Category: Village: You+Me+Us

Where we share and work together for mutual success.

New book debuts at conference for savvy women business owners

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

 

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Please, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”

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.

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Book or movie? Choose your poison – ALWAYS.

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!
…………………………………………………………….

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.

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Coffee CommuniTea: Lia Leaf Tea House, Flagstaff, AZ

Today’s Cup o’ Tea:
Lia Leaf Tea House, Flagstaff, AZ

Lia Leaf.5

Share a Cuppa (pertinent details)

What better way to warm up in the winter or cool down in the summer than with a cup of REAL tea from a tea house tucked in the high pine forests of Flagstaff, Arizona? Owner, Christine, opened the shop in February of 2018 as an authentic tea house for true tea aficionados.

Lia Leaf.4Perks (what I really like!)

  • Clean lines of the interior, yet comfortable
  • Knowledgeable baristas
  • All teas are made with 100% real ingredients, no added chemical flavors
  • Tea books to study while you sip
  • Tasty teas
    (Sorry, coffee lovers, you’ll have to jump across the parking lot to the Dutch Bros. where my daughter works.)
Lia Leaf.3
Hubby, Bob, checks out the menu: hot bar, cold bar, matcha bar, and loose leaf teas.

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)

Lia Leaf specializes in:
  • Single origin teas
  • Specialty tea concoctions
  • House blended tisanes

A few pastries are available, too… tasty tidbits to munch on while enjoying your cuppa.

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

The location is handy to Northern Arizona University and popular restaurants and shopping.

You can rent space for meetings of up to 10 people, too, at a very reasonable rate.

 

The Grind (what I would change)
It’s a true TEA house! What’s not to love?

Lia Leaf.2
Morgan and Sydney helped us out with excellent tea descriptions, options, and yummy ideas. Thanks, ladies!

The Grounds (location)
601 E Piccadilly Dr, Ste 10
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
 (928) 440-5386

Tea Times (hours)
M.–F.  7:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Sa.  9 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Sun.  9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Yelp rating:
4 stars from 4 reviews

……………………

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 not posted, may you find Coffee CommuniTea exactly to your taste!

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Call for young writers’ and artists’ creative works

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Art and writing by James A. Owen grace the first three pages of our hand-bound leather book.
 Writer and artist friends, we have received only ten synergy arts entries (out of the 84 needed) to fill The Storytelling Book of the Ancient Traveler, and we’d love to see your work in it! There is no entry fee, plus we are open to writing or art from “youngsters” of any age.

 

Simply visit AbsolutelyWild.net, the project’s sponsor, and pick one of the Ancient Traveler’s “objects” to write about or draw. Your submitted work will appear in the book with the incomparable James Artimus Owen and Gini Koch. [Look them up if you’re not familiar… excellent company!]
We plan to auction the finished hand-bound book to benefit young writers and artists with a scholarship or some other charity support.
Check out, below, some of the outstanding entries we received.
Thank you for sharing this post with any creatives who might be interested.
P.S.  The  deadline for submitted writing and art is Jan. 31, 2018. Cheers.


“Demigod” writing (excerpt)
by Summer Barbaro

As The Ancient Traveler hiked through the forest, he was overwhelmed by what he saw.  Enormous pine trees towering over him like downtown skyscrapers. Among the pine trees, were white trunked aspen trees covered in leaves the color of roses.  He was enchanted by the sight but then realized the trek through the forest had made him very thirsty.

Not far away, he heard water rushing. Following the sound, he came upon a river cascading into a waterfall. The water was crystal clear teal blue against the red and green of the trees. As he reached for the water, The Ancient Traveler was caught off-guard by two glowing beings.

The one splashing in the water appeared to be a girl with jet-black hair falling to her waist and dressed in pure white. The other, a boy built like an ox, was high on a boulder keeping watch over the girl. His hair was blonde and he looked ready to pounce like a lion if threatened.
…

1a.Marble.AmbrosiaJones
“Marble” object art by Ambrosia Jones, age 20
“The Comet” writing (excerpt) 
by William Edgmon, age 25

It was known that the Opus were reaching their ascension.  Prophesized by the etchings of creation, the sacred comet foretold their purpose.  Carved in the Comet’s surface were the hieroglyphics of past and future.  Pressing away moss and grime revealed the birth of a species.  Born immortal, they grew together.  Nothing short of an eternity to find love, then together they’d float across the dimensional plane.

