Beauty

I used to say that autumn is my favorite season. As I age, though, I think I might claim the spring more and more. Witness: Also in my garden: marigolds. Petunias. Irises. Impatiens. Dianthus. Verbena. Asparagus ferns. Cherry tomatoes. Sweet alyssum. Gerber daisies. Canna lilies. Black-eyed Susans. Columbine. Begonias. Hostas. Alium. Herbs. Day lilies. Asiatic

Diabetes

One month away from the one-year mark, I visited the doctor yesterday for a check-up. Noteworthy success. [insert happy dance here] Weight: down 40 pounds. Blood pressure: systolic down a bit, diastolic down a lot. A1C: Blood glucose: And this follow-up note from the M.D.: “Hemoglobin A1c is now down to 5.6%. You may be

So much. . .

So much going on . . . . I have said ‘yes’ to too many things. I’m adjudicating the quarter-finals of the National Student Auditions for NATS. I’m reviewing grant applications for the Missouri Arts Council. I must finish the visitors’ report for the NASM visit I made last week. Studio recital is Sunday. And

Vinyl

I made a little recording this past weekend, playing a bit of Dino’s* setting of “The Savior is Waiting,” and then filtering the recording on vinyl. Enjoy! *Dino is 80 years old now, and still playing. Do a Google search for “dino piano.”

Review: Parade

I do not need to see Parade again. Ever. Not in my lifetime. For I have seen the definitive performance. Somehow I ended up on the front row. Note to self: tell TodayTix to not do that again. Ben Platt is a wonder, even as I couldn’t shake the sense that I was seeing Evan

Aunt Esther

Today would be my great-aunt Esther’s 111th birthday. She died nine years ago, less than a month before her 102nd birthday anniversary. She was a saint.

Myths and Hymns

The Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University produced Adam Guettel’s Myths and Hymns this past weekend — as a brilliant stage show. I had two students on stage, and more doing tech work on the show. My tenors rocked! This proud teacher’s heart was filled to bursting yet again this weekend. I also

Artsy weekend

Friday: class, lessons, auditions. Something Rotten at Kirkwood High School with two of my voice students in the lead. Saturday: clean house, lessons, opera workshop at Webster University. MAC grant reviews. Music theory grading. Sunday: church, scent shopping at Nordstrom, Myths and Hymns at the Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University, with two

Something Rotten

My heart could barely be contained last evening, bursting with pride and love. I attended a performance at Kirkwood High School of Something Rotten, the musical about the Bottom Brothers and their attempts to write a new play that will compete with William Shakespeare. I know — the premise is preposterous, but let’s just say

Review: Camelot

One week ago, I attended the new production of Camelot on Broadway at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre. And I left with mixed thoughts about the show. The music is rapturous. A huge chorus. A full-sized orchestra. Philippa Soo and Jordan Donica as Guenevere and Lancelot (perfect casting indeed). And those immortal songs by Lerner and