Albuquerque

 

I am from Albuquerque.

Born. Not raised.

But, I spent a great deal of time there all throughout my youth.

We moved to a small town 45 minutes south of Albuquerque when I was 6, but my family continued to spend nearly every weekend there until I left for college. 

As a teenager, I spent a great deal of time on Central near the University. It's an eclectic, unique and culturally rich spot. This cafe above and below is one that we used to go to even then....back when it was the only one and when it was Double Rainbow.

Norbert and I also lived together in several homes in the University and Nob Hill areas before we moved to Colorado. 

So, for me, Albuquerque is home.

And we are also alumni....

So, one day during our Christmas visit in New Mexico, we took off and spent some time in our old stomping grounds. 

We walked with the boys all over the University of New Mexico campus:

It's all in the details....

I hadn't been to these spots on campus since I graduated....many years ago.

I was definitely blissed out, running around here, with my camera.

The boys loved running all over it, too...but I think it was all about the ducks for them ;)

P.S. Our online shops will be opening on January 9th.

With changes.

There'll be some announcements this week, along those lines.

Along the lines of CHANGE.

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tradition

I took these photos a week or two ago when the fall colors erupted into shades of bright reds and yellows. 

This is a welcome change from last year when we had a snowstorm move in at the first of October. It stunted the fall season, ushering in winter far too early for my taste. This year however, I am enjoying a true fall season with warm, color-filled days, and cold, brisk nights.

This year, I also had my parents bring me a pair of ristras to hang on my front porch. Back in Albuquerque we always had ristras hanging at the front of our home. It's tradition and a welcome reminder of the commencement of fall. As soon as you smell the green chile wafting in the air from the multitude of roasters (and when I say multitude, I mean multitude! There are literally hundreds of them throughout the city) you know it's September.

My parents generally buy a couple of sacks (garbage bag size) of freshly roasted green chile in the fall and then we peel and package it into quart sized baggies for the freezer. This amount will be enough for all of our families; the Melnikovs, my parents and my sister's family, for the year. You have to understand: chile is at the core of New Mexican food. We are practically weaned on it!

I hadn't had ristras since we left NM over two years ago.....it's a good reminder of home. I love looking out my front windows and seeing them there. Tradition is important. No matter where we end up in the world I hope to have some ristras with me :)

Time for breakfast, then work. I am a bit slow moving this morning....must've been the weekend festivities ;)



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Weekend wrap-up

(my mom and I)

Our little trip just flew by in a flash. We had a lot of fun while there, though.

The driving....not so much (the boys were really cranky when we got in last night :(

(Norbert....staring me down ;)

We mainly hung out at my sister and brother-in-law's house as well as his restaurant.

The birthday boy got a serenade from a local performer...and he kept a poker-face the whole time!

He wasn't sure what to make of all the racket I guess.

I can't say that I got a lot of rest....don't you just love coming back from 'vacations' (even mini ones) exhausted! I foresee a lot of early nights in my near future.............

- Alysia :)

p.s. I have a huge load of work this week, so I am going to postpone my 'shop update' for next Monday.

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Heading south.

After a wonderful weekend filled with multiple Easter egg hunts (and yummy food) and visiting with friends, we are hightailing it out of here :) Actually it's my little nephew's first birthday, so we are off to help celebrate (he is my sister's first child so this is rather important!) We are leaving tomorrow and we're heading back early Sunday....so I am not closing my shop down. I will place an announcement on my shop page that all orders placed between tomorrow and Sunday, will go out first thing Monday morning.

I am exhausted from a full, full day of running around like a headless momma ;) Here's the rundown:  I helped out at my son's school first thing, ran errands, completed orders, fed big and little people, packaged orders, picked up my boy from school, returned convos/calls, made a fabulous dinner, made a sh*tty cheesecake, did a mountain of dishes.......oh yeah, and packed for tomorrow (did I mention the good workout with my vacuuming arm?)! I did have to have a glass of wine while cooking though, because my two monkeys were driving me absolutely insane....that took care of it ;)

I'm looking forward to hanging out with my family....it's been a busy couple of weeks, but I've been doing really well. I started running again and it has made such a big difference. Amazing what those endorphins can do for your head! Plus, my pulled nerve seems to be healing well....I've really been baby-ing that side AND I'm working hard at releasing all of that pent up anxiety/crap that I went through. Negative energy be-gone!!!! ;)

p.s. I have new pieces going up next week!

Almost on vacation...

I forgot to mention that I am heading down to NM to visit my familia this weekend and also to attend my grandpa's 90th birthday. We're going to take off after dinner tomorrow....this way my bambinos can sleep most of the trip. We'll get there in the middle of the night and just fall right into bed. We will come back on Sunday so its going to be a short trip, but we wanted to visit....I haven't been there since April. I most especially want to see my little nephew. He is my little sister's first baby so he is extra special ;) The last time I saw him was when he was born!

I decided not to close my shop for this weekend because I will be gone for such a short time. Any orders that come in will ship out first thing Monday morning....I'll put that announcement up in my shop as well.

I plan on posting new pieces throughout the weekend too. A few a day....here are three that I posted today:

Those middle earrings are named for my other sister.....so they are extra special.

See you tomorrow :)

A bit of business...

This morning I shipped out all of my orders. Yesterday I made a custom turquoise ring to go along with my 'Memories of New Mexico' necklace and while making it I decided to make myself something as well. So I guess this is Happy Birthday to me....:)

This puppy goes well with my growing collection! (don't pay attention to the clash of sequins and turquoise...heeheehee)

Well my Etsy shop has wrapped up and closed for vacation. I decided yesterday that I had better close up a few days earlier because I definitely wanted the remaining two days to be focused on preparing to leave. There really is still so much to do. I have to cut all of my monkeys' hair (that includes Mr. Melnikov :), finish up packing, clean house, water plants, charge batteries, etc..... I'm afraid I may lose some plants while we are gone...but I guess that is to be expected. I hope the casualties will be low though!

I have been trying to make this blog post for an hour now....that's what happens when you have two crazy kids jumping all around you ;)

On a side note I have been really digging these guys lately....LOVE Such Great Heights. You all should see me when I'm working. I dance in my chair A LOT :)

See you in transit....

Things that I want...

I thought I would share a few beautiful pieces from the 'favorites' section of my etsy shop. For those of you who do not know the process of 'hearting' someone on etsy, it basically is a mechanism for people to show their appreciation for an item that is publicly displayed for everyone to see. I have a growing list of favorites because like I have mentioned before, etsy has incredibly talented artisans.

Here is one dress that I love by innerevolution. I love the simplicity of her designs, yet they are very form flattering and sensual. I have to have this dress! Sometime soon I hope :)

Another favorite of mine is this pair of house slippers. I love to wear slippers at home and it would be nice if they were this stylish to boot! I would wear them out as well if I could!

I need to run off and have some evening tea with my parents right now...they are leaving in the morning to return to New Mexico.


They will be soo missed!!