Their eyes were on each other.  The goal was to listen, to receive, to offer.  No one dwelled on the carving’s end, and the single figure draped in studded lines.
…

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Coffee CommuniTea: Pitchforks & Corks, Tempe, AZ

IMG_5898

Today’s Cup o’ Tea
Pitchforks & Corks – Tempe, AZ

 

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

Smack dab in the center of Tempe, just north of University Drive—above the ASU store and overlooking College Ave.—hides a gem of a coffee/wine shop/restaurant you have to experience to believe.

Pitchforks & Corks is a quiet, second-floor coffee shop with industrial chic decor and a delicious menu. I love this place!

AirBrush_20180105003750

It didn’t hurt either, to be treated by my talented author and friend Dr. Andrea Tovar. [Thank you, Andrea, for the amazing appetizers, cookies, not to mention the photo using the airbrush app that makes you look incredible, and me like some unknown glamorous woman. 🙂 ]

Perks (what I really like!)

  • The value of the food your receive for the price!
  • The deck, with built-in heaters, and an excellent view of “A” Mountain.
  • The look of the place! I hear they’re planning to improve with a slight remodel soon, too! Not sure what they could improve on except perhaps the cool-looking, though not-too-comfortable high stools.

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)

  • Omelettes
  • Salads
  • Small plates
  • Sandwiches
  • Patries
  • Coffee/tea
  • Wine/beer/spirits

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

  • You can make a reservation for parties of fifteen or fewer by calling (480) 727-4546 or emailing Melissa.
  • Happy Hour, M.–F., 3 p.m.–6 p.m.

The Grind (what I would change)

  • I’d let everyone know about this place, because it is such a hidden treasure.
  • A bigger tea selection would satisfy Tea Evangelists like me.

The Grounds (location)
660 South College Avenue
Tempe, AZ  85281
480-727-4546

Tea Times (hours)
M.–F.      11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Yelp rating:
4.5 stars from 13 reviews

……………………

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 not posted, may you find Coffee CommuniTea exactly to your taste!

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Coffee CommuniTea: Global Tea Mart, Chandler, AZ

IMG_5539

 

Today’s Cup o’ Tea
Global Tea Mart – Chandler, AZ

I discovered a new lovely gift shop and tea room in Phoenix’s East Valley, and I’m so excited about it!

 

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

Global Tea Mart (GTM) owners Diane and Dean Eddy’s tea shop has been around for a couple of years in Chandler, but they just expanded to offer several charming themed tea rooms in November 2017.
With certifications earned in various teas, their knowledge is only a question away. Go query them, find the perfect tea accessories, and enjoy the experience that is tea.


Perks (what I really like!)

  • The themed rooms, both spacious and cozy versions: Queen Victoria Room, Charles Dickens’ Room, the Music Room, etc. If you want a tea event—Wed.–Sun. 11 a.m.–2 p.m.— 48-hour advance reservations are required.
    Queen Victoria presides over…
    the Victorian Room.
    The Japanese-themed room
  • Their delightful tea gift shop, where you’ll find teas, books, and wares to satisfy even the heartiest of tea aficionados.
  • Their comprehensive and information Web site, even including a State of Mind tea game to introduce you to the perfect tea to fit your current mood.

 

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)

  • Your favorite teas from around the world.
  • Buy your choice of tea in the gift shop, order it online, or experience it in one of the themed rooms.

 

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

  • Diane Eddy, Certified Tea Professional, leads tea classes covering everything from “Pairing Tea With Chocolates” to the “Japanese Tea Ceremony.” She invites you to learn the origins and history of fine tea, and to see, smell and taste the differences between teas.

 

IMG_5531
My friends Laurie, Andrea, and I in the Music Room for our Christmas Tea.

The Grind (what I would change)

!Nada¡ I really enjoyed my experience at Global Tea Mart and cannot wait to go back. Give me an excuse, friend…

 

The Grounds (location)

991 S Alma School Rd #5
Chandler, AZ 85248
Promenade At Fulton Ranch
(480) 219-6211

 

Tea Times (hours)

M.–Sa.      10AM–5PM
Sunday      11AM–2PM

Yelp rating: 5 stars from 4 reviews

……………………

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 not posted, may you find Coffee CommuniTea exactly to your taste!

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Knitted Fabrication – Stories and Ugly Holiday Sweaters, ALWAYS

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

23794757_10155202387937711_5716435114819563951_n
“Don we now our gay apparel?” The better to tell stories in,   my dear. Excuse the mixed metaphor and come share something meaningful at our Dec. ALWAYS gathering.

Established writer, do you have a favorite mini story or holiday tradition to share? Don your favorite “ugly holiday sweater” and come share with us something book related, or simply meaningful to you, over a delicious meal. What better way for writers to get into the season’s spirit?

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, Dec. 14, 2017
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, avidean@videanunlimited.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!
…………………………………………………………….

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.

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