Back in February, I posted an article about interviewing hunter, trapper, and outdoorsman Jay Longfellow. Jay had a major accident recently, and his sister Kate has set up a GoFundMe: Friends and family (all those in between): My brother Jay sustained a life-changing injury just days after celebrating his 54th …
Visit the Life on Orcas Island podcast here to listen to newly posted interviews with these folks:
I happened upon Orcas Islander Burke Mulvany’s writing and photography a few weeks ago on his Facebook page. Take a look at some of his dreamy images… To see more, go here: https://www.facebook.com/burkemulvany
Turn on 102.3 FM KIXP – either on your radio or online at kixp.org (and press the play button) – to hear Life on Orcas Island with Edee Kulper for an interview tomorrow night with Bruce Langford. A combination of dynamism, intelligence, and comedic flair, Bruce is the Artistic Director of the Orcas Choral …
Turn on 102.3 FM KIXP – either on your radio or online at kixp.org (and press the play button) – to hear Life on Orcas Island with Edee Kulper ~ Sunday Edition for a fourth interview today at noon with Sally Mathis O’Brien. Sally, a Hospital Chaplain and Medium, regularly connects with Jesus, the …
The Annual Spelling Bee is one of my favorite island events. See you there! And if you are a last-minute entry, show up half an hour early…
On September 17, I received a message from Peter Santenello, a YouTuber who is known for visiting cities and communities around the United States and getting to the heart of what it’s like to live in those places and people groups. There are 425 videos and counting on his channel, in …
Turn on 102.3 FM KIXP – either on your radio or online at kixp.org (and press the play button) – to hear Life on Orcas Island with Edee Kulper for an interview Sunday at noon with Jamal Rahman. As described on his website: Jamal Rahman is a popular speaker on Islam, Sufi spirituality, and …
Turn on 102.3 FM KIXP – either on your radio or online at kixp.org (and press the play button) – to hear Life on Orcas Island with Edee Kulper for an interview Sunday at noon with SiSwinKlae, who grew up Laurel Boucher and later learned she was Ojibwe. After moving to the Northwest, she …
Thor Hanson was one of the first people I wanted to interview when I began at KIXP. His books have been in and out of our house for years, and his passion for all things biology is contagious. I’ll let excerpts from his website tell his story: Thor Hanson was …
Turn on 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org (and press the play button) to hear Life on Orcas Island with Edee Kulper for an interview tonight at 7 pm with Phil Klein, who recently returned from hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. It was a four-month journey and 1,500 miles! …
Turn on 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org (and press the play button) to hear Life on Orcas Island with Edee Kulper for an interview tonight at 7 pm with local musical phenoms Tashi and Kaj Litch. The Litch Brothers – Tashi on mandolin and Kaj on guitar …
Turn on 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org (and press the play button) to hear Life on Orcas Island with Edee Kulper ~ Sunday Edition for a third interview today at noon with Father Berto of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church: The Reverend José Roberto (Berto) Gándara-Perea began his ministry …
This is always a wonderful event ~ see you there!…
ARTWORKS The Orcas Island Artworks is a curated collection of fine art and crafts from Orcas Island. Every work in our cooperative gallery is crafted with skill and passion by artists who live and create on the island. Discover one-of-a-kind pieces that connect you to the spirit of the San Juans. Located …
Kim Middleton was born in Sitka, Alaska. She graduated college with degrees in Biology and Chemistry. She has worked as a chemist, US Peace Corps volunteer in Africa, and a biologist specializing in birds. Kim is a self-taught, award-winning artist whose passion for birds is captured in her paintings. Kim’s …
Annie Starling Sparks is a ceramicist and sculptor living on Orcas Island, where she grew up in a family of artists. Working in porcelain and encaustic, Annie finds her inspiration in the natural world, the movements and textures that take shape over the passing of time, beach combing, and in …
Margaret Schafer is the artisan behind Ibis Element, creating handmade jewelry in bronze, brass, sterling, and gold. Her earrings, pendants, rings, and pins evoke styles of antiquity and often feature insects and birds. Her work is created using the lost wax casting method and she finishes pieces in her studio. …
I paint and make art to connect to and show my appreciation and curiosity of the natural world using color, shape and meaning. My art is a dance between what is seen and unseen, conscious and subconscious, the past and the present, and the relationship between our physical and spiritual …
Ivan’s multi-mixed medias combine with his multi-talented mind to create thought-provoking experiences that leave the viewer wondering: what’s next? Aggressively romantic yet calmly serene, his artwork evokes a subtle surrealism that begs to be heard while not asking for permission. Ivan was born in Russia in 1997 but grew up in …
Landscape painter, designer, and illustrator Bruce Wilson studied fine art under Daryl Ebert in Huntington Beach and later at Art Center College of Design under Lorser Feitelson. He first specialized in figure drawings and portraiture; however in 2005, he turned his full attention to painting and was awarded an honorary …
Mary Jane Elgin grew up in the foothills of Altadena, California. She always loved the out of doors and all the wonders of the natural world around her. She found her happiness in being a maker and filled her free time with drawing, painting, calligraphy, and collage. Graduating with a …
As a lifelong resident of the San Juan Islands, I find tranquility in the stillness of this place, quietly observing the forest and open spaces around my studio while I invite and await inspiration. I create a mix of one-of-a-kind, signature, and custom pieces, letting intuition and the voice of …
I am a slow photographer. I photograph to help myself to see. Seeing takes time. I work in manual mode — setting ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and focus by hand. The process forces me to slow down and stay present, to engage with what is in front of me. Photography …
Matthew O’Brien is a professional furniture maker that lives on Orcas Island, WA, with his family. He builds chairs, cabinets, and furniture pieces with a focus on natural elements and hand tool construction techniques. The island studio is surrounded by madrona, fir, and cedar trees. Inspiration for many pieces comes …
I have always used creativity as a means of processing this life. As a child, I precociously created an illustrated guide to dog breeds. In my 20s, I drew portraits of the children I served at a homeless shelter in San Francisco. During the pandemic, I began work at Lum …
After a 30-year career as a professional chef, a 2023 workshop on Orcas Island sparked a deep obsession with clay. My pottery is heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement—embracing raw beauty and craftsmanship in a way that mirrors the “farm-to-fork” culinary philosophy. Now pursuing a Mastery of Ceramic …
After obtaining a BFA in “everything but drawing and painting,” and mostly concentrating on sculpture, I switched gears and pursued photography and performance art in graduate school. That was in the early 80’s when at the time there were no teaching jobs in any field of art. I became a …
8 Hands Press is an accidental activist art collective founded by four friends who wanted to make good in the world. Primarily producing block prints, we create works that are beautiful and powerful. We believe art is never neutral and we believe in wielding it for good. 8 Hands Press …
Jenna Reed (she/her) is a painter and poet whose work focuses on light, landscape, and time. She explores the liminal in between what we see, what we think we see, and what we remember seeing. Most of her recent works focus on intuitive landscapes where she blurs representations of “real” …
Bailey cannot stop making art. As a painter and an illustrator, Bailey specializes in paintings reflecting folk artists, storytellers, farmers, and the every person. Their work is accessible, textured, and deeply layered with meaning. Bailey is inspired by the land and people who have welcomed them here on unceded Coast …
This past Saturday was an artist reception for Laura Yeats at the Art Barn at Bonnie Brook Farm. This September, Orcas Art Barn is pleased to present new work by Laura Yeats, a wood turner and artist whose practice begins where a tree’s life ends. Laura transforms fallen trees into …
Turn on 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org (and press the play button) to hear an interview tonight at 7 PM with Susan Mustard, an artist who was recently featured in the Orcas Artist Studio Tour in August. A former art therapist with three degrees – a BFA …
Here on Orcas Island, we aren’t too far from some majestic mountain backpacking. I backpacked through Chile and Bolivia in my 20s, but after having years of back issues, the idea of backpacking again didn’t even cross my mind. Until our 16-year-old used some of his summer work money to …
This guy is not only good, he makes you laugh out loud! I’ve got tickets ~ see you there…
Turn on 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org (and press the play button) to hear Life on Orcas Island with Edee Kulper ~ Sunday Edition for a second interview with Susan Shannon today at noon. Susan Shannon, M. Div., BCC (Master of Divinity, Board Certified Chaplain) is a seeker, student, …
