Island Voices

Misadventures on Vashon
Island Voices, July 2024, Literary

Misadventures on Vashon

By Seán Malone and John Sweetman We drank water out of hoses, ate dirt and raw oysters, and fell down steep cliffs. We had other dangerous hobbies, such as climbing the nearly vertical clay bank down at the beach or paddling logs out to the middle of Colvos Passage to wait for a freighter and…

I Can See Now … the Pane is Gone
Island Voices, June 2024

I Can See Now … the Pane is Gone

By Seán Malone and John Sweetman “Hey! That Western gray squirrel is back!” And sure enough, that troublemaker was back pestering the Douglas squirrel, and we had a protective obligation to the native rodent versus the invasive Western gray bully type, that ate a lot of Seán’s birdseed for his wild birds, which the squirrels…

Clothing Drive: A Hand Up
Island Voices, June 2024

Clothing Drive: A Hand Up

By Daniel Hooker Two Stories. A young woman, maybe 35 years old, came to the table. “Do you have any formal dress clothes? I just got a job. It starts tomorrow.” She went on to explain that, in Seattle, someone had broken into her car and stolen all her clothes and shoes. She was nine…

Of Innocence and Demons, Part 2
Island Voices, June 2024

Of Innocence and Demons, Part 2

By Michael Shook Once one’s facade of innocence is peeled away – invariably in a painful manner – nothing ever again looks quite the same. This is a good thing. Among the many salutary effects I experienced as a result of my “fall to earth” was the collapse of the notion that humanity is perfectable….

Whose Beach is This?
Island Voices, June 2024

Whose Beach is This?

By Suzanna Leigh My friend Geri told me she owns part of the beach on the north end of Tramp Harbor, where the road to Ellisport runs along the shore (in Washington State, most beaches are privately owned as far as the mean low tide line). I think she owns the part with the old…

“Heard,” “Behind,” “Thank You, Chef”
Island Voices, June 2024

“Heard,” “Behind,” “Thank You, Chef”

By Deborah H. Anderson The television show “Chopped” is my go-to for all seasons. If you haven’t seen it, the premise is simple, and the action is intense.  “Chopped” is a game show where four chefs from various demographics and styles of cooking in the restaurant industry have to prepare an appetizer, entree, and dessert…

Vashon Has a Coyote Problem
Island Resilience, Island Voices, June 2024

Vashon Has a Coyote Problem

By March Twisdale In 2014, there was a high profile coyote attack at Misty Isle Farms. Three Willamette Valley ewes, brought in for the Vashon Sheepdog Classic, were killed overnight. The next night, government-sanctioned hunters shot and killed two coyotes as the pack returned twice, moving confidently toward the flock, passing many tents and dogs…

Of Innocence and Demons
Island Voices, May 2024

Of Innocence and Demons

By Michael Shook This summer, I will turn 70. There will come an anniversary in August – late August, if I remember correctly. One would think I might remember clearly the date, given the life-changing experience that it was. Let it suffice to say, late summer.  Here, a little background is necessary. For my 40th…

Sailing Into the Sunset
Island Voices, Literary, May 2024

Sailing Into the Sunset

By Suzanna Leigh Rich and Suzanna on Eli-Oh My beloved and I had a “Qufi” wedding; I am a Quaker and Rich is a Sufi, so we combined traditions.  We were married on the solstice, on the beach at Lincoln Park in Seattle, where friends from Seattle could find us easily, and friends from Vashon…

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