My brother and sister-in-law, John and Katie, renewed their wedding vows at the Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church, August 6, 2005. A lovely reception gathering and dinner was held at the Dearborn Inn not far from one of their favorite places, Greenfield Village.
Center Stage Theater was the scene of the Gastil-Buhl wedding, September 18, 2005. Friends and family gathered in a circle as Aunt Sandi officiated the ceremony, Julie and her friends provided uplifting music and several of our dear friends shared readings to reinforce our wedding pledges. As Gastil and Tom left the circle as a married couple the curtain closed on Act I.
A ring for the finger
Refreshments were served on the patio as the stage was prepared for Act II. Magically, the wedding circle had converted to cafe seating and a small dance floor. We shared a lovely meal as toasts were offered in recognition Tom and Gastil’s marriage.
A big thank you to Cindy Clark for taking the photographs of the event. Preparation and set up images were taken by Tom.
These photos are from the Memorial Meeting for Worship held at the San Diego Friends Center, San Diego, October 27, 2012.
A legacy web site containing more photographs, memories from friends and colleagues and biography may be found at: http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/gordongastil/Homepage.aspx. That site will be active until Oct. 11, 2013 (longer it seems).
La Arcada Bistro, the creation of Trini and Willie Quinn, closed at the end of February, 2018. The prior Sunday was the final jam session of the long-running tradition. Good friends, great music, shared stories and many smiles. Below is a gallery of images from that special evening.
While in Michigan this summer I visited the House Industries exhibit at the Henry Ford Museum. Marvelous presentation of stunning visuals, a trip down a typographer’s memory lane and exploration of the creative process.
“Out-of-the-Box” is a phrase commonly used. But how do we incorporate that in our problem solving, designs and critical thinking? Is it just being weird? The House exhibit offers insights into their journey and perhaps nudge you along a richer path in your own.
I never created an alphabet nor did I do much hand lettering, but I sure love insights into those processes. Seeing a collection of fun or wild fonts often feels like shopping in a large store. Too many choices and not enough context. This exhibit give context to the process and the results. Excellent.
Below is a collection of images taken Monday evening after the artists had completed their works. Many were still packing up their chalks and equipment while chatting with late visitors.
The 2017 featured artist at the base of the mission steps.
The 2017 I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival was held this past weekend. I was a participating artist in twenty-five of these events, but between knee and shoulder replacements I have retired…or transitioned to being part of the all-important audience. Camera in hand, I joined hundreds of others at the Santa Barbara Mission mid-day Saturday to catch the early stages of this marvelous event.
The Mission Santa Barbara, home of the I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival.
My Aunt Sandi was in town for the first two days. Fun to share this tradition with her. The images below were taken Saturday and Sunday of this three-day festival. There will be another post of images taken early Monday evening when the artists had completed their magic. This festival has been held for thirty-one years. Make your plans to join us next year over the Memorial Day weekend
On the first anniversary of the Gastil-Buhl 70th Birthday Dance Party, we attended the recently revived, monthly City Parks & Recreation 4th (or 5th) Saturday Ballroom Dance.
These Carrillo Ballroom dances are hosted by a rotation of popular dance instructors. April’s dance was hosted by the fabulous Kookie. She lead an hour-long Samba lesson followed by two hours of social dancing. Kookie put together a play list of recorded music for waltz, foxtrot, Viennese waltz, quickstep, rumba, cha cha, swing (Lindy and West Coast), salsa and hustle.
Tom, Crosby and Lila. Honored to be with two special youngsters.
Besides dancers, a number of Tom’s friends came by to share birthday wishes. We enjoyed a surprise visitor from Colorado, Lila Ferguson, Crosby’s dear friend since Montessori days.
I danced a bit (waltz and foxtrot), took lots of photos and smiled often. It was a great evening. Gastil’s teacher, Vasilly Golovin (Dance Fever Studios), attended as well as a number of other instructors and high-level dancers. The floor handled all of us, from beginners (me and my kind), through intermediate level and the brilliant, experienced dancers.
Tom and Crosby doing a slow waltz at the legendary Carrillo Ballroom.
After the dance I went to La Arcada Bistro for a pint of Guinness and a sip (or two) of Willie Quinn’s favorite (value) Irish whiskey with long-time friends Larry and Betty.
A grand evening, appropriate to celebrate the first anniversary of my 70th birthday. A gallery of images is below.
Friends and family gathered to celebrate Janet Gastil’s 80th birthday on the rainy evening of December 22, 2016.
Stories, music, food and friendships were shared. Many hands made the setup a party in itself.
Nan Couts Cottage, part of the La Mesa Community Recreation Center, was a perfect setting for the special occasion.
The smiling birthday girl.
Over the years, Janet has performed and taught music, been active in politics, real estate and with Friends (Quakers) – all while raising a family. Children Garth, Gastil, George and John were with her on this evening.
A driveway designer and woodworker sharing thoughts, experiences and impressions of the journey.
My brother and sister-in-law, John and Katie, renewed their wedding vows at the Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church, August 6, 2005. A lovely reception gathering and dinner was held at the Dearborn Inn not far from one of their favorite places, Greenfield Village.
Below is a collection of images taken Monday evening after the artists had completed their works. Many were still packing up their chalks and equipment while chatting with late visitors.
