Island Thoughts Deux

Meeting People

Meeting someone means never having to say, "Nice to meet you." Instead you say, "Nice to see you." I'm sure glad for this because it can be a bit embarrassing when you say, "Nice to meet you," and the person you're "meeting" says, "Oh, we've already met." (eyebrows raised like you should remember.) Let me tell you...I the few short months I've been here, I've met a thousand-billion fabulous people and it's really hard to keep track.

Questionable?

People in Palm Beach have led very diverse lives with varying occupations, just don't ever ask what someone does for a living. 'Cause maybe they don't really need to work and we don't want to make them say, "Nothing." Try this question when you are at a cocktail party: "Come here often?" (OK, just kidding) Ask about recent books read, favorite local haunts and favorite places traveled! Usually safe subjects.

Island Flair

If you haven't noticed yet. Island colors are bright, fun and bold, just like the plants and animals...how about some nice pink and green to go on that Lilly Pulitzer shift dress!!

Thanks for sharing another great day! See you around~
Eli

Palm Beach Island Thoughts

It is an Island

When we first announced to friends from Denver that we were moving to Palm Beach, they would often respond, "Oh, I know West Palm Beach." They didn't know there about the actual island. I'd say, "Actually, it's just Palm Beach. It's an Island." To which I received a puzzled stare.

But it's no wonder that people wouldn't know about it since there are no signs (ANYWHERE) announcing its presence. Plenty of signage for West Palm Beach, Downtown and a few for the scenic A1A. I've even seen a sign for "the beaches"... but no mention of Palm Beach {If you live here, did you ever notice?}
Check out a bit of the A1A in Palm Beach:


 {source}

Geography

Palm Beach Islanders have a variety of sayings. My favorite has to deal with geography: things are either "on island" or "off island". Let me share some examples of how this might be used:

• Nearly all summer, grocery shoppers use any number of Publix grocery stores "off island," but now, we have a bright, shiny new one "on island" to replace an older one. (I love it!)
• There is one Starbucks "on island" {It took me 2 months to find because it is hidden} and probably billions "off island."
• HB goes "on island" to Palm Beach Day Academy. {Called the Day School, if you're old school.}
• There are only a few people who grew up "on island" and still live here. Somehow I've met them all.

 

Boar's Head Visited

The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea

presents the 35th Annual

Boar's Head and 
Yule Log Festival

Sunday, January 8 at 2:30 and 4:30 p.m

Come celebrate the triumph of good vs. evil, light over dark, the victory of the Christ Child over sin.
This spectacular drama features over 150 members of the church working together to bring the legend of the boar's head to life through music and drama.

So what IS the legend of the boar's head? It seems a scholar was studying a book of Aristotle in the forest one day when suddenly, he was confronted by an angry wild boar. Having no other weapon, the resourceful Oxonian rammed his book down the throat of the animal causing his death. "That night the boar's head, finely dressed and garnished, was borne in procession to the dining room, accompanied by carolers singing in honor of the King of bliss." [source]

Since before we arrived at Bethesda, members of the church and community extolled the spectacle of the festival and regaled us with stories and history of the pageant.

Today was my first peak into the "behind-the-scenes" preparations, and finally, after months of anticipation, participating as a guest to witness the ceremony and tradition. I thought I'd share a few images of what it takes to put it all together, hoping that you might be swayed to come witness it for yourself.

The Walk Through!

 

Chef prepares to feed the cast and crew. YUMMY!

Costumes, hair and make up. Come see it all!