Thanks and Goodbye!

This will be the last blog post for 'Read, Write & Brew', for we are no more.

We leave the store with a lot of positives - we've fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning our own business, met a lot of great people along the way, learned a lot of valuable life lessons, and closed out having placed another tick next to one of our 'bucket list' goals.

Why did we decide to sell 'Read, Write & Brew'? Well, our life priorities changed, mainly due to the arrival of Xavier Patrick. Raising him and being great parents is our new goal in life, and the store was getting in the way of that.

We're now looking forward to lots of family time, the unknown path that lies ahead, and the fresh new opportunities that come along with that. We're also looking forward to a fresh new coffeehouse that's about to open up in our neighborhood!

Truett and Shana are working hard to revamp the store into 'Bean Fosters', and we hope you'll join us in welcoming them to the neighborhood, and pop in later this month to see what they've done with the space. Click here to transfer through to their blog site, and keep up to date on their progress.

Thanks again for your support over the years everyone!
We appreciate it more than you know.

Book Spotlight

Oh, the books you'll find browsing the shelves at Read, Write & Brew! Check out this retro masterpiece...


Just $2.50!

Click on the image to see a bigger, more detailed image. It's beautiful.

Give yourself some time to explore the shelves, you never know what you'll find!

What's with all the roundabouts? (and other important questions to Golden locals...)

Coffee with a Councilor
Saturday, June 2nd, 9am

Got questions about what’s happening in your neighborhood? Want answers, but don’t have the time to suit up and make an appointment with a councilor? Well keep those curlers in your hair, don a dressing gown over those PJ’s, and have your morning joe with Joe, or Saoirse, or another one of your Council reps. From these morning sessions at Read, Write & Brew, Jefferson and I have had many answers to questions we’ve had regarding our local neighborhood, from growing a tree in the nature strip near our house, to pesky traffic lights that always seem to be red (you know the ones we're talking about if you live in Eagle Ridge).  No question or query is too small.

 For more information about 'Coffee with a Councilor', email scharisgraves@cityofgolden.net or phone 303.709.7529, or just stop by unannounced. We won't mind. Curlers, PJ's and all. At least brush your teeth first though. It's all we ask.

Mother's Day Ideas

Wondering what to buy mom for Mother's Day?

We have some new items in store that she'll just love, and won't break the budget.

Locally made aprons, starting at $12.



Locally hand carved greeting cards, just $3.99.


And of course, we have a great range of books that we're sure she'll love. Gardening books, cooking books, crafting books, romance novels, Opra's Book Club collection...

Don't forget to get her some freshly ground Allegro coffee beans too, while you're at it.

Give us a visit, and make her day.

Keep in mind, we're not open Sunday, so you only have 2 more days to shop at Read, Write & Brew for Mother's Day!

Treat yourself to a 'lil som' special next time you're at Read, Write & Brew.

Have you tried all of our special brews? 

They're pretty dang tasty, if we do say so ourselves.

Walk on the wild side, and order up a drink you've never tried before. You'll be so glad you did!

Play Circular Chess at Read, Write & Brew

Been wondering if the circular chess painted table at Read, Write & Brew is there for aesthetics or playing? Well, yes. Yes it is.

It's both!

Enjoy your next coffee and muffin on a one of a kind table top, or bring in your chess pieces (or borrow ours) and introduce yourselves to a whole new way of playing chess - or a whole 'ancient' way of playing chess... whichever way you like to look at it.

Read on for the background and history of Circular Chess, and the modern day rules to the game.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Circular chess is a chess variant played using the standard set of pieces on a circular board consisting of four rings, each of sixteen squares. This is topologically equivalent to playing on the surface of a cylinder.

History

Documents in the British Library and elsewhere suggest that circular chess was played in Persia as early as the 10th century AD, and further references are found in India, Persia, and, later, Europe. Historical rules are in sources that are little-known in the West, such as Muhammad ibn Mahmud Amuli's 'Treasury of the Sciences', so when, in 1983, Lincoln historian David Reynolds came across a reference to the game being played in the Middle Ages and set about attempting to revive interest in it, he chose to draw up a new set of rules, based around those of orthodox chess. Since that time, the older rules of circular chess have become far better known.

