2020-01-14 - Garrulous Gallery Gatherings

Jogging home from the gym, he passes by one window, just like the little ritual he's set up. Swaying long black hair and concealed black earbud cord, held backpack over his left shoulder, a leisurely pace homeward bound from the gymnasium only a few doors down. People on the sidewalk parting like a sea of some color, to get out of the giant's way only to fill in at his wake until he gets to the last window to minimize the retaliation.

BAM BAM BAM

Everett's flat palm strikes the window of the art gallery three times, while he wears a smug smirk.

Hera is sitting on her couch jotting a few things down in her diary. Then she's a bit stunned at the 'bam bam' until she sees a lock of black hair make its way off. Of course she knows who that lock is attached too and she just shakes her head muttering, "Get a life, find another redhead to be your bitch."

There's no class this afternoon but there is a Queso and there is a Hans. Also, there is a Hera. She sits on a couch and sips at a glass of wine. Her dog is on the couch with her and in this case he is definitely snuggling. There's also a diary on the couch of some sort but Hera just appears to be relaxing, not writing in it for now.

Anything that might have happend with a jogger seems to be missed by Grace. Either way she comes knocking before peering inside, trying to find Hera and her pets. Winston with her, but being lazy and being carried by the woman. "Are you here?" At which point the dog is trying to look from his comfy spot to see those inside.

Hans sits up and gives a bit of a wuff to let his owner know that his buddy has come by. Hera sits up and looks over to the exit and smiles. "For you, the door is always open" she says. She goes to get the door just to be hospitable. Already the German Sheppard does his own version of smiling. "Come in come in!" she says and offers the woman a half hug. It's only a half one because she doesn't want to crowd her too much or hurt the four legged baby. "Can I get you something to drink?"

Hans sits up and gives a bit of a wuff to let his owner know that his buddy has come by. Hera sits up and looks over to the exit and smiles. "For you, the door is always open" she says. She goes to get the door just to be hospitable. Already the German Sheppard does his own version of smiling. "Come in come in!" she says and offers the woman a half hug. It's only a half one because she doesn't want to crowd her too much or hurt the four legged baby. "Can I get you something to drink?"

Grace beams and does offer a hug in return. Before letting Winston go to cozy up with Hans, if allowed. Seeming lazy today. "Sure, wine?" Offered about drinks. "Wanted to see what you were up to. Grace is currently dressed comfortably more than anything. A Bullet Club t-shirt and sweatpants/yoga pants style on her.

Hera blushes a little at the mention of 'what you were up to' and goes to get a bottle. "Well I uhm, kinda made a bit of a fool of myself the other night at the LGBT party, really did. But, I found out who my true friends were. Then, went to the festival last night and visited with Abby. Seems like she really drug me out of a bad spot and all. What about you?"

After the previous night Kim really wanted to check on Hera. Kim herself had too much as well and memories are a little fuzzy. She slips in the front door looking around for Hera and to make sure there isn't a class going on. Spotting Hera she gives her a wave and starts to walk over.

Grace raises a brow. "Oh? How so? Everything okay?" She asks, curious and perhaps concerend. "Oh, I've just been working. Still looking on somewhere to set up for the wrestling stuff. More permanent I mean. But I probably should get out more as well." Blushing some at that. Hearing someone new come in has Grace glancing over, taking a step to the side to let Hera greet the newest arrival. A smile and wave offered to Kim though.

Stephanie walks into the gallery quietly keeping to herself, heading straight for the photography exhibit. She wanted to take some time to enjoy the gallery, and clear her head after everything's that happened recently with her. She takes a look around at who is present and decides that she'll hang back for a bit to see what happens before she goes to greet anyone.

Hera smiles a bit and says, "Yeah, it is now. Just, reminds me who is trust now and everything is perfectly ok. I am fine." She scratches Hans from behind the ears and tells him, "Go get your bone boy." But, a dog cannot understand full sentences and she says, "Bone." Well that much he understands and he goes to get it. He then brings it to Winston and barks playfully. When Hera sees Stephanie though she goes over to get her a hug, "Hi there." she greets, "Doing well? Have you met Grace?"

