My son Elliot has been writing songs for decades. Seriously. Like, basically since he’s been literate. I won’t embarrass him by sharing anything from deep in the archives. I’m just saying: he’s been working on this stuff for a while. … Continue reading
The change from one calendar year to another brings an opportunity for retrospection. After posting my Top Ten Songs of 2025, my Top Ten Books of 2025, and my Top Ten Hikes of 2025, and Top Ten Ministry Moments of 2025, it’s time to … Continue reading
The change from one calendar year to another brings an opportunity for retrospection. And for me, one of the ways that manifests itself is through making year-end “Top Ten” lists. I’ve been doing this since 2018, and I’ve come to … Continue reading
This is now the fourth year that our family has observed a Santerklucia Weekend, and it’s interesting to notice the ways that our traditions continue to shift and settle. Olivia’s Graduation and its accompanying snowstorm played a significant role in … Continue reading
I was on a drive from Kent to Youngstown when the text messages started pouring in on our family group text. I knew that Spotify (our preferred music streaming service) must have just dropped its annual “Wrapped” statistics and graphics … Continue reading
I went out to lunch with my daughter Olivia today. And as we were driving back to the place on Kent State University’s campus where she wanted me to drop her off, we were playing newly-discovered songs for each other … Continue reading
Our family has been making special summer playlists for about fifteen years now. It’s become an increasingly complex and collaborative process as the kids have aged and refined their tastes in music. But it’s a tradition I’ve come to cherish. … Continue reading
I visited my oldest son, Elliot, in Pittsburgh this weekend. He moved there in August for a new job, post-college, and he’s been finding his way forward with some predictable (and unpredictable) ups and downs. I’ve gotten to visit several … Continue reading
The change from one calendar year to another brings an opportunity for retrospection. I got a glimpse into some of my musical preferences and listening patterns from 2024 through my annual streaming statistics as recorded quantitatively, by Spotify. And like last … Continue reading
I have to admit that I kind of rolled my eyes when I learned my Mom and two of my siblings made the executive decision to call today’s commemoration of the death of my Dad, a “Celebration of Life” instead … Continue reading