Category Archives: Village: You+Me+Us

Where we share and work together for mutual success.

The Coffee CommuniTea

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Today’s Cup o’ Tea:
The Nook Café & Bakery, Gilbert, AZ

Perks (what I really like!).

The easy friendly vibe of the place. Plus, the ultra-fun “retro” décor hits you right away.

Each tea and coffee specialty I’ve enjoyed at The Nook was made by the owner Tawnee with great attention to detail, and each drink happily tickled my tastebuds.

Share a Cuppa (the stories about the owner, building, history, name)

Mostly what I love about The Nook is Tawnee herself. She knows everything about coffee and tea. She’ll ask you many questions to make sure you get exactly the cuppa you desire.

On my first visit, she told me (paraphrased), “I complained so much about how so many coffee shops didn’t prepare their drinks properly, my husband, Phil, finally told me I needed to start my own shop. And The Nook Café & Bakery was born.”

Don’t be surprised if, as you leave, Tawnee calls out something like, “Bye! Have a good day. Be good. Or don’t be good and tell about it next time you’re in.”

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)

The menu is specific and somewhat unusual, though you can easily order up your favorite coffee and tea concoctions.

A rotating “Munchiez” menu with delectables from micro-, cottage-, and small-event bakers allows some excellent perusing of local baking artistry.

Percolation Factor (the activity/environment/energy/service)

From The Nook’s décor, you can tell Tawnee and Phil created a space with a nod to the 1990s, or what they call “the good ol’ days.” From the video, music, and book corner and the working pay phone on one wall, to the comfy conversation set-ups and large secluded back patio, you pick up their desire to encourage more human interaction. They’ve worked to create a space reminiscent of television sitcoms Friends and Cheers, “where everybody knows your name.”

The Grind (what I would change)

More tables would be great to provide enough solid surfaces to hold drinks and help visitors lean into their conversations with friends, co-workers, and other companions.

The Grounds (location)

You will find The Nook Café & Bakery at:
4024 E. Guadalupe Rd. #101
Gilbert, AZ 85297
(602) 649-5524

Instagram: @thenookxoxo
Facebook: The Nook cafe & bakery
Tik Tok: @the.nook.xoxo

Tea Times (hours)
M–F: 6 a.m.–4:20 p.m.
Sat–Sun: 7 a.m.–3 p.m.
*Closed on major holidays*

Yelp rating: 4.9 stars from 32 reviews

Today’s Cup o’ Tea: Caffeine Cauldron, Mesa, AZ

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Caffeine Cauldron is a little pop culture shop brewing up delicious witchy/booky/nerdy-named drinks in Mesa, Arizona’s Superstition Springs Mall food court. You’ll find it tucked into a corner near the carousel.

Perks (what I really like!)
With the tagline, “A Cafe For Fans of Fantasy, Whimsy, and All Things Magical,” its theme has a wiccan flair. but also includes fun Pokemon art, books, and other pop-culture references. I love the fun names on their wide range of “magical elixers.” Try a Mando Macchiato, a Espresso Patronum, or a Gandalf the White. Explore the full menu.

I found that the baristas are well-versed in all the types of drinks they serve and the long list of modifiers to make your coffee, loose tea brew, energy drink, or soda all your own.

Share a Cuppa (the stories about the owner, building, history, name)
This East Valley location in the Superstition Springs Mall is the only Caffeine Cauldron in the Phoenix area. The original locations started in Tucson, AZ, where there are two mall locations.

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)
The cozy shop offers standard coffee fare along with loose teas, energy drinks, and dirty sodas with a wide variety of “modifiers,” syrups, and milks. A sweet little pastry case presents a delectable selection of local baked goods.
A favorite draw is the morning “Brew and Bite Bundle:” a choice of a pastry, breakfast sandwich, or bagel plus a 16-oz latte or brewed tea for $9.

Percolation Factor (the activity/environment/energy/service)
From the website:
“At Caffeine Cauldron, we are on a mission to create a unique and welcoming destination for the community, a haven where the love for Pop Culture, Books, Poetry, and Games converge over the perfect cup of coffee. 
We genuinely care about providing a safe and comfortable space for everyone to indulge in their passions, whether it’s delving into a thrilling novel, engaging in epic tabletop battles, or simply savoring a delightful specialty drink crafted with love. Our dedicated and nerd-centric staff will ensure that every visitor feels right at home, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.”

The Grind (what I would change)
If only there could be more seating within the white picket fence that defines their space in the mall. Of course, the general food court seating is just a few steps away but the shop’s ambience is lost there.

The Grounds (location)
Superstition Springs Mall food court, level 2
6555 E Southern Ave
Mesa, AZ 85206
480.832.0212 or 520.833.3268

Tea Times (hours)
Mon–Sat 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sun 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Yelp rating: _NA_stars from _NA_ reviews

Coffee CommuniTea: The Buzzed Goat, Phoenix, AZ

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Today’s Cup o’ Tea
The Buzzed Goat Coffee

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The Buzzed Goat graces a little strip mall at Ray Road/E. Ranch Circle Drive in Awatukee.

