I have come to realize that I have an extraordinary life. I am doing what I love to do and am making a living at it. I do not work for a living and have no intention of changing that mentality. When what I do for a living becomes a job or work ... then I will find something else to do. Don't misunderstand me, I spend long hours, sometimes days focused to meet a deadline or in support of something related to my profession. Simply put, I want occasional ordinary moments in an extraordinary life. If you are seeking something other than that, please move onto the next name on the list.

Who am I? If I was on an elevator and suddenly Oprah entered and said "My featured guest just cancelled...who are you and what do you do?" My answer would be, "I am a conduit of light for all who are seeking to chase the shadows away. My means of shadow dissolving is through music." Philosophical or metaphysical perhaps, but quite accurate ... even though it is a bit vague.

Well, lacking Oprah asking, at the moment...professionally I am 1) a composer of music 2) a touring musician, primarily on piano and keyboards 3) an educator of life, usually music as the primary means of teaching 4) holistic practioner using music as a means of self-empowerment and 5) a consultant for the business of independent music.

Physically, I cast a rather imposing shadow. 6'5", 350 lbs or so (shrinking slowly but surely). The hair is brown...thinning, but brown. The eyes are blue ... sometimes light blue, other times deep, penetrating blue. No facial hair, no tattoos, no piercings. No non-prescribed drugs or tobacco have ever entered this body. In short, a big cuddly warm reassuring teddy bear.

Mentally, I am probably sharper than the average thumb tack. There are lots of trivial items and facts stored that come out, sometimes without any prompts at all. At times I may seem like an intellectual, other times.... well....just your normal average Joe. My humor or wit is sometimes very dry, other times quite literal. Some of my friends and family are not sure if I am from this world ... just because I see things completely differently than most. I generally can find the good... or the funny side of ANY situation.

Emotionally...well we all have baggage that we have been carrying. At this time, my load is the lightest it has been in 20+ years. A true rebirth of my spirit and life has occurred within the last 4 years. It is reflected in everything I do and say. I even surprised myself at times when I see examples of that, knowing where I have been. Overall, I would say that I am an easy-going, upbeat, though relaxed, generally happy person. Very little gets me down anymore. Very little surprises or disappoints me anymore for I have no expectations of anyone, other than myself.

Brief recent history... prior to September 2005, I spent 10 years in the French Quarter of New Orleans composing music and playing the piano. Hurricane Katrina brought me back to my native St. Louis. I am now teaching piano and composition at a conservatory and am beginning to tour once again.

Outside of my professional musical world, I enjoy food (cooking and eating), wine, most sports, seeing live music, driving to a place to seek out new adventures, exploring new restaurants and many other things. I am an adventurous eater, willing to try new cuisines without hesitation ... at least once. My favorite food (today) is probably pizza. Ethnically, I enjoy Vietnamese, Thai, Italian and American food. Know of a great dim-sum restaurant? Oh, I almost forgot ... oysters on the half shell are also a big favorite (although I haven't had many since leaving New Orleans) ... if you have a problem with raw oysters, then we will have issues at a very basic level...just kidding, but I do eat them. Red wine is preferred over white.

OK, looking at the list of things to address in this section, I covered everything but my taste in music. My music taste is very eclectic... classical music, jazz, classic 70s rock, 80s synth new wave, indie acoustic singer/songwriters, new age/contemporary instrumental, etc. Country has a limited tolerance for my ears...although I will admit, it is much better than it used to be...just don't invite me to a George Jones concert. My favorite band ... Brave Combo. If you know them or have heard them or are a fan ... we will have no problems at all. Outside of Brave Combo... Peter Gabriel, Talking Heads, Michael Stanley, Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, Paul Simon, Jim Croce, Harry Chapin, Lynn Drury, Gilli Moon and Thomas Dolby are all in my CD player from time to time.

What do I look for or what appeals to me? Although it is difficult to really pinpoint exactly what catches my eye, here goes...

Physically... the first thing I see are the eyes and a smile. They truly are the doorway to one's soul. Being a bit taller helps as well, say at least 5'5... as long as you are comfortable with someone a foot taller than you (hey, it is a chance to wear your high heels). Smoking and drugs are not part of my world. It is your choice to partake in either, I just won't be around very long if you do. Drinking in moderation is the norm, if at all ... you won't ever see me drunk, that I can assure you.

Mentally...being able to have an intelligent conversation is paramount. Being comfortable with oneself is a very good thing as well. Being unafraid to speak your mind, even if it is an opposing viewpoint, is very appealing. I am no mental giant, but I am able to have intelligent conversations on almost any subject.

Emotionally...It is understood that we all carry baggage from various aspects of our lives, it is how we handle the baggage is what is important. It is always nice to know what someone is thinking. Expression of emotion is very important. Sometimes it may seem to be easier to stuff the emotions. So much so, open communication is a must. In addition to that, jealousy in any form is intolerable, as well as a sense of possessiveness. Those two items are my fast track to the door.

Spiritually... my beliefs are my own, I will respect yours as if they were my own. As long as you are grounded in your spiritually, your beliefs are yours. I am more attuned to the metaphysical side of life. I used to describe myself as a Midwesterner (conservative catholic) with a Northern California Coast mindset (metaphyscial/new age/holistic). That combination makes for a rather unique perspective on life. It is said that "like attracts like" and I have found that to be true. I won't try to change you and I expect the same from you.

If there is anything you might want to know about me, just ask. All you will get is a straight honest answer.

If you have made it this far and are still interested, feel free to drop me a line.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Before a first date, I would certainly like to spend some time talking on the phone getting to know each other a bit more. Words on a screen don't always tell the whole story. Once we agree to meet, the first meeting will probably be for coffee (or something similar) or lunch at a place agreeable and comfortable to both and not too crowded, although.... sometimes new surroundings adds to the adventure...possibly creating a lasting memory of how we met. I am always open to suggestions of new possibilities.

The second date..... well.... I suppose we will just have to see, won't we?