Historical circular chess

Rules

One set of rules for medieval circular chess is from the Persian author Amuli (1325). In this version, called shatranj al-muddawara (circular chess) or shatranj al-Rûmîya (Roman or Byzantine chess), the game uses a board with four concentric rings, each split into 16 spaces, for a total of 64 spaces. The game uses the same pieces as shatranj. The king and the counselor on the inner ring, next to each other. The next ring has the bishops, the next ring has the knights, and the last ring has the rooks. A single row of 4 pawns flanks each side of the central pieces. The king of one side "faces" the counselor of the other (a shorter path is between the king of one side and the counselor of the other than between the kings of the two sides). Movement is the same as shatranj, except that, if two pawns from the same side, going in opposite directions, end up being blocked by each other, the opponent may remove both pieces, which does not use the opponent's turn. As there is no back row, there is no promotion. A stalemate is a victory for the stalemating player. A bare king is a loss for the player who only has the king left unless, in the next turn, the player can also impose a bare king, at which point the game is a draw.

If you're not into learning new games (with all the new rules, and learning processes, and rule referencing involved) and instead like to jump straight into a good old tried and tested game, we also have a Backgammon table all painted up and ready for you to enjoy too. Bring a friend, bring your lucky pieces, and make an afternoon of it.

 

Read, Write & Brew - for all your home decorating needs...

by Julie

Just saw this clever home decorating tip on Pinterest.

Source: realsimple.com via Tessa on Pinterest

Cool right!
We've got lots of in-expensive books just like these, should you wish to pull this look off in your home. Come in and see us. We'll be glad to help you find some.

Have you tried our 'Apple Caramel Macchiato' yet?

It looks like a latte with caramel and some sprinklies on top. It tastes like walking through an apple orchard while drinking a coffee and chewing on some gooey caramel. Don't believe me? Try our 'Apple Caramel Macchiato'. You will NOT be disappointed.

Coffee with a Councilor - Sat 3rd March 2012, 9am

Let’s talk about Golden!

Sip ‘n Chat with a City Council representative about; South Neighborhoods Plan, transportation,
upcoming decisions for City Council, volunteering to make a difference, your priorities, your concerns, sharing ideas with your neighbors.

Info: scharisgraves@cityofgolden.net or 303.709.7529

Just arrived in store...

Only one copy!
Get it while you can.

Oh how we'd love to win a Westword 'Best Of Denver'

Hey! Did ya'll know that the Westword is currently taking votes for its' 'Best of Denver 2012' issue?

Click here to go directly to the voting page - and while you're there, can you think of any Used Bookstores or Coffeehouses in Golden worth a mention in the poll? Somewhere you can go to, say, read something, write something, and have a cup of brew? Hmmmmmm........

That first cup of the day.

by Julie

So, I don't know where I was or what I was watching when Ally McBeal originally aired on TV. I would come into work and hear people talk about 'last nights episode' - but for some reason or another, I just never got around to watching it.

I recently noticed the whole series is available for instant watch on Netflix, and decided to get belatedly get caught up. You know, just in case a question about the show ever comes up in a game of Trivial Pursuit, or before another reference to "snappish!" flies completely over my head again. I figured it's a good way to pass the time as I jog on the treadmill.

How has any of this got anything to do with Read, Write & Brew?

This scene, that's what.



When I saw it, I 'bout fell off the treadmill. Because it's hot? Mmm-yeeesssss.... but more because this is exactly how I feel about my first cup of coffee of the day. I totally had an "I do that!" moment. If you don't get that response from your daily coffee, you're either: not doin' it right, paying too much, or buying your coffee from the wrong place.

People ask me if I'm a 'coffee connoisseur' because I own a coffeehouse. The answer is, no I am not. I may know a little more than the average person does about coffee, the processes involved, and how to brew it right, but I can't call myself a 'connoisseur'. However, it doesn't take a connoisseur to do the Ally McBeal test every time you have a cup of coffee - and if you get that 'ahhhhh' moment..., then that's how you know you're onto a good thing. When you're paying four or five bucks a pop, you'd better be getting at least that! That's what we believe at our store, and that's why we practice so much attention to detail when we make your drinks for you.

Editors note: I know that last sentence sounds like a shameful plug, and I almost deleted it for its lameness (or the lame sound of it) but I didn't because it's really and honestly true. How else are we gonna keep you all coming back to us again and again?

