By Anne Cotter Moses
Poetry, September 2026
For a Friend
In July issue’s “With Wand and Shawl: the Investiture of Vashon’s New Co-Poets Laureate,” we welcomed Iris Spring and C. Hunter Davis into this shared role. The Loop is delighted to print this poem by Iris Dawn Spring. For a Friend Sometimes I think if you. I wonder, do you think of me too? Don’t…
Nature, Poetry, September 2026
Two Poems (and More) From Birdbrains
A Lyrical Guide to Washington State Birds Birdbrains: A Lyrical Guide to Washington State Birds, edited by Susan Rich, is a one-of-a-kind Washington State bird guide. The anthology includes original pen and ink sumi-e paintings by artist Hiroko Seki, bird fact notes, and short poems/stories/memoir. Poems/prose are bird-focused rather than human centered. The bird notes…
Recipes, September 2026
Butternut Squash, Chocolate Mousse, Brownies, and Cake All In One Recipe
(Yes, it’s low-sugar, gluten-free, high-protein, and delicious) By March Twisdale What do you see in your social media feed? We all know about “the algorithm” that funnels content toward individuals, but how often do we acknowledge our role in what shows up? The algorithm is like the perfect mirror, reflecting back to us our own…
Letters to the Editor, September 2026
Designing for Dignity: Inclusion, Safety, and the Truth About Trans Spaces
By Rachel Waldron In last month’s issue of The Loop, a guest piece questioned the inclusion of transgender individuals in public life, raising concerns about privacy, facilities, medical care, and community values. Open dialogue is part of what makes Vashon vibrant, but when public commentary touches on human rights and health, our conversation must be grounded…
August 2026, Letters to the Editor
Letter from Olga
In May and June 2025, a two-part article, “There’s No Place Like Home – a Ukrainian Woman’s Journey” by Daniel Hooker was featured in The Loop. Read Part 2 here. A companion article, “Olga and the Ukraine War,” by Andy Valencia also appeared in May 2025. I want to say how grateful I am to…
August 2026, Island Voices
Why Share My Story?
By Gates (Pam) Johnson As you may know if you have read my previous rantings here in The Loop, I have been dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatments since March. For some weird reason, I decided my feelings and experiences might be good fodder for my monthly musings. People may ask, “Why do you…
August 2026, Island Businesses, Island Resilience
Cash Is Queen
By Rich Osborne, Owner, ALL THINGS RICH at the Waterfront Market @ Ruston Fifteen years ago, I started taking credit cards. It seemed like a good idea at the time. I engaged a local processor. I bought a card reader to plug into my cell phone, and away I went. Within weeks I started having…
August 2026, Island Resilience
Death by Flower on Vashon
By Andy Valencia As our summer begins its slow descent into fall, take a moment to relax and enjoy the flowers which nature has provided. Just kidding! This is Vashon, where Himalayan blackberry will cross your back patio and force its way into your house. You’ll have plenty of time to rest when it’s winter,…