Life on Orcas Island -

One of my new favorite activities is the Annual Holiday Swag Event at Camp Moran: The Library’s Annual Holiday Tea is a must every year for us: My favorite event, hands down, is the Children’s Christmas Market at the Library. We have all watched each other’s children grow up doing …

December Event Schedule

Tonight’s Holiday on the Green and Tree Lighting kicked off a full calendar of December events… Saturday, December 7th 10:00-3:00: Holiday Swag-Making Party at Environmental Learning Center at Moran State Park 10:00-3:00: American Legion Auxiliary Craft Market 10:00-3:00: Art at the Grange Holiday Sale 10:00-4:00: Annual Winter Artisans Market at …

Fallscapes

Today is a great day for creativity. And what inspiration we get from the world around us…

Halloween 2024 in Eastsound

Halloween on Orcas Island is one of my favorite events of the year!…

Tony and Jenna’s New Hair Studio Location

If you haven’t yet noticed, Tony and Jenna have moved their hair studio to North Beach Road, right next to their smoothie bowl shop, Karma Kafe, across the street from Orcas Bakery… Check out the hairstyle Jenna did for me on Halloween so that I could be Punk Barbie – …

Vote – It Matters

This was Kamala’s final 18-minute pre-election-day speech: And this was Trump’s 2-hour verbal vomit (fast forward the video 2 hours and 15 minutes, where he begins speaking): It is inconceivable to me that a person this negative, narcissistic, petty, immature, insulting, and rambling, who says nasty things about anyone and …

The Now-Infamous Cedar Hill Haunted Barn

Shawn and Kaleena McGarry outdid themselves. Their Halloween Haunted Barn was so pro. Not to mention all of the extras like a haunted forest trail, haunted barn sweatshirts and merchandise, a bar and hang-out tent, an ongoing bonfire, and treats, jewelry, and taco tents. If you missed it, come along …

The 2nd Annual Adult Spelling Bee at Orcas Center

Last Friday evening, 25 contestants gathered on the Orcas Center stage at 6 PM to begin spelling and misspelling their way to a winner. The one who prevailed to the end was Pedro Lopez de Victoria! Third place went to Douglas Hageman, second went to Shane McRoberts, and first to …

You CANNOT Miss Cedar Hill’s Haunted Barn III on Halloween Night

Oh, how tempted I am to post the photos and videos I have of this year’s Haunted Barn, but I don’t want to give anything away! I will post them after Halloween. What an astounding thing Shawn and Kaleena McGarry have created. Not to mention the large number of people …

Halloween Cover Band Show at Sea View Theatre Last Thursday

If you missed this three-and-a-half-hour show, it was quite a thing! Local bands rocked it – Bonzi played songs by Limp Bizkit, The Bad Dads played songs by Weezer, Chubasco played songs by The DollyRots, Dolly Rotten from San Juan Island played songs by Nirvana, one of Steven Baker’s bands …

Fall Begins: Our Scenes, Our People, Our Activities

Enjoy!…

Orcas Island Farm Tour 2024

Opening Night: Orcas Food Heroes Celebration at the Orcas Island Winery Bob and Maria Nutt’s Warm Valley Orchard Brian and Laura Torma’s Tekla Farms Chelsea Thorpe and Jesse Herzog’s Rising Oak Farm at the Crow Valley Farm Stand George Orser and Molly Donovan’s Orcas Farm Not all farms that were …

Photo of the Day (Well, Yesterday!)

The new seniors… Class of 2025!

A Last Glimpse of Summer Scenes

It’s a good rainy day to look at the beauty we’ve enjoyed over the past months…

The Hollyhocks of Summer

The tall remnants of these giants still hover above as we walk by, with pockets stuffed full of seeds now, preparing for next summer’s beautiful display along our sidewalks…

Annual Orcas Island Farm Tour: October 4th-6th

The Annual Orcas Island Farm Tour begins with the Orcas Food Heroes Celebration at Orcas Island Winery, Friday October 4th from 4:30-8 PM, where there will be a film viewing, food, music, island art, and Washington wine tastings by the fireside. Click here to RSVP for a seat for the …

Last Sunday’s 3rd Annual Family Tides Farm & Lummi Nation Fall Festival in Deer Harbor

Somehow this wasn’t on my radar the last two years, so I’m glad I heard about it and went this time around – it was wonderful. John and Maia Vechey, you are doing fascinating things for the community, from an observer’s standpoint. This event that you held on your land …

Adult Spelling Bee October 25th, 6-8 PM at Orcas Center

The Orcas Island Library is presenting the 2nd Annual Adult Spelling Bee Friday, October 25th from 6-8 PM at Orcas Center Main Stage. If you would love to enter, sign up by emailing Sam Gailey at sgailey@orcaslibrary.org. If you don’t want to enter, come out to be part of the audience …

Life on Orcas Island Radio Show: Rafe Pearlman Interview Today from 1-3 PM (Repeated)

Tune into OrcasRadio.org from 1-3 PM today to listen to the interview of local vocalist, songwriter, and performer, Rafe Pearlman, recorded this past Thursday afternoon.

The Lovable Good Lovelies

A few years ago we took a chance on seeing a musical group we hadn’t heard of before and went to a Good Lovelies concert at Orcas Center. We were very impressed!! Years go by and the memory can dull. The Good Lovelies were back in town and we waffled …

An Impromptu Rainy Day Photoshoot at Orcas Bakery

I love when life provides the perfect moments to photograph. The other day, a friend and I walked out of the dark, rainy, drippity morning into Orcas Bakery where Shawna Hanan was checking on hot loaves of bread in the giant oven and pulling out fresh, warm scones with apples …

Summer Farmers Market Finale: Harvest Festival

It’s the final Farmers Market of the season. See you there!…

Life on Orcas Island Radio Show: Live Today with Rafe Pearlman from 1-3 PM

Tune into OrcasRadio.org at 1:00 today for a live interview with local vocalist, composer, and musician, Rafe Pearlman. The interview will be replayed on Saturday from 1-3 PM as well… Enjoy!

Letting Go All the Time

You spend hours, days, nights, weeks, years, decades loving your children every moment – deeply, wholeheartedly, sacrificially – only to get to their teenage years and realize that you have to start gradually letting them go. To a backdrop of beautiful songs playing on the Alexa on a new album …

UPDATE: Life on Orcas Island Radio Show Begins Next Saturday: My First Guest is Rafe Pearlman

Tune in to OrcasRadio.org next Saturday from 1-3 PM as I interview Rafe Pearlman, a local musician with stunning natural talent. (He started coming down with something this morning, so we postponed the interview to next week.) He makes sounds with his voice and his musicians like you might hear …

Goodbye for Now, Brother Charlie

Sunday morning, I found out that my brother Charlie died in a motorcycle accident. He would have been 63 on October 16th, which is when we will be having a celebration of his life where he lived in Texas. We were five siblings and now we are four. This has …

Fall Festival This Sunday: Family Tides Farm

Family Tides Farm and Lummi Nation invite you to the 3rd Annual Fall Festival on Sunday, September 22nd, from 12-4:30pm, at 6389 Deer Harbor Road. There will be performances by the Blackhawk Singers, ancestral arts, live music by The Hot Tomatoes and Adrien Xavier & Ska Island, local makers guild …

Please Support Sarah Burns’ College Fund

Sarah Burns is one of the kindest, most responsible high school graduates that I know. She learned it from her mom, Suri. Suri Burns and her children – Sarah (19), Maria (16), and Thomas (14) – moved from Indonesia to Orcas Island in April of 2022. Suri has been working …

Water Board: Responses from Individuals Involved

On Monday I wrote a letter to the people involved with the water board issues (Eastsound Water Users Association), which I posted on my blog here. These were my words to Teri, Jim, Leith, Jim, Ron, Steve, Dan, Carol, Tenar, and Mike: It isn’t possible for every person on the …

Boardwalk Collective & The Bubblery

If you haven’t been here yet, you need to go… This is a new shop right near the ferry, and it feels so good that you won’t want to leave. The trio of women who masterminded it made a space that pulls you in and keeps you there – from …

Navigating the Water Board: Soliciting a Statement from Each Involved Person for a 7 PM Post Wednesday

I just sent the following email: Hello Teri, Jim, Leith, Jim, Ron, Steve, Dan, Carol, Tenar, and Mike, This is Edee Kulper and I have been thinking about this water board situation for a few weeks. While I imagine that all of this has been so ongoing and convoluted for …

Future College of Integrated Medicine

As you may have read in the past on this blog, Dr. Vincent Shu’s acupuncture has helped me immensely with a disc in my back that is shot from over or improper use. One session with him alleviates pain for about 9-12 months, and that relief is something I have …

The Crane Truck Circus Came to Town

Here is this past Sunday’s Village Green entertainment, for which there was a large crowd: Everything was done from a truck, and they were quite good, especially when watched close-up.

Navigating Cerebral Palsy, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Disability, and Depression: Grace Grantham

Three years ago, Grace Grantham posted something very brave on Facebook – a list of the ailments she deals with daily and the ripple effects they cause. It was no short grocery list. It was dauntingly long. I haven’t been able to find it since, but when I wrote a …

Reliving Our Island’s 4th of July Festivities

What a beautiful weekend it was for celebrating our freedom…

Where Jellyfish, Jack Johnson, Michael Franti, Lex Fridman, and Nuclear War Intersect

Summer began around July 3rd this year, meaning that’s when the sun came out and stayed out. Well, until lately – after three weeks of summer, now it’s fall (hopefully not for good!). But that’s how it goes here on Orcas. Before July, sun and rain are intermittent, and that’s …

Eth-Noh-Tec’s OrcAsian American Storyfest This Week

Don’t miss the upcoming storytelling events by many performers led by the amazing Nancy Wang and Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo. Our kids grew up watching these performances, and trust me on this one, they are NOT reciting things out of books or whatever you might be assuming. You HAVE to see them. …

Why I Decided Not to Sell Canvas Prints of the Island

I’ve been considering selling canvas prints of my Orcas Island photos for years now, and finally got down to business ordering some samples for myself. In the past I’ve used Canvas Champ for little personal canvas prints here and there, but the most recent order I received was horrible. The …

A Week in Turkey (the Land of Cats and Dogs)

I always feel it’s important to start off a travel post by communicating some reality. Posts in all forms of social media can make viewers feel things. One of those things is that the life being viewed is enviable for some reason. While I am beyond grateful to be able …

Work I Am in Search of…

I am in a deep phase of pondering what new things I would like to do on this earth, and I would love your thoughts, even if they are very much out of the box. I decided that one or many of you might have ideas about fascinating work opportunities …

My Co-Captain Jumped Ship Yesterday

Meet Roxy, my paddleboarding co-captain. She goes with me almost every time I go out in the Sound. Yesterday we set out on the water around 5 PM in the stunning sunshine – no clouds in the sky, no wind, calm water, and warm air. The perfect antidote to the …

Photo of the Day

Sunshine and human-height hollyhocks…doesn’t get much better than this!

Locals Livin’ Life Here in the Past Several Months

Enjoy living vicariously through each other’s lives…

Watch the Seasons Change…

Enjoy this still-photo timelapse from November to June…

Treasure Hunting in Kay’s Antiques & Collectibles

Across the street from the Co-op in Eastsound is Kay’s. If you haven’t been in for a while, it’s a great place to hunt for treasure if you need a gift for a birthday or special occasion coming up. I found a beautiful one-of-a-kind onyx goblet for our 14-year-old son, …

Glimpses of the Saturday Farmers’ Market

A smattering of photos from the past several Saturdays…

Peter Möhlman’s New Waterfront Gallery

This has quickly become one of my favorite places to peruse in town. It’s colorful, visually stimulating, peaceful, inspiring, and the quick turnover of art keeps fresh new paintings popping up on the walls and tables every time I happen to saunter in. I think all of Peter’s paintings are …

I Will Not Stand Down Any Longer

I’ve had to pause the debate and write. Political commentary is not going to be the new trend of this blog, just a tiny, necessary intermission for a moment. This is what I’ve learned from Trump over the years: I will not stand down any longer.

