My Debut Art Exhibit

Last night's art exhibit was really fun! I feel like such a dork that I forgot my camera. My favorite picture would have been the sidewalk sign with vinyl lettering that said, "Come see local artist Julie Bangerter painting live tonight from 6-9." How vain is it that I love to see my name in print like that. Well, it was a thrill. I never hope to be famous but it's fun to get a glimpse of it.

It was cool to see people come and to get a chance to talk about what I do and receive some feedback. A wonderful opportunity. Very fun! For those who wanted to go but couldn't make it last night, Repartee will keep some of my art on display through the 4th of July weekend so if you're already at Costco or having dinner at Texas Roadhouse or anything out that way, stop by and check things out.

And a little plug: Repartee Gallery is my favorite framer. I love everything about that place and it's not more expensive like you might assume when you go into the place. It feels high-end but it's priced right. Plus they have a better selection of frames, they get the framing job done fast, and they are much more artistic with the way they frame, too. So, if you have anything you need framed give them a shot.

Friday, June 26, 6:00-9:00 pm

Come see me at Repartee Gallery Friday!

Yes, this Friday.
Right now, Friday
TONIGHT!

6:00 - 9:00 pm

I'll be there working on a collage and I'll have some of my art on display all week. So, stop by, check things out, say, Hi. I'd love to see some familiar faces.

175 N 500 W Bountiful

Zorro

-Zorro, with our neighbor Markus.

Here she comes...

Walking down the street... You know the song, right? I love when Kate's dressed up like this because she really gets into the role, puting on a whole new persona. I don't know if you can see the purse right off but it's fun to watch her mess with the purse and try and get things in and out of it with her oversized gloves in the way.

Today, I saw a long-time-ago co-worker from JC Penney (Melissa Miles for my JCP friends) and her son had on dress-up heels! Mis-matching ones! It was too funny. My friend was so cute about it, too. I love that. And who wouldn't want to wear dress up heels? They are so rewarding. They make those awesome clip-clopping sounds. They are sparkly. Why should little girls have all the fun?

P.S. It's Scott's 32nd Birthday today! Go Scott! We had a fun day and I think his favorite birthday gift was that tomorrow's deposition for that crazy law suit was postponed a month or so! And tied, or a close second, was Kate's birthday loves. She laid them on pretty thick when he stopped in after lunch on his way to a bid in Layton. We love you Scotty-boy! XOXO

Respite: an interval of rest or relief

We spent the week at Scott's parents' cabin and was that ever a retreat! This is the best vacation spot for us. It's close. It's inexpensive and well-stocked with anything and everything anyone might want (Thank you Kathy). You don't have to deal with crowds, tips, shopping, or ornery people. You can sleep in, go to bed late, hike, look at beautiful, mountain scenery, or do absolutely nothing.

My favorite part was hiking up to the lookout several times and playing Lucky Unders (a card game).
Scott's favorite part was driving us in the Ranger all over the cabin area and seeing the elk.
Kate's favorite part was playing old maid & go fish repeatedly.

This is Kate on our way to the cabin, clutching her favorite, flower dress. She wore it constantly. Her favorite dress-up shoes broke the day before we left for the cabin so we bought her a new pair in Kimball Junction and she wore them up at the cabin in all the gravel and mud with her favorite flower dress. Not quite the mountain attire you would expect for 40-50 degree weather. Try telling that to her. My mom, dad, sister, and nephew came up Monday night for dinner and a hike and my cousin and her family came up to stay overnight on Thursday and then my parents came up again-because no one could have too much of that place-on Friday for dinner and more hiking.Above is Scott driving us around in the Ranger. He could live at the cabin. Everyday I half expect him to say, "Julie, let's sell our house and buy the cabin from Mom & Dad." Here's Kate with my cousin, Ann, and her daughter, Lydia. Ann's husband, Dan, and their son, Tanner.

Kate with Tanner. Move over Zac and James, Kate has a new boyfriend! By the way, should I wait to tell Kate that she probably shouldn't marry her second cousin or is it best to let her know now?

This is a picture of Buck Hollow where we saw tons of wildlife: a few random deer, three buck, 18-head of elk etc.

Varmints

We've had varmints living in the basement in our wood burning stove. At first it was scary. We'd be downstairs watching a movie and we'd hear scratching and banging noises. But this year, about a month ago, we hear purring. We had an expert tells us that they are for sure Raccoons. So our little friend who comes back every year nested with her little babies in our fireplace. I am so stupid. I thought it was cute at first. But when our expert/friend reminded me of the feces & urine I remembered all the times Scott has asked me to buy air fresheners for downstairs because the basement always smelled not quite right to him. Since our home has been around since the 70's I always assumed it's just the smell of an old house. We washed the carpet, nope still smelly. We painted the walls, nope still smelly. Now what are we going to do?

We were advised to wait out the nesting period and when we know for sure they are all gone, we should put a cap on the chimney and wait for the feces and urine to dry up and set the remnants ablaze this winter. I say we should take the whole ugly thing down brick-by-brick and start with a clean slate. If I got my way it would cost quite a bit. Money. That's all I need. More of it. Lots and lots.

If I had some money, I would redo the basement ceiling and put in pot lights. I would get new carpet downstairs. I would buy new windows. I would throw a ton of money into the yard. We could probably spend $30,000 in the yard alone because of the huge drop-off that needs a new retaining wall and just some new plants and trees would be nice. It's so hard to wait. But I know if I wait long enough, all my ideas of what I think I need will change anyway.

We're only taking half our month's salary these days so I know my wishes are a pipe dream. Scott's last employee quit yesterday so now it's just Scott, Jeff, and Todd--and Todd hasn't worked with the business for over a month. Luckily he's had work to keep him busy at the townhomes that his wife manages.

But two bits of fun: Scott started guitar lessons yesterday (that came totally out of the blue for me but that's what he's doing), and the manager at Repartee asked me to be the featured, local artist for their Gallery Stroll June 26.