Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Group 'activenny'

I have recently been wandering through the untrodden fields of never afore perceived thoughts traveling along the train which is intended for the conveyance of such neurological frequencies. My thoughts speed incessantly towards one so prominent in history as to uplift the loftiest poet, yet shame, by his character, all those who are in association with his very name, who have wit enough to see his fault[s].

Guess to whom I refer, if you dare condemn one to such a title.
(btw colorful answers are encouraged)

-Alex(as if you didn't know)

Monday, December 22, 2008

Saturday, December 20, 2008

random thaught

"I have been going through a bumpy tunnel. That is to say, I am at a point in my life when I understand little and try to less. I am more concerned about myself instead of others, yet correction of this is external and never internal."

How do you respond to statements like this? Just reading this is sobering, so how should the response be characterized so as to enlighten and improve the listener?

Or should the response be intended to bring such results?
Hmmmmm?


-alex

p.s. I love fiddle(violin)

Saturday, December 13, 2008

CD

what is your favorite solo instrument? That is, what instrument would you be most satisfied listening to by itself?

On the twentieth of this month my mother and I will be going to Salem. I previously went with my best friend Jake Dewhirst to record a solo album he is recording. However a few of the solo's that he and I did where not up to the standards we had intended.
So now we are going back to the drawing board and finish the CD asap.
I am praying that all goes well because if not...
Well, here's a hint"$$$$$$$$$$$$$$",and"Big big big big".

Monday, December 1, 2008

I am so glad that my mother is learning to play again!

At the thanks giving talent show momma and I played an old fiddle song together. She did simply superb!



Notice her excellent posture and beautiful outfit, all backed by the ever steady, unswerving melodious guitar executioner.

P.S. I am the other fiddler, but of course you new that.

-Bu-by now

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

This is an idea that I have for a song.

Sometimes I go to bed but am not at all sleepy, which gives me the opportunity to think in complete silence(perfect for song writing). The only problem with this scenario is that,being in bed, I cannot play or sing so every thing has to be done mentally.
The only solution that I have found to be reliable is to #1,bite my pillow and sing as inconspicuously as possible through my teeth, & #2, wright the lyrics down on the notepad of my cellphone(I L-O-V-E that incredibly useful device).

But now I will disclose to you my idea from a nights work(my jaw was a little sore).

A Day Well Slept

chorus

sleep through the day, miss what it means
the message is lost, when your in your dreams
watch what you say, say what you mean
open your eyes your eyes, He will help you to see

See if you can figure out what the rest of the song is about.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

This is the extravagant responce to my...uh thing

My dear primogeniture and most cherished blessing of conjugal ties.

Methinks it meet to salute thee for thy sagacious and admirably articulated oratory, which prudence compels me to concede that such commendable, such colloquial utterances, I estimate, have never before been vocalized in the delivery of a cell phone greeting. Nay, in no wise has any such linguistic declaration ever charmed my senses more, or caused me to muse so intently upon the laudable qualities of one so dear to my soul. Bravo, and fitly spoken my son!

I trust that my affections to engage in eloquent discourse with thee are reciprocated with fondness, and sincerity. Therefore, I beseech thee my beloved son, upon thine earliest convenience, and without undue stress or difficulty to thyself of course, to call upon thine aged, yet noble sire, that I may divulge the purpose of my summons, and expound to thee that which weighs upon my thoughts and earnestly inclines me to seek thy humble and cultivated sentiments. Until circumstances are amenable and time shall precipitate our cherished conversation that we may speak our minds freely to one another, I remain, thy affection father, Alexander Stevens Goldman, the third possessor of that name.

Godspeed my son.

Friday, October 24, 2008

my(wanna be) Shakespearean answering machine

well aware am I of the good intent of your call
however I must needs miss this opportunity for conversation, with which you where set on having
nay, 'twas not meant to be, that we should engage in most prodigious, most lovely of all pass-times
was not meet with the plan our heavenly father inscribed on His holy tablet before the beginning of the world.
But I tell you truly, as Alexander Stevens Goldman, fourth possessor of that name In blessed godly lineage, that do you leave name, number and any other information constructive to the purpos of thine call, I shall do my best to return it and make quarry as to your intentions.
But until then... Fair thee well!

"beep!...If you would like to page this person, press 5 now, at the tone(in the comment section) please record your message.

-aLEX

Monday, October 13, 2008

Poem(slow 'em)

Autumn leaves
from the trees
fly through the air
like honey bees

then on the ground
making nary a sound
till along comes a shoe
that grinds and pounds

into a pile all the leaves go
and set aflame go up in smoke
and on her car the old woman finds
fresh soot that in cold air still winds

not a single speck
escapes the wondrous sight
of the lord God above
bringer of autumn delight

-aLeX

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Here are the poems I've written:

Blogging
Blogging is a thing that as often as I can I try to carry through
to get exposure, to unleash my feelings and all of this upon you
but when the computer is off and the laptop shut,I begin my life anew
for every day is like a post which must pass the Lords review
-by me

The caterpillar
From the complacent clouds neath a blanket of light
From the night sky above, from the stars ever bright,
Comes a call, a longing, nay irrevocable plea,
To the one who lies hidden in an old cedar tree,
For the caterpillar doth keep his place

And thus he slumbers never stirring
Monotonous days and nights enduring
Always from his original shape detouring
Till on beautiful wings the sky he may greet
With his cares to the wind he is longing to meet
And the flowers that bloom with nectar so sweet
Yet the caterpillar doth keep his place

And now he can feel it! his resurrection is near
to leave his small dungeon to join sky's that are clear
to the greet the world beyond, once again to appear...
and ah... he has begun to break free from his shell
to unlock the door to his previous cell

and away he flies to the suns bright rays
for metamorphosis is over and a butterfly he stays

Akin to the beautification of so unattractive a creature
Gods hand has shaped my grotesque and sinful nature
not have I one thing in my self worthy of the glory men
accept the alien righteousness which by the holy spirit Christ did send

And now that I am out of ideas it is time to say "The End".

-Written by Alex


Oh the trials of life, that I daily face
and the strain of a world with a fast moving pace
and how my feet and hands have grown in size
I know that before to long from the floor I will rise

be kind to me while I am small
for soon I will be both strong and tall
then in the field's I will romp and play
but for now I must sit here and contemplate the day

The end!

The Grace of God

Forsooth the trails in every day
Which in our lives do continually stay.
The fear of death the frets of of life,
The anger of man unleashed in strife.

We find morbid pleasure in criticizing,
The ones we love antagonizing.
We live for tomorrow forgetting today
To our money for provision we pray.

All fear the end though most ignore
And in our hearts this perplexity we store
For the knowledge of sin is given to all
We fear what might happen after the sod doth fall.

We may be helpless but there is a way,
To avoid the judgment sure to come on that day.
It was for this purpose God sent His chosen Son,
Our mediator our redeemer is God's only Son.

In gratitude of this I give all glory to Him,
To small a payment for so great a sin.

Friday, September 26, 2008

A redneck holiday

Twas the night before Christmas
in my double wide house

Not a soul was stirring
'cus I'd just shot the last mouse

There wern't no salcks ta hang on the wall
a'cus no one wey knew wared socks...not even maw

Then out in the yard came such a noise and claimar
(like the time the law cum and took uncle Roy to the slammer)

then maw told me"get ye on out there Sammy,
or I tell you ill thump you and redden your fanny"

well get'n up at 12 A.M! wan't a'tall fun
but I pocked a hole in the vis queen and pointed my gun

Then what with my bloodshot eyes did I see
but a fly'n ford full'a dawgs a'cumin at me

Then I blinked triply or forpley and again did check
"THE LEGENDS TRUE EVERYBODY, ITS THE CHRISTMAS RED NECK!"

He came cum screech'n to a halt on 'flat squirrel avenue'
and our stove pipe got much bigg'r when ol' Santey cum thoo

ummmmm...... Ill write the rest of it later

Friday, September 5, 2008

A random thought, and scale variations



Hello, this Alex speaking. I wish only wish to show you a brief thought which has plagued me for the past day.
Yesterday I was viewing the definition of the word "A", little was I aware that the definition took over twelve paragraphs.

Aside from this, I have been learning "Cannon In D" (Bach) with my cousin David. I have a different version so we are having to do a bit of patching and reorganizing so that we can play together.
In addition to sight reading I have been working a lot on improvisation. I recently bought "Dan Tyminski's" solo album, and am currently working on bringing the fiddle break on the song "knock knock" under my rule. Other great albums I now posses are the "Infamous String Dusters" new record, and Sierra Hull's new solo album "secrets".
Here are some of the exercises I do on fiddle:
Key of C/c,d,e,c,d,e,f,d,e,f,g,e,f,g,a,f,g,a,b,g,a,b,c,-
(Numerical pattern) 1,2,3,1,2,3,4,2,3,4,5,3,4,5,6,4,5,6,7,5,6,7,8.

