Fine Art

I’m hanging in the reception area of Bodies in Motion, a gym that I teach spinning at every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Having just finished my Saturday Drill Sergeant role in pushing my group for 60 minutes, I have decided to chill while waiting for my wife to pick me up for a ride home.

This is a boxing club and I’ve come to know a few great athletes of the ring. All with interesting stories and histories, even past Olympic champions and pro-contenders. There is one that always grabs my attention. His name is Chris. A man of great charisma and character. At 60 years of age, he is lean, in condition and walks with the humility of Job. Now don’t get too hung up on Chris. I know him fairly well, and for that reason he is exempt from 365. I’ll add him, but only by request from you, my readers. For me to approach him on my own would be a breach of my 365 rules. But if I get at least 20 requests from you, I’ll take that affirmation as an assignment from you, making it permissible to  invite him to 365. And even though he is not a full stranger to me, he is to you. Under that condition, I’m willing to push the 365 rules a little.

Chris does, however, tie-in to today’s entry.

So here I am, relaxing, mentally preparing for the list of things I have to get done today. Loving this moment, I’ve found my zone and am reviewing my iPad notes for the day. As I am doing so, Chris’ voice merges into my thoughts. In signature form, and with his uniquely calm and vibrant accent, he is giving boxing council to one of the club’s patrons. They are talking boxing strategy and I am fascinated.

I do my best to give them their privacy, but I can’t take my ears and eyes away from them. “So I block and step like this?” They slow motion play through a blocked jab. “What about the taller guys, how do I deal with them?” I can’t hear the exact words of boxing coach Chris’ reply, but his student is intently taking in his advice. After a few minutes, their conversation starts to go way over my athletic head. Perhaps, if they were talking about endurance or cycling, I’d be on the same page. So I shift to visual mode.

What strikes me as I continue to peek at their training, is the mass and intensity of Chris’ boxing friend. This guy is in incredible condition and focused on absorbing Chris’ input on the art of footwork and timing.

Their session ends and I’m left with the image of this moment burned in my imagination. I can’t let go of it. So much so, that I must ask this well-cut individual to be part of 365. I search the weight room and find him. Readers, meet John.

At first meeting I assume that John is a professional fighter. I find out that is not the case. He spars for conditioning, telling me, “At 50 I have to be careful.” I had no idea the dude is 50. Further inspiring me as to what can be physically accomplished with dedicated training.

John is a photographer. Of what? His specialty, adult films — something I have no experience in. We talk of lighting and camera technique and I share a few tips with him. He tells me, “This is not the only photography that I want to do,  but I’m in the network and making a living.” John’s roots are deep in adult film, a past performer, he speaks of transferable skill sets. The reason he has taken up photography? He speaks openly and honestly about his past, “I was young; part of the reason I have so many tattoos.”

Our time is very short, his schedule is busy and his girlfriend is helping him stay on time. What I do take away is this: John is a man of maturity. He talks of  accountability and not blaming others for our paths. He speaks like an MBA with clear and articulate thoughts of career and life. Even though he has spent many of his years in an industry that is dark to many, his chin is high and his future is decided. “I’m growing with photography and videography and am striving to expand the work I do to other areas of the profession.”

I show 365 to John’s girlfriend. She is straight forward and honest. I give her the pitch, “For one year I am photographing one stranger a day and blogging the experience.” She skeptically asks, “Why do you want to do that?” I’m paused. My response, “I’ve been in advertising for 30 years. 365 is a way for me to get outside of what I do and explore the world.” I go on, “And after 58 days it has become part of my life. I’m not sure where it is going, but it’s attached to me. It is sort of giving back to its readers and I have to finish it.” She seems content with the answer and I am reaffirmed to my commitment by her challenge.

In parting, John shares his words of counsel in the form of a self question, “Is the world a better place because I was in it? I see absolute sincerity in his delivery of this thought. It is a great question presented by a man who has a world insight that is unfamiliar to me. But this I do know, John is a man of discipline, compassion and self-respect and very dedicated to doing the best he can to leave a positive footprint in his path.

John, thanks for the interview and in the words of last night’s interview of 365 friend Betty, “Keep moving forward.”

See you at the gym, my friend.

I’m back at my local Ralph’s parking lot. Why? I’ve held a little secret regarding last night’s meeting with Monica and Matthew.

Flash back: Monica and Matthew are in front of the camera and as we are concluding our photo shoot an unknown face pops into my frame. A happy, inquisitive lady, sporting an Eat, Laugh, Love apron. Seems that curiosity, and the repetitive glow from my camera’s flash, has drawn her in.

She approached, “I’m ready for my photo!” We all laugh and are instantly smitten by her sense of humor and openness in approaching us. Her English is broken, and my Spanish is terrible, but we manage to unite in what 365 is all about.

Not wanting to pass on this opportunity to interview another 365 friend, and feeling crunched on time with my family sitting in the car, I ask her if she would like to participate in an interview at a later date.

