Human Interest

SideWalk Ghosts / Interview 25: Travel Photos Anyone?

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Tonight finds me beach combing once again. The sun dropping out of the sky like a bullet. I feel a twinge of concern slowly falling upon me, thinking it will be a shame to miss a Hawaiian sunset portrait.
Having just returned from the workshop I am teaching this week, I’m still dressed in my nice clothes. Feet are killing me, but a pause to change them could risk missing the descending light.

As I progress along the beach side path, it’s a mystery to me why everyone I approach says, “no thanks,” merely at the sight of me. They offer me no chance to open my mouth in explanation of my presence.

For a moment it dawns on me that perhaps there is an association forming linking me to the “naked analyst” shoot yesterday. Maybe there are enough people so offended by him, that my temporary community is now rejecting me? Man that would bite!

I question if my choice in photographing my under-dressed comrade was a wise one. That thought raises my blood to boil; thinking, “Heck to them! He is an interesting guy with a personal mission; it was my photo-journalistic responsibility to photograph him.”

Now resolved to relocate myself, I redirect my course towards the sanctuary of my hotel room to regroup in licking my wounds or rejection. Past the $25 hamburger, beyond the $22 egg roll, my plight is accepted. The beach patrons hate me. And you know what? “I’m a grown man, I can live with that.”

Esteem regained and almost to my room, I’m hit by a bolt of mind lightning. The green beach shirt I so proudly wear is almost identical to that worn by many of the resort employees. Crud! I’m now a hospitality photographer. What a turn in serendipity. No wonder the world is running from me. It sees me coming, camera in arm looking like a $30 to $50 room charge. Quick! Run! Hide!

Simple fix. I reverse my hat, return to the scene of my first rejection to give it one last college try. I guess people see me as ghetto or something and stop fearing me. Funny how the slightest change in appearance can project a completely different intent.

I make eye contact with a very cute family of three siblings taking snap shots of each other. I offer to take a photo of all of them with their camera.

We strike up a conversation, and they even remember seeing “naked analyst” the day before. More evidence that I am not loathed in these parts. Feeling relieved, I invite them to be tonight’s 365 friends. Two of the three agree.

In Hawaii for the first time celebrating their father’s 60th birthday, say “hi” to my new Korean friends Ju Young and her brother Fong Duk.

I’m telling you (and you most likely see it in their portrait), these two are having the time of their life.

They speak of Hawaiian fun days and are full of energy. I can’t help but be smitten by their colorful spirits.

Guys, a blast photographing you. Thanks for not running from me. Mahalo!

SideWalk Ghosts / Interview 24: The Naked Systems Analyst

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This has been quiet a day. Now 11:41pm and finally getting to post my entry. So much today to share, but I’m sure you’re most curious about today’s 365 friend. So tonight, I give you a reprieve from the Radstone day history. Let’s jump right in! Introducing today’s 365 friend.

The set up:
Unbelievable. I actually find a couple of hours to relax poolside. Have a few nice chats, and in small talk with many I notice a through-line of conversation – one that is slowly building momentum, not only poolside, but as I find out speaking in with the girl at Starbucks, has reached deep into the resort’s culture.

It’s a set of questions regarding a regular visitor to the hotels beach. Who is the g-stringed man? And in it there is much speculation: Could he be from France? I think he talks to himself, watch out! He’s a porn star?!

I’m compelled; there is no way I can pass up on meeting the man of such controversy. And being no subscriber to gossip or speculation, the only answer for me is to go directly to the source. And that’s exactly what I did.

Give your warmest regards to Ray, the man of mystery. Turns out he is a very charming and confident nudist – at least as nude as he can be at a public beach. I catch up with him as he humorously poses for a photo-op with another not-so-shy Hawaii visitor. I can tell at that moment Ray does not take life too seriously. He is allowing said visitor to have a photo taken with her hand on his… let’s just say, lower rear region.

The lady is eating it up. She leaves, huge smile on face. Without pause, female two stands-in while her chuckling husband takes snapshot. Another memory for a lighthearted vacationer.

