You know, it’s kind of a big weekend (starting today!) for folks around the island for shopping, and there are deals….here are some ideas for you, from island friends:

• The downtown retail shop for Pelindaba Lavender offers free shipping & free gift wrapping for your purchases…drop by & ask for more info!

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• The Holiday Marketplace is today & Saturday – here’s the deal:

Shop Local & Support Local Artists, Crafts People & Designers at the 33rd Annual Island Artisans Holiday Marketplace at the elementary school! There will be 50+ participants, so plenty of crafts, art, jewelry, clothing, toys & other goods to choose from! Breakfast & lunch are available. The Marketplace is open Friday from  10am-5pm and Saturday from 10am-4pm. See you there!

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Come by before noon!

• Teri at Be Chic Boutique has a good deal…but you need to get in there early today! Here’s the scoop:

Black Friday  5 Hour SALE
Save 50% This Friday from 7 am until 12 noon on all clothing!!

Be Chic is the place to be for our second annual Black Friday SALE!!  All clothing is 50% off regular retail price from 7am until 12 noon only.  Jewelry and shoes are excluded from the sale.  Sorry, no refunds or exchanges will be given on sale merchandise.

Get in early for the best selection – last Black Friday was our busiest day of the whole year!!

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Opens today!

• The Arctic Raven offers their “First Snow” Show, opening today at 10am, and inviting you down for the hot cider reception from 4-7pm as well…here’s more from Barbara:

Just back from a journey to Saint Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea, owner Lee Brooks returned with extraordinary examples of fossilized whalebone, baleen and walrus ivory sculpture and jewelry.

New Native Northwest prints, carvings, cards, calendars and gifts will round out the show. For more information call 378-3433.

…on First Street, next to the Golden Triangle, where you just as well go eat while you’re down that way.

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Cotton to the third power....

• Randy & Gail have cool stuff happening at Cotton Cotton Cotton:

Hey, Ian!

We are having a Day after Thanksgiving Sale Friday, November 25th from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.  We are having “Pick Your Own Discount” which can be anywhere from 15% – 50% on Friday excluding Brighton jewelry and consignment items. We are also raffling off a Solmate Christmas stocking.  You get an entry for every purchase of Solemate socks, hats or scarves.  The Christmas stocking is a $45.00 value.  We are also discounting the clearance items an additional 10%.

Saturday and Sunday the  “Pick Your Own Discount” is from –  10% – 40% all day!

We have lots of new items including Wild Bleu “Hot Flash” night gowns, Repair the World fashions for both men and women made out of recycled water bottles, new Ezze Wear and also moc socks are back in time for holiday giving!

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David Ridgway, "Red Barn, White Barn", 9 x 12, oil

• There is a lot going on at Waterworks Gallery! Here’s more from Ruth:

November 26 – January 4, 2012

Small format paintings by Lisa Gilley, David Ridgway & Richard See.
This year’s show is a feast of wonderful works by both the gallery’s painters and jewelers. The show opens Thanksgiving Weekend with the painters, David Ridgway, formerly of Orcas Island, Lisa Gilley of Marrowstone Island, and Richard See, formerly of San Juan Island, have created fresh and exciting small format paintings. The small format paintings from 8 x 10 to 16 x 20 portray some well know island landscapes. The Annual Holiday Reception opens on Friday, November 26. Stop by for some Holiday Cheer and great gift giving ideas.

The Artist Talks series will host Lisa Gilley and David Ridgwayat the gallery on Thursday, December 15th. Each will talk about the what inspires their landscape paintings, Refreshments will be served.

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Artisan Jewelery now at WaterWorks Gallery.
The gallery features a few prominent jewelers from Friday Harbor, Anacortes, Seattle, Savannah and Santa Fe and British Columbia. The jewelers are Tana Acton, Lexi Bec, Dianne Coe, Rente Crowe, Stella Joh, Peggy Hunt, James Minson and Kathleen Faulkner.

