John Graves

Jan 20, 2013 — By John Graves

I've become a sort of pessimistic accepter of the changes that have beset the Hill Country in recent years, unacceptable though many of them may be. But I'm grateful for having experienced the hills earlier, when change was slight—and grateful too for corners and stretches still untouched.

Jan 20, 2013 — By John Graves

Photographer Keith Carter’s latest pet project reminds me of big Texas dogs I’ve owned—some clownish, some serious, but every one of them great.

Sep 30, 2006 — By John Graves

In my 86 years I’ve come into the possession of an assortment of firearms: a Colt .32-caliber semiautomatic pistol that my grandfather bought at a hardware store in Cuero; a Remington Model 870 pump, 20-gauge shotgun that my Aggie uncle-by-marriage used to shoot birds; the Winchester Model 06 pump .22 rifle I got on my tenth birthday; and many others. And each one has a story.

Apr 30, 1989 — By Kinky Friedman, Prudence Mackintosh, Beverly Lowry, John Graves, Elmer Kelton, Bud Shrake, Molly Ivins and Tommy Lee Jones

What do the city of Lubbock, a defunct restaurant, and a submerged neighborhood have in common? They’re all places in somebody’s heart.

Sep 30, 1984 — By John Graves

Texas’ beloved live oaks are falling victim to a creeping fungus, and no one knows how to stop it.

May 31, 1982 — By John Graves

A photographic tour of the timeless Rio Grande, from its origins in the mountains of Colorado to the Padre Island dunes at the tip of Texas.

Mar 1, 1982 — By John Graves

Saint Paul said that a little wine is a fine thing. He must have known something.

Aug 31, 1981 — By John Graves

Fly-fishing is a particularly fastidious way of trying to fool a fish, but it’s also a particularly pleasant one.

Mar 1, 1981 — By John Graves

For a man and his daughter out for a pleasant day’s fishing, the first sign of danger was a man’s hat floating silently down the stream.

Aug 31, 1980 — By John Graves

This one has been a humdinger, but every Texas summer is broiling hot—and that’s nothing to get all steamed up about.

May 31, 1980 — By John Graves

As more and more city dwellers tread on the landscape, farmers and ranchers are less inclined to forgive those who trespass against them.

Mar 1, 1980 — By John Graves

Harmony begins at home.

Nov 1, 1979 — By John Graves

Don’t both with séances or clairvoyants. There is a much better way to contact the shades of the past.

Apr 30, 1979 — By John Graves

Trash collectors are not necessarily garbage men.

Feb 1, 1979 — By John Graves

The best thing about the weather is complaining about it.

Dec 1, 1978 — By John Graves

Cows are dumb, they eat a lot, and they cost more to raise than they’re worth. Still, you can’t help loving ’em.

Nov 1, 1978 — By John Graves

Perhaps, after all, girls should go with boys who chew.

Jul 31, 1978 — By John Graves

When another farmer goes broke his neighbors thank God it wasn’t them; then they wonder when their turn is coming.

Jun 30, 1978 — By John Graves

It’s a chicken coop. I built it myself.

Apr 1, 1978 — By John Graves

Varmints: we can’t live with ‘em and we can’t live without ‘em.

Mar 1, 1978 — By John Graves

The best defense is a good fence.

Jan 1, 1978 — By John Graves

There are two ways to raise chickens: the right way and this way.

Dec 1, 1977 — By John Graves

A good country dog is loyal, obedient, and knows the difference between a chicken and a possum.

Sep 30, 1977 — By John Graves

Try the house wine; I made it with my own feet.

Aug 31, 1977 — By John Graves

The raw truth about out steaks and chops.

Jul 31, 1977 — By John Graves

Oh bee, where is thy sting?

May 31, 1977 — By John Graves

Once you let a goat in your life, you can never get it out.

Apr 1, 1977 — By John Graves

For most treasure hunters, the hunt is more important than the treasure.

Feb 1, 1977 — By John Graves

Living in the country is all you ever wanted—and probably more than you bargained for.