richard radstone

“A positive plus a positive is a positive; a negative plus a negative is a positive; a positive plus a negative is a positive or a negative.”

“Keep your eyes up.”

“Even when I’m looking down, I’m looking up”

“What you see in life is a lie.”

“Do the first thing that comes into your mind, because the second is what you are thinking and the first is what you know.”

“Exercise patience.”

I can barely keep up with the philosophies of Matthew, a man I meet while (I’m here again) at a shopping center.

The dude is an introverted extrovert, a speaker of little words and an orator of many, an engaged communicator and a distant conversationalist, a master of controlled confusion. But his confusion is not by chance, it is by choice.

Unbelievable, Here I am, at a mall again, my less than favorite place on earth. No worries, it’s the holidays, I’m glad to dig deep in engaging with my shopping spirit.

Luckely the mall is not too crowded, and with my family at side, I head towards Macy’s. Almost there when I am stopped by the Hickory Farms girl, “Would you like to try our Farmhouse Cheddar?” Sure, why not? Free cheese? “I’m in.”

No sooner than I have tooth pick of cheese in hand, a voice emerges from behind by back, “Yeh! the Farmhouse Cheddar!”

It grabs my attention and I turn to search its origin. There he is, backgrounded by Christmas pine and shifting from huge smile to solemn face, Matthew.

Somehow I feel like I am part of a social experiment and I am being tested for a response.

Not wanting to feel like a lab rat, and figuring he is my 365 friend for the day, I approach him to see what’s up.

With business card in hand, I tell him about 365. His response, “Yup.”

That’s it, “Yup” and “Yup” only. So with “Yup” floating in the air and Matthews eyes scanning my business card, I continue. “Do you want to be today’s friend?”

You guessed it, “Yup.”

Challenge on… “May I ask you a few questions?”

Yup (now I’m saying Yup) his answer, “Yup.”

OK, now that we are all sufficiently confused, and on the same page in this experience, let’s move on.

Matthew and I manage to get through our “Yups” and move on to a fuller line of conversation.

Turns out that there is more to Matthew than meets the eye. He is very articulate and passionate about life and the journey he is on. The guy is deep, almost poetic. Thoughts and phrases rain from him at a pace that is impossible for me to accurately note. He truly is a viewer of the world, involved in it with his own unique confusing way. “I’m looking for response,” He says.

And response he get. He drew me in and as I get to know him, I see that he is a kind of like a chameleon. Shifting his words and body language to draw and direct people to him, even changes his shirt three times during our photo shoot (I later see him in a fourth jacket).

He is a shape shifter, not in a “See me” way, but more like a “How will you react to me experiment.”

Matthew speaks with respect of his fellow-man. Yet another contrast. “Then why do you work to confuse people?” I think to myself.

“Why” A question that continues to resonate with me.

“Simply Why?” I’m still not sure we even addressed “Who”, but “Why” is enough for me with Matthew.

Bottom line, it appears Matthew changes morphs to evoke curiosity from those passing by.

What leads me to this conclusion is something he says, “Figure out how to bring society to you, or ‘It?'”

Oh man? another point of confusion, “It?”

Matthew talks of society as “It.”

I’ll be honest, I am confused by this thesis and am trying to grasp the concept.

Here is the best I can to communicate his explanation. “It” means an energy, a magnetism of sorts. Like attracts like. If “It” is dark, “It” will find dark; if “It” is light, “It” will attract light.

But whatever “It” is, “It” makes sense to Matthew. And that’s alright by me.

In some way, my eyes have been opened, I have met a philosopher: “The Master of Confusion.”

And the last part of the dizziness, after an hour of surreal discussion, Matthew leaves me with this sign off.

“Keep it real!”

?*?!?*!???, “I’ll try.”

Flu is in the air and I hope I’m dodging a bullet. Not sure yet, two hot showers and the chills stay hold of me. The sun is dropping, and with contracting stomach, I’m not feeling that motivated. Even though it’s rather early, 4:30pm, the thought of being too far away from the sanctuary of the water closet is still not that appealing. I say this with humility, knowing we’ve all walked these trails a time or two.

