Word-weaving is an art, and there are a number of talented word-weavers who make James Bay their home, or who have been inspired by the natural heritage of this neighborhood.

June Swadron, defines herself as a creative counsellor, who acts as a guide and mentor to those who wish to explore their inner gifts, write their sacred stories in poetry or prose, and celebrate their unique journey of life.

She has just self-published her first book entitled, Re-Write Your Life – A Transformational Guide to Writing and Healing the Stories of Our Lives.

A labour of love, and personal life stories, this book assists individuals to write their stories of gratitude or forgiveness, or acknowledge momentous milestones and significant relationships that have shaped their lives and brought meaning to them.

Join June for her Victoria book launch and enjoy selected readings with some savory snacks on Wednesday, December 9th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Church of Truth, 111 Superior Street…you won’t be disappointed! Endorsed by the well-known author of "The Artist’s Way", Julia Cameron, this book represents a worthwhile investment for the Christmas gift -giver because it will reap untold rewards for that special someone beneath the tree!!

The second author, Jo Manning, who although not a resident of James Bay, is nevertheless at the tender age of 86 is publishing her first book, "A Print-Maker’s Memoir".

This book traces the life of an artist born in Sidney, B.C. during the early 20th century, her art training and influences in her life from German expressionism to her own work in etched prints, watercolours, oils and drawings inspired by the natural beauty she found in Beacon Hill Park and in James Bay.

Undeterred by the male-dominated art community, she found her not only her own style but also through her efforts advanced print-making around the world. Today her works can be found in collections such as the National Gallery of Canada, the National Library of Canada, the Canada Council Art Bank, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the University of Victoria.

Jo Manning’s book launch will start at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 6, 2009 at Winchester Galleries, 1010 Broad Street in downtown Victoria.

And, if you have a passion for books, and want to share them with others — why not leave it on a park bench, a coffee shop, at a hotel on vacation. Share it with a friend or tuck it onto a bookshelf at the gym — anywhere it might find a new reader! What happens next is up to fate, and we never know where our books might travel. Track the book’s journey around the world as it is passed on from person to person through Bookcrossing (the world’s largest free book club – a catch and release program that knows no bounds!)

Image Credit: Chud Tsankov Illustrations on flickr.com

This month in the "Food for Thought" column, we’ve invited Larry Arnold, (Product Consultant at Spinnaker’s Wine & Beer Merchants and Sips Artisan Bistro  at 425 Simcoe Street in James Bay Square) to say a few words about what’s in their larder besides those lovely little libations that complement our loafing about lifestyle that characterizes the neighborhood.

Sips Artisan Bistro is featuring some fine food, fun and Freudian Sips courtesy of Therapy Vineyards from B.C.’s Naramata Bench. So if you’re pressed for time and can’t enjoy a "grape escape", then drop by for a tasting, or pick up a bottle of your favorite "Therapy" and a tapas to go!

Freudian Sip 2008/Salt Spring Island Chevre, Spinnakers Apple Smoked Trout & Strawberry Compote

This pairing is all about acidity! The goat cheese has it, so does the strawberry compote. With a crunch of mouthwatering acidity and heady citrust-mango flavours, the wine hangs in there perfectly, gaining weight and intensity with every sip. As the acid softens, the wine brings out the lovely smoky flavours of the trout and the sweetness of the srawberry. Delicious!

Therapy Vineyards Chardonnay 2008/Smokehouse Cheddar, Verjus Cured Salmon, Pear Butter

Yow, this dish is intense, but so is the wine! Smoke, acidity and sweet fruit, all in perfect balance requires more of the same and the crisp, juicy Okanagan chard more than meets the challenge. Peaches and cream with lovely toasty nuances, plenty of weight and a finish that wraps itself around your palate and just keeps going!

Therapy Vineyards Gewurztraminer 2008/Caraway Cheese, Smoked Sooke Oyster & Apple Chutney

This pairing is all or nothig! the ingredients in the dish are full flavoured, sweet and spicy. The perfect complement to a wine not known for its coquettish nature! Very floral with a slightly oily texture, a heady potpourri of tropical fruit and exotic spice flavours and a long, long soft finish!

