I’ve recently seen my first–and second–operas, and I have tickets for two more. I don’t know yet if I’m really an opera fan.
Hmmmm.

Chandeliers: Lyric Opera House main lobby
I’ve recently seen my first–and second–operas, and I have tickets for two more. I don’t know yet if I’m really an opera fan.
Hmmmm.

Chandeliers: Lyric Opera House main lobby

Christmas is past, the new year ahead, and in between traveling to and fro, baking, cooking, and cleaning, I’m able to do a bit of reading and thinking. They go together, of course; it’s one of the reasons I read.
Right now, I’m thinking, and reading, about the ethics of technology and science–the ethical challenges, that is. Continue reading
We have a bunny in our back yard. Or it might be a parade of several bunnies passing through on a regular basis. We have a pond, which attracts birds, bunnies and assorted other wildlife, and of course they attract other wildlife, including at least one hawk.
All of this gives our dogs fits. And they, in turn, give us fits. Continue reading

I made about 300 Christmas cookies this weekend (literally), saw my first opera, painted toys to give to underprivileged children, finally bought those Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies we watch every New Year’s Eve, and did some good Christmas shopping–meaning, at the bookstore, where I always feel I’m getting gifts people will enjoy and also supporting writers. Oh, and I read some poetry, too.
Welcome to the holidays; it’s all good! Continue reading
The Lyric Opera of Chicago’s world premiere of Bel Canto will be broadcast live on radio in Chicago, and I’m in a quandary. Do I listen? Or do I want my first experience of it to be in person?
I think I’ve made up my mind–and will be listening. But I’m torn. On the one hand, I’m so excited about this opera–based on one of my favorite books–that I don’t want to miss anything related to it. Yet I’m sure the in-person experience can’t be captured or conveyed in a simulcast or recording; so do I want to see/hear something that’s only a fraction of what it could be? Continue reading
Discovering the Blind Boys of AlabamaI went to a revival meeting last night.
Didn’t mean to; it just turned out that way.
I didn’t even know I was going to church–thought I was going to a concert. On stage: the Blind Boys of Alabama, a gospel group I honestly knew only by name and reputation.
All I can say: Wow. Continue reading