documentary

I’m growing to love my 365 Sunday neighborhood strolls. Yep, Lived in my house for 9 years, though I knew the area. And in only two weeks of 365 outings, am beginning to realize I really know nothing about the people who live so near to me, and how amazing they are. Everyone has a story, my local community is a testament to culture. Not talking about hyped culture. What I am focusing on is the kind that has roots: Individuals, families, and diverse origins. The streets around me are a real melting pot of humanity. And how cool is that!

It’s a funny thing how easy it is to get caught in the comfort of our own personal islands. Home is our sanctuary, but I’m also starting to accept the fact that it can be an isolation as well. Only 17 days into 365 and I’m blown away at what I am learning. Keeping my chins up and eyes open is showing me that the world really is a small place.

I challenge you to join me in reaching out. Get to know your neighbors. Not just the ones to the left and right of you. Dig a little deeper, walk a longer stride and say hello to faces you’ve never seen. I promise you’ll be better for doing so.

One of my philosophical soap boxes statement, “water does seek its own level.” I experience this point in flying colors tonight.

I’m out for only a few minutes, literally a 2 minute walk from my front door when I come across Artist, Janet, and her co-blogging daughter, Marie. It’s Marie’s birthday (HAPPY B-DAY). She, her Mother and baby Bichon Frise are on a neighborly walk. They are about 100 yards in front of me. The little voice in my heart is telling me I need to introduce myself to them. But, with the distance, I feel it would be a little creepy to speed up the pace to catch up to where they are. I tell myself if it is meant to be, it will be.

I divert my focus to enjoy the beautiful light passing through the trees, when Marie, Janet and Bichon baby stop to chat with a neighbor who is busily watering her lawn. Feeling a bit like an intruder, I step up into the conversation and introduce myself and my project.

Back to “water does seek its own level.” I find out that Marie is a very established stylist and fashion consultant, who prior to working on her own, was with Barneys New York. Quite an accomplishment for a woman in her early twenties. It’s always great to meet people in supporting fields. Check out her blog, themavenpost.com. This girl is really talented, so any of you reading this entry who are in need of a stylist, get her while you can, or at least put her in your contact list.

However, credit where credit is due. Marie comes from a line of artists. Here mother Janet is an accomplished pastel artist. We talk about art for a minute and they invite me into their home to see some of her drawings. We even figure out an on the fly way to photograph one of them. I would be remise by not showing you her artwork. It goes further though, Janet also has a son following in her artistic footsteps, a very successfully working celebrity photographer. Both she and Marie tell me about him with great pride. I always love it when I hear of other people keeping alive as photographers and artists. Thanks ladies for the affirmation.

Here is the greatest thing about the experience. As I am invited into the house, I am greeted into a living room full of some of the warmest people I have come upon. The home is busy with activity; family members are watching TV, playing with children or simply relaxing. Even though it’s family Sunday, they are all thoroughly welcoming to what is now, their experience in meeting a stranger, who? me!

I’m humbled by the time spent with this sweet family and walk away with another witness of family love and unity.

Thanks for the invite neighbors. I look forward to bumping into you again!

“We Need to Help Our Kids”

Nelson: Father, Businessman, Next Silver Screen Gangsta

Tonight my wife and I go out for a date night, thanks to the neighbors dinner invite of our daughter. It’s been a month since we’ve had some “us time,” and we decide to hit one of our favorite haunts, King’s Fish House.

Arriving with an hour and a half to spare, the timing is perfect, right before the dinner rush. Without a line, we easily slip in and are seated in a cool little two top, perfect for the three of us.

Three? “You said you and your wife?” How do you get three? My wife, myself and my camera bag. Terri sits across from me and I put my arm around lady camera. I’m lucky I don’t have a jealous wife.

16 days in, the camera bag is becoming a regular family member. Plus, it’s a great workout. I’m getting upper bodied buff from carrying the crazy 30 pound thing.

As we dine, I notice a different rapport emerging between us. We’re becoming world scanners, doing funny things like glancing over each other’s shoulders in quest for our next 365 acquaintance, or my latest favorite, the mid sentence head whip.

Our life habits are also changing. Little adjustments: Walking with chins up, looking into the faces of the people and paying more attention listening to the happenings around us. Living is slowly becoming a very fun experiment in voyeurism.

