Nothing better than celebrating my publication successes this year in my beloved home of NYC, and having the opportunity to see the Minghella production of Puccini's beautiful, but heart-wrenching masterpiece, Madama Butterfly at The Metropolitan Opera on my birthday, Tuesday, April 19, 2022.

In front of The Met on a beautiful evening In NYC.

One of the most powerful and moving moments for me in Puccini's Madama Butterfly is the famous Humming Chorus at the end of Act II when Cio-cio-san, Suzuki (Cio-cio-san's trusted housemaid), and little Soro (Cio-cio-san's) three-year-old boy keep vigil for Pinkerton's ship (U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln) to return by looking out on Nagasaki Bay. Like a little child, Soro cannot stay awake and lovingly rests his head in the safety and warmth of his mother's lap. Suzuki, Butterfly's devoted housemaid, fears that Pinkerton will not keep his promise to return, tries to stay awake, and eventually dozes off. Butterfly, however, confidently remains steadfast, faithful, and true, believing that Pinkerton will return. Not one word is sung at this moment in the opera, but the music and emotion conveyed at that moment are one of the most effective in all of the opera and show the sheer genius of Puccini. Eleanora Buratto made her debut in the role of Butterfly and is phenomenal as well as the seasoned mezzo-soprano Elizabeth DeShong, who plays the role of Suzuki.

Tek had our waiter and the restaurant sing "Happy Birthday" and "Buon Compleanno" to me in English and Italian. Quite surprised and very happy!

A beautiful scene of the magnificent front window of The Met from the reverse side at sunset on an early April evening prior to the performance.

Tek and I went to Kinokuniya Books, where I picked up this classic biography on Natsume Sōseki by Prof. John Nathan of Columbia University. Sōseki is one of my favorite Japanese writers and I especially love his satirical novel, Wagahai wa Neko de Aru ("I am a Cat"). In the novel, Sōseki through the narration of a cat (who is never named in the book) observes and comments on vanity, obsession with Western-values and the foolishness of the elite during the Meiji Period.

I ordered a delicious rigatoni alla marinara con melanzane, mozzarella e basilico.

At Toni's di Napoli, with Tek, who is my inspiration, guiding light, and the music in my heart.

We had an appetizer of calamari fritti. Tek ordered a delectable scampi di gamberi alla marinara.

Fully vaccinated and so happy to be requested as one of six artists to perform at the outdoor Fundraiser Concert to save DC Coffeehouse Coffee Nature on Fessenden Street on Saturday afternoon, May 22, 2021. This was my first public performance in over a year since the pandemic began. Coffee Nature like so many businesses has struggled to stay open during the Covid-19 pandemic and also suffered some vandalism to its signage over the past months. The owner, Joseph Oh is a good friend and supporter to me and many other performers over the years and it was the least I could do to give of my time and talent to help a friend and his family in need. Trying to give back for the many blessings I have received in my life, too. In beautiful weather so many audience members shared with us how much they enjoyed this first outdoor event since pandemic restrictions have been greatly eased in the District for now. Thank you to the wonderful audience and to Elizabeth for organizing this meaningful event and Tom for his great work on sound.

Audience filling in the seats before the performance of Puccini's La Bohème. The grand stage for that one-in-a million voice only.

With permission, posing maskless for a quick photo with the beautiful chandeliers in the background before the crowd comes in.

Here is a portrait of one of my most beloved sopranos, Leontyne Price. Price was the first African-American soprano to receive international acclaim. I had the pleasure to see her sing in recital with piano when I was in high school a few blocks over from The Met at Carnegie Hall on a Sunday afternoon. My dad was so kind to take me to the concert. A truly incredible and incomparable voice and stage presence! A true diva.

This is my happy place. . . . First time back home in over two years, attending a splendid and sold-out (fully-masked, fully-vaccinated) performance with Tek of my all-time favorite Italian opera, La Bohème by Giacomo Puccini at The Metropolitan Opera in New York City on Friday evening, November 26, 2021. Brought back so many good memories for me of the times when my parents and grandparents had a season subscription and took me here when I was in high school. I am thankful to them, for first exposing me to this great art form, and making it possible for me to experience some of the greatest singers and divas of the day such as Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo, Renata Scotto, Leontyne Price and Montserrat Caballé. A truly magical and unforgettable evening!

Posing underneath the Luciano Pavarotti photograph. It was hearing his singing of the Puccini aria "Nessun Dorma" from Turandot that sparked my interest in opera. From that moment, I explored it all.

French soprano, Natalie Dessay, who sang a highly acclaimed, Lucia in Gaetano Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor, several years ago at The Met. Another one of my favorite contemporary stars at The Met. Strikingly beautiful, too.

Some images that stand out, Luciano Pavarotti (center) laughing as the Duke of Mantua in Verdi's Rigoletto and Samuel Ramey, bass-baritone diagonally to the right in the row below, who sang a great Scarpia in Puccini's Tosca.

With Tek, who is my guiding light and North Star. It was his first time experiencing a Puccini opera at The Met. A truly wonderful performance and fantastic evening !

The Met at Lincoln Center at night.

The hundreds of photos of the great singers, conductors and composers that have been associated with The Metropolitan Opera.

The famous Sputnik chandeliers.

Today, my colleagues honored me for my ten years of public service to the Nation and the United States Government. In actuality, I am going on my thirteenth year in public service because reception of this award was delayed for two years due to the onset of the pandemic. Reflecting on the fulfilling years so far, I am thankful to the good Lord for calling me to the practice of law and public service and for giving me the opportunity everyday to do my very best to make a positive difference in people's lives, the protection of the environment, and for the Nation.

The ten-year public service certificate signed by the Principal Deputy Solicitor of the United States.

Posing in front of the Department of the Interior's flag.

The ten-year pin awarded for public service.

Receiving the ten-year public service pin. Honored to serve under Old Glory.

Not Tokyo, but dreaming of it, though, post-pandemic. Celebrating with Tek the release and publication of my new environmental law article on Japan's Iriomote cat and UNESCO nomination at a cute and delicious ramen-ya in downtown College Park near the University of Maryland. Just ordered tonkotsu ramen and miso ramen. Perfect for a chilly winter's day. Especially love the authentic wooden signs that bring back fond memories for me from my student days of the tightly-packed, side street ramen-ya of Kichijyoji Tokyo.

My letter to Ian Anderson of the legendary British rock band, Jethro Tull

In Lancaster, PA. Ecstatic.

The personally-autographed photo from Ian Anderson to me.

Ian's return correspondence to me via the Royal Mail, U.K. A nice surprise by way of the British Post.