Kim looks over Hera as she gets closer. "Hey there. Are you doing okay? Last thing I really remember was helping you out to eh...I think her name was Abby? But to her car and we were going to take you here since we didn't know your home. Then I'm just waking up in my hotel. I mean you got home that's clear. Just you know wanted to check up on you." she is embarrassed about blacking out herself. Turning head to Grace, giving her a friendly smile and wave. "Oh hi."

Stephanie returns Hera's hug with a kind and replies, "I'm doing okay. I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting Grace." She glances around at the photography exhibit and adds, "I've been admiring these pictures. They're gorgeous and the composition on some of them...it's a masterclass. They're gorgeous!"

Wearing a long, brightly floral-embroidered jacket, some jeans, black leather boots, a black sweater, and red gloves, Harper pulls the door to the gallery open and steps inside from the afternoon, winter chill outside, loosely holding a hardback novel to her chest. The gallery is a popular place: that's readily apparent by the group of friendly people present. And there are dogs! Harper's lips curve to a soft smile as she regards the four-legged beasties. Then, avoiding interrupting conversation, she begins to make her way slowly, counter-clockwise around the room's displayed works of art, reading placards, stepping back now and again to take a whole piece in. She's self-sufficient, socially, with a pleasant, approachable demeanor. But really, who brings a novel to an art gallery? (outfit, not pb: https://i.pinimg.com/564x/f6/75/20/f6752006acb62da6cfb83324a756bc61.jpg )

Grace smiles as she looks to Hans and Winston, the latter sitting to see what Hans is doing. Then moving to join. Grace then look to those arriving. A smile and wave to Stephanie, at the introduction given. "Hi." Not intruding too much though. Turning to Kim as well, "Hi. I'm Grace." She offers in introduction to her as well. A glance to the door as Harper arrive, but letting her look around. Grace just stay around near Hera for the time being.

Hans is ready to bark and play and bark and play and bark and play some more. Winston brings out the best in the doggie. If someone is a threat well, now is not the time to be a nusance. When Winston is here it's time for fun. He begins to nudge the bone in the little dog's direction. It's buddy time!

She smiles at Kim and says, "Thank you. I am doing fine. I, well, it really humbled me to know who my friends are. This town has been so wonderful to me." With a grin she looks at Stephanie and says, "Thank you, did you see Leon's work?" There is a gorgeous picture of a lighthouse either in the sunset or sunrise. "He took that picture, Maggi brought him in to show it off." She waves over at Harper and says, "Wow, gorgeous jacket, that's really really pretty, really. I'll get drinks for us all." She then goes off to get wine, water, and coffee, her mood a happy one since so many people have dropped in.

Kim offers her hand to Grace "Hi Grace. I'm Kim. You are a friend of Hera's I take it?" taking a look about as more people come in. Offering a pleasant and friendly smile if they look her way. She does breathe out a sigh of relief at Hera's news. "I am glad. Couldn't just leave you there. Especially when I dragged you there in the first place." she says before finding a place to sit.

Harper turns on her heel to smile at Hera. "Thanks, Hera. You certainly didn't do this place justice at the fair. It's fabulous." Another flicker of the librarian's brown-eyed gaze to the playful pooches before she continues her perusal of the art pieces on exhibition. It wouldn't be difficult to take in the other conversations going on in the open space as she takes her time to enjoy one piece at a time. The hardback book remains easily held between her elbow and her coat-clad chest.

"It's nice to meet you all," Stephanie says as she listens to the introductions, "I'm Stephanie by the way for those I haven't met. It's nice to see a lot more action going on in the gallery, more people coming in. I know this all means a lot to Hera." She smiles at everyone.

Harper met Stephanie at the Winter Fest. She peeks over her shoulder with a smile and wiggles her fingers at the woman without joining the current conversation across the room. Spectacular lighthouse photograph. "Wow," she breathes to herself.

Winston does move towards the bone. Attacking it before letting out a soft bark to the larger dog. Indeed, playtime! Winston does glance occasionally to all the people coming in, but Hans is good at keeping him busy with playing.

Grace take the offered hand from Kim. "Hi Kim. Yes, friend and shoe catcher I suppose." A teasing wink to Hera at that. "You as well? Or met her recently?" Asked in turn. Looking to Stephanie at her words, "It is quite nice to see." She agrees. Glancing around some as well, but she comes in pretty regularly, so for now she is just being social.