But with 150 to 300 visits a day registering on my blog statistics, there is no way I can let you guys down. Oh yeah, I forgot, It’s cold and raining too. I’m truly having trouble starting the 365 engine today. So I have to give credit where credit is due. I’m going out for the readers today. “Thanks for the push.”

As my father always told me, “Keep a stiff upper lip.” So with his council blaring in my mind, to the door I go for a walk. I grab the doorknob, and before turning it to engage the opening of our house portal, I pause, looking to the sky in plea for a swift journey and settled bowels.

Out the door I go… Oh, not good! The streets are barren, rain approaching, and all are inside. In self abuse, I visualize them sipping hot cider and relaxing at day’s end. Funny enough, due to the stomach woes I’m experiencing, the thought of cider does not appeal to me. Take that self abuse lobe, the last thing I need this evening is a digestive.

I press on, no one to the left, and no one to the right. I carefully stroll and not wanting to accept defeat from a mere stomach virus, I prepare for a long, cold, wet walk. Not fifty steps from my front door, I spy my neighbor of six years. I’ve given him countless nods from my car, quick hellos from across the street, and the occasional wave from afar.

I think for a moment about my wife’s commentary of few days ago, “For The Love Of Dogs,” and realize that I know nothing about my neighbor. He is the only human in sight, Perhaps he is my answer to my heavenly plea.

If all things happen for a reason, as stated yesterday by Molly at the veterinary clinic, then maybe my slowing is a divining rod of sorts in leading me to truly meet my neighbor. One thing is for certain, I’m positive if I were feeling well and the weather was optimal, my path would have been drastically different.

I approach my two doors down and across the street neighbor, and shake hands with my new friend Pedro.

At first we struggle a bit in communicating, having a Spanish/English language barrier. It does not take us too long, however, to find a mutual speaking pace and I am all ears.

Since 2005, I’ve been aware of Pedro, his eclectic front yard (picture a 24/7 garage sale), constant shuffling of projects and curb parked cars in various states of repair. Pretty much all I knew about him, that is, until tonight.

I find out Pedro is a man of great depth and world experience. Originally from San Miguel, El Salvador, Pedro has covered the gamut of careers. “In El Salvador I was a very successful event planner.” He is humble in revealing his full history. Which leads me to inquire a little deeper. Pedro opens up and give’s me a full timeline of his transition to becoming a United States Citizen.

Bear with me for a moment, I have to jump tracks to set the scene as to what Pedro is all about. One word, “Family”

Pedro has an incredible intellect and work ethic, all for one purpose. Not self-gratification, Not riches, but simply for his children. All of whom are successfully near the end of their academic studies. “My daughter is studying to be a veterinarian, my older son is almost a doctor and my youngest son is studying biology at Cal State Northridge.

His work history is secondary, Event planner in El Salvador to University administrator in Mexico to reselling cars and cleaning house with his wife in America. Why such a path?

Again, Family. “I wanted my children to get the best education they could. That’s why I moved.”

Pedro is an activist, “I had to leave Mexico, I got involved in working to expose the corruption in the educational system, so they took away my job.” He says this with a spirit of hope, and I can tell he has the knowledge that he did the right thing.

I ask him why he has so much stuff. The short answer, “My hobby is yard sales.” He goes on to reveal a deeper and more meaningful explanation for his endless inventory of goods. “We are destroying our planet with waste. Especially in America, where so many are materialistic. I see so much thrown away that does not need to be discarded. There is too much trash killing our environment. I save and repair what I need, and don’t buy what is not needed. That’s why I have all this.”

Pedro is a selfless man, Family first, take care of the world and love life.

Of love of life, the proof is in the pudding. All of Pedro’s children are happy. “We are a close family, my house is a very special place, and I’m proud to say that my children have no vices. They don’t drink, smoke and understand, respect, love, charity and compassion. I taught them early about manners and the importance of being a good person. All thing that my mother taught me when I was a child.”

We’ve been talking for an hour now, my upset stomach has mostly been dormant, but feeling it’s rumblings beginning to return, and knowing that I must soon go (in more ways than one), I ask my final question while I accompany Pedro in returning to his task of painting his motor home.

What are you wishes for the future?

A two-part answer.

“My children happy and working as professionals.”

and

“To return to my small town in El Salvador. I miss my culture, my people are friendly. Everybody is happy. That’s the way I was raised.”

Pedro, Thanks for the message. Your right, “Family is First.”

“It’s raining cats and dogs outside,” Animal lovers, please forgive the reference, I mean no harm, the only way to explain the down pour in my area of the woods today.

Really… I come from a great lineage of animal lovers: Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, fish, horses, rats, guinea pigs and reptiles. The list goes on and on to what has lived under the roof with me. Even as I write this entry, I am being serenaded by the whirling sound of my daughters hamster spinning its running wheel with Olympic effort.

So when I end up at a 24 hour emergency veterinary clinic this evening, I am certainly not out of my element. In some ways, it’s home away from home. My animals get sick, to the vet we go. After all, they are people too.

I’m happy to say, “No pet emergencies today.” I’m here on my own recognizance. You have often heard me speak of the 365 voice. Tonight it kicked into full stride getting me, and my daughter here. Only 15 minutes prior to our arrival, we were driving when an overwhelming feeling hit both of us to come here. It is not an unfamiliar destination to us, having spent several emotion heavy late nights of past under this roof with our own pets, but tonight is different. I know we are here to invite someone to 365, but who?

It’s a somewhat frightening adventure cold-walking into a business to introduce 365. Even though I’m fairly comfortable speaking to most people, entering into someone elses domain, and asking them to allow me to photograph and interview them, is more than a touch intimidating, it’s very exposing. And the last thing I want to do is come off like some sort of unwanted salesman or, worse yet, a random scary person.

So here we are, standing in the lobby for a minute or two, no one in sight. I’m tempted to raise the loud “hello” voice, when we are greeted by one of the staffers. A very kind person, who graciously hears me out on my 365 introduction. It’s been a very long day for her, and although intrigued, she passes on the invite with a hook, “I’m not feeling up to being photographed, but maybe someone else here is interested.”

She leaves for a beat and returns, “We’ve all been on a very long shift and none of us are up to it, maybe Wednesday?” I don’t show it, but I’m a little bummed, thinking to myself, “Then why was I directed here?”

I’m cut off mid thought when my front desk friend picks the conversation up with, “Our receptionist Molly is young and pretty, I bet she will do it?” I light up, there is hope.

Molly arrives, In-and-Out hamburgers for all in hand. It’s a group conversation now and I tell Molly about 365. She warmly accepts, but I sense two conflicting emotions from her, “Do I want to do this? Married to “This is way cool!” In the end she and I both agree, “This is way cool.”

Molly tells me her friends all call her a social butterfly and an overall lovable person. I completely support their claim. Molly is wonderful to be around. We talk about a few generalities at first, but ultimately settle on a shared theme, “Things happen for a reason.”

“Just this morning I said this on my facebook, I’m going to make a mark in the world,” Molly states as we begin the interview. Her words lead me to silently question if this is the reason we are here, at this particular moment, on this particular day. I know my blog following is in its infancy, but maybe we all need to here what Molly has to say.

You see Molly has a mission, “To give a voice to the animals,” A statement that I can wholly empathize with.

She backs up her words with stories of what she has witnessed in her time working in animal care. I hear case studies of the most abusive actions to  helpless animals, and even though I am a very responsible pet owner, I’m forced to reflect on my relationship with my loyal four-legged companions. Yes, it is a relationship, and one that I need to nurture.

Always an animal lover, Molly talks of he childhood and recounts back to her earliest memories of raising stray animals. Something that obviously was important not only to her, but her mother as well. “I want my Mom to be proud of me,” she says. It is hugely apparent that she was raised to respect all creatures of the earth. “My mother showed me a PIDA video when I was 18, it changed my life.” Like I said, “Molly has a mission.”

