2020-03-31 - Swatches for Stephanie

Classes keep the place going, and seems as if one has recently been dismissed. One of the signs is the smell of paint still hangs heavy in the air, though it's not the paint used in rennovations so it may not be as pungent. Then, of course, there's a variety of trash around. Students get so caught up in their work that they leave their cans of soda, candy, bags of chips and other things around. Hera doesn't seem to mind though as she just gets to cleaning. In a way, it's almost as if it's second nature for the redhead.

But she's not the only one here. Hans, the under appreciated guard dog watches his alpha with interest, though he doesn't move from where he sits as she gets to work. Queso, the infamous gallery cat, finally decides to wander on in to grace the main room with his presence. He pauses for a second and does one of those 'slow eye blinks' that cats are known for. Sadly, no one even tried to paint his picture today.

Tyler wanders into the gallery, looking around a little as he breaks the threshold. There's that fish out of water look of someone who knows nothing about art again as he takes the room in once more. He smiles a little, nervous, and adjusts the thick black plastic rimmed glasses he's wearing, meandering over to where Hera is. "Um... Hello?"

Hera turns to look over at the newcomer and offers a happy smile. "Oh hello!" she says, "Please, come on in. You might have missed the class but they are quite proud of their paintings over there. Feel free to take a look. Can I offer you something to drink?" Hans perks up and looks over at the handsome fireman and gets to his feet. He pads on over as if to try to get a sniff of the new guy, but he doesn't look threatening right now, just curious.

Tyler smiles again, and he kneels to greet Hans. "Hey there, boy." He glances at Hera, "I was here once before, I um... I remembered your dog..." He fiddles in his pocket and pulls out a little rawhide bone. "This okay?" he asks her before he gives it to Hans. "I'm okay, thank you," he notes to the drink.

Many people know Hans, and fortunately he has a decent memory. If someone who walks in isn't into art, who can resist a lovable and large pup? With a bit of a playful 'wuff' the security specialist licks at the bone. "That's very sweet of you, would you like something to eat? I'm a terrible cook, fortunately, my girlfriend isn't. I think I have a TV dinner or maybe some of her left overs, if you're hungry?" She tries to be a wonderful host but Queso doesn't. With a strange purrrrrr he goes over to the easels and begins to rub up against them. The metal legs must be full of cat hair!

Tyler lets Hans have the bone, and then rises to his feet. "No no, really, that's kind of you, but I'm good. I had to fix a huge batch of spaghetti at the station earlier and if I ate anything else I'd probably explode." He shrugs just a little, "You um... You prolly don't remember me. I was in here a few weeks ago. I'm looking for a painting of like, the ocean and stuff? You didn't have anything then but you had said to stop by from time to time to look again, so..." He laughs a little, "...here I am?"

Hera briefly claps her hands together as her memory begins to slowly resurface, "Oh yes!" she says and she begins to recall the meeting. "I can get distracted from time to time but, glad you came in. I actually think I have a canvas of the beach and, one of my students came in painting a lake. Feel free to see what they did. Some of them want to try to sell their work but, maybe the other canvas in the back is what you want. Was there a certain style like impressionism or just a standard painting?" Uh on, they are talking about art and now Hans wants some petting. He wags his tail and whines a little. Hey the guy brought a bone, he must be a friend!

Kim opens the door coming in with large brown paper bag. Dressed in her normal fashion of black jeans and black shirt, with white lettering 'I like big data and I can not lie.' Giving a wave to Hera with her free hand. Seeing she is with someone, she starts to walk over to the two. Not wanting to interrupt there conversation just yet.

Tyler seems much more able to handle the dog than the art talk, so he kneels back down and begins paying attention to Hans once more. "I um..." He furrows his brow just a little. "So, I don't really know what that means? I just..." He laughs a little as Hans licks his face. "I have this big black and white photo that's on my wall of the ocean breaking on the beach. I like it because I surf. It's just old, and I kind of thought a painting might be like... I dunnow..." He looks at the floor just a little self-conscious, "...more adult, maybe?"

Kim isn't the only one entering as two more appear. Well, a girl and her dog. As Grace follows behind Kim and Winston is running between them and comes strutting towards the peo+ple. First greeting Hera before he moves to Hans to greet his friend. Then a glance and watching Tyler curiously. Grace in turn will offer a wave to them all and moving closer.

