richard radstone

Day 321: Nothing is Impossible

by

“Within fifty years, humans are going to be cross-engineered with machine and technology. We are going to become neo-human being type… half-human, half machine. But even if we don’t go that far, I think we will be able to have the processing power of computers within us.”

It’s so random how I run into people. And never knowing exactly what we will be talking about, there have been many unpredicted topics unveiled, and today proves to be a first.

At initial impression, a future prediction is put forth that seems as if pulled from the plot of a sci-fi film. But upon further examination, there are grounds to support the views of one of today’s very articulate new friends, Jorge, who with his girlfriend, Cindy, have accepted my reach-out as I depart from picking-up my daughter from her art school.

It’s very hot, but that does not stall us from taking time out of our schedules to grab the shade of an alley palm tree for a summer’s day chat away from the direct heat of the afternoon sun.

At first, both Jorge and Cindy share universal wisdoms that have been a constant all the way through 365.

Jorge: “It’s really important to follow your passion. And to be brave enough to leave whatever it is that is not making you happy. To go and find whatever it is you need to do. You know that one old adage,‘You don’t work a day in your life because you love what you are doing.’

“I’ve left jobs that I’ve had… in cubicles and stuff like that… and I’m following my passion.

“I’ve also heard from a few other friends, ‘Find something you love doing, even if at times it is not that fun doing it.’”

Cindy: “Do not focus on the negative, and just continue life in the positive. And accept any struggles in your life. They will help you. You will learn from them.”

All good council, and all words that we can never hear enough of.

Now to Jorge’s forecast: “Within fifty years, humans are going to be cross-engineered with machine and technology. We are going to become neo-human being type… half-human, half machine. But even if we don’t go that far, I think we will be able to have the processing power of computers within us.”

A dramatic proposal, one that shakes the literal foundation of many a faith or ignites critical bounce back from many a person.

But all through 365, I have campaigned for the development of a listening ear in all of us. And in doing so, the acceptance of the compassion required to not ignore, or react to, any one person’s outlook.

“Do not focus on the negative, and just continue life in the positive. And accept any struggles in your life. They will help you. You will learn from them.”

And in that same respect for Jorge, I do my due diligence. Two hours of Google search, reading scans of an endless list of references (some legit, other not so intriguing). I could have read for hours more, but in support of my very patient family, I must step away from the Google suck that is beginning to paralyze my physical self. Today, this is close enough to the virtual world for me.

What I uncover is the general label to the category of research on the matter of the brain, “Neuroscience.” The subcategory, “Brain Computer Interface.”

I know, the premise of living in a world of Avatars is a wild proposition. One that I must admit, frightens me a little.

But, for the sake of discussion, let’s step back a few hundred steps in asking, “Can computers exist in the heads of man, and if so, what would be the effect?”

The answer can be hailed up as a most modern aid to the loss of hearing. Namely, the Cochlear implant, a device that changed the life of teacher and writer, Michael Chorost, who after the implant of such a machine authored, Rebuilt: How Becoming Part Computer Made Me More Human (Houghton Mifflin, 2005).

I dig a little deeper into exploring yet another new scientific theory, “Controlled Human Evolution”–a big topic at a vast list of yearly conferences that attracts many a great scientific mind.

Again, I am uncertain of my acceptance of a man-altered being or of manipulating Mother Nature, but after uncovering the huge financial and resource investment in such science, it would be ignorant of me to quickly dismiss the premise that Jorge has presented.

Jorge envisions what society would be like with the technology he predicts, “There will be no more having to touch anything, we’ll be able to think it and send it to anyone—like an email. Kind of like a thought, but we’ll be able to send it anywhere around the world. A much more centered collective conscience where we can all think and absorb from one another.

“Hopefully, it will be a good thing. I know there are bad people, and they always end up hacking or doing bad things… some sort of virus or something… but hopefully, if we can control that, I think that will be our next level of consciousness, and we’ll be able to leave this state of mind. Maybe even go into a virtual world, and to change our looks on a daily basis. As long as we can embrace it in a positive light, it would be a good thing for us. And once we get past having to live off money, and eliminate all the greed… maybe we’ll be living off a bartering system.”

Cindy comments, “Humanity will not really exist because of greed. This world is fascinated with money too much. And I think it’s going to damage us as humans.”

Jorge wraps the discussion with a positive mind-set on the capacity of society, “I think we all have something inside us, where even if we don’t speak it to one another, we have some kind of a spiritual connection. Whatever it is that you believe in, there is something that binds us together.

“And if we all think positively, all that springs out to everyone else is good. Contrasting, when people start thinking negatively, everyone starts thinking negatively. Some may challenge me on that… and I don’t buy it. We need to think the positive stuff.”