“Animals are my thing.” she states with a tremendous smile. That’s got to be the motivator to her compassion and work ethic. I ask Molly of her goals. “By the time I’m thirty, I want to have a family, a house and be working full-time as a wildlife researcher.” Her idols, The late Steve Erwin and Jack Hanna.

Most people think I’m a nerd to model my life after them. I call her brave. She tells me, “If it wasn’t for them, the world would be a lot different.” She’s right! Even though many of us don’t want to admit it, these two men have shown us parts of the world, and creatures that we most likely would have never considered. Because of these men, we are aware. And Molly is the next generation to follow in their footsteps. Like I said, “Molly is Brave.”

“I learned at an early age to be independent.” A statement that is evident in the 60 to 70 hour work weeks she puts in at two clinics, this, not including her added studies. Molly is on a speed course to her dreams. When asked to give advice to my readers, She mirrors a perspective shared by so many of my 365 friends, “Find something that you are passionate about and do it.”

And for Molly, “Animals are my thing and I want people to respect them!”

This is my entry from last night (due to a few WIFI issues and the failure of my mobile app). The Museum trapped me away from the technology I needed to upload, making it necessary for me to upload in daylight hours. What’s the Museum? Read on and you’ll understand.

12:03am: Just settling to write today’s entry. I’m in the strangest of places. Where? Chilling in the lobby of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles (NHMLA). Where exactly? Right under T-rex. Seems a few of us sleepless parents have found the first moment of catch-up to finish our week’s business. With baggy eyes and motivated by the teamsmanship of Vanessa, another dedicated parent and co-night owl sharing this only place of 3G signal, I turn on my trusty iPad to give you this entry.

But why am I here at this time of morning? Remember the key words I used above. “A few of us sleepless parents.” Sleepless is an understatement. Starting at 1pm today my family and I began our preparation for this evening: a sleepover at the NHMLA. I can’t say what the day was for my typing friend Vanessa, but I’m sure she has experienced similar set-up for this night.

Best part, all who are attending (looks like about 200 of us) are locked in the building until sunrise. So, with my mind and body fueled by cookies and lemonade, and the sounds of unknown families sleeping in congregation echoing off the marble walls, I write my 71st 365 entry.

Sorry to say that Vanessa is not my entry this night. Although she is charming, she is knee-deep in her catch up of the day, and I have already interviewed my friend of the day. But who knows, I have given Vanessa a card and perhaps she will join us as a 365 follower.

Without further delay, let me introduce you to today’s friend: The most lovely and inspired Monique.

There are too many families to count, Boy Scout troops to the left and right, a girls’ school across the room and numerous organizations of educators everywhere. The opportunities are overwhelming and I’m keeping my intuition open as I say my hellos to all I converse with. The second I meet Monique I know she is gifted.

Gifted is a word I use cautiously, not wanting to overuse it or diminish its impact. But gifted is the only word that comes to my mind after spending only 15 minutes with Monique.

There is a spirit about her that is genuinely good, and rightfully so. Her life is dedicated to education and in helping others reach their full potential – so much so that she has formed an organization to fulfill this mission, amer-i-can.org.

It’s early in the morning now. I won’t lie, I’m a touch toasted, and by the look of it I am the only person left awake. Vanessa has retired. The halls are silent and I realize that I have lost track of time in visiting the amer-i-can.org website. Its scope is way too broad to justify in my writing. What Monique does is wonderful and I will be bold enough to pitch visiting her site and challenge us all to do our part in reaching out. I promote it with purpose and feel that doing so does not breach my commitment to you in keeping my blog free of commercialism. What Monique does has zero links to commerce. I am wholly impressed.

What else impresses me about Monique is her presence: humble, soft-spoken and confident. We talk of the economy, spirituality and the importance of education. Grand topics for a short, 15 minute visit. We share a common thread of perspective for the world around us. Even though there are so many obstacles dividing cultures and people, there is still so much good and opportunity for those who reach out, think of others and press forward wit hope and charity.