Turn on 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org (and press the play button) to hear an interview tonight at 7 PM with Ross Newport, a local boater involved with Hands Across the Water connecting Orcas and Salt Spring Islands, the Aqua Chautauqua Circus visiting the Northern Gulf Islands, …
Turn on 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org (and press the play button) to hear Life on Orcas Island with Edee Kulper ~ Sunday Edition for a second interview Sunday the 6th at noon with Father Berto of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church: The Reverend José Roberto (Berto) Gándara-Perea began …
Turn on 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org (and press the play button) to hear an interview tonight at 7 PM with Jim Bredouw, a musician who made his living making music for commercials, built the Funhouse here on Orcas Island, and you may have seen him in …
A month ago, I asked those of you who read this blog what you would do if you were me, regarding skyrocketing blog-hosting prices ~ Keep the blog or move on? All of you responded unanimously to keep it, along with some really nice comments – THANK YOU SO MUCH …
The tendency is to have senior photos taken at the end of senior year, right about when the school is nudging kids to get them done – when the sky is gray and the scenery is barely awakening from winter. Right now is actually a great time – the weather …
Picking your own bouquet of flowers is one of the most enjoyable simple pleasures you can experience. My sister was visiting for a week, and we went to The Little Farm to pick a bouquet of sunflowers. Then I went back several days later to pick a bouquet of strawflowers. …
A few moments in case you missed it… There are 5 more dates after today!… Aug 15: Issaquah | Aire Craft Festival | 3:00 PMAug 16: Issaquah | Aire Craft Festival | 1:30 PMAug 18: Whidbey Island | South Whidbey Community Center | 6 PMAug 19: Lopez Island | Lopez …
I am so deeply moved by the lush, quiet serenity of Orcas. I see my work and creative process as an intimate love letter to my surroundings. To paint, draw and produce prints is the closest I’ve come to physically representing the spiritual relationship I’ve cultivated with this island. Although …
My work is evenly split between hand built and thrown pieces. Most are intended for use in the kitchen and on the dining room table: mugs, bowls, serving platters, dinnerware and vases. I focus on straightforward forms with surface decoration ranging from traditional glazes to colorful, whimsical designs. My goal with …
As a photographer I am interested in exploring how light brings the forms of earth to life. I never look so closely at the world as when I have a camera in hand. As a witness to light I attempt to capture the nuance and essence of a form then …
Turn on 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org (and press the play button) to hear Life on Orcas Island with Edee Kulper ~ Sunday Edition for an interview tomorrow, Sunday the 29th, at noon with Sally Mathis O’Brien. Sally, a Hospital Chaplain and Medium, regularly connects with Jesus, the …
I have always been a narrative painter. That is, a painter who creates imagery grounded in story. The advantage of working with recognizable forms is to set the viewer up with expectations. I work from this impulse. The stories we tell are variations on time and go back as far …
Lynda works in a variety of media that includes ink, resin, wood and metal. Her paintings range from abstract to stylized. Subjects include landscapes, flowers, birds and whimsical sea creatures. Her live-edge furniture is made from native, salvaged wood. Tables and benches highlight the wood’s dramatic grain and form. Finished …
Every Tuesday and Sunday, I have an interview with a new person at the KIXP radio station in Eastsound (across from Mijitas and the bread bakery). Tuesday interviews are recorded and played on Tuesday evenings at 7 pm. Most Sunday interviews are live, so if you pass by the station, …
I am a ceramic and metal artist, hybridizing textures and forms inspired by nature. My ‘everlasting flowers’ are familiar and fantastical creations. My plates and bowls carved with fern and flowered scenes hint of abundance in a fantastical garden. All my pieces withstand daily use. Years of experience contribute to …
Shannon brings to her art-making life-long practices in dance, meditation, and a broad range of creative mediums. An abiding love of nature imbues her work with aliveness, sinuous lines, and vibrant colorplay attuned to pulsing rhythms of motion and time. Her work integrates the sensuous branches of Madrona trees; her …
Showing paintings of Orcas Island and environs that honor the soul and depth of these lands and the people who have loved them. www.ddensmore.com
Turn on 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org (and press the play button) to hear Life on Orcas Island with Edee Kulper ~ Sunday Edition for an interview tomorrow, Sunday the 22nd, at noon with Susan Shannon. Susan Shannon, M. Div., BCC (Master of Divinity, Board Certified Chaplain) is a …
Turn on 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org (and press the play button) to hear Life on Orcas Island with Edee Kulper ~ Sunday Edition for an interview tomorrow, Sunday the 16th, at noon with Father Berto of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church: The Reverend José Roberto (Berto) Gándara-Perea …
For more than twenty years I’ve worked as a craftsman designing and building homes in the Pacific Northwest. Working with natural materials has always been part of my life. Wood and stone carry a quiet intelligence — grain, weight, texture, and form that reveal themselves when approached with patience and …
My journey as an artist is deeply rooted in the memories and treasures passed down through generations. As a child, I was captivated by my Nana’s jewelry, each piece whispering a different story. Her words, “My jewelry simply reflects the beauty you have inside yourself,” sparked my interest for creating …
Ayame Bullock is a ceramic artist who is inspired by patterns in nature, textiles, botanical illustrations, and ancient artifacts. Ayame studied illustration and painting at Rhode Island School of Design and is interested in how the different disciplines can be brought together in her work. She will also be having …
Yuriko Bullock is a ceramic artist who is inspired by garden, her love of food, and Japanese culture. Her studio time is a time of playful creation. Her studio, hand-built by a dear friend, is nestled between a Melrose apple and Chojuro pear tree. Her wood-fired kiln, hand-built with 9 …
Raised on Orcas Island, my work reflects the vibrant beauty of the local flora, fauna, and landscapes that I love. Growing up on a permaculture homestead, I have developed a deep connection to nature, which inspires my acrylic paintings. Through my art, I hope to capture the serenity and vibrant …
Born to artist parents and the youngest of three brothers, it seemed our house was often a studio of ongoing projects. At age 17 I immersed in 2 semesters of ceramics at Cuesta Community College. I spent the next 40 years sculpting and designing in garden and landscape, before once …
I am a textile and visual artist who is deeply inspired by place, colour, craft and the small, beautiful moments of everyday life. Sustainability is a very important part of my practice and my textile arts are created with reclaimed and natural materials that I have been collecting and curating …
I am an Artist Blacksmith. I employ fire, iron, and the tools of the blacksmith that remain unchanged over the centuries. However, I remain curious, and continually experiment with diverse materials such as wood, stone, and woven willow. I also value collaboration with fellow artists from a variety of disciplines …
My paintings and sculpture are about capturing an overall presence. They may be intense, ambiguous and many have a slightly lonely feel. My method is more about spending hours staring at the works than actually painting. I allow the paint to do what paint does…drip, mix and form shapes. I …
I’m excited to be part of the Orcas Island Artist Studio Tour and I am inspired by the colors around me, namely blues and greens from the sky, land, and sea. Most of the pieces I throw are for the home to enhance your surroundings. I love throwing vessels to …
There were almost 40 stops on the Artist Studio Tour this year! What a weekend it was, stopping at every single one of them. I am going to give you a glimpse of each artist and their work, beginning with Susan Mustard. Susan’s studio at 411 Madrona Street in Eastsound …
I am blown away by so many kind responses from those of you full of ideas and encouragement regarding what to do about the skyrocketing blog-hosting costs I recently incurred. Thank you for your words, your advice, and your creative thoughts on how to continue. So many of you remarked …
Turn on 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org (and press the play button) to hear an interview tonight at 7 PM with Martin Lund, who lives and breathes music. Adept at clarinet, saxophone, flute, piano, and even the accordion, Martin has played with some of the great musical …
Michael Seehof is passionate about supporting the creation of a world culture that is inclusive, compassionate, and participatory. He attained a graduate degree in psychology and has been a licensed psychotherapist for over 30 years. He is currently a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Washington and a Licensed …
You have to admit, they’re pretty stinkin’ cute!
