Scenes of Life Here Before the New Year Begins
Year: 2022
Farmer to Farmland Program & Farmer Mentorship Program
Do you need land to farm, have land and can host a farmer, or have experience and can mentor a beginner farmer? This is Chelsea Thorpe, the Farmer to Farmland Coordinator. I want you to get a closer look at the brochure she’s holding – it’s important. Please contact Chelsea …
Robert Dash’s Micrographs in National Geographic
Some of you already knew this months ago but it was news to me as of a few weeks ago… Local photographer and book author, the kind and humble Robert Dash, was featured in National Geographic‘s February issue. He had a table at the Winter Artisans Market at the Odd …
Come to the Carters’ Concert at the Community Church Tonight at 7 PM
Emy and Lisa Carter have invited their musical friends to entertain us tonight at Orcas Island Community Church – everyone in the community is welcome and it is free (or by donation if you’d like). They put on a concert several months ago and it was fantastic! Don’t miss this …
High Tide Engulfs the Road at Crescent Beach
I’ve been loving Jerremy Foss’s photographs lately. On his birthday walk the other morning, he captured one of the rare times that high tide overtakes the road along Crescent Beach, pushing all the driftwood across it. I didn’t get to see it, so I loved coming across his photos… Jerremy …
Hahaha! This Sticker Sums it Up…
Hilarious bumper sticker that Ray’s Pharmacy just got in… I’m not a cusser but couldn’t resist!
Merry Christmas!
What a wild week it was! No power Thursday from 4:ish PM to 2:ish AM, no power Saturday 8:ish AM to 3:ish PM, thick powdery snow, icy streets, people unable to leave their driveways, and 4-degree temperatures at times with wind chill. On Friday night, temperatures rose quickly and snow …
Rosario’s Festival of Trees
Sometime on Saturday from 12-6, stop by Rosario Resort to see their Festival of Trees (I happened to visit before the snow)…
Life on Orcas Island Book Signing at Ray’s, 10:30-6 PM Today
If you’re in town running your last errands, I’ll be in Ray’s Pharmacy signing books all day if you need some last-minute gifts for Christmas.
The Power is Out
Time now slows down… The islands are out… While your computer still has power (and if your WiFi lasts several more hours), you can go here to check on the power outage.
Scenes from Today
We thoroughly enjoyed the snow out there today, knowing it will be gone soon. Snow is predicted every hour tonight, and then higher temperatures and rain tomorrow will most likely wash it all away.
Upcoming Events…
Several events have been added to this schedule since the last one I posted several weeks ago (though snow and low temperatures may cancel some of these)… Thurs, Dec 22 Orcas Island Elementary School Concert in the High School Gym, 6:30 PM Fri, Dec 23 Life on Orcas Island book …
Solstice Mercantile at Orcas Winery
Several weeks ago was the Solstice Mercantile at Orcas Winery (December 3rd). Here’s a glimpse…
The Annual Children’s Holiday Market at the Library
I only saw the final 10 minutes of the 2-hour Children’s Holiday Market on December 11th at the library – one of my favorite events of the entire Christmas season, in which kids of all ages dream up hundreds of items to make and sell. It’s quite a thing to …
Keep Your Radar Out for Rafe Pearlman
Did you see the KANU concert at Orcas Center before Thanksgiving? I didn’t plan to, but our neighbors called the morning after the first night and said they had been talking about the concert for TWO hours! Even though we were packing for a trip to Texas, I decided our …
Savoring the Snow Day
What perfect, deep powder the night’s snowfall left for us this morning – terrible for snowballs, amazing for sledding! It’s always hard to come in from a winter wonderland here because you never know what the conditions will be like tomorrow – it could all be gone in a flash. …
Our Midnight Snow Globe
I was just about to head to bed around 10:30 when it hit me – ‘What am I thinking? Tonight’s one of those rare, virgin-snow nights! I’ve gotta walk into town and see the white, solitary sights before they’ve changed by the morning!’ Here’s what town looked like… The only …
A Look at the Winter Holiday Artisans Market Last Weekend
In case you missed the Holiday Market days at the Odd Fellows Hall last weekend, here’s a look… Great job to the San Juan Makers Guild and specifically Marcy, Tabitha, and Stephen for putting it on.
Santa Came to Deer Harbor
We’ve been visiting Santa in Deer Harbor every December since our kids were little. They were sick in bed this whole past week of school before their break, which was such a bummer for them. Sometimes that happens – the sickness persists when kids want to be at school, then …
Life in Our Little Snow Globe
I’ve always thought life here is like being in a little magical shake-up globe world. Especially on snow days like these (to you who live afar, snow isn’t an everyday thing for us)…
Book Signing All Day at Ray’s Today!
If you’re needing more Christmas gifts, I’ll be signing books at Ray’s Pharmacy from 10-6 today. Come on in and visit me!
Orcas Island Community Foundation – Highest Gifts Per Capita in the Nation
The GiveOrcas Campaign is going strong right now, and will continue until December 15th. A link on the OICF site takes you to the information below. Wow, the generosity! Check out the 2020 statistics from this site:
Upcoming Author Signings at Ray’s Pharmacy
Ray’s Pharmacy will be hosting four more author signings for Life on Orcas Island, the perfect Christmas gift for anyone who loves this place!… Tuesday, December 13, 1-3 PM Thursday, December 15, 1-3 PM Friday, December 16, 9:30-6 PM Friday, December 23, 9:30-6 PM Thanks so much to all the …
Orcas Choral Society & Youth Chorus Concert TONIGHT at Orcas Center!
These adults and kids have been working really hard (and joyfully!) over the past several months to bring this concert to you! Click here to get tickets for Saturday at 7 PM or Sunday at 2 PM at Orcas Center. You will be treated to various music and musicians, so …
Amanda Sparks Is Our Flat Person of the Year
Food Bank Director Amanda Sparks is the 2022 GiveOrcas Flat Person, serving as the ambassador for the GiveOrcas Holiday Campaign. I just happened upon her at Orcas Center, as the Choral Society was rehearsing for their weekend concerts. She now joins the Flat Person Family – the people chosen from previous years… Flat …
Winter Artisan Market & Night Market at Odd Fellows Hall This Weekend
There are a lot of fun Christmas activities happening this weekend! Saturday starts off with an awesome Winter Holiday Artisan Market from 10-3, then a Night Market from 5-8 (the Night Market time on the sign below is incorrect), both at the Odd Fellows Hall. We were just setting up …
Book Signing NOW at Ray’s Pharmacy, 1-3 PM
The perfect gift for the person who loves Orcas Island and already has everything they want!
