moonGipsies

33:365:2011

2012-02-02T22:59:00.001-07:00

It's been a crazy day.

We woke up to snow.... that very quickly became a heavy snowstorm... (temp as low as 24 degrees)

To mist and fog...

To blinding, sunny skies... cacti...(temp around 60 degrees)

---winding roads thru desert terrain... and the Mojave...

...followed by 2 1/2 frantic hours of being lost in LA (during rush hour)... making our way to a Starbuck's to get directions on the internet... FINALLY getting to a hotel that accepts pets... paying an outrageous fee... (but having a great room)... ordering dinner... and (hopefully)... having a peaceful night...

The Stats:

$100 on gas

$80 on food ($50 was Thai food delivered to our room... plus snacks, water and coffee on the road)

$26O for the room ($100 is a pet fee... non-refundable)

miles traveled: around 480... plus getting lost... >>sigh<<

32:365:2012

2012-02-01T22:38:00.000-07:00

and so... we are on the road again.

As of lunchtime, we left ABQ... and are on our way to California.

The weather has been wonderful... starting out in the mid 50s in ABQ... and tonight as we rest in Williams, AZ... it is about 32 degrees out.

We stopped when we wanted to... visiting a couple kitchy "tourist" type areas... passing thru *or around* lots of Native land... and seeing lots of trains. .. which you know I love.

The stats:

$60 on gas

$65 on the hotel room (which is really nice and clean)

$50 on food and water

$30 on some fabulous rocks and such from the Petrified Forest

miles traveled... around 375

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

31:365:2012

2012-01-31T20:49:00.000-07:00

Well... Roxanne (the jeep)... has been Jiffy Lube serviced... and washed... and is ready to go.

I will pack a quick bag in the am... and the daughter is going to pack hers.

We are heading out to California.

We are taking (of course) the cameras... and our beloved Sabrina... so it will be a sort of "girls only" road trip to see the ocean. Along the way... we are picking up a friend... and her stuff... to move back to New Mexico... hence, the main reason for the trip... but it is also about seeing art... traveling... dipping our toes in the ocean... and seeing what we can.

You wanna come along?

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

30:365:2012

2012-01-30T18:03:00.001-07:00

I hope she never outgrows her sense of wonder... and I hope I am always there to encourage it...

28/29:365:2012

2012-01-28T17:26:00.001-07:00

This is a photo I took almost exactly a year ago today. Sometimes it's fun to go back thru and look at photos... and play with them... and I don't think I've posted this one yet.

Today was pretty craptastic. It started off with wanting to make myself a cup of coffee... and feeling unwelcome in my own home. I really want to move. I am reminded of the phrase... "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step... "... or some such... and I feel as if it might as well be ten thousand steps... I just may never get there.... and then... I think that surely I can handle a single step in that direction.... and yet... some days are hard.... especially when it feels as if the universe is conspiring against you.
In reality... I am sure it isn't.... sometimes it just feels hopeless.

And so I look again at this photo. Desolate... yes. Which is the way I'm feeling a bit today. And yet... I have to believe that there is some pink... some rosy glow... some hope... to that horizon...

27:365:2012

2012-01-27T20:11:00.002-07:00

It's been a rough week, and I can honestly say that I am glad it has come to a close.

I am looking forward to the weekend... and plan on getting lots of sleep.

This past week.... I have had 3 friends/ contacts pass away... BAJ was out of town all week... had computer problems...

the oven quit working.... you know the drill.

Seemed like things were conspiring against me.

And last night... I had a near catastrophe where I almost lost all the photos on my blog.

Fortunately... I was able to fix things.... it just took awhile.

On the plus side... the moon is quite stunning out there... my lovely Sabrina is happy to nap with me... and I was able to fix the toilet when it decided to combust.

I hope this note finds you all well ... and happy... and warm.

About the photo for today: This is a bouquet of sunflowers in my living room. I have never been horribly fond of the color yellow... but I am trying to warm up to it... and these lovely flowers are a good place to start.

I wanted to do a photo for this week's theme in the 52 weeks FlickR group I am in... and the theme is "details".... so I thought taking a photo of one of the sunflowers just might do the trick.

26:365:2012

2012-01-26T17:30:00.000-07:00

flying in the sky

feeling the sunshine's warm rays

please don't explode yet

25:365:2012

2012-01-25T16:35:00.002-07:00

sentinel, staring...

what do you see from up there?

-- the future looks blue.

24:365:2012

2012-01-24T23:59:00.001-07:00

street light, burning bright

casting shadows on the trees

stark and all alone

23:365:2012

2012-01-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Chinese New Year: Year of the Dragon: 2012

May it bring you all health, happiness, prosperity, longevity, wisdom and lots of fun!

See more here: History Channel info on the Chinese New Year

and here: National Post info

and here: Wiki

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

21/22:365:2012

2012-01-21T17:47:00.001-07:00

So... I have all this bruising on my lower back from the episode the other day where I was having TIA symptoms.... and my jaw hurts from an angry tooth.... and now I have a headache. Life is funny sometimes.

On the other hand.... I have done 5 or 6 loads of laundry in the new Amana set...

and they work like a dream...

And... I have been making some jewelry stuff... which is fun...

And I have been writing a HAIKU every day so far this year... and I'm thinking of putting them in a book.

It all balances out.

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

20:365:2012

2012-01-20T17:38:00.003-07:00

I did laundry... and the daughter made these wonderful banana muffins and some coffee.

What a great way to start the day...

19:365:2012

2012-01-19T22:41:00.001-07:00

As of yesterday..... my laptop is fixed. Which is wonderful.

As of today... we have a sparkly new washer and dryer.

We decided to "rent to own" a set from Aaron's Rental... and so far, so good.
They are a nice set of appliances... delivered free... and with an affordable payment plan.

Who knows what will happen tomorrow :)

I am hoping that this is a "sign" of good things happening here... and now.

(photos by Elaine A. Russell)

18:365:2012

2012-01-18T17:46:00.001-07:00

--- life is fragile ---

- a friend passed away yesterday after much pain and suffering... reminding me of all sorts of things.

my dad.... my sister....my friend Sally... all sorts of caring, wonderful people who have graced my life, and passed on.

- and today... as if to bring home the point of taking care of my body... and enjoying life....

I was having TIA type symptoms (while I was out and about running errands)...

which I think is just a way the Universe is trying to tell me to slow down and relax a bit more.

.duly noted.

(photo by Elaine A. Russell)

17:365:2012

2012-01-17T15:01:00.002-07:00

Today was a day for ...

