Queen B's ... Continued

Sean setting up for the afternoon of music

As mentioned in my previous posting, the Queen B's Cafe here in QC is an exceptional place. It is warm and welcoming, quiet and soothing, yet (at times) boisterous and energetic.
That energy level reached a peak last Sunday (August 29) with the 'Auntie Buttons Art Show and Pizza Party (including 'made-for-the-occasion' Auntie  Button Cup-Cakes!) with LIVE Entertainment!'

It was a 2pm - 4pm family friendly gathering that celebrated the art work of Kim, Jody's sister, (who got the stage name of  Auntie Buttons from her nephew, Isadore.)                  

Auntie Buttons felted works on the wall

With the works of art on display, and the pizzas, cupcakes, and coffees (as well as other beverages, of course) heated up, and the music rocking, it all combined to provide a wonderful way to pass a drizzly Sunday afternoon.

Kim chatting with Laurel

Since it is a small facility, the 'crowd' of 25 - 35 patrons overflowed onto the outdoor patio; and the enthusiasm and joy of those present (actually well represented in the artwork, as you can see in the accompanying pictures) was quite apparent (of course, the playing and dancing children helped, as always).

Jim exchanging stories with John and Donna

Conversations flowed as easily as the many cups of 'whatever' (Jim preferred the regular dark roast while I was partial to Bonnie and Dana's lattes!), and we enjoyed, so much, the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that a venue like this could provide.
Bonnie and Dana were pleased, Kim was delighted to sell a few of her works, and all who attended , I really believe, quite enjoyed with the whole experience.



Art representing life / life representing art !?!

Whatever ... a good (no, a GREAT) time was had by all!!

Thanks to those who made it all happen.

Living in the moment

My jottings and Java at Jags

Senor, dadles pan a los que tienen hambre, y hambre de justicia, a los que tienen pan. 
Lord to those who hunger, give bread.
To those who have bread, give a hunger for justice.
- Latin American prayer


I knew that I wanted to write this blog for a while ....I have been thinking about life's little pleasures and where you find them It occurred to me that one of the highlights of my week is going to Jags on Friday morning for a cappacino ....His are simply the best on the Islands.  First of all ...the coffee at this shop is all Fair Trade (a big plus in my book ) ....the service is always friendly and it is like coming home to be there. I like to go to Jags each week to see Erica's face light up as we walk in AND if you want to know about local local culture, points of interest and events, Jags is your man ... He never makes you feel like he is too busy to share time with customers.  The coffee shop is a solarium with a view of the bay that will take your breath away.

Izzie and Erica discussing muffins

Behind Izzy you see the view of Skidigate

We drove from Guysborough to Haida Gwaii 5 years ago, and made a pact when we left home that we would seek out the 'Mom and Pop' coffee shops along the way and, where possible, search for Fair Trade coffee as we went. You see there is just such a place in almost every town you pass through and it is usually an indicator of the type of  folks who gather  there. We also went with a selection of Just Us Fair Trade coffee and info sheets on that company for our hosts along the way. This proved to be a wonderful brainwave.
There is a sense of social justice with each sip ....and we started to look at coffee in a different way ...It is a treat, not a given. In retrospect, I'm a little sorry  that I didn't take a photo of all these little places as I went.

But for this current post, our first stop is my favorite one in Antigonish ...The Tall and Small;  besides great coffee, they make positively the BEST walnut lentil burgers ever, and the cafe hosts art shows of various local artists as well as performances of some of the best in the renowned Jazz program at St F. X.

The Tall and Small is a Cafe on the right side of this building where folks gather to trade stories and argue about the politics and events of the day. Popular with everyone from Musicians, Artsy university students to fishermen the local Business Professionals ...a happening place in Antigonish

Here on Haida Gwaii you will not find Tims or Starbucks but you will find a thriving coffee industry where people gather and as in all little hamlets each one is a favorite for different reasons and attracts individual tastes.

Queen B's has a wonderful selection of home cooked (mostly vegetarian) dishes and a decadent array of desserts ... all made right there with love by Bonnie and Dana (and staff).  You need to see the joy that this woman exudes and the sound of her voice and laughter is worth the trip! (not to mention....that she is a great hugger)

Bonnie and Dana seen here during  an art opening for Auntie Buttons, where a rainy Sunday afternoon was warmed by sharing stories and song with friends ...live music and homemade pizza, a warm fun family event ...see up coming blog on that one.

Now there is the Purple Onion in Charlotte, the Rising Tide in Tlell and the Ground in Massett up and coming in the next blog  post, each with its own  distinctive culture.


Love and light
Chris