Photo of the Day: Sun Sparkling Over the Labyrinth
The gray blanket threatened to persist, but the sun broke through!
Gingerbread Creations at Island Market – WOW!
I LOVE seeing all the gingerbread contestants’ creations for our annual local contest, thanks to the Funhouse and Island Market! We have phenomenal culinary artists here! You’ll have to go in Island Market and see them if you haven’t yet. As you look at them, imagine how much effort EVERY …
The 2022 Holiday GiveOrcas Campaign
This annual tradition continues, and if you haven’t heard about it, it is a fundraiser that turns out AMAZING results for local organizations, thanks to the INCREDIBLE GENEROSITY of this community. Here’s the lowdown from their website: Today is one of the game days mentioned above, so if you read …
Photo of the Day: Christmas Trees at Lum Farm
Ah, choosing a tree. Everyone has an opinion. ‘Tis the season for joy and compromise 🙂 …
Family Day at the Historical Museum till 4 PM!
The cookies and crafts are all set up and ready for kids and families to come on in and have fun!…
Auction: Local Winter Artisan Market
Leading up to the Winter Holiday Artisan Markets happening at the Odd Fellows Hall the weekend of December 9-11th, there will be an auction of similar local goods and experiences here. The auction is hosted by the San Juan Islands Makers Guild, featuring 48 artists and artisans. All items are …
Photo of the Day: Christmas Tree Lighting
And the tree was lit… (Eastsound Village Green)
Recent Patterns – Seals, Gulls, and Jellies
If you went out walking on Crescent Beach right now and looked at the surface of the water very carefully, you’d see the tops of dozens of seals’ heads. Look even more carefully and you’ll see that they are watching you. I talk to them – I’m trying to get …
Upcoming December Events – Updated!
Fri, Dec 2 Lum Farm Christmas Trees for sale & Farmstand w/ homemade ice cream, cheeses, gifts, etc., 11-5 Online Auction for Winter Holiday Artisan Market Goods from Orcas, Lopez and San Juan Islands Gangstagrass at Orcas Center, 7 PM Sat, Dec 3 American Legion Holiday Bazaar, 10-3 Lum Farm’s …
Life on Orcas Island Book for Christmas Gifts
Life on Orcas Island books are starting to go fast now that the Christmas season is drawing near. If you would like to get some for relatives and friends, here’s where to go: Darvill’s (to the right of the cashier’s desk on a Local Authors table): Ray’s Pharmacy (on the …
From One Emerald Isle to Another
Walking past the overlook of East Sound today, I passed a little vignette I had to capture. This is Kristy. She grew up on Beaver Island, the largest island in Lake Michigan. Kristy grew up taking the ferry to mainland Michigan, and she resonates with Orcas Island in more ways …
Mindy’s Story
Vulnerability opens doors in people’s hearts. Raw, brave sharing is inspirational and powerful. It lifts, encourages, and builds all those who are on the receiving end, and the sender soon hears how supported and how very un-alone they actually are. It’s a win-win. (In contrast, remaining hush-hush about hardships, while …
Karl Krüger and the Arctic
Karl Krüger was a natural pick to highlight in Life on Orcas Island. He is our local stand-up-paddleboarding phenom (there are some others, too, all of whom I call “the windriders” when I catch sight of them downwinding East Sound on beyond-blustery days while I’m washing dishes in my kitchen). …
Crazy Swirling Snow Night!
It’s only early November and it’s snowing and actually sticking. Sun is forecast for tomorrow, so it will be gone in a flash… 10 PM:
27 Things About Ezekiel Barr
Some people have an enthusiasm for life no matter what. I can’t ever remember running into Ezekiel Barr without seeing a smile on his face. After he composed the following list, we had the most fascinating conversation about his life. Love for others is what guides him, and he aims to …
Reliving Halloween Weekend
Oh, how fun and fleeting all of last weekend’s activities were! Enjoy… CAMP ORKILA’S HAUNTED HAYRIDE Do you know what happens when one or two hundred kids gather in a giant field, in the cold, buzzing with expectation, waiting sometimes an hour or two for their turn to do a …
Au Revoir, Très Fabu
If you haven’t met Nikki Ames or been in her clothing shop, Très Fabu, now’s your chance. After 24 years of being an island institution on the main drag in Eastsound, it’s all winding down – this is her shop’s final month. Make sure to go in – Nikki exudes …
Honoring Skyler
This blog and the book that came from it exist because years ago, a friend gave me encouragement at a poignant time. I was standing in Sequel chatting with Michelle Gregg, and I mentioned that I was considering starting a blog about the island. She said, “Edee, if you start …
Free Clothing Drive This Weekend at Orcas Christian School
Wow – check out the work that’s gone into this! Go to Orcas Christian School for their annual clothing drive THIS WEEKEND! Lots and lots of FREE clothes!! Please share this with anyone you know who might benefit. Clothing, jackets, blankets, shoes, kids clothes – at the Orcas Christian School …
A Friday Harbor Morning
Every now and then, life takes us either to the mainland or Friday Harbor for various types of appointments. Today life took me to San Juan Island. A five-hour roundtrip for a 10-minute appointment is normal in these parts – an hour on the ferry, several hours waiting for the …
October Scenes
October has been full of all kinds of weather and beauty. See you this weekend at Camp Orkila’s Haunted Hayride Saturday night, their Fall Festival Sunday afternoon, and trick-or-treating on Monday in Eastsound!
Whale of a Show!
Oh, how I love this event. It epitomizes Orcas Island – talent, courage, and supportiveness! IF YOU MISSED IT OR WANT TO SEE IT AGAIN WATCH THE WHOLE SHOW BY CLICKING HERE! Here are a few clips from the show (not full performances). I only have a handful, but I’ve …
Happiness and Difficulty
Every person has a different natural bent. My natural state is happy contentment (unless someone else’s negative bent is put upon mine). Some have a natural state that rests in anxiety. Some are low and heavy. Some can’t sit still, and their comfortable place is an uncomfortable freneticism, perhaps even …
Orcas Choral Society is Singin’ It Up!