--burger's from Wendy's (yum)

-- visiting with the granddaughter

--watching a movie (Indian Summer)

--unloading a few things on Freecycle.org

--listing some handmade stuff in my Etsy store

--editing photos... chillin'... and drinking hot tea.

Hope you all are doing well.

(photo by Elaine A. Russell)

16:365:2012

2012-01-16T22:37:00.002-07:00

Today was a day to enjoy some of the sunshine outside...

took a short walk... went on a dinner date with BAJ....
we even went to Barnes and Noble to read some magazines... it was good.

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

14/15:365:2012

2012-01-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

I'm just gonna try to take it easy this weekend.. .and try to get my sleep schedule back on track if I can.

But for today... I am enjoying time with my granddaughter... and the rest of the family.

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

13:365:2012

2012-01-13T14:54:00.001-07:00

*photo by Elaine A. Russell

12:365:2012

2012-01-12T12:17:00.002-07:00

We live in a strange and wondrous world.

When I got "up" at 3:30 this am... (not sure why).... it was 23 degrees out.
However... my garden pots are sprouting Italian Parsley and Swiss Chard... ???

And so... I took advantage of my (odd though they may be) waking hours.. .and did the dishes... took out the garbage... took some packages to the post office... and took the recycled stuffs to the Recycling Center.
By then... it was 5:30... and I rewarded myself with a Starbucks Chai... just as they opened up.

Some days are good like that.

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

11:365:2012

2012-01-11T19:36:00.001-07:00

went for a short walk today... and feel a little bit better. It's been a long week already....

but the skies are blue... and I have my faithful companion by my side :)

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

9/10:365:2012

2012-01-10T18:46:00.001-07:00

...everyone is sick. Somehow, the son managed to bring home the flu from his workplace... and now everyone has it. yuck. Course, the good part of this all... is that the laundry has been done at the laundromat... and the floors have been scrubbed.... and all the surfaces wiped down.... and I even made soup.

The soup is a huge stockpot of veggie broth.... zucchini... onions, spices... cabbage.... and then there is a pot of boiled potatoes and a pot of rice... for adding to individual bowls.

I have a small pile of finished items to list in my Etsy store... when I feel up to taking photos and such...

and it feels good to get a little bit ahead of things.

But mostly.... we are taking turns taking care of each other.... and getting lots of sleep...

7/8:365:2012

2012-01-08T13:22:00.005-07:00

This weekend has been a huge moment for reflection.

I am trying to sleep... and trying to get some sort of a "normal" schedule down... but so far, it's not working.

A friend has taken a sudden turn for the worse... and I fear she may not survive the illness that has her in it's clutches... but I know that whatever happens... it will be her decision... .and I trust it to be the right one. This has (for me) brought all kinds of emotions to the surface... and makes me realize not only how precious life is... but how much we take for granted.

Deep within my own feelings of pity (or some sort) ... of wanting to move... and being fixated on that... I realize how superficial it is. How I must make the best of the situation I am in... right here.. right now. And if it means staying ... then so be it. I resolve to concentrate on continuing to clear out... organize... and forge ahead with life.. no matter where that is.

4/5/6:365:2012

2012-01-06T22:34:00.002-07:00

It's been an interesting week... let's see if I can bring you "up to speed."

Actually---- I think I can sum it up into: no sleep.... no cheer... no internet.
I have had a very awkward sleep schedule for some time now... and this week it has sorta come to a head. I am able to sleep for a couple of hours... then awake for several... then sleep a couple... well... you get the idea. It's hard to communicate with others and hold this kind of schedule.
Hence, the "no cheer" feeling. It's not that I am not loved... I am most certainly loved. It's just that when you don't sleep right... everything else feels wrong. You're tired... cranky... over sensitive... frustrated... depressed... anxious. Your stomach is upset... your back hurts... well... you get the idea there too.
And then the topper... was when the internet went kerfleeeeewy. Thru a comedy of errors... we thought we had no access. This kinda put me in a tailspin of feeling behind on everything... feeling disconnected... OK.
And so.. with the help of a couple little trips to my fav Drive-thru for burgers and such... and a couple trips to the mailbox... and more than a couple "looks" at that gorgeous moon out there.... things are coming back around to normal. Or at least.... sorta normal :)

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

3:365:2012

2012-01-03T23:33:00.002-07:00

Just a quick note today...

My waking hours seem to be from 4pm-9am... with spots in between... and it's frustrating to say the least.

There are some good points to it though:

Because BAJ is asleep... I can use his computer without interrupting his use...

I can see the sunrise...

There are lots of cool old crime dramas on during the night...

I get to enjoy the moon glow...

and I get to fall asleep to birdsong.

And in the mail today... I got a wonderful owl feather from a friend in Australia.... which I used for my photo for this post.... thanks Martina!

2:365:2012

2012-01-02T14:32:00.003-07:00

BAJ has often gone to remote locations... both while in the Air Force... and since... that I am not always able to go with him on. And that is fine.. I would hate to have to get up that early. However... I am thinking after 20yrs of marriage... I am beginning to "rub off" on him... because the other day he showed me a photo he had taken on his cell phone... while he was driving around to a site.

I think it is just gorgeous... (although... I did do a little photo editing on it) ....almost makes me wish I had a camera on my phone ... almost.

1:365:2012

2012-01-01T17:05:00.001-07:00

" The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not staying where you are..."

I am not sure who said this... but it certainly is true. While I was contemplating what to write for today's post... I thought about writing how I want to move... how I like Albuquerque... but I am ready for a change. About how beginnings are often endings of sorts... of old ways of thinking... of old habits... but it always involves taking that first step towards the new... away from the old.

Conversely... I am here. I am enjoying the now. I am living in this place... in this moment.

I appreciate what I have... while still looking forward to what may come.

It's a fine balance... between wanting.... and being content... but I am working on it.

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

364/365:365:2011

2011-12-30T16:02:00.002-07:00

Happy Friday everyone...

Time to clean out the house...

dust off the tables...

wash the laundry...

open the windows for a bit...

and take some Vitamin C!

Hope you enjoy your weekend :)

363:365:2011

2011-12-29T22:03:00.002-07:00

I have always loved stones.

I often tell the story of when I was 4yrs old... and the main gift I got for my birthday was a small red wheel barrow. Now. It was partly because I helped my dad in the yard... picking up rocks so they wouldn't get tossed around by the lawn mower... and partly because I used to gather all these rocks... and take them to a place under a pine tree where I kept my "hoard." (after all... it wasn't all about child labor... he he).