These artisan jeweler craft earrings, bracelets and necklaces using many materials including, gold and silver, glass, pearls, crystals, beads and upcycled bicycle tire tubes.

Micki Lippe, Choker, Oxidized silver with pearls

The first event in this month long event is Sunday, November 27, from 1-4pm, meet Micki Lippe, creator of jewelry that reminds us of the woods and our seasonal surroundings. Using Silver, pearls and semi precious stones she fabricates jewelry that is quite light weight and easy to wear.

On Saturday, December 3 from 1-4pm, meet Dianne Coe. Dianne is a gifted and amazing artisan. Some will remember Dianne as the former owner of Garuda and I from its glory days.She is using amazing beads to create a distinctive group of works that reflects Dianne’s’ sensibility as a jeweler.

On Saturday, December 17 from 1-4pm meet Kathleen Faulkner, a silversmith creating contemporary jewelry from silver interspersed with recycled glass,beach rock and other found materials.

Girls’ Night Out at WaterWorks Gallery on Thursday, December 8th 3-8pm. The event is a collaborative event with Mirabella Skin Care Salon.  It is a night for the Gals of San Juan Island to get out and visit the gallery. View  the latest works by the gallery’s artisan jewelers and enjoy a glass of bubbly. Mirabella Skin Care Salon and WaterWorks Gallery are joining efforts to pamper the spirits and help fulfill your wish list of wonderful and unique gifts for yourselves and loved ones. And some surprises!

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See the mountain....

• I love Peggy Sue McRae’s cards – here’s more:

It’s that festive time of year again and my new 2011 Holiday Card is at the printer!

A wintery whale tale frames the snow covered volcano to our south.
Title: SOMETIMES YOU CAN SEE MT RAINIER

Printonyx in Friday Harbor prints the cards from my own original watercolor paintings. They will be for sale at The Whale Museum and San Juan Island Food Co-Op for $2.00 each.

I will also be reprinting favorite holiday cards from the past and a new set of cards from my Mudra Paintings, now in the collection of the Morris Graves Foundation.   Call me at 370-5210 or email me at <[email protected]> if you are interested in a dozen or more.

These cards will be available at the same great price as the holiday cards and will soon be at the San Juan Island Food Co-Op.

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• Gotta see Santa! He’s coming Saturday to Kings Marine….here’s the word from Libby Oswald:

Santa will be at Kings Marine from 10- 2pm on Saturday. Photographs will be taken by Blue Dog Photography. Santa arrives via firetruck at 10 am. Photos are free, but cash donations will be collected for the Food Bank. Come on by!

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• Meanwhile, at San Juan Vineyards:

November 25 only, both San Juan Vineyards tasting rooms are celebrating Black Friday (it’s not really black, just a very dark burgundy). Be sure to visit Piano and Wine at 55 Spring Street and SJV at 3136 Roche Harbor Road for 50% off America Retold tableware and decor, many items are individually crafted of recycled materials in an old world manner. Also 50% off are entertaining essentials like cheese boards and knives, corkscrews, decorative stoppers, wine bottle coasters, and much more!

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Your intinerant reporter...

Dear friends –

I hope this is a great day of thanksgiving & full heart for you, and I hope even more…

I hope this is the kind of day you have every day, not just once a year. Once an hour & once a minute is OK, too…the world around you glows in the light of your gratitude.

I hope you get a chance to sing a song today which fills your heart, and you know what it’s like to be kissed back, by a song.

I hope you are with friends & family & people who love you, and that you get the chance to tell them your love for them.

I hope that if you get enough to eat, you remember our brothers and sisters who need more, and that you make plans to give them a hand. The need is great, and many sharing hands are needed.

I hope that if you feel good today, that you feel even better as you check in with friends who are healing, so your words & your love can give them a lift.

Happy Thanksgiving to you, and to those around you.

All good things to you –

Ian

This will touch your heart….