Therapy Vineyards Pinot Noir 2007/Tipsy Jill, proscuitto Salami, Strawberry Compote

Good pinot is hard to find But after several thousand samples we think we have found one here! The dish is richly flavoured with a salty, slightly sweet and tart structure that begs another bite. The wine is all about perfectly rip fruit with cherry and spice flavours, a soft wilky texture and enough acidity to stand up to the compote and cut through the richness of the cheese. Superb!
 

Freud’s Ego 2007/Hot Jill Cheese, Hot Cacciatore Salami, Caramelized Onions

This dish is not for the timid or those with an aversion to heat and spice. It is a full-flavoured take no prisoners assault on your palate that is very, very hot, but absolutely delicious! On the other hand, this richly textured Boreau blend is lush and powerful with layers of sweet fruit and spice flavours, plenty of body and a soft blush of fine grained tannins.

Danda Humphreys, one of our talented writers in the neighborhood and a well-known local historian, offers a wonderful new book, Tour Guide Tales, a perfect gift for the globetrotter who’s long on digital photos and short on stories, a happy-faced hospitality industry employee with sore feet, or an armchair traveller living life in the slow lane.

If you have travelled, on your own or with a group, you’ll enjoy this book! “Tour Guide Tales” is a collection of real tales told by real people – tour guides, directors and managers from right across Canada. The stories, edited by Danda Humphreys and illustrated by Elke Hierl-Steinbauer, will make you chuckle, nod in agreement, shake your head in disbelief, maybe even a shed a tear a two.

Read about the "two bad apples" in a busload of tourists who threatened to ruin the group’s trip to Tofino… the European tourist looking for the location of the camp where he once was a prisoner-of-war… and what happened the day a royal duke decided to steer a SeaBus.  Along the way, you’ll share some of the questions people ask, such as (at Lake Louise), "How do they drain the lake so they can paint the bottom blue?", and (pointing to the Undersea Gardens in Victoria’s Inner Harbour), "How often does that ferry sail to Vancouver?"

It’s a fun read and a great gift! Enjoy this unique collection of Canadian tour guide tales!

“Tour Guide Tales” (6” x 9”, 150 pages) is available for $19.95 per copy (including tax) from Danda Humphreys: dandah@shaw.ca or www.dandahumphreys.com.
 

GHOSTS

By all accounts, there are plenty of ghosts to go around in James Bay. These amusing apparitions often make their appearance known to custodial staff hoping to catch a bit of shut-eye on the graveyard shift, individuals suffering from insomnia out for a midnight stroll, or imbibing imps inhabiting certain neighborhood parks where they expect to enjoy a few short snorts and snooze until the following morning.

However, due to severe budget cuts in the area of government transparency and Vital Statistics, the provincial authorities are no longer prepared to invest in services for seniors or the measurement of invisible incorporeal beings. Regretably, the federal government does not keep track of phantom figures whether in the budget or in  the population Census, so it is difficult to determine exactly how many ghosts make James Bay their home.

Judging from the number of ghost tours organized in the neighborhood of late, one might surmise that these spunky spirits tend to frequent happily haunted places such as the Gatsby Mansion Restaurant, the James Bay Inn, and Helmecken House (all of which are popular tourist traps).

GOBLINS

Goblins are mythical, mischievous munchins. Research reveals that the source of their dreadful dispositions may be attributed to the fact that Noah declined to offer them a spot on his ark to escape a frigging flood because they didn’t have cachet or strong collateral let alone impressive ivy-league credentials and an impeccable credit-rating.

As a consequence, it’s not surprising that these dreadfully-dressed diminutive damsels and dudes with extraordinarily large ears or long tails have resorted to wandering about puffing on pipes or cigarettes and finding temporary accommodation in mossy cracks in rocks and tree roots, while local politicians decide how to build a spanking new state-of-the-art multimillion suspension bridge for them live under, together with other dispossessed demons including ogres, trolls, and kelpies. 

Goblins come in any colour, but most prefer hideous hues such as green or brown. This is a handy thing to know, especially for the tree-huggers who are really keen on saving these environmentally-friendly endangered species, as opposed to the Sasquatch and Cadborsaurus (who although rarely seen aren’t worth saving because the latter critters can’t abide tipplers, tourists or tree-huggers).