Years later... I was totally enamored with some lapidary work a friend was doing... and I bought a rock tumbler... and did some work in a school art class, setting stones.

And of course... I've made jewelry since 1995... But my passion for rocks has never waned.

One of the joys of making jewelry for me... is that I get to play with all these wonderful stones... look up their metaphysical properties... and offer them for others to enjoy.

And so.. one of the new "lines" I am listing in my Etsy store... is a series of simple gemstone and glass charms.

You can wear them on chains... add them to bracelets.... or simply carry them in your pocket.

How charming! (Ok... I had to say it... )... above are some examples.

362:365:2011

2011-12-28T14:00:00.002-07:00

apples on the sill

remind me to eat healthy

my body says *thanks*

361:365:2011

2011-12-27T22:16:00.004-07:00

...tea, cheese and crackers...

...crime dramas on TV...

...it's freakin cold out.

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

360:365:2011

2011-12-26T22:40:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe sometimes how quickly time passes.

I started this blog on December 26th, 2008.... and over 1,000 posts later... and over 30,000 page views... it still feels fun. I hope you have enjoyed seeing the photos... and I hope it will feel like home to all of you for a long time...

I am intending to do more traveling... lots more photos... art and crafts... spiritual walks... talks ... and lots of laughs... and all kinds of things in 2012... so please stay tuned...

358/359:365:2011

2011-12-24T19:38:00.002-07:00

Wishing everyone Peace on Earth... and a safe and happy holiday weekend.

357:365:2011

2011-12-23T19:25:00.001-07:00

...and tonight I made cranberry sauce... am working on a large crocheted scarf... edited a couple photos...

...finally got the organic flannel I needed to finish up some handmade pillowcases...

...and may just watch a movie...

356:365:2011

2011-12-22T16:59:00.003-07:00

Not sure where I went wrong with the numbers on the posts...
I will have to go back thru and see if I can fix them... but in the meantime....

I just wanted to show some more pics of the fabulous Nob Hill area here in Albuquerque.
Alot of the store owners go all out in the decorations... and it's fun to take a stroll around and see the lights.

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

355:365:2011

2011-12-21T18:36:00.005-07:00

It's been a long time since I went on a photo excursion down in the Nob Hill area.
And so... late last night... the daughter and I went tramping around ... checking out the cool window displays... and seeing the "nightlife"...

I love all the neon here on Route 66... and we had tons of fun.

Including ... a great surprise when a wave of fog rolled in around 1am...

--more photos to come...

(all photos by Elaine A. Russell)

354/353:365:2011

2011-12-20T17:16:00.004-07:00

The past couple of days have been icy ... and snowy ... and cold.

---a perfect time to curl up by the fireplace with a good book.

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

352/351:365:2011

2011-12-18T22:51:00.002-07:00

It's been an interesting weekend. We've been passing a cold around... and have taken turns taking care of each other... which is good... but exhausting. Little chores... seem to take much longer. Fortunately... in spite of being sick... BAJ did laundry at the laundromat... and I still managed to do a few things.

I am fighting melancholy. I feel as if I am losing touch with loved ones... with friends... I really don't like this time of year. But I am trying really hard to get thru it. And so... tonight I happened upon an old movie... "It Happened on 5th Ave" ... and it was really good. I made some jewelry for my Etsy shop.

I drank alot of hot tea.

Hope you are all doing well...