In both cases, he thanks them with the kindness and grace of an ambassador.

Surly he will allow me to take his photo. I step up and invite him to 365.

It doesn’t take any convincing to get our less than speedo covered celebrity to buy-in. I’m serious about the “celeb” status, he is the talk of Hawaiian Village today. With humility, backed by a sincere and heartfelt laugh, he offers all the time I need for a photo and interview. After all, a little extra exposure, no pun intended, is always helpful. And Ray is down for the fun and publicity.

Lets talk about back story, later his backside.
Would you believe it if I tell you, Ray is from New Jersey, possesses a Master’s Degree in electrical engineering and has recently retired from a high position within Northrup Grumman, exiting a successful career as a Computer Systems Analyst? Probably not at first glance.

I know, kind of hard to reflect at questions like that with the view he is providing.

But, never-the-less, this lightly dressed guy is no fool. Truly quite the opposite; an articulate, educated man, living life to the maximum degree.

There is no chip on his shoulder regarding his outlook on life; even if he had one, where would he hide it?

He shares his love of Hawaii, stating, “I will never leave this place,. It’s an endless party.” A claim I’ve now heard made by many of the beach regulars. I give him the credit to own the statement. He trusts me with a few life details, which I keep concealed in respect to him. Details that give him the credentials to graduate to the status of having boast his party rights. The man definitely has earned his flying wings.

There is no malice in his intent and the purpose of his actions is to simply entertain. From what I see he is doing no harm.

To support this statement, even though I do hear of a few hotel patrons complaining of his presence, I witness a greater outreach of those with more playful and appreciative comments about Ray. Like I said earlier, many people posing with him for memories to take home and share. Hat’s off to your courage my new friend. You’re putting smiles on peoples faces.

My eyes are opened as I learn this is Ray’s modest beach attire. He’s much more comfortable at the local nude beaches. “It’s only been a few weeks since I’ve been coming to this beach for reasons of self-promotion,” he says.” Promote what?” I ask. His new hobby-career: Nude Fitness Model (I’m loving this fitness spin).

I’m 50 and this guy has inspired me back to sit-ups and the bench press. (Wish I had his abs). Well, maybe ten more doughnuts and I’ll be there. I think not.

OK! I know! I Promised backside! with Ray’s blessings, “here ya go.”

His closing statement:

“If it’s nude? I’ll be there!”

Ray, thanks for the memories!

SideWalk Ghosts / Interview 23: “We’re Kind Of A Big Deal – People Know Us”

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Alexis and Joshua. Two of the funniest, most positive and warmest people I have ever met.

Made it to Honolulu today. Beginning day one of my Hawaii experience. I’ll be here until the 9th presenting a workshop to a very cool division of the military. A group called JPAC, they find our MIA’s. I’m working with their photography unit in sharing new techniques, ways of creatively seeing and methods of directing. Should be a great week.

Now the promise stands, no matter where I am, 365 rolls on. I’m staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, a very busy hotel and resort. I know, poor me, what a terrible place to have to go to work. I confess it is rather comfortable. But put this into perspective. My family is still on the mainland, it’s Saturday night and I’m writing my blog to you. So cut me a touch of slack, I’m a blog addict.

After meetings. client lunch and travel, finally got settled into the hotel around 4pm. Took a quick shower, grabbed my camera and off to shoot 365.

Loitered the resort lobbies for about 2 hours. No one stood out very much. Talked to lot of people, yet never felt the burn to photograph them.

Here I am, wandering the Hilton, a melting pot from around the globe. You would think the possibilities would be endless. I’m stupefied that everyone is looking the same – tourists on vacation. Tomorrow I’ll investigate more, surly I’m missing something. The last straw was the mid-western look teen who, without breaking a beat, jammed her finger in her nose and seamlessly cleansed it in her mouth. Too much information! I know! But you want to be with me? Right?

So there you go.

That act of slyness drove me to the beach path for a walk of fresh air. My first glimpse of the beautiful afternoon happens at this moment, now around 7pm. I hike the bike path, fielding a few phone calls as I continue my flight from hotel lobbyland. Even get a call from a buddy of mine mainland side. (Thanks for the shout-out Dan. Took my mind off witnessing the nose lunch.)