Buzzed Goat int1Perks (what I really like!)

  • Super-friendly baristas.
  • The neighborhood feel to the place.
  • Their “food” truck which brings delicious drinks to the masses.

 

 

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The goatherd masterminds! Tony and Gabe

Share a Cuppa (the stories about the owner, building, history, name)

Owner Gabe started serving coffee in a food truck with his friend Tony. They didn’t give up on the mobile aspect of the Goat, but soon realized they wanted a place for people to hang around and be neighborly. What they developed is a comfortable, unique, welcoming place to chat, play, and enjoy a coffee or tea. I love the black and white checkered table tiles, and the green leafy wall, don’t you?

 

Buzzed Goat.Ann and Drew

Drew and I graduated the same year from Coeur d’Alene High in Idaho and, years later, recognized each other at a book store in Chandler. Since he teaches English and film studies, we obviously still have a lot in common.

Besides the place being recommended by a long-time friend of mine, who’s a regular, one of the main attractions to me was the name. Really, why…? Well, Gabe directed me to the Web site for this description:

“Why The Buzzed Goat? 

Coffee’s origination story, roughly translated, dating back as far as 900 AD. Goat herders noticed when their goats ate a certain shrub they would dance with energy and walk with a pep in their step; they were buzzed! The curious herders tried many attempts to make this magical plant palatable but were unsuccessful. They eventually went to the nearby monks who learned to steep the beans, and coffee was born.

Our story, much like their discovery, stems from curiosity and a quest for something special.  The Buzzed Goat is a high energy coffee bar dedicated to bringing quality drinks and conversation together.”

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)

They offer a light, yet delicious, offering of classic and cold brew coffees, plus some blended drinks. How about a mint-chip white tea frappe, anyone?

I spied a few baked goods on the counter and in a cooler to tempt your tastebuds, as well.

Percolation Factor (the activity/environment/energy/service)IMG_7988

The entire back room is a play room with oversized and active games like Jenga, Connect Four, and cornhole. Its walls showcase local artwork. Gabe says they have plans to redo the room as a speakeasy, so we’ll wait to see what transpires…

The Grind (what I would change)

Not much at all. I love the feeling of the place, mostly because of the owners and baristas.

The Grounds (location)

4302 E. Ray Road, #106
Phoenix, AZ 85044
(480) 706-7411

Tea Times (hours)

M–F: 6am  –  5pm
Sa–Su: 7am  –  5pm

Yelp rating:

4.5 stars from 53 reviews

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I love connecting people and ideas, so I’ve been creating small villages my entire life. Really, what better places can writers and musicians find to create “village” than independent coffee/tea shops? I wrote most of my Rhythms & Muse novel and Delfaerune Rhapsody series-in-progress in coffee/tea venues, so I found it natural to create this blog. Whether you came here to find a new favorite hangout, or suggest a spot not yet posted, may you find Coffee CommuniTea exactly to your taste!

 

From honor’s class to tarot teaching, follow Cutter’s journey

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One of Life’s Little Pleasures I think you should know about, too.

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Your future teacher, Cutter Videan.

As his final elective in the Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University, my son Cutter took a fascinating tarot class. My first reaction was… Wuh? Really?

But, in that class, he learned about the rich heritage of tarot: its history, theology, art, and mysticism. We all gained an appreciation for the rich insights the process can bring into life, not just through readings, but through discussion, creativity, and openness to ideas.

His love of the class led him to start doing free readings for friends and acquaintances. (Ask him, and he’ll do a free reading for you, anytime.)

This led to the recent launch of Second Sight Academy, his business, designed to educate others about the teachings of tarot, and to share with like-minded folk its fascinating background and potential.

Cutter now holds tarot discussion groups in a central-Phoenix coffee café, and launches his first round of tarot classes this week. I’d love it if you came along on his journey of exploration.

If you would like to be in on his gatherings simply to discuss the topic, check this out.

If you’d like to take his six-week class on a weekday, express your interest on this Facebook event page.

For a six-week class held on a weekend, you can learn more and sign up on his Facebook event page.1550705190775.png

For more information about Cutter’s creative endeavors, from music to blogging, visit his Cutter Videan Industries website.

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Write on!
Ann Narcisian Videan
Write • Edit • Self-publish • Word-of-mouth

P.S. Learn more about my novels on my Amazon Author Central page.

Ann Videan’s Phoenix-area writing events this spring:

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Ann with her books at the Tempe Public Library

You may benefit from these writing events…

Alliance for Literary Writers, Authors, and Yabbering Scribes (ALWAYS)

Meet in-person with the ALWAYS writers’ tribe of established authors to discuss writing and support one another. In March, we’re talking about the structure of the ALWAYS group and how to better interact with and support one another. I hope you can join us! (We meet the second Thursday of each month in Gilbert, except for the first Thursday of each quarter when we meet in Phoenix.)
Romeo’s Euro Cafe, downtown Gilbert, AZ
11:30 a.m., Thurs., March 14, 2019

My Words Jump Off The Page!
[A presentation at the Society of Southwestern Authors—Valley of the Sun Chapter.]