350:365:2011

2011-12-16T22:32:00.001-07:00

*photo by Elaine A. Russell

~~~~~

349/348:365:2011

2011-12-15T19:36:00.002-07:00

Mercury goes into retrograde; normally 3 times a year. In 2011... it happened 4 times. This phenomenon effects people differently, but for me... chaos pretty much reigns. According to one website... "In general, Mercury rules thinking and perception, processing and disseminating information and all means of communication, commerce, education and transportation. By extension, Mercury rules people who work in these areas, especially those who work with their minds or their wits: writers and orators, consultants, commentators and critics, gossips and spin doctors, salespeople, teachers, travellers, tricksters and thieves. Mercury also has an occult side, so healing, astrology and the transmission of spiritual knowledge are also in his area." I have also been told that this is when "everything that can go wrong... basically goes wrong..."

And for me... that is certainly true to a degree.

For us... many things stop working... house lights... electrical outlets... machines... even our 20yr old bed frame... made of solid oak... suddenly and completely broke. Other things too... earlier in the year (when Mercury was in Retrograde)... we lost our washer and dryer to the chaos... and have been going to the laundromat once a week ever since.

Anyway... I'm not sure what that all means... but as of today... it is done for the year... and I am glad for it to be done.

Good things have happened as well... and I am not discounting that at all. I think it has everything to do with things going wrong...
it makes me slow down and be more intentional. ... which I think is really important.

I liken it to going to a bus stop... the bus may not show up... and we may be out of luck... but at least I know where I want to go... and at least the view is cool :)

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

347:365:2011

2011-12-13T17:50:00.001-07:00

2am cravings.. and no... I am definitely NOT pregnant...

but it was a cool opportunity to take some night shots... in the rain...

346:365:2011

2011-12-12T19:38:00.001-07:00

Are you getting in the Holiday spirit? I am trying to.

But mostly... I am:

-cleaning the house

-doing laundry

-washing dishes and such

-working in my Etsy store

-photographing stuff to list (see above)

-resting and re-couping (sinus issues... eash)

-cooking

-running errands (mainly to the post office)

-snuggling with my puppy

-drinking coffee with my family

345/344:365:2011

2011-12-11T19:15:00.003-07:00

A number of you have written... wanting to see some of the "bead haul" I purchased a couple weeks back.

If you remember, I had simply wanted to purchase the cabinet... which sells on-line for about $800.

It had been on my visualization board for quite awhile... and I guess the Universe wanted me to be able to get it.

Anyway... so I had the exact amount of money the person was asking for... and I went and bought the cabinet.

Unbeknownst to me... the seller was also giving me all the contents as well.

So.. for the past couple of weeks ... I have been sorting thru it a little at a time.. and listing alot of it on Etsy.

I still have several tray's worth to sort... so I am still working on it.

And... I decided to go thru my stash as well... and re-organize it while I was at it.

It has been a ton of fun to see what all is there... and in the process... I am making a few things :)

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

343:365:2011

2011-12-09T22:17:00.002-07:00

So... BAJ is home from his week-long trip.. and I am grateful.

Progress is being made on sorting out the huge stash of beads and findings I got a few weeks ago...

And it's a full moon here. Life is good.

*photo by Elaine A. Russell... taken tonight.

342:365:2011

2011-12-08T17:40:00.002-07:00

coldness in the air

whips thru the trees like a jet

bundle up and stay warm

341:365:2011

2011-12-07T18:21:00.001-07:00

well.... it's been VERY cold here... especially for ABQ... down to about 12 degrees at times. And windy! Super windy.... and occasionally... a dusting of snow... off and on for the last couple of days. It surely has been time to burrow in and stay warm... snuggle up ... read a book... and drink some tea.

And then there's the laptop... which I think has become infected with the playfulness of Mercury in Retrograde. Oddly... every battery in my house has suddenly died... as did a couple lights. In fact... I went to Walgreens to get some batteries... and every street light I passed suddenly went out. Tis the season :)

And so... I am taking this as a sign to relax and work on some crafts... do some more organizing in the studio (if I can brave the cold out there)... or maybe watch some CSI.

On the plus side!!!
One of my crocheted scarves made the FRONT PAGE of ETSY this weekend... and it's been amazing. Lots of people have found my store and have "favorited" some of my items... which is always wonderful and reassuring. I am selling a bit more... and, in general, feel like the Universe is giving me the "nod" that I am on the right track in doing what I love.

I also sanded down and painted the top of an old bureau in the living room. It houses a plethora of scarves... candles... winter gear and such. But the top of it I use as an alter of sorts... placing offerings and symbols of the season on top. It now has a pretty milk paint on top in a gorgeous shade of aqua blue... and I was able to put alot of little holiday type decorations on it. This includes a little forest of bottle brush trees that I found on Etsy... some vintage bunny figurines and lots of little candles. It makes me happy :)

339/340:365:2011

2011-12-06T18:02:00.002-07:00

Looks like it's back to the drawing board with my laptop.

Something is very wrong with it... and it may take a few days to get it fixed.

I am frustrated beyond words.... but there is not much I can do about it now.

And so... I will take this as a sign to work on other stuff.

I will post as often as I can; as I will be borrowing computer use from the hubby.

337/338:365:2011

2011-12-04T23:24:00.002-07:00

I hope you all have a good weekend.

I am going to concentrate on resting... decorating for the holidays a little....

perhaps even doing some art and crafts. See y'all on Monday!

345:365:2011

2011-12-02T23:52:00.002-07:00

One of the things I try to do is eat healthy.

I've always favored organic food... growing up in the middle of PA certainly helped... as there was fresh farm food readily available. In 92; after being diagnosed with Lupus... I got on the "bandwagon" so to speak... and re-newed some healthy eating habits. Of course... over the years it has waxed and waned to a certain degree. I was really good after having cancer in 97... and I believe that eating macrobiotic saved my life. Since 97... I try to eat as balanced and as organic as I can... with the occasional COKE and burgers thrown in for good balance.

I still drink coffee... I still like toffee now and then... and I really enjoy a good steak.

That said... I do try.

(( Course... having a daughter who is essentially vegan DOES help :)

Anyway... the photo for today is a collage of shots that I did over the past year or so... showcasing healthy food as fine art photography...
... or at least... that was my goal.

344:365:2011

2011-12-01T23:49:00.002-07:00

About a year ago... I started hearing about Vivian Maier.

Maier was born in New York in 1926 to a French mother and Austrian father, Maier grew up in France and the United States. As an adult, she traveled the world but eventually settled in the Chicago area, working as a nanny in various households in the city's North Shore suburbs.

Though Maier was alive in 2007, many of her possessions were for sale due to her delinquency in paying for a storage locker. They came into the hands of John Maloof, a young former real estate agent who bought 30,000 of her negatives for around $400 at an auction in 2007.

When she died in April 2009, she had no idea what had become of her work, nor of the interest it was beginning to stir. But stir it did. A website came up.... and donations came pouring in ... along with support for the work to be published and shown.

Yesterday I received a copy of the book... straight from Amazon (see book HERE).

Needless to say... her work is stunning... and has captured my heart. I absolutely love her style... her dedication to photography... her ability to capture those rare moments on the street that will never be seen again.

I highly encourage you to look at the blog: HERE

the website: HERE

her photography site: HERE

to review the many on-line sources of info about her (wiki is HERE)... and check out the book for yourself.

I have read... that a movie is coming in 2012 ...

February 1, 1926 – April 21, 2009

343:365:2011

2011-11-30T19:27:00.002-07:00

It's hard to believe that I will soon be celebrating the 4th anniversary of this little blog. Yes. Truly.

And it is amazing to me. Over 1000 posts later... I still really enjoy being here... even if it's just to post a photo or two.

As Winter approaches, the nights grow longer... we look to snuggle in... to gather that warmth and share the glow with those around us.
I thank you all for sharing your glow and warmth to my little site.

It means So very much to me.

342:365:2011

2011-11-29T19:42:00.001-07:00

...feeling a little under the weather... but still enjoyed a brisk walk around the block. Everything is cooler... crisper... and just a little bit sharper. Winter is on it's way...

*photo by Elaine A. Russell

341:365:2011

2011-11-28T21:51:00.002-07:00

BAJ and I have always loved animation art. Seriously.
In fact... we have managed to collect a few nice lithos/ cells of animation art... that we just love.

In the process of downsizing... we came to a struggle. Or at least... I did. I worried that we had too much stuff. Especially books and art.

However... on further introspection... I don't think you can ever have too many books or art. And so...

