The Planting of a Monastery
February 2025, Island Voices

The Planting of a Monastery

Contesting the constitutionality of an Oregon county’s zoning law was not the beginning foundation we wanted for our monastery. We saw this zoning code as a possible sign that this farm was not the place God intended for us. With Great Lent nearing completion, we decided to put off any further decision until after Pascha….

Bird Language: A Window Into Nature’s Secrets
February 2025, Nature

Bird Language: A Window Into Nature’s Secrets

By Anthony Latora In the pursuit of tracking hawks and raptors, I’ve found it to be relatively straightforward. Casting one’s gaze upwards often reveals these majestic birds perched atop lofty branches, diligently scanning their surroundings. Their occasional vocalizations break the serene atmosphere, a stark contrast to the songs of their smaller counterparts, the songbirds. However,…

February 2025, Recipes

Island Epicure – The Happiness Foods

By Marj Watkins and Suzanna Leigh Chocolate of course! Who doesn’t love it? Choose cocoa for a temporary boost to your brains’ serotonin, the happiness chemical. It won’t give you lasting happiness, but it will—for a little while—make you smarter. There are many components in chocolate, especially dark chocolate, that help to lift our mood….

Minglement – Roasted Acorn Squash with Squash Risotto
February 2025, Recipes

Minglement – Roasted Acorn Squash with Squash Risotto

This delightful and elegant vegetarian entrée or side dish was created by Cat Rose, a staff member. Acorn squash is stuffed with an herbed risotto, speckled with delectable chunks of butternut squash, then baked until meltingly sweet. Serves 8 4 acorn squash3½ tbsp extra virgin olive oilSalt to taste6 cups water or gluten-free vegetable broth1…

English Muffins
February 2025, Recipes

English Muffins

By Andy Valencia If your store-bought muffins have become flat little pucks of shrinkflation, bake them for yourself and get the classic muffin you remember, while saving some money. Ingredients Dry mix: 2 cups all-purpose flour2 tbsp sugar2 tsp salt2¼ tsp active dry yeast Mix dry ingredients together in large mixing bowl. Wet mix: 1¾…

February 2025, Poetry

Ode to Island Time

By Nova Berger There’s an orchestra on the Island, hidden deep within the wood.And if you have a whimsy mind and eager ears, go out and find it. (For nearly everyone really should.) It’s a show for those who stop in ponder,Who, like gulls, follow the wind of their wander. For the breath of the…

Terribly Terrific Tariffs
February 2025, Island Resilience

Terribly Terrific Tariffs

By Stephen Buller Tariffs are a tax imposed on imports into a country. They have two main effects: First, like all taxes, they raise revenue for the government; second, they discourage imports from the relevant country by increasing the price of goods. Are they good or bad? In short, they’re bad, just like every other…

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