We talk of motherhood and the importance of parenting, linking their role in child development and of a healthy self-esteem.

Monique is a rock star of talents, and it is obvious she is doing what she is for a reason.

I quote her, “I was called to be an educator. I had no choice but to listen. We are all here to be in alignment with God’s will.”

She expands, “Everyone has the potential to do good. Like diamonds get pressed into gems, so too can we all become better beings.”

I can tell that Monique lives what she proclaims, and from being in her presence for the 15 short minutes we talk, I can honestly say that she has influenced me to be a better person.

Her thought for the future, “To help the world on a Global level.”

Monique, a privilege to meet you!

End Note (From Terri, my wife):  When Richard showed me his 365 portrait for today I exclaimed, “Yes!  I knew she was who you were suppose to meet today.”  Monique was part of our assigned museum group, the “Coyotes.” As we followed our children from activity-to-activity throughout the night, I made eye-contact with her a few times and was taken in by the gentle, peaceful “magic” about her — the kind of person that can make you feel good just by sharing her smile. I don’t really try to sway Richard toward who to shoot, so I just thought to myself, “She would be a great 365 for tonight” – and guess what?  Richard thought so, too.

Kamala tells me, “We are all connected; cousins, long time friends, a full-on family. We all do what we love to do, and are here to encourage each other. This place is all about community; yoga, good food, play and lots of dancing. I never though I would be a fire dancer, but here I am doing this  I’m loving life!”

Tonight I find myself in a special place. It’s like I have fallen down the rabbit hole and have wandered into Wonderland. Just this afternoon I met Kamala on the phone, she is referred by the art teacher of my daughter. As we chat, her energy reaches through the phone while she extends an invitation to visit her house this evening. What deeply impresses me is her selflessness, “You can come, but it will not be about me, it will be about us.”

You’re not kidding! I arrive to more people than I can count. And first things first, I am invited for dinner amidst the aroma of the most wonderful food, all prepared by the culinary master of the house, Brit, who, incidentally, is not only a fire dancer, but a trained gourmet chef. I love to eat, so I’m in, still not fully grasping the fact that the most amazing night has begun.

As I get acquainted with my 365 friends, the stream of new faces never ends. I can truly say, “I have stumbled upon what I feel is one of the greatest creative hubs in Los Angeles,” and I’ve been to a lot of places and have met a lot of artists. Right off the bat, I know there is no way I can interview everyone — that would be a monumental task, and one that I’m sure would reach deep into the week. So I enlist the help of the group, asking them to write their answers to my questions throughout the evening. Kamala helpfully sets up her laptop on the dining room table, making it easy for all to contribute their words. I’m loving it here, they are all in.

So we’re all chatting, sitting at the dining table as entries are written. Kelly goes first with a sinister, yet warmly funny laugh, “I’m holding us up,” she says as she clicks away at the keys. But there are no worries, none are stressed. As a matter of fact, it’s quite the opposite, all for one and one for all in this neighborhood.

What is important to this eclectic family is this: The experience of the evening, and helping each other to excel and be safe with their fire tricks. This family is on awesome.

Not all of us are at the table; the dedication of these artists is staggering. Outside has been non-stop practice and coaching. With the entire front of the residence being converted into a fire spinning studio, everyone has a place to take their turn in heating it up. Even Kelly, who just 15 minutes ago was in front of my lens, spinning crazy amounts of fire only inches from her head.

I too am taking a break from the front yard energy and am sitting at the table to chill. To the left of me is  Jade, delivering dialogue for a music video promotion one of the gang is producing. Crazy lines are bouncing off the walls, “Kick out the epic x!x!X@@@!” I’m told it’s for a Swedish band. Got to love those insane Swedes. I know a few of them. To the left of me is Brit, our amazing chef, her talents are deep and she is checking out a set of storyboards for a Kung Fu belly dance movie she is part of, sindanceproductions.com.