Jorge, Cindy, you have definitely brought our attention to a very new topic. A pleasure having a sunny chat with you. Your points are thought-provoking.

Regardless of our opinions, science will continue to push the boundaries of our imagination, and in the words of Albert Einstein, “Nothing is Impossible.”

Day 81: United We Stand

by

“Live life to the fullest. It is for living. Don’t be afraid to do things at the spur of the moment, by the seat of your pants. Let’s go! Let’s do it!”

Stage moms of the world, take note…here is one of the best!

Today I’m casting to create three families. Sounds easy, but it is quite a daunting task trying to find people not linked by blood to fit together as a believable family.

Almost two hundred people have visited us today (us, I have to give credit to my client and crew), and although it seems obsessive, we need to see many to form a cohesive looking family unit. Thankfully, it’s been a very smooth day and most of the people auditioning are very professional and cordial. They’ve done this drill a zillion times and know the routine.

Castings are quite revealing. I’m always a close study of human nature and keep a close eye, not only the actors, but the families and friends that accompany them, especially the youth talent.

As I am saying my hellos to the patient ones (if you have ever been to a casting, you know what I am talking about), I’m drawn to a certain mother and daughter. I am intrigued by the close way they communicate with each other. They are actually collaborating, something that is quite inspirational to see between a parent and teen actor. I have an eight-year-old actor, and although she is a wonderful and patient kid, when casting time hits, it can sometimes be a trial avoiding the dreaded, “I know Dad”! or “Mom, stop messing with my hair.” And know this, we are not pushing our daughter to get into the entertainment business. Quite the opposite. We are the farthest from being stage parents (another topic in itself).

So when I see the calm and loving waiting room relationship of Alyssa and her mother Ann, I must know their secret. I allow them time to finish their paperwork and upon the final pen stroke, I share a warm invite to 365.

Mom is a little surprised, but Alyssa chimes in, “Mom! Do it! You have great things to say!”

And soon I understand exactly what Alyssa is talking about. Ann is a great mom who is doing her part in modeling a wonderful path for her family.

Here are a few of Ann’s pointers on parenting…and from the self-esteem and happiness radiating from her sweet and talented daughter, I can only presume I am speaking to a well-adjusted family.

“Be silly and playful, but don’t paint life as a fairy tale. Teach them what is real, and the consequences of both good and bad choice.”

 

First off, Ann is brave, passionate about life, and incredibly optimistic.

“Live life to the fullest. It is for living. Don’t be afraid to do things at the spur of the moment, by the seat of your pants.” She elaborates with a personal call to action, “Let’s go! Let’s do it!”

Ann continues with the grace of a seasoned counselor, “If you take life too seriously, undue stress is the only result. You need to see life, not avoid it. Every day is an adventure, and every day is a day to better your life.”

I told you, Ann is pure optimism.

Sure we have heard this message over and over again during the last 81 days of 365. I expect we’ll hear it more as we progress. The interesting thing, it is continually delivered to us in different ways, by different people, in endless life situations. No matter rich, poor, sick or healthy, educated, or struggling, the message is there. And that alone is snapping me to attention.

What about parenting?

I ask Alyssa what she thinks of her mom’s life perspective. “Things are crazy sometimes, but I’m loving the experience and learning how to think and how to enjoy life. We were once at a wedding in San Luis Obispo, Mom says, ‘We’re almost to San Francisco. We have gas, a little money, and we have friends there to stay with, let’s go!’”

The results: “We had a great time and came together as a family. I love my mom.”

Came together as a family. I love my mom. How many of us parents thrive to hear these words from our kids.

So what! They travel, there’s got to be more… and there is.

Ann expounds:

“Don’t smother your kids, give them room to grow.”

“Let them make mistakes, how else will they learn?”

“Be vigilant. Talk to them from the minute they learn to speak and understand.”

“Be silly and playful, but don’t paint life as a fairy tale. Teach them what is real, and the consequences of both good and bad choice.”

“Give them rope, but be involved in guiding them”

“Be honest, communicate with them, and allow them to tell you anything without fearing that you will judge them.”

“And most powerful, teach them respect–for self, for each other (Alyssa has two siblings), for parents, and others.”

Alyssa is carefully listening to her mother’s council, all the while with a smile of acceptance glowing on her face. I redirect my query towards her, “What do you think of your mom’s words?”

“I totally agree! It is evident in my house. The fact that my mom loves us and dad is evident in our house. That makes the difference and affects us kids. I’ve rarely seen my parents fight, and if they do, it’s scarring. They respect each other and respect us. There is no way I will break that trust. Our house is filled with love.”

Ann contributes, “Disrespect is not tolerated. We have no yelling, no cussing, no pushing, no fighting, and “hate” is a word that does not enter our house. And I’m happy to say, all our kids get along.”

