By Jane Valencia Spring is here, and behold! Many of our beloved herbs are in vibrant form, with new leaves unfurling and some actually in flower. This is a fine time for you and your children to forage for herbs, as the new growth that beckons us mirrors the vitality the plants impart to us….
The Standing Nation – At the Speed of Tree – Part 2
By Jane Valencia This article concludes our interview with Mik Kuhlman regarding her remarkable one-woman show, “The Standing Nation – Remembering Our Kinship with Trees.” In these performances, the audience journeys to a special tree in nature. The tree serves as setting and co-star, bringing surprise and wonder into the experience. In addition to working…
Legends of Vashon – Speaking of Trees
By Jane Valencia This story began overseas in the mid-1990s, in mid-Wales. With an Ordnance Survey map in hand, a friend and I sought a cairn circle on farmland in the hills. Lovely views of secluded valleys dotted with sheep opened up to us, and we passed crags of jumbled stone. I finally spotted a…
The Standing Nation – At the Speed of Tree, Part 1
By Jane Valencia In May 2022, I attended a private performance of Mik Kuhlman’s one-woman show, “The Standing Nation – Remembering Our Kinship with Trees.” We gathered around an old and large Bigleaf Maple in a field. The tree itself was both theater and a centering presence, around which the show wove. Mik engaged with…
At The Roasterie
Once upon a time, while sipping tea (Chocolate Mint Rooibus) on the Roasterie front porch, an Islander envisioned an ancestor right there with her, and painted her. Inspired by a recent conversation with Eva about ancestors, we share that painting with you now. Illustration by Jane Valencia
14/48 – The World’s Quickest Theater Festival Arrives
By Jane Valencia Taking place at the Open Space is 14/48, a whirlwind production made up of Vashon artists and collaborators, in which 14 plays are created and performed in 48 hours. Here’s how 14/48 Vashon describes the process: “On Thursday night, this group of fearless creators gathers and throws themes into a hat. A…
The Bear King’s Lullaby
By Jane Valencia, inspired by the song “Binwag’s Lullaby,” lyrics by Debra Knodel Once upon a time, a Bear King lived in a great forest hall in the north. During summer and the time of abundance, he had many visitors to his hall – Deer, Chickadee, Raccoon, and Red Fox to name a few who…
Back on Track – Part 2
By Jane Valencia This article continues the story of Islander Alice Watkins, who plays on two teams with Rat City Roller Derby, Seattle’s flat track roller derby league. Read part 1 here. Alice isn’t alone in engaging in hefty travel to attend practices and bouts. Players come from all over the greater Seattle area, from…
At the Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie
Enjoy Holiday Cheer at the Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie! Illustration by Jane Valencia