I LOVE the new paint colors! Way to be bold with bright Caribbean blues!!
My table at the Farmers Market happened to be across from Alexis of Flower Moon Floral a few weeks ago, and I was reminded all day of how beautiful her world of flower arrangements, clay bowls, and bright paintings is…
Quite the quiet, shady respite…
Such an eye-catcher!
How I love fruit right off the vine…
An extreme low tide at Crescent Beach can leave behind an iridescent green carpet…
And a few other beauties in between…
It isn’t every day that you hear the distinct sound of a kora being played with a backdrop like this…
How fun to watch these goslings grow up in front of our eyes at the end of each lake day when they come around for leftovers…
What a day…
Carol Anderson was inspired to make rose beads by her sister who loved roses and was taught by a dear friend who learned from her 80-year-old neighbor. Carol was kind enough to allow me to photograph the beginning stages of her crushing down the petals of hundreds of fragrant roses. …
Turn on 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org (and press the play button) to hear an interview tonight at 7 PM with Kit Nuzum ~ diver, world traveler, and adventure seeker. This is his personal list of the places he’s traveled: Canada United States Mexico Islands Guatemala Belize …
Emmanuel Episcopal Church has been having free Wednesday summer concerts at noon for many years, which used to be called Brown Bag Concerts in pre-COVID times because people would bring their sack lunches to enjoy out on the lawn together after each concert. Perhaps I’ll see you there today at …
While at the radio station yesterday morning preparing to record an interview, the power suddenly went out. Thanks to a lot of thoughtful planning on Allen Hartle’s part, KIXP remained on the air and in good shape. We recorded a live message to let listeners know what we could see …
Hello Readers, I have come to a crossroads with this blog… The other day, I noticed a $1,500 charge on my bank card from my blog hosting site. Normally I pay about $270 for 3 years of hosting, or about $120 a year. The jump to $500 a year seemed …
I just learned something new… You can go to Clever Cow, pick out your favorite flavor of Lopez Island Ice Cream, and have them hand-scoop it into a pint for you. From what I know, you can’t find pints of Lopez Island Ice Cream flavors elsewhere on the island, like …
Turn on 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org (and press the play button) to hear an interview Tuesday at 7 PM with Russel Barsh, conservationist, human ecologist, and overall walking encyclopedia. Take a look at his life experiences: He has written or co-written over 150 papers and presentations, …
Tomorrow at 12 o’clock, turn on our local radio station, 102.3 FM KIXP, to listen to the first Life on Orcas Island with Edee Kulper: Sunday Edition as we dive into the fascinating stories of each weekly guest’s spiritual path. Guests of all spiritual walks of life will be on …
Several weeks ago at the KIXP radio station, I interviewed Joel and Michelle Levey, who have trained people from all walks of life (U.S. Army Intelligence, NASA, NOAA, Pentagon, Jet Propulsion Lab, and the long list goes on) in mindfulness – or what Joel and Michelle also call presence, or …
Turn on 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org (and press the play button) to hear an interview tonight at 7 PM with John Vechey, cofounder of PopCap video games and Pluto virtual reality. If you recognize his name, it’s because John and his wife Maia are constantly working …
Tomorrow, July 7th, at 7 PM, turn on 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org (and press the play button) to hear an interview with Joel and Michelle Levey. They were among the very first people to develop and introduce Mindful Leadership, Collective Wisdom, Deep Resilience, Mind Fitness, and …
Tonight at 7 PM, turn on 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org and press the play button to hear an interview with local medium Sally Mathis O’Brien, whose life path has been guided by her communications with “ascended masters” like Jesus, Gandhi, King Midas, and others. Sally is …
Tonight at 7 PM, turn on 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org and press the play button to hear an interview with Paramita, formerly known as Vibha, who gifted herself with a new name for her 80th birthday, which is today. She has decided to take a journey …
Tonight, a portion of the members of the Aqua Chautauqua Circus are coming to perform at the Odd Fellows Hall to promote and help fundraise for their Eau Canada tour to the Northern Gulf Islands. On July 11th, a group of island residents are beginning the journey of boating up …
Tuesday evening (tomorrow) at 7 PM, turn on 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org and press the play button to hear an interview with Marcia Spees ~ a classical watercolorist who didn’t begin painting until the age of 44. She later turned to working with acrylics, oils, and …
The warmth and sunshine right now are almost unprecedented. I hope you’re enjoying what nature is dishing up…
Sunshine in May and June is an absolute gift. Sometimes you just have to walk around and wallow in all the nature oozing its brilliance around you…
This is such a special annual event thanks to all the volunteers and pilots who give their time to all the kids who show up and fly for free in their planes. Our kids have been doing this since they were 8 years old!…
It’s hard to believe that yet another class has reached the end of its high school years. How I love attending these meaningful closures of phases that open the door to brand new experiences to come. See you today at the high school gym to celebrate this sentimental ending ushering …
Upon hearing word that Mark Zuckerberg was “in town,” I thought I’d go see for my own eyes what a superyacht looks like. While I like the idea of giving people their anonymity, I also figure that if you’re cruising around on a superyacht, you’re not looking for anonymity. We …
What a place we call home…
This week’s episode of Life on Orcas Island with Edee Kulper is now on the podcast… Click here to listen to master herbalist, artisan jeweler, former activist, and all-around deep human being, Carol Anderson of Magic Island Herbals. She shares everything from how intentionally she gathers specific plants for her handmade products …
Enjoy our newest annual festival – it’s ALL OVER TOWN and began last night at Odd Fellows Hall with a square dance for all ages… OrcasFest was created by Tashi Litch, Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms, to share their passion for folk music, and for their love of community and …
Oh, that stunning sun when it decides to come out!…
So very Orcas… This one’s for you, Frank, my mailbox-loving friend.
