Middle School

Ah, middle school. Who doesn't cringe just a little on the inside at the mere mention of these two words? Memories of hormones, acne, self-doubts-- good times. I still remember what I wore the first day of my middle school experience, that is how much thought I put into the outfit at the time-- a pair of stirrup pants, a giant oxford shirt belted with a charm belt complete with a plethora of plastic charms (including one resembling a toilet!). (*Imagine me cringing in a corner at the sheer memory of being such a geek!)

Now imagine me cringing at the thought of being old enough to have a child who will be entering middle school next year.

William decided he was ready for a BIG change and wanted to look for a new school for next year. The school of his choice is the Salt Lake Arts Academy. The trick with this particular school is getting in. There are more applicants than spots available, so you have to roll the dice and hope your lottery number comes up. William's best friends, apparently also of the gambling sort, applied as well and if we were in Vegas, the odds would look like 2 out of the 4 of them would get in. I was worried that William wouldn't get lucky (we have a history of bad lottery numbers). He was so ready for a change that he didn't care if he went to a school where he wouldn't know anyone.

Luckily (literally) that won't be necessary, William got in -- as did his two very best buddies. His third little friend landed a very prime spot on the waiting list and is pretty sure to get in as well. That all 4 of them succeeded in staying together is a minor miracle.

William attended a "shadow day" last week-- a chance to follow some kids around to see what it feels like to be a student there. When Bill and I picked him up. He walked over looking a bit sad and came and snuggled up next to us. I braced myself to hear that he had changed his mind about attending, but once the he had a chance to talk with us after the Q & A period, his face lit up and he exclaimed "May I please go here next year!?" Why yes, little one, you may!

So while his parents have memories of middle school hell, he still has dreams of middle school glory! Here is hoping they all come true for him!

Gallery Strolling

Living downtown has it perks-- easy access to good music, good food, good art . . .
Did I mention that some of mine is currently showing in a Gallery downtown?





















The energy opening night was tremendous. It was amazing to be able to listen as an incognito artist to what people had to say. The last time I hung my work was much harder personally, as people knew you were the artist and were much more inhibited to what they would say around you. You know you are getting honest feedback when the observer doesn't know the photographer who took the picture is standing right next to them. I feel like I am finding my "photographic voice" and it is nice to have it "heard".

The scope of the work hanging in this show is quite amazing. Every imaginable genre of photography is on display. It never ceases to amaze me how many ways there are to take a photograph.

If you get a chance and were not able to make it to the opening night, the exhibit will be on display now through April 13th at Saans Downtown Gallery, 173 E. Broadway.

Saans "LOCALS FIRST" gallery show

One of the dreams nearest to my heart has come true. I am officially going to have my work shown in a gallery. I could not be more excited!

Saans Downtown Gallery is hosting an exhibit entitled "LOCALS FIRST". The idea is to show what is happening in photography here in Salt Lake City. In fact the card reads: Featuring work of local photographers who are making an impact in the Salt Lake Community. I am not sure I have "made an impact" yet; but I hope to one day.

I would love to see you at the opening night reception at the gallery (173 East Broadway) on March 20th from 6:00-10:00 p.m.

If you can't make it to the opening night, feel free to stop in during the gallery's normal business hours until April 13th to check out not only my work, but the photos of several other local artists.