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I love going to cafés and sipping on a plain ‘ole black coffee, or a soy latte, or, my latest discovery, a soy misto (similar to a latte with the strong Americano taste of coffee). These warm moments are superbly enhanced by good company, and engaging, stimulating conversation. A good book can be a lovely companion as well… or, even a pen and journal.
Cozy times in Dunderave
Environment is key, though, and some cafes have it, and some… don’t.
What makes a good “hang out”? Well… I guess it depends on your mood, but usually I love a place that offers comfy chairs, good intimate lighting, and some great art on the walls.
Ah… yes… great art. Again, some cafés have it, and some….don’t.
My favourite Sunday café, Cafe Dream (currently in the middle of a name change) in Dunderave, West Vancouver is home to all of the above.
Sean Choi, the owner, used to be a sushi chef and wondered how the role of barista could relate, but after too many Tim Horton coffees, he wanted to embrace the finer world of fresh organic coffee. He has done this well by exchanging his love of sushi details to the fine art of coffee.
And… he loves art, paintings.
Cafe Dream, in a prior life, launched the artistic career of a good friend of mine, Tom Carter, and soon it will be exposing another artist friend (details later). At present the walls are full with mature, beautiful works of an impressionistic style by Barbara Nirman.
Sean has created a warm atmosphere with classical music that supports both the art of coffee and the art of paintings. A complimentary mix!
Cafe Dream invites you...
If you would like to visit Cafe Dream, look for the sign that currently says Ariel’s Tea & Coffee, 2436 Marine Drive, Dunderave in West Vancouver. It is open Monday thru Friday 7am to 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 6pm
Cafe Dream is in the midst of becoming online friendly and will have a website soon. In the meantime, follow Cafe Dream on twitter:
“Pride Fun…”
I found myself feeling proud as I stood on the side of Beach Street in the West End of Vancouver the afternoon of August 1st. The sun was gently mixing with soft clouds making the temperature comfortable, and the view of the ocean and mountains completed the smug feeling I was experiencing.
“We live in a pretty darn nice place,” I thought, and expressed it to my partner who was standing behind me with a big grin. He agreed.
We weren’t standing alone. We were with about 700,000 other people enjoying one of Vancouver’s biggest celebrations, The Gay Pride Parade, on Pride Weekend.
It was my first Pride Parade and I loved watching both the audience and the participants. The word liberation kept coming to my mind. Liberation and celebration.
I saw a community of strength and determination, and belonging. I saw inclusion, family, youth, elderly, love, un-leashed craziness (in the best way possible).
watching the Pride Parade in comfort
I saw Pride.
I felt proud to be in a community where our Chief of Police strolled with other officers in the parade. I loved that the TD Bank had a sexy, sparkly float with young people dancing.
TD Bank doing their thing!
I respected the political statements (“Sex on beaches NOT Exxon beaches”) and admired the participants who proudly displayed their protests.
The journey continues to liberate worldwide
I laughed at the characters dressed in outlandish imaginative outfits as they taunted the crowds.
Having a lot of fun!
We have come a long way in how this community is viewed, and I commend the courage that many, many people have had to have in order to be themselves… not an easy task even in the best of times. Us “heteros” can learn from you!
To myself, I thought… next year? My wild and woolly bouffons need to be here! Look out 2011!
Stay tuned for another summer vignette…
The 2010 Olympic Version when I was downtown Vancouver at Robson & Burrard.
The G20 Version viewed online:
I am baffled by the contrast, and saddened that humanity turns into this. Are we ever going to change?
Dear Lynn,
Monday morning, May 3rd, I received a text message from a friend that said, “I thought of you this morning when I heard on the news about Lynn Redgrave.” News? What news? My heart instantly sank and I jumped on the Internet to confirm my worst fear. “Lynn Redgrave died peacefully in her home in Connecticut on Sunday night.”
No…
All day I couldn’t do anything else but sit at my computer and read stories about you, and the many sad reactions, (I hope you realize what an impact you had on so many people) and gently start on my own journey of reminiscing.
When I first met you during a costume fitting for the Canadian feature film, “Touched“, shot in the mysterious Similkameen Valley, I felt a bit intimidated, but you soon fixed that with your humour and openess!
I was working as the assistant costume designer to designer Crystine Booth, and once in production, the costume set supervisor. I was beyond thrilled to be working near you, a “Redgrave”, and the actor in me was ready to absorb and learn from a master.
I loved watching you work, before a scene, during a scene, and even afterward. I gradually learned to recognize when you needed your walkman and would sneak your headphones on your ears just before your request!
In between scenes on "Touched"
I was honoured when you quietly started sharing your thoughts about your work on the film, and in that process, I knew you were also acknowledging my acting experience.
We became friends.
Much later, after many personal trials and tribulations for both of us in our separate lives, you invited me to New York. You opened up your life to me, and I got to experience your generosity, and affection.
Spring in Connecticut...me & Lynn
You made a dream of mine come true. You offered to coach me. In exchange, I had to help you learn lines of your next play.
Later, I thought to myself, “What was I thinking? Now I have to perform in front of Lynn Redgrave! Am I nuts?” I didn’t tell you my fear 
.
