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Actor Patrick Roper thinks not of his battle with life-threatening Cancer but instead points his wisdom to a place where we can all thrive.
richard radstone
Day 012: The World Is The World
He says, “People are generally good and change is possible.”
Tonight my wife and I go for an evening drive. I’m slowly sucking her into my daily routine of meeting new people. We end up stopping at Warner Center Park, just a couple of miles from our home.
A little bit about Warner Center Park, other than its three claims to fame: Summer outdoor concerts, night outdoor movies, and a killer 4th of July fireworks show. Its hidden secret? The diversity of those who frequent its fields. Making it a local melting pot of cultures. From India to Europe, you can find it all at Warner.
The evening is cool and calm, youth soccer to the left of us, a mother with her son taking private Karate lessons to the right, and straight ahead, two young men sitting in the grass. At a distance, it looks as if they are holding a giant yellow garden hose in their laps. What’s up with that? We looked curiously at each other.
Then the Sherlock Holmes comes out in us as we set a path for a closer view. As we walk towards our contacts to be, the hose moves on its own?! Now we’re intrigued. Perhaps they are just messing with people. Trying to get a rise out of anyone thinking they’re handling a huge cat-eating snake. On park grounds mind you. Fun! A practical joke? Maybe? But whatever they are holding, we’re in!
100 feet to target, 50 feet to target, 10 feet to target, CHOW! It is a snake! 30-pounds of Burmese python, to be accurate. We’re nervous, but quickly overcome any fear in wanting to know more? I pull out my 365 business card, walk up to these guys, plus snake, and reach my hand out to introduce my wife and myself.
These guys are really cool. Turns out they go to Canoga High School just up the street, my wife’s Alma Mater. Won’t date my sweetheart, but I can say I’m pretty sure that non of her teachers are still there.
One thing this project is teaching me fast, there are many young men and women with great manners and intelligence…all lining up to lead the future. Tonight is no exception to this discovery in meeting today’s strangers-now-friends, Izzy and Jerahmia.
We are wholly impressed with the way these two young men express themselves. Izzy shares a comment that deeply impacts me. To set it up, He recently relocated to the USA from Turkey, has spent time schooling in South Africa, and by what he shares with us, has seen a thing or two of how fellowman can treat fellowman. Very impressive for a 17-year-old. What he says is this; a very simple statement, but one with great depth, “The World is the World.”
I ask him what he means? He responds by telling me that people are generally good and change is possible. It just takes time, and that we have to do the work and be patient.
OK, I’m 50 (now you know), I’ve seen and experienced a lot of things since I was seventeen. But I’m telling you, at 17 I would have never made a statement like Izzy’s.
My wife kicks in and asks Jarahmai a question or two. He chimes into the conversation with similar depth. Talks about his Greek heritage and upbringing. I can see why these two kids hang out. They are ahead in their maturity, and it shows. Glad I met them. Parents be proud!
We talk of goals. Turns out that both share an entrepreneurial perspective. Izzy sees the business opportunity in breeding snakes. I did a little research and he is absolutely correct. There is a gigantic market that spends premium dollars for exotic reptiles.
Jerahmia speaks of following in his father’s footsteps, wanting to build an electrical business. Smart kid—we all know how much we pay our electricians.
As we all chat, here is what catches my eye. Something that is becoming a through-line with many of the people I have interviewed thus far. These two youthful gents talk not only of earnings, but of equal importance, the perspective of doing something you enjoy. I’m only 12 days into 365. We’ll see if this theme keeps constant.
We finish with a few witty lines of conversation. Here are my two favorites:
One: Izzy supports the ban on domestically owned Pythons in Florida. They grow huge in that climate. Untrained they eat dogs, cats and can harm children. He goes on to share, on the other hand, they should allow domestic Pythons in New York City and San Francisco. I laugh loudly, thinking he is bagging on the cities. Well, it turns out that for New Yorkers and San Franciscans, your safe. The cold climate limits their growth.
Two: I had no idea that a 17-year-old could leg press 1000 pounds, Jerahmia can! Considering myself somewhat fit, I decide to ask more weight lifting questions, thinking I can get a pointer or two. I stop at hearing he can chest fly 305. Lifters, humble up, you know how strong this kid is. I’m fine with sticking with my twenty-five-pounders.