Kim gives Grace a light handshake "Shoe catcher?" probably a story behind that and now she is curious. "I'd like to think a friend. A new one at least. I had meet her a few times before at some art events over the years, but it really wasn't until I came into the shop that we really talked. So a guess the short answer is pretty recently. I should probably just said that." giving a small laugh before tilting her head towards Stephanie "It's a great gallery. I really didn't expect to find in small city like this. It's good, I mean art should thrive everyone and Hera is a nice person."

There's a Van Gogh and a Monet? Harper may just be reconsidering the funding Hera has at her disposal as she continues to peruse.

"Small town galleries have a such a cozy feel though, sometimes I get overwhelmed by the big city galleries. This is far more accessible for someone like me who doesn't completely understand art, but wants to appreciate it." Stephanie explains to Kim with a smile.

Grace ahs and nods, "It is nice to meet you. Hopefully you keep dropping by." Said with a bright smile. "And yeah, first time I met Hera there might have been shoes flying about." Shrugging some, letting Hera explain further, when she comes back with drinks. Snickering, but shaking her head to assure Kim that it's fine. Nodding agreeingly with Stephanie, but not intruding into the conversation. Glancing to Harper as well, as she is wandering around by herself. Letting her look around some for now, but will offer smiles if she looks over. Not one to distract from art. Then back to Kim and Stephanie. "I think that might be a lot of us." She suggests.

Just because Harper is exploring on her own, doesn't mean she doesn't offer ready smiles to any of the ladies (or dogs) she makes eye contact with along the way. But she looks absolutely comfortable surveying the exhibited art solo. From her cheerful and relaxed demeanor, one could probably surmise that she's enjoying herself.

"Hera's done Gray Harbor a service by opening this gallery, that's for sure," Stephanie offers, "I might actually take a pottery class here or something at some point. It's been pointed out to me that I need more hobbies." This is said with a chuckle.

Kim considers Stephanie's point and nods "You know I didn't think of it as cozy. But that seems a good way to describe it and homey maybe. I'll be the first to say that bigger city galleries can be snobby and off putting. Not everyone is a artist but everyone should be able to enjoy it." she offers. Turning her attention back to Grace "It is certainly one of the places I plan on dropping by and maybe getting a piece or two. Might even ask Hera sometime about starting a beginner painting class. Because why not."

Hera finally comes back out with three bottles of wine, one a red of some sort, one a white, and the other a rose. "The red is a bit dry." she says as she puts some wine glasses down, "And the rose is sort of a dessert wine." She then blushes a bit herself at Stephanie's comment, "Thank you so very much. I really want to make my utopia proud. It's really made me happy, very happy. The festival was a great time for sure. I have to admit I'm tempted to have some musicians come by and play. I think I talked to Jade about it. I still need to have her and Thewlis over for dinner." Then, she goes to get some water bottles. Not everyone would be in a mood to drink wine. However, there are no bottles of vodka here. Surprise...surprise...

But Hans gets tired of playing with the bone so, a ball, it's time for a ball! He goes to get a green ball that squeeks a little as he brings it over. Playtime is not over for him and Winston and using his mouth to toss the ball in his friend's direction, he drops it in front of the little guy and wags his tail.

But now we get to see who really runs the gallery. Queso comes out from wherever he is hiding and gives a rather large, "Meow" to everyone. "I hope no one is allergic to cats." She says because yup, there he goes, looking for things to brush up against. Oh look! It's Harper's leg. The kitty goes over to mark his territory, with cat fur and cat rubs of course. Fortunately he's fixed so no spraying!

Stephanie smiles at the sight of Hans and promptly goes over to the dog to give him pets as she usually does when she comes around to the gallery. "Hey, who's a good boy, huh? Who's a good good boy?"

Harper's gaze turns down as something furry brushes her booted leg. Kitty. She sinks to a crouch and offers her fingers for Queso to choose to approve or not. If she earns approval, she'll remain crouched and pet the cat, a small smile on her lips. "Hi there. I'm Harper. Do you do any art, kitty?" Because cats doing art is a thing. There are books about it. It's not as though she expects the cat to answer her. Harper's an equal-opportunity conversationalist. Number of legs isn't a factor. Harper manages to keep that hardback novel held to her chest as she converses with the feline population of the gallery.

