By Stephen Buller I was chatting at a party the other day and, as often happens, found myself talking about our monetary system. I used the term “fiat currency,” and someone asked what that was. I know it’s annoying when people talk about their field in foreign terms and acronyms, as if everyone should know…
By Anthony Latora Sometimes my days are shifted due to unexpected visitors. The strange part is – you only know they were there because of what’s left behind: a small impression, remnants of a meal, stems left shortened by someone browsing. So many clues – some subtle, some obvious. One track in the sand and…
Dear Vashon Residents, Starting November 1st, 2025, people who usually get Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which I call Food Stamps as an old folk, will only be getting 50% of their November benefits. Vashon Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness (IFCH) wants to help our Vashon residents who will be affected by these cuts. We…
By Daniel Hooker I watch our Island community batten down the hatches, preparing for the ongoing storm that is a bipartisan multi-billion dollar cluster bomb of a budget. It’s dropped on the most impoverished portion of our population. I take pride in the people of Vashon-Maury Island and our determination and organized efforts to keep…
By Stephen Schildbach Santiago’s Woodpile – by Stephen Schildbach Impracticality is deciding to write and illustrate a children’s book while working a full-time job. I’ve never written a children’s book. And long gone is an illustration career that once provided my full income. I’m a full-time web designer, and have two children to support with…
Useless Old Woman? By Suzanna Leigh and Marj Watkins Every once in awhile Marj Watkins says, “Oh, I should write something for The Loop.” She has been writing her “Island Epicure” column since the 1970s and only quit when she reached age 100. I remind her, “I told them you are retired. You don’t have…
By Pam “Gates” Johnson Soft Dinner Rolls My daughter-in-law Sarah loves these rolls. I make them for her every few weeks. Ingredients 1 cup warm water2 tbsp soft butter1 egg3¼ cups bread flour¼ cup sugar1 tsp salt1½ packages dry yeast (about 3 tbsp) InstructionsIn warm mixing bowl, mix water, yeast, and sugar and let set…
The Language of Home In the room at the top of the houseUnder the madroneShe listens for stories the ancient tree tells.She hears the tree sing and growl and moan and howl.Those who have come before reappear and take their placeWoven into the place she calls home. “Please come close” they say.We want to tell…
By Claudia Hollander-Lucas Photo by Claudia Hollander-Lucas
By Jo Ann Herbert I came in the spring It’s fall now and time for going Help my body to lie under the Redwoods right here on the pile of golden needles so golden the light, so quiet yes, right here don’t worry about the rain soon I will be gone turn my palms up…