Her name is Betty, and I find out she is a demonstrator, and only at Ralph’s one more day this week — tomorrow between 1pm and 7pm. We agree to meet up after her upcoming shift and I promise to bring a translator to help us in our communication.

Back to real time. It’s 7pm.  Air is cold, and very wet from a full day of rainfall. Lucky for us, Mother Nature has given us a break in the deluge, and knowing that I need to photograph Betty outside of her workplace, I feel quite fortunate.

By my side is 365 teammate, Dan. This is his third outing with me, and finding out that his Spanish is fluent, I have enlisted his partnership once again. This is a new experience, the first time I have worked with a translator in conducting a 365 interview.

365 is truly becoming global. Its diversity is starting to take form. My hope, as it progresses, is,  “To continued to open our eyes to the world around us.” With that said, tonight’s journey takes us to Peru, Betty’s home country.

A 16 year citizen of the United States, Betty has no hesitation in expressing her gratitude for what America has allowed her:“Life is good and I’m blessed” are Betty’s general point-of-view.

The weather is not that pleasant, yet deep in conversation, none of us are affected or clock watching. Still, I can tell that we need to keep our interview short. We are all wanting to return home to Friday family-time.

I only have to ask one question and Betty takes off in dialogue. I do my best to keep up – I’d be sunk without the aid of Dan. He is on fire, and with minimal breaks, translated words blast out of him too fast to write.

Betty is full of great advise. This is one hard-working woman who takes pride in her ability to work and provide. A wife and mother of 4 children and 4 grandchildren, her perspective is joyous, outgoing and positive. Quickly I find that I have met yet another person who puts friends, family and others before herself.

She tells me, “I am a good friend.” And after hearing her tell me of experience after experience of what she has done for others, I want to be her friend, too. Betty is the kind of person you can rely on. We should all be friends like her.

Betty laughs with one of the many store friends complimenting her on her photo shoot as they exit the supermarket.

Here we are, standing behind her husband’s truck, in the parking lot taking pictures. Person after person are commenting to Betty. They obviously know her: “Hi Betty! Looking Good! Employee of the month!” There is no doubt the community knows and appreciates her. I understand why… from her life outlook, “Be a good person. Be united and nice with each other without judgment and help each other. You give and God gives back,” are her exact words. These are the words that are shared with me, and for journalistic integrity, I am keeping them intact.

“If you are not moving forward, you are moving backwards,” Betty advises. “Find a job, make yourself useful. A trade, a passion, whatever it is, just move forward.” She expands, further stating, “This is for everybody, but also specific to the Latino community.” I can see where her heart is; her meaning is not meant to be critical, but a call to action for her community. “America is different from Peru. Everything is easier, and there is opportunity for those who work for it, and remember to vote!”

In only a short interview I know that Betty’s work ethic is off the chart. She tells me not only of her education and work history, but that of her husband’s business as well as the work of her son, both self-employed with a muffler, brake and alignment business. My car’s front-end is all messed up and I’m surely going to give this hard-working family my business.

Betty, keep up the good work and thanks for the lessons on being good!

Matthew and Monica, Art Institute Students, Kids of Wisdom

Please believe me as I tell you that I am not going yogi on you with the metaphysical. But I have to tell you this 365 thing is very strange at times, still leading me to the right people, with the right message, at the right times.

It’s 7:30pm, I’m with my family and starting to sweat a little, thinking, “Here comes a late-nighter trying to find a 365 friend!” We’ve been to Home Depot, Target, and Ralph’s grocery store, followed by a bit of drive-by wandering of a few other local retail businesses, and even after trying to force a few conversations at each of the listed venues, no-one is ringing out.

Submitting to the evening, I ready these words for my wife, “Can you and Colette get to sleep without me tonight, I’m going to have to go on a 365 drive.” They are behind me, but worry that I’m going to get myself killed by walking into a stupid situation on my own. The Hawaii hostel experience is becoming Radstone household legend and fuel for a continued “Richard, watch your back!” reminder from wife and daughter. Especially when I hit the night streets on my own.

So here I am, cruising the parking lot, beginning to accept my fate of a long night and thinking of ways to avoid two things that seem destined to come: Zero sleep and the Watch your back council.

No joking, within seconds of my submission, crossing the front of my car pass two people; Visual Effects and Motion Graphics students Matthew and Monica. The voice rings out! That is them! Game on!

Quickly, I set my route to park, driving to the top of the parking lot and doing my best not to become a stalker in chasing them down in my car. That would be way creepy, wouldn’t it? I pull into a parking spot at the end of a row, grab my camera bag, and set a foot course to where they are parked. I slow my pace and casually approach them as they complete loading their groceries into their car. They catch sight of me. I throw the 365 invite and it is instantly apparent that we are all where we are supposed to be at this particular moment. — at least that’s my take. We’ll see if you agree as you read on.

My tribute to youth continues with these two creative kids. They call each other kids, so I am taking license to do the same. Yet the words they share are not that of children, but brave and dedicated creatives with quite a bit of life experience, especially Matthew. At one point into tonight’s interview Monica even diverts to him to further share his story. We’ll get to that in a second.

