Category Archives: Blogroll

Since posting my submission on “acceptance” I have received a number of Emails and a few comments posted on that particular blog from my friends, Sue Branson and Jeff Carter. At first I thought my posting was a bit too … Continue reading →

A week from tonight Thanksgiving will be a day past… we will still be filling up on leftover turkey and all the sides… my sons and I will probably be returning from the tree lighting at the Circle in Indianapolis… … Continue reading →

As parents, we often tell our kids that we want them to “act responsibly,” or, “show respect,” or, that “consequences are the results of their actions.” But, do they know what that means? Of course, we hope that our actions … Continue reading →

Last night, after a great dinner at Ruby Tuesdays, Jeff, AJ and I went to see Ragtime at Wright State. This musical’s construction is so impressive, and the music haunts me throughout the day. I know it will be my … Continue reading →

What another wonderful week! Ups, downs, warm weather, busy schedules… ah! It doesn’t get much better! Jose did not make the basketball team for his middle school, and though he was down that evening when he returned home, his positive … Continue reading →

Photo of Benjamin Magnuson on Broadway in Sweeney Todd…It is a slightly dreary Sunday morning… the wind was strong all night and continues to blow steady and hard. I took Flyer for a walk wearing shorts and a pullover, and … Continue reading →

Less than an hour ago, I drove my five guests from the Bowling Green State University’s Men’s Chorus across the street to join 130 of their fellow singers on the busses. What great guys these were! The BGSU Men’s Chorus … Continue reading →

In 1997, when I was in NYC to direct The Wizard of Oz, I attempted to see two musicals – Titanic and Ragtime. Titanic was still in previews and the two attempts to see it were blocked due to the … Continue reading →

Jeff Foxworthy on Ohio You may be from Ohio (pronounced “ah-hi-uh”) if: You think all Pro football teams are supposed to wear orange. You know all the 4 seasons: winter, still winter, almost winter and construction. You live less than … Continue reading →

“Having sex is like playing bridge. If you don’t have a good partner, you’d better have a good hand.” Woody Allen “Bisexuality immediately doubles your chances for a date on Saturday night.” Rodney Dangerfield “There are a number of mechanical … Continue reading →

This afternoon, after Matt left for work, Jose and I went to see an Art/Independent Film at the Neon Movies in downtown Dayton. I think I loved Everything Is Illuminated almost as much as I loved Ladies In Lavender. I … Continue reading →

I have been a devoted student of presidential history since I was in first grade. I love reading biographies and all sorts of books on the presidents, their families and the White House. I have always been a particular fan … Continue reading →

What have students learned about music? These are stories and test questions accumulated by music teachers in the state of Missouri. MUSIC EDUCATIONAgnus Dei was a woman composer famous for her church music. Refrain means don’t do it. A refrain … Continue reading →

Since childhood, I have always loved collecting quotes. I decided that I shall keep this particular entry fresh, adding quotes to the top of the list so that readers will not have to wade through tons of already read quotes. … Continue reading →

What an evening! One of my former students, Benjamin Magnuson, a graduate of Kettering Fairmont High School and Cincinnati Conservatory of Music & Theatre, made his Broadway debut tonight in Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeny Todd, starring Patti LuPone. Benjamin is not … Continue reading →

Another fun, interesting week of being a father. The joy and hilarity never cease in this home. Matt came in a few weeks ago and asked if he could go to the homecoming dance on October 1. A girl from … Continue reading →

I have always been a major fan of authors Norman Vincent Peale and Robert Schuller. Recently, my cousin from Texas told me about this new church opening at the Compaq Center in Houston. I began following the build-up to the … Continue reading →

When Matthew first arrived in 2002 as a little scrawny 12 yo boy, I helped him unpack his clothes from foster care, most of which were faded or dingy, and put them away. Between my mother, Aunt Dena and myself, … Continue reading →

Monday night, I was having a wonderful piano lesson with one of my eighth graders, Jackson Lockhart, a family friend, and good friend of Jose’s. With my private students who are in band, orchestra or choir, we work a little … Continue reading →

Wow! I could not have enjoyed my birthday weekend as much as I did this 41st year. As of Sunday, I officially began my forty-second year by celebrating my forty-first birthday. And what a celebration it was. The best part, … Continue reading →

Well, today began the round of birthday lunches and greetings. One of my dearest friends, Debbie Allen, the mother of one of my students, took me on our annual birthday lunch outing to the wonderful French bistro, Cest Tous (pronounced … Continue reading →

This evening we had our dinner at 9:15pm… Monday and Wednesday nights I am teaching when Matthew leaves for show choir, so we have a snack around 5:00pm, and eat supper together when he returns home from rehearsal. That is … Continue reading →

Do you remember when customer service was a priority and you did not have to pay extra for it? Even at forty, I can easily remember clerks or store owners going to the ends of the earth to accommodate customers. … Continue reading →

ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully. TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other. THREE. Don’t believe all you hear, … Continue reading →

This is not the daytime talk show led my Ms. Barbara Walters (who celebrates her birthday the same day as me!) but a beautiful story sent by Matt’s former Texas case worker who is still a wonderful family friend… Two … Continue reading →