. Say mantras to help your mind relax and release its habitual patterns. Go into nature, meditate, pray, and be contemplative. Say prayers for all your ancestors; and then say prayers for all your family and friends. When you’re done with that, say prayers for all beings without exception." ((you can read more about Vicki Noble HERE))


*photos by Elaine A. Russell

354:365

*photo above by Elaine A. Russell


Tonight is the Lunar Eclipse...
although I am not sure how visible it is going to be here in ABQ;
as there seems to be alot of cloud cover tonight... at least here at my house :(

According to the folks at NASA... "Such eclipses occur when Earth gets precisely between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow that covers every bit of the moon's disk. North Americans should have the best seats in the house for the event, which reaches its climax at 2:41 a.m. ET Tuesday when the total phase begins. For more than an hour, the moon should glow sunset-red, thanks to the light refracted by the edge of Earth's atmosphere. This eclipse is notable because it takes place just hours before the December solstice, which marks the beginning of northern winter and southern summer."

For some extra cool astrological info on the significance of a Lunar Eclipse (combined with the first day of Winter Solstice)... check here

352:365


I am sick again.... and it's getting annoying. Actually... it is probably just a continuation of the pneumonia/whooping cough/ sinus infection "plague" I had for the last part of October, and all of November. Knowing me... I probably wasn't completely well... and now it's resurfaced. uuuurrrggh.

However, it was as good as an excuse as any to go to Annapurna's Chai House for some Ayurvedic food therapy at dinnertime. And... half an order of kitchari and oodles of tea later... I am somewhat better. Shown above, is the fabulous cardamom cookie I had at the onset of my dinner... which, according to Ayurvedic wisdom...

"The body digests food in the same order it is tasted: sweet, salty, spicy, bitter, astringent. Thus, sweet foods should be eaten first, followed by salty, spicy, bitter, and astringent."
((... and like you have to convince me to eat my dessert first...))

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

In other news... I am winding down to the last bit on this year's 365 Photo-A-Day project... as I only have a couple weeks of it left. On the whole... it wasn't very difficult to incorporate taking a photo every day into my schedule... partly because I had done it the year before as well. The only bits that have been somewhat difficult, have actually been this month. I made it a quest to devote all the pics for this month on the theme of toys... thinking it would be easier to have a set theme. However... I have found that this actually makes it harder for me somehow. I guess it takes the spontaneity out of it more... or some such.
I most likely will continue on another year of it come January though... just without the monthly theme idea.

Today, after checking on-line, I discovered that it was Flake Appreciation Day (as in SnowFlakes)... which inspired me to do this photo (below) as my photo for the day.


*photos by Elaine A. Russell

351:365


Because my sleep hours are erratic (to say the least)... I was up at 1am when it was really began snowing heavily here (a rare event)... and took a few photos. It's amazing to me how bright it was considering the time of night... but... snow does reflect light... and it was glorious out.

And today... I took this opportunity to make some winter soup. I roasted one small pumpkin, then pureed it with 3 summer squash, 2 zucchini, celery, lots of cooked carrots, some bok choy, some veggie broth, and a few roasted garlic cloves ... put it on simmer for an hour... and topped it with roasted mushrooms and a little Parmesan cheese. YUM.

Hope you all are huddled in ... warm and safe... and enjoying the weekend to come...


*photos by Elaine A. Russell

350:365


There are several wonderful bloggers out there that I love to read.
About once a week... I spend several hours with hot tea and some great music... and just peruse the wonderfulness out there in "internet land."

On one of the blogs I like *look here*.... I found a thoughtful post on gratefulness. Around Thanksgiving, I did a series of posts on that theme... but I think it's really appropriate during the "holiday rush" to slow down a bit and reflect. And so...

In her post, was a series of fill-in-the-blanks type statements ... to help prompt you into practicing an attitude of gratitude. The prompts, are shown in blue. What are your responses?

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

* I'm grateful for
... my life. Opportunities. Love. Family (and a new granddaughter!) and friends.
And friends who ARE family.

* My life would be dull if it weren't for
... the fact that I am slightly wink-wink crazy... and my love for travel.
I have this insatiable desire to see and know...

* I don't know what I'd do without
... BAJ--my husband. He is not only my one true love... he is also my best friend. My camera (nuf said)... and Sabrina... my little fur-face partner in crime :)

* I appreciate the following things about myself
... my generosity of spirit. I am told it is my best quality... that... and really tiny ears and feet :)

* This year I've been blessed with
... so very much. Not the least of which is an appreciation of life; after seeing so much sickness. Art... which keeps my spirit going. Opportunity... to live, love, and grow...

