G4st

My Son

2008-05-18T21:54:00.001-04:00

.
Originally uploaded by g4st.

I will let my smile do the talking on this one...

Kingsley

2008-04-12T23:09:00.001-04:00

Kingsley
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Born from the spark created by the collision of light and dark.

One soul

2006-10-09T12:19:00.000-04:00

journey upward
Originally uploaded by g4st.

One true soul outweighs an entire sea of false ones.

What you are

2006-10-02T22:37:00.000-04:00

Peep
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Every second you spend concentrating on a mistake or a problem beyond your control is a second you could be spending turning your focus in a positive direction. Daylight reaches us in cycles due to our shifting environment, but the sun is continouosly shining, even through the darkest of storms. Your perspective is your universe, shape it as you will.

Old Parts

2006-08-21T22:41:00.000-04:00

Cross breeze
Originally uploaded by g4st.

If you carry something long enough, it may become part of you.

Momies

2006-08-14T22:27:00.000-04:00

Furry Stretch
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Soft, fuzzy pink toes
Long fangs and razor sharp claws
Stretching in the light

Almost

2006-08-07T23:53:00.000-04:00

Steppin in
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Almost there...
somewhere still
In between...
awaiting the thrill

Up Tree

2006-07-31T20:04:00.000-04:00

Up Tree
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Looking up can be intimidating or inspiring, depending on your perspective.

Hourglass

2006-07-24T14:11:00.000-04:00

Into the light
Originally uploaded by g4st.

I am less than a particle of sand in the grand design...
Of what significance is scale to the infinite thread of time?

Path

2006-07-17T19:52:00.000-04:00

Impressions
Originally uploaded by g4st.

You can lead.
You can be led.
Try wandering about freely instead.

Behind

2006-06-26T22:47:00.000-04:00

Cloudy G
Originally uploaded by g4st.

To look back but never see.
Speculate or second guess a memory.
What is left of what was can never be the same.
The glory, the pain.

In & Out

2006-06-05T00:39:00.000-04:00

Chicago Darksnow
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Cold and Dark...out there.
Sunny & Warm...in here.

Deadline

2006-05-22T23:59:00.000-04:00

More blooms
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Nature has no deadlines.
It just is what it is, why it is... is anyones guess.

Last minute...

2006-05-15T23:57:00.000-04:00

Tree Plans
Originally uploaded by g4st.

It is never too late to begin something wonderful.

Gift of beauty

2006-05-08T11:34:00.000-04:00

Keukenhof tulips
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Beauty can bring love, passion, excitement, happiness, tears, envy, jealousy, fear and anger.
All in the same breath.

What it means...

2006-04-24T21:33:00.000-04:00

MM2
Originally uploaded by g4st.

The degree in which you are invested in something determines the importance and impact of events relative to your being. Time and money most often come to mind in terms of investments, however, the most basic investment we all share as humans is the vessel we were born with. Being so wholeheartedly invested in something, one reaps the rewards and consequences of all actions as reflected upon this body of ours to every extreme.

Bloom

2006-04-10T23:55:00.000-04:00

Keukenhof blooms
Originally uploaded by g4st.

It matters not the hue of petal or length of stamen. Identifying and accentuating uniqueness is a key to realizing ones true potential. As humans we have the ability to alter our surroundings. Be aware of this power and see to it that you are in a position to receive the necessary ingredients that will allow you to flourish. One thing we do share with the vegetation which inhabits the planet is instinct. Listen to your heart, if something feels right there is no room for doubt.

Tiny passion

2006-03-20T23:21:00.000-05:00

Tiny passion
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Passion is present.
No matter how small or far away it may seem, once the embers ignite it is only a matter of time before everything around you becomes completely engulfed by the flames.

Frequency exchange

2006-03-13T23:53:00.000-05:00

B-day Didj
Originally uploaded by g4st.

I just had an amazing conversation. I was playing my new didgeridoo outside when I noticed a bird interacting with my rhythms. I began to listen intently to the calls of this earthen creature and began to mimic them. We carried on for around ten minutes or so.
Intelligence comes in so many forms. One may be brilliant in certain areas and completely inept in others. I believe the art of interaction to be perhaps one of the most divine qualities a being can posess.
So, what says the bird?
I can say for sure that the two of us were harmoniously engaged in a way that I rarely achieve with most human beings.

Two girls and a glance

2006-03-06T15:19:00.000-05:00

Two girls and a glance
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Two girls and a glance.
One look, no chance.

Soft & heavy

2006-02-27T22:35:00.000-05:00

Soft & heavy
Originally uploaded by g4st.