The view of my first Hawaii 365 beach stroll (Dan this pic is for you, right after we finished our phone chat)

I hang up with Dan and begin to see again. Right in front of me is KBS, a fun surfboard and stuff hut. My intuition begins to tell me, “stop, we’re there.”

It was right. I meet 3 locals, raised on the islands, all very fun and gregarious. We laugh more than I can write. Funny, smart people who are loving life to the fullest.

Let me give you names. Say “hi” to Alexis, Joshua and, (not pictured), Dalante, (he is more of a cheerleader to the shoot — he keeps us honest in harassing us.


The sight that caught my eye.

To be a little different in this entry I’m going to tell you about them in online dating form.

Alexis: Seeking marriage proposal from a hot rich man who knows how to sail.
“So what if Dalante thinks I have a giant head, that’s his problem, you marry me and you’ll be glad you did. I promise you’ll never have a boring moment: Surfing to cooking, bedroom to barroom, I’m your gal. But if you think I’m a push-over or a lush, your way off-base. I’ve always been told that my personality is awesome and I’m a 10. People love my spunkiness, enthusiasm, limber limbs and flexibility. So what if Dalante is bagging on my head. His loss. Oh yeah, almost forgot, I’m kind of a big deal. People know me. Check out my Facebook: Big Lex.”

Joshua: “Do you want to come on my yacht.”
Hey, I’m ready to settle down, I think? Been on the islands my whole life and know them like the back of my hand. If you like surfing and fun in the sun, part of me is your guy. Yeah, I’ve won the state championship three times, but you need to know the other side. Nothing can stop me, and Hawaii Pacific University is my 2nd big wave: Environmental Engineering. I see 3 kids in the future and life is good. I’ve got nothing bad to say. Well, maybe a few more girls from California or Colorado, or perhaps a hot Russian girl before I finally settle down.

Kidding aside, Alexis, Joshua, hope you get a good chuckle out of the silliness of the singles ads.

Humor really is key in life. The caricatures above are an outcome of the outrageous part of our conversation. Here is what really strikes me about these guys. They are real. What you see is what you get. And what you get are friends who stick together. I witness it in the way they treat each other, “with great respect and teamsmanship.” I caught that message loud and clear the second we started to talk.


Alexis and Joshua ham it up. I can tell you there is nothing more charming than making friends with people who are good friends.

Alexis is an extremely smart gal with a wonderful sense of humor. A little self-boasting, but all in jest. Dalente says, “She is kind of genius.” She accepts the dig without a flinch in completely agreeing with him. I joke with her saying, “well that just proves you’re humble, you know you are a genius, so why be rude and hide it.” We all laugh.

I’ve got tremendous respect for Joshua. He is the poster man for overcoming obstacles. You see, he was born with embryonic banding. I’m no doctor, but in my layman’s description of the syndrome, the condition occurs when the umbilical cord wraps around the baby’s body. This restriction in blood flow causes developmental issues and can be fatal. Joshua carries the badge of honor with his underdeveloped hands and arms. Neither of which slow him down or discourage him at all. He is warm, intelligent and one heck of a world-class athlete – again, 3 time state surfing champion. That is a tremendous achievement in one of the surfing capitols of the world. Got to love this guy.

My eyes are blurry, 11:19pm Hawaii, that’s 2:19am on my clock. I’ve been up for almost 24 hours now and am fading fast.

Better hit the hay before I eat keyboard.

Talk tomorrow!

SideWalk Ghosts / Interview 22 The Future Is In Their Hands vrs. No Rest For The Weary

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Meet Brandon and Aaron

I remain true to my enthusiasm to the 365; however, tonight I admit, I’m ready to have this evening’s entry done. The tired is setting in.

Tomorrow an 8am flight awaits me, traveling to a five-day workshop I’m presenting in Hawaii. My wife and daughter continue to be very supportive and patient. Three weeks into 365 thus far and not one night have I gone to sleep with my wife or read to my little girl.

