Last one! Maybe until next year! Out early this morning for a lovely walk. Spring was in the air and the sky was blue. I stopped in at a Victoria icon, Murchie’s, for hot chocolate and a currant scone with jam and cream. Very lovely.
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We had a beautiful snow day yesterday. None settled downtown, but we walked for several hours with it fluttering around us. As we walked around the harbour, we saw these brave ones in their beautiful canoes:
Every month is for art in my world, but this month is special. A while ago, we were given an opportunity to curate a show at Dales Gallery, right here in our neighbourhood. GJ and I have both shown our own work there, and love the owner and atmosphere. There was an opening for this month and we decided we would organize a show for our friend Michael Lewis. It’s been a real treat working with Michael and the gallery to make this show happen. Michael has had some great press (here and here) and we’re very happy that sales are going well. Here are a few photos of the process and the show.
Hanging day: Michael and GJ deciding where each of the 24 pieces will be.
It all came together quite quickly; we were able to go for lunch by about 1 pm!
People begin to gather at the opening; a very cold evening, February 6, 2014
The gallery is so beautiful and showcases Michael’s work really well.
Hanging out at Dales on one of the run’s Saturdays; GJ and Michael exchanging puns.
L to R, Kiss Me Deadly, Sands, and Politicians and Pirates, © Michael Lewis
L to R, Lucy, Dryads, Definitely Not the Ripper, On the Rocks, and Beach Open, © Michael Lewis
L to R, The Box and Dick Tracy, © Michael Lewis
The hot chocolate search will continue, but I will be drawn back again and again to Chocolat, Chocolatiere de Victoria. It’s understandable that a chocolatiere would be the place to find exquisite hot chocolate, what’s not understandable is why I hadn’t tried it before yesterday! I have bought delicious chocolates there many times. It’s probably just too tempting a place to be; as we enjoyed our delicious beverages I was thinking about all the chocolates to try! There is some cozy seating in which to savour your hot chocolate (several varieties including Chili Hot Chocolate and Chocolate Chai) as well as coffees and lovely desserts.
On the left, Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate, and right is a Dark Hot Chocolate without the whip.
Chocolat, 703 Fort Street, Victoria BC
One of the first businesses to open at The Hudson (where the Downtown Public Market is located) was 2% Jazz Coffee. This is their second location, their first being at 2631 Douglas Street, popular with coffee drinkers for many years. The decor is industrial and interesting with coffee roasting visible from an open balcony near the entrance.
2% Jazz Coffee, 1701 Douglas Street, on the Fisgard Street side of The Hudson.
The hot chocolate was tasty and very sweet. There was a hint of spice. The barista said it was chipotle, but I didn’t detect any smokiness or heat, just an interesting flavour.
The space was left raw and open with lots of seating options and big windows.
Yummy looking treats.
Today’s rain storm marks the end of a cold snap. The cold clear days were beautiful, but I’m sure hard on the little buds.
Small purple crocuses blooming in spite of the cold.
Lovely fountain in Beacon Hill Park, Victoria BC.
View from the top of Beacon Hill.
Coloured lights filtered through the icy fountain in Centennial Square.
Cute cat alert, sorry. My two best beloved ones.
GJ works on a new drawing for a book he hopes to publish soon and Taxicab helps.
Lack of a sunbeam means a warm human and lamp are required.
Popped into JagaSilk again today to see if they offered a chocolaty delight for my February blogging; of course they do! We enjoyed their Aztec Chocolate Drink: single origin chocolate from The Philippines, direct source cinnamon from India, a pinch of cayenne, a touch of penela (raw-unrefined cane juice) and organic milk. Truly divine! Miyuki and Jared are so knowledgeable and passionate about what they do and what they offer. They would love to tell you all about the magic of this drink and, of course, maccha.
Aztec Chocolate Drink at JagaSilk, Victoria BC.
Yesterday our neighbourhood of Chinatown hosted the Lion Dance celebration as part of Chinese New Year. Colourful lions, martial arts displays, drumming and fire crackers welcomed in the new year. It was a lively afternoon!
Participants and spectators taking part in the Lunar New Year Lion Dance, Chinatown Victoria BC.
Shops and homes along the lion dance route hang lettuce and red packets with money enclosed. Accompanied by drummers, the lion visits each doorway and accepts the packet and lettuce. Firecrackers scare away evil spirits and leave be behind good luck and good fortune for the year ahead.
Eight lions seen photographed through old wavy glass.
My favourite lion. The artistry is magical.
So many beautiful colours and costumes.
A colourful dragon waiting to come to life.
Dales Gallery ready with it’s offering for the Lion.
February on the south tip of Vancouver Island brings the promise of spring with early flowers. The snowdrops have been out for weeks now, and more blooms are bursting every day. Yesterday I spied this beautiful witch hazel:
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