Monica is absolutely delightful. I can tell she is the catalyst of laughter between these two. They seem soul matched, leading me to ask if they are significant others? With warm hugs to each other they respond, “No, just friends.”

There are only two words necessary to fully describe Monica, “Free Spirit.” She cracks me up with her forecast of where she will be in ten years, “I’ll have no house, I’ll have no stability and will be traveling — meeting crazy people. Routine and all that crap annoy me.”

Her words of advise, “Just do it; there is nothing stopping you at all.” I ask, “Sounds like you have a lot of life experience?” I can see in her eyes that she wants to share some of her life, and I can tell that she has a thing or two to say, but she shifts to a humbler tone and redirects the question to Matthew. There is a very warm connection between these kids that touches me, and I quickly find out why. Matthew steps right up, “I have no problem sharing my history.”

“I was diagnosed with  HIV one year ago.” Monica quiets and keeps her eyes focused on Matthew; I can tell she admires him and is inspired by his trials and maturity. It is at this exact moment I know why we are here together: Matthew has council for us all. And his words need to be published.

He tells me of his growth in accepting this life changing illness and of his experience with a very materialistic roommate, both issues he faced in tandem. His take away:

“Don’t regret anything, everything has a lesson.”
“Hate doesn’t take you anywhere.”
“All you can do is look at the good, that will drive you forward in life.”
“Tell the truth. You can’t live with secrets — they always catch up with you.”

Matthew is ingratiating as I note his council. It is apparent that he knows what he is talking about and desires to help any others who need to hear his words. And by the look in Monica’s eyes, I know why they are friends. He grounds her and she pushes him. These friend are meant to be (Monica, Matthew, please forgive me if I am being too presumptuous, just a feeling I’m getting as I write this blog entry).

We pick back up the group discussion, the subject turns to why we meet this evening. And after Matthew bearing his history, we all seem to know why. We deepen the topic in talking a little about religion as Matthew expresses his interest in studying it. A three-way dialogue begins and  we all agree that there is much good in many religions. Our conclusion, it is about honoring fellow-man, acceptance of a higher power and striving for self-mastery in doing the right thing. We expand and discuss the worth of a soul and it eternal progression. Heavy topics, but the air is light and the conversation united. Readers, I’m telling you, I don’t direct these meetings or force the topics — they just happen, and I’m convinced it’s not by chance.

Speaking of chance. I learn a thing or two about social magnetism. Matthew brings up the Gestalt theory. I’m vaguely familiar with its application in design, but have never really pondered it’s sociological and psychological applications or its theories of social attraction. Something that Matthew has studied a little. He poses the question, “Could it have had any influence on our meeting this evening?”

I have Googled and studied it a little as I am writing this blog. I’ve not delved to its depths, only taking a quick read of ten or so sources. It is a very fascinating theory, making me think about my influence in the hows and whys of my friendships, networks, surroundings and even the outcome of 365.

Both Matthew and Monica leave me with these words. “We think this meeting is meant to be; the day has led up to it. It has been a great day and meeting up with you seems to be what we have been going towards.” All I know is when I first saw the two of them, the voice rang in my head. “It’s them you need to talk to.”

Matthew concludes with this (and from his comments, I can tell he is very spiritual), “I put on my xxx (Matthew, forgive me, I forgot what they are called) beads today,” he shows them to me, “Seems they led me here to share my message.”

Monica, keep smiling and dreaming.
Matthew, keep the faith.

And kids, thanks for the inspiration!

Last night I picked it up while in flight, sharing my tale of noise pollution and briefly reviewing September 9th’s motivation to start 365 – again, an on-plane sensory experience of aromatic perspective.

This evening the air travel angels are with me, being seated next to the most charming Italian couple, beautiful dancer Giorgia, and very gracious musician Giorgio, both hailing from Venice. I could not ask for better travel mates.

We talk about 365, but in compassion to them and limited by very cramped quarters, we pass on making any pictures. They are planning to stay in LA for a couple of weeks, so  we are leaving it at getting together for an interview over the next week or so. Very cool of them. They have my card; hope they call me. Plus, I need to allow them their in-flight sleep time. They’re fried, having already been air cargo for eight hours and now undertaking five more hours of leg-cramp en route to L.A.

The last deal breaker: I have already photographed today’s friend and airport terminal companion, Reid.

Reid and I run into each other finding our gate randomly reassigned. Gate agent instructs us, “It’s just around the corner, Gate C-29.” For geographical point-of-reference, Reid and I are standing at B-11.

Off we go as instructed, “Just around to corner.” I love airports! Corner? Sure, if the distance is being compared to the length of a runway required to land a Boing 747. “Just around the corner” turns out to be the mother of all airport hikes, myself with 45 pounds of shoulder strap, and Reid bearing a bag on his lap the size of himself. The guy is a rock. I’m walking and fading fast and he is relentless. With one arm on the steering controls of his airport chair and the other holding his heavy luggage in his lap, he is my saving grace. Reid and his trusty chair blaze a path through the passenger-loaded thoroughfare and I’m grateful to follow his lead. Reid, thanks for the tow buddy, I owe you one!