It’s a very subtle thing, no strange peaking eyes or uncomfortable stares. Just a simple acknowledgement of our fellow man’s existence. Could be a subtle nod, a relaxed hello, or a right to the point invitation to 365. Whatever the case, this street meeting of strangers is quite the journey.

We leave King’s, and outside the restaurant we come across a little cellular accessory kiosk. Operating it is our newest acquaintance to be: The passionate Peruvian businessman and father, Nelson.

Not only does Nelson have Hollywood leading man looks, he is much the gentleman. We chat of family, business and heritage.

I ask for him to explain his culture. “in Peru,” he tells me, “we are passionate, we love to love, eat, dance and enjoy life.” Qualities you can feel radiating from him. He talks of his father’s example as a businessman and how it has influenced his decisions. Nelson is a smart guy. He has several kiosks and a jewelry store (smartly placed adjacent to Victoria’s Secret). They say, “location is everything.”

Our time is rushed, having to pick our daughter up from her evening outing. We quickly discuss a few more questions and towards the end of our conversation, we stumble upon a dream of Nelson’s.

He wants to have a part in a gangsta movie. Not a street gang character, but one like Tony Montana from Scarface. We roll play for a moment. He has a look. After hearing this, I could not resist shooting an edgy photo for him. Introducing the Nelson alter ego.

One parting note about Nelson. As we get to know each other, we connect in talking about our daughters. We proudly share photos of them and spend a moment talking about the importance of children being protected, educated and raised in a safe environment. He makes suggestions as to the importance of community support for less privileged children. You’ve got to respect this man. Happy, passionate, and focused on family. It’s always encouraging to meet men like him.

Nelson, see you on the big screen!

“I’m Banished From the Wundr Studio at Helms”

Crew boot behind me (Read 365 Day 15 / 200 Strangers, A Blues Man and A Survivor: Part One), I wander the Helms Bakery complex.

Straight ahead are tons of people enjoying drinks at the local drink stop. I walk towards the crowd. An eclectic bunch, everything from dad’s holding babies to suited business people and the hip crowd. As I approach, my gut tells me not to shoot there. I’m learning to listen to that feeling.

I veer left, walk for a block or so, still nothing grabs me, and fearing the wrath of my crew if I return to the studio with nothing, I’m driven forward. Couples holding hands (it’s Friday date night), skateboarders, a large woman walking her tiny dog, still nothing pulls me in.

It’s getting dark, I know my crew is wanting me to return so that we can all go home. A touch of desperation settles in.

I look to the sky to slow my thoughts and clear my mind, hoping the pause will change my perspective.

And boy does it. I spot a silent man sitting on a bench, paper bag beside him and fruit popsicle in hand. People walk to the left and to the right of him, sadly ignoring his very presence. He is world weathered, but not dirty. There is something about him that is grounded and strangely spiritual – I’m drawn in.

It take’s me about a second to connect with him and he smiles with great laughter at the prospect of being part of 365. I sit on the ground in front of him and begin the interview. His story is heart heavy, peaceful an resolved.

This man fascinates me.

Mark is his name, he starts of with expressing that although he has had a hard life, he is thankful for living. You see, mark is a recovering drug and alcohol abuser. He tells me he has waisted most of his life, but is content with who he is now.

I ask him what he has done. he flinches slightly. I worry for a second that I have touched a sensitive nerve with my question. With a slight tear in the corner of his eye, he gives me the list.

I have not done terrible things, just stupid things. Not going into great detail, he outlines his history: construction, scab labor, 15 years in the gutter, 10 years in jails/prisons, all capped off by 4 years in a mental institution. That alone would kill most men, or at least push them to fully retreat from society. But Mark has chosen quite the opposite. To fight back to sanity and balance.

I am impressed with his courage to change. He enlightens me to the importance of community support groups and makes no attempt to hide his gratitude for the blessings of one humble Rabbi and the local Jewish Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Center. “They saved my life.” he says.

He offers me a popsicle, just having a pastry, I decline. He smiles and says, “how about a funny face.” There is no way I can pass on this photo opportunity. Mark delivers with flying colors.

