Two Island Nations, One Salish Sea | Hands Across the Water

When borders divide, communities can choose to sail toward each other. On a weekend in Sept. 2025, a flotilla of boats carrying roughly 100 Americans crossed the Salish Sea from Orcas Island, Washington, to Salt Spring Island, British Columbia—two islands separated by a national border but connected by tides, ferry routes, and the kind of neighborliness that doesn’t require a passport to feel. The…

Connecting Cultures with Art, Poetry, and Academia | Q&A with Dr. Sophia Kidd

Dr. Sophia Kidd is an Asia-focused scholar in the humanities, an Associate Research Fellow at Sichuan University, and an Affiliated Researcher at Southwest University. She is the Founder of Nuance Art & Culture and the Publisher of…

Tools to Elevate Your Cheese Game

Don’t be intimidated by that 36-month aged Netherlands gouda! There’s a whole world of sophisticated cheeses out there that might seem tricky to get a handle on, but having the right tools for the job makes all the difference. We’ve gathered several suggestions for aspiring cheese aficionados to…

WINE PICK OF THE MONTH : Alexander Valley Vineyards 2020 Chardonnay Alexander Valley, California $18

For four generations Alexander Valley Vineyards has been family owned and operated, creating award-winning, certified sustainable, and organic wines on their picturesque estate. They are located 75 miles north of San Francisco…

Jewelry Inspired by Nature | J and I Design

J and I Design is the creation of Mount Vernon couple Michelle and Jay Barshaw. The Barshaws started their own arts and crafts gallery, The Shop, in Conway in 2013. It featured work…