But there are more than just two projects happening — these are only a few of the happenings at this wonderfully eclectic home of imagination. I am told, “It is always this way around here and I am welcome anytime.” I am honored by the invite and will take them up on the open door sometime.

Even thought the night is past and morning is rapidly approaching, the creative spirit is endless and even now, at 1:23am, I find myself captured, sitting in the living room and not able to return home until I complete this entry.

I have truly found myself in creative heaven, and the fire is magical.

But still, we all have work tomorrow. Oh crud! I mean today, and the night is wrapping. It is time for me to go. So with the glow of fire now dimming on my shoulders, I present you the words written by my fab new friends.

Here you go.

The questions”

“What is your message to the world?”

“What will you be doing in 5 years – goals, aspirations or maybe your way of life?”

Jade

“My message to the world is… ‘Live the life you love and love the life you live.’ You must push yourself to be the purest form of you. Embrace all that you are and allow yourself to be pushed to your own fullest.”

“In five years I will still be pushing myself and those around me to inspire the world with a pure form of art and radical self-expression.  Only by allowing ourselves to be true to what we are will we encourage our surroundings to break out of the shells that hold us all in.”

Kamala

“You can do ANYTHING you want with YOUR life! Do it now and do not let another moment pass without living to the fullest!

“In five years I will be in the moment living life to the fullest, doing whatever it is that makes me thrive, laugh, smile and rich in all aspects of the word and I will be being the best me I can be in that moment.”

Will

“Follow your passion, take risks, regret nothing… you’ll get out of life what you put into it.

“In five years I will continue adventuring and traveling the world… always in search of amazing experiences and incredible people!”

Kelly

“Never give up, never slow down. Find the love in everything that comes to you, and in all that you meet. Trust in God and you’ll find all things are possible.

“Five years will come in the blink of an eye, and I only hope that when that time comes I’ll be at a place of love, happiness, and peace. Or in space. (Man, I want to go into space.)”

Britt

“Follow your dreams! What seems impossible today is within reach tomorrow.

“In 5 years I hope to be enjoying the love and prosperity that I enjoy today, to fully appreciate every moment of being alive, to be inspired in my daily life and share it with others.”

Parker

“Surround yourself with people who inspire you.

“In five years I’d like to have access to the people who are making a difference in the world, and help them share their stories internationally through film and other art forms.”

Glen

“In five years I hope to be part of a creative, successful community.

“It’s good to take a moment and ask yourself if what you are doing is making you happy.  If it isn’t making you happy it might be time to try something else.”

Check out the Fire Groove website at http://www.firegroove.com

Remember I said it was 1:23am. Well, I still needed to edit and prepare a few photos. It’s 3:35am now. I’m going to bed.

See you tomorrow, bright eyed and bushy tailed.

Say “Hi ” to Nicole, the first face I see this evening as I arrive to an  ad agency gathering. She is so welcoming. I have to ask her to be part of 365.

I’m going to be short and to-the-point tonight. We all have to get some sleep now and then.

Nicole is one of those people who find resolve in everything. I know this by two factors: first, my gut tells me so, and second, I do a little questioning of her co-workers, all who say things like, “She is always thinking forward, nothing shakes her, she is awesome.”

Now you ad folks will appreciate this. Nicole is a traffic manager. For those of you who do not know what a traffic manager does, it is basically this: All the scheduling of every project that moves from department to department. Meaning, if timing is missed on the delivery of any given project, the blame falls on her shoulders. It’s a huge responsibility that requires the ability to communicate with both left and right brain people – not always an easy task, especially when everyone needs things ASAP. My hat goes off to all in her position.

OK, you know of her job, but what does she want to share with us, the readers of 365?

The office is loud, but we manage to find a quite corner in the reception area. We sit and chat for a bit. All while Nicole continues to welcome newcomers to the party. She is incredibly funny, lots of laughter and off- the-wall statements. “I’d rather be day 69.”  I smile, “I’m not that kind of blog, but promise to share her disappointment for being day 68.” All is meant in good jest and we laugh it off.