Listen to 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org and press the play button at 7 PM tonight to hear an interview with Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms ~ members of Foghorn Stringband, Caleb Klauder Country Band, and Caleb & Reeb. They are cofounders and co-organizers of our newest …
The Hot Tomatoes playing outside Olga Rising last week…
This is spring under the forest canopy along Enchanted Forest Road…
I took some “modeling” photos of the book during Friday’s beautiful weather. After this big weekend of getting the coloring book out there on the street, this blog will now return to some normalcy… Expect subject matter akin to beautiful trees, new goslings, and quiet sunsets. Thank you for all …
Perched over West Beach on Friday evening ~ what a stunning day that was!
I will have a table today from 12:30-2 outside of Clever Cow Creamery… Buy 3 or more Life on Orcas Island Coloring Books and get a $10 ice cream gift card on me! Think: Island souvenirs, gifts for the grandkids, gifts for former island residents, travel days on the ferry, rainy day …
UPDATE ON TIME: Step in Ray’s Pharmacy tomorrow from 10:30 AM to 12 PM for a Life on Orcas Island Coloring Book. They’re selling like hotcakes! Think: Island souvenirs, gifts for the grandkids, gifts for former island residents, travel days on the ferry, rainy day activities, gifts for weekend visitors, teacher …
Orcas Island is breathtaking in May, exponentially so when the sun comes out…
I will have a table today from 12-2 outside of Clever Cow Creamery… Buy 3 or more Life on Orcas Island Coloring Books and get a $10 ice cream gift card on me! Think: Island souvenirs, gifts for the grandkids, gifts for former island residents, travel days on the ferry, rainy day …
Come into town this morning for a Life on Orcas Island Coloring Book and coffee table book signing from 9 AM to 12 PM at Darvill’s. Think: Island souvenirs, gifts for the grandkids, gifts for former island residents, travel days on the ferry, rainy day activities, gifts for weekend visitors, …
I will have a table today (Friday) from 9 AM to 1 PM outside of Dragonfly Coffee House. Buy 3 or more Life on Orcas Island Coloring Books and get a $10 coffee gift card on me! Think: Island souvenirs, gifts for the grandkids, gifts for former island residents, travel days on …
For real this time!… Listen to 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org and press the play button at 7 PM to hear an interview with Tish Knapp ~ book author, former Orcas Island High School English teacher for 26 years, writing group host, and matriarch of a blended …
Born and raised on Orcas Island, Mandy taught over 20 years at the public school, pioneered the Farm-to-Classroom program after fellow teacher Anne Ford McGrath built the Farm-to-Cafeteria program into the school curriculum, started Wednesday in the Woods, and continues to help guide adults in some of the biggest decisions …
I will have a table today from 12-2 outside of Clever Cow Creamery. Buy 4 or more Life on Orcas Island Coloring Books and get a $10 ice cream gift card on me! Think: Island souvenirs, gifts for the grandkids, gifts for former island residents, travel days on the ferry, …
Visit KIXP radio station’s booth to say hello, and I’ll also have a fresh stack of new Life on Orcas Island Coloring Books!
Originally Teezers, then Karma Kafe, now it’s Squeezers… Smoothies with only the most healthful ingredients and fresh cold-pressed juices served by the ever-friendly Callum Duggan. I’m even looking up record players now…
The sunshine and warmth on May Day provided a perfect window for setting out on the sea to another nearby island. But first… Some facts about Yellow Island that I’ve compiled from various websites: Now on to the photo tour… MANY THANKS to The Orcas Island Garden Club for planning …
The shock of what happened to Ella and David continues to reverberate through our community, and every now and then out of the blue, I start bawling for the families of these young people and can’t stop. To lose a child in their 20s is more than a parent can …
Meet my new book ~ a coloring book companion to the original coffee table book. 250 copies just arrived at my house today. You can find this at Darvill’s Bookstore and Ray’s. There are scenes from ALL OVER the island that you’ll recognize….. Here’s a peek inside…
Check out this cool new little place next to Rising Oak Farm on Nordstrom Lane ~ follow the signs. I’m wearing a new ring and earrings for $10, and a friend of mine got a really nice jacket for $30…
From Sea View Theatre’s website: Orcas Island Film Festival Presents a Special FREE Screening of Endurance with Producer Ruth Johnston to Benefit West Sound Community Club SUNDAY, MAY 3 at 2:00pm (Lounge & Doors open @ 1:15) From National Geographic Documentary Films and directors Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, and Natalie Hewit, Endurance chronicles the …
Click here or go to any major listening platform to hear interviews with these local islanders… And more to come!…..
Do you know Jami? If so, would you like to come and help celebrate her birthday? See you then!…. If you are not an islander and you’re wondering, “Do they all know each other on Orcas??” Well, kinda sorta. We don’t ALL know each other, but it’s a close enough …
By 10 o’clock this morning, fish were everywhere – in buckets, nets, boats, and hands! Sponsored by Orcas Adventures, it’s an annual event open to kids under 16 that begins at daybreak, pauses for a free pancake breakfast at 9 o’clock, and culminates in a measuring and tallying at 11 …
I just learned of this GoFundMe that Mandy Randolph set up for Colleen Stewart. I will let their words speak instead of mine, and I wholeheartedly ask you to consider donating well beyond the stated cap, because as you will see, Colleen’s costs are much higher than what the GoFundMe …
It’s been a while since I’ve added daily or weekly posts to this blog. I’ve been working on another book that just finished up ~ a companion book to the Life on Orcas Island book. More on that to come… In an effort to catch up where I left off …
Listen to 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org and press the play button at 10 AM to hear an interview with Christine Jennifer. Her background has ranged from freelance journalism and PR/marketing/branding to nonprofit work, fundraising, and disaster relief for the the Red Cross to having a garden …
Listen to 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org and press the play button at 10 AM to hear an interview with Rolf Eriksen, owner and general manager of Happy Acres Company for over 53 years, and author of The Tower on Top of Mount Constitution. He has a …
Listen to 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org and press the play button at 10 AM to hear an interview with Brian Leonard, who consults with theme parks, museums, zoos, and aquariums, and manages the creative development for their projects – “architects, graphic designers, writers, composers, painters, sculptors, …
Starting today! Spread the word to anyone who might need a ride. For the time being, I’ll be “on” most of the day Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. If you go on Uber and see nothing available on the island, it means I may be driving someone else and will be …
Click here to listen to the latest interview on Life on Orcas Island with Edee Kulper. I lost my mother when I was ten. The world stopped making sense. At seventeen, I was living alone, figuring it out. I picked up my first deck of cards—not for the art of …
Listen to 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org and press the play button at 10 AM to hear an interview with Stephanie Rosenblatt, a Tai Chi practitioner for 54 years and a Tai Chi teacher here on Orcas Island. Stephanie radiates joy and an ever-growing zest for life, …
Click here to make a donation right away. You may recognize the name Davina Liberty from earlier posts… The two interviews I did with her at the KIXP radio station were amazingly vulnerable, honest, and incredible. She had a dauntingly difficult childhood and vowed to herself to do every last …
Listen to 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org and press the play button at 10 AM to hear an interview with Bruce Benton, who went from Peace Corps work in West Africa to the US Treasury Department’s Deputy-Director of the Office of Raw Materials and Oceans Policy to a …
At the end of Karl’s previous interview, we had to stop right in the middle of one of the most fascinating stories ~ the advice an Inuit man gave Karl before he began his solo paddle of the Canadian Arctic’s Northwest Passage: Make SURE you talk with the ancestors. Karl’s …
Listen to 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org and press the play button at 10 AM to hear an interview with Karl Krüger. As his website says, Karl Krüger is an American adventurer, sea captain, and paddler whose life is deeply rooted in wilderness, spirituality, and exploration. Taught to …
Listen to 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org and press the play button at 10 AM to hear an interview with Georgette Wong, whose expertise is in impact investing and strategic consulting to strengthen local communities. Georgette currently serves as Board Chair of the Nonprofit Finance Fund, the Investment …
Day before yesterday, it was absolutely beaming sun in Friday Harbor. Upon returning to Orcas and going to the library to work on my computer, one would have never known such sunshine was happening all over other parts of Orcas and beyond, judging by the the deep, cold fog of …
Happening now! Here’s Chubasco a few evenings ago performing live at the KIXP radio station in Eastsound with host Clint McCune, KIXP’s first live musical interview and performance… Watch a short clip of them performing live here. Happy Friday again!
