From the video below....

Some days you get up & dance, some days, you look inside – here’s a nice one for a morning like this:

Nothing gold can stay, according to Robert Frost, and according to my experience this morning as the rose & gold faded to the more subdued hues of the morning. That's sunrise over Lopez, from the top of Jackson's Beach this morning. Click on the picture to see a bigger one....

Hope your Groundhog’s Day goes well…let’s see what’s up around the island:

Laura Bolton was there to cheer for Ian as he sang & played last Saturday at the Rumor Mill's Acoustic Jam.

• Last night both the girls and boys basketball teams rolled over visiting Mount Vernon Christian here at Turnbull Gym, with the girls prevailing 54-27, and the boys winning 56-39.

Next up: On Friday, the Wolverines travel to Shoreline Christian (their boys are 9-3 in league); then, Saturday, the FHHS teams host LaConner, where the boys (10-1 in league) take on the 11-0 Braves; the girls (8-2 in league) will battle the 4-5 Braves.

FHHS closes out the season Monday at home with Cedar Park Christian.

• Rhonda Scott at Vital Elements (30 First Street) has a contest – here’s the deal:

Vital Elements is having a Valentine Making Contest!!!
Make a Valentine!  Use paper or fabric, wood, or metal. When you can, please use recycled objects. Just keep it around 5×7” or smaller.   Bring it into Vital Elements and we’ll hang it in the window and pick a winner that will be announced on Valentines Day!

At Vinnie's Pizza, he shows off a Sinatra-themed gift to remind you...it's "my way."

Come on in if you have anymore questions.   Gift certificates are to be awarded to the most creative. There are three age groups: Under 14, 14 to 18, 18 to 105.

• Somehow this reminds me years ago, when my sons & I went to a conference that was for computer-using educators, and one of the boys asked, “Papa, why would a computer use an educator?”

Randy Martin is the director of Skagit Valley College/San Juan Center, and he told me I should tell you I’m teaching these computer-related classes in three weeks…I’d love to see you in class! Here’s the lineup:

Make Friends with your Computer at Skagit Valley College/San Juan Center

Refresh your skills or learn new ones with an on-going instructional series during the week of February 22-24^th at Skagit Valley College. A series of 3 hour workshops include Introduction to Computing, Basic Word, Intermediate Word, and Excel. Workshops can be taken individually or linked together in series. For more information and registration please call the San Juan Center 360-378-3220.

Yep, that's islander Jim Maya featured in a story in Italy's Pescasport & Nautica - the story was set up by one of Maya's Whalewatch Charters' passengers, Mario Messina of Tuscany.

Spread the love...

Hey, remember when you and I assembled a bunch of stories about how you fell in love with your significant other?

(Here was the deal, in 2007. Here’s Heather & Ken, and here’s Marcia & Tom, and here’s Colin & Christie. You get the idea.)

Let’s do it again for this Valentine’s Day – sometime between now & the 14th, drop me a photo at ian (at) byd2.com with a little writeup of how you two got going.

I’d love to hear from you, and so would the rest of the island!

Spencer (left), Aly ,and Zach...click on the pic to listen....

It’s always good to hear local folks making good music – the Good Husbands has a fluid & sometimes changing lineup (you can find out more on their FaceBook page), and make fun music, which they list as “Hip Hop/Experimental.” I sure liked hearing Zach singing at open mike at Pazzo Vivo last year, and heard Spencer for years – there’s a lot of talent there.

This vid was shot on San Juan Island, and features Aly, Zach & Spencer, with amazing videography by Trent Roberts…check it out by clicking here.

It’s this weekend at the Community Theatre, and it’s great! Here’s more from Jan Bollwinkel-Smith:

The 2011 Islands Playwrights Festival not only showcases the wonderful writing and directing talents we have around here…it provides an opportunity for actors of all levels to take on the challenge of getting into character for short, 10-minute plays.

The Festival continues THIS Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm (and Thursday is Bargain Night!).  It’s inside the Gubelman–only 65 seats–and it’s filling up fast.