Even with the distraction of our silly talk and the many people walking past us, she is able to manage her photo shoot while being sure that all who enter feel welcome to the agency open house. A testament to her ability to manage multiple situations. She is a joy to photograph and projects a warm persona, that with only a few minutes to take photos, is rather difficult to capture, but I think we got pretty close.

It is suiting that we sit at the question mark couch. A perfect setting for Nicole to share a favorite quote by poet Walt Whitman, “Re-examine all that you have been told… Dismiss what insults your Soul.”

As we talk I realize why this quote resonates with her. Even though she is somewhat reserved, broken occasionally by an absolutely infectious sense of humor, I see that her humanity runs deep.

Nicole is very hip and carries herself with poise and confidence. We talk of her tattoos, which are many. “I’m addicted to them.” True, many are, but this is what’s really cool  – most of her tats are a tribute to family, or uplifting life statements. I nickname her, “Walking key art for the positive.”

I ask her of her goals or dreams. Quick and simple answer: “I want to work with kids.”

Nicole, keep your humor and dedication to professionalism and I bet you’re at the front of the classroom sooner than you think.

Thanks for the fun interview.

Later Gator!

Several weeks ago I reported on two people I met at a local Laundromat: The Colonel and Antoinette.

If you remember, I spent hours with them and it was quite an experience. But there was one encounter that evening which has haunted me since that evening, and rightfully so: it is a deep story and one that deserves it time to tell.

To get us going, here is an excerpt from that evening’s blog post, my interview with The Colonel.

“The last lesson in military respect comes as we conclude our evening. A man walks up, taking a pause from his laundry duties. “Are you a veteran?” he directs at The Colonel. “Vietnam” is the reply.

The man goes on to state his service, and even though he did not see front line, he shares, “I was scared shitless.” The Lieutenant Colonel immediately reaches out his hand, and over a firm handshake, says, “Welcome home!” They both well up, but quickly hide their emotion.”

That man who walked up – we spoke for a short time. He is a brave man with a message to share, but time is too short to interview. We exchange cards and commit to meeting at a later date. That later date is today and here are words written to me by George, the man of whom we are speaking.

His words are sharp and poignant. With his permission, I am sharing them as they are written to me.

I have the greatest respect for all who voice their opinion, and remind you, my readers, that the messages stated in my posts are that of each individual 365 friend I meet. I do have my opinions, however, to be true to 365, its point-of-view remains neutral; its aim is not to endorse or debate any political, religious, spiritual or metaphysical agendas. 365 is a community of people and to allow for its relevance I welcome all perspectives.

I meet with George in his home. He is welcoming and engaging. A generous host, he offers me tea and we sit for an hour of deep conversation. He expresses more than I can write and his points are bold and clear. I know there is no way I can articulate his message, so I ask him if he would be willing to email me a short paragraph or two of what he would like me to post. Here are George’s words:

George’s words of Wisdom:

“No human being has the moral right to gamble with the fate of other human beings.”

Where he sees himself ten years from now:

“Despite the talks of gloomy future, and there are lots of depressing events to support that view, I believe our future is a lot brighter than supposed. I have been fortunate to be able to read between the lines as the events unfold right before our eyes.  There is an incredible change coming, a change that is spearheaded by the youth of all Islamic nations.  The smart young boys and girl with the use of cell phones, Facebook, twitter, and often sacrificing their own lives in what they strongly believe.

Although they cry for democracy and freedom, in reality, they are showing their contempt for their religion. Islam, a religion that has awakened the young Muslims to realities they never probed before and caused them to take a critical look at a religion that their spirit has never digested. They are asking for transparency, accountability in government and an end to the oppressive Islamic leaders with their radical fundamental ideology, their cagy and perilous philosophy. The philosophy that has caused irreparable injury not just to the Muslims, but also to the universal rules and laws on which civilized and successful societies are based. The tradition, the religion, that in order for them to live a normal life among the people of the world, they must live outside of that tradition, and that absolute Arab Islam.

