Happy Canine Campers!

Above: Harri-Berri at Camp Bow Wow Salt Lake City---Now there's a HAPPY face!

Yesterday my pups had their interview at Camp Bow Wow Salt Lake City, in preparation for a future visit when mom goes on vacation. Part of the interview process involves an introduction to other campers---one on one with a boy, then one on one with a girl, then several campers, and then the whole bunch (of other happy regular campers of the same general size). Mom gets to watch this on video cam from the comfort of the Camp Bow Wow lobby. Upon passing the interview, the pups receive a complimentary play day at the Camp. Harri and Ender passed and enjoyed an active day playing with the pups! This is such an upbeat and clean facility. My pups were so relaxed and happy when I picked them up from their day visit. They ate their dinners and went straight to pre-bedtime napping. Above: Ender at Camp Bow Wow. This is precisely the look my dad used to give me whenever I pointed the camera in his direction!!!

Need a hug today?

Above family photo ca. 1959

The last couple of days have been a bit rough with some disappointments. I realized after watching this video on Dominique Browning's blog, Slow Love Life, that a hug can do wonders to pick up my spirits. I received the perkin' up energy needed vicariously from this little experiment in Italy---Abbracci Gratis. It sure sucked me in! ;o) I love it. Watch it here.

Celebrating Imperfection!

My friend Suzanne (aka Spunky-Sue) sent the photo above to me, saying she likes it. I believe it was featured on Apartment Therapy blog one day. I LOVE it for highlighting the imperfection of a crack in the aging plaster. One of the things I was awed by while studying architecture in Rome was the beauty of wear and age on and inside buildings---the previous layers of history peeking through (palimpsest). So I have an affinity for the way the large crack in the wall was treated.

I have my own cracked plaster, on a much smaller scale, on a wall in the stairwell leading to the upstairs bedrooms. I looked through my assortment of unused frames and found one that captures and celebrates the textures and colors revealed by the cracked plaster.

Thank you for the inspiration, Spunky-Sue!!!

Available: Bright Cozy Bedroom...

My bright cozy upstairs bedroom is available on February 14th. 

Above: Romantic dormer and roof lines, antique chandelier.

Above: 1830's Norwegian Armoire with shelves for clothes.

Above: View of the dormer window, book shelf.

Secretary desk and chair

Above: Large Shared Bathroom

Above: Shared Kitchen

Read more details about the space on my craigslist ad here.

All utilities (Wi-Fi, electric, gas, garbage, water) are included in the $350/month rent.  If you know someone looking for such a place, contact me via comments or use the "Contact Me" button on the right side column of this blog.

Adaptive Re-Use

If the photo above looks to you like a Sunbeam mixing bowl sitting in a chafing dish stand---you are correct! If the photo above looks to you like an elevated dog food/water bowl---you are correct!

Tall breed dogs have an easier time eating when their food and water are elevated.

It's so difficult to find a reasonably priced elevated water bowl, but I ran across these components (in the top and bottom photos) at the thrift store and created the elevated water bowl---for less than $10. :o) It's easy to clean, too!

Gallery Stroll This Friday July 16

Photo above: painting by Anni Stafford
Anni Stafford is showing at Charley Hafen Jewelers Gallery through August 17, with a reception tomorrow during Gallery Stroll from 6pm till 9pm.

