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.

Rose Hayden Smith Rose Hayden Smith

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.”

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