As we race to C-29, I talk to him about 365. He is willing, but we are now both very behind in our need to settle prior to boarding. Myself anticipating a phone call and Reid crunching to get his stand-by arrangements worked out.

Fifteen minutes down and C-29 within grasping distance we are welcomed by a packed seating area. Lucky for Reid the line at the gate counter is minimal. Oh, I forgot to tell you, Reid is a great: extroverted, witty and highly intelligent, he scoots right up to the agent and in no time has a ticket in hand.

No waiting room seating to be had, I snuggle up to an architectural column and arrange my stuff in anticipation of getting a brief moment with Reid.

With pre-boarding calls calling out, we manage to find time for an extremely rushed interview and a few photos.

Here is what I find out.

•Reid has a Bachelors of Science Degree in Paleontology and is working on his Masters.

•He is traveling to Las Vegas as an invited presenter at a leading Paleontology Convention.

• One day he will be working as the curator of fossil exhibits at a leading museum (he expresses this to me as a goal, but somehow I already see him in the role).

We literally grab five minutes to shoot a couple photos and to express a few thoughts. I ask him to share words for you guys.

Words we’ve come to know, “Never give up!”

I leave Reid with this, “Thanks for what you do. My 8-year-old daughter loves Dinosaurs and knows what a Paleontologist is. Now I can tell her I’ve met a science superstar.”

He smiles at my words and disappears into the crowd.

Reid, knock’em dead in LV!

I’m going to do things a little different today. On a plane as I write this entry. No idea of who I’m going to photograph today. Had a short conversation with the flight crew, but no takers. Got to give them credit for what they do in making us all comfortable.

What is it with my seat assignment luck? Last time on the reverse leg of this same journey, I sat next to “Stinky Foot Man.” That is what inspired me to start 365. Had to type to escape the nose shock.

Today I find myself equally lucky, seated across the row from “Snore Man.” Snorers of the world, please do not be offended. I’m in your camp, being known to wail a touch in my sleep. But truly, this is no normal snore. It is magical and of epic proportion.

Let me see if I can communicate this sound in writing. The source of this amazing symphony of guttural volume is literally three feet from my left ear. Morbid curiosity sucks me in and I have to get a visual take. I peak to the left and am united in a team like gaze from passenger 32. We are obviously awed by the open mouth of this operatic performer. Enough visual, eyes pop back to enjoying the seat tray.

Standard headphones have no impact on this reverberating distraction. Even as I am typing, the volume and inconsistent cadence of sounds I thought were humanly impossible are resonating over my shoulder and into my head. Help! Anything to aid me! I contemplate packing my ears with cocktail napkins, but fear of self-injury halts my action. Yet I can’t help but be impressed by this virtuoso of artistic sleep. I accept the call to audience, sitting back to prepare for the performance to come.  But wait! My performing neighbor show signs of body shuffle. I pause; holding still with anticipation, not sure if relieved or dissapointed at the prospect of a canceled show. And feeling too self conscience to look left, and hoping my flying friend and sleep performer is not a nosy reader of my iPad screen, I accept the fact the show is probably over.

Now strangely feeling let down, I settle into the silence of jet engine whur with two questions, both unresolved, stuck in my mind: “Where do I get my refund for the canceled performance?” and, “Did I made it through the snore storm?”

The sky is getting bumpy, last approach announcement sounding. I must stow my typing escape and prepare for finding today’s 365 friend, hopefully in route to my hotel.

Just shutting down. Crud! Snore resumes. It’s going to be a gnarly landing!

Talk in a few.

After nine hours of travel, three of which are audibly abusive, I have managed to let go of my snore jitters enough to find today’s friend.

Tomorrow is a big day of business, and after my flight’s ear pounding, I really need to get some sleep, feeling the snore tale is enough journalistic travel entertainment for today, I’ll jump right in.

Say “Hello” to the happiest faces I’ve seen all day, Felicia and Fred, the front desk team at The Hampton Inn. From the moment I walk into the hotel their welcome to the world attitude and warm customer service make me want to move my family to Philadelphia.

We chat for a while and I walk away with a smile on my face. Fred, an aspiring business owner to be, tells me of his dream of owning an arts and crafts store. Being somewhat artistic myself I can understand his desires. We talk of product and his history as a Philly native. His advise for us all, “Never give up on your dreams, keep trying until they are a reality.” A messeage we’ve heard from so many of our 365 friends.

What can I say about Felicia? – the first of my two new friends to smile withe me this evening. Her energy is huge. My snap shot of her does not fully capture the excitement she has for life. It is undeniable that this lady is special.

Felicia, a 30 year hospitality veteran, expands on Fred’s point of about never giving up on your dreams. She says, “If you feel inspired to do something, do it! No matter how difficult or crazy, follow it!”

“I love what I am doing; every day I get to smile at a new person.” I’ve been fortunate enough to be the recipient of said smile today and can confirm its sincerity.

