CentralMaine Sunday

J.P. Devine: Finishing the face — Jan. 9, 2022

A painting J.P. Devine made nearly two decades ago may soon get a face touch-up as he ponders the unfinished business we put off for "later."

J.P. Devine - January 9, 2022

J.P. Devine: What did you get? - Jan. 2, 2022

J.P. Devine knows things look bad, but don't give up yet. There is still 12 months left of 2022.

J.P. Devine: Goodnight, Pete. Goodnight, Rosemary — Dec. 26, 2021

Recalling losses on a New year about 65 years ago, J.P. Devine is thinking about family and those we can trust.

J.P. Devine - December 26, 2021

J.P Devine - December 19, 2021

J.P Devine: We're not in Kansas anymore — Dec. 19, 2021

The age-old season of joy has arrived, J.P. Devine writes, but what are we to do with the world we find ourselves in?

J.P Devine - December 12, 2021

J.P Devine: It's up — Dec. 12, 2021

The easiest tree job ever has J.P. Devine thinking of cherished ornaments instead of panicking.

J.P Devine: Milkshakes and Modernas — Dec. 5, 2021

There was one bright light recently amid the bad COVID-19 news, J.P. Devine says.

J.P Devine - December 5, 2021

J.P Devine: What? Starbucks is closed! — Nov. 28, 2021

When the local Starbucks starting locking its doors early because of short-staffing, the response from some patrons was as if the Vatican had canceled Christmas, J.P. Devine says.

J.P Devine - November 28, 2021

J.P. Devine: Smile, why dontcha? — Nov. 21, 2021

It's hard to tell these days when people are smiling beneath their masks, but J.P. Devine has learned the importance of activating those 10 facial muscles.

J.P. Devine: Lost and found — Nov. 14, 2021

Remembering his first dog, J.P. Devine recounts the love affair and magic eyes that stick with him today.

J.P.Devine: Robes for Christmas ... really? — Nov. 7, 2021

The notion of owning robes or pajamas was a foreign concept to J.P. Devine until he met She, an actress of great style and manners.

J.P. Devine: 'You'll see' — Oct. 31, 2021

Nearly 40 years after arriving in Maine, J.P. Devine still doesn't consider himself a Mainer and is still wondering when it will snow.

J.P. Devine: A work of art - Oct. 24, 2021

The work of cutting hair has never seem so consequential as it has during the pandemic, J.P. Devine says.

J.P Devine: All in the family — Oct. 17, 2021

Even though J.P. Devine traded palm trees for birches long ago, he mulls over the close Hollywood connections he still has that lend insight into modern-day struggles of show business.

J.P Devine - October 17, 2021

J.P. Devine: Waiting for the wagon — Oct. 10, 2021

Eyes closed in thought, J.P. Devine ponders what it means to be alive and experiencing another colorful October.

J.P.Devine: Anniversary song — Oct. 3, 2021

Remembering an October day in 1961, J.P. Devine recalls a young couple starting their dreams that continue to this day.

J.P. Devine: Not coming back — Sept. 26, 2021

Reincarnation, a heavy word loaded with meaning, is on J.P. Devine's mind as he tiptoes around death.

J.P.Devine: The last time I saw Sirhan — Sept. 19, 2021

Recalling the moments after Bobby Kennedy was shot in 1968, J.P. Devine retells how he caught a glimpse of history in motion.

J.P.Devine September 19, 2021

J.P. Devine: Requiem for two strangers — Sept. 12, 2021

The lasting image of a man and woman holding hands as they stepped off into space as the World Trade Center collapsed around them is a reminder of what we've lost on 9/11 and our capacity be dreamers, J.P. Devine writes.

J.P. Devine: Almost home — Sept. 5, 2021

The deadly conclusion to the U.S. military campaign in Afghanistan stirs memories for J.P. Devine of the families waiting for loved ones to return home.

J.P. Devine: Alcatraz is still there — Aug. 29, 2021

As JP watches the military leave Afghanistan, he realizes some things never change.

J.P. Devine: Sayonara Tokyo — Aug. 22, 2021

With the Tokyo Olympics over, J.P. Devine ponders our fascination with the spectacle of the games and memories from his glory days.

J.P. Devine: It's Cleveland and it's raining — Aug. 15, 2021

We'll make it through these "Cleveland nights" with laughter and each other, J.P. Devine says.

J.P. Devine - August 8, 2021

J.P. Devine: Help wanted — Aug. 1, 2021

While "times is bad" right now, J.P. Devine ponders the job opportunities available in this age of uncertainty.

J.P. Devine: Pass the macaroni salad — July 25, 2021

Watching the darkness spread on TV while eating dinner, J.P. Devine ponders the calamities in store for Maine and the world.

J.P. Devine - July 25, 2021

J.P. Devine: And the band plays on — July 18, 2021

We need to stay vigilant and focused as the shadow of COVID remains ever present, J.P. Devine says.

J.P. Devine: It's still a wonderful life — July 11, 2021

Enjoying the summer delights isn't as easy as it used to be, but J.P. Devine has some ideas.

J.P. Devine: They got done — July 4, 2021

Checking in on some friends and local businesses, J.P. Devine ponders that Maine code phrase signifying the many ways in which someone is no longer around.

J.P. Devine: The broom room — June 27, 2020

Once a shadowy crime scene with the odor of a morgue and dust balls in the corners, the broom room has been transformed into an enhanced space that J.P. Devine is proud to call his own handiwork.

J.P.Devine: Oh, yeah, him — June 20, 2021

Separating the stereotypes from the serious this Father's Day, J.P. Devine wonders what to make of the celebration.

J.P.Devine June 20, 2021

J.P.Devine: Bite of the browntail — June 13, 2021

Humor, and horror, await those this summer who pass by the Rugosa rose bush, J.P. Devine says. 

J.P.Devine: Sit, Fauci, sit! — June 6, 2021

Naming kids and dogs has always been a fun pastime, but J.P. Devine wonders about the names coming during the pandemic.

J.P.Devine - June 6, 2021

J.P.Devine: A memory of two Sundays — May 30, 2021

Reflecting on magical events in Waterville's Sacred heart church, J.P. Devine sees a future there as colorful as the past.

J.P. Devine - May 23, 2021

J.P. Devine: Welcome home snowbirds, now watch your step — May 16, 2021

Snowbirds will notice plenty of changes around town, but J.P. Devine asks that you please get your vaccine shot before strolling the sidewalks.

J.P. Devine: Is that all there is? — May 9, 2021

While out on parole, J.P. Devine journeys out to Starbucks while observing a few simple rules.

J.P. Devine - May 9, 2021

J.P.Devine - May 2, 2021

J.P.Devine: And a tiny silver whistle — May 2, 2021

In order to find new material, J.P. Devine ponders a job at the front desk of a new downtown hotel.