It’s impossible for me to truly comprehend the full levels that this changed man has fallen to, but one thing is for certain, his heart is now pure and his mind is intact.

The sun is setting, Mark leans towards me and state’s, “it Shabbat, time for me to go to Synagogue with my girlfriend.” Repenting for past mistakes, he has devoted his life to peace and to making his girl comfortable. He tells me, “she has terminal Cancer, I’m by her side.”

I ask Mark if he would like to share anything with the world. Yes he says, “Be Good and Do Good.”

There is no way we can ignore this statement from a man like Mark.

Mark… Shabbat Shalom!

“That Casting I’ve Been Talking About”

Today I meet around 200 strangers. Well, kind of? It was a casting and not exactly like approaching strangers on the street. But, I have to say that they still are people I am meeting for the first time. That makes them strangers, Right? My crew, begs to differ. We’ll get into that later.

My Mother always has said when meeting people, “Oh what a lovely bunch of Coconuts.” Trust me, I not a Mama’s boy, but being raised by a very opinionated Jewish Brit, some things just stick in my mind. Plus, her quote is appropriate in explaining the day. Talent, I promise there is no disrespect in my coconut comparison. What it means, we are all humans, but we are all very different. No two coconuts are shaped the same, and all are lovely. Get it?

Granville – Blues Harmonica: When asked about his music he replies “You’ve gotta come see us jam, it’s sick what we’re doing!”

With the casting drawing to a close, I strike up a conversation with one of the more vicarious actors. Granville, interesting guy, cool history and a great sense of humor.

Granville is a smokin harmonica player and tells me stories of his days in Europe jamming with greats such as Memphis Slim and Alexis Korner (Father of the British Blues Movement).

I’ve met a lot of musicians in my time, but never have sat to chat with a blues man. And man, this dude is a “Man of Blues.” I see it in his eyes.

I realize he has two modes, the actor, very gregarious as he pitches his talents with a story of playing the part of Riff in choreographer and director Jarome Robbin’s Broadway revival of West Side Story. But as we talk, I feel a vibe that acting is a living and blues is a passion for Granville. It flows out of him in his words and body language, and as it does, he mellows out into one cool cat.

You can check out what he’s doing every Tuesday Night at Melody Bar & Grill. It’s called Bluesday Tuesday. Tell him Richard sent you.

I ask, “where do you see yourself in ten years?” His answer, “PLAYING THE BLUES THAT’S FOR SURE!”

In parting, we get into a political discussion. I know, stay away from politics in casual conversation. But to be true to the mission of 365, it would be a disservice to the project to not share the view proposed by those I interview. I invite Granville to send me a short perspective, promising him I will publish it. I have included it below.

We finish the interview and thinking I met one cool dude, I turn to my crew for approval. They all harass me hard, calling me a cheater. Telling me that it is not fair to interview someone I have scheduled for a casting. Their platform, “He is not a true stranger.” After a futile argument, I loose the battle and am banished out of the studio to hit the street’s. Sort of glad they did. Read 200 Strangers, A Blues Man and A Survivor: Part Two, you’ll see why.

Granville’s Political Plea:
“As for our political discourse…I would say that the current state of affairs in our country is truly disturbing. The gap between the average American worker and the elite, wealthy upper class has grown to a gaping chasm. And this Supreme Court that rules over our constitution has listed to the extreme right with its 5 to 4 majority that has consistently ruled in activist ways. Most recently in their decision which gave the same rights to corporations that are given to people. As if corporations ARE people too! The top 1% of Americans own close to 50% of the wealth. And there comes a point when the concentration of extreme wealth threatens the existence of democracy. And we ain’t too far from that point I’m afraid. Income inequality in the United States far exceeds that in Europe and is rapidly approaching the Latin American range. It’s already more concentrated in the U.S. than in Venezuela! Economic oligarchies are threatened by the tenets of democracy and will exercise all in their power to maintain a stranglehold on the economy. And as long as they can manage to manipulate markets to give the illusion that times are bad: ie. high gas prices, high food costs, high energy costs etc., then they can disparage the current administration in power as the culprit and resume power. That’s their hope anyway.

I’m disgusted with the political theatre that is at play in this country and in this current Congress.

