55:365:2011


...working hard... or hardly working? ..... sometimes it seems to be a fine line :)


But I'm loving some of the photos I took in Arizona...
((photo by Elaine A. Russell))

54:365:2011


Sometimes you have to reach "rock bottom" in order to get better. This is proven time and time again... as stories of recovery from all kinds of odds abound.

I think my mom has reached an all-time "low point" in her life... and is currently in the hospital back in PA. She has been physically sick for a month or so... some kind of flu... and has been emotionally devastated ever since my father passed last August (on her birthday). It is a very rough time for her... but I have faith that no matter what... she will be OK.

When we were in Arizona, we went to the Sonoran Desert Museum... which has a cave. BAJ loves caves... and in another reality... he is probably a spelunker. It is amazing to be in a cave. All your senses are on overload... everything seems colder... darker... sounds more obvious... etc. I am sure there are scientific reasons for this... I just think it's cool. It's very peaceful.... even though it is (no doubt) quite dangerous.

I feel like (at the moment) I am in that cool, dark, peaceful place... just before heading out into the light...


*photo by Elaine A. Russell

53:365:2011


...things are completely in flux... which I am (currently) considering to be a good thing.
The Year of the Rabbit; generally; seems to be all about hearth and home and family. It is supposed to be a relatively calm year... one of nesting... and getting things together...
especially after a very busy TIGER year (2010).

My little rabbit year seems to be a bit on the feisty side... and he is really bringing home the emphasis of weeding out and keeping only what is really important. On this note... things are definitely in flux. BAJ's job may be changing (or I should say... he may be changing jobs)... We are working out a plan to do the last and final renovations on our house ... with the thought to list it up for sale and look for our "dream/ last home"...

The son is looking towards future changes... he has been separated for a couple of months now... and doesn't see his daughter near as much as he would like too...
And the daughter is (thankfully) doing much better with her OCD and weight loss issues.... and looking towards her own future.

And so... after a much-needed (although short) vacation... I am trying to get back in the swing of clearing out and moving on with some projects.



Welcome MARCH!

*photo by Elaine A. Russell

52:365:2011


Well... I am back from vacation...


On Monday....BAJ and I decided to head "west"... and ended up driving to Tuscon, AZ.
It was about an 7-8 hour drive... and the weather was wonderful the whole time we were gone.
On day one... we drove the whole way to Tuscon... stopping in Hatch, New Mexico at SPARKY's for a fantastic green chile cheeseburger, home-made fries and a coke. AWESOME!

We took along a big basket of organic fruits, nuts, bread and cheeses... and we used this food stash for breakfasts and snacks while we were gone. It turned out to be a real money-saver... as well as providing us with healthy nutritious food while we were traveling.

Day two.... was spent exploring around the San Xavier del Bac Mission. Oh my. All I can say is... that it is stunningly gorgeous... and a must see if you are anywhere near there.
Day three.... was spent exploring and shopping in/ and around 4th Ave in Tuscon. This is what I would consider the "art district" of the city... and it is jam-packed with fantastic little shops... cool items... street musicians... cafes... bookstores.... you name it. Wonderful!

Day four.... we went to "Old Tuscon"... which is a very elaborate and very museum-like movie studios place that has been in active use since the 30's. All kinds of movies... (310 to Yuma, Wild Wild West, Tombstone, etc)... and TV Shows (Bonanza, Little House on the Prairie, Gunsmoke, etc)... have been filmed there. It was fantastic.
All day I was thinking how my dad would have LOVED this.....

And then we went to the Sonoran Desert Museum... which is actually more of a botanical park/ zoo/ refuge/ preserve type place. ... stunning!

Day five.... we headed home to ABQ. Lots to tell there... including an act of GOD that saved us from being stranded in the desert....
But ... more on all that in future posts...

And now that it is the weekend... I am catching up on laundry, housework, groceries... etc...
_____________________________

My computer is still DEAD.... so I am only able to post when I can use someone else's computer. This means that my posts may be irregular for a little bit... and it also means that I won't be posting photos for the most part because I would have to load them onto someone else's computer... which seems kinda silly.

As soon as everything is back up and running... we will have a PARTY! and I will try to make it all up to you... my faithful readers :)

51:365:2011


Last year I was able to feature 20 different galleries and shows here in ABQ.
Continuing in that qwest... this past week I had the pleasure of visiting Cellar Door... which is a relatively new gallery here in ABQ near UNM. I have been there on several occassions, and am always pleased with the selection of art that they have.

Cellar Door definately caters to the more creepy... the more controversial... the more "eclectic" art consumer. They have everything from T-shirts... to books... to paintings and more! It is very much worth a visit :)

You can find more about Cellar Door: here
In the meantime..... here is a sampling of some of the work featured there...



artwork by JL Johnson



artwork by Jennifer Angel



artwork by Malachi Mahboub



artwork "face planters" by John Hanabass



artwork by Kye Flint


*photos by Elaine A. Russell

50:365:2011


Seems like I am on a merry-go-round that will not stop...
and I am getting dizzy from it all.

Tomorrow I have a few things to do around the house...
and then first thing on Monday am... BAJ and I are heading out for parts (somewhat) unknown. We really need a vacation.

Upon reflection... it's been several years since we took a vacation...and then it was only for a couple of days.
This is just going to be a 4-5 day excursion as well... but we really need it
So--- we are heading west...

((photo by Elaine A. Russell))

48/49:365:2011


It's been difficult to get the use of someone else's computer to write on my blog... so I apologize that I've missed a couple posts. I do try to post every day.....

That said... things are going along.

The past few days I have been trying to work on a few little projects around the house... seems like there is always much more to do than I am getting done...

And today... the daughter and I decided to spontaneously just go out and about... We went for coffee and a (very) late breakfast at a local coffee shop... and then just wandered about the downtown area. We saw murals, and art... and stopped in to a couple shoops... and got a cool sticker for my Jeep... and took lots of photos...and stopped in at a local gallery (which will be featured in the next couple of days)... and then went and got some organic food at the La Montanita Food Co-Op on Central Ave.

All in all.... a very excellent day...

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

47:365:2011


So... last night... whilst watching some strange movies
I decided to try to pull myself out of my funk and make some art.

This is the result.

I took some brown paper lunch bags, and made a journal with them. I stapled it together, and covered the staples with heavy duty masking tape. I also covered the ends of each of the pages with this tape as well.

I then proceeded to cut up an old issue of the "Alibi" (local funky newspaper)... and add elements to each of the pages. I sealed them with matte finish ModPodge. The cover art features a paper cutting that my daughter did... and I thought it looked rather like roots of a tree... so I added a quick sketch to embellish in and around the cutting.

There are a total of 8 pages (actually...14 sides plus the front and back cover)...and it measures just over 5 inches squared.

And ... .wah .. la!
What do you all think?




*photos and art by Elaine A. Russell
Item is available for purchase in my Etsy Store ... HERE

46:365:2011


So --- today my laptop died.
It's been acting wonky for a couple of weeks now... and I have tried cleaning it... running various software programs... etc. Turns out... the keyboard itself is fried... so BAJ has ordered me a refurbished one from Dell (only $30!). Now it is just a matter of waiting for it to arrive... and then installing it... and making sure everything is back to normal.

In the meantime... that means that I will have difficulty posting daily on my blog (I have to use someone else's computer). It also means that I will not be posting my daily photos as part of the 365 Photo a Day project. No worries... I am definitely still taking them... I just won't be posting them until the laptop is back in working order. There is no sense loading photos onto another computer just to post 'em.

It's funny really. BAJ basically dragged me scratching and clawing into the digital age... and now I am so very lost without it. First... it was getting me used to cruising the internet... then I sold on Ebay for 10yrs... (then on Etsy)... I got a small digital camera and made the switch from film based photography... I started posting alot on Flickr & Facebook.... started a blog... and now I am knee-deep in it all!

It's actually quite amazing when you think about it. How far we have all come; technologically; in such a very short time.... wondrous :)


*photo by Elaine A. Russell
(About my photo for today's post: This is a photo I took at the PRIDE Festival in 2009. This gorgeous horse was very friendly, although somewhat confused by all the activity I think. She had given a ride to a person in the parade itself, as it wandered thru the city... and then was resting in a pen at the State Fair Grounds during some of the other events of the day. But she was a good sport... and allowed me to take her photo).

45:365:2011


This weekend simply flew by. I am not sure where it went...

My mother (back in PA) is really sick.. and I am afraid that I may have to make another road trip soon. On one hand... I love her... and if I can help in any way... I will. On the other hand... I am beyond exhausted... and really don't want to be driving for 4 days straight. Plus... money is a factor right now.
Since my son's separation with his wife; we have been covering most all of his living expenses. We helped him out alot when he was married... but since separating... he also lost half of his income when they downsized his hours at work. And so... we are paying his rent as well. Fortunately, he put in his notice... so that won't go on forever.
He is trying so very very hard... and things just seem to be falling apart for him. Separated from his wife... not seeing his daughter as much as he would like to be... loss of hours at work... loss of income... couples therapy... it just goes on. I worry for him. He is working hard to make everything right... and to look for a better job... and for that I am very proud of him.

Sometimes life is hard.
Happily... we have each other... and these past few weeks have clearly shown me how strong we are as a family... and how very much we do care for each other.


