That missing feeling

Seeing a local business close is a painful reminder of how quickly our community landscape changes. We in Steveston have witnessed too many neighborhood favorites shuttered, moved, or demolished. It's a sad little wake-up call that nothing really lasts—and how much they had been taken for granted until they're gone. Full stop!

In this post, I wish to honor the shops and businesses that once anchored our daily lives, taught our children the geography of their neighborhood, and gave us memories that helped shape us as individuals and a unique community.

Let me know if you can still remember them...

 Sakura season in Steveston

It’s cherry blossom season in Steveston, and while the "pink froth" at Garry Point Park signals a welcome spring, it also reveals a disappointing side of human nature.

Locals enjoy watching enthusiasts flock to the neighborhood with everything from professional cameras to elaborate "Instagram kits"—complete with ladders and picnic spreads. However, the beauty is being marred by blatant disrespect. It is heartbreaking to see some visitors breaking off branches as personal trophies, leaving trees with "broken bones" dangling in their wake. Despite posted notices, some treat nature as a disposable prop rather than a shared gift. 

Despite some misbehavior, it’s comforting to observe that most visitors remain respectful. Let us hope that when the cherry blossoms arrive again next year, everyone will take nothing but photos and breathtaking memories of this beautiful season.

Steveston through a different lens

For most locals, Steveston is just a beloved village we call home. It has wonderful nooks and crannies and many well-preserved historical sites.

But lets imagine our familiar village through a different lens.

What would the neighbourhood look like when captured on canvas by an impressionist painter?

Have a look at these images and tell me what you think... It was a purely fun what-if project that I hope would bring a smile to your face.

Laendler in C Minor Hess 68 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/?keywords=laendler&Search=Search

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Prickly Pear brings spring fever to Steveston

When summer seems far away and you need a quick pick-me-up, why not saunter into a local favourite nursery - the Prickly Pear. 

Multicoloured flowers burst out of their pots, arranged in delightful rows and seem to promise that life is about to get better... soon.

Even for those with purple thumbs, like me, this alone makes living here so special. And, bonus, there is even ample free parking for the store patrons. 

Yup, beautiful flowers are always in season at the Prickly Pear.

And, psssst, you may even catch sight of the resident black cat, throwing you a contemptuous glance as it threads its way among planters, boxes, and all things that make up a beautiful garden.

Splash Toys brings you a blast from the past.

Do you recognize the objects on display in Splash Toy's windows? I hope you enjoy cruising down memory lane... and maybe break into a song or two. Mama Mia! Life was fun!

 Wishing you a Happy 2025 New Year

Take a moment from all the festivities to reflect on the beauty of Steveston and how fortunate we are to be a part of this historic fishing village.

May we continue to be blessed with community spirit, peace, contentment, and an overabundance of great restaurants, gelato shops, cafes, nail spas, hair salons, and pizzerias!

Life is good here!

Merry 2024 Christmas, Steveston!

Our village is beginning to be transformd into a winter wonderland once more. You can see twinkling lights, wreaths, reindeer, snowmen, and sparkling ornaments hanging from trees big and small.

Have a holly jolly Christmas everyone!

Christmas magic at Murchie's in Victoria, BC

 Merry Christmas 2022, everyone!

Here are some seasonal sketches for you to enjoy, whether you are a resident or a visitor to Stevenson.

Here you will find beautifully preserved historical buildings as well as modern shops selling gelatos, fresh coffee, juicy fried chicken, desserts, beer, fish and chips, and everything else to make your holiday bright and delicious. Welcome, one and all.

 Steveston Walking Tour

Last week, while strolling past Steveston's Museum, I noticed a sign posted on the window announcing the return of the Steveston Walking Tours. What a wonderful surprise!

Back in August 2019, (yes, that happy pre-pandemic time), I and a friend signed up for the Steveston Alive! Walking Tour Vignettes. Presented by Steveston Historical Society, and interpreted by McRoberts Secondary School drama students, this one hour guided tour provided a travel back in time to 1917 with a play in five parts that promoted understanding and appreciation of the evolution of the Steveston community.

If only all history lessons could be this personal, colourful and entertaining!

 Cherry blossoms in Minoru Park

Did you know that Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, offers pockets of beautiful spots that simply take your breath away?

Although not part of Steveston, the Minoru Chapel is one such gem.

Tucked away in a neighborhood park - it is a beautiful structure in a lush setting.

Now imagine it with cherry blossom petals drifting in the sweet spring air and you will know that it is a must see place! 

 Sakura in Steveston

Each spring, Garry Point Park is turned into a pink and white wonderland.

A delightful slice of nature's pastel confection, it attracts visitors and locals alike.

Enjoy your brief taste of sweet sakura in Steveston Village

Music: www.bensound.com

What the world needs now...

Happy 2022 Valentine's Day, everyone! On February 14, let's let go of all negative thoughts and feelings and focus on love sweet love... between spouses, neighbors, parents and children, coworkers, and - of course - sweethearts.

 Snowy Steveston in less than sixty seconds!

For Mimi by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org/

 Chillin' in Steveston

Happy New Year 2022 from what feels like the coldest, snowiest corner of Lulu Island.

Have a Merry 2021 Christmas, Steveston! 

Anyone else excited about Christmas this year?

After two years of muted celebrations, it's time to re-ignite the sense of joy and fun this season brings.

I decided to express mine through designs that feature two iconic heritage buildings in Steveston. Hope you find creative ways to express your happiness! 

 Last flowers of summer.

Yikes! Fall will be here in a week!

This past week I scrambled to get as many photos of summer beauties as I could before they were gone! Luckily, there were still flowers aplenty around Steveston.

It's funny how I returned home empty handed after these jaunts and yet felt so rich in what had been captured in my camera. 

Life is good.

 A rainbow cloud above us

Just driving through the neighborhood when I looked up and ...

Okay, it's nothing in comparison to the spectacular photographs on the Internet (go ahead and Google "rainbow cloud," i know you want to) - but this unfiltered, unenhanced photo is like nature winking at us and reminding us that, hey, life is truly a miracle!

I think we kind of forget that sometimes.

A Steveston sunset

What were you doing last Sunday evening?

Well, if you have a minute (well, 45 seconds to be precise), sit back and enjoy a uniquely Steveston sunset.

This video, shot from the outdoor patio of The Catch restaurant, captures the spirit of our village - the mighty Fraser River, bobbing fishing boats, festive twinkling fairy lights, inviting restaurants, and visitors and locals prowling for good food.

Sunset in Steveston.

Join me for a short sweet stroll while the sun is hovering above the horizon and bathing everything in a warm pink glow. Yes, the world is opening up slowly after the pandemic but I am in no big rush. There is enough beauty- and great food - in my neighborhood to nourish the body and soul.

Music by www.bensound.com