Image Credit: Tony DiTerlizzi.com

It is difficult to estimate the number of goblins who frequent the neighborhood. Some are said to find the wet west coast winter climate to their liking, while others choose to drop by on an itinerant basis, particularly on Halloween.

Judging from the number of ghastly and sometimes giggling goblins appearing at the front door of the neighborhood’s 7,338 private dwellings on October 31 each year, it would appear that these entertaining elf-like creatures are more than welcome in James Bay, (in contrast to bogeymen who inhabit the lawns of legislature during political protests and bugbears who hang out in the loos where they enjoy frightening the knickers, briefs, or pants off humorless homo sapiens).

GRANNIES

Image Credit: J.W. Wagner, Hallmark Cards (Maxine.com)

According to official population statistics from the 2006 Census, the James Bay neighborhood is home to the highest proportion of grannies (grumpy or otherwise) in all of Victoria.

According to the James Bay Community Project, the medical clinic currently provides care to more than 2,650 patients, of whom 700 are over the age of 75. Due to patient confidentiality, they are not permitted to release the total number of grumpy grannies under the care of their physicians.

Image Credit: J.W. Wagner, Hallmark Cards (Maxine.com)

As entertaining elders of the tribe, grannies are given a wide berth…even wider on Halloween. Grumpy grannies, which comprise the largest suck-it-up segment of the experentially-enhanced population, are easy to spot. They’re the ones who think "trick-or-treaters are so cute…imagine them coming to my door expecting to get something for free."  

Image Credit: J.W. Wagner, Hallmark Cards (Maxine.com)

These boisterous biddies are more often than not given to hooting and howling on Halloween. After all, it’s the only legal time of the year they’re are entitled to do so, without someone suggesting that they be confined to a "supported living" residence with padlocked doors and windows!

There’s quite a coffee house culture in James Bay, and plenty of java joints from which to choose.

If you like books with your beans, try James Bay Coffee & Books (owned by Kim Willoughby). Conveniently located at "Five Corners", it offers a comfy cozy place to plop down, chat with friends over cup of coffee, sweet bun or a sandwich and soup, (and it’s open 7 days a week). You can also peruse the shelves for hand-made greeting cards, previously-enjoyed books, use their Internet cafe, or admire local works of art that adorn the walls. And, if you’re in the mood, you can drop in on Tuesday evening for a hot game of "Scrabble" or listen to some great live performances on Friday nights.

Serious Coffee, (a franchise owned by Tony Lee and Cathy Wolsey-Lee), is one of the new kids on the block located at 103-225 Menzies Street . Open weekdays from 6am-9pm, and Saturdays from 7am-6pm, and Sundays from 8am-6pm. A popular place for those who work James Bay, it offers free wireless internet service to patrons, together with several blends and choices of coffee, cookies, and light fare. And, on special occasions, at the invitation of the owners, local musicians entertain audiences in the early evening. For the green thumb crowd, the owners offer free pails of coffee grounds for the garden!  

Cup a Joe, might be known by some as the proverbial "hole in the wall" place (as it’s tucked away on the basement level of Parliament Mews at "Five Corners". A funky sort of place, it offers frugal folks plenty of options for good hot coffee, hearty breakfast and lunch meals (some with some laugh-out-loud names),  and all the writing you care to read on the walls of this entertaining establishment.

Starbucks (located in James Bay Square), is a familiar place to many out-of-town visitors, summer cruiseship passengers, local government employees, and those who love their coffee with more than whipped cream and sprinkles on top. If you want a regular cup of coffee, just ask for a "short" one (although you’re not likely to find it on their menu). If you want the ‘bling of beans’, then this is definitely the spot to let your tongue be tantilized.

Travelling Bean Coffee House located at 100-239 Menzies Street, is the latest java joint to open in James Bay. Owned by a couple from the Interior, who now make Victoria their home, this shop caters to standing-room only types and those on a ten-minute break seeking a fine cup of Espresso…all the way from Italy! The friendly service and tidbits to go make this a great place to pick up the boss’s bag of beans for the week!
 

Moka House Shoal Point, (owned by Lillian Graham), located at 110-19 Dallas Road, adjacent to Fisherman’s Wharf, is a superb spot to meet if you’re looking for a quiet place to meet whether with friends or perhaps an informal business get-together over many choices of beverages and baked goods. Free internet wireless services, a wonderfully warm and inviting fireplace, together with a gallery of great art and photography make it the place to hang out any time of year.