Winston just wait until Hans return. As the ball is dropped he does take it to toss it up in the air. Letting it bounce some between them. Before trying to grab it and run some to let Hans chase. Probably trying to get Queso involved as well, bumping into the cat as he brushes against Harper. Then rushing back towards Hans but slow down some as he spot Stephanie, his tail still wagging but there is a stranger there so keeping some distance for now.

Grace does ponder for a moment. "I could try red. OR which is tastier?" She asks and grins at Hera. Then a smile to Kim, "Oh, that sounds like fun. I should probably do something like that as well." Not quite her style, but she is for trying new things. Then taking up her phone briefly before putting it away again.

Kim gives a look at the wine and just shakes her head. Not she doesn't need to be drinking again anytime soon. "Mind if I make some coffee. I'll pay you for it Hera." and hey since Hera is back from making drinks it's as good a time as any to make a suggestion. "So what do you think if I ran a beginner's painting class at here?" she asks. "Oh ah do any you happen to know Mac? She runs..." addressing everyone thinks for a moment trying to remember the name of the store "The control pad? A gaming store."

Uh oh, Harper has done it, she has hit the purrrrr button. She may not have reached 'Maggi' status but the kitty is taking a liking to her. But to the cat, it has no use for art. Queso /is/ art and everyone should know it. He also has no need for books but, he does have need for some luvin. Purrrr purrrr purrr and purrr, his head does that special cat rub against her fingers and then her forearm. Then, noticing how unique her jacket it, he pauses and begins to paw in the direction of the elaborate coat. Fortunately it's a soft paw, at least for now.

Yes, Hans is a good boy, a very good boy, at least in most circumstances. This is one of them and when Stephanie reaches over to pet her he lets her. For a brief moment his tongue hangs out, showing he is relaxed, until he yelps playfully and goes back over toward Winston. Yup, the big doggie goes to get the ball but Stephanie....Stephanie friend! Hans tries to communicate this to Winston as he takes the ball and drops it in front of her.

Stephanie smiles at Hans and picks up the ball, realising what he wants to do. "You wanna go get it? Go get it, Hans!" And she tosses the ball for Hans to retrieve. "God, I really love your dog, Hera. Hans is fantastic and he's really taken a liking to me, and I don't know why."

Harper wobbles faintly in her easy crouch as Winston brushes by. "You're just all part of the artists' menagerie, aren't you, little beasties?" With a few more pets of the cat Harper laughs quietly as her jacket is investigated. "You be careful, artiste, or you'll get a ride to visit the library. And I'm not supposed to collect animals without permission. It's a rule." The librarian pushes back to her feet. She'll now turn and scout the room for an area that might be vaguely official or desk like. Either someplace of that sort or the table nearest to the locked door is where she lays the hardback novel in wait for Hera. 'The Rembrandt Panel' by Oliver banks. Atop she's written a small note to the gallery owner. Skirting the chatty group of lovely women, she waves with a departing smile, "Have a lovely Saturday, ladies. Hera, I love the place. I'll be back to check for sip-n-paint opportunties for those of us with very little artistic talent. Barring that, I promise to visit regularly." That said and done she heads for the door.

Hera watches the pets play and entertain for a bit until her eyes go back toward Kim. "No no no, it's not fancy coffee, really. But sure, feel free to make a pot. It's right behind the counter to the right and pretty easy to figure out." At the mention of an art class her eyes light up, "Oh that would be wonderful for you to do. I would love it, I really would. As far as Mac, I think she's a friend of Maggi's. I really want to apologize to her for making a fool of myself. Talk about a bad first impression."

Winston does wag his tail as he runs from Harper. And at Hans' suggestion he does go forward to sniff on Stephanie some, while she throws the ball for Hans. Curious but cautious.

Grace looks to Hera curiously. "Nothing too bad I hope?" About the first impression, "Then again, you're always charming so I am sure they were fine with it." Glancing to her phone. A snicker before typing then putting it away. "Has Everett been running by here recently?" As for the question from Kim, she shakes her head. "Not that I am aware of." Said about Mac.