I’ve thought of joining the Choral Society for years but wasn’t ever sure if I wanted to leave the house in the evenings when our kids are home and we’re all eating dinner and hanging out. I decided to go for it this year, and even though I’m not a …
Seasonal Change and Halloween Are Upon Us
The smoke lessened and the coolness of late fall descended this morning. We turned on the heater last week for the first time, sought out our warm slipper boots, and the dampness filled my jeans this morning, hanging by the open bedroom window. I washed my shorts for what may …
Smoke
Yesterday afternoon the smoke came rolling in. By the time school was over and games and practices were about to begin, the amount of particulates in the air was deemed too high. The visiting soccer team was sent all the way back home to the mainland, and local sports practices …
Orcas Community Resource Center
theOrcasonian.com has a new intern from Orcas Island High School! Read Ellie Wright’s first article on the site about the Orcas Community Resource Center by clicking here. Look for more to come by Ellie! Photos courtesy of OCRC and Ellie
27 Things About Tony Ghazel
To read 27 Things About Tony Ghazel, go to the article on theOrcasonian here.
Hey Creative Folks: The Orcas Glass Challenge
I just read the following and I pulled it straight off the Orcas Recycling Services site in case you creative people out there are looking for a fall and winter project to dream up… Ready to take the Orcas Glass Challenge? What is it? An opportunity for artists, makers, innovators, up-cyclists …
Meet Marjorie Blaine
You may pass Marjorie along the road every day. She walks into town by choice each morning, wearing the funnest colors, patterns, and shoes regardless of weather and rain. I love that about her! She doesn’t let the gray weather of winter dissuade her from some personality, individuality, and flair. …
The Enchanted Food Forest at Orcas Christian School
I thought you might like a look at this significant land transformation. I can’t help but pass by it and marvel at the abundance happening inside. All Hands on Earth, a nonprofit begun by Alex Tamayo-Wolf, transformed the open field below at the front of Orcas Christian School into a …
Glimpses of the Weekend
I was in the right place at the right time with no camera. How fun it would have been to show Orcas Island High school’s Homecoming parade in Eastsound on Friday. Oh well. Thank you, Debbie Post, for this photo of Bill Perry, OIHS Class of 1962, here at Homecoming …
Being Healthy in a Nutshell
Recently I heard a few radio ads that said something like, “We know, it’s hard to eat right.” I remember hearing someone say years ago that she had no idea how to eat right. I had the same internal reaction to both: “Really??” Shelves are packed with books on how …
Silver Hair: Teezer’s Episode III by Frank Loudin
Happy 93rd year to my friend, painter and writer Frank Loudin – our own Norman Rockwell. I will publish each of his ten episodes as they correspond to the right time in each season about Orcas Island’s beloved coffee and goodies store, Teezer’s, which is now a place in our …
Three Farms on the Farm Tour Last Weekend
I love the Annual Orcas Island Farm Tour. Of the nine farms, we chose to visit three last Saturday. Here they are… Slanted Apple Farm Warm Valley Farm Lum Farm
Last Saturday’s Farmers’ Market Finale
Saturday was a beautiful day to celebrate the final Farmers’ Market of the summer…
Orcas Center’s Local Art, Food, and Agriculture Show
Last Friday at Orcas Center was the opening party of Island Bounty, a local art, food, and agriculture show celebrating all things related to the land here in our island community. It also kicked off the Annual Orcas Island Farm Tour, which included the final Farmers’ Market of the summer …
Still Need Senior Portraits?
Anyone still need your senior portraits taken? I’m offering 90 minutes for $175. You get all the photos. Here are some samples from the past two weeks. See my gallery here to peruse my photography over the past 20 years.
The Orcas Island Film Festival Begins in 2 Days!
The Orcas Island Film Festival begins this Thursday and lasts through Monday, the 10th. I always forget to look ahead of time at the films on the OIFF schedule until a few days before it all begins, and sometimes the one or two I’m interested in are full by then. …
Island Bounty Art & Agriculture Begins Tonight and Lasts All Weekend – Don’t Miss These 3 Events!
ORCAS CENTER TONIGHT (FRIDAY) Tonight Orcas Center and the San Juan Islands Agriculture Guild are launching the Annual Orcas Farm Tours with the Island Bounty opening party from 4-7 PM. It’s free for all ages to come and enjoy the art, food, and farms that make Orcas Island what it …
Cross Country’s Only Home Meet Today – 3:30 – Come Cheer Them On!
The runners will take off from the track at the public high school at 3:30 today! See you there! Thank goodness the ferries are running smoothly this week after last week’s postponement!
All-Island Dance Tonight! – 7 PM at Odd Fellows
Now this is quintessential Orcas Island! Come on out everybody – let’s have fun dancing together!
Orcas Youth Chorus Begins Sunday at 4 PM ~ Any 6th to 12th Graders Welcome
Sign up: orcasparkandrec.org Questions: Tom Baldwin: tbaldwin@ucr.edu For more information, contact the Orcas Choral Society. Welcome to all students grades 6-12 from Orcas Middle School, Orcas High School, Orcas Christian School, Spring Street International School, Salmonberry, Homeschool, and OASIS.
Whale of a Show Auditions!
Whale of a Show is going to happen again this year at Orcas Center! Woohoo!! I’m a diehard fan of this, and of the other island talent shows as well (for adults and seniors). I bought tickets for my family the minute I heard it was on! Kids ages 5-18 years old …
This I Believe by Joshua Treleven
Several weeks ago I offered to you, the island community and people afar, a place on this blog for your essay called This I Believe. Here is the first one submitted. (If you are interested in writing an essay called This I Believe and then recording it, click here to …
Today’s Cross Country Meet Cancelled – Ferry Delays
Thanks so much if you were planning on coming! They hope it can happen next Wednesday…
Biologist and Author Thor Hanson’s Talks
Local biologist and author Thor Hanson’s latest book is called Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid. He often does speaking events, and I believe he’s in the middle of a Zoom talk right now for the Orcas Island Garden Club. Thor is quite the phenom, which is why I highlighted him …
Vikings Sports Are in Full Swing
Oh, how invigorating it was to show up at the track this afternoon and see parents, teachers, students, community members, concessions, hot dogs, normalcy, and excitement for the soccer and volleyball games! Life is returning in all its forms here! If you’re ready for more rooting, come to the track …
Olga Rising – What a Lovely Place!
