A cool new addition to Storybrooke

The 2014 fall season ushered in new characters that made their way into the heart of Maine with mysterious intensions.

Suddenly images of icy spikes thrusting through the earth's crust and frozen trails meandering through the streets pop up in scene after scene. Talk about global cooling - right in the heart of our little fishing village.

The familiar pet shelter has undergone a change to accommodate the theme of this year's  opening episodes. It is now painted blue with a charming striped awning and a delectable looking sundae hanging over the front door.

Any Given Sundae presents a stark contrast to the rest of the storefront facades and draws pedestrian's immediate attention regardless of whether they are devotees of the series or not.

I, myself, wish that it was a real store, selling real ice cream - whether laced with magic or nor - just because we all need more jolts of pleasure and sprinkling of sweetness in our days.

My latest storefront transformations from Steveston to Storybrooke

 

Visions of Storybrooke are softly descending on Steveston.

A few weeks ago, I drove along Moncton Street and caught a glimpse of Granny's Diner – with strings of light bulbs draped around its perimeter. Splash Toy Shop has transformed its facade into Neighbor's drugstore, with rows of bottles, boxes, and hardware jostling for position in the windows. And, as usual, the traffic crew in their high viz vests, gently directing throngs of locals and tourists to keep the noise level down and resume their activities when there's a break in filming.

Ah, I felt lucky to be living where the action is.

Another positive outcome of being a local is the positive response to my Storybrooke art cards, some of which are available from the Richmond Museum/Tourism office, located in the heart of our community.

I feel privileged that the staff had accorded them a place of honour - in the window facing Moncton Street. Apparently they have awakened enough interest to generate sales. The most popular designs — so far — appear to be Mr. Gold and the Storybrooke Free Public Library.

Then it occurred to me that, even though I had created newer designs since my earlier blogs on March 16, 2012 and March 18, 2012, I have not shared them with you.

Let me start by showing you the Storybrooke Free Public Library, which was more fun than complicated to draw. Really…

 

Then there’s Captain Hook’s pirate ship, bobbing next to the Storybrooke Shipyard (aka Britannia Shipyard) under the watchful eye of the screaming seagulls.

And don’t forget The Rabbit Hole, a favourite watering hole where many heart-stopping scenes have played out.



Finally, the re-invention of our beloved Prickly Pear into the Game of Thorns — though both appear equally breathtaking under the lush blanket of green leaves and riotous floral colours.

That's it for now...

In the meantime, if you are interested in purchasing these images, either as art cards or prints, just send me an email. It's easy and simple between neighbours - both in Steveston and Storybrooke.

Thank you for visiting!

Got sweets? The Candy Dish does!

We are so lucky to have our own local candy store.

These days, when everyone seems to be concerned with making the "right" impression by patronizing expensive chocolate specialty shops, it's nice to have a neighbourhood store where everyone feels comfortable enough to meander in and get what they want, when they want it.

From doting grandparents, lovestruck teenagers, sleepy workers looking for a quick afternoon pick-me-up, or lollipop junkies craving a sweet fix - everyone can find what they want at the Candy Dish, without having to fork out a fortune.


When was the last time you saw kids slapping their coins on the counter of your big name chocolate shops in the malls? Or a little boy simply dropping his bicycle on the sidewalk to get a handful of jelly beans?


Or preschoolers gazing starry eyed at the jars of sweet temptations dancing in a window?


Of course, the owner of Candy Dish is keeping many noses pressed against her front windows with displays that constantly change to reflect holidays and major celebrations.
 

The next time find yourself in Steveston, go on in and have a look around. You'll find colourful displays that would please your eyes and palate - not to mention your pocket books.

Looking back on Christmas 2012

Long after...

The nutcracker rode his rocking horse out of the Candy Dish window.

The twin soldiers vacated their posts outside a monkey tree.

And Santa's reindeer abandoned their snowballs at Sara's Ice Cream for the long trek home to the North Pole.

What will you remember most about Christmas 2012?

In those delicious days between festivities, I had the ultimate luxury of exploring Steveston village at a leisurely pace. My most vivid memories centered around, what else, food...

Like moist almond crescents from Steveston Bakery, so fresh that steam escaped as I pulled the flaky ends apart.

Like scrambled eggs and crunchy toasts pressed against a nest of chunky crisp-tender hash brown potatoes at Pat's Galley.

Like pure chocolates from Sinfully The Best, designed with great artistry and concocted to please a whole range of palates - think squares with mini shot ampules for those craving a more wicked experience.

These were just some of my favourite things from the recent Christmas past. Tell me about yours.