Stephanie gives Winston his own pets after the dog sniffs her out, hopefully to gain his favour too. She smiles and says, "Oh look at you, you're a good boy!"

Harper left...Queso would be hurt if he wasn't a cat but, he is a cat so even if he honestly enjoyed her attention he does have better things to do. Now if it was Maggi, he'd have to do his parrot impression. Instead he just looks over at some of the easels and starts to brush up against them. Typical cat. Everything is his and everyone will know it's his.

Hans on the other hand is a follower and he knows he doesn't own anything. He does pick up the ball again and drops it in front of Stephanie and Winston. He then just looks at them, waiting to be told what to do.

Stephanie gives both dogs pets and says, "I'm going to go. I have to get ready for a shift. You guys be good, okay?" She grins at this.

Kim gives Harper a wave as she is heading out. Before giving Hera a smile "Thanks and I will. We will have to work something out as far when to hold a class. I think that will be so exciting." she starts to get up to go make some coffee and she is going to slip Hera some money somehow. She gives a sigh as Hera answers the other question "You weren't the only one who did and I owe her a big apology. Sometimes I can be so stupid." her cheeks redden a bit. "Thanks Grace. Well it was worth a shot to see if anyone knew her." with that she goes to make a pot of coffee.

Elegance.
Class.
Style.

Three little words that, as far as I know, have never and possibly should never be used to described Everett. Especially now. Thank Grace.
He’s one of few creatures tall enough to reach, and even still he goes up on the tippy-toes on his boots to get just a little more height. The people at amateur night at the Platinum Cabaret got to see more. THUMP! The top of two pale white fleshy globes peer over a pair of black denim that have been pulled down by perhaps an inch or two. Nothing that’ll get him arrested. One big mitt holding his pants aloft, the other holds his army green tee-shirt out of the way. Wouldn’t want that pale partial moon to be obscured.

Eee-eee-eeeee! His cheek tops squeak against the glass while the brute rolls his hips a full counter-clockwise rotation and then as fast as the horrid picture showed up, it leaps to the side, to scramble his pants back up and belt back on. Even though the doors are closed, the windows sealed, his booming, deep voice is muffled with loud. So loud laughter. He thinks he’s so funny.

Winston does wag his tail some, she does give a good petting after all. Though then she is moving to leave, Winston following for a moment before moving back towards Hans to jump on the ball, sending it bouncing away. Then Playtime with Hans will continue. Chasing after the ball.

Grace offers a wave to Stephanie as she moves to leave. As well as to Harper. Glancing to the sound from the glass. Frowning though and sighing, a shake of her head and an apologetic look to Hera. Cheeks red.

"See you around, guys," Steph calls out as a general goodbye then adds, "Hey, Hera, keep up the good work here."

Hera grins at Kim and says, "I think Mac is supposed to be at Winterfest tonight. Would you like to go?" She watches Hans and Winston for a moment and says, "I don't think they would allow dogs, or would they?" But...class? Yeah the windows are going to need to be sanitized, seriously. "No wonder why I can't hire a housekeeper for this place." She says, "No wonder." But Grace is a professional wrestler right? It's then she asks her, "Are you up for some ass kicking?" Of course she calls after Stephanie, "Be careful, there's asses outside!" Literally.

Kim waves to Stephanie "Take care." of course she is making coffee so doesn't have the time to get her phone out to get evidence and hey she must be getting used to this as she doesn't jump. She does shake her head as she answers Hera "Really? I mean I was thinking about going...and if Mac's is there then just a happy side effect. Why wouldn't a festival allow dogs? Unless it's indoors maybe." yeah just act like everything is normal here and ignore the person outside.

Grace peers up about Winterfest, "Sounds like fun. And if not, maybe Faith can check on them?" She suggests. "My sister." Added. As for kicking some ass, she snickers. "We could. Though probably let him be. He's being stupid and I think he wants the attention." Rolling her eyes some.

Hera grumps as she knows that the 'butt print' is going to remain in the window for a while. "I really want you to do a class here Kim, but I don't know how interuptions will be. If it gets too bad I can get the police to patrol the outside." She grumps a little and says, "Talk about showing your ass but, yeah." she goes to try to find a leash just in case Hans gets out of hand, you never know. "Let me get my jacket and to Winterfest we go!"