One of the books I came across in our massive stash... was a book called TRICKSTER. It is an anthology of Native American tales. On the whole... the stories included were okay... but what really inspired me was the fabulous art.

And so... I am including a couple photos for today's post from the book.

You can find out more about the book: HERE

And here is a link to the WEBSITE for the book

Artwork for these pages was done by Jacob Warrenfeltz... and you can read more in an interview with him: HERE

339/340:365:2011

2011-11-27T21:14:00.002-07:00

... just "monkey-ing around" this weekend... hope you are all doing well...

338:365:2011

2011-11-25T20:59:00.004-07:00

I have a confession. I hate Black Friday... and everything about it.

It boggles my mind that people will camp out for 9 days just to get a deal on a flat screen TV... or whatever.

My son... who worked Black Friday at one of the local Walmart stores here... was amazed when a fight actually broke out at 9pm last night... over Crock pots... yes, crock pots. Who knew?! And... how SAD.

I have always been a strong proponent of either making gifts... or buying Handmade!.... or buying from local small businesses for the holidays... and this year will be no exception. In fact... I think in these tough economic times... what better than to support your local neighbors and family stores.... to support craftsmen and sellers of handmade goods ... or to make a gift yourself with lots of love thrown in.

Here are some wonderful places to buy handmade, artisan gifts (in no particular order):

Bonanza.com (formerly 1000 Markets)
Little Odd Forest.com

337:365:2011

2011-11-24T17:06:00.002-07:00

... Happy Thanksgiving Everyone ...

336:365:2011

2011-11-23T23:47:00.004-07:00

It's beginning to feel like the holiday season... and even the weather has begun to get a nice crispness to it.

I am so excited about the "bead haul" I got last weekend... and I am almost done sorting the bulk of it out. As soon as it is done... I will include the updated photos of the studio space... but for now... it's a little bit of a disaster. The wonderful thing is... I am sorting alot of it out to put in my ETSY store as supplies for other people interested in making jewelry.

I also have been finishing up some projects that I have also listed in my ETSY store... which includes a scarf I finished up the other night. It is super long... super soft... and I love the color combinations in it. I named it "Winter Wren"... as I was inspired by all the little wrens and finches that have been frequenting our birdfeeder out front lately. (see photo above of the one of our little bird buddies... and below of the scarf).

335:365:2011

2011-11-22T23:13:00.002-07:00

I had a bunch of different ideas as to what to post for today... but then I saw this video... and I KNEW.

Enjoy...

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

334:365:2011

2011-11-21T19:26:00.001-07:00

*photo by Elaine A. Russell

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2011-11-20T18:09:00.003-07:00

So... I have had a hard time thinking about how to write this post... as I don't want people to think I am completely nuts... but then... anyone who knows me... already knows that I am nuts... so here it goes.

I have a "visualization/wish board" hanging in my house. Basically... I've taken the side of my fridge.. and I post pics of things I would like to get... or like to achieve... or aspire to become... that sort of thing.

Poems... text... snippets of things... photos... magazine cut-outs... all are hanging there by magnets or slips of tape.

I started it about a year and a half ago... and so far... I have been really blessed.

One of the items I posted on there... was a photo of my dream vehicle. I had a fairly new SmartCar.. and I liked it alot... but it just wasn't serving my needs at the time. I needed a vehicle that I could take my parents fishing in on back roads in PA (my dad was terminally ill at the time... and loved fishing). I really loved the Jeep Liberty... but it was too expensive... and I was still paying on the Smart. It seemed impossible. And yet... Last summer I spontaneously went in to my local Ford dealer to look at the used vehicles... and he had a Jeep Liberty with only 30,000 miles on it. Long story short... it was silver (what I wanted) with grey interior (what I wanted)... lots of chrome (a bonus)... AND most importantly... when all was said and done... I ended up owing just a little more than on the Smart... with my payments being about the same as well. Why my FORD dealer had a Jeep... I will never know. But I am grateful.

Also on my wish board... was to get my studio in working order. This was finally accomplished this summer as well... in part... due to help from a friend that was staying with us at the time. She was a great motivator.. and was very encouraging while I was going thru the stuff.

Bu the latest miracle... happened this weekend.

I had posted on my wish board, a photo of a storage system/ cabinet... with 60 drawers to organize my beads and findings. I had little hope of getting it... as it was severely out of my price range. But. Knowing the success in the past with my board items... I just started plugging away... and saving everything I could from Etsy sales. On a lark... my daughter saw an ad on Craigslist for the very cabinet I wanted. I followed thru... and after several emails and phone calls.. the cabinet was mine. Amazingly... I had saved enough money to pay for it.... and even more amazingly... it fit in my Jeep!

As an even more incredible thing... I soon found out that the seller intended on gifting me with ALL the beads in the cabinet... as well as pliers, wire, findings... so much stuff that was completely extra. I am floored. And excited. And amazed. And grateful.

(Any extras I intend to offer for cheap in my Etsy store... to share in the bounty... so stay tuned for some awesome deals in my shop... and some cool projects to come).

The moral of this story is this: Keep dreaming. Don't give up. Nothing is impossible. Know what you want... know that it can happen.... and keep plugging towards it.

331:365:2011

2011-11-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

...sometimes you just have to sit down with a hot cup of tea and reflect on things...

(photo by Elaine A. Russell)

330:365:2011

2011-11-17T22:48:00.000-07:00

... and that's all that matters ...

(photo by Elaine A. Russell)

329:365:2011

2011-11-16T20:47:00.000-07:00

In today's busy, busy times... I found that I was beginning to fixate on the comments that were left on my blog... and it occurred to me... that I started this blog not to receive compliments per se... but so that people can have the opportunity to step --- a little bit anyway--- in to my world. To see things from my point of view. To see my photography... my art... my day. To perhaps inspire you... the reader... to go out there in the world and ENJOY it. Photograph it. Draw it. Embellish it. Make something. Live. Life. Fully.

And so. Please... read! ... enjoy!... spread the word! And don't feel bogged down by having to comment. Take what you love... and pass it on. Of course... be aware that my email address is still posted on the sidebar to the left.. and you can always contact me there if you want to share something :)

The photo for today's post is of the locust tree in my driveway. When we first moved into this house SO many years ago... it was just a struggling little branch in some pretty poor soil. I have tried to nurture it over the years.. .and it has blessed us in return with thousands of bees buzzing all summer long; nibbling on the pollen drenched blooms.... cicadas at night.... hundreds of little finches waiting for me to put out some seed... and more. I love it.

328:365:2011

2011-11-15T19:36:00.000-07:00

birds glide over head...

bustling and dancing, the leaves

bid them a good day

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

327:365:2011

2011-11-14T17:59:00.001-07:00

Continuing on our theme of affordable crafts and such... and crochet in particular...

Today I would like to talk about crochet edges.

Crocheted edges can be applied to so many items... but the one I think of first off, is to add them to pillowcases. What a luxurious thing!

Basically... there are 2 ways to do this.

Either you make little holes on the edge of whatever it is you want to embellish... and then you crochet directly onto the item...

OR...

You make the edging... and then sew it onto the edge of whatever you want to add it too.

Does that make sense?

Anyway... I did a quick google search for edgings... and found a virtual plethora of cool edgings!

(see HERE)... then I found this wonderful link to all kinds of patterns that you can get on-line for free (see HERE) ... But I hit the jack-pot with this great blog tutorial... HERE.

Go forth and crochet!!!

( the samples I used in the photos for this post... were primarily done by my grandmother )...

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

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2011-11-12T11:07:00.001-07:00

WOW!

Not just your granny's crochet.... all of these jewelry items were found on Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/) this week.

Be inspired... and realize that crochet can be made into most anything you can think of.

From left to right; top to bottom:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/slashKnots?ref=seller_info

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Suzann61?ref=seller_info

http://www.etsy.com/shop/yvoCrochet?ref=seller_info

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MichellesArtIsLife?ref=seller_info

http://www.etsy.com/shop/boorashka?ref=seller_info

http://www.etsy.com/shop/masibill?ref=seller_info

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Pinkmind?ref=seller_info

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MariaKonstantin?ref=seller_info

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CaptainCrochette?ref=seller_info

324:365:2011

2011-11-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

It is Veteran’s Day here in the United States.