We close with these last words, “As parents, don’t fight, argue or contradict each other in front of your kids. Stay united, your actions can either divide or unite. If your kids see you divided, they do the same. It’s our responsibility as parents to set the tone.”

Day 229: It’s All About Balance

by

It’s not often that one of our new friends takes the time to promptly email us their words. And today is just one of the instances. With that, it would be completely wrong for me to edit or rewrite in any way.

So without further delay, the written words of today’s stranger turned friend John.

“I think one of the things in life that we should seek out is a measure of balance. Now I believe there are many different avenues to attaining balance, but what I’ve found works for me is through maintaining positivity and having an understanding that we are not perfect but we as a people, are all in this life together, therefore we are united in a manner of speaking, despite our differences. And I think if we just make an effort to be good to each other and helping each other through this life, we can bring about many positive changes to ourselves, and everyone around us.

“However, I think we should also look to bring balance not only to ourselves, but to the world, and all other forms of life that have just as much of a right to be here as we do. We can get closer to bringing this balance by working together as opposed to competing with each other. The ideologies of competition, war, and authority are outdated and obsolete because technology has evolved to the point where those ways of thinking are no longer necessary. I think if we’re able to be responsible and use technology as a means to educate, create, and restore as opposed to impose and destroy, the possibilities for a brighter future for all people is a definite reality. And when we can focus on creating a future for our children and their children’s children, we are that much closer to finding balance.”

Day 517: …and to Be Seen

by

“To truly love someone you need to truly see them for who they are. Honest, bare, and raw; and we need to be able to acknowledge the humanity in that; that we are all just as human and imperfect as the next person, and to feel a connection with it. That’s what love is.”

“…and to be seen,” quotes Terah, words that, after today, will radiate new meaning in the halls of my home.

Beautiful is an understatement in defining Terah. A model and loving mother, she has had her share of life. A dissolved marriage, the social stigmas placed on women working in the modeling world, and the general pressure that come from what society deems as beautiful. Yet, in meeting Terah, it is quickly apparent that her magic is more than skin deep. Terah is like any other person who truly cares about others.

Terah moves steadfastly within an industry that temps the boldest of narcissism. In her, a soulful self that glows past the external perceptions of trend or status, and towards questioning the worth of the individual.

“Individuals are important. Because of that, it is important to see the people around us… to see who they are, and to be seen. Connection with other people is what makes us all alive, and it’s what makes us know that we are alive.”

To be seen. A statement that with hasty reflection could quite possibly be viewed as self-serving, even self-promoting. But in the context of Terah’s wisdom, a much more edifying lesson can be gleaned. “To see the people around us. To see who they really are… and it’s what makes us know we are alive.”

All of us, alive! Living day-to-day in a world that never yields in classifying us into the confining boxes of them and us.

Terah advises, “I have to relate it to what we have to do individually,” she takes a long thoughtful pause, “we have to face our fears.

“As a culture, and even as an individual, I think that we need to find the freedom in being willing to look at something honestly in order for the answers to come. Unless we are willing to admit that an issue is an issue, or willing to take away the fear and look at it honestly, a solution can’t exist. We need to not be afraid of losing something, and we need to be honest about it in order for there to be freedom and openness in our relationships.”

Terah has hit the nail on the head. How many times do we find ourselves projecting the outcome to only find ourselves destroying the path? Could we possibly be using the wrong vernacular in shielding our inner fears behind facades of cultural difference, imposed stereotypes, and the agendas of, “I’m right,” and “you’re wrong”? Both positions leading not only to enraged opinions, but sadly, the segregation of life choices that make us the fascinating and adaptable species that we are—human, through and through. Or in Terah’s words, “…or are we too afraid of what might happen?”

I agree whole-heartedly. We fight the wrong wars. We rage at each other over different lifestyles and choices. We alter ourselves to protect our values and securities. All the while losing our child-selves in the chaos of walled visions of one another. We unanimously agree with our personal views, we persecute those who differ in their values, and as we do we discard the very thing that can heal and unite us—the simple fact that we are all equally human. Deserving of the same basic civil and human rights as the person next door, across the sea, or in the other church our party.

I ask Terah for her definition of love. She quotes, “To truly love someone you need to truly see them for who they are. Honest, bare, and raw; and we need to be able to acknowledge the humanity in that; that we are all just as human and imperfect as the next person, and to feel a connection with it. That’s what love is.”

Sure, I’m a romantic optimist. A claim that I will proudly wear until the day I die; but more important than my essays are the facts that have been endlessly rephrased to us for over four years of Operation-365. The words, the trust, and the actions of the 1000s of strangers whom we now call friends. The people of 365. Vast and diverse we are, and at the beginning of our works, we be.

The wonderment is upon us. We are a majority and, in our own ways, we feel the same. Together we are becoming a movement, and thanks to friends like Terah, friends like you, and like the many others who are bravely standing up to see one another and respect them as they are—never shall we forget our unified power.