He bears the heavy burden of my fat head, quite gracefully.

G4storius

2006-02-20T22:35:00.000-05:00

G4storius
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Many things are impossible to convey in a conventional manner. The intangible essence of which my mind often finds itself in leads me on a quest to invest in a means to express the nature of my being seeing that you and I are human kind we shall find ourselves intertwined inexorably linked through body and soul, divine

Up so close

2006-02-20T22:08:00.000-05:00

Up so close
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Everything looks perfect from far away...
If you get to close to something you begin to focus on various elements of imperfection.
Eventually things begin to blur back into one unified blissful vision.

Summer memories

2006-02-20T22:00:00.000-05:00

USF European Summer
Originally uploaded by g4st.

My response to those who express regret at not having taken a picture or capturing a moment on video is, "the most precious moments are best left to memory". After viewing nearly 10 hours of footage from my summer concert tour with the University of South Florida Jazztet, I must confess that I am left with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude that I would probably have forgotten had I not been able to revisit these extraordinary moments.

Allure

2006-01-30T12:19:00.000-05:00

Proud pitcher
Originally uploaded by g4st.

With attraction comes vulnerability.
The softness in your heart may turn into the spot of which a shot is fired straight through the very core of you.

What lies ahead...

2006-01-23T02:31:00.000-05:00

Irish Road
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Sometimes, the enjoyment derived from the anticipation of an event ends up eclipsing the actual thrill of the event itself.

Shadows and dust

2006-01-23T02:27:00.000-05:00

Shadows and dust pt2
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Imagine a world where everything is done for you.
At the outset, it may seem like paradise. Eventually you would grow tiresome of strenuous tasks such as: opening your eyelids, chewing your food, holding up your head, etc...

Lightree

2006-01-09T00:53:00.000-05:00

lightree
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Above us all, there is always the danger of something elevated about to fall.

Salzburg New Years Eve 2000

2006-01-02T02:39:00.000-05:00

Salzburg New Years Eve 2000
Originally uploaded by g4st.

It flies..
It lingers..
It slips through your fingers.
You may wake up one day...
to find it has all washed away.
Life, dreams, memory.
The past has nothing more to say.
Wait not... be resolute today.

One of many

2005-12-26T03:29:00.000-05:00

One of many
Originally uploaded by g4st.

To be set in stone.
Inflexable yet undeniable.

Snow Cone

2005-12-19T00:50:00.000-05:00

Snow Cone
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Some things can bring beauty, happiness and turmoil all at the same time. Even if you are situated in an environment void of certain entities, the ponderance of them alone can evoke thoughts powerful enough to shake the very foundation on which you stand.

Bamboo sky

2005-12-12T10:16:00.000-05:00

Bamboo sky
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Walls are expanded and strengthened each second.
If you are fortunate enough to be in a position to observe them coming up around you, choose wisely the ones which you may destroy. A world without walls would leave us open to any and every cause.

Walk a mile

2005-12-05T00:34:00.000-05:00

Sleep feet
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Walk a mile in his shoes...
or just sit back and relax.

Artichokes

2005-11-28T01:52:00.000-05:00

Rouen-Produce
Originally uploaded by g4st.

I just prepared three of these delicious vegetables.
We dipped the steamed, yet firm, leaves in a fresh guacamole consisting of: avocado, (of course) tomato, scallions, sea salt, ground pepper, zest of lime, and a finely diced garlic clove.

Shine through

2005-11-24T10:53:00.000-05:00

chisnowtree
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Some cold and colorless fall to the ground as if the only direction was down.
Some will find a way to shine through despite others callous apathetic point of view.

Scale

2005-11-21T04:03:00.000-05:00

Scale
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Within the Intricate framework of the mind one could quite easily fall into the trap of spending a disproportionate amount of time obsessing over matters of insignificance. Quite often is the case that those who dare deem what may or may not be significant for others are unable to accurately assess the significance of their own audacious actions.

Home...

2005-11-14T00:40:00.000-05:00

Frog house
Originally uploaded by g4st.

In some way or another, everyone has one.

No place like...

2005-11-07T02:26:00.000-05:00

It is quite often the case that one needs to spend time away before they truly appreciate the magnificence right in front of them.
The grass needen't be greener, just another hue, place your treasures on a palette and find a deeper shade of you.

Priorities

2005-10-27T01:20:00.000-04:00

Eyes & ears
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Faced with an infinite amount of choices and possibilities, one could easily become bogged down in the endless stream of others needs, wants, and other miscellaneous desires. Do what you can to insure that ultimately, you are the one who sets up your own priorities; for your own sake.

