Among other things, I’m a choral singer. In musical terms, “polyphonic” is music with multiple independent melodies occurring at the same time, resulting in rich, complex harmonies. Kind of like life, I think. And this blog, I hope.
A Polyphonic Life is my blog, which I also publish on Substack. I’ve returned to blogging after a hiatus because writing brings my great joy. This blog explores history, politics, writing, music, nature, faith, food, technology, culture, and other things that interest me. I try to be optimistic and reflective in my writing, to hold up the good work of others, and share resources that I hope add value to my readers.
Finding My Way Back
Finding My Way Back: Life, Music, and Big Changes
After a summer and fall full of travel, home projects, and reflection, I’m ready to reconnect, write, and embrace a new chapter with fresh energy—while staying hopeful for what’s next.
Spring Cleaning
A new post from A Polyphonic Life: Spring Cleaning. It’s about home improvement, keys, and Holy Week music. I hope you’ll read and subscribe.
Letting Go: Making Space for What Matters
Some of the things that came into our home were invited by a kind of sympathy for “lost objects” that overcomes me in antique stores, garage sales, and church rummage sales. A lovely object, a photo, a book, a little worn at the heels, needing a new home and story.
I’ve been like this since childhood: a collector of objects, the “keeper of things.”
#GoodReads Galore
#GoodReads Galore: Book, newspaper, magazine, and Substack recommendations.
Choir Notes
Choir has taught me to make “better noise”, but also to listen more closely. We sing a lot of a capella pieces. We stand in a semi-circle as we rehearse, watching one another, listening intently, and adjusting our voices as needed. It is a sublime experience, unparalleled.
This is a lesson that works for singing and nearly every situation in life: Listen closely, and then adjust (my voice, my contribution, my changed understanding) to create something even better.