This whole area of Nova Scotia that we have been traveling through strikes us as rather depressed. This of course leads to a discussion about upbeat communities with some type of vision versus the ‘working’ community that always appears ‘rough around the edges’. It is a lively debate, as I often take the opposite view of Lynn’s just to see where the conversation will take us (I didn’t attend the Stewart school for nothing). In the end we both agree that some communities are just more vibrant than others and a lot depends upon what a particular area has or hasn’t to offer. Case in point, Bass River, Nova Scotia. Not much to offer as small towns go, but it is the home of raspberry bay stone, one of the Economuseums we have a brochure about (more later on that subject). And once we stopped into this shop, it just goes to show you shouldn’t always judge a book by its cover. Bass River is a very small community and though looking a tad bit more ‘upbeat’, probably due to several artists and active gardeners in the area, would not attract too much attention. Our stop at raspberry bay stone, starts out like any other stop at an artisans’ gallery and studio. There are two very nice women who work in the gallery and show us around. But sometime during our visit a connection is made. In no time we are talking about the community, our trip, this travel blog and life in general in a small community. We are also encouraged to walk through the gardens and to stop and chat with Heather Lawson, Stone Carver and owner of raspberry bay stone. Again, another connection is made and, well to make a long story short, we spend about three hours visiting with everybody, including a few neighbors who drop in, talking about stone carving, making a living as an artist, gardening, parole and probation, dogs and farm animals… well just about everything under the sun. Heather does beautiful work that really appeals to us and her garden is simply fabulous! She is also a certified stone mason, the only woman stone mason in Canada. Truly a wonderful, wonderful afternoon spent with some very great people. Oh and by the way, several pieces will be available for viewing in our garden next summer. For most of you, Yukon is way closer than Nova Scotia!