Nothing like a dog to put a young man more at ease, and a German Sheppherd to boot! If he could smile, he would but instead he just playfully nudges the man with his long nose. Yes, the four legger is having a wonderful time and Hera watches. "Ah I see, I'll see what." Then when Kim comes in she waves, "Oh there's the best painter ever!" she grins, "This nice young man is interested in a painting. I think I have something in the back but do any of your paintings you left behind show ocean scenes?" Kim is likely the resident painter perhaps?

But then there's Hans' best friend! He begins to jump up and down on his front paws and quickly makes a rush to run circles around Winston. Puppy powa!

Kim blushes at the compliment "I'm far from the best. I'm alright." she says as she reaches them. Looking over to Tyler and giving him a bright and friendly smile "You are? That's great. You should of course get something from Hera. I do have a few ocean landscape painting that are sitting in boxes, if you don't find anything here you'd like. Oh I'm Kim btw." before looking back to the red head "I brought some food for you and Jessica. Just a little japanese home cooking." offering the bag to her.

When Grace gets close she smiles up at her and giving a happy little sigh.

Tyler takes a moment to watch Hans run off, and he makes a little pouty face. But, then Hans returns with another dog pal in tow, and he pets them both. "Hi Kim," he says, looking up at her. "Tyler." He looks between them, and then shrugs, "I don't really know what I want. I was just telling her," nodding at Hera, "that I have this old photo of the beach on my wall I'd like to replace with a painting. Something surfery." He pushes up to his feet. "I'd like my place to not, well... Heh... I just want to look a bit more maybe refined?" He makes a bit of an eek face at that, not really sure what he even means.

Winston does go a bit slower than Hans, but still does jump and play. Trying to lift a paw at Hans. Greeting Tyler, but a bit more cautious than Hans. Grace moves to stop next to Kim. "Hi. I'm Grace." Just offering after Kim offer her name.

It doesn't take long before the door opens and Grace appears again. Or so it appears to be. Really it's Faith though, mirror image twin to Grace. It wasn't long ago that Faith got off of work at the Firehouse so she's wearing her work clothes still. Black pants, black shirt with Firehouse printed on the front with flames around it and the slogan emblazoned on it, We Smoke the Good Stuff . The aroma of barbecue still clings to her clothing. Noticing her sister and Winston there, she walks over with a grin, greeting the dog before anyone else. "Winny!" Giving him a fond look before smiling at Kim and Grace, Hera and Tyler. "Hi Guys." Her sister gets a one armed hug. "No," she laughs. "I'm Grace." Sticking her tongue out at her twin.

Hera doesn't admit the truth that she still has a bit of a hard time telling the twins apart. But, she won't verbalize that! Hans is still happy to see his favorite dog pal though and he playfully barks on and on, trying to get the smaller one to play. "Such a good group of people and wow, the smell of the bar b que is really making me hungry. I might have some saki if you're interested? It might be too early for me to drink though. Anyone want some wine?"

Kim listens to what Tyler is looking for, nodding her head some. "Surfery? Like someone surfing or waves on the ocean. Eh ok so replacing a older picture and refined. Well what exactly does more refined mean to you?" it can mean lots to other people. She gives a wave to Faith as she comes in. A little bit of huff at the joke "You are so not Grace. Don't you think I can tell the difference." before sticking her own tongue out towards Faith. Not able to keep it in she giggles and offers her a hug. "Good to see you /Faith/." after look back to Hera "A little saki would be good. It's been a day."

Winston does rush to Faith, trying to bring Hans with him. Greeting her some. Then turning to play again. Grace does offer the same type of hug to her sister. "Of course. Sorry. I'm Faith." Turning to wink to Kim as well. Turning towards Hera. "Not currently, but later perhaps." Grinning between Faith and Kim at the banter though.

Tyler nods at the newcomers, "Twins, huh? Neat." Then he tries to answer Kim's question. "I don't know. Like... I have this friend who writes novels and stuff, and I always feel like I'm just some stupid jock..." He shrugs again, "You know, refined?"