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

And... I am ever so grateful for all of you who actually read this dribble

... much love... and blessings...

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

349:365


Today I got to see the most amazing house... and I am totally in love with it. It definitely needs some work... but I can completely see myself living happily there for years and years to come.
Problem is... our house is not ready to put on the market... and so-- we would have to fix it quick... and then it would have to sell quickly... and it's December. Yah.
Of course... conversely... maybe it's just a great thing to know what you want...

And so... in the meantime... I am re-starting the process of cleaning out our current house. Re-working some of the stuff we have... but also... listing lots of stuff we really don't need.

...And lighting candles in the hopes that the perfect house will find us... exactly when we can get it.


*photos by Elaine A. Russell

348:365


It doesn't feel like the Christmas season to me. I think it is because of all the traveling I did this year... and that it sort of distorted time a bit for me... but I still feel like it ought to be autumn.
I don't dislike Christmas... but to be honest... it's never been my favorite holiday. When I was a kid... it seemed like it was an excuse for some people to behave rather badly... and it seemed to never end well. Perhaps it is just a distortion of my memories... but it's there none-the-less.
BAJ has certainly done his best to make the holidays nicer... and having the kids always made it certainly better... but I still tend to get "down" at this time of year.

I know that I am not alone. And while knowing that doesn't necessarily solve the problem... it does offer some reassurance. Plus... there are lots of helpful informational sites out there... with hints and helps such as:

1. Stay Active. Get enough exercise and fresh air. Eat healthy.
2. Start new traditions. Understand what works for you and what doesn't.
"Starting new traditions is a good way to lift your spirits and focus your energy outside yourself."
3. Be aware of your family's dynamics. If shopping with Uncle Fester always makes you sad... don't do it!
4. Don't swallow the hype. "Christmas isn’t about gorgeous decorations, unbelievably happy families, and expensive gifts. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to be perfect or feel ecstatically happy. The stores, commercials, malls, Martha Stewart shows and radio advertisements turn Christmas into a merchandising cash cow – they also make Christmas about being flawless and full of glitter. Don’t fall into that pit of despair, which will send you headlong into an even deeper Christmas depression."
5. Don't be afraid to seek professional help. If you or a loved one are suffering... get outside help.


*photo by Elaine A. Russell

347:365


Last night I had the awesome pleasure of joining some friends around the fire pit in their backyard. I love fire. Seriously. I have always had an affinity for fire... and it is very natural for me to be able to start and keep a fire going. As a kid/ early teen... I also had alot of premonitions and dreams revolving around fire.
So ... needless to say... it has always played a somewhat important role in my life.

According to Wiki... "Fire has been an important part of all cultures and religions, from pre-history to modern day, and was vital to the development of civilization. It has been regarded in many different contexts throughout history, but especially as a metaphysical constant of the world, along with air, water, and other forces of nature."

Ceremonial fire also plays a huge role in several religions and traditions all around the world. One tradition that is close to my heart... is the practice of writing down your troubles... things that bother you... things that seem to be in the way... and then to burn those in the fire... a sort of symbolic gesture in getting rid of those things. And so... in this season of winter... while you are gazing upon your individual fires... perhaps it is also a time to relinquish some of your troubles in the flames...



*photos by Elaine A. Russell

346:365


Today I saw an interesting post on Facebook. A lady I know was sending out a plea for financial help... and I responded. Now, this is a fantastic woman... one of great strength. A single parent to a special needs child... an artist... and hard worker. This was not someone who was simply asking for a handout. She... like so many of us... has had a hard year financially... and was at a stressing point, and needed help.

I so understand this. My husband has a great job, that he loves... that actually pays quite well. However, we have debt out the ying-yang. Most of the debt is from past medical bills on my part, home improvements and such. It is the "American way of life"... someone once jokingly said... and I am inclined to agree. It's almost as if, if you are not $30,000 in debt or some such... then you are not American... he he. In our case... it was not from spending frivolously or stupidly... and it was the same for this woman.

