Category Archives: ‘Tis a Puzzlement

Death In The Family

Posted on December 5, 2015 by Gavin Stevens

“All alone, I came into the world All alone, I will someday die Solid stone is just sand and water, baby Sand and water, and a million years gone by “ Beth Nielsen Chapman, Sand and Water Helen recently lost her … Continue reading →

Posted in 'Tis a Puzzlement, Words and Music | Comments Off on Death In The Family

The Blessings Of The Rural Mailbox

Posted on October 19, 2015 by Gavin Stevens

“Derek watched her car vanish into the mist, then set off to finish his trek.  He listened to the rain gush, listened as it turned into a steady patter, into muttered tinklings, into occasional drops, and, finally, into the quiet … Continue reading →

Posted in 'Tis a Puzzlement, Friendship, Ponderings on the Meaning of Things | Comments Off on The Blessings Of The Rural Mailbox

The Nature Of Friendship

Posted on June 16, 2015 by Gavin Stevens

“And in that moment, he was finally able to accept it all.  In the deepest recesses of his soul, Tsukuru Tazaki understood.  One heart is not connected to another through harmony alone.  They are, instead, linked deeply through their wounds.  … Continue reading →

Posted in 'Tis a Puzzlement, Friendship | Comments Off on The Nature Of Friendship

The Legal Consequences Of The Phrase: “No Shit, Sherlock!”

Posted on May 14, 2015 by Gavin Stevens

At times, living in the countryside of Humptulips County has its own peculiar challenges.  Indeed, I suspect this is true of anyone living in the countryside anywhere in the world.  But some of the challenges of doing so are truly bizarre … Continue reading →

Posted in 'Tis a Puzzlement, Humptulips County | Comments Off on The Legal Consequences Of The Phrase: “No Shit, Sherlock!”

The Path To Inevitability

Posted on May 6, 2015 by Gavin Stevens

A decade or so ago, a good friend, David, died of cancer.  He was first diagnosed with lung cancer and operated upon immediately to remove the offending portion of his lung.  The doctors were optimistic following the surgery and he followed their … Continue reading →

Posted in 'Tis a Puzzlement, Friendship | Comments Off on The Path To Inevitability

Sing, Damn You, Sing!

Posted on March 7, 2015 by Gavin Stevens

I’m an orphan thirty years on how I miss my father’s voice and my mother’s arms I was you once, and now you’re me it’s in this circle that we make a family Jubilee, Gretchen Peters And there are more … Continue reading →

Posted in 'Tis a Puzzlement, Words and Music | Comments Off on Sing, Damn You, Sing!

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 →

Posted in 'Tis a Puzzlement, Our Place in the Firmament | Comments Off on Navigating the Sludge of Incompetence

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 →

Posted in 'Tis a Puzzlement, Ponderings on the Meaning of Things | Comments Off on Ruminating on the Virtues of Pure Cussedness

The Grumblings Of Gods

Posted on July 23, 2014 by Gavin Stevens

Summer is taking a brief break here in Humptulips County.  After many days of high, unblemished sun and smothering heat, the rain has returned, bringing with it low, unseasonal temperatures and a low-hanging, darkened sky.  The light is that of early fall: heavy, moist, rendered in acrylics … Continue reading →

Posted in 'Tis a Puzzlement, Humptulips County | Comments Off on The Grumblings Of Gods

Barn Swallows

Posted on July 4, 2014 by Gavin Stevens

As I was mowing our pasture a few days ago, two barn swallows worked alongside me – they at their task, me at mine.  As I cut the grass, they caught insects to feed their young hidden somewhere in our barn.  When we work together like this, as we … Continue reading →

Posted in 'Tis a Puzzlement, Friendship | 2 Comments