*photo by Elaine A. Russell
(about my photo for today's post: This is from the Dia de Los Muertos Marigold Parade from 2009. I love to photograph this parade because ... well... I love the whole idea behind it... and lots of people show up in really great outfits and make-up for the event. This little dog... was absolutely adorable in his skele-suit as he paraded down the street)

44:365:2011


One of the things that got me seriously into photography... was a love for the old family photos I occassionally saw at family gatherings and such. The photo above, is of my paternal grandmother when she was around 2-3yrs old ( around 1912-13). It was one of a strip of photos that I am assuming was taken at a traveling carnival in one of those old time photo booths. It was really small... and quite damaged. As soon as I was able too... I made a copy... learned how to enlarge it... then taught myself hand coloring of photographs with Marshall's Oil paints. The photo above, is my re-touched version (the slice is a recent injury on this particular print).
I love hand coloring... and it seems to be a dying art... and the results can be fabulous.

One of the things I hope to do more of in the future... is altering old photos like this... if only to keep as family heirlooms. Besides... she was awfully damn cute :)

42/43:365:2011


Some days just travel along... sometimes at a snail's pace... and other times... at the speed of light. These past couple of days have been an odd mix of both. There have been times where the minutes just fly by... and others that seem to last forever.
Barring any shift in the time/space continuum... it is just my perspective on things.

And so... rest I shall... eat well -- I will .... and hopefully I will be making some art this weekend.
What are you doing this weekend?

*photo by Elaine A. Russell

41:365:2011


I stopped today at Java Joe's downtown. For those of you who don't know... it is a fabulous little cafe here that serves the best coffee... biscotti... and hand-held burritos ever. It has the added bonus of being super cool... a little artist nook in the middle of the city... kind of feel to it.
On the outside of the building it's in... is a glorious mural... I love to photograph it.

And so... even though it was a short visit... it was enough to rejuvenate me a bit.
Life has been a bit crazy. (BAJ stressed at work.... son stressed with finding work/ child visitation/couples counseling... daughter working thru some issues with her OCD... it's been alot).

I do feel that progress is being made... and that things are getting better... it just all seems like ALOT right now.


The coffee was really..... really..... good.



*photos by Elaine A. Russell

40:365:2011


I love Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/). I sold on Ebay for 10yrs, and ended up moving most all my sales onto Etsy... which caters more to the handmade and unique... whereas Ebay now tends to cater to bulk sellers and mass marketing (how sad).

One of the beauties of Etsy is the vast selection of handmade items... everything from soup to nuts! (quite literally in fact).

And so tonight... I worked for quite awhile listing some handmade stuff in my Etsy store.

... In my store; I list handmade items: crocheted scarves, cell phone charms, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, cuff links, earrings... art and photography...


...as well as vintage items and vintage jewelry...

... my handmade envelopes, recycled paper art, etc...



And tonight I created my very first treasury... which is more or less... a collection of some of my favorite Etsy finds... that may get featured on the front page... It was fun!
((see it HERE))


*photos by Elaine A. Russell

39:365:2011


Today I am feeling old.
I am feeling like there is little hope.
I am feeling like the winds have run me ragged.

But I also believe...
"That which does not kill us makes us stronger" (Friedrich Nietzsche).

So for tonight... I will try not to worry about anything more...
and like Scarlet O'Hara... "I'll think about (that) tomorrow."


*photo by Elaine A. Russell

37:365:2011


I am trying to remain in a positive frame of mind... but sometimes it's harder than others... some situations/ some people... just suck... and there isn't a whole lot to be done about it.

~~~

The photos for today's post are interesting in that... the top one is actually a negative of the original...
The second one is a sign on the drive-thru of a local fast food place. I loved the way the light hit it at night... and cast this "otherwordly" glow...

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

36:365:2011

*photo by Elaine A. Russell


I've been slowly... but surely... adding links to my "blogs I follow" list here on Blogger... wow.
I didn't realize how many wonderful blogs I have had the great opportunity to find and follow.

It's amazing to me... not only how much supreme talent and creativity is out there... but that we have the ability to actually find each other... It's a strange and wondrous world.

As we were driving around in the dark the other night... I was overcome with how pretty the lights are... and how... we are all sort of like those little colorful lights in the darkness... shining brightly for others to see... if they only look...
(I'm the little aqua one in the middle)...

35:365:2011


It has been freezing cold here for a few days... and I have basically been spending it holed up and huddled up. But tonight we decided to make a quick run for some food. On the way... I got these photos of vintage neon on Route66 here in Albuquerque.

I've always liked alot of the vintage motels, cafes and neon on Route66... and it is even more impressive at night. All you really need for some killer night photography... is a stable tripod or monopod. Tonight... I actually forgot mine... so I used the top of the Jeep as stabilization for a longer exposure. The longer exposure allows more light to reach your picture... giving you more detail and color saturation.... provided you can hold the camera very very still... hence the tripod.
The photos for today's post are essentially straight out of the camera... proof that you can get clear crisp shots at night -- All I did was increase the color saturation ever so slightly to bring out the warmth of the brown on the cow.

For more on Night Photography... look here

*photos by Elaine A. Russell