The Solstice Celebration Today

One of our island’s biggest weekends… Watch a video clip of the parade here and of the celebration in the Village Green here. Happy longest day (technically it was June 20th)!!!

All Kinds of Things Happening!

Here’s what you learn real fast at the Island Market and Post Office corkboards (they are not in chronological order)…

A Quick Jaunt to Seattle

A day off-island…

Canvas Prints

Coming Soon! Check back here in the next few weeks for information on ordering large prints of Orcas Island photos…

Goodies Right Now in Front of Island Market

Come by today from 12-3 for some cupcakes and brownies! (Here is his GoFundMe page for more info: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-levi-kulpers-mission-to-mars-stem-program)

Come Celebrate Tree Plantings at the Elementary School at 11:30 Today!

This flyer was just handed to me this morning in the rain – I hope you can make it!

Music Recommendations for Times of Deep Flow

We islanders are always working on art projects, theater projects, music projects, garden projects, woodworking projects, writing projects, event projects, technology projects, and the list goes on infinitely. While I love absolute quiet for much of the time that I’m writing, reading, thinking, and creating, I put the following message …

Upcoming Events…

I’m sure there are more, but here are the handful I’ve seen…

Portrait Opportunity by Satya Curcio

Photography has been part of my life for over 30 years, but aside from my wedding day, I’ve never had my portrait taken by another photographer. That’s why I am so excited about Satya Curcio’s upcoming photoshoots for $75. She did studio portraits on May 5th but unfortunately I was …

The Northern Lights on Orcas!

Here are some shots from Friday night’s light show in the sky. How fun it was to drive around to different spots and watch that transparent milky movement make its colors known with each 3-second exposure on my iPhone’s night mode. And how fun it was to see a LOT …

Free Mexican Dinner at Orcas Christian School NOW

Put away those dinner fixins and come on into Eastsound for a free Mexican dinner right now, from 5-7 PM! No strings attached, no ulterior motive, no Jesus talk – just in case that might be in the back of your mind of why not to come. That’s not what …

Why I Knit by Lori Maxfield

As the Salish Sea Yarn Co. transitions from its current space over to the Farmers’ Market and online sales, the weekly Knit Night group will migrate to the library on Tuesdays from 6-8 PM. Inspired to write about this knitting community, Lori Maxfield put into words the deeper things of …

Thank you Funhouse for Saturday Science Nights!

I have a GIANT thank you to say to Jim Bredouw, the man who conceived of the Funhouse and made it a reality, and Ryan Carpenter, the new Funhouse Executive Director. They just finished hosting Saturday Science Nights at the Funhouse for the past 6 weeks, where kids of all …

Earth Day

Come along on the ride that was Earth Day… Click here to watch a 20-second video of the parade.

Daphne’s Easter Egg Hunt

I think Daphne has invited just about every family on the island to her annual Easter egg hunt at one time or another. She and her family filled over 1,000 eggs this year with candy and money for the kids!… Click here to watch a 20-second video of it.

Easter Morning Sunrise Service

You know you take too many pictures when you’re so overwhelmed by the number of sunrise photos you have from Easter morning that you take three weeks off from your blog. Finally picking up where I left off in late March… Orcas Island Community Church’s Easter morning sunrise service on …

Today’s Earth Day Events

Get ready for a full day of activities… Great Islands Clean-up at 10 AM: Participants of all ages can register to clean up trash on a designated beach or road, then bring collected items to the Village Green. Pick up bags, vests and grabbers at the Village Green in Eastsound …

How to Listen to Music with Bruce Langford: 5 PM Tonight at the Library

Bruce Langford is one of the most dynamic people you could ever go and listen to, with stories of experiences few of us have had, a sense of humor that will have you rolling, and knowledge of his subject that is sometimes jaw-dropping. Come on over to the library tonight …

Tonight’s Movie Looks Really Good: Cabrini

See you at SeaView Theatre at 7:30! Here’s the preview…

Upcoming Easter Events

Orcas Island Community Church: Emmanuel Episcopal Church: Good Friday March 29, 2024 5:30 PM With the Passion according to John, the veneration of the cross. Easter Vigil, Part 1 March 30, 2024 8:00 PM With Lighting of the New Fire and the Paschal Candle, the chanting of the Exultet, and the Liturgy of the …

Put These Events on Your Calendar!

And remind me if I forget them!

Ladybug Pizza – Awesome Location and Flavor!

I love this new place in the heart of Eastsound, which is on the corner where Roots was. I think it is so smart, simple, affordable, and fills the kind of niche many of us have been looking for. And importantly, I think it will survive Orcas winters, which can …

Our Tiny But Lively St. Patrick’s Day Parade

What a beautiful day to watch a 3-minute parade and then stay outside and talk with people on the street, bike ride, and eat pizza out in the sunshine at the new corner place (more on that soon)! It would’ve been fun to stop in the White Horse Pub since …

Navigating Marriage, Family Life, and Polyamory: Chelsie Guilford

The previous polyamory post was an introduction to a topic I have known little about until last year. I have lived most of my life around traditional, monogamous-marriage couples and families. It wasn’t until I read Chelsie Guilford’s Facebook post last June that my eyes were opened to how some …

20 Seconds on Orcas Island

Would you like to feel the little vignettes of life here? Go to the Life on Orcas Island Instagram page, where every day I will leave one or two 20-second video clips of what if feels like to be here – from stunning nature scenes when I’m the only person watching life unfold on …

Navigating Love, Relationships, and Polyamory: Anonymous Responder

About six weeks ago, I put the word out that I welcome anyone to be the subject of a Q&A regarding any topic they are navigating that is challenging, unique, or against the current. I received a response from someone who prefers to remain anonymous, and they kindly agreed to …

San Juan Islands Agricultural Summit

While registration has closed, the Summit kicks off with a film screening and community conversation at Sea View Theatre tomorrow night (Thursday, March 7th) at 6:30, open to anyone. And there are still tickets available for the Friday night (March 8th) dinner and community social at Oddfellows…

Monday Morning Mountain Snow

You just never know what you’re gonna find here on Orcas until you go and seek out the beauty…

Alexei Navalny ~ Murdered Hero

You most likely know who Alexei Navalny is. If not, you must learn about him: My family watched the following documentary about Navalny when it came out two years ago. You need to watch it if you haven’t yet seen it. Here is the trailer: The prison Navalny died in: …

An Animal Trip to Florida and the Bahamas – Manatees, Dolphins, Pigs, Iguanas, and Nurse Sharks

Many of us here in the Northwest have the dark, wet, winter weather to thank for the travels we end up planning to balance off the gloom. Even though we are in the thick of it right now, even if you don’t go anywhere, dreaming and planning is its own …

27 Things About Philana Goodrich

It’s been a while since I’ve written my column in theOrcasonian. Last year I took a break indefinitely, thinking my family would be moving away for a year to San Luis Obispo, California. After being there for less than a month, it became clear in a hurry that it wasn’t …

Navigating Burlesque and its Deeper Meanings

Last Friday I was in the mood for a movie at the theater. I went online to check what was playing and realized it was the burlesque performance instead. There were seven seats left that night, and the next night was sold out. Burlesque shows aren’t typically on my radar, …

Share Your Written Work at the Library March 1st at 6 PM

The next Island Voices is Friday, March 1st at 6 PM. Everyone is invited. Bring something you’ve written to share out loud (about 5 minutes’ worth). Or just come and listen. The last one was so full of variation and talent. Don’t miss it! Submit your piece ahead of time …

Friday Night Writing at the Library till 9 PM – Everyone is Invited

I love that the library will be staying open this Friday night until 9 PM for anyone who wants to write! I won’t be able to make it, so enjoy it for me, y’all!

❤️ Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️

What’s not to love about a day full of fun, loving gestures – something Orcas does well! Right now, Clever Cow Creamery is having a pop-up shop with Sweet Craft Bakeshop! I’m heading there to check it out in a few minutes… These red beauties were at the Teezer’s counter …

Terrarium-Making at the Library

A few weeks ago, the Orcas Library had a terrarium workshop for kids and one for adults. It was awesome. Thank you, Lynn, for teaching us how to do this and for gathering all of the beautiful supplies. Make sure you check out Lynn’s samples on the library check-out desk.

Some Recent Photoshopped Scenery

I don’t tend to augment photos I put on this blog, but I did a little ‘shopping with these just for fun since their winter hues were a bit drab.

Valentine Cookies – Are There Any Left?

Yesterday this amazing, artful cookie spread was decorating the entrance to Island Market. I didn’t have any cash on me at the time, and I never made it back to the store to buy a few of these. Does anyone know Sydney and Paula, and if there were extras and …

Photo of the Day

While a sight like this would be very unique elsewhere, it’s not all that unusual here on Orcas. Meet Wren – a triplet born 5 days ago that needs a little extra attention, so it’s getting some cozy time on a jaunt into Eastsound.

More on Chandler O’Leary, On Island Time’s Author and Illustrator

Yesterday I wrote a post about how much I like On Island Time… This morning I Googled the author and illustrator to show the book to a friend, only to be shocked by the word “obituary.” Chandler O’Leary died unexpectedly last April from a sudden and vigorous case of pneumonia. …

Check Out This Book! ~ On Island Time

Last time my friend Frank and I did a book signing, we were sitting in Darvill’s Bookstore on a dark, blustery, pouring-rain day. Most people were staying home next to their warm, cozy fireplaces, so we had plenty of time to chat and look around at the books in front …

Navigating Love, Companionship, and Sexuality: Serena Burman

I first heard Serena Burman’s thoughts on these topics during an Orcas Island Library event called Island Voices a few months ago. Anyone interested was invited to come and read five minutes of something they had written, and Serena’s entry blew me away. (By the way, there will be another …

Orcas Bakery is Coming Soon!

I love bread. If you do too, consider being a founding member of Orcas Bakery, set to open in the spring in the building where Tide Pool Coffeehouse used to be. They were giving hours of various warm, buttered samples at Island Market in December and WOW, were they good!! …

Goodbye Chimayo and Redemption Salad

Last week I had a final Redemption Salad made by Bill. Our kids grew up playing on Eastsound Beach (as I call it), not far from Chimayo in the basement of the Odd Fellows building. Many a summer afternoon was characterized by catching small crabs, exploring Indian Island’s low-tide creatures, …

Celebration Dinner & Karaoke Party Tomorrow ~ a Sail Orcas Fundraiser

Not Seeing These Blog Photos on Your Phone?

A few of you who have subscribed to this blog have mentioned that you can no longer see the photos that go with each post. I’m not sure why that’s happening, but someone suggested that you tap “Comment.” You’ll be routed immediately to the post on my actual blog site, …

People Speaking Out on Hard Topics: A Series Coming Soon on this Blog

There are so many experiences people have to navigate that don’t fit the expected, hoped-for, happy, traditional, comfortable, practical, standard, narrow, familial, cultural, societal, or accepted path. Not feeling able to express a journey into what feels like uncharted territory is isolating until people realize they are not alone by …

The Library Has MasterClass!

If you would like to enjoy MasterClass but don’t want to pay for a subscription, I just learned that the library has 4 separate subscriptions that can be checked out! How cool is that?! Thank you Orcas Island Library!

