Sunday, February 24, 2013

R and R

(Rationalize and Revitalize)

     Do you need an excuse to get away for a weekend?  Leave behind the hustle and bustle of your daily routine, and take some time for yourself?  Boy, have I got the ultimate rationalization for you!  What better excuse to escape to the beautiful Orcas Island than for the purposes of learning?  It’s the perfect reason to duck out of your monotonous routine and pick up some fresh and revitalizing knowledge. 

     The Orcas Center has arranged a four part Spring 2013 Crossroads Lecture Series, with a variety of topics. 

     The first lecture (March 10, 2013 2:00 pm @ Orcas Center) is one presented by John& Julie Gottman, entitled “Making Love Last.”  In this tantalizing presentation surrounding the mysterious ways of the heart, John and Julie will answer the curious questions that we as humans often wonder about.  Where does love come from?  Why does love last, or fade?  How can I better understand the sometimes finicky acts of the one I love?  The Gottmans will provide insight as to how to develop a secure, and fulfilling bond with your significant other.

     The second installment of this fascinating series is a presentation by Tim Walsh entitled “Earthquake and Tsunami Risks in the San Juan Islands,” (Sunday April 7, 2013 2:00 pm @ Orcas Center).   Personally, I have always wondered what would happen to these islands in the event of an earthquake and/or tsunami.  Would the islands just disappear under the devastating insurgence of water and earth?  How can I protect myself and my family as a resident here?  What effect would an earthquake have on the geography of the islands?  Are the San Juan Islands the next Atlantis – beauty swallowed up by Davy Jones ’s locker?  I’m sure Mr. Walsh will clarify all these questions and more during his lecture. 

     Greg Anderson will speak about saving vanishing languages on Wednesday May 1, 2013 at 5:00 pm at the Emmanuel Episcopal Parish Hall.  Vanishing languages are a social issue that is not widely addressed in the 21st century.  While Anderson will be speaking as to how we can recognize and acknowledge the global language extinction, he will also address what we can do in our local area to preserve the languages that have built our stories and conversations into what they are today.  I would love to hear about what I can do to save our languages from the chat speak, “lol omg lyk lets g0 2 da lake 2day” crises that afflicts the younger generations already. 

     Bringing the Spring 2013 lecture series to a close will be Sallie Tisdale, and she will be presenting the pros and cons of international charity on Sunday May 12, 2013 at 2:00 pm at the Orcas Center.   Tisdale will speak on what people need, who we help when we donate, and what actually works in the most helpful way.  She will touch on ways to know that our personal foreign aid is actually making a difference.  This lecture would be useful in figuring out which charities to promote, and which may just be scamming you for your hard earned dollar. 

     Overall, this Spring 2013 proves to be a grand selection of presentations on many topics that will fascinate and stimulate the brain.  And the best part is, before and after the lectures – you can enjoy the beauties of Orcas Island, still keeping in mind the rationalization that you came to learn.  Pack up that backpack with just the essentials bring your worries and questions – you’ll leave with a lighter load of knowledge and recuperation from the daily dull. 

Rationalize these Rates!

Special Offer from Eastsound Landmark Inn

     When you reserve your educational environment here at the Eastsound Landmark Inn, we will give you a 5% discount on your condo rate!  Just mention that you are attending the applicable part in the lecture series. 

     Please give us a call at 1 (800) 622-4758 or send us an email at manager@landmarkinn.net for further booking information!

     Keep moving forward!

Monday, February 18, 2013


A Midsummer Spring Night’s Dream on Orcas Island
 
     Orcas Island is often referred to as the “Island for the Arts.”  This title is indeed well earned, and a prime example of the grand support of the arts is the 2nd Annual Orcas Island Shakespeare Festival.  The weekend following Shakespeare’s historical “ides of March,” is when the festival will take place.  Festivities will begin on Friday March 22nd and continue through March 23rd. 

     This Shakespearian weekend will bring out the romantic tragedy in each of us.  Costumed or not, you will see a love-struck Romeo and Juliet dining together at a local eatery (perhaps Allium?), enjoying a delectable themed meal.  Puck will be mischievously poking about in craft central (Moon Glow Arts & Crafts), or popping in and out of the many eccentric shops throughout downtown Eastsound.  Youthful faeries will be dancing about in their faerie dresses and wings (check out Kizmit for your own!).  You may pass by the Village Green and witness the power struggle over the Roman Empire, warriors clad in the armor and weaponry of the Elizabethan time period.  Shakespeare’s more sensual types may tend to wander towards Kathryn Taylor Chocolates in order to escape the worries of the world, and delve into the pleasure of local, handmade chocolates.  Those who fancy themselves to be their own version of Shakespeare may take pleasure in perching on the shoreline of Eastsound Waterfront County Park.    

     Prepare yourself for a weekend of immersion in the world of William Shakespeare.  There will be opportunities for each of us to experience the lasting extravagance that Shakespeare contributed to our past and present.  Below is a listing of the events that will be occurring over this exciting weekend.  Come one, come all, and partake in the joyous celebration of the Elizabethan times!  Please keep in mind that events and locations are subject to change – but unlike Romeo & Juliet’s poor timing and communication…we will make sure to keep you up to date!

Thursday, March 21st
·         Dinner with the Players @ Sazio (6:30 pm)
 
Friday, March 22nd
·         Seattle Shakespeare Company school ‘stage combat’ workshop (10:00 am)
·         School performance of Julius Caesar at Orcas Center (1:00 pm)
·         Seattle Shakespeare Company adult ‘stage combat’ workshop (4:30 pm)

Saturday, March 23rd
·         Eastsound Street Theater begins at 10:00 am (more details to follow)
Events to be included may be music and stage performances of the period
·         Reception at Orcas Center (6:30 pm)
·         Seattle Shakespeare Company performance of Julius Caesar at Orcas Center (8 pm)
 

Hear ye, hear ye!

Special Offer from the Eastsound Landmark Inn


     Let it be known, we have tickets to see the Seattle Shakespeare Company’s performance of Julius Caesar at the Orcas Center! 

     Whosoever should be in our establishment for this jolly weekend extravaganza will be gifted two (2) tickets per reservation for this performance.  Ticket availability is limited.

     Should your heart feel a pitter-patter at this grand opportunity, please give us a call at 1 (800) 622-4758 or send us an email at manager@landmarkinn.net for further booking information!

     Until then, I bid you adieu sweet folk!