Let us be seen my good friends!

Day 234: Pappy

by

 “I used to have no remorse for anybody. I’d do anything, anytime… and with no questions. They called me Suicide. I’m not that person anymore.”

 “I used to have no remorse for anybody. I’d do anything, anytime… and with no questions. They called me Suicide. I’m not that person anymore,” Pappy introduces himself to me as he exposes the reason for his change of life, “You have to faith in God.”

An ex-rider from a serious bike gang, Pappy openly spends a few hours with me today as I run into him outside of a local grocery store.

“I was not a good man and have done a lot of things in my life that I regret. But now my life is very different. I will never go back to the way I was. And I am on the streets to protect people.”

Pappy tells me of his rebirth to society. “I remember leaving San Francisco, (he is referring to San Quentin) and coming home to Canoga Park (he even went to the same high school as my wife, played football there).

“I had two hundred dollars in my pocket and that was it. As many ex-cons do, I could have found a room for the night, got a few beers, and started the next day with nothing. Instead, I went to my parole officer. He greeted me with, ‘I thought you’d never make it!’”

Pappy tells me of the doubt that his parole officer had about his release. He even admits to breaking his parole on three occasions. Yet in this admission, Pappy also talks of his growth. “I committed to change my life. I got out of the gang and began the work to change my life. It was hard, but I did it.”

Pappy tells me of his battle with relapses to past behaviors and of the way he felt when he was in the depths of what he calls, “My days of no remorse.”

“I never want to feel that way again,” Pappy reminiscently expresses. A stark contrast to the tattooed tears he bears under eyes. And empowering his street earned wisdom is a tremendous spirit of empathy that veils the very atmosphere around him.

Pappy has made countless bad choices, something that he has no hesitations in discussing. “I made a lot of mistakes in life that put me in Arizona State Penitentiary for seventeen years and San Quentin for another two.”

“A few years ago I needed to make a phone call and I had no money. I asked a man in a white shirt and tie if he had a quarter to spare. He walked past me as if I was invisible.”

What is remarkable is the passionate focus Pappy carries in his revitalized life-quest for doing whatever he can to help those around him. He tells me a story: “A few years ago I needed to make a phone call and I had no money. I asked a man in a white shirt and tie if he had a quarter to spare. He walked past me as if I was invisible. A year later I was walking down the same street and I ran into the same man again. This time he was dirty, scared, and homeless. I recognized him, and he recognized me. At first, he did not approach me, so I asked him if he was alright. ‘I’m hungry and don’t know where I will get food,’ he said. I showed him where to eat and gave him five bucks. I carried no anger for the way he treated me the first time I met him. I was more concerned for his safety.”

Pappy shares other accounts of his change of perspective away from self and toward others–far too many to write, but I can paraphrase as a whole. Bottom line… most of the local stores, police, fire stations, and his community of homeless know Pappy well. In Pappy’s words, “They used to fear me, now they are my friends.”

Friends who have helped to shelter, feed, warm, and watch out for Pappy since realizing that he is a changed man.

As verified in quoting his parole officer, who when Pappy completed his final parole time said, “When I first met you, I was pretty sure you would not make it, you proved me wrong.”

Pappy takes only partial credit for his accomplishment in returning to society. “I could not have done it on my own, first I give credit to God, but I really need to give much credit to pastor John, he saved me.

“When the pastor first met me, I was not living the way I knew I needed to live. Pastor John never judged me, he never worried about what I would do, and with no questions asked, he reached out to me, trusting me to work as security for his church, door keys and all.”

A trust that to this day Pappy is committed to value in never breaking.

“I no longer care for myself only,” Pappy testifies, “and even if you treat me wrong, I’m still going to treat you with respect.”

The feeling I get as I speak with Pappy is just as he states. Even standing in the fading light of his church’s parking lot (we have since taken a walk from our grocery store meeting place) there is not a second that I feel in harm’s path. Quite the opposite actually, for I am absolutely positive my back is being watched. Pappy is just that kind of guy as evidenced by the caring waves from the cars of departing members of the congregation.

Pappy proclaims of his relationship with God, “Everything I think… he knows.

“This is the first time in my life I have had peace. You see, for most of my life I was looking for acceptance anywhere I could get it. But now I realize that what I was really looking for was love.

“I know that God loves me, and because of that, I want to do the best I can to love others.”

And it is this love, as well as Pappy’s regained respect for others, that has led him on the path to forgiveness, of himself, for others, and an active voice in his sincere desire to be forgiven.

“I’m OK living on the streets. I have a car (earned $1,600 dollars to purchase it by collecting cans) and my dog. For now, that is good enough for me. It’s a roof over my head and I count my blessings.

“I do not fear any longer. When I hear a siren behind me I don’t jump. They aren’t after me. And that feels good,” Pappy radiates.

“The world is basically going down the drain,” Pappy soberly councils. “The rich get richer, the poor get poorer, and the sick… sicker. The homeless need to look out for each other, and that is why I am here.”

Pappy is an iconic example of man’s ability for life change. A life changed away from crime, vice, and selfishness. And a man who has earned the chops in understanding what he must do to continue the works he has committed his life to.

He leaves us with a quote as he walks me home in the darkness of the night, “Trust only God, and never let your guard down.”

Pappy, we’ll talk again… my friend

Day 341: Cast Off Mateys! We Have an Ocean to Save!

by

“So many talk about making big change, but really, it is the small changes that each one of us can do. Whether it’s turning off the lights that we’re not using, picking up the trash on the sidewalk, carpooling, or biking to work. We can actually make a difference.”

I’m on a short vacation in Long Beach, home of the Queen Mary, and harbor to many a commissioned cruise line. But it’s a much shorter excursion that I find myself and my family embarked upon today. For being the land-legged buccaneers that we are, we have decided to hit the high seas… well at least the channel between the coast and Catalina, for a three-hour tour (less a Gilligan’s Island storm). And no, the weather never started getting rough. And if it did, we are covered (thought ahead and took our sea-sickness meds). Pacific Ocean… bring it on!

But storm we do travel through—not rain, not the charging of a Moby Dick sized mammal or the attack of bow breaking waves. A storm that chimes as a narrative voice of loudspeaker charm and enthusiasm, as it informs all on board of the ocean’s wonders.

Her name is Jennifer, and not only is she a wealth of knowledge about the magnificent Blue whales we have spent hours alongside of, but she is a charming advocate for the sea she adores. You can see it in her eyes as she speaks of her love for the ocean and her concern for the way humanity is treating it.

“Everyone needs to realize that every single person in this world has an impact on their environment, more specifically the ocean environment. For those of us who live on the coast, we see it, and we really don’t understand it. For the people who never really see the ocean, they may have a tendency to say, ‘How do I impact the ocean? What do I do here in the middle of the country? How can I touch the ocean? And how does the ocean really impact me…?’”

Jennifer explains, “The truth is, the ocean impacts everyone… every single day.” She throws a couple of facts, “The ocean creates about seventy percent of the oxygen we breathe; the toothpaste we use comes from kelp. It provides us all the sorts of things that we use in everyday life, and what happens to it severely impacts us in every way.

“It does not matter where you live, the impact is the same, even if you drop a piece of trash into the grass, it is going to find its way into the habitat of an animal. That is really important to realize. The lights we leave on, the trash, and pesticides we use.

“So many talk about making big change, but really, it is the small changes that each one of us can do. Whether it’s turning off the lights that we’re not using, picking up the trash on the sidewalk, carpooling, or biking to work. We can actually make a difference. What if we all went around picking up one piece of trash and throwing it away, we would probably reduce the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, or all the garbage patches, that are in the ocean right now.

“My words of wisdom? Realize that you can make a difference, even one person; it just takes a little effort. Right now we are sort of standing at a fork, and we can go one of two ways. If we continue to act as we are… to fish irresponsibly… to trash what we want… and to fail to reuse and recycle… basically, to keep taking and dumping more and more, we are going to find ourselves in a really scary position in about twenty-five to fifty years. We see oceans that are a lot emptier. A lot of people look at the ocean and say, ‘That will be there forever.’ We can’t guarantee, if we continue to overfish, that it won’t be gone… and once it is, we can’t bring it back. We are on the brink of losing species like Tuna. Who could imagine a world without Tuna sandwiches?

“If we are not more responsible, we are going to see a very different ecosystem. We’ll lose or grazers, we’ll lose our kelp forests, we are going to lose a lot. But if we can stand at this fork and go the other way… to a place where we each do something, and in working to inform our generation and our generations to come.

“We have to take responsibility to be stewards to the ocean; and if we do, we can potentially look forward to a really beautiful future. We have to accept that we are coming very close to the point of no return… and it’s going to get scary.”

Working at the Aquarium of the Pacific, Jennifer meets many people, a job that brings giggles of joy to her. Working there has given her first-hand communication to hundreds of kids and teens, all of whom she has the greatest admiration.

“There are a lot of really smart kids out there,” Jennifer notes, “and they are teaching us. I know our middle schoolers and our high schoolers are going to do something amazing for the future. We need to listen to them… and we might have some cleaning-up of our own to do.”

And with Jennifer’s calling of us old folk to accountability, she throws rays of hope of what the upcoming generation will do. “There are new ideas to come up with to fix things that we have done. Things that at this point are looking fairly irreversible. So maybe, in the next one hundred years, we will be able to still have this beautiful world… it really deserves our love and care. If you can’t see that when you are out on this ocean… I don’t know what else will tell you how wonderful this planet is.”