I’ve been wanting to post Olga Rising for months now, and my photos just don’t do it justice, so I’ll give you a basic look at it if you haven’t been there yet, and you’ll have to see the rest for yourself. This place used to be Vance’s jewelry shop. …
Simulcast Event Saturday at the Community Church
This Saturday all women are invited to Orcas Island Community Church for a simulcast event by speaker and author, Priscilla Shirer. You don’t have to be a church-goer to attend – all are welcome. It’s from 9-3 with a few breaks in between. If you’ve never been to one of …
Boundaries
Remember when there was no such thing as an answering machine? I remember the day my parents bought one. It was so exciting! We all took turns recording a message and laughing at our mess-ups. It was fun to come home every day and press the button on the machine …
Need Senior Portraits ASAP?
If you are in need of portraits of your senior, I am offering 90 minutes of portrait photography for $175. You will receive a flash drive with all the photos on it within 2 days in order to use as you wish for prints, etc. (I don’t make prints.) Email …
Watch This Video by Islanders!
I never saw this rendition of “Happy” from 2014 until someone passed it on to me – this is awesome!
Darvill’s Book Signing Today, 10 AM to Noon
Come on down and visit me at Darvill’s this morning from 10-12!
27 Things About Sharon Abreu
Meet Sharon Abreu and you’ll immediately feel how positive, talented, and humble she is. She is always upbeat, and when she feels there needs to be change in the world, she uses the performing arts to kindly, respectfully, and creatively confront environmental and political issues. I have observed her from …
Running Late Because of Turkeys
How very Orcas that the reason I was running late getting to the Farmers’ Market yesterday was due to a lovely turkey visit on our property. Wild turkeys are in certain places on the island but haven’t come to hang out near our house, at least in the last decade, …
Women’s Water Day Tomorrow
The festivities and fundraisers continue. Wish I could go but I’ll be at my Farmers’ Market table and then a Darvill’s book signing until 5 PM. Enjoy it for me!!! (It says 2002 below, but it’s tomorrow!)
Stephanie Clair’s Open House Art Show Tomorrow & Sunday
You are invited to artist Stephanie Clair’s Open House Art Show tomorrow and Sunday from 12-5 PM at 885 Bartel Road. Follow the signs from Terrill Beach Road, and take a stroll down a tree-lined road to a little red farmhouse where you will find the Wandering Soul Art Gallery. …
Rug Sale at the Odd Fellows Hall – Today and Tomorrow!
After driving down the newly designed Prune Alley today, I noticed yellow signs declaring a big rug sale at the Odd Fellows Hall. I followed them. This is what I saw: There you will meet a kind man named Parviz who is selling off his beautiful rugs handmade in various …
Prune Alley’s New Street Lamps – First Night On!
Last night was the first night Prune Alley has been lit by its new lamps!
Prune Alley is Open!
Tonight Prune Alley officially opened at 6 PM with lovely speeches, a non-motorized parade of people walking down the street for the first time, KIND bars and homemade cookies, and middle-of-the-street socializing. Speakers starting off the event included Councilperson Cindy Wolf, Project Manager Colin Huntemer, and Contractor Mike Carlson, and …
Rise Up – Wow, Fantastic Renditions of Hamilton & Broadway Songs!
In case you missed this past Saturday’s show at the Village Green, the finale of the summer series, you’ve gotta watch some clips – the Rise Up singers and musicians are fantastic: It became quickly apparent that a young contingent of the crowd was quite well-versed in all of the …
“This I Believe” Essay – Your Turn to Write
Teachers, Students, Community Members, and People Afar, I invite you to write an essay called “This I Believe” for the public to read and hear, in a tradition that began as a radio program in the 1950s hosted by journalist Edward R. Murrow and has continued through the decades. Each …
Chris & Eliza Morris of Island Thyme
Chris and Eliza Morris are the owners of Island Thyme and some of the most genuine, down-to-earth people you’ll ever meet. Many of us islanders have their locally grown and made products in our pockets, showers, and cabinets. While I’ve crossed paths with them umpteen times over the years in the …
Emy & Lisa Carter, Steven Baker and Friends in Concert Tonight
Local musicians Emy & Lisa Carter and Steven Baker as well as other local singers and musicians performed in tonight’s Truth and Light Concert on the back lawn at Orcas Island Community Church. It was excellent! Check it out…
Live Music of Hamilton and Broadway at the Village Green Tomorrow!
This looks like the kind of summer concert finale that we islanders should not miss! I’ve missed a few here and there over the summer that I heard were incredible. See you Saturday at 4:00 at the Village Green!
A Visual Summary of Italy in August
There you have it.
Rubbing Literary Shoulders with John Muir
I just had to capture this moment from a few weeks ago – a fleeting moment rubbing literary shoulders with John Muir and Thoreau’s Walden during a book signing. Thank you, Darvill’s Bookstore, for the joy of having my book in your store!
Girl Meets Dirt Wine, Sea Starling Rings, and Musicians at the Farmers’ Market
Orcas Island teaches you new things every day. I’ve been selling my recent book, Life on Orcas Island, at the Saturday Farmers’ Market this summer, which means I have fours hours to soak up all the beauty and local wonder downtown each time I’m there. This past Saturday, I was …
Please Help Troy O’Neal and His Family
Over a month ago, long-time islander Troy O’Neal suffered a stroke. He’s probably one of the strongest guys I know of. I don’t know him well at all, but I’ve seen him over the years at different events at Orcas Christian School. His family recently moved to North Carolina, and …
Family Life with the Carters
Meet Denny and Cindy Carter’s four children and there is no doubt that their parents have done more than a few things right in raising them. Matthew, Nathan, and twins Emy and Lisa are kind-hearted, intelligent, polite, respectful, and respectable young adults. They all know how to work hard, have …
Sequel Deserves Some Sort of Grant, Aid, or Subsidy After All This Road Work
In all these months of construction along Prune Alley Road, I think the hardest business hit may be Sequel. I’m not speaking on behalf of them, in fact I hope owner Keri Lago is okay with my saying so. I think it all the time. It hasn’t been easy to …
All Kinds of Music Around Town!
