Here’s my question for you this week. How do you feel about in-person coffee shops? Yea or nay?

My feeling is we’re all zoomed out. But, I don’t want to make any assumptions. Are you ready to meet in-person? Are you comfortable in an indoor small group setting of say 10 to 15 people? Masks would be optional.

Or is online still the better option? Not to mention, more convenient. It requires less time and effort. And, it accommodates out-of-town guests. Just a click of a button and you’re there!

For me, I’m craving more face to face connection with fellow human beings. Maybe it’s because my daughter is about to head off to university and I’ll be on my own.

I find you get so much more from being in the same physical space. You see body language, expressions, and emotions. You hear passion, reactions, laughter, and chitchat. There’s that feeling of presence, aliveness. And, of course, the hugs. I miss the hugs. But, this is not about me. I want to know what you would like to see for the Fall.

Would you be more inclined to come to an in-person event with coffee/tea, baked goodies and the opportunity to shop? Or would you prefer the convenience and safety of attending from the comfort of your home. Please let me know in the comments or by email at colleen@cokanna.ca.

Right now, I have 2 guest speakers lined up for September and October. The current plan is to host these coffee shops online as usual. But, I can easily switch them to in-person events at my home studio. My condo space is small but cozy and could comfortably accommodate 10 to 15 people.

My home studio and coffee shop

Another option that is on the table but may not be available right away is to hold the coffee shops at my condo community clubhouse. If you’ve ever been to my place for a visit or to pick up an order, it’s the lovely stone heritage building up on the hill to the left. That’s our community clubhouse which has not yet opened due to Covid and logistics. I have submitted a request to the clubhouse committee to possibly host future COKANNA Coffee Shops there. I think it’s a good fit for the community because these are community events that appeal to women, 40 and up. Although all are welcome!

Coming up in the COKANNA Coffee Shop on Thursday, September 8th at 1:00 pm, we have Jody Ryan, a Certified Pain Care Yoga teacher. She is presenting “Find Your Ground and Reorient”. This will speak to you if  you’re facing some kind of transition in your life? Maybe a change related to your age, health, life circumstances, or just navigating the ever-changing environment of the world we live in. Or perhaps you’re looking to make a change and feel stuck or don’t know how you might move forward. Join Jody for an open conversation, information, and a few simple experiential practices to explore how cultivating curiosity, a sense of awareness, and self-compassion might be useful.

Register here

Then on Wednesday, October 5th at 11:00 am, Nicole Dauz will be in the house. Nicole is a self-care coach, speaker and author who chooses happiness despite her circumstances. Experience is her teacher as the mother of a neurotypical son and a daughter with a rare genetic disease and autism. She approaches self-care in a liberating fashion that gives us all permission to take time for ourselves. Join us for “When did self-care become so complicated?” This coffee shop talk will get real about self-care and help us learn how to identify and remove the barriers that keep us from experiencing daily moments of joy. Participants will be equipped with simple self-care tips and walk away with an expanded perspective on how we approach self-care.

Register here

I don’t know about you, but I could really use both of these right now. I’m looking forward to these events and to seeing you either on-screen or in-person.

Lastly, I would really like your input, ideas, suggestions on topics and guest speakers for the rest of 2022. I was thinking for November, some type of holiday food/entertaining coffee shop. Is there something you would like to learn how to make? Or a topic you’re interested in, like how to throw an easy, simple to prepare holiday party? Or how to host a stress-free get together with your relatives?

Maybe for December, we could have a holiday shopping party with coffee/tea and desserts? Are there any local makers you would like me to invite so you can get a little holiday shopping done?

In the New Year, I’d like to have something on travel, perhaps Heidi McLaren speaking about her Tonbo Luxury Tours packages. She specializes in women only travel. In the Spring/Summer, I’d like to welcome back Nancy Livingstone of Herbal Maker for an outdoor garden coffee shop.

I welcome all your ideas and suggestions. After all, this coffee shop is for you.

Until next time,

~ Colleen

I’m a recovering Chartered Accountant and Breast Cancer Champion turned Fashion Designer. My COKANNA Canadian-made bamboo clothing is all about comfort and style. Giving back to the community is important to me so I support local breast cancer organizations who treat the whole person and not just the disease.