It really has been an amazing cruise, and Jennifer’s willingness to spend a bit of on-ship and on-land time with us has been very enlightening. And with the radiant optimism that she emits, Jennifer gives us departing instructions, “A lot of us are disheartened, but everyone will find themselves at a point where they are at the right point to see that they can make a difference. Many will say, ‘There is so much.’ But they have to remember; it is baby steps… we can’t expect to take these giant strides. We need to understand that to make our goal of a cleaner, healthier planet, it just takes baby steps forward.

“We’ll find that each thing that we add to our repertoire of helping out the planet is going to expand, so that fifty years from now, when our kids are old and grey, they’ll be able to look at how much they have learned… how much they will be doing… the lights will be turning off and the trash will be ending up in the right place.

“It just has to start from one point. Its baby steps… not large strides.”

Cast off, Matey! We have an ocean to save!

Day 170: Anarchy Scares Me

by

“It is kind of scary seeing what is happening, but in this is the age of information, we can create a domino effect in getting the word out, to open people’s eyes. We have the ability to stir up the pot.”

Let us keep moving forward in our effort to unite as a people. Day 170 has hit us and 365 is moving so fast. I can’t believe that in less than two weeks we will be at the halfway point. Not sure how we are going to celebrate this mid-point mark. If anyone has a suggestion, please pass it on. And whatever we decide to do, let’s think of a way to get the message out further.

“We are all in this thing together,” I never get tired of saying it, and I sincerely hope it is becoming a mantra to us all. One-by-one may we pass it forward as a tribute to the individual influence we are to the world around us. We are a powerful bunch and with our united voice, the combined acts we carry forward are nothing to ignore.

It’s crazy to me to see how my photographer’s blog has evolved to carry a social message. And weirder yet, I’m starting to become an activist of some kind. That is something that has occurred beyond my control. I must express my appreciation to all who have helped to form the basis of my blog content, over 200 photographs, and over 150,000 words to date. All with meaning that is not of me, but of my strangers turned friends. Perspectives that are further fueled by the dedicated following of you, my readers. Please keep the comments coming. And by all means, keep passing it on.

I run into another friend today who edifies our effort in seeing beyond the veil of cultural difference, “Don’t let religious differences or politics get in the way of us existing globally. What is important is the health of the planet and learning to coexist peacefully.” Opening advice from producer, father, and writer, Rusty.

I meet Rusty at the garage sale of another new friend of mine. Garage sale is a huge understatement. It is more of a high-end gem and antique store, hidden in the veins of a suburban lifestyle.

I’d like to spend this whole entry talking about my buddy’s sale, but needless to say, the story here has to be dedicated to Rusty.

 

“In the 50s we worried about Russia and the cold war. My children won’t have to deal with things like that. Now the war is with ourselves…”

Rusty expresses concern regarding a block to the world he wishes for. A world where more will have greater respect for the environment and humanity. “Corporate greed will not let that happen,” he warns.

Yet he does expose a glimmer of hope in charging us to duty. “It is kind of scary seeing what is happening, but in this is the age of information, we can create a domino effect in getting the word out, to open people’s eyes. We have the ability to stir up the pot.”

“I have kids. I’m worried about this country and about what the future will bring for them, and us all.

“In the 50s we worried about Russia and the cold war. My children won’t have to deal with things like that. Now the war is with ourselves, and I wonder what is going on behind the closed doors of corporations and politics. But it is good that more and more people are starting to open their eyes.”

“How do we repair the damage?” Rusty proposes. He answers his own query, “We have to become proactive. I don’t want to see collective anarchy or people overreacting. Anarchy scares me, but if we do fall to it, I hope that once the dust settles, we will be in a better place.”

Even though Rusty and I speak of the worries of anarchy there is a real peace in our conversation. A peace that I will admit is core to my spiritual outlook on life. A peace that has been strengthened by the many who have graciously accepted my invitations to contribute to 365. And yes, even those who have mocked me over the last few months have collectively contributed to the song that we are beginning to sing.

There are a lot of great people on this planet; I know this first hand in meeting many of them. For this, I am grateful for Rusty’s words.

May we all be united in building a better planet. The time is right and the seeds are planted. It is up to us to nurture the garden of growing respect for one another. One kind word or act is more influential than we think. As Rusty advises, “We have to become proactive.”

Day 18: How Was Your Day?

by

How Was Your Day?

Quite a day today. I won’t go into details, but one note to share. I’ve been telling everyone about 365. A few ask me, “Why are you doing this?”