Authors, learn a handful of writing and editing techniques to help you discover ways to build visual imagery and emotion, and subconsciously compel readers into your story. I’ll share my thirty years of marketing experience to show you how to make your story “jump off the page” for readers and publishers. In this two-hour hands-on session, explore:

  • The edits I make most often as an editor
  •  What to look for when hiring an editor
  • Leveraging the scene question to develop a compelling plot line
  • Writing with active voice, and deep point-of-view
  • More effective editing tips using MS Word

Tempe Public Library
2:30–4:40 p.m., Sunday, April 28, 2019

Write on!
Ann Narcisian Videan, Book Shepherd
Write • Edit • Publish • Word-of-mouth strategy

P.S. Learn more about my novels on my Amazon Author Central page.

 

What magical creature are you?

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Just for a bit of Absolutely Wild! fun, find out by visiting Images.Google.com and searching for: [your name] + the “magical creature” [Note the use of quotation marks to search for the full phrase, not individual words.]

For me, that would look like: Ann the “magical creature” 

Above, see a favorite from my search—a gorgeous illustration by Anne Stokes.

Please share by posting your favorite found image (below in the comments).

New book debuts at conference for savvy women business owners

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Book 3 in the Living Brave series debuts later this month at the “Voices of Success” conference.

You know how hearing just one comment, or reading a certain book can alter your life journey? Well, there’s such a moment coming up for you…

I had the honor to edit and produce the latest book in the Living Brave series by Dr. Hilda Villaverde and Mary Beth Stern: Living Brave… Women in Business: Compelling Stories of How ONE Can Make a Difference. It is filled with life-altering input from nearly fifty Arizona women thriving in business.

The book will be released in just a couple of weeks, but if you want to hear some of these women’s stories first-hand, you really should consider attending the authors’ “Voices of Success” conference, offering a day of inspiration. I highly recommend you invest in your future with this day-long session where you’ll learn how women just like you succeeded in business by using their skills, backgrounds, and sheer will to overcome whatever stood in their way.

Please join Hilda and Mary Beth for the  “Voices of Success” conference:
Sat. Oct. 27, 2018
8 a.m.– 5p.m.

Scottsdale Hilton Resort
6333 N. Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85250

You will find all the details here, including how to register.

Write on! Ann Narcisian Videan, Book Shepherd
Write • Edit • Publish • Word-of-mouth strategy

 

Please, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”

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Fred Rogers, host of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood.

We all need this man’s fine philosophy today, and we need to embrace and share these ideals. I encourage you to go see this movie, and support all of us by sharing the trailer or  YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhwktRDG_aQ.

Book or movie? Choose your poison – ALWAYS.

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Videan's Party Tree hug

The party tree—where Bilbo celebrated his eleventieth birthday—on the Alexander Farm film set in New Zealand. Is the tree described better by Tolkien, or more poignant in the screenplay/on screen in the Lord of the Rings movies? Come share your opinion. And, bring your own favorite adaptions to discuss. Hobbiton photo: ©2008 ANVidean.

Lord of the Rings: Tolkein vs. Jackson, which do you prefer?
Twilight saga: Book series or film adaptations?
Bridges of Madison County: Read or watch?

For something a bit different to discuss at our June meeting, let’s compare the writing and stories in book(s) versus movie(s).
Should there even be a debate? Join us for the roundtable discussion in our June 2018 gathering in Gilbert, AZ.

Here’s the usual agenda:
11:30 introductions with writing tips
11:50 order lunch
11:55 writing discussion/sharing
1 p.m. pay individual bills and adjourn (to go write!)

Next gathering:
Thursday, June 14, 2018
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
(ALWAYS typically meets on the second Thursday of the month.)

Where:
Romeo’s Euro Cafe
207 N Gilbert Rd.
Gilbert, AZ 85234
(480) 962-4224

Cost:
A writing tip, and your own lunch.

RSVP:
PLEASE show the consideration of reserving your spot at the table by:
• RSVPing through the “Going” link on our Facebook Event page
or
• Contacting Ann Videan, ann@annvidean.com

If you’ve RSVP’d, please SHOW UP. If you run into a conflict, please let me know BEFORE the event so I can make the necessary adjustments for the group meeting. Cheers!
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ABOUT ALWAYS

Are you an established writer who:
• Needs contacts to help your writing?
• Wants advice about your writing?
• Likes to hang with other cool writers?

If so, our tribe – the Alliance for Literary Writers, Authors & Yabbering Scribes (ALWAYS) – is the place for you. We’re an informal group of established writers looking for camaraderie, ideas, enlightenment and connection with writers, especially in the Phoenix metro area, to talk about our craft and businesses.

Any established writer can connect with us online through our ALWAYS Facebook page, get listed in our directory of writers on our ALWAYS LinkedIn page, or you can meet with us in person at a lunch meeting. We’d love to have any experienced writer join us at our next meeting … anyone who spends a significant part of his/her week writing, and wants to rub elbows with other writers.