Faith beams a smile at her sister as she plays along with the game with her. Winston gets her attention until the dog goes back to playing. "Sure, saki sounds good!" If it had been offered to her as well, she'll gladly accept before hugging Kim back. "I never doubted you could tell the difference," she grins. Looking back at Tyler, she smiles with renewed interest. "Jock? You're into sports?" Maybe missing the part about surfing!

Kim sighs a bit at the wink from Grace. Oh they are in one of those moods. "Of course Faith." she says to Grace. No, this isn't confusing to others at all. Tilting her head back in Tyler's direction "Huh. Well maybe more classy in that case?" she offers "I do have some ocean landscapes that are." she takes out her phone to show some pics of her paintings to show him. The ocean ones are in formal style with large cresting waves "Something like this maybe?" attention back to Faith after she asks "Good. Otherwise things would have gotten awkward pretty fast." not that she could always tell the difference.

Hera finally comes back out with a bottle of saki in one hand and a cumbersome canvas in another. Fortunately for her, it's not a very large canvas, but it's all a bit too bulky for her. "Ok" she says as she puts the bottle down, "A few glasses, here we go." Though she does manage to find a place to secure the painting. It's not too fancy but it's nice enough. There's a beach on the right side, and white waves on the other <https://www.paintings.kraneil.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/ocean.png>

It's been a while since Stephanie's shown up to the gallery. She's kept to herself since her near death experience and hospital stay, mostly catching up with her younger brother and discussing the house renovations. Jake had suggested asking friends to help pick out colours and paint walls, so she decided to venture out again. She wanders into the gallery, wearing jeans and a red hoodie.

A few moments later, Devlin walks in. "Hi Stephanie." His movements are not as fluid as usual. "Hey there Hera, Kim.." he squints a little, "Oh.. Ah.. Grace and.. Felicia, is it?" his tone a little questioning there. There is a slight a little as he keeps the door from slamming with one hand. "Might need to get the door adjusted Hera"

Grace does fall quiet for a moment, listening to the conversations. Grinning at Devlin at the question. "Faith." Though not clarifying which one of them she is. A wave given to Stephanie as well. Winston probably jumping and playing with Hans some, until even more people come in. Before he can recognize them he does hide a bit under Hans. Safe spot!

When Stephanie comes in Kim goes over to offer a hug to her friend. "It's been awhile. I'm glad to see you out and about." she greets her cheerfully. Looking over as Devlin comes as well "Hey there Dev. What's been up?" and about to correct the name. Grace bets her to it though.

Giving Devlin a questioning look, Stephanie asks, "Hey Devlin, did you hear the news? I've been cleared to work, finally." She notices he's lacking a little fluidity in his moments, it's hard not to when you work closely with someone. She turns to Kim and hugs her back. "I'm just about ready to get back to my normal routine. Jake offered to do some renovations on the house and he said he wanted me to pick colours and stuff. He said to invite friends to paint the walls, make a whole weekend out of it or something." She smiles.

Tyler takes a look at the paintings on Kim's phone. "These are really good." He also looks at the painting that Hera brings out. "That's nice too. Wow. I didn't really expect this to be difficult." He nods at Faith, "I'm a firefighter, so I have to stay in shape."

"Very awkward. Very fast." Faith agrees with Kim. When the saki is handed out, she accepts a glass of it with a smile. "Thank you, Hera." Checking out the painting that was shown, impressed with the work. "Local artist? Or did you paint it?" Curious. "Also, if you ever get any sort of fire department paraphernalia I'd be really interested in looking at it. Especially older stuff." With an arched brow, she looks amused, "Yeahhh, Faith. As opposed to byeee Felicia."

Hera waves to Devlin and Stephanie as they come in. "Hi cousin!" she says as she tries to secure the canvas and hopes that Queso doesn't decide to rub all over it. "Yeah, there's always something to fix. Poor Thewlis, he can always find things around here to fix." She does nod her head to Stephanie to greet her, "Hi, can I get you something to drink? I think Kim wanted some saki?" She then smiles to Tyler and says, "Take your time to decide. The canvas will still be here."

