The past two days has been a a half-country driving spree, from Kansas City, MO, to Caton, NY. This morning I sit writing in the kitchen of my mother and sister's house, preparing to head over to Houghton College for our 25th college reunion. The drive itself had some interesting points. Let me make this … Continue reading College Reunion Ho!
Accepting Compliments
Today I sang special music in church again -- both services -- and received the usual shower of applause and compliments afterwards. To each compliment I gave a warm smile and a thank you, and to the applause I gave a bow of acknowledgement before moving aside to let the order of the service resume. … Continue reading Accepting Compliments
Houghton College Retrospective #4: College Choir, Freshman Year
(Clip of the choir's featured piece during the 1984-85 season, under the direction of Dr. Brown. Go ahead and play while you read the rest. It will probably still be playing after you get done reading.) It may be surprising to many that I, born and raised in New York State, had never been to … Continue reading Houghton College Retrospective #4: College Choir, Freshman Year
Houghton College Retrospective #3: My Start in Writing and Music
When I think of my Houghton experience, music and writing seem to be the two themes that I expressed myself through. I was a writing major, majoring in fiction: my key writing outlet was The Houghton Star, not the Lanthorn. I wasn't a music major, but I sang with the Houghton College choir for 4 … Continue reading Houghton College Retrospective #3: My Start in Writing and Music
Ta Ta to ToonTown
Been a week since the news came out, and I am finally able to process enough to write: Toontown Online is closing on Sept. 19, 2013. Toontown has been around for a little over 10 years, and, surprisingly, we must have been playing for 7 or 8 of those years. It was the first MMOG … Continue reading Ta Ta to ToonTown
Houghton College Retrospective #2: Roommates
(Note: This blog walks a very fine line of compassionate perspective in writing versus being very truthful with my impressions from the period 29 years ago) How many of you remember filling out the survey before freshman year to help the college line you up with a compatible roommate in the dorm? I don't … Continue reading Houghton College Retrospective #2: Roommates
Houghton College Retrospective #1: Intoduction and answer to “why I went to Houghton College”
It is hard to believe that I graduated from college 25 years ago. Yet as I look around at my life, enough has certainly gone on between now and then for it to be a fact. My college reunion is going to be in October during Homecoming Weekend. So perhaps now is a good time … Continue reading Houghton College Retrospective #1: Intoduction and answer to “why I went to Houghton College”
When Jesus Wept
"When Jesus wept a falling tear in mercy flowed beyond all bounds. When Jesus groaned a trembling fear seized all the guilty world around." This College Choir lyric started running about in my head, a few days ago. When I was singing it in college I had no idea it was a classic text.
Avondale UMC Youth have fundraising round-up at Pizza Ranch
Monday night was Avondale Youth Night at the local Pizza Ranch on North Oak here in Kansas City. The youth from Avondale United Methodist Church bussed the tables from 5-9 p.m. In exchange, Pizza Ranch graciously allowed the youth to keep tips received as well as sharing in part of the evening's proceeds. The evening … Continue reading Avondale UMC Youth have fundraising round-up at Pizza Ranch
Sofia — To Latvia, With Love
Though she won't be flying away until Aug. 23, yesterday afternoon was the farewell party for my niece Sofia, who will be traveling to Latvia to spend her senior year of high school as an exchange student. The party was held at her home in Kearney, where her parents recently greeted a German exchange student, … Continue reading Sofia — To Latvia, With Love