Richard, I am an Iranian American, a U.S. veteran. I was born in Iran and grew up as a Shiite Muslim.  As a Shiite I have read most if not all Shiite doctrine page-by-page and have read Koran and done all my daily duty. I grew up with and understand the mentality of today’s Shiite elite.”

George leaves us with this thought:

“I believe it is time for the world’s Muslims to do some soul searching and for Islam to look into the mirror. And I am holding up that mirror to Islam.”

To read more of George’s mission, here is his website: http://iransharshislam.com/index.html

Sundays are tough days to get out. It’s the one day of the week I do my best to covet as much time as possible for spiritual and dedicated family time So when I invite my DP friend Bruce along for the ride, I welcome his invitation to join him in a visit to one of his friends: Curt, the genius behind Viewfactor.

I ask you to look beyond the invitation I receive from Bruce. True, it is an introduction. I’m even hesitant at first to take the interview, but it’s Sunday, family day, and the prospect of getting quickly in the door of meeting a new 365 friend is worth examining. I commit to Bruce in accepting his 365 partnership for the day, and give myself one prerequisite: I will not be commercial or do an essay on a photographic product. As I’ve said from the start, this blog is about people, and not about commercialism.

Bruce picks me up and we travel about thirty minutes to meet Curt at his office. As we are driving there, Bruce tells me a little about our destination. “Curt is always there, even has a cot to sleep on. It’s a family run business and Curt is a very smart fellow.” I’m paraphrasing a touch, but you get the message.

Smart is an understatement, Curt is a master mechanical engineer, with the credentials to prove it: Cisco Systems, Lockheed Martin Space Systems and a who’s who list of contracted clients. He is also an amazing artist, something that instantly comes to my attention as he shows me file folder after file folder containing the most amazing product sketches I’ve seen, some of which I’ve been sworn to secrecy. I also get to see his CAD renderings. Their like photographs created from pixel dust, no camera needed, amazing!

Here is how I place him in my mind, “The king of imagination and master of his domain.”

His domain? designing and engineering really, really, cool camera stuff. I’m not going to promote more than that. But if you are interested, check him out at Viewfactor.net. That’s all I’m saying.

He tells me of his childhood, “I spent my time not playing with my toys, but taking them apart.” He remembers, “Wanting to know how they worked, I took apart my Transformers and Millennium Falcon. What was I thinking? I lately saw a similar toy, now collectible, selling for $7,000.”

Curt, apparently your toy exploration years of past are what jump started your mind to work the way it does. The $7,000 loss has paid off. So parents, neighbors and friends, if your kids are tearing their toys apart, there is hope. Buy more toys, watch them rip away. Perhaps your kids are the futures mechanical masters. Luckily, my girl love to dance, a different expense in itself.

My impression of Curt: A man of passion, honesty, intense work ethic, family value and love of what he does. That, backed by incredible business acumen, has put him on the leading edge in his field. He tells me of his competitors and the challenges of being a small business. But, in compliment to him, many of his competitors also rely on his services in developing their products. A pretty good place to be, although I do hear, and know of several companies that have taken his designs without his consent. That kills me to hear. Robbers, you know who you are.

So if you want the real deal, Curt is the man. And this is from my lips!

Curt has great integrity, “My Uncle and Grandfather were machinists, I loved what they did, and I’ll never forget them. I’m a family business and am grateful for our growth.”

What he doesn’t harp on are his business smarts. The shop is run well. Incredibly well by a tight team of four: Curt, his Mother, Father and Brother. Being a small business owner myself, and operating with the aid of my wife; I am linked by a common thread, knowing what it takes to keep a small business afloat, and Curt’s operation rocks.

Curt’s Words of Wisdom:
“Find something you love to do, and, if you can make a living at it, good for you!”

The Future per Curt:
“Get to the point where I can do nothing but tinker.”

Curt, Thanks for the Sunday visit and keep making cool stuff.

Readers, lets all listen to Curt’s Words of Wisdom. They are another brick on the path of the 365 story.