About the Blackbird Gate
For the things we might otherwise pass by.
The Blackbird Gate is a home for poetry, photography, stories, and artwork inspired by the places I go, the people I’ve meet, and the small moments that stay with me. It grew from a simple desire to pay closer attention—to notice the beauty, the unexpected kindness, and the quiet discoveries that make an ordinary day extraordinary.
Here, an old stone wall, a conversation with a stranger, or a blackbird singing in the rain might become a poem, a photograph, or the beginning of a story. Some pieces are gathered from journeys far from home. Others are found just beyond the doorstep. Each is an invitation to slow down, look a little closer, and discover something worth remembering.
You'll also find a small, changing collection of fine-art prints and Keepsake Cards—little pieces of this world to take home or share. But above all, The Blackbird Gate is a place for the pleasure of making, the joy of discovering, and the simple act of paying attention.
Welcome. I'm glad you found your way here.
Meet Wren River Stevens
I've always had a weakness for old stones, good stories, winding paths, and baked goods. A lifelong lover of folk songs and folk tales, I'm endlessly curious about the people who came before us and the stories they left behind. That curiosity led me to a BS in Archaeology, an MA and PhD in Art History, and a career as a professor, museum director, and associate dean. I spent many happy years exploring the ancient world with my students.
These days, retirement has given me more time to wander. I love hiking, traveling, writing poetry, taking photographs, playing guitar, and singing. I'm almost always up for an adventure, particularly if there's a good bakery somewhere along the way. Some of my favorite discoveries are the little things that happen when I wasn't looking for anything at all.
At home, I share my life with my husband, Scott (affectionately known as Aris), and Merlyn, our beloved Italian Greyhound.
The Blackbird Gate is where I gather the things I find along the way.