July Gallery Stroll - July 16th, 6-9 pm.
For a printable (PDF) version of this list, click here.
15th Street Gallery – 1519 S 1500 E; 801-468-1515Currently showing contemporary still life, portraiture, land and cityscapes by Aaron Lifferth, Lindsay Frei, Aaron Bushnell and Steve Larson, as well as rural realism by Eric Thompson.
A Gallery – 1321 S 2100 E; 801-583-2100A Gallery is pleased to present new works by Lenka Konopasek.
Anthony's Fine Art and Antiques – 401 E 200 S; 801-328-2231Currently offering an important collection of early Utah art, including J. B. Fairbanks, John Hafen, J. T. Harwood, Ranch Kimball, Alfred Lambourne, Lee Greene Richards, LeConte Stewart, A. B. Wright, Mahonri Young and others.
Art Access – 230 S 500 W; 801-328-0703 Hosting painter, Olivia Mae Pendergast and three Malawi artists, as well as We Are Amused, featuring six artists known for their sense of humor: Sam Wilson; Bob Kleinschmidt; Zane Lancaster; Dottie Miles; Pat Bagley and Sara Shephard Edgar.
Art at the Main – Ground floor of the Main City Library, 210 E 400 S; 801-363-4088 Featuring new work by Nancy Swanson. Titled Paint and Paper, the exhibit explores different media and methods including watercolor, monotype, gouache and pastel in styles from realistic to abstract. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided.
Artistic Framing and Sugarhouse Gallery – 2160 Highland; 801-486-4893In July we will be showing abstract oil paintings by Clarence Bowman. These fantastic pieces display wonderful color and technique combinations, a must see this month.
Blonde Grizzly – 15 E 400 S; 801-355-9075Grand Opening! Come see art inspired by your favorite Saturday Morning Cartoons. Featuring original artwork by Alex Pardee, Dave Correia, Vic Back, CW Mihlberger, Austen Stanton, Jared Snow, Nikki Goddard and more.
Caffe Niche – 779 E 300 S; 801-433-3380 Caffe Niche is proud to present Ellen McConnell’s, New York, mixed media on canvas and Brody Ism’s, Ism’s, spray and acrylic paint on canvas.
Charley Hafen Jewelers – 1409 S 900 E; 801-521-7711Featuring Anni Stafford’s exhibit, Perspectives. Anni, a student of Alvin Gittins, V. Douglas Snow and Paul Davis is a contemporary realist and paints with oil and watercolor, her subject matter – people, landscapes and still life.
Finch Lane and Park Galleries / Art Barn – 1340 E 100 S (in Reservoir Park); 801-596-5000Featuring Al Denyer’s drawings, Aurora Hughes Villa’s clay and mixed media and Sunny Belliston Taylor’s paintings and mixed media.
Food Art at the Broadway Market – 242 E 300 S; 801-363-3939Offering greeting cards, local sterling silver food castings made into fine jewelry by Laura Besterfelt, pottery by Sidney Smith, petrified wood fruit and vegetable bowls and organic produce made into unique edible art. Come See!
Frame Shop at 6th and "L" – 752 E 6th Avenue; 801-359-4604Presenting the indescribably beautiful stone petroglyphic artwork of Arlin Pritchard. Watch the artist work while you dream up your custom orders. Featuring live classical music by Eric Kartchner and Mike Fugal.
Hope Gallery and Museum of Fine Art – 151 S Main; 801-532-1336Featuring a distinct collection of European masters from the 16th to 21st centuries, including the largest collection of original Danish works (outside the national museums in Denmark) by notable artists such as Bloch, Kroyer, Henningsen, Wegmann and Molsted.
HORNE Fine Art – 142 E 800 S; 801-533-4200Take a vacation right in town. Enjoy new pasture and garden scenes by Phyllis Horne, splash around with Jamie Wayman's swimmers and linger in a new series of local restaurant patios by Karen Horne (including scenes from Cannella's, Trio and Tuscany).
the Hotel – 801-660-5857Presents Gallery Stroll after party beginning at 9pm. Evenings Live, upstairs in the ballroom + mercury lounge, is a one-of-a kind experience integrating live art, live music and new collections from featured artists every month in a high energy nightclub environment.
Local Colors of Utah – 535 S 700 E; 801-363-3922Come enjoy refreshments and see new work presented by three of our and local artists: Jane Autry, painter; Cheryl Glenn, clay artist and Andi Jorgensen, painter.
Mestizo Gallery – 31 W North Temple #700; 801-596-0500In conjunction with Mestizo's two year anniversary, HERstories features the work of Ruby Chacon and Veronica Perez. This exhibit is a representation of untold stories that carry experiential knowledge and wisdom.
Michael Berry Gallery and Custom Framing – 163 E 300 S; 801-521-0243 Sculpture by Tim Little and paintings by Rick Blackerby.
Phillips Gallery – 444 E 200 S; 801-364-8284 Annual Summer Group Show featuring the entire collection of Phillips Gallery artists including a few new faces.
Red Kiln – 339 E 1700 S; 801-484-4016Results, wood-fired pottery and clay art by potters at the Red Kiln Studio. A year long process of workshops and making pots led to a firing of an Anagama Kiln in June 2010. Come and see photos from the workshops, the firing in progress and finished pieces.
Salt Lake Art Center – 20 S West Temple; 801-328-4201 Contemporary Masters, fully playable miniature golf course designed by Utah and national artists and Not Just Another Pretty Face, commissioned works by Utah artists.
SLC Ink – 1150 S Main; 801-596-2061Featuring the art of Thomas S. Tholen, former high school art teacher and recent newsmaker. The work combines the nostalgia of World War II bombers with modern hot rod lifestyle elements.
Tin Angel Cafe – 365 W 400 S; 801-328-4155Presenting Guy Wheelwright with Sensible Horizon, an exploration of architectural elements and Rachel McKinnie with Random Favorites, a series of shots from around Utah. Live music provided by Derrek Wright. Call for reservations.
UT Artist Hands – 61 W 100 S; 801-355-0206Many Hands, a summer group show featuring the works of the gallery represented artists. Showing June 18th through August 31st. Each month different artists will be on hand for demonstrations.
Williams Fine Art – 200 E South Temple Ste 100; 801-534-0331Featuring three of our top selling landscape artists: Elva Malin, Charles Muench and Kate Starling.

