B’rook Tūrehu: Reveal #1

Partial image of B'rook Turehu, character from Song of the Ocarina

First glimpse of Delfaerune Rhapsody character B’rook Tūrehu, as envisioned by Stacy Lefevre.

B’rook Tūrehu… sister to our heroine Lark. Both girls, daughters of the Magistrates of Magic and Music in the Fae realm of Delfaerune, are the only two Noble Fae with silver white hair.

Can you tell from her boots she’s a bit of a wild child? Maybe that’s why she’s fallen for famous rocker Axyl Thorne.

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Learn more about B’rook in the Delfaerune Rhapsody series—my new-adult, fantasy-adventure trilogy-in-progress.  Her story begins in Song of the Ocarina, the first book in the series, due out soon.

Watch in the coming days for more character information about the trilogy. Also, watch Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Coffee CommuniTea: Vinyl Rush Cafe – Downtown Mesa, AZ

Today’s Cup o’ Tea
Organic Bean Café
[formerly Vinyl Rush Café]
Downtown Mesa, AZ

Park right on the street in front and enter here... ©2013 ANVidean

Park right on the street in front and enter here…
©2013 ANVidean

Perks (what I really like!)

...walk down the courtyard alley...©2013 ANVidean

…walk down the courtyard alley, where you may want to sit later…        ©2013 ANVidean

  • Courtyard seating. A cute, narrow courtyard between the rows of small businesses in the building.
  • Intimate setting. “Side A:” the coffee bar where you order your goodies, and “Side B:” a room across the courtyard where you can sit, chat and listen to music away from the sounds of blenders and counter chatter.
  • Album clocks. The owners decorated with lots of charming music paraphernalia, including a large collection of vinyl record album covers—33s and 45s—which they’ve turned into clocks.

    ...purchase delectables on Side "A" and enjoy them here in the comfort of "Side B." ©2013 ANVidean

    …purchase delectables on Side “A” and enjoy them here in the comfort of “Side B.”
    ©2013 ANVidean

Share a cuppa (the stories about the owner, building, history, name)
Missy, one of the owners, is both a coffee and music lover. She and her coffee partner bring you 38 years in the restaurant, hotel, and retail industry. At Vinyl Rush, they roast their own coffee beans, favoring full-bodied, medium-dark to dark roast styles. Just be ready for it!

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)

  • Fresh roasted coffee
  • Espresso drinks
  • Smoothies
  • Hot teas (a nice selection)
  • Pastries and bagels

The Grind (what I would change)
Not a thing. Just be prepared to enjoy your goodies in a close, intimate setting.

Percolation Factor (the activity/environment/energy/service)
If you want your own album clock, they’ll make one for you. Each is custom designed with the time movement and hands placed creatively to compliment the cover image. http://vinylrushcafe.com/clocks/

The Grounds (location)
Downtown Mesa, AZ
40 N. Macdonald Street
Mesa, AZ 85201
480.615.4333

Tea Times (hours)
Monday – Friday 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Yelp rating:
4 stars (62 reviews)

Who recognizes the symbol under their “Vinyl Rush Cafe” signs?

……………………

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 it seemed 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!

Cultural trivia from Rhythms & Muse, part 4

Here are the last trivia questions based on cultural references from my Rhythms & Muse novel. See how many you know.

Trivia Questions

22. What 1927 prose by Max Ehrmann ends with, “Be cheerful. Strive to be happy?”

23. What daily newspaper was the second-largest metropolitan newspaper in circulation in the United States in 2008?

24. What museum with three locations in greater Los Angeles exhibits primarily American and European contemporary art created since 1940?

25. What Revlon fragrance personified the independent woman of the 1970s, and was the first perfume ad to feature a woman wearing pants?

26. What American singer, songwriter, and pianist wrote more than two dozen chart hits for numerous artists during the 1960s, many of which have become standards? Hint: She had a recurring role as a music-store owner in the 1990s’ Gilmore Girls TV series.

27. What Apple product, according to PC World has “altered the landscape for portable audio players?”

28. One of the most popular American singers of the 20th century, this cultural icon is often referred to as “The King.”

Answers in comments below.

You can find these and more cultural references in my Rhythms & Musenovel and music CD:

Cultural trivia from Rhythms & Muse, part 2

Can you answer a few more trivia questions, all based on cultural references from my Rhythms & Muse novel?  :D

Trivia Questions

8. What Disney movie featured two bumbling dog-sitters?

9.  What fictional character is the “Fairest in the Land?”

10. What 1970s slogan, now recognized worldwide, uses a symbol as its second word?

11. What 1970s show featured famous actors vacationing under the social direction of “Julie McCoy?”

12. What recognizable 1967 superhero cartoon-show theme song used in a 2002 film and then rerecorded by Michael Bublé for the 2004 sequel?

13. What tissue-worthy 1970s movie featured a poignant romance split by the characters’ political views and convictions?

14. In what 1970s movie is a sinister truth behind the all-too-perfect behavior of the female residents?

Answers below in comments.

You can find these and more cultural references in my Rhythms & Muse novel and music CD: