It's been a while since I penned a few words. I have been busy trying to get myself back up and running. For those who are healthy please appreciate your health and take great care of yourself. Be Healthy, be Happy and live life to the fullest.
I my recovered yet? No, but there are great improvements and I hope I find out what is going on. However I am learning some interesting abilities of my body.
How grateful and thankful I am to those who've been and continue to be of tremendous support and encouragement is beyond words. May your lives be filled with abundance and great blessings.
Looking forward to sharing with you the latest projects:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/gbphaay
(The music CD collaboration with Ali Youssefi and Pam Hill)
"Isn't She Something?"- The novel which will be available soon,sometime in June.
Wish you well and let the charms of Happiness Grace your lives.
Salue!!!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Update on Gustaff's Health
Update on Gustaff’s Health
Beloved Friends,
Good day!!
First, let me extend heartfelt Thanks for your continued prayers, support, and best wishes for my recovery. I am truly grateful.
After many tests, we’ve not determined the cause of my illness. At this point I am turning to alternative medicine for some solutions, more on that on the next update.
Most of the symptoms have improved. I am able to go for walks everyday (30-45 minutes), exercise at the gym three times a week, and spend about 10- 15 minutes on the computer without irritation as was the case before.
I still suffer from total exhaustion and fatigue. Mental concentration is much improved but not to optimal.
As the shortness of this note indicates, I still cannot type as fast as I used to and it takes me longer than usual to do anything from brushing my teeth, taking a bath or helping out.
I am glad for the improvements thus far and pray that I learn, be strong and come out of this a transformed person with a better appreciation for Health.
Additionally there has been tremendous progress in the production of the new CD and Book I had been working with some friends and I am looking forward to sharing those with you very soon, hopefully by the end of the month for the CD and sometime in May for the book.
I am in Florida recovering.
Please do keep me in your prayers and I truly cherish your Loving Support.
-Gustaff Besungu (http://www.gustaffmusic.com/ )
PS. For those who did not know I was sick herewith are some of the symptoms I had been under since October 2008
-Muscle weakness, from lower to upper extremities (could hardly walk)
-Skin irritation, rash on my hands
-Fatigue and exhaustion
-Poor Vision, could not read for more than ten minutes without feeling weak
-Coughing, shortness of breath, panic attacks, sleeplessness
-Frequent urination.
-Irregular diarrhea, upset stomach and constipation
- I could not do anything without the assistance of someone e.g. putting on a jacket.
-Holding a cup of tea was a task
-The feeling of loss of sensation of certain parts of my body, especially on the left side.
All these after I was diagnosed of acute bronchitis and took some medication for it.
Beloved Friends,
Good day!!
First, let me extend heartfelt Thanks for your continued prayers, support, and best wishes for my recovery. I am truly grateful.
After many tests, we’ve not determined the cause of my illness. At this point I am turning to alternative medicine for some solutions, more on that on the next update.
Most of the symptoms have improved. I am able to go for walks everyday (30-45 minutes), exercise at the gym three times a week, and spend about 10- 15 minutes on the computer without irritation as was the case before.
I still suffer from total exhaustion and fatigue. Mental concentration is much improved but not to optimal.
As the shortness of this note indicates, I still cannot type as fast as I used to and it takes me longer than usual to do anything from brushing my teeth, taking a bath or helping out.
I am glad for the improvements thus far and pray that I learn, be strong and come out of this a transformed person with a better appreciation for Health.
Additionally there has been tremendous progress in the production of the new CD and Book I had been working with some friends and I am looking forward to sharing those with you very soon, hopefully by the end of the month for the CD and sometime in May for the book.
I am in Florida recovering.
Please do keep me in your prayers and I truly cherish your Loving Support.
-Gustaff Besungu (http://www.gustaffmusic.com/ )
PS. For those who did not know I was sick herewith are some of the symptoms I had been under since October 2008
-Muscle weakness, from lower to upper extremities (could hardly walk)
-Skin irritation, rash on my hands
-Fatigue and exhaustion
-Poor Vision, could not read for more than ten minutes without feeling weak
-Coughing, shortness of breath, panic attacks, sleeplessness
-Frequent urination.
-Irregular diarrhea, upset stomach and constipation
- I could not do anything without the assistance of someone e.g. putting on a jacket.
-Holding a cup of tea was a task
-The feeling of loss of sensation of certain parts of my body, especially on the left side.
All these after I was diagnosed of acute bronchitis and took some medication for it.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Tiny Planet
When you hear the words Tiny Planet, what comes to mind? You might think of actual planets, those spherical things that rotate on their axis in space right? Nope! Maybe? Yeah?
Anyways! In my world, Tiny Planet is an eclectic, vibrant, Art Loving place, and a Musician's dream hang out. Its home of Kelly Snook transformed into a music venue where people enjoy Music and Fellowship in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
We were blessed to have been invited to play at her place in DC on September 13th 2008.
Ali Youssefi, Pam Hill, Nasim Youssefi and I rocked the house in gentle ways through uplifting music inspired from Sacred Writings (mostly from the Baha'i Writings), the poetry of Hafiz and cultural everyday life.
The house was packed. Imagine over 90 people in a studio apartment in DC, steaming in music,perspiring in joy and being elevated in spirit, after a delicious meal and heartwarming conversations.
So much encouragement poured over us, appreciation and to a greater extent admiration of our efforts in putting together a unique kind of music, which does not only blend African, North and South American musical influences splendidly, but also portrays the charming musical power of having Violin, Classical guitar, Djembe and Vocal harmonies in a balanced musical weave.
All in All, I had a wonderful time and felt so blessed to play for those fun loving, music aficionados and great supporters of the Arts. God Bless Y'all.
Ali on Guitar, Nasim on Vocal Harmonies, Pam on Violin and Gustaff on Djembe
Anyways! In my world, Tiny Planet is an eclectic, vibrant, Art Loving place, and a Musician's dream hang out. Its home of Kelly Snook transformed into a music venue where people enjoy Music and Fellowship in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
We were blessed to have been invited to play at her place in DC on September 13th 2008.
Ali Youssefi, Pam Hill, Nasim Youssefi and I rocked the house in gentle ways through uplifting music inspired from Sacred Writings (mostly from the Baha'i Writings), the poetry of Hafiz and cultural everyday life.
The house was packed. Imagine over 90 people in a studio apartment in DC, steaming in music,perspiring in joy and being elevated in spirit, after a delicious meal and heartwarming conversations.
So much encouragement poured over us, appreciation and to a greater extent admiration of our efforts in putting together a unique kind of music, which does not only blend African, North and South American musical influences splendidly, but also portrays the charming musical power of having Violin, Classical guitar, Djembe and Vocal harmonies in a balanced musical weave.
All in All, I had a wonderful time and felt so blessed to play for those fun loving, music aficionados and great supporters of the Arts. God Bless Y'all.
Ali on Guitar, Nasim on Vocal Harmonies, Pam on Violin and Gustaff on Djembe
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Native America to the Natural State
She smiles and I smile in her beautiful home, where I woke up to the sounds of ducks playing at the huge pond, where the greenery of North Eastern Arkansas stretch before me for miles upon miles. A home where I ate delicious meals mostly Cameroonian dishes full of reminiscent flavors and memories. A time of quiet relax and good times. This is at the home of Aaron and Jacky where I spent the last week.
Before all these I had the bounty of playing with Sahar and Ciara- daughters of Chester and Sayena Aruk-Bissong. It was a great time being with the girls. They are as gorgeous as ever. Growing up fast.
Below are photos of Jacky and I at her office.
Before all these I had the bounty of playing with Sahar and Ciara- daughters of Chester and Sayena Aruk-Bissong. It was a great time being with the girls. They are as gorgeous as ever. Growing up fast.
Below are photos of Jacky and I at her office.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Garden of the God's
Panoramic view, rocks that get your attention in a popular park, an on the spot attraction to tourists and visitors of the Colorado Springs area.
It was a hot day, but when we arrived at the park known as The Garden of the God's, the clouds were up, and a little breeze made it so pleasant to walk around with friends. It was a nice walk, a picture taking moment and just a fine way to spend the afternoon with friends.
It was a hot day, but when we arrived at the park known as The Garden of the God's, the clouds were up, and a little breeze made it so pleasant to walk around with friends. It was a nice walk, a picture taking moment and just a fine way to spend the afternoon with friends.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Humanity
What kind of world will it be if everyone did something small to make everyone else's life a little better? i.e be of service to others. Not because one's Religion taught so, or its a Moral high ground nor as an Idealistic endeavor. I mean just wake up in the morning and say, today I will smile at everyone who comes my way, or I will be of help to so and so. Simple things. Simple!!!
I was surfing the internet as usual and came across a talk (click on the title)
I was reminded that humanity's welfare and wellbeing lies in being of service to others and that making a change doesn't necessarily have to be grandiose acts. Deeds of Love makes a huge difference.
I was surfing the internet as usual and came across a talk (click on the title)
I was reminded that humanity's welfare and wellbeing lies in being of service to others and that making a change doesn't necessarily have to be grandiose acts. Deeds of Love makes a huge difference.
Friday, July 18, 2008
The Story
With a pleasant voice of assurance she said,
“You have to meet my brother. The two of you should meet.”
When those words of confidence and foresight were pronounced, I didn’t take them seriously. After all many people have asked or suggested I meet so and so in my travels. Musically speaking, needless to say those suggestions didn’t pan out as hoped or expected. Her suggestion however turn out to be beyond expectation.
It was December 2007, the hall of a fancy hotel in Orlando-FL was teaming with eager faces of participants of the Social and Economic Development Conference. Amidst the crowd,there she was with a smiling face, a glowing tan and a pleasant demeanor bestowed by a joyous vacation in Antigua.
“Meet my brother Ali, …”
So it went, we became friends at the conference, jammed during one of the nights- a memorable one some people call The night of the Tribal dance. A musical bond was formed, but how that bond will manifest in the months ahead was not an item of anticipation within the machines of my imaginative mind.
Two trips to Charlottesville-VA sealed the deal. Ali and I knew we could play together and not kill each other musically speaking. Though different in personality, musical backgrounds, up bringing and even taste in food and dress style, our musical chemistry, modes of interaction and artistic vision are complimentary. Dare to say we are like ‘Lost Brothers,’ from different continents who’ve been longing to meet one another but never conscious of the fact until it happened.
“What are you doing this summer?” I asked
“Mostly working,” he replied
“Do you want to travel for a month?”
Without hesitation he said, “Yes.”
And as the saying goes, “The rest is history.” But wait that is not the end of the story. That is the beginning of a one month journey filled with adventure and anecdotal moments of insight. Some were shared in my blog during our tour.
We gave little notice to friends, acquaintances and communities we planned to visit. Three weeks for the lucky ones and for some less than a week.
From May 29th - June 29th 2008, we lived and or played in the following cities in the states of New Mexico, Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington:
Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Scottsdale, Tempe, Tucson, Los Angeles, Redonda Beach, Encino, San Clamente, Fresno, Visalia, Tulare, San Francisco, Redwood City, Portland, Philomath, Beaverton, Seattle, Redmond, and Bellevue.
The reception everywhere we went was amazing. Friends went beyond the call of duty to make sure we were comfortable and have a good performance. The encouragement, love and appreciation of our music was heartwarming. Compliments poured forth like tropical rain, and we were treated as Very Important Personalities (VIP).
During the first two weeks of the tour, Amelia (Ali's sister, the engineer of this musical bond) graced us with her presence, charming harmonies and sisterly comfort. After she left for Santa Fe, the tour wasn’t the same.
This tour did more than confirm our ability to play together to compliment each other’s musical contributions, It also sparked the desire to do more in this line of service-- bringing inspiration from Sacred Writings to the hearts and minds of people everywhere through the divine and effective medium of music, not only to uplift hearts but awaken spirits.
This trip, this journey of two souls chatting their musical course and future endeavors has given birth to ideas which by God’s grace will be translated into immediate projects for meeting the needs of children. We see it gaining momentum and expanding the kind of music we play- hard to confine to a box of genres, familiar but different, unique in its character and combines elements of various musical influences from Africa to South America and every land in between-- a trace of the ancestral journey in human settlement.
There are not enough superlatives nor adjectives to describe how Grateful, Indebted and Thankful we are to all those who gave their priceless contributions in making this trip a success, a memory never to be forgotten. We are forever Thankful.
I sit at a bus station waiting for the bus, and I think to myself- How come Iam so lucky? How come we are so Blessed? How come Music makes such a difference in peoples lives? And how can I adequately covey to my Musical companion (Ali ) that he is a phenomenal musician and a delightful personality to hang out with? And how come I never took Amelia seriously on her suggestion to meet her brother in the first place?
These questions, I might not know why nor have answers for, but I know Life's been Great. And for all the support, encouragement and Love we received along the way from each and everyone one of you, made Life the more so Marvelous as it can be.
Once more a round of applause to all of You for your support, a standing ovation for your Encouragement, and an encore for your Prayers and heartfelt Love.
Blessings be upon All.
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