The Stunt Man from 1980 with Peter O’Toole plays tonight at Orcas Center for free, the final movie of the Classic Film Series. It was originally scheduled for Sunday at 4 PM, but was moved so as to not compete with the Super Bowl. Bring anything you want to munch …
Sometimes I learn some pretty interesting tidbits about the island from the wall of posted announcements at the Post Office. Here you go, from the Post Office to your living room…
Listen to 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org and press the play button at 10 AM to hear an interview with Jay Longfellow ~ hunter, trapper, outdoorsman, and reader of the stoics. He has rid his life of all screens aside from his phone, and he joins me in …
Listen to 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org and press the play button at 10 AM tomorrow to hear another interview with Davina Liberty ~ Captain and Naturalist, Free Diver, Wing Walker, Mountaineer, Mermaid, Equine Therapist, Author, and so much more. She has swum with alligators, octopi, and Norwegian Orcas, …
A clear-sky day in January is a stunning break in weather to see the sights on a nearby island… I’ve been focused on the Life on Orcas Island interview show, and am now catching up on the blog
Orcas Island Film Festival Presents: Films on Film – The 2026 Classic Film Series Jan. 11 – Feb. 8Sundays at 4:00pmFree admission The following is directly from Orcas Center’s website: The Orcas Island Film Festival is thrilled to announce the 2026 edition of its beloved Classic Film Series, this year …
Listen to 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org and press the play button at 10 AM tomorrow to hear an interview with Michael Yeaman ~ Geophysicist, Stone Sculptor, and Creator and Curator of the Orcas Island Film Festival’s Classic Film Series on Sundays at 4 PM at Orcas …
Listen to 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org and press the play button at 10 AM tomorrow to hear an interview with Robin Lassen – Fine Artist, Pianist, Yacht Chef and First Mate, Director of Operations of a Software Development Company for 35 years, Flight Attendant for Alaska …
Local legend Jimmy Mudd sat with us for an interview the other day at the KIXP station, where I had invited a public school student to be a guest interviewer. I asked the school who they would recommend and they connected me with Senior Kairam Bailey. I invited Kairam, vocalist …
See you then at Cascade Lake!…
Would you like a polished video or photos of your business, organization, property, vehicle, event, family, pet, or something else? My son, Evan, is a junior in college with a major in product design. He is home for Christmas and is building his portfolio ~ he is an excellent photographer, …
Don’t Fret is the name of Shaye Spinner and Justin Krisch-Derr’s duo, and Friday the 19th will be their second performance on the island. Come on out for it! Shaye and I have been obsessed with music for a long time now, and we would occasionally think about what it would …
If you’ve happened to miss any Life on Orcas Island interviews, which air Sunday mornings at 10 AM on 102.3 FM KIXP, they are up on the podcast and can be listened to and shared as much as you’d like! Click here to go to the podcast and play any …
Stars like these were hanging in the library throughout the Christmas season. They looked complicated to make, but we soon learned how shockingly easy they were…
Come along for the ride…
This is only three-and-a-half months overdue but still very cool. Tatum, Hans, and Ayla had this table out during the final concert of the summer series. Scroll down to the final photo…
Relax into a comfy chair, warm your hands around a gingerbread latte, and enjoy a visual tour through the seasons, from September to December… Enjoy the beauty around you in this holiday season…
Another big thank you to Erin at the Dragonfly Coffee House for hosting the book unveiling! And a big thanks to Darvill’s for carrying it on the Local Authors table…
A walk around Mountain Lake is a mushroom fest if you look closely…
Until next year!…
Lisa Walters of Sweet Craft Bakeshop makes phenomenal edible art. I’m not a big macaron person, but hers and only hers keep me coming back to the Dragonfly Coffee House now and again when I have a sweet tooth. None compare to hers. You will definitely see her phenomenal baked …
Leah Altman of Pearce Fine Jewelry, below, crafts investment-quality pieces that use 100% recycled gold and natural gemstones. And she is quite a fine person herself! Before meeting her at the Flocking Swans Mercantile over the weekend, I happened to be reading a flyer at the post office announcing that …
If you’ve never been, this is what I mean by mammoth barn… Let’s begin at the barn’s front entrance on the lower level and work our way upstairs to what you see above… And that’s just a tiny selection of the businesses throughout the barn showcasing lovely eye candy. Here …
On Sunday at Flocking Swans Mercantile in the giant barn, I sat in the most comfortable chair I had ever felt. This one, with the Lum Farm sheepskin on it… Someone had suggested earlier that morning that I visit Matthew O’Brien’s furniture at the barn shindig. I feel drawn to …
It was a busy weekend for the Library this past Saturday and Sunday!… Thank you, Library and Friends of the Library! You make this island even more magical!!!