Valentines Day

Valentines Day.
Love it, or hate it - we've got the books to make it better or at least get you through.
Yet another community service, provided by 'Read, Write & Brew'.

Latest store pics...

Coffee with a Councilor

Date: Saturday, February 4th
Time: 9:00am

Place: Read, Write and Brew,
720 Golden Ridge Rd Unit D,
Golden CO 80401

Have a cup of coffee (or your favorite morning beverage) and and talk about issues in Golden with City Councilors Saoirse Charis-Graves, Marcia Claxton, and Joe Behm. The Mayor will attend if she is able. We'll bring some draft copies of the South Neighborhoods Plan and information about the upcoming Council calendar. Please do bring your priorities, your concerns and plan to share ideas with your neighbors.

Info: scharisgraves@cityofgolden.net or 303-709-7529.

Have you been in to Read, Write & Brew lately?

Here are some recent store pics...









Lookin' good, right!
(and 'Instagram' ain't got nothin' to do with it - *wink, wink*)
Come visit soon and see for yourself.

If you STILL haven't caught him yet - here's another chance!

People have traveled from all over Colorado to come hear Jerry Barlow play at Read, Write & Brew. He has a loyal following, and if you live in the neighborhood, you need to take advantage of the convenience and come on down and hear him play this Saturday. You won't be disappointed.

Excerpt taken from: http://www.watchnewspapers.com/view/full_story/9958031/article-Celtic-Fingerstyle-Guitarist-Jerry-Barlow-in-Concert-Tuesday?instance=special_coverage_bullets_right_column

Jerry Barlow will be at Read, Write & Brew

this Saturday, October 29th
starting at 10.30am

For more information, visit
http://www.jerrybarlow.com/files/Articles_Letters.pdf

http://www.coloradocelticentertainment.com/j_barlow.php

New coffee drinks coming soon...

We're currently in the 'kitchen' experimenting with new coffee concoctions to serve up with the cooler change in the weather. Wait till you taste what we have come up with so far. Feel nice and warm and cozy in the belly...

MULTI -AUTHOR BOOK SIGNING - September 10th (that's this Saturday!) 11am until 2pm

Attention all book lovers and aspiring writers! Come and interact with talented published local area writers. Talk to them about their current books and latest literary works. All books will be available for purchase direct from the author. Who will be there?

Jo Ann Colton is a published writer, seminar facilitator, and marketer. She specializes in business writing, newspaper and magazines articles. Website

Kim Burnett has four books facing publication, including this guide for men entitled, The Knuckle-draggers Guide to Romance (Yes Even a Caveman Can Do It). Website

Dave Knox has been writing creatively since the 1960s. Revolution: A Revisionist’s Fiction, is a story that embraces a different U.S. historical outcome for the period 1968-1974. Website

Kellee Henderson of Edit Write, Ink is a savvy editor with clients nationwide. She has nineteen (19) years of professional experience providing quality editing services. Kellee is a published author of non-fiction stories and articles.

This event is organized and hosted by the
FOOTHILLS & VICINITY WRITERS GROUP.
For more information about the multi-author event, or the group’s monthly meetings contact:
JM Colton
(303) 670-1028.

Free Live Music: Celtic Fingerstyle Guitar by Jerry Barlow

Barlow is a consummate artist who is not only skilled as a musician but is also an amazing performer resplendent with wit, humor and the ability to mesmerize an audience, concert organizers promise. “He is also a storyteller whose repertoire is a synthesis of his own Celtic inspired compositions and the traditional music of the British Isles. His music has the power to transport the audience across time and space on an imaginary journey to a rustic Irish fishing village, the mist Scottish Highlands or an ancient English forest. Jerry tells the tales of the Celtic tunes he plays and the history and legends behind the music.”

Excerpt taken from: http://www.watchnewspapers.com/view/full_story/9958031/article-Celtic-Fingerstyle-Guitarist-Jerry-Barlow-in-Concert-Tuesday?instance=special_coverage_bullets_right_column



Jerry Barlow will be at Read, Write & Brew

this Sunday, September 4th
10.30am - noon

For more information, visit
http://www.jerrybarlow.com/files/Articles_Letters.pdf
http://www.coloradocelticentertainment.com/j_barlow.php

Closed Monday September 5th for Labor Day

You can come by, but we won't be here. We'll be BBQ'ing and visiting friends - and so should you.

