Joe the Human

Closer to God in a Storm at Sea

Reflections on the life and humanism of Bob Rees (12 June 1936 — 5 August 2025)

Sep 3 • 

Joe Armstrong

4

August 2025

A Substack in Search of a Smile

Finding Laughter on the Page

Aug 29 • 

Joe Armstrong

2

Hope and Despair in One Week: What a Family Emergency Taught Me

How grief, an unexpected hospital dash, and even a car rental dispute reminded me that hope and darkness walk side by side.

Aug 22 • 

Joe Armstrong

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3

Seven Things Life Has Taught Me (So Far)

How to Live a Happy Life

Aug 14 • 

Joe Armstrong

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2

At 4am, the Mind Roars

Catastrophic Thinking Tamed

Aug 6 • 

Joe Armstrong

2

July 2025

Niggles, Pinches and Crunches

How a simple model can transform your communication and your relationships

Jul 24 • 

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2

Maiden Voyage, Midnight Visitors, and Mourning a Friend

A weekend of firsts, nerves, and a special farewell

Jul 16 • 

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2

Chainsaws, Campers, and Comrades

A dawn chorus of sweat, sawdust, and songs for lost friends

Jul 4 • 

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June 2025

Trump and Putin — Read between the Bombs

What Putin might be thinking after Trump bombed Iran’s nuclear sites.

Jun 25 • 

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2

Process — Not Perfection

Why stepping forward—imperfectly—is better than standing still

Jun 12 • 

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2

God Spelled Backwards

How a Border Collie, a Hare, and a Dead Rook Remind Me to Play, Create, and Listen

Jun 6 • 

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May 2025

Caws and COVID

How I returned from Tuscany to viral fog, sticky eyes—and a rook invasion

May 30 • 

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5