Life Its Ownself

Life Its Ownself

Home
Podcast
Notes
Archive
Leaderboard
About
James Gaston, 1962-2023
My friend James Gaston died as he had lived … on his own terms. He leaves behind many friends who’d like to imitate his example.
 • DeeceX
Cecile Richards, 1957-2025
The life of Cecile Richards, who died yesterday, should inspire us all to “Make Trouble,” the title of her 2018 book.
 • DeeceX
My Decade as a Monk
For ten years, I was Brother Deece. I made the three vows, lived in community, and worked in church ministries. That was a long time ago, but those ten…
 • DeeceX
Love’s a Word I Always Throw Around
… with apologies to Robert Earl Keen
 • DeeceX
Surfing the Perseids, and Other Adventures Among the Stars
Stargazing didn’t hook me until I was in my late teens. But I am still hooked today. This week’s Perseid meteor shower is an annual high point.
 • DeeceX
David Richards, 1933-2025
David Richards, who passed away on November 13, was one of the great lawyers and progressive leaders of Texas history.
 • DeeceX
Ya-Ta-Hey, James Gaston
Over the Easter weekend, his family and friends gathered to celebrate the life of James Gaston, who passed away last summer. I learned a lot about…
 • DeeceX
Tragedy in Central Texas
God sent devastating floods to Central Texas. Humans compounded the damage in almost every possible way. Is God the only one we will hold accountable?
 • DeeceX
Fare Thee Well, Tecaboca
After some 90 years, the Marianist religious order is closing the Tecaboca property near Mountain Home, one of the touchstones of my life.
 • DeeceX
"Life Its Ownself" Turns Two!
On its second birthday, much gratitude to all of you on this journey with me and some thoughts on how I want to improve Life Its Ownself during the year…
 • DeeceX
Drowning
The political and moral onslaught on our country has many of us feeling like we’re drowning. How to keep our heads and souls above water?
 • DeeceX
The Moral Stench of Greg Abbott
Despite the APD letter, one thing remains clear about Daniel Perry: Greg Abbott has only operated throughout with the most crass and cynical political…
 • DeeceX
© 2026 Deece Eckstein · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture