By Erin Durrett Mother orca, Tahlequah, carries a dead baby, once again, for all to see. She is holding her loss in a way that makes it possible for us to mourn with her, and the deeper vision is to see our own children in that mother’s arms. Could there be a more gracious, dignified,…
Island Voices, January 2025
Don’t Forget the Birds – So How Do Those Hummingbirds Survive?
By Ed Swan Ed Swan was a master ornithologist with an incredible depth of knowledge and a generous enthusiasm to share it. He inspired many Islanders to learn about birds, and was a regular columnist for The Loop. This article appeared in the January 17, 2007 issue. During this long cold spell, many may be…
Island Voices, January 2025
New Year’s Resolutions Depend Upon Gratitude, Appreciation, and Attitude
By March Twisdale Gratitude and appreciation are super powers. They can change our outlook on anything and everything in a heartbeat, without the participation or agreement of any other natural force on Earth, including other people. And yet, how often do we use these great life skills? In our own lives, for our own benefit,…
Island Voices, January 2025
Cooking for the Hay Crew
By Pam (aka Gates) Johnson Seems like this time of year, it’s all about the food. I spent five days and about three hundred bucks preparing a Thanksgiving dinner for just seven people. If you are brave enough to read this to the end, you will find out the answer to an important Thanksgiving-related question….
Island Voices, January 2025
Winter Sailing – Not!
By Suzanna Leigh I’ve never done much winter sailing; I’m not a fan of cold storm winds and wet cold hands. Still, there’s something romantic about greeting the new year aboard a sailboat anchored between firework displays. Besides, Sea Change had a propane heater we wanted to try out. We checked the weather report. Of…
Island Voices, January 2025
The Planting of a Monastery
We had put a great deal of effort into our humble monastery, located inside a home in residential Richmond, California. But after the dramatic drug raid at a neighboring house – including a helicopter with spotlights – I prayed that we might be permitted to find a new monastic home in a rural location. The…
Island Vehicles, Island Voices, January 2025
Island Vehicles: When Oil Filters Attack
By Marc J. Elzenbeck Motor oil contains hydrocarbons, detergents, viscosity enhancing agents, and after being used in an engine, fine metal particles. It is not recommended for skin care. But if it sprays you in the face, it imparts a nice supple feel for a week or so. Running an errand in Seattle, my route…
December 2024, Island Voices
Santa Loves Cigars!
By Seán C. Malone and John Sweetman As very young children, Christmas was always an exciting and wondrous time, but not for the same reasons that adults experienced. We were totally taken in by the family and church gatherings. Religious rituals, stories, and experiences were just taken for granted. We did have the eminently logical…
December 2024, Editorial Page, Island Voices
Boys Save the World
By Andy Valencia Even as an old dude, I still remember bits of my own boyhood. Parts were great, and parts were terrible. But I thought I should mention the thing that really sticks out in my memory: Boys are the greatest force for good in the world. The odd part is that, mostly, modern…
December 2024, Island Voices
Re-read, Re-connect, Re-ligion
By Michael Shook “Christmas is coming” … I don’t know if the goose is getting fat, but some of us undoubtedly will add some, given all the delicious, butter-laden food that is such a wonderful part of the season. We should also grant that, for those not fond of wet, short, cold, and dark days,…