Heartwood on Orcas Island

2011 ~ Welcome to our 16th Season!

For more than sixteen seasons Heartwood House has 'held space' for wedding parties, family reunions, parties, Leadership San Juan Island cohort gatherings, board retreats and honeymoons. For many years, this classic island post-and-beam home has hummed with love, laughter and light. We adore how this "Lady Heartwood" loves getting "dressed for the party". So many memories are held within these walls now and we feel honored to have been the special venue for so many family celebrations and important gatherings.

As we begin our 17th season, we have made a few changes. We are renting Heartwood House to groups of no more than 8 guests, and will now permit up to two of your canine pals to come on vacation with you (with additional pet fees).

Our Summer 2012 stays run from Sunday-to-Sunday, and we have a weekly rate of $2975, plus taxes. The weekly rate includes cleaning upon departure.

New this season, we are offering shorter stays.

Four (4) nights during the week (Sunday til Thursday or Monday til Friday) book for $1800, plus taxes and a cleaning fee of $125.

Our 3 Day Summer Weekend (Fri/Sat/Sun) is $1875, plus taxes and $125 cleaning fee.

The 4 Day Wedding Weekend (Thursday-Monday) is $2200, plus taxes and $125 cleaning fee.

You can check availability at our calendar on VRBO 32988.

Retreats and Reunions at Heartwood House

If you are a Retreat Facilitator, we look forward to working with you in 2012. We can work with you to accommodate intimate retreats for a facilitator and 4 guests, on up to 16 participants with facilitators staying at Heartwood and participants accommodated at The Outlook Inn, a 10 minute walk to Eastsound. We can arrange the accommodations, reservations for activities and bodywork, coordinate catering services, freeing you to market and lead your island retreat with ease. Please call Gretchen at 360-317-8220 to discuss your dates and requirements.

We continue to offer Heartwood House as the Gathering Space for your retreat or family reunion. There is a weekly Gathering Fee, for up to 25 guests, and details can be found on our VBRO link.

The healing, restorative and recreational offerings available in our community, held in natural splendor of Moran State Park, on the water and enjoying the ease of island-life are brilliant offerings for our clients. We are delighted to continue sharing Heartwood on Orcas in this manner.

We look forward to collaborating with island entrepreneurs and service providers as we develop personal retreats, family reunions, wedding gatherings and island experiences. Like kayaking with Shearwater or whalewatching with Deer Harbor Charters. Hiking, biking, sailing, swimming and enjoying the many artistic and culinary delights make your Orcas Island stay your most rewarding vacation every.

Discover why National Geographic, The New York Times and Sunset Magazine have named the San Juan Islands THE place to visit in 2011.

For more information, availability and to make a reservation, give Gretchen a call at 360.317.8220.

 

 

The Creative Core of a Woman Retreat

:: The Creative Core of a Woman ::

A Women’s Retreat & Workshop on Orcas Island

The Maya Way ~ An introduction to The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy™

“The Creative Core of a Woman” is an invitation to join a special group of interesting women, healers, coaches, artists and entrepreneurs who are coming together for three days of renewing
self-care, creativity and conversation in a nurturing setting on beautiful Orcas Island. This Retreat and Hands-on-Health workshop manifests a longtime vision and will be co-led by
Loretta Young and Ishell Neville, Certified Practitioners of the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massages, and host/facilitator Gretchen Krampf.