The Frozen Falls at Moran State Park

I heard that Cascade Falls was beyond dramatic during last’s week snow, but we couldn’t get out of our driveway until the final melt day. Check out these amazing photos by Kelley Diamond, edited by Denise Thomasin. They look like they are from a fantasy movie set, and Kelley and …

Scenes from December and January

I can’t believe we are already nearing February. Here are some glimpses of Orcas beauty over the past two months…

MasterClass Just Electrified My Future Evenings

Cooking has lost its allure for me. If I didn’t have a family, I’d probably avoid the kitchen at night except for a quick smoothie in order to keep working on creative projects I’m enthralled with. It’s hard to leave the library and stop the state of flow I’m in …

Some Final Shots Before the Snow Melted

Saturday morning, our son had to get to Friday Harbor on an early morning ferry to participate in the new winter Youth Conservation Corps program. Despite the fact that the main road was clear, we couldn’t yet drive up our steep, slick road due to the lingering snow, so some …

Life Changes Abruptly Here in a Rare Snow

I love the immediate 180° shift that snow brings here – kids stay home from school, families sled and build snowmen, businesses aside from the essentials all close, people stay in and do intentional activities together, and life is like a picture in a little snow globe. I appreciate it …

New Year’s Day – a Ship, a Horse, and a Mexican Tequila Factory

One of the trade-offs of living out on this beautiful island in the Salish Sea is that special occasions can be fairly mellow unless there is a community-wide celebration planned. And boy, do we have our community celebrations and events here in general! We have myriad memorable festivities for almost …

Tired of Movies Looking Like Video Games on Your TV?

Recently we broke down and bought a new TV that was a great price at Costco. For years we had the thick, heavy TV my in-laws had given my husband decades ago. Then our neighbors gave us their old TV when we stopped in at the tail-end of their garage …

Mandy Troxel’s Wool Artwork

I’ve been happening upon Mandy Troxel’s wool “paintings” here and there on social media over the past several months and decided you need to see them if you haven’t yet… Aren’t those amazing?? Mandy has a website for her art, music, and writing here and a blog here, and if …

Hunting Down Ice Formations and Finding a Hurt Seagull

Our younger son asked to borrow my phone yesterday after I told him to give me his word that he wouldn’t skate on thin ice, literally. He took a few videos to show me that the ice he was on was thick and safe, plus shots of some of the …

We Almost Moved Away for a Year

Living on Orcas Island has been magical, but something I’ve begun to sorely miss every winter is light. Sunshine isn’t a big deal until you go about 9 or 10 half-years without it. This winter has been amazing overall because the annual multi-month permablanket hasn’t set in yet. That’s quite …

Parents Beware of Frozen Ponds Thawing

Thinking of a loved one falling through a frozen pond is terrifying. I can toss and turn at night with scenarios racing through my mind after watching our dog fall in a frozen pond several years ago. Orcas Island is covered with frozen ponds, streams, and puddles right now. As …

A Dog, a Bowl of Chili, and the 2° Midnight Tundra

Dictation from my phone in bed last night: I lie in bed thoroughly agitated. It is 3:17 AM. Our normally predictable, calm little dog scratches endlessly on the sliding glass door. It all began two nights ago with a bowl of chili. The previous night, I remembered noting to myself …

Sea Island Nutcracker by Orcas Dance Collective

This performance in mid-December was quite a thing for our little island! I can’t imagine directing such a large cast of characters and dreaming up what each and every one of them would do. I love that it involved all island people, and considering that, it was quite a testament …

Gingerbread House Winners at Island Market

I’m catching up on December…these are some of the gingerbread houses that were displayed at Island Market. I love this tradition!

It’s a Wonderful Life NOW at Sea View Theatre

Starting in 10 minutes! I’m sitting in the theatre right now, excited because I have never seen it on the big screen. Come on in and get cozy with all of us!…

Winter Solstice Luminary Parade

In case you missed it, the island came out in droves for the first winter solstice luminary parade in Eastsound, which happened at 4 PM on December 21st. If it was this well-attended the first time, I can only imagine how grand it will be next year. Check it out… …

Winter Solstice Luminary-Making for Upcoming Parade

If you didn’t make it to the luminary workshop at Orcas Center on December 9th led by Brook Meinhardt, here are some shots of it. I was so happy to see it so well attended by lots of people of all interests and ages. Remember to mark your calendar for …

And the Festivities Continue…Schedule of Upcoming Events

December 17, 5 PM at Emmanuel Episcopal: Festival of Lessons and Carols (yesterday) December 21, 4 PM in Eastsound: Winter Solstice Luminary Parade – Bring your craftsy candles, lanterns, and lights December 23, 2 PM at the Community Church: Radiance Choral Concert December 23, 7 PM at The Grange: Annual …

Winter Artisan Market at Odd Fellows Hall

In case you missed the market on Friday evening and the daytime markets on Saturday and Sunday, weekend before last, here’s a little photo tour…

Daniel Fast: Why You Should Only Do It Once Book is Making the Rounds in Eastsound This Weekend

Gigi Carter and Sersie Blue are visiting multiple places this weekend with their new book, Daniel Fast: Why You Should Only Do It Once. Here’s their schedule: Click here to read an article from my column last year about Mindy Nuñez’s life-changing story involving Gigi and Sersie’s interactive Daniel Fast …

Book Signing at Darvill’s Tomorrow 10-12

Frank Loudin and I will have a book signing at Darvill’s tomorrow (Saturday) from 10-12 with Christmas Yarns and Life on Orcas Island. Come and get yer Christmas gifts! See ya soon…

The Boys in the Boat – the Movie

I’m sure most of us in the Northwest know that The Boys in the Boat is coming out Christmas day. I’m also sure many of us have read the book since the events happened almost in our own backyard. My mom and I both read the book years ago, and …

Life on Orcas Island – A Christmas Gift for Everyone on Your List

If you are needing gifts for a lot of people and want to get your Christmas shopping done in one fell swoop, come down to the Island Artisans Winter Night Market tonight (December 8th) from 4-8 PM at the Odd Fellows Hall. I will have individual books on hand and …

Go See the Public High School’s Art Exhibit at Orcas Center

The annual exhibit showing the students’ art is always phenomenal. While I enjoyed most subjects in high school, art was my favorite – the most memorable one. Getting larger chunks of time to create and enter a state of flow while at school is a big deal. It’s really important. …

Winter Artisans Market Dec 8-10 at Odd Fellows Hall

Come into town for some warm, cozy, fun Christmas shopping – a whole weekend of it!… Some scenes from last year… For more information, click here.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Our little winter wonderland (minus the snow so far)…

Sea Island Nutcracker at Orcas Center from Dec 8th-17th

Click here for tickets…

A Few Shots from the Winery’s Solstice Mercantile

Glimpses from the final 20 minutes of this 2-day event… I couldn’t get over how real Annie Burke’s petals looked. She said she used to sculpt flowers out of sugar in her previous line of work, so it was a natural progression into clay. I dug a little deeper and …

The Library’s Annual Holiday Tea

This has been a tradition for our family for years. I made it to the tail end of it this time around, having pulled myself away from the Moran swag-making event in order to attend the last minutes of the Holiday Tea. I heard it was wonderful, as always. This …

The Children’s Holiday Market – Amazing as Always!

This annual event at the library is always a sight to see! If you didn’t make it this year, or if you’ve never been, make sure to put it on your calendar next December.

Evergreen Crafting at Moran – A New Winter Favorite of Mine!

I had no idea this free event was happening in past years, and it turns out this past Saturday was its 5th year. There were so many festivities this past weekend, I had to decide whether to hit them all for a short time each or pick a few. In …

Solstice Luminary Making This Saturday 12-4 PM and Parade Dec 21st at 4 PM

Here we go with a new weekend of festivities! A free luminary making workshop will be hosted at the Orcas Center in the Madrona Room this Saturday, December 9th from 12-4 by local artist and A*OK art teacher, Brook Meinhardt. Participants will walk away with a luminary ready for the …

The Olga Symphony

If you happened to miss The Olga Symphony’s performance at the end of November, you can watch it online! Here it is. Enjoy!

A Simple Weekend Schedule of Events

SATURDAY 10-3 Moran Swag- & Wreath-making Event 10-3 American Legion Bazaar 11-3 Historical Museum Open House & Crafts 11-3 Warm Valley Winter Faire 11-5 Lum Farm Christmas Trees & Wooly Pop-up Event 11:30-12:30 Turtleback Brass Carols in Eastsound 12-3 Library Tea 12-5 Solstice Mercantile 7 Handel’s Messiah at Orcas Center …

Village Green Tree Lighting and Fun

This island is always ready for a good time!

A Sneak Peak at Orcas Choral Society’s Handel’s Messiah

How fun to be a fly on the wall and capture the dress rehearsal moments as the Choral Society prepared for their concerts tonight, tomorrow, and Sunday! Flat Berto was even there! Concerts: Friday, December 1st at 7pmSaturday, December 2nd at 7pmSunday, December 3rd at 2pm – Sing-a-long! Adult Pricing: …

Tree Lighting at the Village Green Now! 4-7 PM

See you in a few minutes!…

Lum Farm Christmas Trees & Wooly Pop-up Now Till Sunday, 11-5 PM

This is a must if you need a tree!

Solstice Mercantile Tomorrow at Orcas Winery from 12-5 PM

May your cup runneth over tomorrow…

Turtleback Brass Quintet in Eastsound Tomorrow, 11:30-12:30

Come and sing along with the Quintet as they play Christmas carols at the intersection of Main St and North Beach Rd!

Moran Holiday Swag Event & Open House Tomorrow, 10-3

How many events can we have on one day? Island life is anything but dull!

Holiday Bazaar at the Legion Tomorrow, 10-3

Make sure to stop by this annual event!

Historical Museum Open House Tomorrow, 11-3

Tomorrow is quite a full day of events! Stop into the Historical Museum from 11-3…

A Great Way to End November – Novel Writing

I hope a lot of you bid November adieu last night by typing away at the library during the second NaNoWriMo event from 6-10 PM. NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. I wasn’t able to make it, but boy do I love get-togethers like that where everyone is quietly …

The Library’s Holiday Tea is Saturday, 12-3 PM

You can’t miss this island tradition put on by Friends of the Orcas Island Library (FOIL) – bring your family and friends to enjoy… Scenes from past teas…

November, You Were Amazing!

This is a reminder to myself (in months to come) that the permacloud has not yet settled over the land. November was stunning, sunny, and clear for the most part, day and night. Some days were some of the nicest of the year, in my opinion.

I Do Not Envy Her

This is something I wrote a week ago, before happening upon Red Paint. Interesting how things come in our lives when we are thinking in similar veins… The world tells me to envy her The world tells her to pity me I live on dirt She lives on tile and …

The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk

Sasha taqʷšəblu (tock-sha-blue) LaPointe, I have walked around with you for hours this morning, eating with you, sitting with you, and carrying your book Red Paint through the forest, by the water, and along grassy trails. How captivating a story is when it takes place in areas right around us, …

Tree Lighting at the Village Green Friday at 3 PM

This island tradition begins with a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and some cookies and warm drinks. Here are some scenes from past years…

Handel’s Messiah This Weekend

The Orcas Choral Society will perform Handel’s Messiah at Orcas Center: Friday, December 1st at 7pmSaturday, December 2nd at 7pmSunday, December 3rd at 2pm – Sing-a-long!Adult Pricing: $59, $29, $15Youth (Ages 12-18): $5Under 12: Free! Click here to buy tickets. A look at last year…

Warm Valley Winter Faire December 1st-3rd, 11 AM-3 PM

This weekend is the 2nd Annual Warm Valley Winter Faire! From Friday, December 1st to Sunday, December 3rd from 11 AM – 3 PM, both sides of Warm Valley will celebrate and host a shared event. Our Second Annual Winter Faire is a pop-up market event that we co-host with …

Orcas Center’s Handmade Craft Market This Past Saturday

Have a look (not all artists are shown)…

What is Friends of the Orcas Island Library (FOIL)? What Do They Do?

Have you ever wondered what Friends of the Orcas Island Library, or FOIL, is? Here are some questions I asked, which they answered during one of their meetings. Who makes up FOIL and what does FOIL do? Friends of the Orcas Island Library is a group of community members who …

Final Week to Work on Your Gingerbread Contest Submissions!