Let us all stand in support and remembrance for the soldiers that sacrificed their lives, in part or in whole, to serve in the military. Men and Women.... today... and in the past... let us remember them all... with pride and with love.

323:365:2011

2011-11-10T16:13:00.000-07:00

(photo is from downtown Albuquerque)

While we are on the subject of yarn... let's take a moment to talk about YARNBOMBING.

Yes, you read that right.

"Yarn bombing, yarnbombing, yarnstorming, guerrilla knitting, or graffiti knitting is a type of graffiti or street art that employs colorful displays of knitted or crocheted cloth. Examples have been recorded as early as May 2004 in Den Helder, Netherlands. In the U.S., in 2005 Texas knitters used their leftover and unfinished knitting projects, but it has since spread worldwide.^[1]^[3]^[2] The start of this movement has been attributed to Magda Sayeg, 37, from Houston, who says she first got the idea in 2005 when she covered the door handle of her boutique with a custom made cozy." --- from Wiki

While it's considered vandalous to do this type of art... it has really gained alot of respect worldwide as an artistic expression ... sort of an "uprising of the common people"... Which I truly LOVE.

So... get your yarnbombing on!

...the following STELLAR examples are courtesy of GoogleImages... and show yarnbombing art pieces from around the world...

Read more about this craft at this cool blog I found: YarnBombing ...

(click on images above to see them bigger)

321/322:365:2011

2011-11-09T23:40:00.000-07:00

Last week I spoke about affordable crafts and such you can do with paper... this week I'd like to focus on yarn. Yarn (like paper)... can be fairly affordable... with skeins at local craft stores and such starting at around $4. Of course... they can get more pricey pretty quickly... but there are other alternatives.

Thrift stores generally have a "craft" sort of section... and lots of items can be re-purposed and salvaged... for mere pennies. Some good deals can also be found on Craigslist.com..

Another source... can be Freecycle.org. Freecycle is a wonderful on-line connection that hooks up people with extra stuff... with people who can use it... and everything is FREE.

I started crocheting a long time ago. I only know about 5 stitches to be honest... but that is enough to make alot of things. Several years ago when my sister lost her hair due to chemotherapy... I made her a grazillion hats. Not being able to read a pattern very well... I winged it. But ... they did (for the most part) turn out pretty cool... if I do say so myself. But mostly... I have made really simple baby blankets.... or scarves.

My mom and my paternal grandmother made tons of lovely crochet items... and I was always inspired by their creativity. A quick search on Etsy. com will prove however, that this is not a craft of the past... but definitely one of the here and now... so go grab some yarn and see what you can do!

*photos and crafts by Elaine A. Russell

320:365:2011

2011-11-06T22:51:00.001-07:00

...well... the Dia de los Muertos parade and celebration was this weekend... always a good opportunity to bask in the Mexican culture... as well as a chance to take some cool photos. So... I was anxious to go... but alas... when the time came... I couldn't do it. I have somehow gotten my sleep schedule completely messed up again... and although the festivities were calling... the calls of my bed were louder and stronger.

In light of that ... I don't have any photos from the parade to show you... but I do have a couple shots of my own offrendas of sorts... in dedication of loved ones who have passed. The photo at the top of this post is of my paternal grandmother... taken when she was about 2yrs old. The other shot is of an altar in my living room... in celebration of fall and all it's bounty.

...blessings to you and yours... those here... and those who have passed...

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

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2011-11-05T20:31:00.001-06:00

...And now... A brief interlude to enjoy the wonderful fall colors going on in the Bosque here...

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

317:365:2011

2011-11-04T22:15:00.002-06:00

And ...now for one of my favorite applications for recycling paper... JEWELRY!

From the use of Washi paper in Chinese jewelry in the First Century... to today's newest and boldest fashion trends... Paper has played an important part in jewelry design.

Alot of people only think of paper in terms of photos... and once they've placed their loved one in that golden locket... they're done.
But there are so many other applications.

Medals with pictures of the Saints... charms and remembrance jewelry... Sorta simple... but still lovely.
Then there came Scrabble tile pendants, which became hugely popular several years ago; and it was a great jumping off place for the arts to go crazy. The past several years have seen an explosion in Resin Jewelry... applying paper to all kinds of backgrounds and either setting them in resin... or adding several coats of resin on for a super shiny sealer.

Then there is soldering. Placing all kinds of paper ephemera under glass and soldering around the edges.

Or... (one of my favs)... was the release of the wildly popular line by Susan Lenart Kazmer. All kinds of recycled and re-purposed items set into little charms to add to chains, bracelets... or your own unique jewelry items. She featured little journals... music sheets under Ice Resin... all kinds of cool objects that inspired thousands.

And of course... paper beads themselves... like these ones by Jessica Mattingly on Etsy.

Simply cut paper into elongated triangles... wrap around a small wire or tool... glue ... and seal!

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

316:365:2011

2011-11-03T22:13:00.002-06:00

Several years ago... I was gifted with a bunch of quilting magazines.
I read them... enjoyed them... and was ready to gift them to someone else.. but nobody wanted them.
I offered to donate them to several charities.. and they didn't want them.
I even tried to take them to the recycling center... and they couldn't take them because of the sheen on the paper.

So. I decided to use them for collage and for envelopes.

Over the years... I have made envelopes out of all kinds of magazines that would otherwise end up in a landfill. I have also used book pages from badly damaged books... calendar pages... and more. Recycling papers of all kinds into envelopes not only saves the environment... but recycles them into a useful item.

Plus... they're kinda cool :)

*photos and envelopes by Elaine A. Russell

315:365:2011

2011-11-02T23:52:00.001-06:00

I absolutely LOVE the paper cutting arts.

Cultures all around the world have their versions... from Scherenschnitte... to Mexican Paper Cutting (papel picado)... to Japanese Kirigami... There are SO many wonderful examples of art out there.

But I didn't have to look far for some cool pieces to feature for today's post. I have done some interesting stuff... but nothing like what my daughter makes. And so... the photos for today's post are all done by her.

The one in the top photo is SO small... it actually swims in the ultra small tiny gumball toy lid (not the bigger ones.... but the really small ones). Entitled... "In his own Little World"... it really speaks volumes.

See more about papercutting on Wiki here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papercutting

photos by Elaine A. Russell

***Artwork by Kristin M. Russell

314:365:2011

2011-11-01T22:10:00.033-06:00

Today's post is on Iris Paper Folding... which is a craft that I did several years ago. The photo above... is a card I made using this technique. Unfortunately... I don't have a whole lot of examples of things I actually made... so I garnered a couple extra shots from the internet.

The examples above (from Google Images)... show a variety of cards made with Iris Paper Folding. Basically... ANY outer shape (apple, bird, etc)... can be modified for IPF. The "tricky" part... is in the design of the folding pattern itself. Fortunately... there are lots of books out there that give patterns for this... anywhere from tunnel type effects... to circles ... to fancy framing... and more.

The interesting piece about IPF for me... is that there are other applications to this. I envision teeny tiny pieces for jewelry... topped in resin. I see... using alternative materials... perhaps pieces of old tin cans... or fabric... or even wallpaper. Or even... making a sculpture or something 3D.

The limits are only set by your imagination.

Here's a YouTube video on it:

313:365:2011

2011-10-31T21:59:00.000-06:00

*photo by Elaine A. Russell

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2011-10-29T23:08:00.002-06:00

And tonight I made soup...

Pumpkin Soup

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

Take a whole pumpkin, cut off the top and save for later. Place the gutted pumpkin in the oven... and bake at 350 for about 40 minutes.

I then took the flesh of another pumpkin (which had been steamed until soft)... and pureed it with a container of soy milk in the blender.

On the stove top.. .I gently boiled small fingerling potatoes, celery, an onion, a bit of garlic, a small package of corn, about 10 mushrooms all cut up and some fresh herbs from the garden.

Strain the veggies. Add them to the puree .. .and place it all on the stove top to simmer while your pumpkin is baking.
Add seasoning to taste. ( I used salt, pepper, cumin, curry and turmeric).

When done... spoon soup back into the baked pumpkin shell... add some fresh mint.

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

310:365:2011

2011-10-28T23:16:00.001-06:00

The applications for working with paper are endless.

Yesterday I mentioned that I used to make alot of cards as a kid. Actually... I still make cards.

It's just fun... and it's also one of the most affordable crafts there is.

Of course... paper crafts in general... are really affordable to make... especially if you use recycled materials.

