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
December 2024, Entertainment, Llaughing Llamas
Llaughing Llamas Chronicles – December
By Daniel Hooker If someone in an electric car hits you, can they be charged with battery? ~ If a weatherman has cataracts, are all of his forecasts partly cloudy? ~ Q. If an electrician’s children get out of line, does he ground them? A. Only if they’re slightly wired. ~ “How much does the…