Confessions of this Shopaholic: I forgot how lovely it is to browse a store and buy something based on a whim. Is that a strange thing? If so, it's strange and awesome. I had a recent visit to the San Juans, specifically Orcas Island, even more specifically, Eastsound Village, which is one of the most charming, adorable towns EVAR. It's become a regular summertime visit for me and on my recent trip to Eastsound, I had more time to browse about and it was mah-velous, dahling.
 

This Bird has often been told, "Get an Etsy shop." And guess what? I still don't have one. But I am very pleased to say that the Magpie's love of crafting handmade notecards has not gone unnoticed and am very fortunate to now have a local Washington shop selling some cute food-themed cards! Look out, Hallmark, here comes the Magpie! 

If you find yourself on Orcas Island, in the lovely Pacific Northwestern land of Washingtonia (not far from Portlandia), stop into the town of Eastsound and head to Lily, a shop of sweet, savory and total local charm. It's an ice cream shop that will likely have a line of visitors leading into their ice cream-bannered door, eager to try the sweet flavors of ice cream locally made by Lopez Island Creamery, or a lunchtime treat of hand-rolled sushi. Lily is like a transplanted bit of Aloha, from one island to another, as owner Lisa Nakamura is from Hawaii and this is like so many snack shops there, offering a mix of local treats. 

I was very blessed to be given a little spot to show off my Bento Notecards, which, much like Lily, is a little bit of Aloha, by way of Washington. Original illustrations of happy Hawaiian-themed food include shave ice, wontons in soup, the must have two scoops of rice and mac-salad, and yes -- Spam musubi. But it's a smiling, friendly Spam musubi! Packets of notecards are now available at the shop, so if you happen to be in the area, do stop by and take a peek. I guarantee you won't be able to leave without a big scoop of ice cream on a waffle cone. And you can get some notecards and write a cute letter to a friend telling them they should visit Orcas Island! 


Jaunty Fine Print:  cards and photos by Denise Sakaki

 

On a recent visit to Orcas Island and taking oh... about a gazillion photos, this Bird was struck at how fortunate we are to live in an area that truly embraces each season. Maybe it was because I lived in places like California and Arizona, where the temperatures change, but you don't get dramatic transformation in your surroundings quite like you do in the Pacific Northwest. Spring was most certainly in the air on Orcas, walking through the charming town of Eastsound, and driving through the picturesque valleys of the inland countryside. Even though the bright green of life returning to the land was starting to bloom, I couldn't help but think of how this beautiful place will transform with every season, becoming just as unique and beautiful as it is now. I hope you J'adore this beautiful set of haiku by Japanese poet, Matsuo Basho. They celebrate the divine details hidden in each season, making you stop and take a moment to savor every breath of the day.

Spring:
A hill without a name
Veiled in morning mist.


The beginning of autumn:
Sea and emerald paddy
Both the same green.


The winds of autumn
Blow: yet still green
The chestnut husks.


A flash of lightning:
Into the gloom
Goes the heron’s cry.

Jaunty Fine Print:  photos by Denise Sakaki