The photo collage above shows some examples of things you can make... from stuff I've done (except for the paper cutting which my daughter did) over the past few years. They include... drawing... collage... ATC (art trading cards)... mixed media projects... iris paper folding... paper cutting (Scherenschnitte)... monotype printing...

But the possibilities are endless. You can make paper lanterns... anything origami... window screens...

the list goes on.

Lately... I have been exploring the applications of paper in jewelry.

Paper beads... collage and mixed media pieces... and more.

As always... more to come :)

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

309:365:2011

2011-10-27T22:49:00.000-06:00

One of the first things I remember consistently making... were cards.

Drawn, collaged... photos... I have done alot.

Cards... and works of paper in general... are one of the most affordable... yet.. intensely personal things you can make.
And how lovely to receive?!

These works can be so simple... or they can be extremely complicated. It just depends on how far you want to take something. From Iris Paper Folding... to stamping... to Gocco printing... the choices are endless. I even remember doing some fabu designs with a spirograph kit...

Anyway... I hope to explore some of these techniques in future posts... but in the meantime... have fun!

About the photo: I took this photo a couple years ago... and never did anything with it. When I was going thru my archives for a possible photo for this post.. .this one just jumped out at me. Why? Because when I was just a kid making cards... I always included a little "logo" on the back of them... (based on my maiden name of Appleby)... which was a little sketch of an apple and a fuzzy bee hovering by it.

308:365:2011

2011-10-26T22:21:00.006-06:00

One thing that is true for me... and one I would encourage... is that you should only have what you truly love.

Life is too short to be miserable.

That said... (and for me at least)... I would rather do without... than to have to deal with something I really don't like. Case in point. ...

We have had alot of various furniture over the last 20-some years of marriage. Most all of which... was 2nd (or third... or fourth... ) hand. Not that that is necessarily a bad thing. In fact, I would gladly argue that alot of things made today are really poorly made when compared to something made from even 40yrs ago. However. We have had alot of really crappy... poorly made stuff.

Right at the moment... the only seating we have in our living room is a single (but wonderful!) re-claimed leather chair and ottoman. It is about a year old.. .and was made from recycled material. It replaced a series of really ugly... uncomfortable... and on occasion... really smelly furniture over the years... the last of which was a couple small couches that our neighbors were (literally) throwing out.

We spontaneously got rid of most everything a year ago... and because we had (and still do) limited funds... we only could replace it all with just the one chair and ottoman.

It's fine.It really is.

Because that one chair and ottoman are so comfortable... clean... and completely our style... that it doesn't matter. We make do. Someday.. we will get more.. but for now.. it is OK.

So... downsizing isn't all bad folks...

And loving what you have?

.priceless.

*photo by Elaine A. Russell

307:365:2011

2011-10-25T22:41:00.000-06:00

I am a country girl at heart.

Now... don't misunderstand... I love living in the city... and the conveniences that provides...

But. I grew up in a very small town in rural PA... and my soul loves to watch the changing of the seasons... as only nature herself can do.

It seems that we as a people are going thru serious changes. I liken it alot to the great depression that followed the stock market crash of 1929. I think we have been living within a deep financial depression for longer than we all care to admit... and an emotional one perhaps as well. After all... alot of us suffered thru the "material years" of the 80s and 90s... and perhaps got caught up in alot of what we should have and ought to do... and ... now are at a point where we are re-thinking alot of things. At least... that's my take on it.

Which brings me back to being a "country girl." I have always done alot of crafting... of making "something out of nothing...".... of recycling and re-working pieces into new.

I would like to start doing more posts on these type of things...

I think it's about time.

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

306:365:2011

2011-10-24T22:37:00.000-06:00

...what a sweetheart... Happy Birthday little girl :)

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2011-10-23T23:46:00.000-06:00

On the PLUS side...

- I am trying to get all our finances in order

- I made $200 selling some gold jewelry

- I listed some stuff on Etsy.. .and have alot more to list :)

- I am continuing to downsize our stuff

- I am providing an opportunity for something GREAT to happen

*photo by Elaine A. Russell

303:365:2011

2011-10-21T23:47:00.000-06:00

Today was pretty craptastic.

And so... I will concentrate on the lovely... the hopeful... and what I hope will be the outcome of it all.

... and trust that it will all work out.

(photo by Elaine A. Russell)

302:365:2011

2011-10-20T22:17:00.000-06:00

...today was lovely...

*photo by Elaine A. Russell

301:365:2011

2011-10-19T21:30:00.001-06:00

...working like a little bee this week... trying to make some stuff and list a bit more in my Etsy store...

*photos and scarves by Elaine A. Russell

300:365:2011

2011-10-18T21:02:00.000-06:00

I love to cook.

Tonight I made this...

Organic chicken breasts... in a pan with a little olive oil and a few pats butter...

Smothered in spice... (paprika, cumin, pepper flakes, garam masala, curry, tumeric)... with some added fresh sliced onions and a clove of garlic. Slow roasted on the stovetop... darjeeling tea added to keep it moist while cooking.... and a chopped bratwurst that I had leftover in the fridge.

---- Topped with fresh herbs... and served with fusili.

299:365:2011

2011-10-17T18:32:00.000-06:00

Today was definately a monday... full of running errands... housekeeping... the usual frenzy.

However... I also got to see a wonderful friend... enjoy some coffee.... look at some fabulous art...

AND! ... I got to take a nap...

..... plus there were these beauties that I plucked from our garden beds...

297/298:365:2011

2011-10-16T23:07:00.000-06:00

It's been a long and tiring weekend.... and I fear that I did not get as much done as I had hoped.

That said... I love this weather... and I love this time of year... so I am trying really hard to get things together... get some things done... and enjoy the season.

Lazy mornings (or in my case... afternoons)... time well spent on the front patio drinking hot coffee and watching the birds. Today I got to see a Cooper's Hawk catch and enjoy his afternoon meal.

Fantastic.

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

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2011-10-14T19:26:00.000-06:00

dusky.

Evening descends on the west mesa

wind whipping and whirling like 2 squirrels in a frenzy

Grass waving... grasping at itself

holding tight

clutching the earth to itself

Scared to let go.

A chill is coming. Warm rays sink into the ground

like a blanket covering ones toes in the night.

And the stars come out to play...

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

294:365:2011

2011-10-12T16:34:00.000-06:00

Sometimes a photograph can so eloquently say how I'm feeling... and/ or ... how I'm feeling can so dramatically effect how I photograph things.

This is one of those days.

*photo by Elaine A. Russell

293:365:2011

2011-10-11T21:43:00.000-06:00

I really am trying to get it together here... some days just feel a bit harder than others.

However... today I managed to water the garden... clean up the patio space... and decorate for Halloween.

And did you see the moon out there?!

...she is stunning

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

292:365:2011

2011-10-10T23:14:00.000-06:00

Fall is definately in the air... and the weather has been awesome here for the past several days.

It has been wonderful.

And while I am still longing for a different place to live... I am trying hard to enjoy the season...

and all that New Mexico has to offer.

Dinner tonight was organic, grass fed beef... fresh veggies from the local farm market... and baguettes with Danish cheese smeared on it. Yum.

291:365:2011

2011-10-09T21:34:00.000-06:00

I feel as if I am going into another slump... I hate it.

I have been trying very hard to get myself out... and it doesn't seem to be working.

Part of the problem... is that I wish we could move. ... but things just aren't working that way...

or at least... it doesn't seem it.

Part of the problem is that I have been really sick this year... and although it is somewhat better...

I am far from where I would like to be.

Part of it seems silly... I miss the changing of the leaves. I miss the fog... I miss having creeks... water nearby.

And so... I have been trying to busy myself. Organizing stuff around the house. Working on some projects. Keeping up with the everyday ( laundry, dishes, sweeping, cleaning, cooking)... that sort of stuff.

I am trying to convince myself that it will pass.... everything will work out... everything will be OK.

... and I will go make some tea.

290:365:2011

2011-10-07T20:34:00.001-06:00

It's been an interesting week... that is for sure.

I apologize for not writing much these past few days... but it has turned out to be a time for reflection and meditation for me.
At least I included photos.... :)

Anyway. I promise to write a more "thoughtful" post this weekend...
and in the meantime... here is (another) photo from my recent trip to the Grand Canyon...

289:365:2011

2011-10-06T22:24:00.000-06:00

*photo by Elaine A. Russell

288:365:2011

2011-10-05T23:00:00.000-06:00

Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Butter...