Soon you will see the results of this annual contest displayed at Island Market. Bonnie (our Grand Prize winner the past three contests) ~ we all look forward to seeing what you come up with again this year! Creations from previous years…

Children’s Annual Holiday Market This Sunday at the Library 12-2 PM

This is another one of my favorite events on Orcas. Don’t miss it!!! It’s this Sunday, December 3rd, from 12-2 PM at the library. All the items for sale are handmade by the kids and will be priced from a quarter to no more than $10. Entry is free and …

The Perfect Christmas Gift: Life on Orcas Island Book – at Fall Market at Odd Fellows Today

Life on Orcas Island books tend to go fast during the Christmas season. I just got a shipment of books in and will be at the Fall Farmers’ Market at the Odd Fellows Hall today (the final farmers’ market of the season) from 10 AM to 2 PM so come …

Orcas Island Small Business Saturday

Come into town today for discounts and raffle tickets to win a $1,000 gift card from Island Market… Click here to go to the Chamber of Commerce’s site about this.

Thanksgiving Day

What a beautiful day it was…

Everyone Welcome at Community Thanksgiving Potluck Tonight at Odd Fellows Hall at 4:30

Tired of cooking? Stop where you are and bring a favorite dish to share at the Odd Fellows Thanksgiving this evening. Lonely? Bring something simple that you have on hand and be with others tonight. Squabbling with visiting relatives? Set your differences aside and bring everyone you know to join …

Sequel’s Got You Covered – Literally

If you haven’t gone to Sequel, you need to know about it. It’s our used clothing store, and I rely on them every time we need something in a pinch. Whether due to boys outgrowing clothes, holidays that require costumes, or everyday kinds of things, Sequel pops in my mind …

Go to Thanksgiving at the Odd Fellows Hall!

If you haven’t done it in the past, it is great. To me, it encapsulates what Thanksgiving should feel like, especially if you don’t have family in town.

Frank’s New Christmas Book is Now at Darvill’s

Here is the new book of Frank’s stories, Christmas Yarns. It arrived on the island yesterday and is in Darvill’s.

A Day in the Life ~ A Fall Saturday in Eastsound

Orcas is in its full splendor lately, from weather to back-to-back events. The difference here on the island, compared to mainland living, is that when you go out and about, you will know everyone or at least recognize each other’s faces wherever you go. It’s so fulfilling. And since we …

Dolly Parton Library Party

Here are a few little visual snippets… I don’t know much about Dolly, but she seems pretty fascinating in many aspects. If you are a fan and don’t have her new album yet, here are the songs and the people she sings with. It’s amazing how many musicians and singers …

“I’ll Be Frank” Today at 3 PM and New Book Preorders

Remember to come on down to Orcas Center this afternoon for a fun time with Frank Loudin, as he shares some humorous stories from his life, Actors Studio style with interviewer Cathy Ferran. (It’s free!) While you enjoy some refreshments after the show, Jenny from Darvill’s will be there to …

“I’ll Be Frank” at Orcas Center Sunday at 3 PM

Come to Orcas Center tomorrow, everyone! It is free and should be a bundle of laughs!

Inspiration on These Cold, Clear Nights

Whether you’re cooking or creating or just hanging out… We have been staying up much later than anticipated many nights lately watching bests of America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent. If you need constant doses of awe and inspiration, plus even a good cry now and then, just watch …

Youth Center Location, Perhaps

If you own or know the owner of this place, our town desperately needs a youth center after school and on the weekends. I think this would be a PRIME location for one – right in town, near everything, near food, etc. What do you think? It’s been sitting empty …

Lorna, Your Nursery Will Be Missed!

Next spring just won’t be the same…

Library Dolly Parton Party Friday at 5 PM

DANCING ~ SINGING ~ FASHION SHOW ~ TRIVIA ~ FOOD ~ MOVIE STREAMING! Dress for it or be a fly on the wall, but either way, come on down! Why is Dolly being celebrated? Because she’s doing great things, gifting any child up to 5 years old with books for …

Tokitae’s Story (aka Lolita)

I walk by this big orca every day, and I just stopped to read the signs attached to it the other day: Despite efforts and plans to return Tokitae to her family in home waters, she died of renal failure in Miami on August 18th. This is probably old news …

Listening… The Little Things Are the Big Things

Do you live your life based on what you think you should be doing? I don’t necessarily mean career-wise, even though that applies too. I mean how you choose to live your hours and minutes. Do you make your little moment-to-moment choices based on what you feel drawn to do …

Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs

Here’s a new installment of community event announcements I happened to pass yesterday. I just love how many things are going on again these days!

Writing at the Library Until Midnight

There aren’t a whole lot of things to do at night in Eastsound unless Orcas Center is open or you’re going to a restaurant or bar. Things typically close down pretty early and town is quiet. But Saturday night (Nov 4th), the library had a NaNoWriMo event for National Novel …

The Morenos’ Día de los Muertos Party

What a fascinating and enjoyable time we islanders had at Tony and Jenna’s house last night. I was so impressed by the ofrendas (altars with decorations and offerings) people made to honor their deceased loved ones. Wow!! So many people participated in doing this – it was beautiful. If you …

Día de los Muertos Party Nov 5th at Tony and Jenna’s

The entire island is invited to celebrate Día de los Muertos on November 5th from 4-10 PM at Tony and Jenna’s house at 550 Rosario Road. Tony and Jenna are the hairstylists across from Eastsound Beach – I have an earlier post about them here. Jenna says: Join us in …

Whale of a Show This Weekend!

This annual talent show is one of those events you CAN’T miss. It’s an island favorite. Come out and support the courageous kids who give it their all singing, dancing, and performing. It’s Saturday night at 6:30 PM and Sunday afternoon at 1 PM at Orcas Center. Get your tickets …

Writers, Head to the Library for These Events…

This Friday: This Saturday: The library says: This unforgettable night of creativity will take place on November 4th, from 6 pm until midnight, offering aspiring and seasoned writers the chance to ignite their imaginations and pen their masterpieces. Open to writers 13 to 113, the event will provide an engaging …

Happy November, Y’all

I can’t believe Thanksgiving is already right around the corner! May your late fall be wonderful.

Halloween 2023!

What a turnout and probably the best Halloween weather ever here! The costumes were fantastic, and there may have been as many adults dressed up as there were kids!…

Letting Go of Your College Kid

Perhaps most of us – on the island or not – wonder how it will all come about once our child is a high school junior – where will life take them once college applications are looming? You can’t really plan it ahead of time, or at least that isn’t …

A New Day Dawns

This is last Thursday. What stunning fall weather on a morning walk (my first full-length, quick-pace walk since tearing a knee ligament five weeks ago – hooray!!), and the sun continues to poke through the late-October clouds today. Gotta take that in with 14 days of rain coming! Enjoy Halloween …

The Sun Sets on a Tough Day in Jelly World

Sometimes a walk on the beach is quite a sight. This was Wednesday evening last week…

Thank You, Sea View Theatre, for Evening Entertainment

There are a lot of fun activities coming up next weekend, but sometimes there isn’t much to do on a Friday or Saturday evening here, especially for tweens and teenagers (and adults like me who like to have all kinds of good, clean fun!). I am so thankful for Sea …

Get Your Firewood Raffle Tickets Right Now!

The Odd Fellows are selling $5 tickets to win firewood, or three tickets for $10, as they do every year around this time. Ticket sales go toward end-of-the-schoolyear senior scholarships. They are outside of Island Market right now…

Restore Massage with Sarah Hane

On that physical therapy note, we often do things for ourselves when we need to, but avoid everyday healing like the bliss of a phenomenal massage. If you haven’t had a massage from Sarah Hane, you’re missing out. She is a natural. Aside from being good at what she does, …

Eastsound Visual Pop Quiz

How quickly can you identify the locations of the following? Some are easy, some are a little tougher…

If You’re Hurt, Don’t Delay with Physical Therapy!

Island living ingrains in us an enduring patience at every turn, whether we’re rolling with cancelled ferries, scheduling doctor appointments on the mainland, or yearning for sunlight amid months of rain. That patience can gradually morph into a lapse in being proactive if we’re not careful. If you are injured, …

Orcas Center’s Art of Recycling Exhibit Ends

In case you didn’t get to see the art hanging in Orcas Center from September 1st until yesterday (October 18th), here is a bit of what you missed. The space will now give way to the new exhibit called Made from Nature, featuring art by woodworkers, sculptors, basket weavers, potters, …

Meet Valeri Aleksandrov

The other day Valeri was outside Forest Ceramic Co. in a photogenic moment as I was walking by. I asked if I could take his picture, and now today I have spent the past two hours looking at Instagram photos of his artistry. Can you tell we have now crossed …

Painters in Their Zone

Just happened upon these painters in Orcas Center, enjoying camaraderie while being fully immersed in their individual creative juices. I think I’d love this…

Bollywood Dance with DJ Prashant!

Saturday night was the final Orcas Island Film Festival party at the Odd Fellows Hall – a Bollywood Disco Dance! It was a blast and there was a great turnout. DJ Prashant, from Portland, entertained us with music and two dancers who taught us Bollywood moves every few songs throughout …

Ahhh, That Fall Beauty

You never know when the gray will set in for 6 months, so you have to enjoy every bit of beaming sun that fall gives. Northwest winter permagray has made me a little loco when it comes to appreciating the light…

Goodbye Julia, Ger Duany, and Club Paradiso Party

Yesterday I saw Goodbye Julia at Sea View Theatre, a film set in Sudan about two women who become friends after a tragedy that would have made them enemies if they had known the truth about what happened. Sudanese actor Ger Duany was there for a question and answer session …

Bollywood Dance Party TONIGHT ~ 8 PM to Midnight

How fun will this be?! Dangit that I tore a knee ligament, but I want to see ALL OF YOU out there dancing it up!! I will have to hold myself back with a lot of willpower or dance in a semi-stationary kind of way! Please dress in your best …

Why Is It Dark But the Sun Is Shining?

No, it’s not some weird transparent cloud desperate to darken our skies again. It’s a solar eclipse! Annularity just occurred a bit ago, the state when the moon is right in the middle of the sun, creating a ring of fire. We on Orcas didn’t experience annularity, though. We were …

“LOUD!” – Music at the Community Church Tonight at 7 PM – UPDATED

Show up for a fun evening of musical entertainment by various musicians banding together tonight at Orcas Island Community Church. Everyone is welcome!

A Catching-Up Mishmash: September Beauty, Triathletes, Knapp Historic Barn, Visiting Tibetan Monk, and Super Moon

I took time away from this blog during most of August and September. We originally planned to move to California for a year, then had a lot of questions answered within mere weeks of being there (more on that later). After returning to Orcas Island, we drove our older son …

Well, Aren’t They Having Fun!

Walking by these folks, I just had to stop and ask if I could take a photo… Happy Birthday, you two on the right!

Announcements Around Town

Let me know if you’d like me to add anything!

The 9th Orcas Island Film Festival is ON!

Yesterday it began – 40 films spread over 5 days! Here are the films: Don’t miss the evening parties too, open to the public for $10 a pop or free to passholders! The Opening Night Red Carpet Soiree was last night (Wed) from 5-7 PM, where guests got the chance …

This One’s for You, Deer Harbor Charters!

I recently had a realization… It dawned on me a few weeks after I wrote the previous post that there are only two main whale watching companies on Orcas Island. To have written about only one of two feels extremely lopsided! Please know that while I haven’t taken a day …

Whale Watching with Outer Island Expeditions

We have lived on Orcas Island for 11 years now, and in all this time I’d never seen orcas. It’s a pretty rare occurence to see them while on the ferry. You usually have to go out intentionally with a company who knows where to look. Over the years I’ve …

Fall Is Starting Off Stunning

Wow, what days these are. Bright, clear, crisp in the morning, and warm through the day…

The New Seniors Paint the Barn

Fall is upon us as the new seniors begin their year by painting the barn…

Last Chance to Win a Car ~ 2 PM Drawing Saturday (Tomorrow!)