Wow, is there a lot of music happening these days! Check it out: Make sure to click here for the Chamber Music Festival’s schedule of events. The photo heading this post is of Time for Three with Sempre Sisters, playing Aug 5th at the Village Green.
A Summer Day in Seattle
We’ve heard people say for years that summer here – meaning consistent sunshine – can only be counted on starting somewhere around the 4th of July. This is one of those summers. The rains usually come again once blackberry season is winding down in late August or early September. I …
Public Works: Teezer’s Episode II by Frank Loudin
This is the second episode of my friend Frank Loudin’s Teezer’s Twists series. Teezer’s was Orcas Island’s beloved coffee and goodies store on North Beach Road (it was across the street from Mijitas), and is now a place in our memories and in island history. Frank and his wife Jannie …
I Love Zumba with Alyson Stephens
I’m going to put a few spreads from my book, Life on Orcas Island, on this blog periodically so you get a feel for who and what is inside. This photo on the left is of Alyson Stephens, our beloved local physical therapist and Zumba instructor. Here she’s in the …
27 Things About Didier Gincig
Didier Gincig is one of those people that you could meet once and never forget. He has an enthusiasm for life that is downright infectious, and he acknowledges each person he encounters with such presence, which implies to me that every moment, every person, and every interaction is important to …
Author Signing at Darvill’s Bookstore from 3-5 Today
How fun it’s been to do author signings now and then at Darvill’s Bookstore! Today is another signing from 3-5. See ya there!
Life on Orcas Island at Farmers’ Market Today
What another beautiful day for Farmers’ Market! See you there from 10-2! Here’s a look at last week…
“Village on the Green” – Rock the Ages Tonight 6-9
George Post will also be there to speak about the origins of The Exchange, and Peter Fisher will speak about Madrona Point, the Land Bank, and OPAL. Nancy Stillger and the Orcas Island Historical Museum will be launching the bison exhibit tonight. DJ Bodhicypha (Ian Welch) will be spinning music …
Meet Jon Welch – He’s Running for Congress – UPDATED
Jon Welch is someone I have come across for years in various capacities here on the island, first at TeeJay’s Tacos at the Odd Fellows Hall many years ago, and most recently at the ferry kiosk. He has always been kind-hearted, even-keel, and helpful. He even spoke up for me …
Farmers’ Market and Book Signing at Darvill’s Tomorrow
If you’d like to buy a copy of Life on Orcas Island, I’ll be at Farmers’ Market tomorrow from 10-2 and then I’ll be signing books at Darvill’s from 3-5. See you in town!
Good Morning: Teezer’s Episode I by Frank Loudin
Happy 92nd Birthday to my friend Frank Loudin, a wonderful painter and writer – our own Norman Rockwell. In honor of him celebrating his first several days into his 93rd year, I am honored to publish the first of his ten episodes about Orcas Island’s beloved coffee and goodies store, …
Scenes of Summer So Far
Oh lovely summer here…
“Village on the Green” Event Tomorrow: “Amplify Her”
Tomorrow’s community-weaving evening is the second of three “Village on the Green” events from 6-9 PM. People will be gathering to share their island projects, especially those in which women are leading Orcas Island workshops, classes, organizations, and events. Bring your family and a picnic. There will be music by …
Susan Slapin’s Art, New Books, and Exhibit
Susan Slapin lives life enamored with nature, birds singing all around, lilacs and forsythias brightening the air, vibrant choices of pastels to fit her mood, and her partner and her dog Matisse at her side. She kindly allowed me to be immersed in her life one beautiful day – a …
Tune In to 1150 AM ~ Lift Your Spirits with Dena Marie & Gretchen Krampf
I so enjoyed being on Lift Your Spirits with Dena Marie and Gretchen Krampf (my second time). Thanks, you two, for inviting me on the show! Click here to listen to it.
Vacation Bible School July 5-8 (Starts Tomorrow!)
All kids from kindergarten to 5th grade are welcome to Vacation Bible School at Orcas Island Community Church, which starts tomorrow and goes through Friday, from 12:45-3:15. Register ahead by emailing stephanie@orcaschurch.org or show up at the church at 12:30 tomorrow. It’s always a blast with games, music, funny skits, …
Thoughts on 4th of July by Former Marine John Erly
Our neighbor is an electrician here on the island and his work has taken him to many, if not most, islanders’ homes and businesses. The other day I asked him who he thinks of as a quintessential veteran on Orcas Island, my aim being a fitting subject to interview over …
4th of July Parade, Pet Mayor, and Martin Lund’s Concert
Today was wonderful from start to finish – events and festivities from morning till night. It’s how every summer day on Orcas used to be before COVID. We’re finally getting back to normal! Here’s a look at the noon parade down the main drag in Eastsound (North Beach Road)… Today …
Firefighter’s Breakfast – Hooray! (7-11 AM Today)
Life is like the old days again! This extended weekend is so invigorating because everything is back as it was before COVID, and we’ll get a taste of it all – 4th of July Parade, Farmers’ Market, Matthew the Magician show, Martin Lund’s One World 20th Anniversary Concert at the …
Buy Life on Orcas Island Today 11-5 on the Street!
Life on Orcas Island will be available across from the Village Green on North Beach Road today from 11-5 PM (thanks to the kindness of our former neighbor who now lives there). Come on down! What a sparkling start to this 4th of July weekend – the sun is streaming …
Life on Orcas Island at Darvill’s Bookstore
How fun to see Life on Orcas Island in the window at Darvill’s Bookstore – an author’s dream! I’ll keep you posted, as there will be Saturday book signings this month!
Garden Touring on Electric Bikes
This past weekend was stunning. The clouds finally parted all day, both days, signalling the true beginning of summer for us islanders. It couldn’t have been a more perfect time for the Orcas Island Garden Tour. The idea of driving on such beautiful days immediately took a backseat to the …
Kate Jewell’s Experience in Poland
In March, I interviewed Kate Jewell about her upcoming trip to help Ukrainian refugees in Poland. She has returned, and I asked if she would write about her experiences in her own words: My reason for going to Poland was to work with Ukrainians displaced by Putin’s War. Upon my …
Life on Orcas Island Book Signing at Darvill’s
Come down to Darvill’s Bookstore this Saturday, June 25th, from 11:00-1:00 for a book signing of Life on Orcas Island. See ya there!