The Choral Society always creates an event that ushers the island into the warmth and joy of the Christmas season. This time, Tiffany Loney choreographed dance to accompany the singing by Orcas Dance Collective. The first half of the program, called Midnight Mass for Christmas, was written by French Baroque …
Meet Gina and Ava, business partners who run the new Happy Cat in the Airport Center, 1286 Mt Baker Rd, Suite B108 (drive into the Airport Center, park at the far end as if you are headed to the runway, and The Happy Cat is the last space on the …
For years, I’ve told Alexa to play “Harmonize” and “Resilient” as I’ve sung along in my kitchen while preparing meals for our kids. Leah Song and Chloe Smith are the sisters of Rising Appalachia… A few weeks ago, Orcas Island had the pleasure of welcoming Leah Song and bandmate Duncan …
I ended up at this concert because I missed one of the last performances at the Imagine Festival here on Orcas Island that happened in September at Doe Bay. A friend and I got to chatting with a couple who had fascinating life stories while Max Ribner and friends were …
Listen to 102.3 FM KIXP either on your radio or online at kixp.org and press the play button at 10 AM today to hear Andy Rivera – Camino de Santiago Pilgrim, Polyglot, Orcas Christian High School Teacher (English, Literature, History, Guitar, Drama, Government, and Economics), Guitarist, Choral Society Singer, World Traveler, and the …
Following Henry ‘Oz‘s successful debut at Sea View Theatre in November, which drew 135 guests and received a standing ovation (4.95/5 stars from 21 reviews), this upcoming family-friendly show features audience interaction, comedy, mystery games, and carefully selected illusions. Click here to get tickets. I just got mine!
Come on down to the Airport Center today from 4-6 PM at 1286 Mt Baker Rd, Suite B108! Ava Berge and her business partner Gina Minoia will be there to welcome you to their new creative space that doubles as a shared workspace and a retail business with local, eclectic …
Listen to 102.3 FM KIXP – either on your radio or online at kixp.org and press the play button at 10 AM today or 7 PM tomorrow (Monday) to hear Davina Liberty – Captain and Naturalist, Free Diver, Wing Walker, Mountaineer, Mermaid, Equine Therapist, Author, and so much more. She has swum …
Make sure to dress up! See you at the High School Gym…
Listen to 102.3 FM KIXP – either on your radio or online at kixp.org and press the play button at 10 AM tomorrow and 7 PM Monday to hear Gordon Koenig – Retired Air Tanker Pilot, Band Member of Olga Symphony and JP and the OK Rhythm Boys, Ukulele Craftsman (Barn Swallow …
Bee there…
Though I make smoothies and fruit & granola bowls all the time at home, what a treat it is to enjoy the Root smoothie at Tony and Jenna Moreno’s Karma Kafe! It’s so good, I even stopped by for a second one in a row yesterday! What I love is …
This is a very musical weekend coming up. It’s the final (sold out) weekend of the Magical Mystery Tour at Orcas Center… On Saturday in Seattle at St. Mark’s Cathedral from 6-11 PM is a very unique (sold out) musical experience called The Circle, which will happen underneath one of …
If you are Corey’s high school art student, you should go to this. If you buy groceries from Don at the Co-op, you should go to this. If you pass Sky working construction each day, you should go to this. If Chuck is your personal trainer, you should go to …
What a perfect thing for these cold, wet nights to have a cozy gathering for being together and sharing meaningful experiences. Orcas Center is hosting a StoryNight Event this Wednesday, November 19th, at 7 PM. Each storyteller slated for the event will be sharing 7 minutes of their experiences and …
Listen to 102.3 FM KIXP – either on your radio or online at kixp.org and press the play button – tomorrow at 10 AM and Monday at 7 PM to hear Bob Nutt, local Farmer, Former Teacher, Firefighter, Book Publisher, and more on Life on Orcas Island with Edee Kulper.
It started as a blog, then became a book, and now it’s on the air. Life on Orcas Island with Edee Kulper is recorded in the heart of Eastsound at Orcas Island’s own radio station, 102.3 FM KIXP, where Edee interviews the fascinating people you pass here on the street …
Tony and Jenna Moreno have been hosting Día de los Muertos for the community on their property for the past few years, and it is now an Eastsound event! Come along and enjoy the first Día de los Muertos at the Village Green, which happened November 1st. Here is a …
It’s hard to believe that it’s already been a month and a half since this festival kicked off the start of fall. This is one of the most generous events you’ll ever attend. Thank you, Vechey family, for all you do for the community!
Tune in this Sunday, November 9th, at 10 AM on 102.3 KIXP to hear an interview on Life on Orcas Island with Edee Kulper featuring Sam Blackman ~ Google Ventures Entrepreneur in Residence, Founder of Day One Pharmaceuticals (cancer drug research and development), Retired Pediatric Oncologist, Everest Basecamp Climber, Storyteller, …
I have to share a recent surgery experience with you because it could change your life and the state of your back pain. I’ve written about my back issues before (click here or read the same article below), and how help miraculously came in the form of Dr. Shu’s acupuncture …
Please take a quiet moment to read this. It is important if we want our Library to continue being funded… A little more on levy lids and lifts ~ a brief summary from AI: A levy lid is the maximum amount of money that a Washington State taxing district can collect …
Kwiaht will be joining the Museum on Saturday October 4th from 12:30-2:30 PM for their Third Annual Apple Tasting at the Museum! Come down and sample dozens of varieties of local apples, enjoy fresh-pressed cider, and learn about Orcas Island’s heritage orchards. Although apple tasting will end at 2:30, we …
If you’ve ever wanted to be a fly on the wall at the 3-day Imagine Festival that happens in Doe Bay in September, as I decided to be this year (Sept 5-7), here’s your chance. Overall thoughts on the festival: Thank you to all the people who made the festival …
They came to enjoy time together and the wedding of one of their friends, and I just happened upon them after working on a tiny little goal I’ve had this summer – doing one pullover on the bars at the public school. What’s a pullover? This… Pullovers used to be …
Tony and Jenna Moreno have lovingly and oh-so-generously hosted Día de los Muertos outside their house for the past two years, serving tamales, soup, Mexican sweet bread, and Mexican hot chocolate, providing DJ music, offering space for anyone in the community to make ofrendas (altars honoring the dead), and giving …
Get out your calendars, there are a lot of events to mark down…
There is a new local book hot off the press called Mush, You Huskies, Mush! Author Barbara Humes and her husband, Bill, were longtime Orcas Island residents and founders/owners of Warm Valley Farm (50+ years!) after having homesteaded near a little town in Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula called Hope, which is …
Happy 90th Birthday to Ken Speck this week! In celebration, our local radio station, 102.3 KIXP, is spotlighting Ken. Listen to an interview of Ken and Karen by clicking here and scrolling down to where you see the arrow to click play. It looks like this: (Remember, this is just …
Announcement from George Merrill of Old Goat: Orcas Swap Meet Saturday, maybe Sunday. Hosted By Joe Segault. Starts at 12 PM, till the cows come home. Sequel parking lot. Lemonade, hotdogs, friends, fun. Americana at its finest hour. No charge for people with wares to sell, barter, trade. Please enjoy …
A smattering of people and places…
You can’t get much better than West Beach. For one thing, beach space on the island is often limited to a few feet if you don’t own property and don’t have permission from property owners to roam the shore. Between the space and the open beauty unobstructed by tall trees, …
The geese are in charge of the lake after 5 PM. I’ll let this guy speak for himself…
Meet George Merrill, if you haven’t already. He has a doppelganger in town, so the man I’m referring to has a handcrafted custom frame shop called Old Goat Creative, on the opposite end of the building Sequel is in, at 434 Prune Alley. I recently read the manifesto George wrote, …
It might feel like early fall outside, but the Summer Farmers Market at the Village Green continues until the last weekend in September, from 10-2 every Saturday. Then it moves inside the public school cafeteria, where the Fall Farmers Market happens from October 4th to November 22nd.