There are two general answers:

First, “Loving meeting people and am learning a tremendous amount about others and myself,” and secondly, “Because I’m just a little bit crazy.” Either way. The more people I tell about 365, the more committed I am to seeing it to the end. And I’ve already handed out a hundred cards or so.

That said, Let’s move on and meet today’s new friend.

There is a place not far from my house, an old-school diner with an old-school menu—nostalgic to the core, and home to the grace of Nicke. It was one of those off-camber evenings. You know, the kind ending in a grumbling stomach and a bad attitude. So in falling to the grip of hangry, I called my dearest. Reached into my Y-chromosome tool kit to call in the driest of voice, “What’s for dinner?…”

OK, I get it, a total loss of self-control, and as you might assume a completely insane opener. In retrospect, it would have been better to have asked; “How was your day?” Yep, it’s true, I’m from Mars. Now please don’t jump to the wrong conclusion. I have a wonderful companion: very talented, loving, patient, and kind­. But on that particular evening, via my negative karma, and blended with the mix of stresses she was facing, I stepped to the plate with a truly dangerous question. Oh yeah! A clay pigeon I was, and directly in front of me, both barrels of the shotgun. Like a seasoned shooter, she pulled the trigger. Turned out, I was on my own for dinner.

After a wound licking phone-invite to my daughter, we found ourselves sitting at Nicke’s table, combing the menu for comfort food, and on a quest to find the right little something to take home as a peace offering. Buried in myself I was as she walked up. Kindness and a smile were written all over her face. Like a well-known friend,, she carried herself, and as I felt of her spirit, I was exampled a lesson in better ways to counter the blinding pull of dreaded hangry. Calmed as I observed her endless smiles, her listening words, and the way she warmly spoke to customers by first name. And as I watched her, I was again schooled in just how far an outstretched heart could reach.

We finished our meal, picked up the takeout, and as I pulled into our driveway, I readied myself to ask a most important question to a most important person, “How was your day?”⁠
⁠

Day 91: The Power of One

by

“My goal is to inspire those who have chosen mediocrity out of fear to reach beyond themselves…way past their comfort zone into a life of adventure and meaning.”

The social network has made the world a much smaller planet. Hold that thought for later, but for now, I’m going to give you a little confession. Yes, I’ll admit it, even though I remember the days of the fax machine, and admit to having received one or two documents via messenger, I have embraced the Cloud… at least mostly.

Mostly.

Sure, blogs are cool, websites are a must, Twitter is an interesting hello, and Facebook a nice way to reach out; but as a meeting place, sort of creepy to me. Maybe I’ve been jaded by the personal newspaper ads of the ’80s, “Hi my name is Creepy; call me for friendship or whatever.” Yeah, right. I’m picking the phone up right away.

Today my virtual world has been rocked when I run into one of the most fascinating, brave, and powerful humanitarians in my circle of friends. Maybe I’ve been a hypocrite in some way. Yes, I do use social networking to share my global projects, and in building a following for 365. For that purpose, I spend 30 minutes a day throwing invites. But that has been my limit, “invites only.”

So for me to actually cold message someone is a little scary. Almost 700 friends on my Facebook, and when I looked at it yesterday, top of the list was Lucy, Director of Anti-Human Trafficking Campaign.

Director of Anti-Human Trafficking Campaign: The title digs deep into me. I must get involved. I’ve traveled too much, seen too many things, and instantly know that in a vicarious way, I have silently met a hero for the world. I must invite her to 365.

With trepidation, I craft my 365 invite with this close, “I promise I’m not scary, a married man with a 9-year-old daughter. Really, I rarely message on Facebook. Your humanitarian work just caught my eye.”

Man, I’m a nerd; she’s going to blast back, “Sure buddy, see you in China.”

But the 365 jitters told me,  “Richard, you have to take the chance.” I press the send button and jump back into my daily business. An ugly task awaits me, a call to the bank to replace my lost credit card. I’m sure you’ve been there.

I make the call and as I begin my journey into voice prompt hell, Lucy responds with an empowering acceptance of 365. I’m humbled. I dump my bank nightmare, immediately call her, and we have a very brief conversation. One thing I instantly know, Lucy is amazing, powerful, and strongly committed to her mission.

She kindly informs me, “I’ve just returned from a month in Tunisia covering the elections so a bit in-over-my-head with all the catching up I need to do, and tomorrow I’m giving a presentation at the Skirball Cultural Center’s, Half the Sky exhibit.”

Realizing I’ve met a new friend of greatness, I offer to interview her at the Skirball. She graciously accepts, and not wanting to pollute the spontaneity of a first meeting, we leave it at that.

To the Skirball, I go, joyfully greeting the heavy traffic of an Interstate 405 under heavy construction (another story in itself).

I arrive fifteen minutes before Lucy’s presentation. Today’s audience—a group of high school students, the literal future of the world. My take, “If change is going to happen, we have to start with the youth, they are the leaders of what’s to come, for better or worse, the planet is in their hands.”