But it's more than that. It's sometimes all too easy to get behind the curve ball... and then things snowball... and before you know it... things are out of control. Each time I have traveled to PA... I end up spending at least $1500-2000 on hotels, food, gas, and then costs while I am there... and then back again. I have gone 4 times in the past year. Yes, you do the math. It's not that I would not go (obviously)... but it has put a huge strain on things financially. Such is life. We will get thru it. It may take us a bit longer than we would like... but it's still in the range of possible.
With my friend... not so much. And so ... yes. By all means YES. If my small "donation to the cause" can help... I will gladly do so. I know she would do the same for me. And isn't that what this is all about? Helping each other when we can... in ways we can.

Have a happy HAPPY night ... and take care of one another :)


*photo by Elaine A. Russell

345:365


Art Galleries and Art Shows: Sneak Peek #18 in my series...

A few days ago, my daughter and I were roaming about the Nob Hill area... as we are inclined to do this time of year (especially)... and we stopped in at: The Talking Fountain Gallery.
It was incredible. It is a fairly small gallery, but it is jam packed with tons of fabulous art.

The owner, KatieCalico, is also one of the featured artists there; and it was a pleasure to be able to chat with her for a bit. The entire atmosphere of the place is welcoming and nurturing to the artistic soul.

Opening in May 2009, the gallery and boutique offer locally made art and goods, custom clothing, jewelry, bags, accessories, stickers, posters, local music, fine art, and lots more. Below are some "sneak peaks" into some of the awesome stuff held inside The Talking Fountain Gallery doors...














(*photos by Elaine A. Russell)

344:365


I feel like a bear..... ready for hibernation...


On the plus side... for the hour or two that I am "up and about"...
I have been working on some art and photography stuff.
And it is wonderful, and exciting, and fun :)
I highly recommend it...

343:365



Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens --Epictetus


Right now... any power I may have is in "re-charge mode"...
...rest, my friends... rest. Be well... and be happy...


(*photo of a local power plant, by Elaine A. Russell)

342:365



...Goodnight room
Goodnight moon
Good night cow jumping over the moon
Goodnight light
And the red balloon
Goodnight bears
Goodnight chairs
Goodnight kittens
And goodnight mittens
Goodnight clocks
And goodnight socks
Goodnight little house
And goodnight mouse
Goodnight comb
And goodnight brush
Goodnight nobody
Goodnight mush
And goodnight to the old lady
whispering "hush"
Goodnight stars
Goodnight air
Goodnight noises everywhere

--"Goodnight Moon", text by Margret Wise Brown


((*photo by Elaine A. Russell))

341:365


Sometimes your wires get crossed. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try... things just fall apart. Sometimes... no matter what you do... things get screwed up.

A few months ago... I was approached with the idea of doing a solo show of my photography, in my hometown back in PA. I was flattered... but it ended up going on the "back-burner"... as my father became ill with cancer. I was back and forth to PA several times. My son excited us all with a spontaneous wedding to his girlfriend. Lots of chaos ensued.
Another set of trips... and I was busy with insurance, finances... all kinds of things; helping my parents as best I could while my father underwent treatments and surgery. Then my father passed. Funeral arrangements, more paperwork than I care to mention... and an emotional rollercoaster.
And a hurried trip back to ABQ, as my son and his wife had a baby. And then my husband was sick. And my daughter was having a health issue... and then my son's family was in a crisis of sorts... and then I was sick... with one thing after another (sinus infection & ear infection --> bronchitis -->bronchial pneumonia --> whooping cough--> an exacerbation of my lupus...)... I had to rest.
I finally had the strength to work on the photos... but I was much later going into it than was originally planned. Much. Too much. I was late. Very late now. Then more financial issues... and I couldn't do the photos as quickly as I had hoped. I was able to print all but ONE when I ran out of ink. Had to wait to get paid to buy more. Then I had a computer virus that temporarily wiped out all my photographs. Had to get that fixed. Had a relapse... and today as I was finally finsihing cutting the mattes, and putting the photos into sleeves and preparing them for mail... and I discovered I was one sleeve short for a photograph. ONE. I kinda had to laugh.

I suppose sometimes it's like this. But I feel awful about it. And I replay in my mind what I woulda/coulda/ shoulda done to have avoided this whole fiasco. And I think that at this point I should just give up. I should admit defeat. I should resign myself to the HUGE FAILURE that I am.
But ... it is a nice opportunity to show people I grew up around what it is I do... AND... it is also a charity event... with all proceeds from the sales of any photographs going to the local Patterson Cancer Care Center back home. And then I think of my sister who bravely battled cancer... and my father who also battled cancer... both with great amounts of dignity, strength and incredible spunk and character... and I love them... and send the photos on their way.