Gratitude at 80
Turning 80 on March 19 treated me to a week of celebrations with family and friends that made me feel very grateful …
Marjo-Martha Week
Marjo van Patten, my friend of almost 75 years, flew here from Ohio on January 18 for what has become her annual …
A Good Beginning
This is the year I turn 80 and it’s off to a great start! The first eight days brimmed with friends, fitness, …
Three Days at Rice
From 1993-97, Steve served as Alumni Governor at Rice University and had a hand in establishing the Baker Institute for Public Policy, …
Friends Week in DC
“Friends Week” began when Marjo van Patten, my friend from childhood who lives in Ohio, expressed a desire to see the American …
Thank you, Myra Hess
This well-worn score has been with me since I was a teen-ager in Texas. My teacher, Hurshelene Journey-McCarty, assigned it to help …
Musical Encounters
Playing the piano most days in the Dornoch Cathedral, singing in the choir on Sundays, and attending local concerts brings me much …
Chautauqua 2023
After three summers away from Chautauqua, we loved visiting Peg and Jack again on their welcoming porch. We loved looking at Peg’s …
Lake Lure Reunion
Eight Smiths, four Eidsons and two Collinses gathered at Jay and Maxann’s house on Lake Lure NC for a reunion from June …
Champion, the Opera
Champion, a new opera by Terence Blanchard with libretto by Michael Christofer, starred Ryan Speedo Green as the young Emile Griffith and …