What.I.AM #2

Not-coffee at cafes, mocktails, tiny stories, big stories, shows about TV in the eighties and more...

This week's local Edmonton cafe is Labo Coffee on Whyte Ave. I was actually here this week meeting up with a fellow writer (Christine T. of Wonderings). The guys who own this shop are super sweet (they wanted to read my Tiny Love Story) and could really use some local love right now. The cafe is right beside Dadeo's and is a lovely bright space with lots of seating, good wifi and yummy drinks -I highly recommend you try the Apple Cider Rooibos Tea to warm you up on the chilly days we're starting to have here in Edmonton.

What.I.AM Drinking

I had to stop drinking alcohol at the beginning of the pandemic. I had just started a new medication that came with a VERY STRONG "absolutely NO DRINKING or else your liver will fail” warning! And then I never really started again. I’ve probably had a grand total of 10 alcoholic drinks since 2020. I am no longer on the danger meds, but I really don't miss drinking. Or more realistically, I don't miss the after effects of drinking. At my age, a hangover lasts four days and CHILD! Ain't nobody got time for that!

Many restaurants and bars are realizing there are a lot more folks like me who are eschewing alcohol, but who still want a fancy drink when we go out and are offering a whole slew of non-alcoholic cocktails or "mock"tails. The BEST mocktail I’ve found so far was one I had at Biera. "The Short King" is a lovely sipping drink made with green tea, grilled pineapple syrup, smoked agave, lemon juice, and angostura bitters. Biera announced earlier this fall that they are closing their doors at the end of December, so you only have a few more weeks to go try one yourself.

What.I.AM Watching

RIVALS on Disney+. Whoooweee, have I got thoughts about this one. Let's just say, if you are an eighties child by any means - you will love this. BUT, it might trigger some latent (religious, sexist) trauma as well, so be prepared. Also, NOT a show to watch with children around. The book it is based on is called a "bonkbuster" for a reason! (FYI-Bonk is British for Boink)

What.I.AM Writing

I am happy to report that whatever grip writer’s block has had on me since May is slowly loosening and I am writing again. Every day this month. Like I'm an old school blogger doing NaBloPoMO or something like that! In doing so, I polished up a very short story and submitted it to Modern Love's Tiny Love Stories in the New York Times. In the Uber on the way to the airport in Montreal last week, I checked my email and saw a message from the editor saying she wanted to publish the story the next day! Squished between my kids in the back seat, I just kept gasping, “OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD!” I eventually composed myself and let everyone know I was about to get a byline in the NYT. Our Uber driver - Sam, was probably the most excited person in the car besides me and for that he got all his stars and a BIG tip!

Anywhoo.... Here is the link to the Tiny Love Story about my siblings and I. And as an added bonus, the NYT included it in the North American print edition on Monday this week - if you are local and get a subscription, I’d love your copy before it heads to the recycle pile!

What.I.AM Reading

All the great pieces my fellow writer friends have also had published lately.

Like this one from Claire Porter-Robbins on Canada's military mission in the Holy Land for The Globe and Mail.

Or this one from Emily Gwun-Shun Lennon on the Supreme Courts hearing a constitutional challenge of sex-worker laws in The National Post.

What.I.AM Listening to

My Spotify Daylists. At this point, I think Spotify knows me better than some of my closest friends-which, yes, is a bit creepy and big-brother-ish (a 1984 reference, not a TV show one), but I am happy pretending that this level of surveillance is okay.

I shuffle between lists like Cozy Gentle Wednesday Morning full of Ocie Elliot, Abigail Lapell and Jon Middleton, to Demure Brat Summer Friday Morning, with Chapel Roan and Billie Eilish. Funnily, both of these work great for background while I am in my office/shed writing.

Have a good weekend friends. If you are local and like this kind of thing - enjoy the first snowfall of the year, and I’ll see you all in your inboxes next week!

Cheers,

N~