In the days when sailing ships ruled the seas, the storms and winds of nature had tremendous power. So much power that a special kind of magic was born -- and it arrived two forms. One called a "Bonny" and one called a "Tempest." A Tempest was an angry storm that always pushed sailors the wrong way -- often shoving them onto a lost and rocky shore.
So, have you had it "up to here" and want to disappear? Maybe a Tempest on your desk can help!
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Ahoy, me hearty! Did ye be knowin' that September 19th be International Talk Like A Pirate Day? Shiver me timbers, aye this be a very special day when all sea dogs, young and old, should be talkin' in the pirate tongue!
Thar be treasure chests full of knowledge about th' holiday on the web o' the wide world -- so you should be studyin' yer finer points of how to talk and act like a true Peg-leg Pete.
Aarrr! (cough--cough) Back to "land lubber voice" for a bit. So when September 19th rolls around, invite some friends over and throw your own pirate party! Print out a bunch of "Tempest" construction sheets and use is as a fun party activity. Make your guests wear an eye patch while building him for an extra-hard challenge.
SECRET TIP FOR A GREAT ICE-BREAKER -- REVEALED!
Here's one my favorite party tips that I came up with a few years ago that always gets a party started with some fun, excitement and lots of laughs. (My example outlines this for a pirate party, but it works for theme parties of ANY kind.) When your guests arrive, set up a station where they have to make themselves a name tag. Have a pen and stack of blank adhesive tags ready for customization. But most important, prepare a list of names in advance of the party for people to read and select their "party name" from. Most people will choose a name from the list and some might even make up their own after being inspired by the idea, but it's always great fun to see what people select. Then use those names as you converse with your guests for the rest of the party. Have fun with it! It's a great icebreaker! (Note: guests can write their special "party name" on colorful plastic cups with a Sharpie so people don't get their drinks confused.)
Here's a few names from a list that I fashioned for a recent pirate party to give you a good start:
Black Beard, James Goodfellow, Poncy Flintlock, Prudence Foote, Lord Constance, Captain Hook, Back-Stabber, One-Eye Willy, Mad George, Esmerelda Bones, Jane Incapable, Rose Truelove, Grace Defiant... (the longer the list, the more laughs you'll generate as your guests gather around the name tag table and watch with anticipation what each person will choose for their name).
Planning your own pirate party? CLICK HERE to download the actual name tag list and instructions that I made for my son's birthday party. Feel free to use it at your event!
BONUS: If you need to send thank you cards to people after the festivities, you can address the envelopes to the "pirate name" of the guest, rather than their real name. It's a clever way to remind your guests of the fun they had in the days that follow the party.