Eastsound Beach has been our backyard ever since we moved here. So when the tombolo appears and makes way for walking to Indian Island, I feel beckoned to heed the call. Well that seems like a strange way to end, but that’s it for now!
I could have stayed here all afternoon, eating homemade beignets and watching the beauty all around. My four older siblings were born in New Orleans; our parents met while living in the same apartment on Bourbon Street ~ it’s in our blood!…
Sometimes when riding the ferry in the evening, it’s easy to forget what might be happening right outside the door. The other night, I happened to walk out to the stern of the boat to a magical sight…
Every now and then while walking along Crescent Beach, after examining the finds that low tide leaves on the shore, you’ll come upon the oyster harvesters… Now if you want to try them, Geddes also prepares them at The Inn at Ship Bay…
Before summer officially began, Buck Bay Shellfish Farm had a soft opening in which they served very generous samples of their tasty menu items for locals to try. I don’t eat meat or seafood much unless it is served to me, and what a treat this was! This is my …
When our kids were young, I would take them to as many art studios as we could visit each day of the annual tour each year. It was an education in and of itself – seeing how people live, what hobbies they choose, what work they do, how they make …
In January of 2024, I opened up this blog to anyone who wanted to share their experiences in navigating life’s challenges. Serena Burman shared her thoughts about love, companionship, and sexuality. Another person shared their thoughts anonymously about love, relationships, and polyamory. Chelsie Guilford allowed me to post something she …
Wow. I just met Jacques on July 3rd while in a meeting with radio station manager Allen Hartle at 102.3 FM KIXP in Eastsound. Jacques walked in out of the blue, sat down, and began telling us some of his jaw-dropping life experiences. He handed Allen a copy of his …
This event is quickly becoming a favorite of mine because it’s so simple, so down-home, so country, so Orcas. Nothing fancy about a yard sale, live music, hot dogs, chili, homemade maple bars, face painting, egg tossing, sack racing, and the shortest parade ever. But with a post-pandemic proliferation of …
Come on down to Eastsound’s radio station (corner of North Beach and A Street) tonight and future Friday nights… I heard he was AMAZING last Friday!! And if you can’t be there, listen in on 102.3 FM KIXP. Crowdsurfing, anyone? Michael Antonia/Instagram
Orcas Island’s Annual Garden Tour in June, Annual Art Studio Tour in August, and Annual Farm Tour in October are staples of summer and fall here. Our family has been going to these events for years – what a great chance to see what other people are doing with their …
You may remember several years ago that our older son, Evan, was the tech helper on the island all through middle and high school, making house calls whenever someone needed help with one of their devices. Now, our younger son Levi is taking on that role (he is an honor …
For many years, 4th of July meant free ice cream sundaes at dusk on the deck of Emmanuel Episcopal church for anyone and everyone while the Community Band played patriotic music in the grassy park above Eastsound Beach as crowds gathered to pack open areas and beach spots to watch …
April’s 19th Annual Tour de Lopez was a new experience for me. I used to be a Backroads bike tour leader, but I’ve never attended a one-day, self-led, non-competitive bike tour, and what better place than Lopez Island? I’ve considered riding the RAGBRAI with my sister across the state of …
Come down to the Farmers Market today from 10-2 to meet the station manager and learn more about our new radio station, 102.3 KIXP, The Island Experience! Woohoo! If you haven’t heard about it yet, it’s located right in the heart of Eastsound in the building next to the Village …
The following comes directly from the Library’s July News email. Note that you cannot “see more and register” by clicking the blue links below, since this is just an image I’ve dragged over so that you can hear about their events…
See you out there!
I love this quilt hanging in the library, where you’ll see many quilts on display by Elena Battles.
Remember this? It was one of those unique island festivities that was a staple here during the summertime. We all have the round cement pavers in our gardens and walkways from years of attending this celebration. Remember the long tables set up and the constant cement being mixed in buckets …
Immediately following the public school’s 8th grade promotion ceremony on Friday from 11-12, the Funhouse kicked off FunFest 2025 at the Village Green from 12-4 PM – a celebration of the immediate transition from school to summer for all island kids. What a generous event, too – all free! Holy …
A month ago, I met Shandra Augenstein, who has a local travel planning business. I realized we have a lot in common – we both grew up on the Central Coast of California, have degrees in Cultural Anthropology, and lived in Santa Barbara. We also both love traveling. I personally …
One of our biggest town celebrations is Solstice, and yesterday’s festivities did not disappoint! I’ll let the photos do the talking. Come along and have a ball…
The back-to-back festivals are over for the moment and the day’s overcast sky makes for some quiet time catching up on the computer. I thought I’d share with you some videos my son has made. It’s always fascinating to see the island (and other places) from different perspectives and heights! …
Almost 20 years ago when we were tourists here, one of the highlights of visiting Orcas Island was walking the peaceful, beautiful grounds of Orcas Island Pottery (on Old Pottery Road off West Beach Road). It was one of the places we couldn’t get our minds off of when we …
An announcement from the Orcas Choral Society: Listening to good choral music is a ton of fun, but singing it is even better. Improve your choral skills at a free workshop from 10-12 on Saturday, June 28th, at Emmanuel Episcopal’s Parish Hall in Eastsound, led by Orcas Choral Society Artistic Director Bruce …
Mandy and Zach – hahaha!!!!
The Orcas community and guests are invited to join in witnessing a historic celebration of peace between Lummi and Haida tribal leaders. The community will witness song, dance, celebration, and culture in an embodiment of what it means to move forward from historical atrocities and for peace to grow on …
Andy Rivera, the History, Literature, Music, Spanish, and Theater teacher at Orcas Christian School, knocked it outta the park again with this year’s student play. He never ceases to bring out the abilities of the student (and teacher) actors, and this was another impressive production. Fantastic job, cast and crew!! …
Tashi Litch and Caleb Klauder have organized the First Annual OrcasFest Folk Music Festival, this Thursday through Sunday in Eastsound! Here are the details… For tickets, click here. Full festival passes and tickets for the Orcas Center show on Saturday evening are also available at Darvill’s Bookstore. All of the …
Every time I pass Peter Möhlman’s gallery in Eastsound, my eyes linger a few seconds to catch anything new inside. I peruse the gallery now and then because all those colors just feel so good… This time around, I enjoyed looking through drawers full of art prints that are vividly …
The Give Orcas campaign is over as of yesterday, but just in case you are still interested in supporting our local Youth Conservation Corps or learning more about it, I am sharing a letter I wrote to the Program Coordinator, Mike Rosekrans. To Mike and Everyone Involved with Youth Conservation …
A few weeks ago, I had an experience that was like bathing in warm honey. As the sun was descending, I was walking between rows of richly colored tulips cast in golden, late-afternoon light. Everything was warm – the spring air, the sun on my skin, and the glow on …
Come along on a photo tour of last Saturday’s event, thanks to the Funhouse, the judges, the pizza makers, the ice cream scoopers, the donors, the kids, and everyone else who made it happen… See you next year!