Inspired by the traditional healing therapy of the Maya, this Hands-On Health workshop will guide women into a deeper connection with the core of their being. The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy™ and Spiritual Healing are inspired by traditional Maya healing techniques. The techniques were developed by Dr. Rosita Arvigo based on her apprenticeship with the Maya healer Don Elijio Panti and her own education, training, and research as a naprathic physician. The techniques work to restore the body to its natural balance by correcting the position of organs that have shifted and restrict the flow of blood, lymph,nerve & chi energy. Participants will learn holistic self-care techniques which focus on the core, addressing digestive and reproductive
systems, and help to restore balance physically, emotionally and spiritually

The Retreat, limited to thirteen participants, is being held at Heartwood House, a beautiful waterview post & beam home in Eastsound, the main village on Orcas Island, Gem of the San Juan Islands. You will be nurtured with Guided Meditation, Yoga-based movement, a Full Moon Drum Circle and delicious meals using fresh, locally-sourced produce and prepared with loving care and effort made to accommodate special dietary needs. The Heron Garden welcomes you to renew your
Spirit in the sauna and hot tub.Restorative and creative time is built into our time together,
shared as a Circle of Women on beautiful Orcas Island. You are encouraged to
spend time on Orcas before and after the Retreat. Accommodations are available at The Outlook
Inn, with a special room rate for retreat participants.

Please plan to arrive on island and check into your accommodations before coming to Heartwood House. Ferries from Anacortes sail at 12:30 and 4PM. Ferries from Friday Harbor sail at 2:15PM.

::THE RETREAT::

Sunday, September 11^th

Retreat participants are asked to arrive by 5:30 PM at Heartwood House. Loretta will present “Maya Abdominal Therapy :: An Introductory Talk for the Community” from 6:00 - 7:00 PM.

“Our Creative Core of a Women Retreat” begins with an Opening Circle, followed by a Light Supper at 7:30pm. We will conclude our first evening together at 10:00pm.

Monday, September 12^th

Monday morning begins with an optional Core Meditation and Movement Circle at 8:00am, followed by several hours of free time for you to explore Orcas Island, delight in the galleries in Eastsound, get out on the trails for a hike, take an excursion by kayak, go whale watching or enjoy a healing massage treatment. Some activities require pre-registration and incur additional fees.

Monday afternoon, Our Circle will be called at 3:00pm, with the first half of the Hands-On-Health workshop presentation. We will share a Soup & Salad Supper at 7:30pm, followed by an evening Full Moon Drumming Circle and time in the sauna and hot tub.

Tuesday, September 13^th

Our day begins with Core Meditation and Movement Circle at 7:00 am, followed by Continental Breakfast until 8:30. The second half of the Hands-on-Health workshop complete the morning, followed by luncheon. We will share an afternoon Creative Core SoulCollage® Circle before closing our time together by 3:45 PM. Ferries depart for Anacortes at 5:35p and 8:45p and for Friday Harbor at 4:25p and 7:05p

::TEACHERS, HEALERS & LEADERS::

Loretta Young LMT RYT, is a licensed massage therapistin New York City with a specialized focus on Women's Health & Wellness. In addition to being a body worker and educator in the holistic healing community for over 10 years, she is also a Certified Arvigo Therapy Practitioner & Self-Care Teacher, a Registered Yoga Teacher, and S Factor Instructor. Ms. Young's practice, The Art of Bodywork,
promotes an experience to learn, understand and evolve organically. The emphasis is placed upon supporting and empowering each person to realize and recognize their potential and their active role in the process towards healing. This methodology incorporates fusing various techniques to develop a unique individual path towards achieving balance in body, mind and spirit. Bodywork therapies range from Deep Tissue to Relaxation Massage; specializations include Arvigo Maya Abdominal Therapy
focusing on digestive and reproductive organs, CranioSacral Therapy and Somato-Emotional Release, Pre & PostNatal Massage, Aromatherapy, and Reiki.

Ishell Neville, LMT, is a licensed massage therapist, Birth Doula and a Certified Practitioner of the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massages. She specialized in women's health, pre and post- natal care, labor support and Whole Foods Nutrition. Ishell is co-founder of Red Tent Seattle, an online referral network of practitioners who specialize in women's health.

Gretchen Mary Krampf, MSOD, PCC is recognized as a catalyst for positive, proactive change, guiding individuals to create personal and professional success in their lives, families and organizations. A lifelong student of human potential, Gretchen is an ICF-certified coach, facilitator, business consultant and entrepreneur with more than thirty five years experience designing and delivering impactful programs and retreats for women. Heartwood on Orcas is her home and has been a
center for inspired living, hosting Women’s Wisdom Circles, Moon Lodges, community gatherings and family celebrations since 1989.

