By March Twisdale In 2021, my husband and I began to prepare for his retirement, planned for March of 2023. Most of my husband’s friends and family had already retired. They’d had no trouble. We expected the same. Then, we tried to create an online Social Security account, and couldn’t get past the first screen….
Literary
I Have Yet to See
too many starstheir vastness pricksmy skin with wonderment Perhaps in another lifeI will be an astronomerand know their namesor perhaps an astronautwho will land on the moon I will eat from her extraordinarylightness then becomea star hanging inthe limitless sky.
Arrival Stories
What Brought You to the Island?
Short answer: It was the movie “The Paper Chase.” Longer answer … It was the week of Thanksgiving 1989 when I found myself on a ferry boat, in a small car that carried my few possessions, crossing the Puget Sound to an Island called Vashon. I was coming to this Island because, in a turn…
Children, Literary
Rose Hip and Snowberry – Part 2
This is a continuation of the story started in the December issue of The Vashon Loop. In a time when technology falls away, the folk of an Island find themselves returning to the ways of the forest. Two children, Rose Hip and Snowberry, explore their new world. This is one of their adventures. Rose Hip…
Literary
An Old Take on the Emperor’s New Clothes
If you blended Beatrix Potter with Stephen King, you might come close to Hans Christian Andersen. All three writers started life with severely limited opportunities. All three overcame those challenges through hard work, grit, and the necessary dashes of chutzpah and luck. And, all three focus (in their own, unique way) on the tough realities…
Children, Island Voices
The Virtues of Self-Directed Play, Nature Immersion, and Place-Based Learning
I am the founder and principal teacher at the Vashon Art and Nature School (VAANS), where self-directed play, nature immersion, and place-based learning are all foundational methodologies. These interrelated and interdependent methodologies were developed from the work of academics, teachers, predecessors, practitioners, and my own experiences. One such experience was working with founder Erin Kenny…
Gardening
Winter Gardening
Rain or shine, Vashon is an island of garden enthusiasts passionate about our plants!I love gazing out on my winter garden, especially when little birds flit around in search of seeds and insects, available in abundance, as so much of what I do in my garden accommodates these precious pollinators. My perennials are cut back…
Uncategorized
Minglement – Blood Oranges Season
BLOOD ORANGES SEASON – available now Blood oranges are not as bitter as oranges, and make nice dried slices for natural decorations for your tree, as well as a delightful treat filled with vitamin C. For fun – slice off the top, hollow out, and make juice. Use the hollowed-out cup for hot cider and…
Announcements
The December Issue Is Here!
Over the next few days the newspaper will show up in the usual places. Do you live afar? Access the pdf under Current Issue in the above menu. You can also read all the articles below.
