Richmond Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store

Here's a building that has reinvented itself many times over.

And yet, despite multiple transformations, it has remained relevant and central to the community it serves.

This heritage structure was, first and foremost, connected to a place of worship. My husband, a native Stevestonite, even recalled spending time there as a preschooler though he was short on details (let us know if you have similar recollections). More recently, it was home to a bicycle store where you could purchase new bicycles or get yours tuned up, fixed, and restored by expert technicians. Since then, it has been re-purposed as a thrift shop offering donated goods to budget-conscious shoppers.

But what pleases me the most about the structure is its down-to-earth welcoming exterior. The front lawn is pleasantly carpeted with green grass with islands of flowering bushes that cuddle and jostle together for space and attention. If their profusion and vibrant colours do not qualify as eye candy, I don't know what is. 

At one time, there were posted signs, in ornate cursive handwriting (remember that?) identifying the plethora of plant life on display and inviting passersby to be extra cautious lest they accidentally trample on the nodding buds and blooms.

Should your footsteps ever lead you to the corner of Chatham Street and Second Avenue, linger awhile and take in the rich history and beauty of this heritage building. Then go in, meet the cadre of red-smocked volunteers, and browse to your heart's content. You might just pick up a piece of history from someone's attic or basement!

OpenClipartVectors from Pixabay

Looking down

People always laugh at me when they observe me from afar. "You look so low just staring at the ground." Or, "Hey, it doesn't hurt to look at up now and then." Some even say that my posture suggests a low self esteem. Who knew?

If truth be told, although I don't look down primarily for serendipitous gains, I have come upon mini treasures on my walks. I picked up a beautiful bracelet (with a faulty clasp) right at the entrance to the cruise ship terminal in downtown Vancouver. Then there was the time when I found a sparkling "diamond" studded charm at the door of a Richmond Centre jewelry store. And yes, I even managed to pluck a $20 bill off the frozen ground at the Vancouver Christmas Market. Amazing, right?

But looking down pays off in more ways than the occasional cash and trinkets. It can also delight your eyes, nourish your soul, and feed your community spirit.

Have you noticed the display of landscaping artistry around our neighbourhood? Especially in the spring when mother nature slowly awakens, and in the summer when she lays out her bounty at your feet, you can feast your eyes on strategically placed stonework, ornamental fences, and clusters of budding bushes. Add to these the riotous explosion of seasonal colours and scents and you'll feel swept up in the swirl of life unleashing.

Look at these examples and tell me if you agree:

In the meantime, I will keep on looking down. You should too!

Thirsting for refreshment

Locals rejoice!

It's summer and, at the corner of Steveston Hwy and No.1 Road, you have even more choices in hydration stations.

Of course, you are already aware of 7-11's signature Slurpees - multi-colored streams of flavoured ice crystals that kids love to catch in plastic cups, usually to overflowing. And, just across the street, Dairy Queen serves up Blizzards to calm customers' craving for thicker textured treats.

But hold on! A new kid just jumped into the ring. It's Boba Boy! Making a splash with offerings of milk tea, specialty slush and smoothies, fruit tea, and lattes. Since grand opening time in April, the shop has been abuzz with chattering teens and the clickety clacks of laptop keys.

Amidst such plenty, there will not be a single thirsty Stevestonite left behind! And that's a great reason to rejoice!

Merry 2017 Christmas to all

Steveston Museum/Post Office

There is something to be said for shifting one's perspective once in a while - to see something familiar in a different light.

A simple practice of elevating your point of view could change your mood and awaken a new sense of wonder.

Take our familiar landmarks in the heart of Steveston. You must have walked past the post office/museum buildings without so much as a glance - knowing in your mind's eye its exact shade of cheerful yellow. Further down the block, it's easy to circle around the expansive Gulf of Georgia complex without noticing the jolly maritime jingle spilling out of its front doors. And who hasn't walked along Moncton lost in thoughts and blind to the cheerful neighbourhood shops that have added their individual stamps on the Steveston experience.

So this year, I decided to draw these familiar scenes from a whole different perspective - from above. The way Santa and his trusty reindeer would see them this time of year.

The Gulf of Georgia Cannery

Neighbourhood shops

I hope these seasonal illustrations capture the spirit of joy and peace that descend on our village as gently as the first winter snowfall. They are available as art cards at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery.