By Rocky (Donna) Liberty Raggedy Andy & Ann – crafted by the author How to make a grandma cry. Take a labor of love, add in animal instinct, throw in some time (thyme), fate, and Voilà! She was ten years old and the apple of my eye. I would die for my grandchild if necessary,…
By Suzanna Leigh James and I landed in Honolulu in late February of 1974. No one to meet me, of course. Culture shock; people in shorts, brightly colored shirts, long muumuus, fragrant plumeria leis around their necks. The very air smelled different. I knew no one. I sat on the edge of a fountain with…
By Michael Shook Over the last two months, we’ve gotten “thumbnail” sketches of both the innate desire of humans for a perfect, usually communal, society, and of the father of modern Communism, Karl Marx. Now it’s time for a look at some of the fruits of the ideologies of Marxism and Communism. For all Karl…
By Deborah H. Anderson I had an opportunity recently to get some closure about my years as a pastor on Vashon. I was one of the first full-time female pastors, and for sure the first soccer Mom pastor. It was sweet and gentle, and I was able to forgive many. Forgiveness is easier when the…
By Jane Valencia Nadja Vol Ochs. Photo by Dawn Stief In Part 1, printed in our March issue, we heard the story of how Nadja Vol Ochs came into nature connection work and onto the Island. In Part 2, we learn about her role as new executive director for the Vashon Wilderness Program (VWP). Stacey…
We asked Nadja to explain what a nature connection core routine is, and to tell us a little about the two routines referred to in the article, Meet Nadja Vol Ochs, Vashon Wilderness Program’s New Executive Director, Part 2 By Nadja Vol Ochs Core routines or routines of connection are simple, repeatable practices that help…
By Stephen Buller Capitalism is under attack by many even though it is the economic system that has brought us more prosperity than any other. Why, then? Because, at a time when the wealth divide is vast and daily expenses are stretching budgets to the limit, “capitalism” doesn’t seem to be working for most Americans….
By Dr Marli Parobek, DNP APRN Mental Health May is upon us. A great time to address how to achieve great mental health. Let’s dive in. We are all familiar with what is considered good physical health, such as diet, exercise, and avoiding risky behaviors. We are told constantly by medical professionals, the media, politicians,…
By Anthony Latora As the days stretch into longer light and the warmth in the air begins to carry the fragrance of new blooms, nettle rises from the somber earth. For many, this plant is known through accident, or by the warnings of caregivers who remember its sharp, lingering sting. Yet what if that very…