Ogden Point Cafe, (owned by Gail Patterson and Bob Lumley), located at the "Breakwater" across from the cruiseship terminal, offers one of the most picturesque spots to enjoy a sip of sizzling hot coffee, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, or a selection of organic teas. Reminiscent of the "cafeteria-style" eatery, it offers a selection of home-cooked food not to mention huge, freshly baked cinammon buns and cheese scones to die for in the morning. Open seven days a week from dawn to dusk, it also offers free internet wireless services and free musical performances on Friday evenings. Don’t forget to sign their guest book…and read a few of the entries from those who come from far away (to meet the manager of the place…a man of many talents named "Dick Danger".)

The Superior Cafe (owned by Lisa Boehme) located at 106 Superior Street (near Fisherman’s Wharf), offers not only fresh food and great live music six nights a week, but also some great hot beverages which you can enjoy indoors or outside in the patio garden (where you can also commune with nature). What’s not to like about a chair hanging from the ceiling, a funky stuffed animal’s head on the wall, and a friendly smile at the door?

Mile Zero Coffee (located at Niagara Grocery, 579 Niagara Street), is just two blocks away from the Mile Zero marker at the junction of Dallas Road and Douglas Street: the start of the 4,680-mile Trans-Canada Highway that connects Victoria with St. John’s, Newfoundland). It’s a newly refurbished grocery in the neighborhood recently opened by Jennifer McKimmie, (a chef and former food & beverage manager at the venerable Empress Hotel) and Ken Winchester (a winemaker and distiller whose passion for coffee led to the launch of Mile O Roasters). This is the only spot where you’ll find a selection of freshly roasted beans from around the world including Ethiopia, Sumatra, Costa Rica, and Hawaii. And, while you’re there, you can stock your gourmet pantry with all manner of local goodies to whet your appetite!

Cultivating community is what makes the James Bay neighborhood in Victoria, British Columbia so special.

And what better way to celebrate the fruits of life…and lives well lived than to honor the harvest traditions of people who have contributed to building and sustaining our communities, not only today but in centuries gone by.

Those who live on islands share similar bonds. It is therefore not surprising to see how the past and present generations find common ground by celebrating important cutural rituals linked to the land and to the lifestyles of the people.

Where did the notion of the "Harvest Festival" originate? Those of Celtish heritage might suggest that this festival was traditionally held in early Ireland.  It was originally held to honor the "Great One of the Earth" and Goddess of the Harvest, but later evolved into a great tribal assembly, attended by the High King, where legal agreements were made, political problems discussed, and large sporting contests were held on the scale of an early Olympic Games. It became a special occasion where artists and entertainers displayed their talents, while traders came from far and wide to sell food, farm animals, fine crafts and clothing, amidst much storytelling, music, and high-spirited revelry.

While the "Harvest Fest at Amica" to be held on Thursday, October 1, 2009 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm is perhaps a tad more reserved than the fall celebrations of the Celts in early Ireland, it nevertheless offers a splendid opportunity to celebrate some of Falls’ favourite activities, tantalizing tastes, splendid sights and some rather fine fun at with those who have made these well-appointed retirement residences their home.

Why not drop in and take a tour of their facilities which include features such as an indoor pool and fitness center, a movie theatre, a salon, a library, dining room, guest suites, and much more. And, while you’re there, perhaps you can sample a sweet something or two not to mention treat yourself to apple tastings and enjoy some entertainment (now the only question is will the trumpets, harps, hollow-throated horns, pipers, timpanists, fiddlers, gleemen, bone-players and bag-pipers all be there to greet you?)

Amica at Douglas House, 50 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC – Tel: 250.383.6258 or Email: DouglasHouse@amica.ca

Amica at Somerset House, 540 Dallas Road, Victoria, BC – Tel: 250.380.9121 or Email: somerset@amica.ca

A page from the history of a venerable Victorian neighborhood -

On September 18, 2009, the James Bay New Horizons Society, (representing retired individuals and those wishing to become more actively involved in the life of their community), will be celebrating its 35^th anniversary.