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.

The Anti-Intellectualism of “No, You Cannot”

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Gavin Stevens

I know a lot of fancy dancers, people who can glide you on a floor, They move so smooth but have no answers. When you ask “Why’d you come here for?” “I don’t know” “Why?” Cat Stevens, Hard Headed Woman … Continue reading →

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An Aqueous World

Posted on March 18, 2012 by Gavin Stevens

Take a walk down a river road Take it in the morning light I promise by the end of the day Things are gonna be alright Take a walk down a river road Let the pain just disappear It’s a … Continue reading →

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The Songs of Mystery

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Gavin Stevens

Our farm is once again blessed with the music of chorus frogs. They came out of hibernation late this year no doubt due to Humptulips County’s persistently cold weather, but they are back and singing with abandon. Last night they … Continue reading →

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Out Damned Winter! Begone!

Posted on March 6, 2012 by Gavin Stevens

Just when residents of Humptulips County most fervently wish it to end, Winter keeps punching back and refusing to quit the ring. Contrary to our usual wish to cheer on someone whose luck, time or energy is running out but … Continue reading →

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Welcome to March

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Gavin Stevens

Yesterday it snowed at our farm. While the snow didn’t stick and was no longer in evidence by evening, the fact of its occurrence served as a reminder that Winter is still with us, officially and otherwise. I take issue … Continue reading →

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Little Worlds

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Gavin Stevens

“But from here to the garden gate Where the sweet wild roses wait It’s a little world.” Gretchen Peters, Little World, from the album Hello Cruel World “The little world of Don Camillo is to be found somewhere in the … Continue reading →

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Albert and Me

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Gavin Stevens

I confess that I am a bibliophile: I collect books. All kinds of books. And I collect them in a fashion that drives many rare book dealers crazy because I buy what I want to read, thereby providing many of … Continue reading →

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A Winter Fairyland

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Gavin Stevens

Humptulips County was already snowbound when I woke this morning, yet the weather forecasters promise additional heavy snowfall throughout the day. Although it tries to go off at odd intervals, we have power at the farm and everything inside is … Continue reading →

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New Year’s Omens and Resolutions

Posted on December 31, 2011 by Gavin Stevens

Once again, it is New Years Eve and the early morning sky in Humptulips County is a solid rose color. I have no idea whether or not this is an omen of some kind, but will accept it for the … Continue reading →

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Anticipations of the Season

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Gavin Stevens

It is that portion of the holiday season that I like best – the time of anticipation of getting together with family and friends and spending time with one another. For in anticipation there is only promise, and promise makes … Continue reading →

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