Green(s) & Read(s)

Save the dates! Two weekends to attend Sunworks

We’ve enjoyed May so much, the return of the rain, the green trees, and the people out walking. But woooo, was the weekend was slow with the sunny gardening weather. This gave us time to rearrange the store and get ready for the new products that are rolling through the door this week, from sunglasses and wallets to doormats and coin savers.  I know I’ve said it before… the store has never looked better. You’re going to love your next visit. 

All of this just in time for June which is going to start off with a bang, sprouts and so many words in a row.  

There are two events that you must must must put in your calendar, first the sprouts. 1) Little Market Farm June 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 pm. And then so many words in a row.  2) the continuation of our Avid Reader events June 14th with Blaine Newton’s launch of his new book – Rag Pickers.

Continue reading for all the details.

JUNE 7th SPRING PLANT & MICROGREENS SALE

The Little Market Farm from Torrington will be joining us June 7th for a plant and greens sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They’ll have 4″ herb and flower pots, 1 gallon large tomato and pepper planes and some spring produce, microgreens and mushrooms.  

Last summer we bought their vegetables weekly and love everything about their product… and they are such lovely people. Often they’re sold out before we got to their table. Let’s give these young farmers a fantastic start for the spring  season.

June 14th: Tickets on saleAn Avid Reader Event
Rag Pickers ⸺ by Blaine Newton

Tickets are now on sale for our June 14th Avid Reader event and social with the author, Blaine Newton. Scotch, hand-made pizza with Chef Max, and conversation with one of Alberta’s wittiest writers. Around every corner is a dark alley where you’ll come face to face with a snappy one-liners. The main reading in the White Gallery and then Giggle Water and desserts to follow… with more conversation.  

5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Scotch and pizza with Blaine on the Sunworks back patio. (Ticketed)
7:00 – 8:30 Reading and book signing. (FREE)
8:30 – 10:00 Desserts and Giggle water. (Ticketed)

Tickets are $42 and can be purchased in advance. Simply e-transfer your payment to deposit@sunworks.ca OR drop by Sunworks and make your reservation in person. Please include you name and phone number in the e-transfer so we can reserve your spot at the social, after party, and a guaranteed seat at the reading.  

If you want to skip the social and just attend the reading, it’s open to the public at 7 p.m. in the White Gallery. 60 copies of Rag Pickers will be arriving in the shop next week.  Watch our social media and newsletters. 

Blaine Newton is an award-winning playwright, comedy and short fiction writer, actor and recovering engineer. His recent theatre productions include The Thin Grey Line, Conversations with Cows, The Kyleness of Kyle, Five Stages of Death, and Bravo. His short fiction has appeared in magazines and anthologies, and featured on CBC and CKUA radio. Rag Pickers, published by
University of Calgary Press, is his first collection of short stories.

A sinister note sewn in the lining of a vintage jacket from a second-hand store compels a young woman to make changes in her life. A brother discovers his dying twin has been burying jars of coins in an attempt to create mystery in a neighbourhood. On his 43rd birthday, a man realizes that the critical events of his life occur in years when his age is a prime number. A woman reconfigures her stick figure on the back window of the family minivan in an act of defiance and reinvention. 

Rag Pickers is a collection of eighteen short stories that challenge the essential loneliness of the human condition. Blaine Newton writes with wry humour, deep observation, and an off-kilter perspective, bringing his skill as a playwright to crackling dialogue and polished prose. Well-crafted, heartbreaking, and really, really funny, this is a book for anyone who has ever felt alone.

And a final word.

This morning I’m thinking about relational invocation. Sometimes we wonder if the inertia of our life is so strong that we will be unable to make the changes we want to something even better. To overcome something, learn something new, create a new habit.  You may want to reshape life a little but will power alone is seldom effective. It’s during those times that we need to summon the support of the relationships around us that hold resonance, hope, and memories. Choose to consciously activate relationships that support you in your growth. 

As Always, Paul, Janet, Loraine, Michelle, Blaine, and Lea.

This is the weekend when it all happens

Happy Friday everyone. And what a glorious week it has been — a few things to share.  

Firstly, tonight is the book launch for Fran Kimmel’s book — Cattail Lane. That’s at 7 p.m. in the White Gallery below Sunworks proper.  There will be wine and snacks. Come down and enjoy the celebration. Pick up a couple of Fran’s books.  Get them signed. Enjoy some time with the author. 

Fran Kimmel is an award-winning author of numerous short stories, plays for both theater and radio, and the novels No Good Asking and The Shore Girl. Born and raised in Calgary, Fran now lives in Lacombe, Alberta, and can be reached at frankimmel.com.

The reading begins at 7 p.m. Come a little early and have some wine and appetisers with Fran courtesy of ESW Press. Get your copy of her new book early.

Mother’s Day is two days away.

This weekend is the perfect time to pick up a nice gift for mom or the other special women in your life. Whether it’s your mom, wife, sister, or friend, show them you care. Do something lovely to help them feel appreciated and more loved on this important day.

We’ve received several orders this week. Including new Moonglow Orion Jewellery, Socks, Books, Mother’s Day Cards, and clocks. Today we’re expecting a few more things, in fact one box just rolled through the door.  Always exciting. 

Moonglow is charming. Here’s how it works. We have a book that you can look up an important date in, like your mom’s birthday, a anniversary… The book tells you the phase the moon was at during the time. The jewellery depicts your moon phase which gathers light during the day and glows at night.  It’s such a beautiful gift.  We have two collections, the black Orion series, and the Silver series. Prices range from $59 to $89. 

Upcoming: An avid reader event

Book Launch: Saturday June 14th — Blaine Newton
Book your calendar for the launch of Blaine’s first book of short stories. Rag Pickers.

And a final word.

In life, remember that it’s how you respond in relationship with others that creates meaning in the present. Take the opportunity to create some magic moment with those in your life. Talk about things you’re curious about. Go places that change who you are for the better. Do things that bring you joy and help you grow. Surround yourself with beauty. Think great thoughts. 

As Always, Paul, Janet, Loraine, Michelle, Blaine, and Lea.