Sunset last weekend off the westside...photo by Jim Maya

Lots to check out – let’s see what’s up:

• Yesterday was the anniversary of the passing of President John F. Kennedy forty-eight years ago…I liked it when he said:

Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past – let us accept our own responsibility for the future.

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Audrey (left) presents Lisa with $500 for the Foundation....

• Got the word from Lisa Anderson & Nancy Young:

The San Juan Island Public Schools Foundation is pleased to announce a $500.00 donation from the high school age Lions Club group, the  San Juan Leos. President of the student club Audrey Olshefsky presents the check to SJIPSF’s president Lisa Anderson.

Money will be used to support the Friday Harbor High School Arts program. This is the third year that the Leos Club has generously donated during the Foundation’s annual fundraiser – it is a wonderful example of students helping students.

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• 33rd Annual Holiday Market: Just in case you didn’t know (which means you’ve been living under a rock, or are new to the island, or just weren’t paying attention): The Island’s Artisans Fair (sometimes called the Arts Bazaar, or the Holiday Bazaar, or the Holiday Marketplace, or the arts & crafts thing at the elementary school) is happening this Friday & Saturday, starting at 10am each day.

Great place to see friends & drink cider & see what everyone’s been making.

See ya there!

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• Brian & Carolyn at Sandpebble have a sale:

Sale! Sale! Sale! Don’t miss our Day after Thanksgiving Sale. 20% off storewide and two overflowing 50% off racks! Extended hours for the early birds 8am-6pm. Stop on by and check some items off your list!

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• Need food ideas? Wondering what’s really in the turkey? Looking for great recipes? Check out Hobbes’ blog.

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• Meanwhile, it’ll be fun at the Vineyards on Saturday – here’s more from Aunde:

The barrel tasting is this weekend....

Toast to the Holiday Spirit with San Juan Vineyards!

Join us in the winery for a barrel tasting of 2010 Sangiovese, 2010 Merlot, and a taste from the tank of our newly fermented Pinot Gris on Saturday, November 26, from 12:00 pm til 4:00 pm. Meet winemaker Chris Primus and take advantage of holiday wine and merchandise specials. Shuttle from Piano and Wine Tasting Room, 55 Spring Street, Friday Harbor to Winery at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 pm. Shuttle from Winery to Friday Harbor at 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 pm.

$10 fee includes wine tastings and logo glass or Free with $50 purchase. Free for Wine Club Members in good standing.

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Yep, it was stormy & windy on Tuesday night & Wednesday morning, which took its toll on the Griffin Bay School signage...photo by Art Smith

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Britt's playing in Anacortes this Friday!

• It’s always good to hear from a friend – Britt Arneson left the island  a summer ago so she could sing all the way between here, Montana & Alaska…and now she’s kinda close this weekend. Here’s more:

How’s the coffee shop life treating ya? My Aunt Lorie emailed me to remind me to let you know that I’m playing a folk music show in Anacortes at the Brown Lantern on Black Friday, November 25th, starting at 9:30pm. No cover charge.

I’m not going to make it the island because I’m just really busy and it’s a quick trip to see my mother but Lorie thought you would put a mention on the San Juan Update for folks who might be shopping on the mainland that day and want to catch some tunes before the last ferry. I’m living in Missoula right now & almost done with my new CD. Canyon is doing great, he loves it there!

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• It’s that time of year! Nancy Young (and the Class of 2012) report:

The Friday Harbor High School Senior Class is selling beautiful 24” deluxe Holiday Wreaths again this year.

This is a fundraiser for the drug and alcohol free Grad Night party in June 2012. All proceeds go directly to fund this event! Wreaths will be available at the Islands Artisans Fair this Friday and Saturday, or call Nancy Young at 317-1755. Cost is $25.00 per wreath and includes a beautiful bow and delivery.

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The numbers seem to be increasing fo the Occupy Friday Harbor protest, even with crummy weather like last week....photo by Rob Simpson.