Land of the Sandwich-Board Announcements
One of the little quaint things about island life is its sandwich-board announcements at the two ends of town (and elsewhere too). Cities have billboards; we have sandwich boards. 🙂
Summer Concert Series: The Good Lovelies
It has begun! Thanks to Orcas Center and all the sponsors who help make it happen, we have a full line-up for the Summer Concert Series at the Village Green. It began this past Saturday with The Good Lovelies. They’re the kind of women you just want to hang out …
Best Laundromat Experience Ever
Our washer recently did its final spin cycle and now sits idly by, awaiting the truck that will haul it away. That means I paid a visit to the laundromat at Country Corner. What a lovely experience! There’s just something fulfilling about getting four home-size loads of laundry done in …
The Solstice Parade!
Oh, how fun to see people out en masse again – laughing, singing, and dancing!!! Feast your eyes on the fun. Moments before the parade… The parade… The festivities went on until about 2:30, and then at 6:00 the Summer Concert Series began with The Good Lovelies!
Seaport Books in La Conner: Life on Orcas Island
Life on Orcas Island is soon coming to the shelves of Seaport Books in La Conner! Our store is lovingly housed in the historic Seaport Landing Building on the beautiful Swinomish Channel. In addition to new books for readers of all ages, we feature creative efforts by local artists. We’re …
27 Things About Christopher Evans
I had a feeling Christopher Evans would have a fascinating story. I think of Christopher as a person who brings kindness, exuberance, and joy wherever he goes. From what I’ve known in passing over the last decade, Christopher lives life to the fullest, making the most of each and every …
Gay Field Day Yesterday
One of the many activities during this extended Orcas Pride weekend was the Gay Field Day from 2-6 PM at the Village Green yesterday – an afternoon picnic in which all islanders and visitors were welcome to come down and enjoy music, dancing, games, and performances… I have to stop …
Last Night’s “Village on the Green”
The Northwest just can’t help but rain – especially this year! That didn’t stop Orcas Islanders. Smiling faces, dancing bodies, and jolly Odd Fellows practiced and prepared for Saturday’s Solstice Parade last night at the first of three “Village on the Green” events… See you at the Solstice Parade, if …
High School Graduation
Last week some wonderful moments of closure happened. How we all have been needing events again that mark important milestones, endings, and beginnings in life. I purposely left my camera at home for graduation at OCS. I wanted to soak in every last second honoring the five graduates. We have …
“Village on the Green” Upcoming Events!
Mark your calendars for June 15, July 13, and July 27 – three fun Wednesdays at the Village Green from 6-9 PM that you won’t want to miss! Gretchen Krampf of IsleWork LLC coordinated these “creative-community-collaboratory” events focused on weaving our long-time and recently arrived islanders using the social arts …
Senior Spotlight and Oliver Twist at OCS
The second and final performance of Oliver Twist at Orcas Christian School was this past Tuesday evening. The rain held off for the students to shine, and the five seniors who graduated on Friday evening put on a Senior Spotlight pre-show… (There was also a wonderful speech given by another …
Humanity in All Its Forms
This past month has been wonderful for the soul. Today I’ll let the videos below do the talking. You’ll get a taste of some beautiful hammered dulcimer music by Carolyn Cruso, welcoming a fresh, happy season at the Farmers’ Market. Next is a song that happened spontaneously during the Lummi …
Inside the Bookstore…
Life on Orcas Island in Darvill’s Bookstore… Thank you Jenny!
Meet Tony & Jenna
Every day when I walk to school with our younger son, we pass the Tony & Jenna Hair Studio, the new Paul Mitchell salon on the main drag as you enter Eastsound from the west side. Tony and Jenna were invited to speak to our older son’s high school class …
Where to Get Life on Orcas Island – Darvill’s Bookstore
Darvill’s Bookstore has a fresh supply of Life on Orcas Island books! Come on down to 296 Main Street in Eastsound.
Oliver Twist at Orcas Christian School June 5-7
Mark your calendars for June 5th, 6th, and 7th at 7:30 PM – Orcas Christian School’s production of Oliver Twist will happen in the outside amphitheater in front of the gym building, the same location as their Romeo and Juliet production last year. This year the play features not only …
Update: Lummi Evening NOT Open to Public Tonight
Tonight sounded like a wonderful time at Camp Orkila together, but unfortunately the public is no longer welcome to attend the Lummi Canoe Journey’s celebrations this afternoon and evening. Several of the Orkila staff have tested positive for COVID, so everyone has decided to play it safe. We’ll still see …
The Lummi Canoe Journey is Underway
The Lummi Gathering of the Eagles Canoe Journey began Sunday, as the canoeists paddled from Anacortes to Lopez Island. On Monday, they paddled from Lopez to San Juan Island. Today, they will paddle to Orcas Island, landing at Camp Orkila at 4 PM, where the public is welcome to come …
Sights of Seattle and Its Surroundings
I recently returned from a two-day trip to Seattle as a chaperone with the Orcas Christian School seniors – all five of them – on their last hurrah before graduating, led by Pastor Grayson, the school’s chaplain and high school bible teacher. I thought you might like a little vicarious …
180°
I’ve heard it takes about 30 days to establish a new habit, so I Googled it and the first line that came up said this: “It can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days for a person to form a new habit and an average of 66 days for a new behavior …
for King + Country Concert in Everett, WA
Last night I took our older son and his friend to a concert in Everett by for King + Country, a Christian band led by two Australian brothers named Joel and Luke Smallbone. Luke explained during the concert that their father was a music promoter, and their parents and four …
Tideland Property & The Law
I bet a lot of people on the island wonder what is legal when it comes to walking along a beach here on Orcas Island. I know that I’m always wondering what the correct thing to do is. During a joint book-signing event last Saturday at the Orcas Island Historical Museum, …
Life on Orcas Island at Darvill’s Bookstore
If you’d like a copy of Life on Orcas Island, it will be at Darvill’s Bookstore here in Eastsound from now on. If you are not on Orcas Island, you can call Darvill’s at (360) 376-2135 or order it online from them here. Read more about Darvill’s here. It’s a …
Susan Mustard’s Art
I had never heard of Susan Mustard until I went into Crow Valley Gallery a few weeks ago on a whim to look at all the art by different local artists. There is a beautiful variety in there, and the painting that immediately jumped off the canvas and captured me …
Local Author Event at Museum Today!
