Mother Nature hasn’t been very kind to us lately, slapping us with all sorts of nasty weather that’s typical of later fall—rain, chilly air and heavy-clouded grey skies.

Not the greatest weather for strolling, unless you’re an intrepid outdoors person.

But that’s okay, as the downtown has its own antidote to all this nastiness: Cosy cafes with steaming mugs of cappuccino, restaurants to warm you both inside and out with hearty fall fare, glowing store windows with rich, bright displays to draw you in…yes, even some Christmas-themed windows popping up (check out the exquisite window of Santas at Haworth’s Jewellers).

If the chilly days make you feel like curling up with a book, Mosaic Books on Bernard has a fun way to get you out and about.

Mosaic has several book signings coming up this month: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2:30 p.m., is the vampire series author Kelley Armstrong; and on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2 p.m., watch for Ross Rebagliati. Call 250-763-4418 for more info.

Mosaic is also proud to announce that this November, the bookstore will celebrate its 41st year in business. That’s right, 41 years. Isn’t that incredible?

Just goes to show you how much longevity many of our downtown merchants have.

To celebrate, Mosaic will host their annual book sale for three days, starting on Nov. 20. Better hurry down to that one!

As if all that isn’t enough to distract you from the weather, there are also some amazing events showcasing local or B.C. talent downtown this month:

* Friday, Nov. 6—B.C. Interior Music Awards, Kelowna Community Theatre - this awards evening recognizes musical achievements in the B.C. Interior over the past year; it’s also a showcase of some of the most talented musicians and performers in B.C. Tickets $25, call 762-5050 for info.

* Friday, Nov. 13, to Sunday, Nov. 15— Potters and Artisans Christmas Sale at the RCA - now’s the time to pick up some amazing handmade gifts and support local artists at the same time. Don’t miss it!

* Saturday, Nov. 14—Dance Fortissimo, Kelowna Community Theatre, back by popular demand, the Mission Dance Co. and its artistic director, Tanya Bakala, will present Dance Fortissimo…Live Music to Movement. This fabulous evening unites many hugely talented local performance artists to produce a very unusual show of live music and dance featuring ballet, jazz, flamenco, contemporary and swing. Tickets are $30, call Tanya for info at 250-860-1470

Speaking of talented local artists, dynamic jazz singer Anna Jacyszyn and amazing bass player Bernie Addington have produced a wonderful new CD called Lush Life.

It is truly a great one to add to your collection. Anna’s voice is like honey as she sings some of the great old jazz classics along with a few of her own songs. It’s also a great idea for Christmas gifts at only $20, tax included.

Pick one up at Tigerlily Fashions downtown or Discover Wines on Springfield. Since Anna’s hugely popular Jazz Cafe evenings at the Black Box Theatre are sold out for a while (you snooze, you lose!), you’ll have to content yourself with the CD for now. But I promise you’ll be very content.

Later in the month, the Annual Downtown Light-Up takes place Saturday, Nov. 28.

This amazingly popular downtown event brings together children and adults alike for Christmas fun.

You’ll be able to bundle up and take a wagon ride through the Cultural District; decorate cookies, get crafty and visit with Santa at the Rotary Centre for the Arts; skate at Memorial Arena; paint a plate at the Kelowna Art Gallery (a $5 registration fee is required, register ahead with the Art Gallery). Then everyone will gather at Kerry Park at 6 p.m. to light up the Community Christmas Tree.

This year, the Towne Centre Mall will plan their own event on Nov. 28, in conjunction with Light-Up. Watch for entertainment from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. as Chloe & Kyle, award-winning brother and sister team who can make those fiddles sing like nobody else; and from 1 to 3 p.m. as “Heather & Byron,” a local pianist and singer duo will perform.

There will also be hot chocolate and munchies, and a Kid’s Section with face-painting, a colouring table and surprise gifts.

All of this fun is free, courtesy of the Towne Centre Mall, but donations will be gladly accepted to support the Central Okanagan Boys and Girls Club.

I just want to end with a teaser—don’t forget that coming up on Saturdays in December, all downtown parking at meters and city-owned lots will be free. What a nice bonus for all you Christmas shoppers.

Jan Johnson has co-owned Tigerlily Fashions downtown for 22 years now. If you have any news about downtown shop openings and/or events, please e-mail them to her at tigerlilyfashion@shaw.ca.