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Chicken Baskets prepared by the Soroptimist Club are delivered the weekend before Thanksgving to shut-ins, and elders living alone. This group assembled some mighty fine looking baskets!

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• Have you seen Coldwell Banker‘s Merri Ann Simonson‘s real estate report for the third quarter for the island – this is how you stay in touch with the trends! Check it out here.

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• The Whale Museum’s online store has everything 20% off till the 28th! Here’s more.

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Brian & Rebekah have re-opened the Mystical Mermaid at their new spot on Spring Street next to the sporting goods store, and the place looks great! Drop by & check it out! Also: They have an Open House on December 4th all day, but don't wait till then to visit! Photo by Tamara Weaver.

• Checking out the island, Tamara Weaver reports the Mystical Mermaid is off to a good start & dinner last Sunday was great:

Perveyors of whimsy and fantasy, Rebekah & Brian Moore are enjoying their new locale on Spring Street, conveniently located just down from Brian’s stepmom Claudia’s biz, Island Studios. The proud owners are also proud parents of four kids: Owen (1), Landon (3), Chloe (7) and Wyatt (9), and still have the passion and energy to create a store filled with unique gifts (many locally-crafted), like hand-blown glass ornaments, sea glass jewelry, greeting cards, incense, tarot cards, and cool rocks and fossils for you rock hounds!  Come on in for an intuitive reading or to check out the huge salt water fish tank they’re setting up in the back of the store!

Alisha Miller & baby Faith enjoyed the dinner...photo by Tamara Weaver

Meanwhile, Jon and I followed our noses to the high school cafeteria Sunday afternoon to see what was going on, and captured warm aromas and welcoming smiles at the annual Free Turkey Dinner prepared for the 25th year by founders Dan and Donna Miller.

The dedicated troop of volunteers prepared a stellar meal for all who entered and had a great time doing it.

Some of the volunteers I met included Dan and Donna Miller, Alisha, Faith, David, Luke, and Joy Miller, Anne and Larry Hamilton, Jean Hutchins, Michele Lucian, and Cara Slee.

Great meal – thanks!

Dan & Donna & the crew served up a great meal on Sunday, for the 25th year! Photo by Tamara Weaver

The Who, in 1971:

This is a Thanksgiving Address of the Haudenosaunee people (sometimes called the Iroquois) which is a prayer for the morning, to give thanks to the new day.

Thanksgiving Address

GREETINGS TO THE NATURAL WORLD!

The People

Today we have gathered and we see that the cycles of life continue. We have been given the duty to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things. So now, we bring our minds together as one as we give greetings and thanks to each other as People.

Now our minds are one.

The Earth Mother

We are all thankful to our Mother, the Earth, for she gives us all that we need for life. She supports our feet as we walk about upon her. It gives us joy that she continues to care for us as she has from the beginning of time. To our Mother, we send greetings and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Waters

We give thanks to all the Waters of the world for quenching our thirst and providing us with strength. Water is life. We know its power in many forms – waterfalls and rain, mists and streams, rivers and oceans. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the spirit of water.

Now our minds are one.

The Fish

We turn our minds to all the Fish life in the water. They were instructed to cleanse and purify the water. They also give themselves to us as food. We are grateful that we can still find pure water. So, we turn now to the Fish and send our greetings and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Plants

Now we turn toward the vast fields of Plant life. As far as the eye can see, the Plants grow, working many wonders. They sustain many life forms. With our minds gathered together, we give thanks and look forward to seeing Plant life for many generations to come.

Now our minds are one.

The Food Plants

With one mind, we turn to honor and thank all the Food Plants we harvest from the garden. Since the beginning of time, the grains, vegetables, beans and berries have helped the people survive. Many other living things draw strength from them too. We gather all the Plant Foods together as one and send them a greeting and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Medicine Herbs

Now we turn to all the Medicine herbs of the world. From the beginning, they were instructed to take away sickness. They are always waiting and ready to heal us. We are happy there are still among us those special few who remember how to use these plants for healing. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the Medicines and to the keepers of the Medicines.

