Gift from Steveston Village Bikes gives new perspective on cycling

My interest in cycling was at an all time low last summer. Hunching over the low handlebars of my aging bicycle had lost its allure. Trundling down the road, my knees would burn, my back would ache, and my palms would grow tender from supporting my entire upper body weight.

Worst of all, with my eyes focused on the spot just past the front wheel, I took in nothing but strips of asphalt, scraps of rubbish, pebbles, dirt road, brown grass, and what other people’s dogs have left behind.

Well, that all changed on Mother's Day, when my husband presented me with a toodler from Steveston Village Bikes.

This is a toodler!


A toodler is made for the recreational rider. Like me! The handlebars sit higher so that you can remain upright, lift your chin, survey what’s around you, and – bonus – actually have eye contact with others. One leisurely glide around the village and I was hooked!

Given our almost perfect summer days, I often find myself pedaling down the street after dinner to:


Catch the last evening rays in Steveston


Admire wildlife alongside the grinding dyke trail,


Observe local ducks and bobbing boats in the marina,


Capture the quieter corners of the Brittania Shipyards where reeds nod and clouds of insects buzz in the light breeze,


Or just pick up a couple of good reads from the Steveston Library.

If you have ever considered embracing the two-wheeler again, try one out for size from the Village Bikes. One short trip around the block and you’ll catch the toodling bug as well.

2010 Salmon Festival flower show - a feast for the eyes

On Canada Day, the 2010 Steveston Salmon Festival was in full swing, when I arrived on the scene at 2:30 PM.



As always, the craft fair drew a huge crowd of serious shoppers, browsers, and bloggers (well, at least one anyway).

After circling the gym twice, I slipped out of the building and into the Net Shed, where the flower show was held. It was a Kodak moment in leaves and petals!

Before I share some of the amazing displays, let me assure you that I know absolutely nothing about flowers, gardening, formal arrangements, and how to appraise what has been tended by loving hands. The photos you are about to see happened to speak to me- with their harmonious colours, delicate lines, effusive spirit, and natural simplicity. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Happy Canada Day, Steveston, and keep on blooming!


Perennials mixed


Perennial flowers


Mixed garden flowers


Flowering shrubs


Decorative arrangement - anything goes!


Bowl of roses


Biennials distinct

Dam Good Soap! keeps Steveston clean and lubed

June 20 was the second Sunday that Steveston's Farmers' and Artisans' Market was held under low threatening clouds. It didn't feel much like the day before the Summer Solstice.

But at 11:30 AM, at least at the corner of Third Avenue and Moncton Street, shoppers were eagerly chatting up the vendors. Two tents that were snuggled side by side drew quite a crowd - a white canvas advertised “Dam Good Lip Lube" in one tent while a black canvas promoted "Dam Good Soap" in the other.

“Ooh, these look good enough to eat,” a woman said to her cluster of friends. Hands big and small reached out for multi-scented bars that looked like chunky slices of colourful loaves.



I had heard about "Dam Good Soap" months earlier. A friend had raved about this Steveston-based company for its – well - d--n good soap!

The lady behind the counter explained that all their soaps were made with natural ingredients and olive oil. There was a wide selection of scents to choose but, for my dry skin, she recommended the Spa Baby, a scent free bar for sensitive skin. "Just use a wash cloth to work up a lot of lather," she advised.

When asked which were the big movers, she pointed out the citrus line, with such evocative names as “Lime Currant” and “Lemon Peel.” But what about “Monkey Farts?” I thought, that would have to be the bar of choice for all little boys.

Of course, if your intention was to entice youngsters to spend more time scrubbing behind their ears, you would be wise to go for their Soapsicles, or soaps on a stick, which come in mouth watering shades of yellow, orange, blue, and red.



And for you smoochers, keep those lips supple and smooth with Dam Good Lip Lubes, which are soothing tubes that come in Passionfruit, Vanilla Bean, and Peaches and Cream – flavours you won’t find in your grandmother’s medicine cabinet.



After a long moment of indecision, I decided to get a bar of the Spa Baby. While it was being carefully wrapped in white tissue, I asked another shopper, who appeared to be a devotee, how long a bar lasts. Oh, a long long time, she said.

At least for two weeks, I hope, until the Farmers' and Artisans' Market returns to Steveston. And, with luck, under much sunnier skies.

In the meantime, keep scrubbing and kissing, Steveston!

Crazy Mary adds exotic fun to Steveston

On June 5th, 2010 at 4:15 PM, I finally gave in to my curiosity.

I had to find out why Sara’s Ice Cream’s twin sister shop had such an unusual name.

The “Crazy Mary” sign - with its pair of curly-lashed eyes and green pig tails had intrigued me since I first spotted a couple sprucing up the shop for business.



So I crossed the street, determined to unravel the mystery.

Upon entering the door, I was immediately drawn to the boldly painted walls - swaths of bright orange, green, and burnt earth. You can tell the owner is not intimidated by a palette that others might find too aggressive.

I liked Crazy Mary already.

A slight young lady with sleek brown hair sat behind what looked like a work table. In fact, with the exception of a white couch, the back of the store resembled a design studio. How wonderful it would be to actually walk in on an artistic work in progress, I thought.

I found the layout of the store very conducive to browsing - with the collection of jewelry, accessories and gifts spread out in an arc that starts from the front door and circling counter clock wise back to the entrance. People were milling about their displays, in the windows, on the counters, and locked inside display cases.






The young lady is actually Mary's niece. They hailed from Brazil where I know, from personal experience, that people exude warmth and friendliness and speak as though they are caressing you with their words.

I asked her why her aunt had chosen such an unusual name for her shop. She laughed and explained that in Portuguese, "crazy" denotes a positive quality. Crazy Mary is someone is who is happy and fun-loving. I would have liked to continue our chat but some customers approached the till to have their purchases rung up.

Perhaps one day, I will be able to meet Mary in person and we can have a crazy good chat. Until then, welcome to the neighbourhood, Maria Maluca, and boa sorte com as suas compras!