::PROFESSIONAL CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS::

The Arvigo Institute is approved to provide 7 CE Hours through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) and is a continuing education Approved Provider Acupuncture: NCAAOM Hands on Health the Maya Way: 7 PDA Points, NCCAOM # ACHB 726-004

::RETREAT FEES & REGISTRATION::

In order to support individual learning and sharing, registration is limited. The Retreat fee is $350, if registered and paid by August 15^th, or $395 after. This fee includes eight (8) hours of The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy™ training and CE certificates; dinners on Sunday and Monday evenings, lunches on Monday and Tuesday and breakfast on Tuesday; Circles, Core Movement, Creative Activities, Workshop Materials and use of facilities at Heartwood House.

Travel to Orcas Island, Guest Accommodations, certain activities and massage fees are additional and require reservations.

Registration and Release Forms

::ACCOMODATIONS::

The Outlook Inn is offering special rates and must be booked directly at 360.376.2200
before August 30th: http://www.outlookinn.com/

::TRAVEL TO ORCAS ISLAND :: Directions to Heartwood will be sent upon completed registration

• If driving from Portland, Seattle
  or Vancouver, BC area, take I-5 to Anacortes, WA the Washington State Ferry. http://www.wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/
• 
  $45.30 Car & Driver (RT)
• 
  $11.50 Passenger (RT)
• You can rent a car and drive to Anacortes, WA (see directions above) to catch a WA State Ferry http://www.wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/to
  Orcas Island
• Take the Airporter Shuttle http://www.airporter.com/ from SeaTac and walk on the ferry. You will pay the Passenger Fare (above) and
  will need to arrange transportation* from the ferry landing into Eastsound.
• Fly to Orcas on Kenmore Air http://www.kenmoreair.com/ from Seattle or San Juan Air from Bellingham http://www.sanjuanairlines.com/
• *Transfer from ferry landing, airport or floatplane dock to The Outlook Inn: Orcas
  Island Taxi: 360-376-6668/298-1639

For additional information about planning your travel to Orcas Island, contact Gretchen at 360.317.8220 or by email at gretchen.mary.krampf@gmail.com

Island Style 4th of July

I love Orcas Island's celebration of the 4th of July.  The 2010 fesitivities include the parade on Saturday, July 3rd and fireworks on July 4th. 

 

After the parade, join the celebration in the Village Green, with the Farmer's Market and Orcas Historical Museum events, booths and good fun.  

 

We'll be watching the fireworks from the waterfront deck at Allium, Lisa Nakamura's hot new restaurant in Eastsound. Another great place to settle in for great food, libations and fireworks is at The New Leaf Cafe in the Outlook Inn.   Reservations are a must!

 

The Lion's Club will host its Annual Salmon Barbeque and there will be fireworks on Indian Island. 

Times and places can be found on the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce calendar.  

 

It's a great day to celebrate living in this incredible place in America.  May we find a way to create peace and open communication with our Lummi community to re-envision Madrona Point as a gathering for all.

A New Entrance to Heartwood House

It's an exciting time at Heartwood House.  Our Summer 2009 Season has begun with weekend visitors, Annie, Brian and Samantha Crovo.  Annie was just 5 years old the first time she entered Heartwood.  Now she comes back with her husband and daughter, their friends and  their children.  Time passes quickly.

Our big project these past few weeks has been taking off the worn front deck and building a new entrance to Heartwood House.  Matthew Mahar, Green Horizons and STEM Creative Space has been the lead on designing our new entry.  Michael and James Parker have poured time and talent into creating this beautiful space.