Come to the Orcas Island Historical Museum in Eastsound today, April 30, from 1:30 – 3:30 PM for a book signing and talk by five local authors: Boyd Pratt, Judi Watson, Edrie and Terri Vinson, and I will sign and talk about our books. Each of us will have a …
Veterinarian Dr. D.’s New Place
Have you seen the new Orcas Veterinary Service? It’s awesome! I was just there so our dog could have major dental work. (It’s at 9 Hope Lane up Mt Baker Road near Uzek’s automotive place.) I am amazed at what Dr. D. and her team were able to do for …
38 Things About Carol Wright
Carol Wright is someone I’ve met once in passing – I’ve known nothing about her until we began corresponding a few times across the digital aether over the past several days. Here and there in those messages, she referenced things that were a mix of fascinating, significant, and downright beyond …
An Ice Cream Kind of Saturday!
Come on down to Clever Cow for some ice cream on this sunshine-y day! (Thursday to Sunday, 12-6 PM.)
33 Books Left with the Locals’ Coupon! – UPDATED
I will be at Dan’s Wildlife Cycles bike shop tomorrow (Saturday) from 12-1 PM at the picnic table on the side, thanks to his generous offer again. If you’ve not yet had a chance to come down and get the Life on Orcas Island book with the locals’ coupon, this …
I Feel for Orcas Kids, Especially Teenagers
They are already on an island, where town is tiny and going somewhere else requires a full day, half a tank of $5-per-gallon gas, and a driver’s license. If they’ve lived here long enough, they’ve done the hikes and the beach walks. As we awaken to yet another rainy day …
New Book: Two More Chances with the Locals’ Coupon
Tomorrow and Friday (April 21st and 22nd), come down to Wildlife Cycles in Eastsound at 350 North Beach Road anytime between 12:00 and 1:00 PM in order to buy a copy of Life on Orcas Island. While I will have another release event on April 30th at the Orcas Island …
Easter Morning
Orcas Island Community Church has a tradition of celebrating the dawning of Easter morning on the top of Mt Constitution. The sun rises behind Mt Baker, and it’s a rare sight to see if your house isn’t already facing that direction. This is what we saw this morning… The rest …
Third Coast Percussion at Orcas Center
I don’t normally do reviews of things after I’ve experienced them, but I came home after seeing this percussion group at Orcas Center tonight – which ended with a standing ovation – with a bubbling-over of thoughts to express. I don’t remember ever observing “music” like this. Before I say …
Baby Goat & Lamb Saturday
This is last Saturday at Lum Farm at Coffelt Farm Preserve. I think lamb and goat petting is happening today too!
Proof of Life
Activities are brewing again, as evidenced by the flyers hanging on the post office wall! Woohoo! (Plus a few random ones thrown in too.)
Little Spring Vignettes
This month’s weather has been all over the place…
Need Some Lead-up to Easter?
Orcas Island Community Church has something each day leading up to Easter. If you’ve never been to any of these, you are invited to any and all. And if you’ve never been up on Mount Constitution for the Easter Sunrise Service, it’s stunning to watch the sun rise over Mt …
Thank You, Mission Trip Supporters
Back in November, our son, Evan, had a notice in The Sounder offering tech help to anyone who needed it in order to raise money for a two-week mission trip to Belize with other high schoolers from Orcas Christian School: Thanks to many of you, Evan was able to raise …
Clever Cow’s Grand Re-opening
Stop in Clever Cow for ice cream tomorrow from 12-6 PM and meet the new owners, Cindy, Frank, and Landry. April’s hard work made Clever Cow an ice cream shop known for consistency, simple beauty, and cleanliness – eye candy functioning like a well-oiled machine. She has passed the helm …
Big Blue, the Glass Crusher
Meet Big Blue, the new glass crusher at Orcas Recycling Services named by fourth graders Audrey Hance and Lana Sasan after a name-voting contest at school. If you park behind The Exchange, you’ll see it a little off in the distance beyond the meadow. Having a glass crusher is a …
Publishing Life on Orcas Island: The Numbers
I love knowing the details of people’s experiences. They’re not only fascinating, they’re also immensely helpful if you’re in a similar situation. When self-publishing, there are a lot of details you can find if you dig, but there are some that are hard to find – seemingly nonexistent. Here is …
Thank You Orcas Library!
The process of writing and publishing a book requires a lot of uninterrupted time. I worked at home at my kitchen table for the first few months, our son’s $5 Alexa from the Exchange playing Lord Huron songs in the background while I sifted through thousands of photos, wrote endless …
Baby Goat Saturdays at Lum Farm!
Fun!!! You’ve probably seen all those babies every time you’ve passed Lum Farm lately, and they will be opening their gates for families to come tomorrow and next Saturday (Easter weekend) from 2-5 PM. There is no charge, but they would appreciate a donation of whatever feels comfortable for you. …
Three Ways to Get the Book
Three ways to get the Life on Orcas Island book: 1. Tonight – 6 PM at the Orcas Library! (locals price of $29.99 + tax) 2. Order online and it will be printed immediately and shipped directly to you (retail price): https://store.bookbaby.com/book/life-on-orcas-island 3: Pre-order on our local Darvill’s Bookstore website, …
Book Launch is Tomorrow!
Come to the book launch of Life on Orcas Island tomorrow, April 7th, at 6 PM at the Orcas Library! (I love small-town life – first-name basis on announcements!) If you’re out of town, it’s available for purchasing here (where you can look inside it too). Can’t wait to see …
Michael Grady’s Art
You may have already met Michael at Key Bank and assumed his life was that of a banker. It wasn’t until I saw him working at Crow Valley Gallery and Island Thyme that I began to wonder if my assumptions were totally off. Did you know he’s a stained-glass artist? …
Wow – These Women!
