Goodbye to a dear friend...

... if you can call a cafe a friend.

*sigh*. Azucena is closing it's doors today.
But it's not like you may think. Buisness was good, they were actually breaking even which is a big deal. The word about Hot Chocolate Fishes was spreading like wild fire... actually probably more like a controlled burn off, but the word was getting out. But unfortunatly one of the people involved, understandably not being aboslutly certian what will happen in the future, has decided to pull out and move on.

I am so totally gutted, and had to try hard to hold back the tears. I have so much enjoyed hanging out there. I've had awesome chats with my brother, got to know Rory, Anna-Kate, Sarah and a bunch of other people better. I've met some amazing people like Susanne and Cicelia, and conversed with many intereting customers, like this loverly Japanese lady who came in one rainy day. Oh, and Ray from the dairy up the road. I'm going to miss getting my chewing gum, news paper and $5 cash every time I work there. I already miss the meetings I've had with my wounderful co-kids workers, scheming the next event.

So Azucena has built community. But it's not the end. I know that even though this season is over (sad as it may be) another season will come for Azucena. The dream is still alive in Anna-Kate to see oppertunites for Christian artists get their work out there, and to see art grow as a tool to provoke thought, challenge ideas, worship God, all for His glory. And during this past season of Azucena, that dream has been planted in many other people too.
Watch this space.

Thanks Azucena. You've taught me the beauty of soy flat whites and the value of communication through the arts.