Photographer Tom Hicks was discovered by a rock star, a huge talent, of Led Zeppelin fame and later paired with Alison Krauss. What a fabulous combination. Two brilliant artists, collaborating – Plant wrote an introduction to one of Kicks’ book. Wow. You will ask what does Hicks shoot. Certainly not the North Sea waves of... Continue Reading →
A Poem on Hope It is hard to have hope. It is harder as you grow old, for hope must not depend on feeling good and there’s the dream of loneliness at absolute midnight. You also have withdrawn belief in the present reality of the future, which surely will surprise us, and hope is harder... Continue Reading →
[Some differences between my experiences (and my spelling) with those of Anne Lamott. Still, great words here.] [Anne Lamott] August, ugh, not my favorite month. If I were God’s West Coast representative, I would not have scheduled it, and gone directly from the heat blasts of July—which we would endure with only once or twice... Continue Reading →
Prompted by a fierce attachment to his own pet, Paul Yoon wrote a harrowing yet hopeful novel, set during wartime, told from a canine perspective. By Pamela Newton, in the New York Times, Aug. 2, 2026 For visuals by Erik Tanner visit the link with the full article above. Oscar, a sweet, lumbering 70-pound lab... Continue Reading →
The Politics of Isolation CHARLIE ANGUS / THE RESISTANCE / Substack / JUL 31 There have been countless books written about the political crisis of our time, but one small book stands out. Hyperpolitics, by Belgian historian Anton Jäger, puts forward the thesis that the dramatic failure of left and centrist politics is rooted in... Continue Reading →
Shared from Facebook [Ken Gray - While my own appreciation of the gift of salvation differs considerably now as travel, study, and experience have broadened my own understanding, my indebtedness to John Stott remains intact and significant. He was one of the greatest preachers I ever encountered. As a London-based student from 1977-1979 I attended... Continue Reading →
[Ken Gray] An excellent reflection from Carmen Lansdowne, theologian and former Moderator of the United Church of Canada. Returned from a conference hosted by The International Association for Mission Studies which gathers scholars who have spent their careers thinking about what it means for the church to go outward — and, just as often, repenting... Continue Reading →
From Save the CBC, Monday July 13, 2026 For generations of Canadians, Peter Gzowski's voice was part of the country's daily rhythm. As host of This Country in the Morning and Morningside, he became one of Canada's most respected broadcasters, known for thoughtful conversations, genuine curiosity, and an interviewing style that made people feel heard.... Continue Reading →
Podcast: Theologian Ronald Rolheiser talks about a spirituality for our wisdom years by John Dear, July 13, 2026 in the National Catholic Reporter On this week's episode of "The Nonviolent Jesus Podcast," I speak with writer and theologian Oblate Fr. Ronald Rolheiser about his latest book,Insane for the Light: A Spirituality for Our Wisdom Years,... Continue Reading →
Original art on the Gray Family living room wall by Victoria artist Lisa Hebden 10 Quotes From Mary Oliver, the Patron Saint of Paying AttentionBy Jenna Barnett in Sojourners, Apr 14, 2025 I like to think of the late poet Mary Oliver as the patron saint of paying attention. She taught us to not take... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 