Author Archives: Gavin Stevens

About Gavin Stevens

Humptulips County is the wholly fictional on-line residence of Stephen Ellis, a would-be writer, an avid fan of William Faulkner and his Yoknapatawpha County, and a retired lawyer.

Strange Fruits of a Fickle Autumn

Posted on November 23, 2014 by Gavin Stevens

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the … Continue reading →

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Black Holes and Empty Nests

Posted on November 15, 2014 by Gavin Stevens

Life is full of surprises, some of them pleasant.  Even while you are engaged in routine business, the past can reach out and tap you on the shoulder to remind you of something pleasant among the shards of discarded memories. This week’s … Continue reading →

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The King Is Dead; Long Live The King!

Posted on November 10, 2014 by Gavin Stevens

“People who believe that they are strong-willed and the masters of their destiny can only continue to believe this by becoming specialists in self-deception.” James Baldwin, Giovanni’s Room “But I believe in my mask—The man I made up is me.” … Continue reading →

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The First of November Comes A-Calling

Posted on November 1, 2014 by Gavin Stevens

My Sorrow, when she’s here with me, Thinks these dark days of autumn rain Are beautiful as days can be; She loves the bare, the withered tree; She walked the sodden pasture lane. Her pleasure will not let me stay. … Continue reading →

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Once Upon A Time. . . .

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Gavin Stevens

Once upon a time in Portland, Oregon there was a small law firm located in a refurbished building near the downtown core.  I was first introduced to this firm while a partner in the Seattle firm in which I began my … Continue reading →

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The Relentless Grip Of An Undead War

Posted on October 18, 2014 by Gavin Stevens

The Vietnam War has been much on my mind of late.  Being of a certain age, it is a continuing subject of interest even if it seems tired and trite to those much younger.  And now I find that I … Continue reading →

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Navigating the Sludge of Incompetence

Posted on October 16, 2014 by Gavin Stevens

Warning:  What follows is a bit of a rant.  If you aren’t prepared for a rant yet this morning (or whatever time of day it may be in your part of the world), go have a cup of coffee or … Continue reading →

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The Blessings of an Early October Day

Posted on October 13, 2014 by Gavin Stevens

It is early October in Humptulips County, and the trees have yet to begin turning color in earnest.  Our neighbor’s birch tree is the only tree in the neighborhood to have already undressed for winter.  It was in a hurry, as if a narcissist wishing … Continue reading →

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Ruminating on the Virtues of Pure Cussedness

Posted on October 6, 2014 by Gavin Stevens

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.  Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent.  Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.  Education will not; the world is full of educated … Continue reading →

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The Memory of Shadows On The Grass

Posted on September 24, 2014 by Gavin Stevens

Autumn has finally arrived in Humptulips County after several fitful starts.  The rain has settled in for a several day stay, and while the grass is still tan and sere from the summer’s insistent sunlight, it will shortly return to its usual … Continue reading →

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