"Not today, been trying to cut back," Stephanie replies to Hera, and then she says to the redhead, "Would you be interested in helping me pick out colours and paint some walls? My younger brother Jake's been back in town and he offered to do renovations but he said I could recruit help when it comes to painting the walls as long as I stay out of the way. Our childhood home's getting an update."

"Sorry about that.." Devlin apologizes. "Hey Tyler.. how are things?" He then walks over to offer Hera a hug, "Tyler's a painter?" He then says, "Just coffee if you have a fresh pot, otherwise, I'll get one started for you."

"He did? That's just wonderful. Not that your place looks rundown or anything. Every home can do with a little sprucing up. If you need any help with things I can do. I'm happy to help out." Kim offers to Stephanie before nodding "Sure a weekend of painting I can do that." she does accept the glass of saki from Hera "Thanks. Oh did you want me to take the food upstairs?" Attention back to Tyler "Well I'd say go with Hera's. And if you aren't happy with that you can still pay her and I'll give you one of mine."

"A firefighter?" Faith gives him a glance over and smiles. "I've always wanted to do that, even on a volunteer basis. Do you love doing it?" There's a smile to Stephanie and Devlin, remembering them from the Firehouse, but she doesn't try and interrupt their conversation.

Tyler tilts his head a little, "Fire department paraphenalia? What do you mean? Like, old hoses and equipment? Why would you want that?" He quickly shakes his head at Devlin, "No no no no no. I don't paint. I was just... I was looking to buy a painting is all. I have, like... ZERO talent. I'm not creative." It's true. He's actually kind of boring. He doesn't take any of the saki. To Faith, he nods, "I do love it, actually. I um... You know, I was never gonna be a lawyer or a doctor or anything, so..." He shrugs, "Physical things I can do."

Hera brightens up a little at the mention of Stephanie wanting to look at colors. "Sure!" she says as she begins to make her way over to some of the easels. "That really all depends on what you want. The standard look for homes is off whites but, it all depends on the image you are trying to portray. Exactly how many rooms are you looking to paint too and, are there certain themes that you prefer?" Questions...questions, hopefully there will be clear answers.

"By the way, Grace, Faith, Devlin, you are all invited too if you'd like." There is a pause as Hera floods her with questions. "I mean, I know I want some sort of calming palette for my room. And maybe like white walls with black furniture in the basement. I'm not entirely sure you about the common areas. Maybe you could help with that." She smiles at Kim and adds, "I'd appreciate your help."

"Oh more like old hats, photos, signs, things like that. We put them in the Firehouse for decoration." Faith explains to Tyler, nodding at his career choice. "I don't have the patience to be a lawyer or the stomach for being a doctor." A small shudder and a shake of her head. The invitation from Stephanie has her giving the woman a thoughtful look before smiling. "An accent wall is really in lately. One wall that's brighter or a different color or even with designs or something. I watch home renovation shows all the time. When I'm not working. But I'd really be glad to help. A painting party."

Grace smiles and nods, "Sounds like fun." OFfered to Stephanie. Perhaps a bit distracted by something. Continuing to listen and after a moment does move to get some saki as well. But only a little. Looking at the different paintings and pictures that are being shown between the others currently.

Kim mmms at Tyler "Have you never been to the Firehouse? The restraunt that is, I mean obviously being a firefighter you've been to the other. Best BBQ in town and the most wonderful waitstaff. That is why they have the paraphernalia." she plugs the place with a wink given to Grace and Faith. Nodding to Stephanie "Of course. Anytime." taking a drink of her saki.

Hera probably has swatches somewhere that details a lot of different options. "If you want calming then strong colors would probably be out. Reds and even deep purples, not a good idea for a relaxing atmosphere. But, here's some light pastels." She offers what may be a ton of swatches to Stephanie, "Pink doesn't exactly mean a bad thing if you're trying to go for a bit of a masculine image but light greens, now sometimes that's vibrancy and a sense of peace." She eyes Devlin for a bit, a curious look on her face, "So, you have been doing ok cousin?" She seems to be a little more curious than normal.

Devlin nods, "I thought I heard something about accent walls on the tv in the common area at the station house. Sounded popular.. think I was reading another journal." He goes over to the coffee pot and then starts up a fresh pot. "Coffee in about ten." He then smiles to Hera, "I got hit by a falling branch. I'm ok."

