Love and compassion and kindness are like the pure water of life that we each need in order to survive. I mean that literally. They are a basic human need, and without them, no abundant life is possible. This is … Continue reading →

My sister Janet Dowell passed away on August 16th after a long and difficult battle with cancer.   I loved her so much.  While I know it is good that her pain is done, processing and dealing with her loss is … Continue reading →

As the title of this piece says, it’s Part II.  If you haven’t read Part I, you might want to go back and read that for context.   I hope you enjoy this.  It’s been quite a while in the making, … Continue reading →

At the outset, I have an admission and a confession:   I will admit that I have been obsessed with telling this story … these stories … for a long time now.  I will confess that I don’t understand all the … Continue reading →

The world feels broken. Too many people seem to be disconnected from what truly matters.  Neighbors mistrust or even just dislike their neighbors.  Meaningful and productive dialog about important matters between people who hold differing views …. well, that seldom … Continue reading →

Born in 1923, my mom would have been 98 today, June 8.  I am pretty sure the photo I’ve included here is the last picture I took of mom and dad together, not long before his death.  I do wish … Continue reading →

It is unsettling and unnerving to realize you have everything you want, or at least easy access to it … and so little of what you need.  Hmmmm.    What DO I need? Is there a more relevant and urgent question? Of … Continue reading →

We all know the phrase, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Good advice, sound wisdom. But I’m starting to really get aggravated with the fact that we seem to be living in the OPPOSITE reality. “It’s broke. Sorry, you … Continue reading →

The following was written and posted on social media by my son, Brendan Shouse.  Most of you probably know that Evan has a twin.  Some will know that Brendan started out college as a Fine Arts major (Blacksmithing and Metalworking … Continue reading →

Here, just a few minutes into my 63rd birthday, I only have one wish. I wish to live wholeheartedly. I wish to live wholeheartedly, with authenticity, presence, and intention. Living and loving wholeheartedly requires attention to the details of life, … Continue reading →

I’ve had really mixed emotions about making this post, but finally decided to say something. Finally decided to say something now because just in the last couple of weeks I’ve had at least  FOUR different incidents where folks have sorta … Continue reading →

I wrote this several years ago as a post on Facebook.  Was reminded of it again this morning by a friend, and decided it needed to be here. Everything changes the day you finally realize that yes, there really IS … Continue reading →

My mother-in-law, Janet’s mom, passed away in the early morning hours of December 5, 2019.  Though she had been in hospice care for a full year, the end was really remarkably quick and peaceful and merciful, and for that we … Continue reading →

The details in this story are almost entirely true, except for those that aren’t.  No names have been changed, because there would be no point.  I can only say this:  I have been keeping this story inside for a long … Continue reading →

Father’s day.    I have so many incredible memories of my daddy, and all the ways he showed his love through kindness, acts of service, wise advice, and time spent together.   I’ve written a lot here about some of those times … Continue reading →

A few weeks ago I recorded a podcast interview with David Hirsch, whom I met last year. David is the founder of the 21st Century Dads Foundation, and the Special Fathers Network (SFN) SFN is a “dad-to-dad” mentoring program for … Continue reading →

I may be prouder of this blog post than any I’ve ever posted here.   And I didn’t even write it.   Written by the the best big sister my guys could ever have, the incomparable Emma Shouse Garton.   It’s an article … Continue reading →

I wrote this some time ago and posted it on Facebook.   A friend’s post about McKay’s Books today reminded me of it, and I decided to post it here on TheVeryStuff.com.   In the past, I have thought about and written … Continue reading →