It’s not exactly warm and springy yet. We’ve had about four days of sunshine so far in the past month. I passed by these women and had to stop and capture them – they are hard core, meeting outside in the brisk wind to chat and laugh together! It turns …
For All the Heavy Equipment Fans, Little or Big
Looking along Prune Alley every time I stop at Island Market makes me remember what it was like when my 16-year-old was a toddler. Some of his first words were “backhoe loader” and “dump truck,” and we used to seek out job sites for entertainment. I’d carry light chairs, and …
Obstacles – Real or Imagined?
For many years I thought about the idea of publishing a book about Orcas Island. There were definite reasons that I chose not to for a long time. I’m a stay-at-home mom and I didn’t want to give up time from my little ones, knowing I’d never get it back. …
Messages
A few little sights around town today…
Crow Valley Gallery’s Art
The other day the sun was shining down and I walked through town like a refreshed, electrified person. I walked in Crow Valley Gallery to say hello to Sonia, who works there and was so kind to my mom over the years when she lived here, and was struck by …
A Sparkling Day for Author’s Tea
Orcas Christian School has an annual spring tradition called Author’s Tea. K-8 students prepare for it for several weeks, writing books of their own complete with graphs, photos, and illustrations in order to share their completed manuscripts with each other, parents, and community members on an appointed day of the …
New Book! – Life on Orcas Island
Meet Life on Orcas Island, a visual time capsule of this place over the past decade, chronicling the uniqueness and beauty of who we are and where we live, and the endless community gatherings, workshops, festivities, and celebrations that characterize this island life. I will have a few book release …
Entrepreneurial Suggestions II
Kate Jewell is Headed to Poland
This Thursday, March 31st, Kate Jewell will be headed to Oświęcim, Poland, for six weeks to help Ukrainian refugees and orphans with One Humanity Institute and Airline Ambassadors International. Kate was a flight attendant for 37 years, so traveling the world and living a life of adventure is normal for …
Cake for Ukraine and Bubble Tea
I just met a new friend at Tidepool Coffeehouse yesterday, and overheard owner Katie Gaible explaining the decadent cake whose slices were for sale to benefit the people of Ukraine. I don’t drink coffee, but noticed they carry bubble tea. They have two kinds – in the can and made …
Adopting a Dog: Our Story
Almost six years ago, I was looking at different pet adoption sites online for the perfect dog for our family. I grew up with animals and I wanted our 10-year-old son to have his own little companion to grow up with. It felt like the right age for him to …
The Plane That Didn’t Take Off
As my son was leaving school this afternoon, he heard the sound of a plane going down the runway, then some strange sounds that followed. He zipped down the road on his electric skateboard to find that the Kenmore Air plane never made it in the air. Instead, it went …
New Flooring in the Moist Northwest
When we moved to Orcas, we bought a house that was in excellent shape from a single woman who was very gentle on it. We, too, have been gentle on the house but the room our kids share, which was previously unused before we moved in, is partly subterranean and …
Entrepreneurial Suggestions
Orcas Island is the perfect place to live out your dreams. Why not open a store, right? This may be a little deflating, but let’s think about your dream business… Does it really fill a needed, year-round niche for enough people in this community? Some of those words are vitally …
Airhawks Flying Club’s Simulator Unveiled
A ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony was held on Saturday by the Airhawks Flying Club at the Eastsound Airport for their new Gleim FAA-approved Flight Simulator. As students, educators, administrators, and teachers from Orcas High School and Orcas Christian School along with Orcas pilots and the Orcas Island Community Foundation watched, …
30 Things About Frank Loudin: Part I
I’ve recently become acquainted with artist Frank Loudin through BJ Arnold’s friendship with him, and as always, it’s fascinating to learn about a new friend’s life experiences. I didn’t know a thing about him until I got one of my COVID vaccines at Orcas Center. For the 15-minute wait period …
Meet David Young
David and his wife, Chris, are two people I often pass when out walking. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen them, though, so it was a pleasure today when my husband and I ran into David in town. David is an avid sailor, and always has ocean adventures …
Twenty Years Ago Today
Twenty years ago to this day – March 16th – marks the first time Kelly Carpenter stepped foot on Orcas Island. She has never had to write the date down in order to remember it. Raised on a small farm in rural Minnesota, Kelly’s aspirations after graduating from college with …
Hope
Masks are coming off, the sun is beginning to come out more, the geese are honking, the birds are chirping, and while it’s still cold outside, the air carries a louder buzz than ever of spring’s renewal and joy in it. Warmth and hope are on the horizon in a …
Meet Beverly Franklet
If you haven’t already met her, Beverly Franklet is a stunning go-getter. Not in a hyper, can’t-sit-still kind of way but in a calm, adventurous, live-life-to-its-fullest sense. Do you remember several years ago when Michell Marshall decided to put up a white board at the back of The Office Cupboard …
A Fijian February
Many months ago, we planned a February trip to Fiji, not knowing if it would all work out in COVID times, but spending endless hours on location planning and COVID testing research (they have stringent rules). After two years of isolation and pandemic weirdness, and knowing we (I, especially) might …
I Don’t Fit In and So Don’t You
I love emotion. I love happy. I love love. When you’re in a community of Christians, you sometimes hear that someone “heard” God speak to them. You often hear people say they “love” the Lord. And it’s common for people to talk of their “relationship” with God. I’m here to …
Communing (Or Lack Thereof)
We’ve come to the time of year when I start thinking, ‘What are we doing here?’ The place is a ghost town except for the market, and the lack of sun has become this palpable frustration that Vitamin D capsules just don’t fix, at least for me. Born in Texas, …
What Do You Exude?
There was a tragic accident here a few weeks ago. I’ve been thinking about the person whose life completely changed after the moment of impact. Seeing as I’m not a family member, a close friend, a news reporter, or even an acquaintance, I don’t feel right about saying more about …
Inspiration
Even after living on Orcas Island for almost a decade, I’m still not accustomed to one very all-encompassing aspect of life here… Constant rain naturally drives people indoors. Especially kids. This isn’t coming from someone who is easily discouraged by dreary weather. I walk every day, rain or rain (shine’s …
Happy New Year!
It has been an unusually snowy and sunny few days here, the white blanket holding longer than usual in the tolerable dry briskness, as all of the moisture is frozen. We’ve had temperatures as low as -2 degrees due to windchill during the past week but last night we shot …