(this can be carried on to the next 6 available octaves, and can be duplicated in any key)
Something else you can do is mix two different scale variations. For example try ascending with a pentatonic scale and descending with a major scale.
Example/(ascending) g,a,b,d,e,g,a,b,d,e,g(descending)g,f#,e,d,c,b,a,g,f#,e,d,c,b,a,g. This is a convenient two octave scale variation which goes from open G string to the second finger on the E string. This is great for warm ups because it is difficult,diverse, and quickly acquaints you with all possible notes in the spectrum.
If you play fiddle,guitar,mandolin,or Cello, please try these and tell me what you think. And if you are a professional who knows something better for guitar or fiddle(Which I am currently learning) I beg you to comment and tell me it in detail. I would love to learn something new so please do not be shy.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Bad hair-day


You know it, we have all had them... Bad hair days have claimed thousands of victims. Here are just an unfortunate few.

Lose curls, rogue ringlets, and uncompromising waves have victimized many if not all.
Its enough to make you sick!

I have no hair!!! WHYYYYYY!?!! Wear a hat, save us all from indegestion.

Monday, August 25, 2008


Now tell me what you see that is different?

-aLeX

Sunday, August 17, 2008

"The Caterpillar"

From the complacent clouds neath a blanket of light
From the night sky above, from the stars ever bright,
Comes a call, a longing, nay irrevocable plea,
To the one who lies hidden in an old cedar tree,
For the caterpillar doth keep his place

And thus he slumbers never stirring
Monotonous days and nights enduring
Always from his original shape detouring
Till on beautiful wings the sky he may greet
With his cares to the wind he is longing to meet
And the flowers that bloom with nectar so sweet
Yet the caterpillar doth keep his place

And now he can feel it! his resurrection is near
to leave his small dungeon to join sky's that are clear
to the greet the world beyond, once again to appear...
and ah... he has begun to break free from his shell
to unlock the door to his previous cell

and away he flies to the suns bright rays
for metamorphosis is over and a butterfly he stays

Akin to the beautification of so unattractive a creature
Gods hand has shaped my grotesque and sinful nature
not have I one thing in my self worthy of the glory men
accept the alien righteousness which by the holy spirit Christ did send

And now that I am out of ideas it is time to say "The End".

-Written by Alex(no illegal plagiarism)-

Monday, July 21, 2008

Chronicles of aLeX! it's not coming soon it's allready here!

Now I am fully aware that my chronicling of the recent past is come at a time not so recent as the things of which I write. However because it was such a providential blessing I feel I must share it with you.
First of all I and my family went to the Prospect Bluegrass festival. While we where there I found that(above)Tristan and Tashina, Who are world class fiddle players, where going to fill in for band couldn't make it. The band they where in was called New Old Stock and after the show I was privileged get a lesson from them. They where very nice to me and gave me several useful suggestions.(by the way im not sure if "Tashina" is spelled like that).
We played the last set of the festival.

Next we went to the Fossil OR bluegrass festival.
We played, in this picture, at a house we rented(there was no hotels).
We had a lot of fun playing in the band scramble.
As we all know most good things must com to an end. And this great festival was no exception to the rule so we obviously had to promptly vacate the area.
after that we(Grandma,mom,and me) went up to Salem to record a CD with one of my best friends Jake, (you can look him up at myspace.com/Jakedewhirst).
He takes his music very seriously.
OK, this one even tops Cassey Driesen(really funky fiddle player)!
Now farewell my friend, till again I am given the privilege of being viewed by such a worthy...uh?
Oh whatever, see ya in the funny papers!

-Alexander Stevens Goldman the IVth-

Thursday, July 10, 2008

I am fully aware that I may display me ignorance by this query I shall make but the question must be asked...ummm...well...WHAT IN THE WORLD DOES "BTW" MEAN?!?!

Aside from this inexplicable abbreviation(btw),which was formerly made by Destiny Jane, I have had but little hindrances from being at ease. Of course with the exception of the fact that I was never taught spelling past second grade, we will not even discuss grammar!

My Fiddle Farley Flew From it's Fine Fiddle case several days ago. Seeing as it landed on the asphalt I was very thankful to find that there where no major cracks. It has been in "the shop" since Tuesday morning and Mr. Bacon, the man repairing my fiddle, found that the seams in the side had separated! He finished it this morning so I cant wait to see him(my fiddle) and catch him up on the new Luke Bulla solo I figured out...
Oh bother, I have to go now...uh by!


-aLeX

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Fossil



First and foremost I would like to thank my wonderful grandma for taking me to a wonderful festival.
Second of all let me introduce to you the attendance(the picture above).
Jake from the Dewgrass band, and Collin.
These are uh...semi normal acquaintances Amy and Ellie Hakenson
Clockwise from bottom right: Jakob,Collin,Jake(wearing my glasses),?Top,Martin Stevens,Kaiti,and myself.
The girls are complete copy-cats:Anna(my sis),Ellie and Amy Hakenson,?,?,?,Kaiti(sorry but I didn't meet very many of the girls).
Yes I am playing the guitar, but do not be to impressed. The guitar I am playing belongs to a ten year old kid who is many, many, many times better then myself.
This is a picture of the "band scramble" I played in...yeah we won.