Oh Yeah! Forgot to introduce you to the Python, “Say hi to Goliath.”
I’m off to hibernate now.
Day 11: Only He Knows
He tells me lemongrass tea is a cure for joint pain.
OK cut to the chase. My eyes are watering and the room is a blur. I’ve barely eaten today and have spent the last 2 hours trying to be intellectual in my writing tonight. The day has been insane. It’s rapidly approaching midnight, still not done with the day’s business. And now it’s time to go with the flow in whatever words come out. So here we go.
Meet Otto, (self-appointed owner. I found out a year after this encounter that he was the delivery man…wish he would have been honest with me) of Lemon Grass Thai Restaurant, a cool little joint around the corner from me. I’m telling you I’m lucky to have even gotten out of my office today and as I am writing this, I’m still at it working to deliver a project. By my side, my wife, who with a good friend Brandon, a very talented illustrator, are working on a set of perspective sketches for an advertising photo shoot I’m doing next week. No rest for the weary.
Flashback to 6 pm, when I grab my camera bag to hit the streets. Out the door, I go for another jaunt up Sherman Way. Not far from my house I look left and leaning against the wall, smoking a cig, is Otto. I look at him thinking, “who is this guy, and why is he loitering in my neighborhood?”
Not being the shy type, I know the only way to find out who he is, is to approach him. I step up, introduce myself, and invite him to 365.
Turns out, he is the owner (not so much) of one of my favorite local eateries. We go into the restaurant and take a few photos. He is a very energetic, educated, and amusing gentleman (again, why the deception).
I learn a thing or two from him about healthy eating. He tells me Lemon Grass Tea is a cure for joint pain. I’ll try it.
I want to write more, but I have to humble up today in letting you know, I’m toast.
I leave in sharing Otto’s recommended dish: Lab (a spicy beef salad). If you ever visit Lemon Grass in Canoga Park, order it, just try to not ask for Otto styl… or maybe you should.
All for tonight. And to my deceptive friend Otto, my heart is with you my brother—for it is not mine to guess what demons you are battling.
Talk tomorrow my friends, Richard
Day 010: Fifteen Years of Passion
Whatever You Promise—You Deliver
Sunday afternoon, my day for spiritual worship and family time. I’m sure many of us covet this day to refill our wells for the week to come. 10 days into 365 and Sundays are already becoming the hardest day to get my butt moving. But two things I learned from my father move me forward: First, “There is only one way to do things, in whatever you do, be certain to do it right and finish it.” and secondly; as many Brits would state, “Keep a stiff upper lip.”
So with full commitment to see 365 to the end, a smile on my face, and a very supportive daughter in hand, I grab my gear for a Sunday stroll around the neighborhood.
We walk a few blocks. Noting shops unfamiliar to us, and a few we have frequented from time to time. As we browse, looking through locked storefront after storefront, most closed for Sunday rest. I realize 365 is changing my perspective of how I look at the rows of small businesses that are only footsteps from my front door. And being a small business owner myself, knowing how important it is to retain a customer base, I’ve always done my best to regularly patronize my fellow entrepreneur. But today’s feeling is deeper than that. Something different is brewing in me, and I’m not sure what it is.
I pause for reflection; a new type of empathy is grabbing hold of me. My desire to connect at a deeper level to these neighborhood co-business owners is becoming much greater. And with only nine days of meeting strangers behind me, I’m fully realizing the challenge is starting to change me, and I think it is for the better.
Canoga Camera—closed, (best ink price in town); Caveretti’s (old school Italian Deli)—open (of course, it’s a restaurant); The Boxing Gym—closed; five or six other closed stores, and then, prepared to look through yet another closed window, there it is…Canoga Park Florist—open!
Now for as long as I’ve lived in my house, (9 years to be exact), never has this store been open on a Sunday. So my curiosity takes hold, and through the doors we go
We are greeted by shop owner, Shabbir, who sitting at a display checking his text messages. 4:45-ish, store closing at 5:00 pm. I tell him what I am doing, and he buys in. Graciously giving me almost an hour—way past closing time. I find him to be very honorable and kind… even gives my 8-year-old girl a stuffed toy.
