The Third Place (Rosie)

I've heard it said that we all have three places. Our home, our work and a third place we gather for community, friendly discourse and nourishment of all kinds. It's tricky for me, since this is where I work, but it is often where I find myself, even when I am not working. I am comfortable here. I am nourished here, literally and figuratively. In a world fraught with so many unhappy, isolating things, it is a comfort to find a place where one feels safe. Where there is a sense of belonging.

I have loved bookstores since I was old enough to toddle around. The smell, the treasures found within the pages, all of it. Island Coffeehouse and Books is also a bookstore! It seriously doesn't get any better. At least for me. I am unabashedly finding all my holiday gifts here for prices not to be believed. I hesitate to even mention this here as this is the best kept secret in Langley. Seriously. Other used bookstore owners come here from everywhere and buy books for themselves!

This morning it was in the 30s. Winter is upon us, Langley has lit her lights and the sparkle of frost and holiday is everywhere. I arrived at the Coffeehouse Bookstore, chilled, and the fire was on, it was toasty warm, there were a fair number of friendly faces who called out a cheery greeting while enjoying their hot drinks or baked goods and reading or working on their laptops. I just felt my chest expand as I breathed it all in, thinking, This is where I belong.

Great music on the docket for this Friday! One Horse Band! Which is also a benefit for Good Cheer. Come early. This will be standing room only. And next Friday we have Russell Clepper and Ro Purser. If you missed their last show here, you will not want to miss it again. And if you were here, then you already know. The Coffeehouse will be full to the brim. Plus we are starting up our 2nd Sunday on 2nd Street Poetry night on Sunday, December 13. Local poets will read as well as a few surprises. Rob Harrison is the host for this monthly event.

There's more to come, but even on a regular day, it's a pretty special place to come and hang out, chat with old and new friends, catch up on your reading or email, get a bowl of soup or just look out the window with a cuppa joe.