Wow! How long have you been playing?

Well now you "gotta lytl taste a ma life... Iss predy dang esiting".

By! By! By! By! by!

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Let me see... Monologue? Poetry? A song perhaps?
I've got it! I shall do all of the three!

#1, Monologue:

Hello my dear reader, it is a privilege to have you visiting my corner of the world. Today is Sunday, therefore the annual practice of sleeping in late was far from neglected. At least by most... for at my first waking I...well...fell back to sleep. But later I got up and practiced my fiddle for an hour until I felt something both familiar and expected. It started as a small rumble but was drowned out by the lower vibrations of my violin. Then it increased into a ravenous craving. With all the endurance I could muster I resisted the temptation to cease my time of practice... But alas,vanity, vanity, all was vanity(says the musician).

#2, Poetry:

Blogging is a thing that as often as I can I try to carry through
to get exposure, to unleash my feelings and all of this upon you
but when the computer is off and the laptop shut,I begin my life anew
for every day is like a post which must pass the Lords review
-by me

#3, song writing:

In consideration of the simple fact that you cannot hear the tune, I am reluctant to in form you that this section will, for the present time, be neglected.

the end!

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Abstract quote of the day

Ah spring!-Chris Thile

Yes...It's true... I am back!



Hello, hello, hello my friends!
I believe it has been far to long since last I encroached upon every ones Google readers, so here I am.
Today we went to the market in Grants Pass, 10-12:30. We all played two sets and then we went home. Daddy fixed the swamp cooler so that we do not have to get heat strokes every twenty minuet's.
So... In a couple of days ME and mama are going up to fossil bluegrass festival(JAKE IS GOING BE THERE!). However, on the fourth (the day before) I am performing with Emy Phelps band in Ashland! I auditioned for them a few weeks ago and they turned out to be some really amiable folks and let me join the band. The only draw back is that now I have to practice for Jakes CD, our family band and now this band as well. Not that it is a draw back in regard to pleasure for I love music.
So as Dawn rose from her bed, where she lay by haughty Tithonos, raising her rosy fingers above the horizon carrying light to the immortal gods and the mortals(Homer), or in more modern terms, at the crack a dawn(Kenny), I try to practice as much as possible of all three.
Well, by now you are probably tired of hearing about my so...wait a minuet, your on my blog to read about me.?.?... Never mind.

p.s. no questions about the pics.


Saturday, June 14, 2008

Are you ready...
for the event of a lifetime?...
So grab your stroller and walk like... uh... David?

Quote of the day

"Hullo...what do we have here?"-C.S. Lewis

Friday, June 13, 2008

The Contemplation of an Infant


Oh the trials of life, that I daily face
and the strain of a world with a fast moving pace
and how my feet and hands have grown in size
I know that before to long from the floor I will rise

be kind to me while I am small
for soon I will be both strong and tall
then in the field's I will romp and play
but for now I must sit here and contemplate the day

The end!

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Concert

Luke and everyone
Luke, Collin and I
The guitar player with everyone


Sunday, May 4, 2008


what is a friend?

Last weak my cousin Kaleb came down from WA to visit us Oregonians. He and I got to spend allot of time together talking, playing music(duh), talking, discussing, arguing, debating, reminiscing, contemplating, and.... well just talking. Sometimes I make a friend who I want to be like, not necessarily who I am like. But over all it seems to me we make friends with those who we are similar to. For example, we are attracted to someone because they like the same style of music that we do, or they enjoy discussing biblical theology, or perhaps they just enjoy having fun & playing games. The book of Proverbs has much to say about friends and friendship. We read in Prov. 17:17 that,"a friend loves at all times,And a brother is born for adversity". But have you ever wandered whether it is ok to be friends with someone who does not live up to this standard, or is not even a Christian? Well later on we read in chapter 18:2 that "A fool has no delight in wisdom, but in expressing his own heart". Now you might be saying "com on man, not all 'non Christians' are fools". Well, according to Romans 1 (professing to be wise they became fools)they are. Ex. 20:3 "You shall have no other gods before Me " implies that nothing should come before Christ, and that includes reason. If someone thinks of themselves as the controller of their life then they are a fool according to Romans one. In other words If they put their own wisdom before Gods then they have elevated themselves to an idol. There is much more that could be said, but for the sake of time I will have to cut it short. Having a relationship makes you vulnerable, And a companion of fools shall suffer harm. So it is a sin to be friends with unbelievers? Of course not, however if a person is having more of an effect on you than you are on them it would only be wise to avoid that person. I thank God for giving me so many good and true friends.

well thats all fore today folks!
-aLeX