If more people got up off their behinds and took an interest in the politics and the politicians that impact their daily lives, they might be motivated to vote. People MUST vote! I could go on, but you get the idea. I would like to see a government that invests in our country and stops waging wars that benefit war profiteers like Dick Cheney and company, Halliburton, KBR, Bechtel, Blackwater to name a very few.“

Still in pre-production for SCE. Started at 8am today. It’s now 9pm and I’m just wrapping the evening. Casting tomorrow and we will see what it brings.

Keeping me going right now is the music of Lady Gaga’s Poker Face, with full dancing performance by my daughter. She’s having a blast using photo booth to shoot a self dance video.

I’m living on borrowed sleep and her energy spurs me on. Thanks kiddo! Back to the post.

Introducing Brian: Dancer, Graphic Designer, Gym Enthusiast. I meet him at Kinko’s, where I am printing my paperwork for tomorrows casting session, when after 300 sheets of paper down, only 4 more pages to print, my copier decides to stop printing. He steps up to assist me, The answer is simple, out of paper.

Brian refills the machine and we strike up a conversation. I find out that he has suffered a back injury similar to mine, but only worse, and mine laid me up for over a year. He says, “I’ll never forget the date, December 15, 2010.”

As we share stories, I discover this guy has a true testimony of exercise and diet. It takes a lot to recovery from lower back issues and here is one thing I know from experience. A serious back injury lays you out, and weight gain, depression and loss of interests are some of its terrible side effects.

Put this into your mind, Brian is a seasoned dancer. The kind of talent that you see behind your favorite musical artists. For him a back problems are a big deal. But he has turned it into a metamorphosis of sorts.

I’m inspired by him, and as always, my camera is in tow. As our conversation gets more comfortable and shift to 365. He volunteers to be photographed.

We step outside to resume our casual talk. We hang out for about 15 minutes or so and I just listen to his stories. He has turned his back issues into real blessings. Brian is not one to throw in the towel. Yes, he did gain a bunch of weigh with his injury, but still kept his commitment to the gym. 70 pounds gone in months, he is on course to regaining his strength and mobility.

In the depths of his skills, he is a video editor and is using that talent to work with some of the great dancers he has always been inspired by. He tells me, “now I talk often and learn from the dancers that used to seem so unapproachable.”

I never once tonight interviewed Brian. We found a step, he sat, talked and I listened. My big take away, “this guy has perspective.”

I do ask him two questions:

First: Do you have anything you want to share with my reader? His reply, “There is always a way, you just have to want it bad enough.”

Second: What do you see yourself doing in ten years? A one word answer, “Producing.”

Thanks for the words Brian, remember me when you are a big producer.

Tomorrow is almost here and I’m still preparing for my casting session. No rest for the weary.

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.  It’s hidden secret is the diversity of those who frequent it’s fields, making it local melting pot of cultures. From India to Europe, it’s all at Warner.

The evening is cool and calm, youth soccer to the left of us, a mother with son in 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 ponder.

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 really curious. Perhaps they are messing with people, trying to get a rise out of rise out of anyone thinking that there is a huge cat eating snake on park grounds. Fun! a practical joke?! My family enjoys a little intrigue… 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. 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 myself and wife.

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 I am learning fast, there are many young men and women of great manners and intelligence. All lining up to lead the future. Tonight is no exception to this discovery in meeting Meet 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 fellow-man can treat fellow-man. Very impressive for a 17-year-old. What he say is this; a very simple statement, but one with great depth, “The World is the World.”

I ask him what he means? He responds in telling me that people are generally good and change is possible. It just takes time, 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 in to the conversation with similar depth. talking 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, 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 fathers footstep, 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 day into 365. We’ll see if this theme keeps constant.

We finish with a few witty line of conversation. My two favorites:

One: Izzy supports the ban on domestically owned Pythons in Florida. They grow huge there in that climate, untrained they eat dogs, cats and can harm children. He goes on to state that, 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 New Yorker’s and San Franciscans, your safe. He likes the cities. What he enlightens with is that the cold climate limits their growth. He feels it would give a whole lot of people the opportunity to have snakes as pets. pretty cool!

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.

Later Gators!

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 really time to go with the flow in whatever words come out. So here we go.