The Bite of Orcas

Yesterday was a gorgeous launch to Summer 2009 on Orcas Island.  It was the annual "Bite of Orcas" in the Village Green.  This is a fundraising (friends~raising is more like it!) food festival featuring restaurants and caterers from around the island.  

The beneficiary of all this fun is Wolf Hollow, our islands' wildlife sanctuary.  Their good works are featured in articles like this in the Island's Sounder.

Great noshes from The Orcas Village Store and The Outlook Inn, as well as Roses Bakery and Cafe, Bilbo's Festivo and The Deer Harbor Inn.

Better yet, seeing our Island's Farmers' Market in full flourish.  The summer season has begun!

Living in Community

Living in the Salish Sea is a great gift...and a responsibility.  We are part of a community and called forth to be creative, collaborative and in our connections we are building a new world.  I spent time today with a "city friend" who was extolling the virtues of the Farmers Market in a suburban zipcode.  I listened to her excitement about witnessing community and her appreciation of buying food "from the source". I suggested she read The Omnivore's Dilemma.

Living on Orcas, I value the rich resources we share, the fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers and fun our community encounters at Saturday Farmers Market in Eastsound.  Amerika is "waking up" to what we, as a community, appreciate all spring, summer and fall.   

It is wonderful to live on an island that loves its lifestyle and does all it can to celebrate and protect what makes us unique.

Orcas Island is a jewel...let's love her well.

Two new Orca calves sighted in the San Juans

Hello Everyone,

 

Good news from the Orca Network (www.orcanetwork.org).  Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research (www.whaleresearch.com) has confirmed that during the brief visit here of the Southern residents two weeks ago, two newborn calves were sighted, one with J pod and the other with L pod. The moms are not confirmed at this time.

 

If these little ones survive the population would be up to 85 whales. Let's hope for the best.

 

Tom Averna

Deer Harbor Charters

 

The Light Returns

It's a beautiful Saturday morning here on the island. The sun is shining brightly and I can see how much grit there is on Heartwood's windows. But washing windows will have to wait.  I am delighted to see about 2 inches of emerging life on the iris and daffodil bulbs. We are moving toward the light!

Monday,February 2nd is Candlemas/Imbolc or Groundhog's Day of you live in the US. From my We'Moon calendar, "at Candlemas, awakening begins and the return to light seems assured.  Energies within the earth, as well as the physical body, begin to gently pulsate as the days lengthen and out hopes turn to spring.  Traditionally a time of transformation and initiation, Candlemas bring "big dreams" and a raised vibration. Sap rises, trees bud and agricultural people everywhere look to nature for the omens that might tell them whether to plant their crops early or late this year."

After the harsh winter weather Paul and I just experienced in Toronto this past week, I don't think I'll ever complain about the Pacific Northwest again. We were in Toronto for an Authentic Leader workshop and being up north, I was quickly reminded what growing up in Olean, NY was like.  The snow begins to fall in late October, accumulating into high drifts along the road and parking lots, until the thaw begins in late March and the muddy season moves in.  Life goes on...schools stay open and work continues.  Here on Orcas, we may have an occasional wind or snow storm and life slows down for 3-4 days, then it blows out, melts down and disappears.  

January has been a busy month for us on Orcas.  

We have launched Orcas and San Juan Island Biznik  communities with two events featuring Biznik co-founders Lara Eve Feltin and Dan McComb presenting on the impact of social networks and Web 2.0. Biznik offers members an online presence and supports in-person networking events. Biznik is an innovative community for entrepreneurs and start ups.  Lots of great articles and insights to help you grow your business.  As the San Juan Islands' Ambassador for Biznik, I will be working with island entrepreneurs and supporting monthly Biznik events that will help us build our networks. 

I have been a member of the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce as a Realtor and with Heartwood House as a vacation rental.  The Chamber puts together an annual map of the island and sends out a weekly Blast of events and activities.   

It's really not an Either/Or...rather, a BOTH/AND. Island business people will benefit from participating in BOTH venues as our island economy relies on our communities and customers, clients and guests who come from across the world, and the globe.   