Salt Lake City plans for a sustainable future...

Photo above from Wasatch Community Gardens

Here's a short video clip from our local news reporting on Salt Lake Plans for sustainable future.

I mentioned here before that I didn't plant my own veggie garden this year. I decided to participate in a local farm's Community Supported Agriculture program. I'm loving my CSA weekly packages. This week I will learn to prepare Swiss chard for my first time! Besides being better for the environment (no petroleum involved in shipping, no pesticides used in growing, superior freshness and nutrition), local organic produce tastes the BEST.

Carving out my place...

in a big fluid world...

The Ants have eaten the mouse bait!!!

Do you ever have one of those days or weeks, where there's just a little bit (or maybe a BIG bit) too much going on? This week in the creature category---I'm feeling a little like Dr. Doolittle.

The evening the peahen (aka Persephone the female peacock) spent the night with us at Hound's Roo cottage, I saw a mouse dashing about in the breakfast room. I baited the catch-and-release mouse trap and placed it against the wall where I last saw the fleeting little rodent. Then I loaded up the killer mouse trap with peanut butter and placed in on the kitchen floor.

After returning from our daily dog walk this morning, in which Ender participated for the first time in months (making it a three-dog walk with our guest hound in tow), I checked to see whether I'd caught any mice---dead or alive. Nothing has touched the killer mouse trap. However, there is a happy little swarm of ants inside the catch-and-release mouse trap---and the big pad of peanut butter I spread inside on waxed paper is GONE! I thought mice only came in the house in the winter. I have never had the co-pest problem of ants and mice together. GEEZ. I can't very well borrow a "mouser" cat with the greyhounds living here! :-o

I have a room for rent in Hound's Roo ("no pets allowed") and just had a response asking whether a bird would be accepted. LOL!