A few minutes speaking with her forces me to think about the moment. Her position on living, “If I had to live to this point over again, I would not change a thing.” We should all aim for this mind-set.

Without probing for answers, she goes on, “My life is graceful and peaceful with not much drama. Overall it has been good to me. I love where I am.”

We talk a little more about this point. I ask her to clarify what she means. “I’m not talking about career or status, I’m talking about where I am mentally, physically and spiritually.”

Felicia has lots of friends, many of whom she has met easily by just sharing a smile and an honest “hello.” She jokes, “If I die tomorrow, my funeral will take 3 days, so that all of my friends can attend.”

As we wrap up our interview, I ask for any last thoughts. Her parting words, simple and sweet, “I like everybody!”

Felicia, Fred, Philly, Thanks for the warm welcome!

This has not been the leisurely Sunday I have hoped for. I’ve got to fly out to the East Coast in the morning, have been jamming to color correct a project and need to deliver it first thing this week. Even though 365 is deep under my skin, I have to admit, at times it is a weight on my shoulders. Today is such a day.

Another Sunday is clicking away, and again, my family takes the hit. They have been so supportive, but I can see the stress on their faces today. I don’t blame them, it a bad daddy week for I’m having to miss Halloween night with my girl. Obviously I’m a little saddened. That accompanied by over 2000 frames of color correct and I’m about to hit the stress wall.

I’m sitting here at my computer, eyes focused at the screen, don’t even know what time it is, when this feeling hits me, “get up! Grab your camera and go outside, NOW!”

Twenty feet from my front door I hear laughter on the horizon. I walk to the corner to scope where it is coming from. It’s Aaron, the cool young man I interviewed a few weeks ago, walking his girlfriend Tatiana. We exchange casual talk and Tatiana say, “I’ve been hoping to run into you, your project is really cool.” I instantly know she is the reason I’ve been pulled from my desk. I ask her if she would like to be today’s 365 friend. She’s in without hesitation.

Big deal you may say, you run into an introduction. Maybe? But I prefer to look at is this way, It is meant to be. When I began 365, it was an idea. Now, and forgive me if I sound a bit spiritual or metaphysical, its becoming a calling. There have been too many encounters that link in some way, either by message or by connection. Things like: People who link to my family, 365 friends related to other 365 friends or my personal questions of the day answered by who accepts the 365 invite. At 52 days, I’m seeing stories that are weaving together to tell a tale of hope, strength and humanity. Every week it grabs hold of me deeper and the readership is growing beyond my expectations. I have no idea of where it is going or to where it is taking me. But, I’m in for the ride.

So on this stressed out Sunday, I welcome the opportunity to interview Tatiana, even if she is standing directly next to a past 365 friend. To me she is still a stranger and our meeting is by chance. Or is it?

I jump right in, “What word of council do you want to share with my readers?”

She is very thoughtful. “I want to be careful with what I say'” she says, “this answer seems so obvious, but it needs to be understood. Everyone says it, but I look at it in a different way. People say, live every day like it is your last.  True, we need to enjoy of life. It’s more than that though. It’s really not about partying or having a good time, it’s greater than that. What if today really is your last day. Are you ready? Your gonna be judged.”

Tatiana make the above statement, with no malice, no guile or judgemental hypocrisy. Her tone is youthful, laughing and kind, yet there is a knowing peace in her posture. And by her countenance, I can tell she is living her words. Tatiana is not dressed in religious uniform or overly conservative. Just a young lady, living her best to be a good person to herself and others. Quite normal, quite charming, quite inspired.

She goes on to expound on her council, “have fun, but don’t live recklessly, for yourself or others. Focus on doing good, because what if it is your time and you’re not living up to your potential or doing bad things. You don’t want to go out that way. You want to be remembered for what good you did. Make your Mom, Dad and people proud.”

Her dreams, go to culinary school, marry, have a family and open a catering company.

Tatiana has inspired me this day. It’s up to you to accept, or not, the reason I’m snapped away from my desk at the exact moment of her passing my home. For me, it is real, and my gut tells me I am meant to interview Tatiana this day.

It is a day of worship for many, and perhaps there is hidden meaning in why I am driven to write this entry.

All I can say is this, “Tatiana is on the right path and it is refreshing to meet a young woman with her perspective on living and faith, I am inspired”

Thanks for your words on living life the right way.

May all your dreams come true.

It’s Saturday afternoon. I’ve got a good head-start on 365 today, having run into Myly at the local farmers’ market gone art-wild.

At 51 days, my family has been patient. Sacrificing seeing me, even throwing me out of the house to work on 365. For the sake of wife and daughter, today I think I’m going to get right to the point. There is a window of opportunity opening to spend some meaningful afternoon time with them, so in collapsing my writing time, I’ll simply summarize how I meet Myly.