Come on into Eastsound for your last chance to buy $25 tickets from the Historical Museum to win a Nissan Leaf before the 2 PM drawing! You need not be present to win. (State rules prevent online sales.) The Leaf is a gently used electric car with leather seats and …

Final Summer Author Signing of Life on Orcas Island at Darvill’s Today 9-11 AM

Here’s a sneak peek in case you haven’t seen it yet… See ya there!

Barbie’s Opening Night on Orcas

WHOA! I showed up hoping to buy a ticket around 6:30 thinking I might be the only one there that early and there was one of the biggest lines I’ve seen at the Sea View – and most of the folks had already bought their tickets online. They were there …

The Barbie Movie at Sea View Theatre

A week or so ago, someone asked me if I was planning to go to the Barbie movie. There’s a lot of mainstream media I don’t keep up with much, so my first reaction was, “Ha! I don’t think so!” Then I stopped and thought for a minute. “Actually, I …

So Many Fun Events!

The weekend fun has begun! See you at some of these…

Frank Loudin’s Library Talk – Aug 2 at 5 PM

If you’re wondering why I have Frank Loudin and his book plastered everywhere here and elsewhere, it’s because in February he asked me to help him publish a book of his short stories. Voila! Here it is! Come to his library talk on Aug 2nd at 5 PM! He’s a …

Frank Loudin’s Author Signing at Darvill’s

This one’s for you, Frank!…

A Beautiful Morning Jaunt to Friday Harbor

Come along for the ride…

Olga Daze – Quintessential Orcas Life

A few weekends ago was Olga Daze, which I hadn’t experienced for about 10 years. If you missed it, come along for a little visual tour… That’s this year. Come back next mid-July!…

The Realities of Rain Here

Wow – what a downpour this afternoon! A real, unexpected soaker rather than the pitter-patter typical of this place. Waking up to a rainy day isn’t the norm during the summertime here, so for most people (especially those who grew up in the Northwest) it is a welcome break from …

Frank Loudin Publishes New Book YARNS: Stories From the Way We Were

If you don’t know Frank Loudin, you’re missing out. He may have just turned 93 (on July 6), but his youthfulness precedes him. Not only is he lighthearted, funny, and highly skilled as an artist, he is now the published author of a book of short stories written over the …

4th of July Weekend in Town ~ Four Days of Fun

THE PARADE ON SATURDAY THE 1st THE BEAUTIFUL DAY IT WAS ON THE 1st MATERIAL WIT’S PERMANENT JEWELRY SOIREE ON THE 1st CARL BUTTKE’S ART SHOW OPENING AT CROW VALLEY GALLERY ON THE 1st OUTDOOR CHURCH ON SUNDAY THE 2nd THE SUMMER CONCERT AT THE VILLAGE GREEN ON THE 2nd …

Sound of Freedom Movie Tonight – 7 PM at Sea View Theatre

While this movie has nothing to do with 4th of July, it is about the freedom of innocent lives – child trafficking. Make a mental note that it is showing at Sea View Theatre TONIGHT THE 3RD, not tomorrow the 4th. The rest of the country will be showing it …

Locals on Canvas for Sale during 4th of July Festivities

I submitted about 30+ canvas prints to the FACES art show at Orcas Center and after they chose what would fit for their sizing needs, I have 19 left that I will be selling at a table in town during the 4th of July festivities. If you are interested in …

The Orcas Food Project

The Orcas Food Project has 12 neighborhood coordinators. Would you like to help make it 24? It’s easy, fun, and worthwhile. The Orcas Food Project (OFP) collects foods for the Orcas Island Food Bank – foods that add zest to life but are generally unavailable from the primary agencies that …

The Solstice Parade on Saturday

The sun even came out for it! It’s not easy to go home to quietness after all of that activity, but the town clears and suddenly no one’s around. Time to walk home…

2023 High School Graduates

Graduation is a big deal anywhere. Especially here. This small community holds and cares for our children all through the years, and graduation is one of those necessary closures and commencements we all need in order to process the changing seasons of our lives. Here’s a smattering of photos from …

Bonzi Concert at Sea View Theatre This Wednesday

Bonzi is a band of students from Orcas Island High School. I’m looking forward to seeing them! June 21 at 7 PM for $10. Come out and support the local teenagers on our island, plus other performers!

Updated 4th of July Events!

I love all of the 4th of July events here, so mark your calendars ahead of time ~ this year is going to be FUN! And it looks like the fireworks will be back if enough people contribute to it (go here to contribute or scan the QR code below). …

Orcas from Above: Short Drone Film

Enjoy this short video my son filmed with his drone and edited for a school project:

Go See the FACES Exhibit at Orcas Center!

This is a GREAT show! What artists we have on Orcas, as always! Here’s a sneak peek…

Orcas Youth Conservation Corps Needs a Leader ASAP

Summer is here and many kids have applied and been accepted to the Orcas Youth Conservation Corps, which begins June 20th and lasts until August 19th. Due to health issues, one of the Orcas Island leaders had to bow out and the folks at YCC are quickly looking for a …

Photo of the Day: Tent Caterpillar Takeover

Last time they took over was maybe eight or so years ago. They’re back. The ground is alive and squiggling and the streets are tattooed with thousands of imprints due to cars rolling over them. From what I hear, growers with big gardens are losing their plants by the day…

A Tombolo Kind of Day

We’ve been having some of the most stunning weather you can ever have on Orcas Island, uninterrupted by permagray now for weeks! I’m absolutely milking it! We’ve also had some extreme low tides, exposing the tombolo out to Indian Island…

Soon-to-Be Graduates…

I can’t believe our child is one of them. Unreal. OCS graduation is this Friday the 9th. OIHS graduation is Saturday the 17th. Walk through the little green lot between the streets in town to see the signs of the OIHS seniors.

Orcas Island Lit Fest This Weekend

This has become an annual event here on the island, and it’s this Friday and Saturday. The schedules below are straight off the Lit Fest website – go there for more information. Buy tickets here. Featured guests are author Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, singer-songwriter Haley Heynderickx, author, writer, producer, and podcast host …

Fun Library Events and Things to Check Out

There’s always fun stuff going on at the library… Writing, sketching, designing, exploring the night sky, enjoying music, and connecting with “the other side.” Quite an array!

Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival Ticket Sales Begin Soon!

The 26th Annual Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival is coming and ticket sales begin June 14th. Go to oicmf.org/purchase-tickets or orcascenter.org for tickets. Click here to go to the OICMF website to download the season brochure below:

Material Wit’s Permanent Jewelry Event

Mark your calendars for July 1st from 4-7, and keep your eyes out for more details…

The New Coffee Bar at Darvill’s Bookstore Overlooking the Sound!

You’ve gotta go check it out – it’s beautiful! This is how it used to be when my husband and I visited here the first time 17 years ago when I was pregnant with our first child (he graduates from high school next week!). I’ll never forget…as tourists we walked …

The 15th Annual Eastsound Mayoral Race (a Cat, a Duck, 3 Dogs, and a Cow!)

Here’s the scoop from the Children’s House website… Vote on the Children’s House site here. The current mayor is a pomeranian named Sweet Girl Love: Past mayors have been Ricky the bearded dragon, Tinker the rabbit, Granny the orca whale, April the cow, and dogs Marley, Noni, Hudson, Lewis, Jack, …

Wandering Soul Art Gallery Open House Thurs 4-8

Come see Stephanie Clair’s beautiful paintings…

Unexpected Archaeology Finds

Our younger son dug up these things near a friend’s house and they are fascinating. I welcome any thoughts on what you think some of them are (and if you think they are toxic or poisonous!). The round yellowish thing looks like it was once a cloth-like material in a …

Narnia Characters Backstage

Here’s a sneak peek of the cast getting ready for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. The final show is today (Sunday the 28th) at 2 PM at Orcas Center. Don’t miss it! See you at the last show…

This Saturday ~ Pet Parade!

See you there!

The Bliss of Sunny May Days

We’re still getting February-like days in between, but on these sunny May days, it is STUNNING. Here’s a look at the month, on days when the clouds broke and the sun poured down…

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Starts Tomorrow!

Here is a sneak peek, thanks to Jerremy Foss and his photos… Get your tickets for Thursday at 7 PM, Friday at 7 PM, or Sunday at 2 PM here and read more about it in the Islands Sounder here.

Matinee Today at 1 PM: Jesus Revolution

If you like The Chosen, the character who plays Jesus is in this movie – Jonathan Roumie. See ya at Sea View Theatre!

Saturday Farmers’ Market Starts Today!

Come on down to the Village Green from 10-2!

Ocean Night is Back!! Woohoo!

The SeaDoc Society is bringing back the popular Ocean Night series at the Sea View Theatre! The debut event on May 18th at 7 PM will feature the new film Right Over the Edge: Search for the North Pacific Right Whale. Admission is free. Right Over the Edge was created …

This Year’s Rock on the Rock Performance is Happening Now!

Orcas Center and the Rock on the Rock Choir present on Center Stage: “What Dreams May Come” three weekends from May 4th to May 20th, Thursday-Saturday at 7 PM. These community performances are always FANTASTIC! You’ll also get the chance to see the public school’s art show when you walk …

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Coming to Orcas Center

Mark your calendars! Orcas Christian School is at it again. This time, their spring drama performance is The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (dramatized by Joseph Robinette, from the story by C.S. Lewis). Students, teachers, and staff are busy organizing, marketing, memorizing lines, designing costumes and sets, and practicing. It’s going …

27 Things About Maddie Olson

The first time I saw Maddie Olson was at Orcas Center. It was midwinter of 2019, when we all needed to be transported to an idyllic Greek island for some fun. She was playing Ali in Mamma Mia!, and I could tell she loved life. Everyone in that play was loving life! …

27 Things about Ron Griffin

Chances are, if you have land, a garden, or some functional or structural element on your property, you have crossed paths with Ron Griffin. You have surely crossed paths with someone in his family. Ron is on the go but always has time for a big smile and a wave …

Yarns: Stories From the Way We Were by Frank Loudin

If you don’t know Frank Loudin, you need to. Frank is like our own local Norman Rockwell. If you do know Frank, you most likely know that his paintings range in subject matter from various aircraft zooming through the sky with swirling jet trails and locomotives chugging through white wintery …

Game Night at the Library: Tuesdays 6-9 PM

The first night is this Tuesday, May 2nd, and there will be pizza and soda to celebrate its inception! All ages welcome.

Kids’ Science Event at the Library Now!

Until 2 PM…

Saturday’s Earth Day Activities (Tomorrow!)

There are SO MANY ACTIVITIES – these shown above are the general times and places, so make sure to click here to see all the details.

Orcas Community Participatory Agriculture

Orcas Community Participatory Agriculture is going into full swing now that it’s springtime. According to its website, “since 2014, the OCPA team has been working to deepen community connections, grow nutrient-dense produce, and contribute to island resiliency through shared knowledge and shared work. OCPA offers a means to organize our …

Wednesdays in Warm Valley Farmers’ Market

Warm Valley Farm has plans for a new Wednesday afternoon farmers’ market from 3-7 PM from May 10th through October 4th. “Our intent is to complement the Eastsound Market and give other local food producers, growers, and makers another place to share their wares. If you know anyone who would …

Local Spring Happenings

I happened upon all these events lately on corkboards, etc., and thought I’d share them with you… Community celebration of Sergeant Herb Crowe’s retirement Friday, March 31, from 12-5 at the Eastsound Fire Station on Mt Baker Road

Jacob Wright’s Affinity for Trains

I met Jacob Wright a few years ago, and within moments I learned that he is an intelligent, enthusiastic, well-spoken young man who loves learning about, thinking about, and hunting down trains. His knowledge about them is mind-bending, and I asked him if he would be the subject of today’s column. …

Fun Little Encounters on a Mainland Day

It’s the little things that add sparkle to your day when you have a 30-minute appointment that takes you off the island for 8 hours…

Oh, the Sunshine!

