By March Twisdale Over the past few weeks, Islanders have heard about a new residential development planned for the open acreage behind the IGA. Reaction was mixed, with some red flags flapping wildly in the social media wind. Of the reactions put forth by Islanders, on Facebook, the following sentiments should concern us all. –…
December 2024, Health Matters
Herbs for the Holidays
By Kathy Abascal Editor’s Note: Please enjoy this article, reprinted from the December 2005 Vashon Loop, and just as relevant today! The holidays bring lights, presents, and a variety of tempting foods. We often spend our holidays with people we love in a dysfunctional way. Things may not measure up the way we think they…
December 2024, Memoir
The Monks of Vashon
By Andy Valencia The Vashon Loop is working with All-Merciful Saviour Monastery to publish excerpts from their documented history. We hope you enjoy learning a bit more about one of the Island’s quietly famous neighbors. All-Merciful Saviour Monastery is indeed a monastery, and it is run by actual monks. They each have their own tiny,…
December 2024, Health Matters
Why Use a Soft vs Firm Roller?
By Sandi Silagi “Fascia is a network of connective tissue, without beginning and end, which encloses everything in the whole body, from muscles and bones to organs and cells.” Foam rollers are generally thought of as a self-massage technique to ease muscle and fascia tension and improve circulation. The effects of foam rolling have been studied…
December 2024, Recipes
Island Epicure – Christmas Oats
By Marj Watkins and Suzanna Leigh Adapted from Marj Watkins Loop article, December 2014 For stamina to keep you up with all the delightful demands of December – chilly weather, snow, winter colds, Christmas shopping, the planning, the parties to give and to go to – we need to feed our bodies and minds well….
December 2024, Recipes
Pecan Court Bourbon Balls
By Andy Valencia Yes, another recipe from my mother – a holiday favorite. Nominally for the adults only, I always managed to sneak a few! Makes 2-3 dozen, depending on size. Ingredients 3 cups rolled vanilla wafers (12 oz box)1 cup powdered sugar1½ cups finely chopped nuts1½ tablespoons cocoa2 tbsp white Karo syrup½ cup bourbon…
December 2024, Entertainment
Two December Illustrations
By Jane Valencia Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie, 12-27-23 – by Jane Valencia Boy with Midwinter Bundle in front of Vashon Center for the Arts – by Jane Valencia
December 2024, Entertainment
Math Puzzle – December
By Anne Cotter Moses Math Puzzle – Anne Cotter Moses
December 2024, Poetry
I Live Under Giant Sequoias
By Jo Ann Herbert I live under giant sequoiaswith deer grazing by moonlight I watch thoughts rush tangleand lead me to anger and despair. I count warm memoriesI see wrongs the world over I cuddle animal sweetnessthat calms the bitter themes I live under giant sequoias.
December 2024, Poetry
Moon Carol
By Jane Valencia Quiet nightblue snowhidden moon twirls a skein of light Snow fallssoft woolen coinsspinning between antler branches A Christmas rose unfurlsfrom her clouded petticoatShe dyes petals within silent ponds Moon! Your footfallson the new-woven snowreveal patterns in this winter grove