The Loop invites Islanders to share what they appreciate about Vashon-Maury Island and Island life. Send your letter to editor@vashonloop.com Dear Island, That morning I said yes to writing you, I had some doubts. You’ve changed so much in recent years. Did your magic still exist? Then I recalled what I love about you. Every…
Photo by Julian Dahl. Used with permission. Several of us were out on the land, picking out microplastics from the compost-laden field (see “Plastics in the Soil” on page x). Our friends had put out a call the day before that they needed help, and here we were, on a beautiful almost-spring morning, plastic bags…
The songs are soft and gentle, sung in what is called a “lullaby voice,” all voices blending in music that is not intended for performance, but for the comfort of those who are suffering near or at the end of life. Two to four singers gather at the bedside, offering restful songs to soothe and…
Last issue, we suggested that nature expresses in the language its people speak, especially over generations, when the people have a rich relationship with place. Here in the Puget Sound region, the language of land, sea, and people is called txʷəlšucid (which sounds a bit like “twuhlshootseed”). It is also known as dxʷləšucid, or xʷəlšucid,…
This haiku comic was inspired by an experience my friend Cynthia shared with me, and is dedicated in memory of her brother, Jaime Sadurni Mendiola. Cold outside, with dog Stars freeze too – night is punctured Strokes of silver – swans!
In a time when technology has fallen away, Islanders are rediscovering the ways of the forest. In a frenzy of excitement and discovery, two children, Rose Hip and Snowberry, have yanked quantities of moss and licorice fern from a tree. They turn to head home, only to stop short in surprise! In front of them…
Grab your copy of The Vashon Loop at businesses and more throughout the Island. Don’t live on Vashon? You can access a copy in pdf form, under Current Issue in the above menu.You can also read all the articles below.
Perhaps language arose with humans as a kind of call-and-response with the natural world. In the midst of the companionable sounds around us, we found ourselves with things to say in turn. In any case, nature expresses in our languages. We can hear the waters, aspects of geography, animals, birds, weather, and temperature in the…
This is a continuation of the story started in the December issue of The Vashon Loop. In a time when technology falls away, the folk of an Island find themselves returning to the ways of the forest. Two children, Rose Hip and Snowberry, explore their new world. This is one of their adventures. Rose Hip…
Over the next few days the newspaper will show up in the usual places. Do you live afar? Access the pdf under Current Issue in the above menu. You can also read all the articles below.