Now our minds are one.

The Animals

We gather our minds together to send greetings and thanks to all the Animal life in the world. They have many things to teach us as people. We see them near our homes and in the deep forests. We are glad they are still here and we hope that it will always be so.

Now our minds are one.

The Trees

We now turn our thoughts to the Trees. The Earth has many families of Trees who have their own instructions and uses. Some provide us with shelter and shade, others with fruit, beauty and other useful things. Many peoples of the world use a Tree as a symbol of peace and strength. With one mind, we greet and thank the Tree life.

Now our minds are one.

The Birds

We put our minds together as one and thank all the Birds who move and fly about over our heads. The Creator gave them beautiful songs. Each day they remind us to enjoy and appreciate life. The Eagle was chosen to be their leader. To all the Birds – from the smallest to the largest – we send our joyful greetings and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Four Winds

We are all thankful to the powers we know as the Four Winds. We hear their voices in the moving air as they refresh us and purify the air we breathe. They help to bring the change of seasons. From the four directions they come, bringing us messages and giving us strength. With one mind, we send our greetings and thanks to the Four Winds.

Now our minds are one.

The Thunderers

Now we turn to the west where our Grandfathers, the Thunder Beings, live. With lightning and thundering voices, they bring with them the water that renews life. We bring our minds together as one to send greetings and thanks to our Grandfathers, the Thunderers.

Now our minds are one.

The Sun

We now send greetings and thanks to our eldest Brother, the Sun. Each day without fail he travels the sky from east to west, bringing the light of a new day. He is the source of all the fires of life. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Brother, the Sun.

Now our minds are one.

Grandmother Moon

We put our minds together and give thanks to our oldest grandmother, the Moon, who lights the night-time sky. She is the leader of women all over the world, and she governs the movement of the ocean tides. By her changing face we measure time, and it is the Moon who watches over the arrival of children here on Earth. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Grandmother, the Moon.

Now our minds are one.

The Stars

We give thanks to the Stars who are spread across the sky like jewelry. We see them in the night, helping the Moon to light the darkness and bringing dew to the gardens and growing things. When we travel at night, they guide us home. With our minds gathered together as one, we send greetings and thanks to all the Stars.

Now our minds are one.

The Enlightened Teachers

We gather our minds to greet and thank the enlightened Teachers who have come to help throughout the ages. When we forget how to live in harmony, they remind us of the way we were instructed to live as people. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to these caring Teachers.

Now our minds are one.

The Creator

Now we turn our thoughts to the Creator, or Great Spirit, and send greetings and thanks for the gifts of Creation. Everything we need to live a good life is here on this Mother Earth. For all the love that is still around us, we gather our minds together as one and send our choicest words of greetings and thanks to the Creator.

Now our minds are one.

Closing Words

We have now arrived at the place where we end our words. Of all the things we have named, it was not our intention to leave anything out. If something was forgotten, we leave it to each individual to send such greetings and thanks in their own way.

Now our minds are one.

It was frosty down at the marina Sunday morning as the ferries come & go...photo by Donna Dyer (thanks, Donna!)

Let’s see what’s going on in the week ahead!

Anthony & Karina

• There’s going to be a booth set up for Karina Serna at the December 10th Flea Market, but in the meantime you can still donate at Islanders Bank to help her & Anthony with their medical expenses as she battles cancer.

• It’s the third year Avon at The Golden Triangle has been doing it, and it’s great!

Tonight starts the winter specials, like this: Monday is Japanese night, Tuesday is Vietnamese night, and Wednesday is Laotian night. All the specials include an appetizer, soup, entree, and dessert.  Good deal and good food!

You know what makes a great Christmas present for the cook in your family? Cooking classes with Avon! Drop by the Golden Triangle & get a certificate for her January classes!