7:00am – Alarm sounds
7:01am – Hit 10 minute snooze (or so I think)
8:15am – Awake (Holy Heck! Crazy late for day)
8:30am – Out door with family
8:32am – Embark on drive to teach spinning
8:55am – Arrive at gym (class starting at 9:00am)
9:00am – Class grimaces at site of me dressed as Little Miss Muffet (its Halloween after all)
9:05am – Realize chicks dig a man in a tutu and men are inspired by my courage
9:10am – Kick into high gear for one hour of pedaling euphoria
10:00am – Class over. Hang out in front of gym waiting for wife and daughter to pick me up
10:30am – Approach cool deaf dude. He rejects me and leaves area
10:30 to 11:30am – Lick my wound as I chat with gym friends
11:50am – Family arrives to rescue me from 365 denial.
12:30pm – Meet Myly at the Canoga Park Farmers’ Market – On Ownensmouth, between Sherman Way and Wyandotte.

Part artistic dreamer, part entrepreneur and master of community outreach, Myly is full of energy. For an hour we speak of the past and future of the Canoga Park art and culture scene. There is no loss of enthusiasm in her council to all, “Don’t settle. Find what you are passionate about and go for it!” A thought that I’m sure we have all entertained from time to time.

Myly lives what she preaches. She tells me of her recent layoff of employment, “I was freaked at first, but them I realized it was a gift.” She has not looked back.

She tells me, “As a child I always collected things.” Things that became treasures to her. Things that she reused to feed her artistic self. She tells me, “I’ve never thought of myself as an artist, but more of a business person.” We talk of her childhood and her remembrance of, at a very young age, selling necklaces that she made for other people’s discards. I’m told, “I never dreamed that I would one day be supporting myself with the stuff I make. It’s totally rad.”

Yet Myly is more that an emerging artisan; she is a community activist. She shares with me her role in organizing a very successful art walk; one that takes place every year in Canoga Park. As we hit this point in our conversation the topic turns away from herself and toward the local businesses. “Before we started the Canoga Park Art Walk there were many vacant buildings on Sherman Way (the street that hosted the art walk), but the event is reshaping the visibility of the area and now many of the empty spaces are slowly filling with new businesses: several thrift shops, art galleries, restaurants, boutiques and performance venues. “We are only just starting the outreach and the community is responding to it.”

I give her a title, “Leader of the Community Brigade.” She smiles and expands on the title. “My goal is to turn this farmers market into an artistic destination.” Right now, and with the support of the farmers market vendor, she is in the infancy of her initiatives. So here is my part in supporting her cause.

 

CALL TO ACTION:
Readers, if you are, or know of an emerging artist who is in need of exposure, tell them about this Farmers’ / Art Market. And if you are looking for a different place to explore on any given Saturday, visit and support this fledgling market. There is food, produce and culture. It’s free to walk and only $10 for artists to set up a booth.

For information email Myly at vintagegrime@gmail.com.

I ask her of her dreams?

“One day I want to have a storefront loft space. Upstairs will by my place to dwell. Downstairs will be for you, with gallery, shopping, coffee/tea bar and cool place to hang out at night.”

For now she is content in her current business, Vintage Grime, an offshoot of her childhood passion, taking one person’s old items and turning them into marketable treasures. Visit her at facebook.com/vintagegrime

She is only just beginning. Let’s hep her grow.

Myly, looking forward to one day visiting you at the loft. Your Rad!

Later Gator!

Myly’s signature coin pouch, no two are the same

From left to right: Shane, Saya and Kevin

Not far down the road is seasonal winter wonderland. An outdoor ice skating rink that somehow shows up, almost overnight, every October: Same place, same date, same theme. I’ve driven past it year after year, always saying to myself, “one day I’ll take my family California skating.” I give it this title because it is the only way I can explain ice skating in a mall parking lot, at night, in easy weather.

Tonight I find myself passing this urban construct of winter. And as I pass, in it’s proven tone, the 365 alarm sounds, “stop there, now!” I’m learning to trust it’s strangely subtle voice, a diving rod of sorts that subconsiencously steers me in my 365 path. After 50 days of getting to know it, I have learned wherever it points I follow, and when I ignore it, 365 is difficult.

So it sounds, “stop there, now!” and I listen, not knowing why and not certain if I will interview anyone. Is this tonight’s starting point or an end point? I don’t know. I feel horribly selfish making my first visit sans family, but I have to trust. Without question, without self-justification, without thought of location or technical execution, I just go.

Entering the complex and to the cashier, I ask, “how much to skate?” I’m directed to a sign, $15 for adults, $12 for children. Good with that, I ready myself to report back home of my findings, thinking it wold be inconsiderate to interrupt these kids at work. I turn away from the counter and set stride to depart. The alarm sounds louder! “You must invite your new acquaintances.”

Glad I listened. Throughout this project I have been led to some of the greatest youth. From kids that scare me to kids that are at the top of their game. What is impressive is that most have shared words beyond their years, leaving me with the distinct impression, the future is in good hands.

Winter wonderland puts me in contact with three more of this select generation, Shane, Saya and Kevin, all great young adults, all with great perspectives, all with hope for what’s to come, and all with well grounded maturity in what they claim.