We had the most incredible sunny Saturday since last summer. The sunshine has been breaking through for several hours at a time leading up to then, and Saturday brought all-day blue sky, warmth, and even a little pink on the cheeks. I was out the entire day, basking in it, …

Island Youth Need a Hangout Place

We need to think long and hard as a community about providing the youth of this island with a place to have innocent fun together. I can’t tell you how many times my husband and I have talked about living elsewhere purely for the sake of our kids having things to …

Helping Hands Noramise

Winter is an internal time here on the island. Not as many people are out and about, and it’s a reminder of how many residents are inside their homes working on all kinds of projects – quilts, plays, poetry, culinary recipes, college scholarship applications, advanced degrees, nonprofits, you name it. It won’t …

27 Things About Eric Peter

We are all familiar with the name Eric Peter, as well as his face on signs in windows and along the road when he was running for San Juan County Sheriff. Upon winning the election he said, “When I decided to take on this campaign, I promised myself that I …

What Sights to End the Day

Today began this way… And ended this way… Video by my husband

What a Sight to Awaken to

Like being in our own little winter-scene snowglobe… So quiet and beautiful. How interesting to live in a place where the weather changes hourly.

Meet Jay Sack

I have known only bits and pieces about Jay Sack over the years – I know he loves basketball and coaches it, I know he and his wife Julia work hard and provide a good life for their children, I know he values politeness and respect, and I know he …

Life on Orcas Island is Now Available at Island Market

Thank you so much, Island Market!!

27 Things About Dave Blisard

Dave Blisard is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. He’s genuine. He’s hardworking. He’s approachable. He’s humble. He sees the best in people and, it seems to me, he brings out the best in people. Dave strikes me as a good listener, but I bet he’s someone who has …

Laurel Wrye’s Cards for Afghanistan

You may know Ken and Laurel Wrye as acquaintances or neighbors, but did you know that they worked in Afghanistan for five years from 1966-1968 and 1971-1974? Their first daughter was born there. They were teachers and then Ken became the director of Ahlman Academy, a K-8 school started in …

27 Things About Marcia Spees

I will always think of fancy-looking, amazing-tasting peas when I think of Marcia Spees. Her garden was one of many on the garden tour years ago, and I’ll never forget that she let our boys pick her peas to their hearts’ content because they were drawn to her fantastic legumes. …

Growing Up in the Orcas Hotel

Several months ago, I had the most fascinating conversation with Clark Cundy. I learned just the tip of the iceberg about what it was like to grow up here, and especially what it was like to grow up inside The Orcas Hotel. I asked Clark if he would recount some of …

27 Things About Yotam Zohar

Sometimes you meet someone intriguing and immediately think, Wow, I’ve got to know more about how this person thinks. That was my immediate impression upon meeting Mr. Z several months ago. It had nothing to do with what he said; it was more about his nonverbals. He was understated, subtle …

The Dreaded EMS Call

I always wondered if I’d get the call. I always felt that statistically, the odds were high. My husband bikes these roads every single day, and it’s something I usually have to put out of my head, given that there are few shoulders, winding roads, and long, steep hills. Friday …

Mike on the Bike’s Birthday

Many of you know this guy… He swims, runs, and bikes every day on the island. I think everyone has seen him at one time or another. Some of you see him three or four times a day, 10 or 20 miles from the first place you passed him! Mike …

Bake Sale Outside Island Market till 4PM Today!

Come on down and get some goodies! It’s a fundraiser for the 5th & 6th grade class at OCS to go to the Pacific Science Center.

Photo of the Day: Stocking Up on Mainland Groceries

The other day, our fridge and shelves were close to barren aside from condiments. I decided it was time. Without consulting ferry reservations, I drove straight to Costco, then drove straight home. With blinders on, I avoided all other possible stops. I didn’t want to go anywhere or buy anything …

Goodnight 2022

The last night of 2022, lit by moonlight…

Scenes of Life Here Before the New Year Begins

Farmer to Farmland Program & Farmer Mentorship Program

Do you need land to farm, have land and can host a farmer, or have experience and can mentor a beginner farmer? This is Chelsea Thorpe, the Farmer to Farmland Coordinator. I want you to get a closer look at the brochure she’s holding – it’s important. Please contact Chelsea …

Robert Dash’s Micrographs in National Geographic

Some of you already knew this months ago but it was news to me as of a few weeks ago… Local photographer and book author, the kind and humble Robert Dash, was featured in National Geographic‘s February issue. He had a table at the Winter Artisans Market at the Odd …

Come to the Carters’ Concert at the Community Church Tonight at 7 PM

Emy and Lisa Carter have invited their musical friends to entertain us tonight at Orcas Island Community Church – everyone in the community is welcome and it is free (or by donation if you’d like). They put on a concert several months ago and it was fantastic! Don’t miss this …

High Tide Engulfs the Road at Crescent Beach

I’ve been loving Jerremy Foss’s photographs lately. On his birthday walk the other morning, he captured one of the rare times that high tide overtakes the road along Crescent Beach, pushing all the driftwood across it. I didn’t get to see it, so I loved coming across his photos… Jerremy …

Hahaha! This Sticker Sums it Up…

Hilarious bumper sticker that Ray’s Pharmacy just got in… I’m not a cusser but couldn’t resist!

Merry Christmas!

What a wild week it was! No power Thursday from 4:ish PM to 2:ish AM, no power Saturday 8:ish AM to 3:ish PM, thick powdery snow, icy streets, people unable to leave their driveways, and 4-degree temperatures at times with wind chill. On Friday night, temperatures rose quickly and snow …

Rosario’s Festival of Trees

Sometime on Saturday from 12-6, stop by Rosario Resort to see their Festival of Trees (I happened to visit before the snow)…

Life on Orcas Island Book Signing at Ray’s, 10:30-6 PM Today

If you’re in town running your last errands, I’ll be in Ray’s Pharmacy signing books all day if you need some last-minute gifts for Christmas.

The Power is Out

Time now slows down… The islands are out… While your computer still has power (and if your WiFi lasts several more hours), you can go here to check on the power outage.

Scenes from Today

We thoroughly enjoyed the snow out there today, knowing it will be gone soon. Snow is predicted every hour tonight, and then higher temperatures and rain tomorrow will most likely wash it all away.

Upcoming Events…

Several events have been added to this schedule since the last one I posted several weeks ago (though snow and low temperatures may cancel some of these)… Thurs, Dec 22 Orcas Island Elementary School Concert in the High School Gym, 6:30 PM Fri, Dec 23 Life on Orcas Island book …

Solstice Mercantile at Orcas Winery

Several weeks ago was the Solstice Mercantile at Orcas Winery (December 3rd). Here’s a glimpse…

The Annual Children’s Holiday Market at the Library

I only saw the final 10 minutes of the 2-hour Children’s Holiday Market on December 11th at the library – one of my favorite events of the entire Christmas season, in which kids of all ages dream up hundreds of items to make and sell. It’s quite a thing to …

Keep Your Radar Out for Rafe Pearlman

Did you see the KANU concert at Orcas Center before Thanksgiving? I didn’t plan to, but our neighbors called the morning after the first night and said they had been talking about the concert for TWO hours! Even though we were packing for a trip to Texas, I decided our …

Savoring the Snow Day

What perfect, deep powder the night’s snowfall left for us this morning – terrible for snowballs, amazing for sledding! It’s always hard to come in from a winter wonderland here because you never know what the conditions will be like tomorrow – it could all be gone in a flash. …

Our Midnight Snow Globe

I was just about to head to bed around 10:30 when it hit me – ‘What am I thinking? Tonight’s one of those rare, virgin-snow nights! I’ve gotta walk into town and see the white, solitary sights before they’ve changed by the morning!’ Here’s what town looked like… The only …

A Look at the Winter Holiday Artisans Market Last Weekend

In case you missed the Holiday Market days at the Odd Fellows Hall last weekend, here’s a look… Great job to the San Juan Makers Guild and specifically Marcy, Tabitha, and Stephen for putting it on.

Santa Came to Deer Harbor

We’ve been visiting Santa in Deer Harbor every December since our kids were little. They were sick in bed this whole past week of school before their break, which was such a bummer for them. Sometimes that happens – the sickness persists when kids want to be at school, then …

Life in Our Little Snow Globe

I’ve always thought life here is like being in a little magical shake-up globe world. Especially on snow days like these (to you who live afar, snow isn’t an everyday thing for us)…

Book Signing All Day at Ray’s Today!

If you’re needing more Christmas gifts, I’ll be signing books at Ray’s Pharmacy from 10-6 today. Come on in and visit me!

Orcas Island Community Foundation – Highest Gifts Per Capita in the Nation

The GiveOrcas Campaign is going strong right now, and will continue until December 15th. A link on the OICF site takes you to the information below. Wow, the generosity! Check out the 2020 statistics from this site:

Upcoming Author Signings at Ray’s Pharmacy

Ray’s Pharmacy will be hosting four more author signings for Life on Orcas Island, the perfect Christmas gift for anyone who loves this place!… Tuesday, December 13, 1-3 PM Thursday, December 15, 1-3 PM Friday, December 16, 9:30-6 PM Friday, December 23, 9:30-6 PM Thanks so much to all the …

Orcas Choral Society & Youth Chorus Concert TONIGHT at Orcas Center!

These adults and kids have been working really hard (and joyfully!) over the past several months to bring this concert to you! Click here to get tickets for Saturday at 7 PM or Sunday at 2 PM at Orcas Center. You will be treated to various music and musicians, so …

Amanda Sparks Is Our Flat Person of the Year

Food Bank Director Amanda Sparks is the 2022 GiveOrcas Flat Person, serving as the ambassador for the GiveOrcas Holiday Campaign. I just happened upon her at Orcas Center, as the Choral Society was rehearsing for their weekend concerts. She now joins the Flat Person Family – the people chosen from previous years… Flat …

Winter Artisan Market & Night Market at Odd Fellows Hall This Weekend

There are a lot of fun Christmas activities happening this weekend! Saturday starts off with an awesome Winter Holiday Artisan Market from 10-3, then a Night Market from 5-8 (the Night Market time on the sign below is incorrect), both at the Odd Fellows Hall. We were just setting up …

Book Signing NOW at Ray’s Pharmacy, 1-3 PM

The perfect gift for the person who loves Orcas Island and already has everything they want!

Photo of the Day: Sun Sparkling Over the Labyrinth

The gray blanket threatened to persist, but the sun broke through!

Gingerbread Creations at Island Market – WOW!

I LOVE seeing all the gingerbread contestants’ creations for our annual local contest, thanks to the Funhouse and Island Market! We have phenomenal culinary artists here! You’ll have to go in Island Market and see them if you haven’t yet. As you look at them, imagine how much effort EVERY …

The 2022 Holiday GiveOrcas Campaign

This annual tradition continues, and if you haven’t heard about it, it is a fundraiser that turns out AMAZING results for local organizations, thanks to the INCREDIBLE GENEROSITY of this community. Here’s the lowdown from their website: Today is one of the game days mentioned above, so if you read …

Photo of the Day: Christmas Trees at Lum Farm

Ah, choosing a tree. Everyone has an opinion. ‘Tis the season for joy and compromise 🙂 …

Family Day at the Historical Museum till 4 PM!

The cookies and crafts are all set up and ready for kids and families to come on in and have fun!…

Auction: Local Winter Artisan Market

Leading up to the Winter Holiday Artisan Markets happening at the Odd Fellows Hall the weekend of December 9-11th, there will be an auction of similar local goods and experiences here. The auction is hosted by the San Juan Islands Makers Guild, featuring 48 artists and artisans. All items are …

Photo of the Day: Christmas Tree Lighting

And the tree was lit… (Eastsound Village Green)

Recent Patterns – Seals, Gulls, and Jellies

If you went out walking on Crescent Beach right now and looked at the surface of the water very carefully, you’d see the tops of dozens of seals’ heads. Look even more carefully and you’ll see that they are watching you. I talk to them – I’m trying to get …

Upcoming December Events – Updated!