Based on the concept of site-specific theater, each of the plays takes place either on the ferry or inside an island motel room.

Below is a list of the Festival’s eight plays and their writers, directors and actors.  You’re sure to find a friend or two on the list:

On the ferry

A Private Place by Ed Strum; directed by Ernest Pugh – Two people keep the zest in their relationship alive
Tom – Dorian Oliver; Meg – Lisa Moretti

A Clearer View, written and directed by Chris DeStaffany
-Frank tries to persuade his friend to run for public office
Bob – John Jensen; Frank – Chris DeStaffany

High Seas Infants by Jennifer Beck Furber; directed by Merritt Olsen – A typical day on the interisland in a ‘monster’ storm
Emily – Penelope Haskew; Sophie – Chiara Elizabeth Haskew Power; George – Dick Coffey; Walter – Dennis Pratt; Ferry Worker – Duvie Dow

Mary’s on the Ferry by Don Pollard; directed by Jane Maxwell Campbell – An overheard cell phone conversation: “Can you hear me now?”
Larry – Greg Hertel; Carey – Pam Gillette

The Rock by Jim and Jan Zurcher; directed by Ed Wilson
-A mini musical about dreams for the future
The Boys – Steven Moore and Doug Schirmer; The Girl – Elizabeth Schubert; The Man – Greg Swinford; The Woman – Yvonne Buijs-Mancuso

In a motel room: Three VERY unusual relationship crises

Moving On by Cinda Pierce; directed by Jane Maxwell Campbell
Robert – Dorian Oliver; Amanda – Elizabeth Anderson

The Retreat by Ernest Pugh; directed by Katrina Thatcher
Tom – Keith Keyser; Avis – Stephanie Prima-Sarantopulos

A Glimmer of Hope by Sharon Lannan; directed by Gretchen Gubelman
Emily – Amanda Smith; Jason – Johnny Pachivas
Larry – Dorian Oliver; Marcy – Elizabeth Schubert
Preacher – Pete Dawson

Last night all the noise you heard coming from the Rumor Mill were folks who were excited about Andi Zaehring's 65th birthday, including husband Dan. Happy birthday, Andi!

Maybe on YOUR island nothing’s going on…here all kinds of things are happening:

Kirk & Chris left yesterday morning for a month-long trip to Australia...

• The IMA (Island Museum of Art) folks were rather abruptly moved when the building they were in, next to Friday Harbor House, was discovered to be historical, so it got moved to American Camp three months ago. They were briefly over next to the fitness club, and now are setting up camp in the old Dominique’s/Be Chic spot next to the Little Store. More details about all that, soon…

• All the basketball you’d ever want: The Friday Harbor boys (9-1 in league) whumped Darrington on Saturday, while the girls (7-2) lost to the unbeaten league-leaders.

This was the sign outside Christy's Hair Salon...you might want to check in.

Now they play today, Friday, Saturday, and Monday before heading to the playoffs midweek next week, with Friday’s games the only away games. See you at the gym!

• I hear the food co-op is going to re-open in their new spot in the same building as Bakery San Juan this month…the move has been smooth & they’re nearly ready.

Meanwhile, the Farmers’ Market is this weekend at the high school from 10am-1pm. See you there!

• It was cool to see & hear that the Hyak has been painted. While they’re at it…when I was on the BC Ferries last week, I noticed they have really cool video game rooms, including Guitar Hero.

Think about it.

• There’s a new art show at Lavendera Spa – they’re featuring Kristy Gjesme. Her prints and paintings are up and they are gorgeous. Go and check it out.

It was awesome too hear Ian (left), Debbie, Tom & Steve at last Saturday's acoustic jam at the Rumor Mill. Photo by Donna Dyer (thanks, Donna!)

Jesse giving Heather a backrub....

I’m pretty sure there are more dogs on this island per human capita than any other island around, except maybe Orcas…and most of the dogs here are above average in most things. The following video features Jesse, who it would be great to have as a roommate, since he does dishes, windows, and much more.

Check him out:

Hot off the press: Mark & Jeanine's book "Marriage Works" is now available at Griffin Bay Bookstore, San Juan Holistic Healthcare, and other places.

When you want to make sure things are running smoothly, you gotta go to the experts. Jeanine and Mark Earnhart drew from their forty years of being married to write a new book called Marriage Works.

The new book....

I asked Jeanine a little about where the just-released book came from:

We’re really excited to finally have the book finished in time for Valentine’s day…a good gift for a partner!

We’ve been working on the book, off and on, for years. We have seen so many of our friends and families go through divorces that might have been avoided with the use of some good marriage tools. Having gone through our own highs and lows over forty plus years, we wanted to share what worked for us during those times, in hopes that others could benefit and maybe avoid getting into trouble.

You can get a copy at Griffin Bay Books, San Juan Holistic Healthcare, Create Space, and Amazon (search: marriage book Earnhart).

The book’s description tells a little more:

Forty years of marriage have provided this couple with valuable information to share with others. Their book encourages couples to talk about the kind of marriage they would like to have, as well as providing the tools for achieving that purpose. The Earnharts’ book is encouraging for couples who want to develop and maintain a loving and long lasting marriage.

Jeanine and Mark share their personal experiences, as well of those of others and provide tools that have helped them along the way. In forty years time, their marriage has experienced ups and downs, like most relationships. Over the years, they have developed tools that have helped them keep their lines of communication open and enabled them to respond to the challenges as they arose. Written in a workbook form, the readers have the opportunity to evaluate their own marriage, take notes and create a well thought-out interaction with their partner. Whether you are newlyweds just starting out, or have been married several years and need a booster, MARRIAGE WORKS is the place to start.

Hovering above the ferry, above the busy manmade world...the photo was shot a couple of summers ago, but she's still free....

“When despair for the world grows in me, and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be – I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.

“I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought or grief. I come into the presence of still water. And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light.

“For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.”
Wendell Berry

Kiana goes every year with her dad Fred...

I was lucky to get asked to dj the first Father/Daughter Dance six years ago, and it has been great to see the event (and the kids!) grow over the years – here’s a portfolio of last year’s dance and the proud papas & their girls. Now it’s coming up again, next week on Friday the 11th…but you’ll want to get your tickets early! Here’s the scoop from Rebecca:

Island Rec’s 6th Annual Father-Daughter Dance is on Friday, February 11th from 7-9pm at the Mullis Center. The dance is open to girls and women of all ages accompanied by their father or significant male figure in their life.

Tickets are $20 per couple in advance or $25 at the door ($6 for additional daughter. Delicious appetizers and desserts will be provided by Vinny’s Ristorante. Each girl will receive a corsage and keepsake photo to take home. You can purchase a ticket online or stop by the Island Rec office. For more information about the dance, please contact Rebecca at 378-4953.

Sakya Kachod Choling Buddhist Retreat Center, "The Gonpa"

San Juan Island’s Tibetan Buddhist Retreat Center

Did you know there is a Tibetan Buddhist Retreat center on San Juan Island?

Yes, tucked away up on the top of Mount Dallas amid mossy knolls and misty woods, Sakya Kachod Choling center has been quietly offering retreats and teachings since 1986. The center is under the direction of Her Eminence Sakya Jetsun Chimey Luding Rinpoche, a Tibetan Lama whose teachings are sought throughout the world.

Her Eminence Sakya Jetsun Chimey Luding Rinpoche

Through most of the year the center is open to the public on Sunday afternoons from 1:30 to 2:30 for an hour of meditation punctuated with short inspiring readings.

Also, when longer group retreats are not in session (most of the year), private retreats are available.

You do not have to be a Buddhist to come to Sunday meditation or take a private retreat at the center. Anyone needing some quiet time in an environment conducive to reflection or study can benefit from a stay at “the Gonpa.”

For more information and directions call 378-4059 or go to: Sakya Kachod Choling Tibetan Buddhist Retreat Center.

Thrinley, the Center's Caretake

Bill's excited about Zumba!