• There’s a movie at the Library tonight – here’s more from Rob Simpson:

This Monday (November 21 – 7:00pm at the library) Conscientious Projector will  feature a rather startling and upbeat screening.

The film deals with the confrontation between Newtonian science and the latest understanding of Quantum Physics within the arena of health and healing.

The film is called The Living Matrix (here’s the trailer) and features scientists from around the world reflecting on the expansion of human understanding beyond anything we might have imagined.

Since it is being viewed through the lens of human health, it is particularly
relevant to us all. In this time when change is accelerating, this will provide a very positive perspective to carry with us as we head into the holidays.

Hope to see you there!

Leaves, in action...

• You were out playing in the leaves this weekend with the kids, weren’t you? So was Val Curtis, as she shares this guest blog in this morning’s Mental Chew.

• I heard Helen King saw Blithe Spirit last weekend, and she reports she really liked the show (this week there is no show on Thursday, and it plays Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm, and Sunday at 4pm):

If you haven’t seen Blithe Spirit at the County Fairgrounds yet, don’t miss it!  What a delightful and entertaining play!  We are fortunate to have so many great actors in our midst who perform, as well as those who give of their talent behind the scenes. The set and costumes were fabulous and exact in every detail of London in 1941.

Swans, singing & dancing this past weekend....photo by Katie Jones (wow, Katie!)

• I love that naturalist & photographer (and natural photographer) Katie Jones catches the wildlife around here and makes it come alive in her pictures – check out her portfolio…she’s amazing.

Let’s say you’re really trying to get some studying done, at the University of Washington. So you go to the (kinda famous, if you’ve been there) Suzzallo Reading Room on campus. And then Pickwick decides to sing Blackout:

Steve, on the train....

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved riding on trains, and the magic of the steel rails continues.

Islanders Nan & Steve Simpson are back east traveling around, and report in their blog that they rode the City of New Orleans (that’s the name of the train) from Chicago to Memphis this week…

Here’s their report, which I know you have Arlo singin’ in your head, so here’s a chance to hear him singin’ with the Boston Pops, a little band from Massachusetts…

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Kinda fun to see what’s going on around here…..

• You know the Marine Labs is part of the University of Washington…a big part! Now they’re carved their name in the Hall of fame…

Friday Harbor Labs students performed the UW fight song – and won a competition! Several students enrolled in the Marine Biology Quarter at FHL celebrated “W Day” in style! Led by David Haas, they used FHL as a backdrop for their music video entry to the “UW Fight Song” contest by KJR radio. They sang the “unsingable” and WON! Here’s the video:

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• Just saw that Jeanine Earnhart‘s posting to her blog was posted in the Huffington Post under the title “Grow Old With Me, the Best is Yet To Be”…check it out here. If you’re in a relationship or married, I think you’ll be glad you read this…

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• Tracy Roberson & the Bike Paths Meeting folks are inviting you to help out at Monday’s meeting – I love the work that was done to get the islands designated as a Scenic Byway…this is a part of that:

Monday Nov. 21 @5pm
at Whidbey Island Bank
Community Meeting Room
Bring a friend!!

Special guests Shannon Wilbur and Liz Illg will attend for a discussion about how to make island roads safer for bicyclists, and how the Scenic Byway can assist.

Provide your input about specific areas of concern and help our group begin to formulate a plan for action in 2012.  Time allowing we will also do a little planning for the Spring Tune-up (and bike swap…other ideas..?) event.
If you get a chance follow the link below and bring your ideas about what the County could do with the Public Works web page to make it more meaningful for bicycles county-wide.
http://www.co.san-juan.wa.us/publicworks/bicycle_safety.aspx

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Queen Beezus (Anne Marie Ryan) straightens out the rest of the hive....photo by Lisa Duke.

Well, I was lucky enough to get to check out the play for you ahead of time (I went to dress rehearsal), and I think you’re going to really like this one. There’s a lot to like!