Tyler nods at Kim, "Yeah, I've ate there. That makes a little more sense. I could prolly get you an old hat or something. I'll see what I can do." He smiles at Hera, "Okay, so, I guess I'll take that painting then. If you get it wrapped up or whatevs, I'll stop by tomorrow and pick it up." He nods, and then smiles, "Well, thanks, all." He takes a moment to pet the two dogs again, "I'll see you two later!" And then he turns to go.

"Well, maybe the basement could have a fun accent wall, just not sure on the colour yet. I wouldn't go red. But maybe some sort of teal or something could be fun. And the dining room maybe with the light greens? Maybe most of the main floor can be white with the light green, an olive accent wall there? And keep the kitchen pristine and white?"

She waves at Tyler on the way out, not having had the chance to say hi, since she was caught up in a conversation.

Faith lifts a hand in farewell to Tyler. "Thanks, I'd even buy anything you find, if you can." With him leaving, she looks at Devlin and there's concern. "You got hit with a falling branch? I heard some weird things were happening at the zoo too with the plant life. Odd spring for sure." The agreement on the accent wall mostly forgotten with the mention of him getting hurt.

Kim nods "I'm sure they are happy to part with some of it." before waving to him on the way out "Nice meeting you Tyler. Have a good evening." then listening in on the conversation between Hera and Steph. Not really sure her artistic bend when comes to home painting would be one her friend would like. Some of the talk gets her attention "Hit by following branch. Oh wow that sucks. Are you doing better though?" she asks Devlin "What sort of weird stuff at the zoo? Like what was in the paper." glancing a bit to Faith.

Stephanie opts not to make a fuss over Devlin; she knows he's fine. But she does make a mental note of weird plant life behaviour this spring. Go figure. Typical for Gray Harbor, isn't it? She simply turns to the new conversation and drops the renovation talk for now.

Grace does listen for a bit longer before getting a call. Talking in a low voice for a bit. "Sorry, I need to run off. Want me to bring Winston, or can you take him when you go?" She asks Kim, then doing whichever she decide. Then an apology and saying goodbye to everyone there before heading out.

Hera looks over toward Devlin with a clear look of concern but if he says he's ok then she doesn't push the issue. "Oh...teal." she says, "Teal can definitely go well and depending on the shade of teal well, maybe border it with a taupe? I know that might sound wierd but if you put it all together right. If there's too much white in the kitchen well, you might want to have that in a pattern of tile for some of the splashboards. White and grease, not a good mix."

"Maybe do olive green in the dining room and kitchen, and then white in the living room with black furniture, and we definitely need tile on the backsplash. I haven't decided what kind of tile yet." she says, as she turns back to Hera, "I'm not so sure on the taupe. But I do want something fun in the basement. I want it to be the hangout spot for when I have you and Devlin, and Kim and everyone else over."

Devlin hmms, "Sounds like a plan." he hovers over the pot. "Say Hera.. you have any cool underwater scenes.. like a reef.. may be some sharks?" He sheepishly admits, "I know.. I should look around, but figured you know your stock."

Kim looks over to Grace. Listening to her "Not a problem at all. I'll take him home when I head out, he's having fun with his friend after all. Stay safe love." giving her a quick hug and kiss before she heads off. "Yeah we still do have to do a get together for all of us. Of course rotating places so the burden isn't always on you Stepie. Hey after we do painting we can all hang out and maybe do board games." she suggests.

"Yeah what was published. I wasn't there or anything. I've not been to the zoo here yet. I'm not sure I want to either." Faith hugs her sister goodbye, "I'll be going kind of soon." Going right along with the reno topic, she smiles. "Gold or brass accents or vases, pictures and all would go really good with black and white. Or even a dark gray, but that may sound more like a bachelor pad or something."

"We should all get together for a brainstorming session soon," Stephanie suggests, "Hera has some great insights and maybe we can do like, an idea board and stuff." She looks excited at the prospect of group activities. "I would enjoy having you guys over and hosting. Honestly. my house feels way too big for just one person. And Jake insisted on having his own place. I would love to host on a regular basis."