Here I am, typing this entry, while at Menchie’s frozen yogurt with my wife and daughter. It’s date night and we are on 365. My wife is being drafted into taking my photo while I am creating this entry. She asks me to smile for her, but I am a bit too focused. I roll my upper lip a little, smile, then back to focused thought. I’m really hard to photograph when I’m in a typing mood. Hope Terri can get the shot she wants. If not I’ll post whatever she gets.

Even though I’m feeling Friday exhaustion, I’m very much loving 365 and all the people I’m meeting, but the fact is, for three weeks now I’ve been navigating on 5 hours of sleep a day. I’d be a liar if I didn’t say it’s getting to me a tad. With no shame I can say, “although very rewarding, I’m a little tired and ready to focus on my family.”

We are enjoying our evening out. Yet home is calling, reaching out as if a person. Saying, “come to me, it’s time to relax with your family.”

Mind is telling me, “take advantage of where we are, and include the family in making a quick photo of the two enthusiastic young men who greeted us into the store. This is sure to be quick and easy.

We let them see the 365 blog on the iPad. They happily buy in. We all agree we will wait for the store to slow down. Not a very lucid thought.

The place is endless business. Yeah! A seemingly quick shoot idea evolves into a 1-hour wait. Not all that bad, a family time of sorts, we are a little punch drunk, my daughter contributes to the ambiance with a silent pass of wind, letting us know we are in for a long night.

Oh! Wait, the crowd has thinned, need to grab my photo ops. To keep this entry moving I’m handing my iPad of to my wife. She’ll keep tonight moving. Off I go!

OK, Richard is taking photos and hands me the iPads – tells me I can write anything I want.  Really? Well, OK, two things.

First, I must say, these two boys working here at Menchie’s tonight are two of the best employees I have seen in a long, long time. Here’s my husband trying to get their portrait, and even though they are into it they never loose focus on their job. Every person who walks throughout the door gets a resounding, “Welcome to Menchie’s!” They are super attentive and friendly with the customers, and keep a fun attitude.  As I write, I hear a customer telling them that they are a lot of fun (I told you.) The minute the crowd dies down they are cleaning the machines and restocking. I see these kids going places in life. Parents, be proud!

Second, I’m trying to encourage my dear hubby that it might be a nice change to get a full night of sleep by going out in search of his 365 subjects in the MORNING or perhaps during the afternoon. He keeps telling me he will, just as soon as he gets through this week (I’ve been hearing that answer for a few weeks now and here we are at Menchie’s at 10pm. did I mention we have an eight year old?)

It’s me again, got a few fun photos. Really like these boys.

They are too busy for a full interview. I follow them as they work and manage to get them to answer our two general questions.

QUESTION ONE:
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

ANSWERS:

Brandon – Owning my own restaurant, or at least leading a corporation.

He already proven his ability with the operating of a home-made beef jerky business he created while in high school. He talks of quality control, consistent product and profits. His next step is finishing his degree in business administration. This young man is going places.

Aaron – To be big in the electronic music industry. Tells me he is into the lifestyle and digs how complex, detailed it is. He goes on to tell me it requires critical thinking.

I ask him if he is a critical thinker, he replies, “at least I like to think so.” Got to love his response!

QUESTION TWO:
What would you like to share with my readers?

ANSWERS:

Brandon – Hard work, ethics, and morality pays off. And remember to always have fun.

Aaron – Don’t take life too seriously. Have fun. Enjoy it while you can. Keep what you want to do in the back of your mind. Don’t feel pressure to rush in being independent. You have time before you have to pay bills.

Readers, its 11:25pm. I still need to import my photos. Enough writing for now.

I’ll see you tomorrow, it will be day one of nine days of entries from the big island.

By the way, I did get that time with my family. One hour to be exact. It’s 1:10am now, finally ready to press publish. So much for that relaxing early evening, but they still love me.

I’ll be up at 4am to begin my commute to the airport. With even less sleep building up, curious to see what we come up with tomorrow.

ALOHA!