I could write a book about our chat, but I’ll keep it short, we have many more days ahead of us and I don’t want to lose you with too much text. But no matter how long-or-short these stories become, please stay with me. The journey is just starting, and I have no idea of where it will lead us
So with that said, let me give you a short rundown of our conversation and some things I did not know:
- Shabbir loves working with all kinds of different people, bad day pick-me-up to hospital gifts, anniversaries to weddings, birthdays to graduations, mothers day to Valentine day, all have their respective flowers. But to Shabbir it’s more than just pre-arranged product, it’s pride in knowing exactly what flowers to choose for every customer he meets.
- Gladiolas, lilies and gerberas—until now, I thought only roses were the most beautiful flower for arrangements.
- Yelp really does work.
- He loves being a florist and sees doing nothing other than that for the rest of his life.
- His philosophy: Knowing your customer’s heart makes you a better business person.
- Whatever you promise—you deliver.
- His Dream… to pilot a plane; life is just too busy right now.
Oops! I forgot to ask him when he rests.
Talk tomorrow my friends!
Day 009: Less Violence, More Fixies
“Biking keeps us out of trouble, you know, drugs and stuff.”
Vincent and Angel, Age 18 – sponsored riders: JB Bike Shop #2
Went for a walk today and, strolling down Sherman Way in Canoga Park, I came across a cool little bike shop, J.B Bike Shop #2. Great place. Very urban. Met the owner Antonio as I browse and mingle with his mechanic and a few customers. In talking with him, I realize he knows his bike stuff.
To do my part in supporting small businesses, I need to let you know he is the place to go to buy a custom fixie or for tune up’s of just about any bike.
But here is what impresses me about Antonio, he gives back to the community. How you might ask? Seems he has taken a few very talented neighborhood kids under his wing in offering them bike sponsorship as well as a safe place to hang out.
In a day with so much gang violence, alcohol, and drug abuse is running ramped among our urban youth, Antonio’s positive influence is apparent. His eye to protect them apparent as I walk into his shop. Guessing I look a touch suspicious to him with my camera in hand and roaming eyes. So as I strike up a conversation with Vincent and Angel, inviting them to allow me to photograph them for 365, Antonio hovers closely as he checks my intent. And with his approving nod, the two young men accept my offer.
We go to the alley behind the shop and the boys begin to warm up. All the while, Antonio watching closely. I’m sure still not fully comfortable about my reasoning to photograph his riders. Now, this story is not wholly about Antonio, but it would be very inconsiderate of me not to mention him. I regret not getting a photo of him. But in reality, his acknowledgment is necessary. Two great and very talented young men, who without Antonio’s support, may not have had the opportunity to develop their talents.
I shoot a lot of photos. Have to, the assortment of tricks Vincent and Angel can do is astounding, and all without a ramp. And on bikes weighing around 30 pounds to boot. They lift them as if they are weightless. Off flat pavement mind you. It is impossible to show you what they can do in a still photograph, but picture this: You are riding backward, then lift the front wheel, spin around, lift the bike 3 feet off the ground, do a wheelie (on the front wheel), spin the bike on the front wheel, then ride away backward.
Or how about this one:
Pedal as hard as you can for 20 feet, leap your bike in the air, again 3 or more feet up. From there you have a few choices; maybe you want to turn the front wheel to face you, let go of the handlebars, or even better, reach out for a midair touch of the spinning front wheel with your good hand.
I think you get the picture. These kids are fearless athletes, and the best part, they are exceptional young men. Grounded (excuse the pun after seeing them take flight). Noticeably ahead of their peers in wisdom.
Here is what they say about their sport and life.
- Biking keeps us out of trouble, you know, drugs and stuff
- You only live once, live to the fullest
- Do something you love
- Never give up (even if you break your arm)
- Their motto: Less Violence, More Fixies (a very difficult bike trick)
Vincent is planning on going to business school and dreams of opening a bike shop, just like Antonio’s.
Antonio gives his blessing with one condition. He says, “OK by me as long as it’s 30 miles from mine.”
Vincent replies, “How about another state?”
Vincent’s crazy ariels, hands off bar, wheel turned back.
Angel, the king of flying wheelies.
My favorite crazy trick: grab air and touch the spinning front wheel.
In parting, I ask them one final question, do they like to mountain biking (my favorite sport)?” They both agree, “no way, mountain biking is way too dangerous!”
I thought to myself, (a very confused) Huh?!?