When I finally nailed my Shakespeare monologue in your living room, you leapt off the couch and into the air saying, “You were f—-g great!”… Wow… I was in heaven.
I still cannot believe you are gone. I knew cancer was a part of your life but you were so strong that I never imagined it taking you. I remember how we joked about you being an Amazonian Woman Warrior after your mastectomy, and how well you suited the title, especially when you told me to “clear off” in your strongest British accent, when I tried to stop you from carrying my luggage. You insisted because I was still walking with my cane as a result of my back operation.
Gassing up with class!!
Lynn, I wish I could have said goodbye, and I guess this is my way of doing it. I know you would understand as you liked the web, and you were a storyteller. And, you encouraged me to be one, too.
I will, Lynn – in your honour.
My condolences go to your family. Your presence will be hugely missed. If any of them read this blog post, I hope they will realize how touched I was by you, Lynn, and that I’m just one of many.
As a last gesture, in celebration of your life, and with a fond memory of all of us belting out this song with the band at an impromptu party in Keremeos, I leave you with “Mustang Sally”… What fun we had.
With lots of love,
Trilby
(p.s. I hope you don’t mind if I still talk to you now and then about my work?)
The Olympics are over, and there is a quieter feeling in Vancouver.
The red hockey shirts, hats, mitts, scarves, weird hats, costumes, shoes, maple leaves, and flags have retired to closets. The spontaneous “woohoos!” have abated. And, I admit, I miss those crazy connections with strangers, and the upbeat energy.
Something emotional and spirited took place in Vancouver during the 2010 Olympics, pleasantly catching a few of us off guard.
Post Gold Medal Men's Hockey Game!
However, with the Paralympics are around the corner, hopefully, some of that enthusiasm will re-ignite along with the flame!
2010 Olympic Flame
I had a secret pleasure in observing the freedom that occurred with many individuals, and noted that a lot of people allowed their “bouffon” to emerge and take life a wee less seriously. It was like the Olympics gave permission for people to express themselves, release, and play.
Downtown Vancouver during Olympics 2010
And, that’s what I did too. Play. I indulged in my “Canadian-ness” and got caught up in our patriotic rouge. I became the Hockey Fan I was supposed to have been when I first won my Tourism BC twitter prize. I yelled “Louuu…” every time Roberto Luongo saved a goal, and jumped up & down screaming when Sidney Crosby saved the day. (what was happening to me?).
I had pictures taken with Canadiana as if I were a tourist in my own town.
Lucky me with Canadian Mounties
Beaver Bouffons!
And, an extra special pic with Gold Medalist Skeleton Jon Montgomery!
Me & Gold Medalist Jon Montgomery!
My heart beat hard watching Joannie Rochette skate her Golden Bronze performance, I leaped off the couch as we witnessed the unexpected Gold medal snowboarding by Jasey-Jay Anderson, and the close Golden win of the men’s speed skating minutes later.
(My own Olympic moment was when I was zipped across a wire over Robson Square downtown Vancouver!! Whew!)
Watching the athletes inspired me to “go for Gold” in my art. As all the athletes were striving for their best performances, my cast in “The Memory of Water” at the Deep Cove Shaw Theatre were also enjoying sinking deeper and deeper into their work, giving audiences memorable experiences.
Just before our opening, I told myself, as I was directing, to “Go through the finish line, not up to it..” It feels good to know that’s exactly what we all did!
"The Memory of Water" First Impressons Theatre
Did the Olympics affect you in a surprising way, and are you going to embrace the Paralympics? (Personally, I think they already deserve medals for just being an athlete who has had to overcome incredible obstacles before mastering their sport.)
Olympic Inukshuk
When I first learned that the Olympics were coming to town, I was amongst those against the idea. I jumped on the “let’s get out of Dodge” attitude. As the Olympics drew closer the politics, the potential problems, and the ethical questioning also heightened.
I wasn’t terribly positive.
Then a strange thing occurred.
Innocently, I “retweeted” a tweet about an Olympic Hockey contest by Tourism B.C. and a couple of days later it was announced that I had won.
I won? What did I win???? I was baffled as I didn’t even know I had entered!!
I had mixed feelings as I thought someone more fanatical than me should have won the 3 hockey tickets, the limo, the hotel, the Hockey House day, and then…. I started to get excited, really excited!!
As I write this, I’m sitting in my hotel waiting for my “limo” to pick me up to go to two Women’s hockey games while my guy is watches the Men’s Hockey game!
Yesterday, I was taken around Robson Square downtown Vancouver by Chris Wheeler, the Torch Reporter, and taken up on the Zipline…
And, last night I was standing at a perfect place on Robson St. with an energetic crowd as Canada’s Jon Montgomery won gold on the Mens Skeleton.
Just before taking the leap!
Needless to say, I admit that I have set aside my earlier apprehensions for some Olympic playtime. It really is fantastic to see everyone having so much fun, sharing energy, and a sense of Canadiana of which I’ve never witnessed.
I’m sure the Olympic hangover will be tough, and things are far from perfect. But, for now… I’m just going to continue to join in, play, and recharge my sense of fun.
Hope some of you are doing the same, or at least that the spirit has affected you wherever you are!
More later!
Witnessing Jon Montgomery's Gold Medal Skeleton!
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