We spend about an hour talking: A little bit of sharing as a group and some one-on-one Q&A. Here is a compilation of their wisdom:

“Be nice to strangers, and do your part to make the world a better place”
“Learn about the deadliest sins and do the opposite”
“Be courteous to others, its common sense”
“People can be selfish, so learn to share”
“Say thank you”
“Be the first to open doors for others”
“Take care of the environment”
“Be spontaneous”
“Don’t over think, things always work out”
“Take risk, follow dreams, no regrets”
“There is a lesson in all we do, good experience and bad experience, it’s all about a positive perspective”
“Stay open to new things”
“Don’t live with what if’s, there is always a way back”
“There is a positive answer to every situation, don’t allow yourself to get trapped in the negative”

365 has again put me in the right place, at the right time, with the right people. I have rubbed shoulders with the future, a trio of passionate young adults, who, early in life, have managed to find a depth of experience.

What I choose to not publish is the few life issues they share. Events I assure you have gained them their bragging rights. I respect these future leaders, they have earned my regard and I will not exploit their life stories. This is what I will say, “they understand where they are going, who they are and what is important” How many of us can say the same.

Shane, Saya and Kevin, “See you on the ice!”

Sitting in the car, Michaelbrent driving. I’ve asked for the third time, “who is playing on the stereo.” He says, “if you ask me again, I’m going to punch you.” So engrossed in my entry, I’ve asked him the same questing four times in ten minutes. Some people can be too touchy, can’t they. But I love the guy.

Thinking there might be a little hunger snap happening, we decide to stop at for dinner as we are returning from a location shoot in San Diego.

Ah! Applebees, great place for a nice quite wind down meal. I’m proven wrong.

We park, walk to the door, and in route, meet Victor playing Harmonica as he sits on a bench in front of the restaurant.

The guy is cool blue. Turns out he is classically trained in music, holding degrees and is a local contributor to weekly jam sessions held at Applebees. That comment rolls of both Michaelbrent’s and my shoulder and we pay a price later. I’ll tell you about that soon.

But for now I want to tell you about Victor. For some reason I’m running into a lot of past military and/or families of service men and women. I promise I am not pre-selecting my destinations or planning on who I interview. I’m truly going with the flow in working to be as spontaneous and open to situation as I can. Victor appears before us and the voice in my head pushes, “he is the one.”

So trust me this is not becoming a political blog.

Why is Victor here. By first impressing, some may think he is homeless. That is the furthest from the truth. I’m even later offended when entering the restaurant, Victor leading, two girls at the front desk show faces of judgement at his stepping into the establishment. Kills me to witness.

I’m more offended by the loud tone and language coming from the three clean-cut sports dude screaming obscenities at the TV baseball game or the drunken women ready to throw their underwear at the dude singing Guns and Roses hit, Neil Diamond style. That’s the I’ll tell you later part of the story, meal is pretty much ruined.

Why is Victor here, simply to get a cold glass of Coca Cola and to hang out on karaoke night. Makes you rethink perceptions of society. Between Victor and my encounter with Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Boad a few day ago, I’ve been educated in appreciating the men who served in Vietnam.

Better yet, Victor is a killer musician. Some nights he jams with the crowd and walks away with dinner, provided by customers or management in gratitude for his talents.

Sure, he look a little run down, maybe even hard of luck. Let me tell you a little more about him. He is a proud husband and father with two children: A son studying music and a daughter enrolled in nursing school. Even told us of his giving his son his Les Paul for school and helping his daughter pay her tuition.

Victor is no transient, living within walking distance, he tell us of his two bedroom home and honorably shows us his veterans card as he explains how he supports himself via his military pension and disability.

Oh, here we go (and honestly one of my pet peeves), people living off the system. There is no way this applies to Victor. Now 65 he speak of working up until his disabilities became too unmanageable. He tells us of his obstacles. Not in a poor me way, or as a crutch, but with a very matter of fact point-of-view. No handouts wanted, completely the opposite. Even share with us he is recovering from a stroke he has recently had, explains he troubled speaking and slumped walk. Not alcohol, but a very serious medical condition. His teach are decayed, yet his smile a grand. The guys is a tank.

We learn of his exposure to Agent Orange, Bullet Wounds and Shrapnel still in his side. He continence is lucid and his spirit kind, inquisitive and humorous. He expresses only one concern, arising when signing his paperwork, asking and I think more joking, “are you guys Communists.” I assure him we are not.

Victor leaves with us these words.
“Enjoy music, play it, learn of it, it’s very good for you.”

Victor, keep jamming!

Hello, dear blog readers, random curiosity seekers, and people who stumbled onto this site while looking for the newest celebrity trainwreck (nothing here about the Khardashians, sorry).

You may notice a bit of a difference in this blog entry.  There’s a reason for that.  And the reason is simply this: I’m not Richard.  Instead, you’re going to be treated to (or suffer through) a “guest blog.”