Lucy is not alone; beside her is Daisy, her lovely daughter. I’m instantly smitten to see a mother-daughter together in preparing to share a difficult topic and challenge to young minds.

The Topic: The Darkness of Human Trafficking and its Relation to the Horrors of Prostitution.

The Call To Action: “Get involved in speaking out.”

“Use the social network, tell the world what is going on, and share messages for human rights. You are powerful and your word can be heard. With many voices comes awareness and change.”

The presentation is brief, but her delivery is spot on and at a perfect level for the audience. Lucy talks about the scale of illegal Human Trafficking, a multi-billion-dollar industry that destroys the lives of the women it exploits. She credits its growth to the greed and inhumanity of the money-hungry corrupters of human rights and poses a solution: stronger laws that will prosecute all who commit the atrocities of stealing the rights, esteem, bodies, and futures of so many.

It is shattering to know that most of the world’s brothels are filled with innocent young teens working against their will, most of whom are victims of dysfunctional families, or, worse yet, literally sold into slavery by abusive parents at ages as young as pre-teen.

Lucy is direct in her dialogue and no punches are pulled. The facts are laid out and the room intently listens. There is no texting, no cross-talking, and no interruptions. At the end of it all, Lucy eloquently answers a set of well-constructed questions from the students.

With the presentation over and the room clearing, I get the opportunity to sit with Lucy and Daisy.

I offer my camera to Daisy and as Lucy and I talk, Daisy is busy snapping away. She is obviously proud of her mom.

Lucy asks me, “Do you think they got it? I saw a lot of black stares.” Both Daisy and I chime in, “They got it. Look at the questions they asked.”

What I witness is nothing short of spectacular. A woman passionate to make a difference, and humble enough to question, “Did I say the right thing? In my view, Lucy is a soldier of justice.

Her orders are universal, “Stop the cruelty, save the lives.”

There is so much she has enlightened us with, and not all of it is dark or negative. She tells of an organization she works with. One that trains women rescued from the brothels. Teaching them skills that their captors denied them. Things like basic secretarial and phone skills that allow them to work within their organization. They can understand and empathize when taking incoming calls from victims of human trafficking and prostitution. What a great way to help these women heal: Helping others in the same situation they themselves escaped.

It’s a great start to fixing a major problem and demonstrates that the corrupt systems can be altered in giving self-respect and dignity back to those who have been condemned by the trade that they were forced into. This is a seed to the beginnings of change.

Lucy shares a statistic, “Ten years ago when I started this journey, not many were even aware of human trafficking, now it is globally exposed and some laws are slowly changing.”

She challenges us all, “Use the social network, tell the world what is going on, and share messages for human rights. You are powerful and your word can be heard. With many voices comes awareness and change.”

Lucy talks of the power of one and challenges us all to reach deep into ourselves, to escape our own minds, and to have the fortitude to do our part in helping the oppressed. I am inspired and am completely engaged in her mission.

True, for some, like Lucy, it’s time to roll up the sleeves and do the physical work. But there is also much softer work to be done. Lucy is talking about universal awareness. She talks of her philosophy of the strength of words, and the words of many, even one individual, being a powerful thing.

With this, Lucy is not asking all of us to travel to Tunisia, to invest countless dollars or time, she is not even asking us to step out of our home. What she is asking is simply this (in my words), “Speak out against the injustice of the oppression being burdened upon the women of whom such atrocities are happening. Have compassion for them, they are victims and deserve a chance at life. Do your part in telling the world. Awareness brings change. The corrupt inhumane money mongers must be removed, and the laws that protect them need to be we-written to prosecute them.” 

Here is one startling fact. The charge for a pimp (the guy beating a 13-year-old into submission)—Pandering. A basic misdemeanor. That sickens me.

Do my part? Now I know why I stopped today on my Facebook browse. There is a reason Lucy is found at the top of my cue. If you believe that things happen for a reason, then possibly, the stars have aligned today in my not-so-chance meeting with Lucy.

But whatever it is. This entry is happening, and I pray that it gets the traffic it deserves. Please pass it on. As Lucy says, “Even the voice of one is powerful.”

In her words, “My goal is to inspire those who have chosen mediocrity out of fear to reach beyond themselves…way past their comfort zone into a life of adventure and meaning. If one person can change the lives of millions causing tons of destruction (think about dictators), so too can one individual change the world for the better. Or we can sit by and watch from the sidelines, allowing complacency (fear) to rule. It’s our choice.”

Lucy, I’m going to break one of my editorial rules for you today, that rule: to be politically, socially, and religiously neutral.

Lucy. God bless you. My prayers are with you, and even more so with the women you are fighting so hard to protect.