We did it live! Now the Herndon Playlist is available as a podcast

Well, the live Herndon Playlist experiment is in the books. I've listened to it again and the mistakes make me cringe. Still, I promised to post it as a podcast, so here it is: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4FI3gcgjdN1w2iqQFiB1X1?si=jxchOwYFQ3GfAeMvzsoClQ And, as promised, here is some of the thinking (and overthinking) behind the songs I included in this year's playlist. … Continue reading We did it live! Now the Herndon Playlist is available as a podcast

The continuing evolution of goodbye

May 16, 2023May 17, 2023 ~ Karl Smith ~ Leave a comment

Military academy parents share many experiences. When I meet a fellow academy parent for the first time, I know I can strike up a conversation by simply mentioning I Day, that first summer, or any of a number of other things we have all endured with our child. Just as car commercials warn us our … Continue reading The continuing evolution of goodbye

A changing of the guard

April 23, 2023 ~ Karl Smith ~ Leave a comment

I am routinely intrigued by the balance of tradition with ceaseless change at the Naval Academy. On one hand, everything from formal parades to chow calls to the Herndon Climb harken back to bygone days and remind everyone involved of the legacy upon which USNA is built. Yet, much the tides roll in and out … Continue reading A changing of the guard

Another apex for Kristin Cronic’s ever-ascending star

April 15, 2023 ~ Karl Smith ~ 1 Comment

Just when I think I can't be more impressed with Kristin Cronic, well, I am. From the time I started following Easel on Stribling on Instagram, which led to my first conversation with her, to her being a part of a couple of Herndon playlists, I'll admit to being awestruck by her talent. Her artwork … Continue reading Another apex for Kristin Cronic’s ever-ascending star

This year’s Herndon Playlist? We’ll do it LIVE!

February 26, 2023 ~ Karl Smith ~ Leave a comment

When you love the Herndon Climb as much as I do, the calendar is relative. Yes, the actual event happens in May, but even though my son's Climb happened some six years ago, it is always toward the front of my thoughts. This year will mark the seventh time I've created a Herndon Playlist for … Continue reading This year’s Herndon Playlist? We’ll do it LIVE!