My name is Michaelbrent Collings.  And when Richard asked if I would accompany him on his daily “365” and write about it from my point of view, I approached it with a bit of trepidation.  I’m a writer, so it’s not the words that scare me.  I’ve actually written best-sellers and had screenplays produced in Hollyweird.  But most of what I do write is either horror (ghost stories and books about serial killers) or light fantasy (kids who discover they are magic users and become embroiled in a battle to save the world).  And Richard’s blog – or as he would probably prefer to say it, the blog of the people whom he chronicles – is neither of those things.

But I agreed to give it a go.  Challenges are fun.

And almost immediately upon meeting his “365”-er for the night, I started to regret my decision.

Not because she was awful, or difficult, or whiny.  Quite the opposite.  It’s because she was simply delightful.  When asked if she would like to be a part of the project, she lit up.  “Sure!” was her immediate response.  And when she walked away after the experience, she literally jumped in the air and (I think) even uttered a “Yippee!”

Her name was (and, I suppose, still is) Janel.  Richard and I met her after a long day on the set of a photo shoot he was doing.  He and I went to dinner with the client and the ad agency people, and Janel came along as the significant other of one of the folks who was at the dinner.

And it was such a lucky thing that she did.

“Where do you see yourself in ten years?”

Some people are defined by what they take in.  They are collectors.  Of information, of wisdom, or (in bad situations) of other peoples’ morale and energy.  Then there are those who are defined by what they give out.  Janel is one of those people.  She smiled.  A lot.  She wears her hair differently every single day.  She does yoga.  She is fascinated by humanity, but (I think) is still struggling to define her own.  Not in a bad way, but in a way that highlights the fact that she is still deciding what kind of person she will be.

And actually, maybe I am a good person to write this blog.  Because I do write fairy tales.  Tales of magic and fun.  Tales where the good guys win, and the evil-doers are punished.  And Janel, I think, is someone who is striving to discover the fairy tale within herself.

“Fit, healthy, and happy.”  That’s where she sees herself in ten years.  Not “in a fancy house,” not “surrounded by expensive things,” not “in this particular job at that particular company.”  But “Fit, healthy, and happy.”  She is energetic, spritely, and so it should come as no surprise that her personal vision for the future is one that focuses, not on the place, not on the thing, but on the energy, and on the feeling her existence will exude.  “Fit, healthy, and happy.”

“If you had any words, counsel, or advice you would like to share with my readers, what would it be?”

Janel is also something of a contradiction.  Again, not a bad thing.  Quite the opposite.  She has intricate levels that interconnect to create a person of unusual depth and passion.  So while she is a person who looks like she could probably run a 10K every day of the week and step it up to a full marathon on the weekends, she can also be quiet, and attentive.  She likes to talk, but doesn’t mind listening.  She seems as happy to laugh at another’s story as she is to laugh at her own tales of life and its idiosyncrasies.  Again, a rare quality.

So though at times she seems as though she is wandering through life on a journey to who-knows-where, she is also possessed of a certain inner assurance.  “I’ve worked for a three-star general,” she declares.  “He taught me how to be competent.”  I agree with her that competence is a quality rarely found, and much to be admired.  She wears her competence on her sleeve.  If she says she can do it, I have no doubt that it (whatever “it” may be) will be done.

And along with that competence, as though to balance out the happy, energetic, almost childlike quality that captivates those around her, she also has the ability to say something directly… and have it mean something.

“What counsel would you like to share with my readers?” Richard asks.  And in an eyeblink, she sobers, and says without hesitation, “Quit if you need to.”

Not idle words.  How many of us go through the motions, living our “daily grind,” and slowly dying inside all the while because we are too afraid to reach out and find something new – and better?  How many of us find ourselves locked into something – a career, a pastime, a relationship – that isn’t right for us… but just don’t have the personal wherewithal to simply stop?

Not Janel.  She tells Richard (and me, the horror writer turned anthropologist for a night) of her experience in grad school.  Pursuing a career she had dreamed of since she was eight.  And then realizing that something about it was wrong.  Something about it didn’t feel like it should.  What was I that felt off?  Simply this: she hated grad school.

So she quit.

The ramifications were enormous.  Starting, and perhaps ending, with the fact that she is no longer sure what she is going to do with herself.  Not that she doesn’t work – she does, and probably does an excellent job at it.  But “it’s not my dream job.”  And she isn’t quite sure what would be.

Which is, it seems, all right with her.  Because better to be a bit unsure of what the future holds that to suffer the certainty of misery.  She didn’t like where she was, so she changed it.  Obvious, really.

But how many of us could have done the same?

And even in that simple statement that her job isn’t her “dream job,” lays another implicit facet of Janel’s character.  She believes in dreams.  She never says this aloud, but it seems from the twinkle in her eye and the dimples that are so deep you can almost see through her head, that she does believe.  In the possibility of a better tomorrow.  The chance of a more perfect world.

In the hope… of hope itself.

Good night, Janel.  It was a pleasure.  And I hope your dreams come true.

Michaelbrent Collings is the bestselling author of RUN, Billy: Messenger of Powers, and numerous other novels.  He can be followed on Twitter @mbcollings, and his Facebook page is at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michaelbrent-Collings/283851837365.  He also has a website at michaelbrentcollings.com.