This original children’s musical features original music composed by Teddy Dean, and the range of his musical skillset is on display…from catchy tunes, to stuff you can dance to, to ensemble pieces, Teddy continues to amaze, backed up by Dennis Willows on drums, Jonathan Piff on guitar, and Rob Simpson on keyboards.

Teddy’s music and Lisa Duke’s choreography are perfect complements to Penelope Haskew’s original play, which takes the hustle & bustle of the holiday season & slows things down to give a chance to think about what is really important. She keeps the kids moving on stage, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the kids’ talent – they sing & dance & remember their lines…cool stuff.

Oh, No! Granny’s Got The Remoteruns Friday & Saturday at 7pm, and Sunday at 2pm…don’t miss it!

It looks like an ordinary remote, but there's magic there...photo by Lisa Duke.

When Cat Stevens released this song back in the 1970s, I think he got more papas & their boys talking, than any song I know of… here’s a newer version from the BBC.

The Women’s Opportunity Award deadline is coming up – December 1st is the final day for applications to be accepted to be in competition for the  Friday Harbor Award of  $5000.and NW regional award of  an additional $3000.  Applications available at the Toy Box or  www.SiFri.org. The award has been given  by Soroptimist of Friday Harbor since 1997. Questions:  Program Leader Kristine Odle 378 2414. And here’s more about last year’s winner:

AWARD HELPS LOCAL WOMAN TOWARD LIFE’S DREAM.
by Correspondent Theresa Simendinger

Angela

In 2010 Angela Bolger was the voice on the phone when you called the Sheriff’s Office offering comfort and help. You would not know this single mother of two teenage boys had a dream from childhood of becoming an RN or registered nurse.

Bolger was working two jobs, at the Sheriff’s Office and the Medical Center as a LPN or licensed practical nurse.  She was struggling to keep it all together for her boys, still hoping her dream might one day come true.

Early in 2009 things were not going well for Bolger. Having just lost her home and car she was desperate. Lenore Bayuk, whom she credits as her mentor through it all, happened to be a Soroptimist. As Bolger relates it, Bayuk encouraged Bolger to apply for the Women’s Opportunity Award.

Given annually by Soroptimist of Friday Harbor the award is intended to help “head of household” women who are enrolled in or accepted to an undergraduate degree program or a vocational skills program. Bolger was not only awarded the coveted $2500 from our local chapter in 2010, she went on to be awarded the regional prize of another $2500.

The award money is intended to be used to offset any costs associated with the recipient’s effort to attain higher education; including books, childcare, transportation, etc.

Bolger still tears up at the memory of the support she felt from the community of women in Friday Harbor. She bought a car for $1000. The remaining sum together with student loans is being used for tuition, books, etc. She remembers clearly going to a garage sale looking for a table to study on. Remembering fondly yet another angel, the woman who ran the garage sale was also Soroptimist. After recognizing Bolger as the 2010 winner she then sold Bolger a computer for $20.  Bolger completes all her class work on the same computer.

Bolger recalls that after finishing as many classes as possible at San Juan Island branch of Skagit Valley College it was necessary to transfer to Whatcom College, Bellingham.  She has one more quarter to go and then hopes to be accepted to the RN program. She cannot apply until she completes her final quarter. Bolger is currently working two jobs while continuing her education and supporting her family.

Her two sons, although upset at her leaving the Friday Harbor community, consider Bolger a great role model in what she has already achieved.
Bolger’s voice has a waver as she recalls the love and support from Soroptimists. She wants to succeed “for all who put their faith in me.”

Her boys are right, Angela Bolger is already a success story to anyone who hears of this woman’s struggle at 42 to fulfill her childhood dream of becoming an RN.

Just a week ago, the full moon rose over a darkened Community Theatre, as I was driving by....