Fri, Dec 2 Lum Farm Christmas Trees for sale & Farmstand w/ homemade ice cream, cheeses, gifts, etc., 11-5 Online Auction for Winter Holiday Artisan Market Goods from Orcas, Lopez and San Juan Islands Gangstagrass at Orcas Center, 7 PM Sat, Dec 3 American Legion Holiday Bazaar, 10-3 Lum Farm’s …

Life on Orcas Island Book for Christmas Gifts

Life on Orcas Island books are starting to go fast now that the Christmas season is drawing near. If you would like to get some for relatives and friends, here’s where to go: Darvill’s (to the right of the cashier’s desk on a Local Authors table): Ray’s Pharmacy (on the …

From One Emerald Isle to Another

Walking past the overlook of East Sound today, I passed a little vignette I had to capture. This is Kristy. She grew up on Beaver Island, the largest island in Lake Michigan. Kristy grew up taking the ferry to mainland Michigan, and she resonates with Orcas Island in more ways …

Mindy’s Story

Vulnerability opens doors in people’s hearts. Raw, brave sharing is inspirational and powerful. It lifts, encourages, and builds all those who are on the receiving end, and the sender soon hears how supported and how very un-alone they actually are. It’s a win-win. (In contrast, remaining hush-hush about hardships, while …

Karl Krüger and the Arctic

Karl Krüger was a natural pick to highlight in Life on Orcas Island. He is our local stand-up-paddleboarding phenom (there are some others, too, all of whom I call “the windriders” when I catch sight of them downwinding East Sound on beyond-blustery days while I’m washing dishes in my kitchen). …

Crazy Swirling Snow Night!

It’s only early November and it’s snowing and actually sticking. Sun is forecast for tomorrow, so it will be gone in a flash… 10 PM:

27 Things About Ezekiel Barr

Some people have an enthusiasm for life no matter what. I can’t ever remember running into Ezekiel Barr without seeing a smile on his face. After he composed the following list, we had the most fascinating conversation about his life. Love for others is what guides him, and he aims to …

Reliving Halloween Weekend

Oh, how fun and fleeting all of last weekend’s activities were! Enjoy… CAMP ORKILA’S HAUNTED HAYRIDE Do you know what happens when one or two hundred kids gather in a giant field, in the cold, buzzing with expectation, waiting sometimes an hour or two for their turn to do a …

Au Revoir, Très Fabu

If you haven’t met Nikki Ames or been in her clothing shop, Très Fabu, now’s your chance. After 24 years of being an island institution on the main drag in Eastsound, it’s all winding down – this is her shop’s final month. Make sure to go in – Nikki exudes …

Honoring Skyler

This blog and the book that came from it exist because years ago, a friend gave me encouragement at a poignant time. I was standing in Sequel chatting with Michelle Gregg, and I mentioned that I was considering starting a blog about the island. She said, “Edee, if you start …

Free Clothing Drive This Weekend at Orcas Christian School

Wow – check out the work that’s gone into this! Go to Orcas Christian School for their annual clothing drive THIS WEEKEND! Lots and lots of FREE clothes!! Please share this with anyone you know who might benefit. Clothing, jackets, blankets, shoes, kids clothes – at the Orcas Christian School …

A Friday Harbor Morning

Every now and then, life takes us either to the mainland or Friday Harbor for various types of appointments. Today life took me to San Juan Island. A five-hour roundtrip for a 10-minute appointment is normal in these parts – an hour on the ferry, several hours waiting for the …

October Scenes

October has been full of all kinds of weather and beauty. See you this weekend at Camp Orkila’s Haunted Hayride Saturday night, their Fall Festival Sunday afternoon, and trick-or-treating on Monday in Eastsound!

Whale of a Show!

Oh, how I love this event. It epitomizes Orcas Island – talent, courage, and supportiveness! IF YOU MISSED IT OR WANT TO SEE IT AGAIN WATCH THE WHOLE SHOW BY CLICKING HERE! Here are a few clips from the show (not full performances). I only have a handful, but I’ve …

Happiness and Difficulty

Every person has a different natural bent. My natural state is happy contentment (unless someone else’s negative bent is put upon mine). Some have a natural state that rests in anxiety. Some are low and heavy. Some can’t sit still, and their comfortable place is an uncomfortable freneticism, perhaps even …

Orcas Choral Society is Singin’ It Up!

I’ve thought of joining the Choral Society for years but wasn’t ever sure if I wanted to leave the house in the evenings when our kids are home and we’re all eating dinner and hanging out. I decided to go for it this year, and even though I’m not a …

Seasonal Change and Halloween Are Upon Us

The smoke lessened and the coolness of late fall descended this morning. We turned on the heater last week for the first time, sought out our warm slipper boots, and the dampness filled my jeans this morning, hanging by the open bedroom window. I washed my shorts for what may …

Smoke

Yesterday afternoon the smoke came rolling in. By the time school was over and games and practices were about to begin, the amount of particulates in the air was deemed too high. The visiting soccer team was sent all the way back home to the mainland, and local sports practices …

Orcas Community Resource Center

theOrcasonian.com has a new intern from Orcas Island High School! Read Ellie Wright’s first article on the site about the Orcas Community Resource Center by clicking here. Look for more to come by Ellie! Photos courtesy of OCRC and Ellie

27 Things About Tony Ghazel

To read 27 Things About Tony Ghazel, go to the article on theOrcasonian here.

Hey Creative Folks: The Orcas Glass Challenge

I just read the following and I pulled it straight off the Orcas Recycling Services site in case you creative people out there are looking for a fall and winter project to dream up… Ready to take the Orcas Glass Challenge? What is it? An opportunity for artists, makers, innovators, up-cyclists …

Meet Marjorie Blaine

You may pass Marjorie along the road every day. She walks into town by choice each morning, wearing the funnest colors, patterns, and shoes regardless of weather and rain. I love that about her! She doesn’t let the gray weather of winter dissuade her from some personality, individuality, and flair. …

The Enchanted Food Forest at Orcas Christian School

I thought you might like a look at this significant land transformation. I can’t help but pass by it and marvel at the abundance happening inside. All Hands on Earth, a nonprofit begun by Alex Tamayo-Wolf, transformed the open field below at the front of Orcas Christian School into a …

Glimpses of the Weekend

I was in the right place at the right time with no camera. How fun it would have been to show Orcas Island High school’s Homecoming parade in Eastsound on Friday. Oh well. Thank you, Debbie Post, for this photo of Bill Perry, OIHS Class of 1962, here at Homecoming …

Being Healthy in a Nutshell

Recently I heard a few radio ads that said something like, “We know, it’s hard to eat right.” I remember hearing someone say years ago that she had no idea how to eat right. I had the same internal reaction to both: “Really??” Shelves are packed with books on how …

Silver Hair: Teezer’s Episode III by Frank Loudin

Happy 93rd year to my friend, painter and writer Frank Loudin – our own Norman Rockwell. I will publish each of his ten episodes as they correspond to the right time in each season about Orcas Island’s beloved coffee and goodies store, Teezer’s, which is now a place in our …

Three Farms on the Farm Tour Last Weekend

I love the Annual Orcas Island Farm Tour. Of the nine farms, we chose to visit three last Saturday. Here they are… Slanted Apple Farm Warm Valley Farm Lum Farm

Last Saturday’s Farmers’ Market Finale

Saturday was a beautiful day to celebrate the final Farmers’ Market of the summer…

Orcas Center’s Local Art, Food, and Agriculture Show

Last Friday at Orcas Center was the opening party of Island Bounty, a local art, food, and agriculture show celebrating all things related to the land here in our island community. It also kicked off the Annual Orcas Island Farm Tour, which included the final Farmers’ Market of the summer …

Still Need Senior Portraits?

Anyone still need your senior portraits taken? I’m offering 90 minutes for $175. You get all the photos. Here are some samples from the past two weeks. See my gallery here to peruse my photography over the past 20 years.

The Orcas Island Film Festival Begins in 2 Days!

The Orcas Island Film Festival begins this Thursday and lasts through Monday, the 10th. I always forget to look ahead of time at the films on the OIFF schedule until a few days before it all begins, and sometimes the one or two I’m interested in are full by then. …

Island Bounty Art & Agriculture Begins Tonight and Lasts All Weekend – Don’t Miss These 3 Events!

ORCAS CENTER TONIGHT (FRIDAY) Tonight Orcas Center and the San Juan Islands Agriculture Guild are launching the Annual Orcas Farm Tours with the Island Bounty opening party from 4-7 PM. It’s free for all ages to come and enjoy the art, food, and farms that make Orcas Island what it …

Cross Country’s Only Home Meet Today – 3:30 – Come Cheer Them On!

The runners will take off from the track at the public high school at 3:30 today! See you there! Thank goodness the ferries are running smoothly this week after last week’s postponement!

All-Island Dance Tonight! – 7 PM at Odd Fellows

Now this is quintessential Orcas Island! Come on out everybody – let’s have fun dancing together!

Orcas Youth Chorus Begins Sunday at 4 PM ~ Any 6th to 12th Graders Welcome

Sign up: orcasparkandrec.org Questions: Tom Baldwin: tbaldwin@ucr.edu For more information, contact the Orcas Choral Society. Welcome to all students grades 6-12 from Orcas Middle School, Orcas High School, Orcas Christian School, Spring Street International School, Salmonberry, Homeschool, and OASIS.

Whale of a Show Auditions!

Whale of a Show is going to happen again this year at Orcas Center! Woohoo!! I’m a diehard fan of this, and of the other island talent shows as well (for adults and seniors). I bought tickets for my family the minute I heard it was on! Kids ages 5-18 years old …

This I Believe by Joshua Treleven

Several weeks ago I offered to you, the island community and people afar, a place on this blog for your essay called This I Believe. Here is the first one submitted. (If you are interested in writing an essay called This I Believe and then recording it, click here to …

Today’s Cross Country Meet Cancelled – Ferry Delays

Thanks so much if you were planning on coming! They hope it can happen next Wednesday…

Biologist and Author Thor Hanson’s Talks

Local biologist and author Thor Hanson’s latest book is called Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid. He often does speaking events, and I believe he’s in the middle of a Zoom talk right now for the Orcas Island Garden Club. Thor is quite the phenom, which is why I highlighted him …

Vikings Sports Are in Full Swing

Oh, how invigorating it was to show up at the track this afternoon and see parents, teachers, students, community members, concessions, hot dogs, normalcy, and excitement for the soccer and volleyball games! Life is returning in all its forms here! If you’re ready for more rooting, come to the track …

Olga Rising – What a Lovely Place!

I’ve been wanting to post Olga Rising for months now, and my photos just don’t do it justice, so I’ll give you a basic look at it if you haven’t been there yet, and you’ll have to see the rest for yourself. This place used to be Vance’s jewelry shop. …

Simulcast Event Saturday at the Community Church

This Saturday all women are invited to Orcas Island Community Church for a simulcast event by speaker and author, Priscilla Shirer. You don’t have to be a church-goer to attend – all are welcome. It’s from 9-3 with a few breaks in between. If you’ve never been to one of …

Boundaries

Remember when there was no such thing as an answering machine? I remember the day my parents bought one. It was so exciting! We all took turns recording a message and laughing at our mess-ups. It was fun to come home every day and press the button on the machine …

Need Senior Portraits ASAP?

If you are in need of portraits of your senior, I am offering 90 minutes of portrait photography for $175. You will receive a flash drive with all the photos on it within 2 days in order to use as you wish for prints, etc. (I don’t make prints.) Email …

Watch This Video by Islanders!

I never saw this rendition of “Happy” from 2014 until someone passed it on to me – this is awesome!

Darvill’s Book Signing Today, 10 AM to Noon

Come on down and visit me at Darvill’s this morning from 10-12!

