ENCOURAGEMENT
A PERSONAL SOUNDTRACK
So, I’ve returned from a short vacation and returning to work always involves a bit of “mind focusing” – especially after doing NOTHING but sitting on a beach with a...
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
IT WAS THE BEST OF DAYS, IT WAS THE WORST OF DAYS
What I have always called, “the best day/the worst day” started the night before. It was when I was a sophomore, majoring in music performance, at the state university I...
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
THE STORY
Once again, this holiday, I performed with the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra (the “big band” I’ve been singing with for over 19 years). We have played many “patriotic” gigs throughout the...
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
GOD & COUNTRY
I am so blessed and happy to live in a country that makes it relatively easy to be a Believer & Follower of Jesus the Christ. I am thankful every...
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT, THE CHURCH
MICHAEL
Each June I think about my friend, Michael. Michael was a conductor, chorus master, lecturer, author, musicologist, accompanist & my vocal coach when I performed opera. He was also my...
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT & SAFETY
I am remembering a moment, a Christmas Eve in the living room, putting a massive toy of some sort together, as quietly as possible. It’s something I wanted to get...
ENCOURAGEMENT
THE GREEN JACKET
During my college years, in Seattle, I played the piano and sang – somewhat frequently – to try and make a living while going to class. I had some “regular...
ENCOURAGEMENT
TEACHERS
Miss LaClaire, Miss Just, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Van Dyke, Mrs. Goranson, Mrs. Stankman, Mr. McNamara. When Graduation comes around I go through these names and memories again. I may not...
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
STAGE SET
As a child, I was first fascinated by theatrical productions not because of the performances, but because of the sets. Now, more than ever, and after several years in professional...
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
MOUNT ST. HELENS
It was 39 years ago this week (May 18th, to be exact and hard to believe) that Mount St. Helens erupted. It was a Sunday, early in the morning, I...