~~~

40 large apples (about 13 lbs) cut up and cored.

1/4 cup water

6 cups of sugar

1 cup of cider vinegar

4 tsp of ground cinnamon

pat of butter

~~~

In a large covered kettle, simmer the apples and water until tender. Blend gently and coarsely. Measure out 1 gallon of pulp, place in a large pot. Add in sugar, vinegar, cinnamon, and a pat of butter.

Cover and bake at 400 degrees for 3hours, stirring occasionally.

Then check it. Depending on your altitude... it may need another hour to cook up into a nice thick sauce.

Pour hot into jars, process for 10 minutes in a hot-water bath.

Yield: 8-10 pints

*photo by Elaine A. Russell

**recipe is an adapted PA Dutch Country recipe from a century old cookbook.

287:365:2011

2011-10-04T21:13:00.000-06:00

... and today... it rained.

*photo by Elaine A. Russell

286:365:2011

2011-10-03T20:40:00.001-06:00

I love porches...patios.... outdoor spaces.

They just feel... right.

The past few days have been wonderful for hanging out on the patio... enjoying my coffee... and a good book.
To me... this is definitely the best time of year here in ABQ.

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

284/285:365:2011

2011-10-02T22:21:00.001-06:00

leaves... airborn... twirling

smoky tendrils wafting west

summer waves goodbye...

As we make an offering this weekend... we give thanks to summer and all it's blessings.

283:365:2011

2011-09-30T22:51:00.001-06:00

Being an artist ... isn't just about making art. It is living and breathing art on a daily basis. It is a way of life... the manner in which you do things... see things... feel things... and how you take it all in... and make it your own.

It is in putting on certain music to set the mood. It is in the flowers on the table... the handmade blankets on your bed... or curtains on your window. It is the collection of small rocks... or feathers... or nuts on the buffet table. It is in how you make your morning coffee... and add a side of fresh fruit or bread. It is in the crystals in the sunlight... the plants on the patio... the candles in the kitchen.

It is all this and more.

And tonight ... dinner was a french inspired melody of chicken breasts... slow roasted in white wine and herbs.... With oven roasted squash, potatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, mushrooms and herbs from the garden... and crusty seeded bread....

(*photos by Elaine A. Russell)