It’s heartening to hear so many protest participants say they want to keep coming out and standing up. A fervent interest in returning continues to be the theme of each week’s protest in town. What a national event this coming Saturday will be in every town and city. Make sure …
Enjoy our fellow islanders doing what they do…
Heads up, Orcas Island! The Funhouse has some cool events coming up: Sci-fi Saturdays (Every Saturday in April at 6 PM): Get ready for the Science Fair on May 3rd by attending the Sci-Fi Saturday Movie Series in April! Each Saturday night at 6 PM, food will be served along with a …
I thought this was beautiful when I read it this morning… RAVE to a legendary islander. That night, the familiar and overwhelming Orcas Island windstorm swept through the Douglas Fir, invisibly offering howling, reckless dance to the entire forest. I was told Thursday that my very good friend and spiritual …
Why protest? I can only speak for myself… Join me this Saturday the 29th in Eastsound at 12:00 on the street in silent protest. Spread the word…
Meet Tony Lee – he makes a pie every weekend with a different crust image each time!
Here is an Odd Fellows announcement about an event beginning in 1 hour! Russel Barsh is one of the most fascinating guys you’ll ever meet, so go!… Russel Barsh, director of Kwiáht, a nonprofit conservation biology laboratory in and for the San Juan Islands of Washington State, will be offering …
Wow… Cool…
Just thought you’d enjoy seeing what’s happening on Cascade Lake while most of us are still getting dressed each morning… What an incredible way to start the day. Good job, middle and high schoolers, and thank you for everything, Coach James Haug and Assistant Coach Toby Cooper!
This may just be the biggest one yet. Spread the word this week…
Thanks to the 50-70 of you that came out last week in Eastsound and said you’d like to show up again and bring friends, tomorrow at 12:00 will be another silent protest in town to let our neighbors in Canada and the nations around the world know that we are …
I don’t watch much TV, I rarely go on YouTube except to watch some SNL comedy now and then, and I pretty much live in my own peaceful world here on Orcas Island. I am fairly ignorant of all the myriad details happening in politics and government aside from the …
This is the kind of event shows how our community island life is so special! How many places can you have a potluck dance party that you invite your whole town to? It’s happening right now… I love this place! Happy 60th Birthday, Suzanne!
I didn’t know about Khadoma Colomby’s art until I happened upon her website after seeing an image online. The first thing I felt was WOW, on many levels. First, I’ll show you my favorite painting of hers… See what I mean? – WOW. If you’re anything like I was when …
Bruce Pavitt (born March 7, 1959) is an American music historian, critic, DJ, speaker, author, and founder of the Sub Pop record label. He is most famous for creating the Grunge music phenomenon in the early 1990s. Pavitt not only released the first albums by Soundgarden, Mudhoney, and Nirvana, but …
If you haven’t attended one of Bruce’s music series at the Library, you are missing out!! The first of another four presentations is just about to begin… Get ready to laugh and be totally entertained and educated. He is phenomenal! (Let’s look a little more closely at those images – …
After taking some time to focus on other things, I’m catching up on sharing some photos of life here during this winter season. Enjoy… The songbirds and geese are saying spring is just around the corner…
It’s always a treat to enjoy rare times like these here on Orcas Island… Stay warm and dry on this rainy evening!…
While watching this under construction across from the Village Green, I think we all knew it would be the very place that would fill the void created when Enzo’s closed down – a warm, cozy-yet-spacious, indoor and outdoor hangout place for locals to gather. And boy, do we need lovely …
What I would say at the lecture tonight (“The Art of Memoir at the Orcas Library) if it were a speech… Just begin Whenever you feel inspired and compelled to do something, whether it be writing or anything else, allow it to come out of you. You don’t have to …
Come on down to the library tonight for this event!… Join writers Edee Kulper and John Ashenhurst as they discuss their process writing memoirs of their time in the San Juan Islands. We’ll also explore the journals of Rachel Adams, a Crane and Orcas Islander who kept a daily journal …
Not a Super Bowl fan? In less than an hour, you can head over to Orcas Center to watch the movie Children of Men, which is the third film in a series of six. Here is more information about the series: Orcas Island Film Festival Classics Series 2025Utopia/DystopiaHosted by Michael …
Anyone who has suffered a life-altering brain injury is welcome to come to this group to meet others in similar situations. It happens once a month and there is no obligation to attend each time. Come today at 4 o’clock…
The desire for sunshine fuels motivation for those of us Northwest folk who feel dampened by the cold and clouds. While Orcas Island has been home for our family since 2012 when we moved here from California’s coastal perma-sun, Santa Barbara, Cambria, and several other towns dotting the Central Coast …
Bring all your questions and Mike Kulper, former Accountant and Retired Professor in Financial and Managerial Accounting, will field them and provide helpful advice. This is free and open for anyone and everyone.
More like the folks inside the Historical Museum… Of course, there are many more people from our community who make everything happen, and many more treasures to look at inside! To learn more, click here to go to the Historical Museum’s website.
Come along with me…
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 …
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 …
Today is a great day for creativity. And what inspiration we get from the world around us…
Halloween on Orcas Island is one of my favorite events of the year!…
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 – …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Enjoy!…
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 …
The new seniors… Class of 2025!
It’s a good rainy day to look at the beauty we’ve enjoyed over the past months…
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…
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 …
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 …
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 …
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.
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 …
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 …
It’s the final Farmers Market of the season. See you there!…
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!
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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.
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 …
What a beautiful weekend it was for celebrating our freedom…
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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Sunshine and human-height hollyhocks…doesn’t get much better than this!
Enjoy living vicariously through each other’s lives…
Enjoy this still-photo timelapse from November to June…
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, …
A smattering of photos from the past several Saturdays…
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’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.
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)!!!
Here’s what you learn real fast at the Island Market and Post Office corkboards (they are not in chronological order)…
A day off-island…
Coming Soon! Check back here in the next few weeks for information on ordering large prints of Orcas Island photos…
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)
This flyer was just handed to me this morning in the rain – I hope you can make it!
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 …
I’m sure there are more, but here are the handful I’ve seen…
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Come along on the ride that was Earth Day… Click here to watch a 20-second video of the parade.
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.
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 …
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 …
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 …
See you at SeaView Theatre at 7:30! Here’s the preview…
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 …
And remind me if I forget them!
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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…
You just never know what you’re gonna find here on Orcas until you go and seek out the beauty…
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: …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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!
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 …
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.
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.
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 …
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.
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. …
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 …
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 …
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!! …
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, …
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, …
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 …
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!
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 …
I can’t believe we are already nearing February. Here are some glimpses of Orcas beauty over the past two months…
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
I’m catching up on December…these are some of the gingerbread houses that were displayed at Island Market. I love this tradition!
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!…
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… …
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 …
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 …
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…
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 …
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…
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 …
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 …
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. …
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.
Our little winter wonderland (minus the snow so far)…
Click here for tickets…
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 …
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 …
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.
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 …
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 …
If you happened to miss The Olga Symphony’s performance at the end of November, you can watch it online! Here it is. Enjoy!
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 …
This island is always ready for a good time!
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: …
See you in a few minutes!…
This is a must if you need a tree!
May your cup runneth over tomorrow…