27 Things About Sharon Abreu

Meet Sharon Abreu and you’ll immediately feel how positive, talented, and humble she is. She is always upbeat, and when she feels there needs to be change in the world, she uses the performing arts to kindly, respectfully, and creatively confront environmental and political issues. I have observed her from …

Running Late Because of Turkeys

How very Orcas that the reason I was running late getting to the Farmers’ Market yesterday was due to a lovely turkey visit on our property. Wild turkeys are in certain places on the island but haven’t come to hang out near our house, at least in the last decade, …

Women’s Water Day Tomorrow

The festivities and fundraisers continue. Wish I could go but I’ll be at my Farmers’ Market table and then a Darvill’s book signing until 5 PM. Enjoy it for me!!! (It says 2002 below, but it’s tomorrow!)

Stephanie Clair’s Open House Art Show Tomorrow & Sunday

You are invited to artist Stephanie Clair’s Open House Art Show tomorrow and Sunday from 12-5 PM at 885 Bartel Road. Follow the signs from Terrill Beach Road, and take a stroll down a tree-lined road to a little red farmhouse where you will find the Wandering Soul Art Gallery. …

Rug Sale at the Odd Fellows Hall – Today and Tomorrow!

After driving down the newly designed Prune Alley today, I noticed yellow signs declaring a big rug sale at the Odd Fellows Hall. I followed them. This is what I saw: There you will meet a kind man named Parviz who is selling off his beautiful rugs handmade in various …

Prune Alley’s New Street Lamps – First Night On!

Last night was the first night Prune Alley has been lit by its new lamps!

Prune Alley is Open!

Tonight Prune Alley officially opened at 6 PM with lovely speeches, a non-motorized parade of people walking down the street for the first time, KIND bars and homemade cookies, and middle-of-the-street socializing. Speakers starting off the event included Councilperson Cindy Wolf, Project Manager Colin Huntemer, and Contractor Mike Carlson, and …

Rise Up – Wow, Fantastic Renditions of Hamilton & Broadway Songs!

In case you missed this past Saturday’s show at the Village Green, the finale of the summer series, you’ve gotta watch some clips – the Rise Up singers and musicians are fantastic: It became quickly apparent that a young contingent of the crowd was quite well-versed in all of the …

“This I Believe” Essay – Your Turn to Write

Teachers, Students, Community Members, and People Afar, I invite you to write an essay called “This I Believe” for the public to read and hear, in a tradition that began as a radio program in the 1950s hosted by journalist Edward R. Murrow and has continued through the decades. Each …

Chris & Eliza Morris of Island Thyme

Chris and Eliza Morris are the owners of Island Thyme and some of the most genuine, down-to-earth people you’ll ever meet. Many of us islanders have their locally grown and made products in our pockets, showers, and cabinets. While I’ve crossed paths with them umpteen times over the years in the …

Emy & Lisa Carter, Steven Baker and Friends in Concert Tonight

Local musicians Emy & Lisa Carter and Steven Baker as well as other local singers and musicians performed in tonight’s Truth and Light Concert on the back lawn at Orcas Island Community Church. It was excellent! Check it out…

Live Music of Hamilton and Broadway at the Village Green Tomorrow!

This looks like the kind of summer concert finale that we islanders should not miss! I’ve missed a few here and there over the summer that I heard were incredible. See you Saturday at 4:00 at the Village Green!

A Visual Summary of Italy in August

There you have it.

Rubbing Literary Shoulders with John Muir

I just had to capture this moment from a few weeks ago – a fleeting moment rubbing literary shoulders with John Muir and Thoreau’s Walden during a book signing. Thank you, Darvill’s Bookstore, for the joy of having my book in your store!

Girl Meets Dirt Wine, Sea Starling Rings, and Musicians at the Farmers’ Market

Orcas Island teaches you new things every day. I’ve been selling my recent book, Life on Orcas Island, at the Saturday Farmers’ Market this summer, which means I have fours hours to soak up all the beauty and local wonder downtown each time I’m there. This past Saturday, I was …

Please Help Troy O’Neal and His Family

Over a month ago, long-time islander Troy O’Neal suffered a stroke. He’s probably one of the strongest guys I know of. I don’t know him well at all, but I’ve seen him over the years at different events at Orcas Christian School. His family recently moved to North Carolina, and …

Family Life with the Carters

Meet Denny and Cindy Carter’s four children and there is no doubt that their parents have done more than a few things right in raising them. Matthew, Nathan, and twins Emy and Lisa are kind-hearted, intelligent, polite, respectful, and respectable young adults. They all know how to work hard, have …

Sequel Deserves Some Sort of Grant, Aid, or Subsidy After All This Road Work

In all these months of construction along Prune Alley Road, I think the hardest business hit may be Sequel. I’m not speaking on behalf of them, in fact I hope owner Keri Lago is okay with my saying so. I think it all the time. It hasn’t been easy to …

All Kinds of Music Around Town!

Wow, is there a lot of music happening these days! Check it out: Make sure to click here for the Chamber Music Festival’s schedule of events. The photo heading this post is of Time for Three with Sempre Sisters, playing Aug 5th at the Village Green.

A Summer Day in Seattle

We’ve heard people say for years that summer here – meaning consistent sunshine – can only be counted on starting somewhere around the 4th of July. This is one of those summers. The rains usually come again once blackberry season is winding down in late August or early September. I …

Public Works: Teezer’s Episode II by Frank Loudin

This is the second episode of my friend Frank Loudin’s Teezer’s Twists series. Teezer’s was Orcas Island’s beloved coffee and goodies store on North Beach Road (it was across the street from Mijitas), and is now a place in our memories and in island history. Frank and his wife Jannie …

I Love Zumba with Alyson Stephens

I’m going to put a few spreads from my book, Life on Orcas Island, on this blog periodically so you get a feel for who and what is inside. This photo on the left is of Alyson Stephens, our beloved local physical therapist and Zumba instructor. Here she’s in the …

27 Things About Didier Gincig

Didier Gincig is one of those people that you could meet once and never forget. He has an enthusiasm for life that is downright infectious, and he acknowledges each person he encounters with such presence, which implies to me that every moment, every person, and every interaction is important to …

Author Signing at Darvill’s Bookstore from 3-5 Today

How fun it’s been to do author signings now and then at Darvill’s Bookstore! Today is another signing from 3-5. See ya there!

Life on Orcas Island at Farmers’ Market Today

What another beautiful day for Farmers’ Market! See you there from 10-2! Here’s a look at last week…

“Village on the Green” – Rock the Ages Tonight 6-9

George Post will also be there to speak about the origins of The Exchange, and Peter Fisher will speak about Madrona Point, the Land Bank, and OPAL. Nancy Stillger and the Orcas Island Historical Museum will be launching the bison exhibit tonight. DJ Bodhicypha (Ian Welch) will be spinning music …

Meet Jon Welch – He’s Running for Congress – UPDATED

Jon Welch is someone I have come across for years in various capacities here on the island, first at TeeJay’s Tacos at the Odd Fellows Hall many years ago, and most recently at the ferry kiosk. He has always been kind-hearted, even-keel, and helpful. He even spoke up for me …

Farmers’ Market and Book Signing at Darvill’s Tomorrow

If you’d like to buy a copy of Life on Orcas Island, I’ll be at Farmers’ Market tomorrow from 10-2 and then I’ll be signing books at Darvill’s from 3-5. See you in town!

Good Morning: Teezer’s Episode I by Frank Loudin

Happy 92nd Birthday to my friend Frank Loudin, a wonderful painter and writer – our own Norman Rockwell. In honor of him celebrating his first several days into his 93rd year, I am honored to publish the first of his ten episodes about Orcas Island’s beloved coffee and goodies store, …

Scenes of Summer So Far

Oh lovely summer here…

“Village on the Green” Event Tomorrow: “Amplify Her”

Tomorrow’s community-weaving evening is the second of three “Village on the Green” events from 6-9 PM. People will be gathering to share their island projects, especially those in which women are leading Orcas Island workshops, classes, organizations, and events. Bring your family and a picnic. There will be music by …

Susan Slapin’s Art, New Books, and Exhibit

Susan Slapin lives life enamored with nature, birds singing all around, lilacs and forsythias brightening the air, vibrant choices of pastels to fit her mood, and her partner and her dog Matisse at her side. She kindly allowed me to be immersed in her life one beautiful day – a …

Tune In to 1150 AM ~ Lift Your Spirits with Dena Marie & Gretchen Krampf

I so enjoyed being on Lift Your Spirits with Dena Marie and Gretchen Krampf (my second time). Thanks, you two, for inviting me on the show! Click here to listen to it.

Vacation Bible School July 5-8 (Starts Tomorrow!)

All kids from kindergarten to 5th grade are welcome to Vacation Bible School at Orcas Island Community Church, which starts tomorrow and goes through Friday, from 12:45-3:15. Register ahead by emailing stephanie@orcaschurch.org or show up at the church at 12:30 tomorrow. It’s always a blast with games, music, funny skits, …

Thoughts on 4th of July by Former Marine John Erly

Our neighbor is an electrician here on the island and his work has taken him to many, if not most, islanders’ homes and businesses. The other day I asked him who he thinks of as a quintessential veteran on Orcas Island, my aim being a fitting subject to interview over …

4th of July Parade, Pet Mayor, and Martin Lund’s Concert

Today was wonderful from start to finish – events and festivities from morning till night. It’s how every summer day on Orcas used to be before COVID. We’re finally getting back to normal! Here’s a look at the noon parade down the main drag in Eastsound (North Beach Road)… Today …

Firefighter’s Breakfast – Hooray! (7-11 AM Today)

Life is like the old days again! This extended weekend is so invigorating because everything is back as it was before COVID, and we’ll get a taste of it all – 4th of July Parade, Farmers’ Market, Matthew the Magician show, Martin Lund’s One World 20th Anniversary Concert at the …

Buy Life on Orcas Island Today 11-5 on the Street!

Life on Orcas Island will be available across from the Village Green on North Beach Road today from 11-5 PM (thanks to the kindness of our former neighbor who now lives there). Come on down! What a sparkling start to this 4th of July weekend – the sun is streaming …

Life on Orcas Island at Darvill’s Bookstore

How fun to see Life on Orcas Island in the window at Darvill’s Bookstore – an author’s dream! I’ll keep you posted, as there will be Saturday book signings this month!

Garden Touring on Electric Bikes

This past weekend was stunning. The clouds finally parted all day, both days, signalling the true beginning of summer for us islanders. It couldn’t have been a more perfect time for the Orcas Island Garden Tour. The idea of driving on such beautiful days immediately took a backseat to the …

Kate Jewell’s Experience in Poland

In March, I interviewed Kate Jewell about her upcoming trip to help Ukrainian refugees in Poland. She has returned, and I asked if she would write about her experiences in her own words: My reason for going to Poland was to work with Ukrainians displaced by Putin’s War. Upon my …

Life on Orcas Island Book Signing at Darvill’s

Come down to Darvill’s Bookstore this Saturday, June 25th, from 11:00-1:00 for a book signing of Life on Orcas Island. See ya there!

Land of the Sandwich-Board Announcements

One of the little quaint things about island life is its sandwich-board announcements at the two ends of town (and elsewhere too). Cities have billboards; we have sandwich boards. 🙂

Summer Concert Series: The Good Lovelies

It has begun! Thanks to Orcas Center and all the sponsors who help make it happen, we have a full line-up for the Summer Concert Series at the Village Green. It began this past Saturday with The Good Lovelies. They’re the kind of women you just want to hang out …

Best Laundromat Experience Ever

Our washer recently did its final spin cycle and now sits idly by, awaiting the truck that will haul it away. That means I paid a visit to the laundromat at Country Corner. What a lovely experience! There’s just something fulfilling about getting four home-size loads of laundry done in …

The Solstice Parade!

Oh, how fun to see people out en masse again – laughing, singing, and dancing!!! Feast your eyes on the fun. Moments before the parade… The parade… The festivities went on until about 2:30, and then at 6:00 the Summer Concert Series began with The Good Lovelies!