Bill Ament says Zumba classes are catching on – and wants you to check ’em out. Here’s the info from his poster:

Zumba with Dynamo Dancer & Teacher Bill Ament
Zumba is a Latin-inspired fitness program, a party-like atmosphere, “exercise in disguise.” Great music, steps, moves and lots of energy. It’s easy because it is designed for everyone, at any fitness level. You don’t have to be a dancer. It is cardio-based with resistance/sculpting training to tone the entire body.
D a n c e W o r k s h o p II
Tuesday & Thursday Mornings: 7:45-8:45am
Tuesday & Thursday Evenings: 5:30-6:30pm

G r a n g e  H a l l
Monday Evenings: 5:30-6:30pm (this class only at Grange Hall)

Monday: 3:15-4:15pm – NEW! TEEN ZUMBA • Starts January 10th At DANCE WORKSHOP II
(Please call to pre-register for this class only)

Cost: $8 Drop-In • Punch Cards: $28/4 Classes $52/8 Classes $72/12 Classes

Testimonials from Zumba Students: Continue Reading

From nothing...something.

What do you do when nothing happens?

Felt like that last week for a bit – there didn’t seem to be much to report, the way we usually do. Thought about just posting that: Nothing happened today, baby. Sorry ’bout that. See ya tomorrow.

What was great was that stuff did happen. It was just kinda quiet.

Most of the island got up & went to work, and worked pretty hard. Kids went to school, and most of ’em listened & got into & learned stuff. People went to the store & got food to eat, or got it out of the pantry, and hardly anyone went to bed hungry. Folks created wood things & sculptures & glass things & rehearsed to put on shows around here. They wrote & drew & sang. A lot of people went outside to play, some went inside.

A person needs twelve hugs a day to be healthy, and a bunch of islanders worked on that.

I checked: Not much happened on the ferry.

The ferries ran on time, and people came to relax here.

Dogs wagged their tails and cats sat in laps & mamas & papas played with their kids. The ones who didn’t made plans to do it the next day.

So I reckon something happened, and that’s all right.

Hope you’re making it happen today.

Peace surround you & light up your days,
Brother Ian

FHHS senior Maverick Blake has a near pin against Nooksack Valley last weekend. Photo by Ray Sheffer.

The Friday Harbor Wolverines hosted their final regular season meet this past weekend at Hall Gym, and the results left Coach Neil MacDiarmid and assistants Travis Berwald and John Gossom optimistic heading into this weekend’s district tourney.

The team is anchored by seniors Maverick Blake (152), Shawn Cutting (160), and Cody West (189), all of whom are expected to do well next weekend. Junior Willy Dunn stands a good chance of returning to state, as he did last year, and Neil says freshmen Andrew Tuomi (103), Carson Brown (145), and Sam I Bold (160), sophs Marquis Napier (125) and Tate Brumsickle (152), and junior Brandon Melin (189) could surprise people.

On the girls’ side, senior Kia Johns (130) has had a good year, and will be FHHS’ sole female representative in the tournament.

The deal: this weekend it’s the district tournament, with regionals the following weekend to determine who goes to state.

Team meeting: That's Coach Travis Berwald holding up Maverick Blake, helped by Shawn Cutting (center), Head Coach Neil MacDiarmid, and Cody West (right), with Brandon Melin (far left) and Willy Dunn (back) in the background. Photo by Ray Sheffer.

Maverick & Cody (foreground) cheer on Tate Brumsickle during his match Saturday. Photo by Ian Byington.

Found on the beach....

Don’t know why you should quit buying things that come in plastic bottles? Watch this.

You know why, but need to get fires up about it? Watch this.

You already quit, but need to explain why to your friends? Watch this.

Hey, housemates!

Well, it looks like I have plenty of room in the house since everyone’s away to school….are you looking for a place? Here’s the deal – I have a smaller room (two of ’em) for $500/month + utilities, or a bigger one with its own bathroom ($700). They’re furnished (or not), and we’ll share the laundry, living room, kitchen, and another bathroom & internet connection. In town but kind of secluded. Check it out – give me a call at 378-7275 & let’s see if it’ll work.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Cheers,

Ian