Whew! Did you get out in the rain last night? I did, and it just kept coming, through the evening…let’s see what else is going on:

Ready for freedom! Photo by Nan Simpson

• This weekend at The Rumor Mill it’s the DuoTones on Friday night & The Henry James Band on Saturday, with Jazz from 6-8 on Sunday.

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• Remember the story about the release of the two baby seals a week or two ago? Naturalist & awesome photographer Nan Simpson has more background on the story in her blog…check it out!

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• It’s Harper Poesy‘s first anniversary! Tea opened the shop a year ago! Need a haircut – get in there!

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Yeah, it was cold a couple of mornings ago, when Tracy Roberson was walking Dylan to the bus stop...frost on the fence....photo by Tracy Roberson.

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• Time to get out with the horses! Here’s more from Courtney Oldwyn:

Dirt Stompers Kid’s Horse Camp – Winter Edition!
Dec. 19, 20 & 21
Ages 4-6yrs 9am-noon
Ages 7yrs and older 1-4pm
$99
Limit of five campers per session so call today to sign up your horse crazy kid!
378-1364
blazingtreeranch (at) gmail.com

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• You may remember Tom & Stephanie Gonser, who lived here for a good while down Cape San Juan way, and now live in Oregon…. they’re both excellent writers, and have a journal of their trip to French Polynesia/Taihiti… check it out!

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• Nancy Larsen tells me this is one the schedule this weekend at Griffin Bay Bookstore – I sure enjoyed Susan’s book, and I bet you will, too:

Author and Artist Event at Griffin Bay Bookstore
Saturday, November 19^th from 2:00—4:00 p.m.

RAINSHADOW WORLD
by Susan Vernon, illustrations by Nancy McDonnell Spaulding

Trumpeter swans in the wetlands, red-breasted sapsuckers in the woods, Anna’s hummingbirds at our feeders, and wild winds coursing through the conifers: these are some of the sights and sounds of our island winter.  Join author Susan Vernon and artist Nancy Spaulding at a book signing for Rainshadow World – A Naturalist’s Year in the San Juan Islands to be held at Griffin Bay Bookstore on Saturday, November 19th from 2-4 p.m.

Rainshadow World has been hailed as an island classic:  an inspiring and heart-felt journey through our island year.  It has been noted: “The book is like reading a song.” Throughout, artist Nancy Spaulding’s field drawings add the perfect gentle touch depicting plants and animals leading fascinating lives in this wondrous place where the land meets the inland sea.

Susan and Nancy encourage islanders to join them at Griffin Bay Bookstore to chat and share their stories about the wildlife that is such an important part of our island lives. This is an opportunity to get copies of Rainshadow World signed by both the author and the artist.

Susan Vernon is a co-founder of the San Juan Nature Institute, creator of numerous guides and interpretive exhibits, author of the long-running column San Juan Nature Notebook, and surveyor of island wildlife. She was the first person to develop a captive rearing program for the rare island marble butterfly found only in the San Juan Islands.

The illustrations for Rainshadow World come from Nancy McDonnell Spaulding’s 30-year archive of field drawings that are impressions of plants, animals, and landscapes in and around the San Juan Islands. Nancy and Lewis Spaulding, well-known Northwest artists, own Spaulding Studios on San Juan Island. For more information about the book signing, call Griffin Bay Books at 378-5511.

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• Ashley Paull tells me here’s a way you can help – here’s the flyer for Islanders Physical Therapy and Rehab:

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• Yep, Island Rec is planning the Children’s Festival for May right now & they need you to help! Here’s more from Sally:

Children’s Festival Organizers Needed

Plans are just beginning for the 22nd San Juan Island Children’s Festival scheduled for May 5, 2012 and committee members are needed to help with planning, organizing and coordination of this festival.

No special skills are necessary, other than the willingness and time to work as a team committed to creating a fun filled festival dedicated to celebrating children.   With the exception of the festival day itself, committee members volunteer roughly 6-8 hours per months beginning in January. Continue Reading