A View of Changing Seasons in the 505

So, if you have ever been to Albuquerque, you'll know that one of the most noticeable landmarks is the Mountains, the "Sandias". I grew up under this gorgeous palisade.



It It is, on some very essential level, as much a part of me as my family. I could take 1000 photographs of her throughout the year, and you'd see she looks different every time.

Sandia means "watermelon", and I have heard this range was named so because often in the evenings as the sun goes down the mountain takes on reddish and pinkish hues.

I took this photo last week, right after one of our snow storms (a very mild one). The peak and surrounding crags are dusted with snow, and the radio and television towers almost look like some lofty city looking down on the world below. These towers are not as obvious when there isn't snow, at least not from down below. I loved this view, so I thought I'd share it with you. ::

The snows seem to have surprised everyone, I have heard lots of peeps saying how they can't believe it is snowing in March or April, but it's that unusual this time of year to have some snowfall, even sometimes in the first week of May. Not a lot of it, mind you, but we see it now and again.

What I find odd are the warm days reaching the high 70's, and the following day or two where we have snow and cold enough weather for coats, and then the next week we are back on the 60's and 70's degree range again.

This is more extreme if you take into account the weather differences from Albuquerque, to where I live in the East Mountains, just 20 miles east of where the photo below was taken. The photo to the left is a snowfall we had last week, Saturday April 11th, at my house. This was just three days after the photo below was taken on Wednesday April 8th.

On Wednesday temperatures were in the high 70's (78 at the

airport at one point), by Saturday we had pouring rain in Albuquerque, and wintry weather by any standard at home.

I am by no means complaining, I enjoy variety, even when variety means I'll have no idea how to dress for the weather from one moment to the next.

Today it is warm outside, both at home and here in Albuquerque where I sit at my desk at work. The wind is blowing (creating hell for those of us who have pollen allergies) and is supposed to have gusts up to 45 mph, which is normal with our changing seasons this time of year. I have my office door open, watching the feral kitties outside play beneath my car.

And I bet they too, are enjoying the prettier warm days that April is bringing. :)

Ya Gotta See This!

There's a new scene in town... and it's hot.

Chroma Studio's describes itself as "Chroma Studios is an Art and Music space on Central Ave. between UNM and I-25. We offer 14 studio spaces in a professional working environment. We also have a conference/classroom space available for hourly, daily or monthly rental. We recently expanded to include a gallery space. We also do framing at wholesale prices." But the description doesn't give this great place justice.

Thier Grand Opening Art Show was on Friday, June 6, 2008, and they've already had a second show, "Feathers and Flowers" and a book signing by Alyson Stanfield for her book "I'd Rather Be In The Studio", and already another show, "Albuquerque 'Scapes Photography Show".

I am excited to say I will be a part of this show, and I'd love to invite all of you, it will be great fun!

Here's the scoop:

Time: November 7, 2008 from 5pm to 8:30pm
Location: Chroma Gallery
Organized By: Paula Manning-Lewis

Event Description:
In November we are featuring a show of Albuquerque Photographers. Our featured artist for the month is Susan See, also included in the show are Jean O'Neill, Raine Klover, Kirk McGee, Dawn Allynn, Nick Giannotto, and a couple others. If you are in the area, please stop by for our opening reception on November 7th from 5-8:30 pm.