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In some discussions I’ve had recently, it has become apparent that it is time to restate the reasons I started writing this column in the first place. We humans have put ourselves and much of the world in grave danger by refusing to live according to the rules that billions of years of evolution have established. We counter our problems with solutions based on our own version of reality. I, and many others, see that the source of our problems is our version of reality itself. So, as we speed toward the precipice, the only thing we can think to do is to step on the gas pedal!  

Lotus is a woman who really cooks from scratch. To make her favorite totally-gluten-free chocolate cake she begins in her garden. Making it starts about a year before she puts the in the oven. First, she has to prepare her garden soil. In September, she plants the seeds for her garbanzo beans. They winter over, she says, and come up in the spring.

Community Cinema Vashon is pleased to announce the 2011-2012 Season film schedule. Mark your calendars for every 3rd Sunday at Ober Park Performance Room from 3:00-5:00 pm. Community Cinema Vashon presents films from PBS’s award-winning Independent Lens series through a partnership with ITVS (Independent Television Service).

Vashon Allied Arts invites Vashon Island and Northwest artists to submit art in any medium for Blue Heron Gallery 2012 monthly gallery exhibitions. VAA exhibits comprise two to three artists or group shows with occasional solo exhibits in a wide range of mediums and subject matter. Group exhibits with guest curators are welcome.

Performing artists who live on Vashon are invited to apply for Vashon Allied Arts’ New Works Series 2012, and join a long tradition of innovative New Works performances. VAA New Works Series was established in 1989, as a creative vehicle for Island resident artists to present new work.

A dog spotted movement along the fence line and stared for a moment then laid his head back down. He was old and stiff and cold and lost.
His red brown coat was long and rough, he had white legs and paws and a big white collar of fur, his ears flopped down at the tips.
The dog had been with the ranch for years, moving sheep from ranch to range and helping his people with all the care involved with livestock.

What gnarled and wilted heart among us island folk fails to beat a new pace when it senses the staccato shrieks of bald eagles calling from above? We crane, we search and we stare, hoping for a tiny glimpse of the black raptors soaring just above the madrona trees. When we hear the call we know there are two – either a mating pair or a mother and her chick. If we are lucky we see them fly above us for a few seconds, disappearing and reappearing before gliding behind the hilltop or landing in the trees just over there. Then they are gone. 

Just last month the Washington State Fairies were elected Official Unofficial Honorary Mayors of Vashon by a landslide (Yes, they did run unopposed, but a landslide is a landslide). Their campaign aimed to raise funds for our financially strapped public schools. And on Wednesday September 7th our Mayors (Mayorettes, if you will) will deliver a check to the Vashon Island Public Schools Foundation.

Amanda Knox, our local lass who’s murder conviction is on appeal in Perugia, Italy, won’t be in court again until September 5th, so while we are recessed I’d like to chat about something that has been on my mind as I have researched Amanda’s case; her plight has continually reminded me of personal safety and awareness of surroundings.

How old was I when I first realized that one of the greatest things I could do to increase my happiness was to lower my expectations? Perhaps it was about the time that Mick Jagger was informing us in his iconic rock whine that you can’t always get what you want. Probably later than that. I’m a slow learner.

Dear neighbor,

We are writing in hope that you will be able to help contribute to the Back-to-School Drive. We know times are tough all over, and wish we didn’t have to ask yet again for our amazingly generous neighbors to help us out. But alas, we are asking for you to once again help us in giving Vashon kids a wonderful start to their school year this year.

It’s definitely happening. On Sunday, Aug. 21, we’re having a potluck for all RPCVs living on the island and their significant others from noon to about 5 p.m. (drop in or stay for the whole time). Meal at 1:30 pm and we’ll provide paper plates, plastic forks, cups and name tags... you bring something to eat, bring your own beverage, and interesting stories. It should be a blast.