Peacock update

Above: Stock photo online

"Percy", as the next door neighbors named "him", seems to have moved on to greener rooftops. I received a call from an aviary staff member this morning. She reported that all three of their male adolescent peacocks are "accounted for". However, there is a peahen (female "peacock") that has been at large for about four weeks. The aviary staff member told me that often they will leave the aviary searching for nesting places. I last saw "Persephone" last evening roosting high up in our huge box elder tree. The aviary staff member requested that I call the aviary if I see her again. In today's local on-line news, I ran across this article about the elephant who regularly escaped from the zoo (when it was in the same location as the current aviary). It is this event aviary Director made reference to while chatting with me on the phone last night...

Above: Photo of Princess Alice and young son, Prince Utah

In 1931, Alice the elephant often escaped from her enclosure at the zoo in Liberty Park.
Alice wandered along 700 East in Salt Lake City, sometimes into yards of local residences.
The Zoo’s director was so frustrated with Alice’s propensity to ‘wear on her back an odd assortment of clothing from the neighborhoods’ clotheslines ”that he likened it to ‘vandalism’ as quoted in a local newspaper article.

Eventually, this frustration lead to discussions about a new location for the Zoo as well as a new enclosure for Princess Alice, the Asian elephant.
She was eventually relocated to Hogle Zoo and if you look carefully within the zoo you will find a stone carving of her still present today. Sources: Hogle Zoo History

New Roof Ornament

Just before the sun went down, I took a photo of our new peacock roof ornament.

The file photo above of the house mid-day shows the "witch's hat" on the front of the house where the peacock is mounted. Truth be known . . . this is a real peacock . . . escaped from the Tracy Aviary just a few blocks from our home.

I was concerned about the safety of the bird and called the Aviary, but only reached a recording, at which point I left a voicemail, reporting the escaped bird. Making a long story short, omitting a few of the finer details and "officials" I spoke with, the SLC animal control (not interested and said the bird doesn't belong to the aviary---there are wild peacocks wandering all over the valley. I said, "So you mean to say, there are feral peacocks out and about all over at any given time?" He "assured" me this is true. Yea, right and I often see pink and blue fine-feathered-feral ostriches standing in the ticket line at the Broadway Cinema.) and a very persistent SLC police department dispatcher searching for chain of command in such aviary "emergencies" finally made contact with aviary officials. She had left voicemails containing my personal contact information with everyone. Eventually, I received a phone call from the Chairman of the Board of the aviary followed by a call from the Director of the aviary, both claiming the bird most definitely belongs to the aviary. The Director indicated that it is an adolescent bird (that was my guess, too) who hadn't gone through a full season yet. Those young fowl "sometimes get out of the aviary and roost at night, but always return to the aviary for breakfast." Some things, such as adolescent behavior, apparently translate across species. The Director gave me a bit of background on the aviary site: It used to be the site of the Hogle Zoo with elephants and such zoo animals. He assured me that our "escaped peacock is nothing compared to an elephant in the close line." :o)

Inviting apartment

Above: Shared living room with large window seat and built-in bookcase.

I'm so happy a lovely couple have purchased an old house that had languished on the market for quite a while. The house, which is four doors down from me was built in 1898 and for the last many many years was a rental. My real delight comes in the fact that the couple are living in the home themselves and are good neighbors. There is an existing two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment on the upper level of the house, for which they would like find tenants. They have done a beautiful job cleaning and painting this apartment all the while cleaning and painting and moving into their own part of the house in an amazing short six weeks! I offered help with staging (lending a few extra pieces of furniture) and writing the ads. The ads were placed late afternoon yesterday and before 8pm they had their first showing to an interested person! More photos of this darling place are below...

Above: West bedroom with window seat (with storage inside) and built-in bookcase.
Above: Full bath with claw foot tub---belonging the the West bedroom.

Above: South bedroom with a separate study/office area.

Above: Three-quarter bath---belonging to the South bedroom.

Above: Shared kitchen.

If you know more potential lovely neighbors who would like to rent these spaces, please direct them to the descriptive ads placed on craigslist which can be found by clicking on the links below:

Apartment has been Rented.

Gone skateboarding