Tiny creatures

2005-10-06T18:42:00.000-04:00

OUCH!!!
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Never underestimate the significance of a seemingly small, cute or otherwise non-threatening creature. Achilles and Golaith come to mind.

Intangibles

2005-09-25T00:37:00.000-04:00

Jon
Originally uploaded by g4st.

The manner in which you address or react to any given situation is quite often more important than the situaton itself. Sometimes what you say is overshadowed by your body language, speech patterns, or other miscellaneous things you are completely unaware of. Similar to the way that rhythm can take precedence over the particular notes chosen.

Rays of hope

2005-09-23T22:37:00.000-04:00

Ray of hope
Originally uploaded by g4st.

There is nothing more admirable than one who rises above an adverse situation with spirit and grace. There is nothing more deplorable than one who complains about circumstances brighter than your own.

Red White & Blue

2005-09-13T01:09:00.000-04:00

Red White & Blue
Originally uploaded by g4st.

There seems to be an endless supply of reasons to complain about the state of affairs. Every once in a while, no matter how dyer the situation might be, take the time to step outside of yourself and admire the grandeur of this splendid and wonderfully complex existence we all share. This may seem a bit on the optimistic side; and well, I don't mind saying that it is.
Maybe it was the numerous warm embraces recieved while in France this summer upon the realization that I was an American. "We're sorry, about our governments' policies", they said. Me too, I said, we're both Red White and Blue.

This or that

2005-09-05T17:57:00.000-04:00

This or that
Originally uploaded by g4st.

There is an infinite amount of angles and perspectives of which any given situation can be viewed. Some folks, however, would have you believe that there is only two; their way or the wrong way.

Waiting and creating

2005-08-29T14:43:00.000-04:00

Cross breeze
Originally uploaded by g4st.

I see a lot of hate and anger, that is nothing new. I'm still waiting for an invitation to something beautiful and true. One could sit for an eternity and end up all alone. I turn my vision inward and focus on my own.

Contrast

2005-08-21T00:49:00.000-04:00

Alpspoppy
Originally uploaded by g4st.

For every asfault laden, styrofoam ridden cesspool of human congestion, there exists a pristine oasis of natural beauty.

1887 years and one moment

2005-08-16T00:11:00.000-04:00

6th Honeymoon
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Time... the second you ponder its existence it passes you by. Somewhere between recollection and imagination lies the present. It never stops.

The light

2005-08-11T22:52:00.000-04:00

St Peters light
Originally uploaded by g4st.

With so much light shining above, it is easy to forget about the light shining within.

Details

2005-08-08T13:18:00.000-04:00

Swiss Guard
Originally uploaded by g4st.

You may have noticed these two young gentlemen in the background of my previous post. For those of you who don't know, they are members of the prestigious Swiss Guard.

What is...

2005-08-02T23:08:00.000-04:00

Swords & Suits
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Some people have all of the answers.
The questions are usually irrelevant.
A true inquisition would most likely evoke a confrontation, and quite frankly, it is seldom worth the time.

Fair & Balanced

2005-07-25T08:47:00.000-04:00

Fair & Balanced
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Achieving balance can be quite a challenge in this everchanging chaotic planet. life itself exists because the earth has been situated in balance with the sun for a few billion years now. Balance and Reliability. hmmm...

The mountains and me pt.3

2005-07-22T09:07:00.000-04:00

The mountains and me pt.3
Originally uploaded by g4st.

I'm back!
Two weeks away and home feels like a vacation.
Albeit a funny smelling one with unfamiliar stuff in weird places. Thanks for watchin the cats though.
School starts in one week and I was greeted with my favorite parent asking me to clarify my music comp and theory courses, oh joy. My wife and I are the only original faculty in this school and what does that mean? You guessed it, I have no classroom! I don't usually talk about my personal life on this blog, but, I think I might have made some friends who might actually be interested in what I do. Have I? You tell me.

Europe

2005-07-08T17:01:00.000-04:00

co Anterim portrait
Originally uploaded by g4st.

Hey there my good bloggin pals, I am at the North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands. We perform tomorrow, then we are off to Paris, Vienne, Lyon, and finally Montreaux for the festival there. It is another world over here. I should be checking out music instead of typing. I can hear Henry Threadgill starting up Maiden Voyage next door. Herbie Hancock is performing with Dave Holland and Jack DeJohonette and Chris Potter later on. But If I see them I wiil miss Christian McBride. Oh well, Mars Volta got sick and cancelled. I have never witnessed such a festival.
May you always have something to look forward too, something new, something unexpected, something true.