Hera shrugs and offers a few more swatches to Stephanie, "It really depends on a variety of things but." she smiles, "Maybe, take all of these ideas and see where the inspiration leads you. Life is about inspiration after all and, this could be a good symbol of rebirth and hope. It's also about discovery and sure, a painting party sounds like a wonderful idea honestly. Also, ask yourself if you prefer flat or semi gloss. High gloss really doesn't work well on walls but baseboards, that's another idea."

Kim thinks about what Devlin said "If you want a painting of underwater scene like that, and Hera doesn't have it, I'd be happy to paint one for you. Including some sharks if you let me know which kind." before nodding to Faith "I'll admit it has me both wanting to go to the zoo and not. I think I've walked by it. Probably best to check out the weird stuff before it comes to get us." looking over to Hera and Steph. "Sure I brainstorming session sounds great! An idea board and I can input it all into a database. Share it among all of us when we can't get together." smiling at the excited look "Sounds good then. Just didn't want to overburden you is all. Just a fun and relaxing hanging out."

"Speaking of hosting, what ever happened to game night? Has it happened yet?" Faith is out of the loop for now, having been really busy with their grandparents out of town for a few weeks. "I should be going, but Kim you should see about selling your art here, with Hera getting a commission for each piece she sells." A small grin, "If you do want to go to the zoo, I'll go with you. We'll see if the plants are really crazy."

Devlin pours coffee into a mug once it is done as Kim asks him a question, "I'll need to figure a few things out but that sounds like a winner, Kim. Just thinking about something for Morrigan." He then takes a sip, "Ah... that is good." He looks over, "The plants are a bit.. nutz in places. Nothing to bad.. yet."

"I'll keep you posted on Game Night, Faith, it got a bit delayed. But I'll let you know." She turns towards Devlin and offers, "You know, Morrigan is more than welcome to come hang out with us. I mean, I'm used to Hera and Jessica, Kim and Grace. The more the merrier. I would love to host more often."

Hera decides to go over to get a cup of coffee herself. "I'm all totally up for brainstorming, really. As far as hosting something, just mention a time and a place. That's a good thing about running my own business, for the most part, it's my schedule...for the most part."

At the mention that Faith has to get going Kim goes to offer her a hug "Nah, I wouldn't sell my stuff. Hera is welcome to. I make them for specific people and myself, if it bring enjoyment it's a good thing." a bit of a nod "Yeah we can definitely go together at some point. Maybe it's just a rumor after all." looking back to Devlin "Oh something for her. Sure work some things out and let me know. I'm glad to be able to offer a piece or two."

Devlin says, "I'm the last person you want to ask about decorating or paint.. I am happy with a tarp over my head and fart sack to crawl into.. " he chuckles, "I think.. when my landlord walked through.. he said that my place was so Spartan.. he wondered where the other 299 were."

"I know that, but it will still be a social thing. I mean, I play to feed everyone and stuff too. I'm not just taking advantage of my friends for free labor. We can discuss things other than interior decorating." Steph smirks at Devlin before she says in a more casual tone, "Besides, I'm sure we'd all like to get to know Morrigan better since she's important to you."

Faith returns the hug and smiles to them all. "I look forward to game night and the painting and the zoo and to seeing you all again." Winny even gets a goodbye before she turns for the door and heads out.

Hera grins a bit at the reference Devlin makes, "So, we are in Sparta now eh? I guess I'll have to include some mock type weapons for future pottery projects. But either way, I'll have to tell your landlord that you actually do have a sense of style." With the dogs being their own bosses at the moment, she looks toward Hans and his companion. Yes, make sure the four leggers don't break anything.

Kim has to stifle a yawn. Finishing off her bit of saki "Food is sort of expected at a painting party. I agree Stepie, I'd love to meet Morrigan at some point." giving Hera a look "Weapons and pottery sounds fun. I should head home. Early morning tomorrow with lots to do." going around to offer hugs and goodbyes. Of course getting Winston to take home as well.

Stephanie smiles at everyone and nods. "I should probably head out too, first shift back since being out of the hospital and I should get some rest. I will text everyone later." She glances at Hera and adds, "Can I borrow these swatches?"

"Well.... if your into modern warfare... I have style.." He laughs a bit. Devlin then smiles, "But some people just do not get that style."