Meet Otto, Owner 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 with the help of wife helping to deliver a project and good friend Brandon, a very talented illustrator, working on a perspective sketch for an agency shoot I’m doing next week. No rest for the weary.

Flash back to 6pm 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 of one of my favorite local eateries. We go into his restaurant and take a few photos. He is a very energetic, educated and amusing gentleman.

I learn a thing or two from him about health eating. He tells me that 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 signature dish: Lab (a spicy beef salad). If you ever visit his establishment, order it, and ask for Otto style.

All for tonight.

Shabbir, Small Business Owner: Canoga Park Florist

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. Sherman Way watch out, here I come for day two of exploration.

We walk for 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 am looking at the rows of small businesses. Being a small business owner myself and knowing how important it is to retain a customer base, I’ve always done my best to regularly patronize my fellow entrepreneur. But this new feeling is deeper than that. Something is brewing in my gut.

I pause for reflection, a different 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. Nine day’s of meeting strangers 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, 5 or six other closed stores, and then, prepared to look through yet another closed window, Canoga Park Florist – Open with one customer entering just behind us. 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. My curiosity takes hold and through the door we go.

We are greeted by shop owner, Shabbir, who is sitting at a display checking his text messages. 4:45sh, store closing at 5:00pm. I tell him of what I am doing and he buy’s in. He graciously give’s 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. So stay with me, the journey is just starting and I have no idea of where we will be going.

That said, let me give you the short rundown of our conversation and some thing 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 valentines 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 Gerreras. 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 philosophies: Knowing your customers heart makes you a better business person.
• Whatever you promote – you deliver.
• His Dream… To pilot a plane, life is just too busy right now.

I promise. my intent is to not create an eCom referral blog roll. But after spending a bit of time chatting with Shabbir, I felt a connection in giving him a plug. I know, recession has hit everyone hard. Yet after getting to know Shabbir, introducing him to my daughter and seeing photos of his 12 and 8-year-old girls, I am prompted to throw a Canoga Park Florist link. Shabbir has managed to weather the storm economic downturn with his commitment to complete customer satisfaction, backed by his 15 years of passion for what he does. If you find yourself in need of quality and individualized floral service, check him out. And now he is even open on Sundays. Oops! I forgot to ask him when he rests.

9:00pm, quitting time. Talk tomorrow!!

Vincent and Angel, Age 18 – sponsored Riders: JB Bike Shop #2

Went for a walk today. 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 browsed, mingling 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 business, I need to let you know he is the place to go to buy a custom fixie or for tune up’s on just about any bike. His phone 818-615-0708. Address: 7212 Remmet Avenue, Canoga Park CA 91303.

But here is what really impresses me about Antonio, he gives back to the community. How you ask? Seems he has taken a few very talented neighborhood kids under his wing in offering them bike sponsorship and a safe place to hang out.

In a day with so much gang violence, alcohol and drug abuse running ramped among our urban youth, Antonio’s positive influence is apparent. I’m sure as I walked into JB Bike Shop #2 today, I look a touch suspicious, camera in hand and roaming eyes. As I wander, I strike up a conversation with Vincent and Angel, inviting them to allow me to photograph them for 365. And like a guardian Antonio, hovers closely to check my intent.

And with an approving nod from Antonio, the two young men step-up in accepting my offer. We go to the alley behind the shop and the boys begin to warm up. Antonio watching closely, I’m sure still not fully comfortable of 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. And lastly stated, “I regret not getting a photo of him.” His acknowledgement is necessary. Two great and very talented young men, whom without Antonio’s support, may not even be developing their talents.

I shoot a lot of photos. Have to, the depth of the tricks Vincent and Angel can do is astounding, and all without a ramp. I’m guessing these bikes weigh 30 pounds and 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 backwards, then  lift the front wheel, spin around, hop the bike 3 feet off the ground, do a wheelie (on the front wheel), spin the bike on the front wheel, then ride away backwards.

Or how about this one: Pedal as hard as you can for 20 feet, hop the 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 handle bars, 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.

The best part though, they are exceptional young men. Grounded (excuse the pun after seeing them take flight) and noticeably ahead of the 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 wheelie’s

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, it’s too dangerous.” Huh?!?