Other things going on in Denver this labor day,even tho we're not...
- A Taste of Colorado
- Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival
- Celebration Metaphysical Fair
- Colorado State Fair
- Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks game
- Last day to go to Water World!

Have a great Labor Day weekend off people. Enjoy what little is left of summer in Denver, and then on Tuesday be sure to come back into 'Read, Write & Brew' for your mocha-choca-cinna-latte, or whatever it is that tickles yer fancy.

Local Author Book Signing: The Ties That Bind: Birds, Nature and Us.

Sat June 18th,
Mike Foster,
12 noon-2pm

Americans are great joiners. Millions of us join organizations devoted to birds, animals, natural history, and the outdoors. But joining is not the same as connecting. We have been slow to realize that Nature is in trouble. The climate is warming. Resources are disappearing faster than we can replace them. Species extinctions are accelerating.

To save birds and to preserve the planet we must first heal ourselves, because as intolerance and selfishness demonstrate every day, humanity is in trouble with itself. We can begin to save ourselves by realizing that our fate is linked to that of the natural world. We can begin to heal our environment by relearning cooperation, mutual respect, and generosity of spirit—virtues that will reinforce our intimate and infinite ties to Mother Nature.

Throughout The Ties That Bind: Birds, Nature and Us Mike Foster emphasizes the practical value of these virtues while elaborating the personal philosophy he has developed during a lifetime of outdoor experiences. His sympathetic connections to Nature provide vivid images of the natural world, especially birds. His message is informative and uplifting.

The questions the author raises in these essays probe subjects most of us prefer to ignore: Why are so many Americans still denying their role in global warming? How is the “energy crisis” mostly a matter of attitudes? What would bacteria like to tell us? Why is water shortage a moral issue?

In the voluminous literature on the environment, this book is unique in suggesting the transformative role birds can play in changing our attitudes to Nature. Based on solid biological research, expressed in a fluent and often lyrical style with a confident voice, Foster’s essays will convince you that birds and Nature are worth saving.

Come down to 'Read, Write & Brew' this Saturday to hear Mike Foster read from his book,
as well as engage in discussion on this hot topic.
To find out more, be sure to
visit the website for 'The Ties That Bind'

A deer, juggler and uni-cycles

8.30am.

A deer walked through the car park.

A guy then started juggling 6 balls by his car as he waited for his friends to show up... on their uni-cycles.

Just another 'day in the life' at Read, Write & Brew.

Live Music: "Tim Merkel and Kyle Walker Sharing a Mic"

Two new local musical artists have joined the live music line up at Read, Write & Brew.

You may have seen them perform at local events around town - or you may not have had the opportunity to listen to their stuff yet. Either way, they're passionate about music, they're talented, and they're free to listen to! So make sure you come on down to your local coffeehouse with a bunch of friends and enjoy the free entertainment.

The free music starts now. Click the links below to hear Tim Merkel play:

Catch them:
Wed June 1st (that's tomorrow!),
Wed June 15th,
Wed June 29th,

4:30pm-6.30pm

MULTI -AUTHOR BOOK SIGNING - May 14th (that's this Saturday!) 11am until 2pm

Attention all book lovers and aspiring writers! Come and interact with talented published local area writers. Talk to them about their current books and latest literary works. All books will be available for purchase direct from the author. Who will be there?

Jo Ann Colton is a published writer, seminar facilitator, and marketer. She specializes in business writing, newspaper and magazines articles. Website

Bert was deaf and blind since the age of forty five. This heartwarming narrative is told by Diane Lane Chambers, eighty six year-old Bert's sign language teacher. Website

Kim Burnett has four books facing publication, including this guide for men entitled, The Knuckle-draggers Guide to Romance (Yes Even a Caveman Can Do It). Website

Dave Knox has been writing creatively since the 1960s. Revolution: A Revisionist’s Fiction, is a story that embraces a different U.S. historical outcome for the period 1968-1974. Website

This event is organized and hosted by the
FOOTHILLS & VICINITY WRITERS GROUP.
For more information about the multi-author event, or the group’s monthly meetings contact:
JM Colton
(303) 670-1028.