Leadership San Juan Islands Class V launched with a retreat at Heartwood House last weekend.  There are twenty in this cohort, our first full enrollment.  What an excellent time we shared with a wide array of island leaders.  There's a broad range of ages and experiences present, great diversity and enthusiasm.  LSJI is about community leadership and as a learning community, this cohort is stellar.

Consider coming to Heartwood House for your next retreat.  It's a great venue for business teams and boards to come together and do good work. Paul and I, through Process Experts, can design and facilitate convenings, visioning and team development processes for up to twenty in plenary and breakout sessions. Overnight accommodations are arranged for participants (private or shared) at The Outlook Inn, The Landmark Inn or Smuggler's Villa.  

We are accepting bookings for Summer 2009 at Heartwood House.  We will be renting for only 11 weeks this summer, beginning June 29th until September 14th, 2009.  This year we are renting from Monday-to-Monday to make it easier for our guests hosting or attending weekend weddings and celebrations.  If you are planning a wedding, anniversary or family reunion, we have the capacity to sleep 8-12 guests and entertain up to 30.  We have tables, chairs, linens, placesettings, serving and glassware and onsite catering to make your intimate celebration special.  There is an additional fee for events and we are delighted to work with you to make everything perfect.  Call us at 360-317-8220 for more information.

Heading off to enjoy this glorious afternoon on Orcas Island.  We are blessed to live among such amazing natural wonder.  Looking forward to sharing more about our island life with you soon.

The first day of winter

Sunny skies this morning... and six more inches on the ground.

Silent...white...merry & bright...  it's a Winter Wonderland!

Celebrating the Solstice

Last Sunday it was cold, with just a light dusting of snow on the grass and roofs.  Leaving the island for Seattle, the roads have gotten icy.  It's been snowing for a week now.  When it began, the snow was dry and sharp.  Temperatures have been in the 20's and roads have been icy and not well plowed. 

Last evening it got warmer, moving into the low 30's.  We woke up this morning to about 6" of soft, puffy snow.  Mt. Constitution looks like it's been dusted with confectioner's sugar.  Steel colored water and heavy clouds complete the scene. 

We are going off on Tuesday to see Annie, Brian and Samantha in Bellingham.  Lots more white stuff up there and Samantha, now two and a half, loves getting outside to play. Every day is a new adventure with Sammie.

I will capture a photo of the ferry landing with a week's worth of snow.  Wonder if it will linger for the 25th.

It's the Solstice on Orcas!

I have made some new friends this weekend.  All this snow has made it difficult for the small birds fluttering about the lilac bushes.  There they are, lighting on our deck, scratching for food.  Paul and I came back  from the hardware store with bird seed, a feeder and a suet feeder and Heartwood's deck has become the best table in town!  There are wrens and what look like robins...I need to get a book to discover who's coming for breakfast.  Good thing there aren't any cats nearby to bother them.  Paul placed a flattened cardboard box on the ledge, with seed on top.  It's been quite a party for them as they flutter in for lunch. 

Late this afternoon I walked into Eastsound  with a friend for a Solstice meditation at Ama Tara  .  Stacy Lutz is a gifted healer, offering acupuncture and massage at her beautiful office.  There were six of us who braved the weather to sit in circle for an hour.  It was warm and wonderful to share time together in the richness of this blessed space, chanting the Isa Mantra.

Isa Mantra

Aum

Jesu Christaya

Paramatmane

Purusha

Avatara ye

Swaha

Walking back from town, Martha and I heard bells ringing and carols being sung at Emmanuel Episcopal Church  and joined in.  Celebrating the season in our community fills my heart with what most important.  Walking back in the swirling snow, as holiday lights glow in the snowy shrubs, I am full of gratitude for the simple things that mean so much. Family and friends, good health, a warm hearth and warm hearts.

Blessings to you and yours on this, the shortest day of the year.  Tomorrow we begin to move back into the light once more.