Timing

2005-07-03T10:45:00.000-04:00

Okinawa-Parade
Originally uploaded by g4st.

You may have the sweetest juice.
You may be the brightest star.
Timing is the essence that will carry you far.

No matter how you shine.
No matter how you sing.
Timing changes everything...
Timing changes everything...
Timing changes... everything...

Best?

2005-06-28T00:21:00.000-04:00

The study of music has led me to some unexpected life altering discoveries.
Being a musician, one of the most common questions people ask upon discovering my profession is, who is your favorite band? or, who is the best bass player in the world? I used to be able to give quick and easy answers to these questions, until around the year 1995 when I witnessed a live performance that altered my perception of the terms "best" and "favorite" altogether.
Going into this show I was convinced that there was only one person deserving of the title "best bassist", however, after the show I could no longer aptly apply the term "best" for either bassist. To deem one the best is to imply that there is a lesser. In this case it was impossible for me to attach any negativity towards either player due to the overwhelming amount of virtouosity and love exhibited by both musicians. This discovery created a ripple effect that forced me reexamine the nature of competition.

The Butterfly and the Bumblebee

2005-06-23T02:50:00.000-04:00

Ireland
Originally uploaded by g4st.

You may remember me referencing the patterns of nature in previous posts. I think it is high time I begin to go full "bore" (no pun intended) into my passions and philosophies as reflected through the universal systems found in nature.
Example #1
yaaaaawwn... okay maybe another time.

Venice Rose

2005-06-17T03:19:00.000-04:00

VeniceRose
Originally uploaded by g4st.

There are more roses than cars in the city of Venice.
Far more.

Athens companion

2005-06-10T18:23:00.000-04:00

Greece Dog, originally uploaded by g4st.

This wonderful creature escorted my wife and I around the old olympic stadium in Athens, Greece.
He even helped us along the crosswalk of a busy street. What a dog.

Spinning cycles

2005-05-27T02:08:00.000-04:00

Orcas Island Pottery, originally uploaded by g4st.

History can be... a story, a vision, a melody.
A feeling, a scent, a memory.
Nostalgically... I see, I learn to be.
Centered for creativity

The Glass

2005-05-23T15:34:00.000-04:00

Empty glass, originally uploaded by g4st.

The glass is not half full.
The glass is not half empty.
The glass...is in my hand.

Fresh Blanket

2005-05-17T05:12:00.000-04:00

Salzburg 2000, originally uploaded by g4st.

The night... was full of fright.
The ice fell relentlessly from the sky.
We were lost in the shadows of the mountains so high.
The morning... was full of peace.
The air was cool, clean and bright.
We found ourselves in paradise so fluffy and white.

There is one in every crowd

2005-04-28T17:28:00.000-04:00

Japan 1998, originally uploaded by g4st.

Deer were roaming free in this Japanese city. The young ones were up and giddy, chasing handfulls of graham crackers we held. The elders kept to themselves.

Blessed cycle of harmony and balance in nature.

2005-04-19T21:57:00.000-04:00

Orcas Island 2003, originally uploaded by g4st.

The warmth eminating from the grassy mountainside encircled me like the breath of an angel. The brisk thin air annointed me with the welcoming kiss of relief.

Something in the way

2005-04-18T23:29:00.000-04:00

Japan 1998, originally uploaded by g4st.

"Its okay to eat fish beacuse they don't have any feelings."Curt Cobain. I can certainly appreciate taking a stand against the cruelty and brutality involved in the slaughter of animals for consumption. Where do we draw the line on what is considered a living thing? Fine lines betwixed with grey areas portray a portrait of confusion. The muddled illusion of a righteous position lead me to question the nature of this militant decision.

Natural wisdom

2005-04-16T23:55:00.000-04:00

Central Park Tree, originally uploaded by g4st.

The patterns of nature represent fundamental systems which hold universal constants. Seeds hold potential. Trees are a pure representation of growth

g4st

2005-02-19T02:26:00.000-05:00

G4st, originally uploaded by g4st.

I am not sure who I might be addressing, I feel as if I am typing some sort of advertisement or resume in an attempt to engage a fellow human in some sort of dialog. Instead of trying to sum up all of my passions and life changing discoveries at this late hour, I will attempt to just let the words flow out of me. Without fear of misspellings or other miscellaneous gramattical errors. Being a teacher one becomes more concious of those things, especially in front of a classroom full of uninhibited children. I am fascinated by fluency. The act of trancending mechanics to attain pure expression. Intentions are key, emotionally, when the heart controlls the vision then the mind is set free