Jack Smith was a columnist for the Los Angeles Times for many years in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. His writing was wonderful and we read him faithfully, went to hear him speak and bought his books. We had many wonderful conversations about his writing and our taste was shaped by his. Bird watching, libraries and Mexico are good examples. He died in 1995.

My shelf of Jack Smith books

Nurit and her friend Karen L. went to the Huntington Library a few weeks ago to hear a talk about Jack Smith. I was on the Beyond Borders Road Trip. The occasion was a celebration of the opening of an exhibit of Jack Smith’s papers which were donated to the library by his sons.

The flyer

It is nice to remember the simple pleasures of life and to be reminded to keep seeking them out. There is a Jack Smith memorial bird walk at the Huntington on May 10, 2008 Reservations: nrussell@huntington.org or 626-405-2125.