photojournalism

35 days to go until the ending date of my 365 goal, one year, at least one stranger turned friend every day. A lot has changed since the beginning of this journey. And although organic to it’s originating purpose of uniting the voices of “We the people,” it has grown to be a greater mission,one that I am entering into the early stage of planning. But one thing I promise to you, “365 is only beginning.”

It’s come too far now and has evolved to publish the hopes, fears, warnings and advises of so many diverse and unique people. People whom with comments expressed makes a statement much larger than any I could have made solely on my own.

We’ve spoken regularly of community, both on the local account and in the broadest of global perspectives. God, faith, government and new technology has proven to be a constant companion to the words of so many, and in them, we have revealed a grand list of to-do’s and we-wishes.

But the most rewarding of conclusions revealed by the many who have stopped to listen, to read, to own and to contribute is the unveiling of one major dream of the masses, “Respect for one another.”

Yes, acceptance is center to the hearts of the many that have stepped forward in responding to my 365 solicitations. No matter if exampled in the darkest of stories or revealed through the most loving outreach. The need to be heard… to be acknowledged for one’s opinion and/or to at least be considered as a voice, free of persecution of mind and spirituality has reigned top billing in being highest common denominator of the majority of those I have spoken with.

I drive today with this notion in my mind, past the post office that I regularly frequent, through the light at the corner of Remit and Sherman Way, and towards the intersection that boarders the Farralone line, Day 124.

Over the last eleven months I’ve come to know this stretch of neighborhood as never before. There are many faces and businesses that are so close to me now. David, Day 145, the man on the Buddhist street retreat, Roberto, Day 157, as he plays guitar outside of Follow Your Heart, Brook, Day 155, teacher of my daughter and now inspirer to so many other friends who have graced us in posts past. And even though Sherman Way is no destination street of palms and beach, it carries it’s own charm of diverse culture.

With this heightened awareness that I am speaking of, a funny little byproduct has entered me, as I’ve become hyper sensitive to every change of my area. It’s a really interesting phenomenon, one that has left me with a checklist of remembrances in noticing every change within the four-mile radius that surrounds my home.

And for the past ten days I’ve been acutely attracted to a previously unoccupied storefront. In which, and almost overnight, a banner has been hung over it’s front doors… It reads, “Table Tennis Club.”

For several hours I have passed by it in my day’s errands, in each ignoring feelings that will not allow me to take my eyes off the store. I have done my best to look far into it interior on every pass, not quite the smartest decision while traveling in busy traffic at plus forty mile per hour.

But finally, I can resist no longer, and with camera over shoulder I park to enter.

The place must be two thousand square feet; in the center of it are four very high-end Ping-Pong tables… all well spaced and all with elbow room itching for a competitive match of play. And smack dab in the middle of the space are two men, both highly focused in play.

At first I say to myself, “There is no way these guys are going to break their match to speak with me about 365.”

So I start self-bargaining, “I’ll come back later… maybe they have not noticed me and I can sneak out.” But I can’t turn away… the voice in my head will not let me excuse myself from the presence of these two absolute strangers  (boy, I sound crazy now… voices in my head).

I muster up my words, and in the usual style, tell of 365.

The game ceases, “Sounds like a very cool project… we’ll do it. We can pick our game (well actually a lesson) back up in a minute.”

Turns out that I have stumbled upon Vahid, a twenty plus year Professional Table Tennis Coach (owner of the club) and his student, Musician Joseph, here for his second lesson (and the guy is already slamming a crazy cross table forehand).

Joseph serves first words, “Share and be nice to one another… be good to one another. Share your resources. Be grateful… life is short. Look at people and appreciate them. Enjoy your life and let go… breath. Don’t be so worried about how other people might judge you.”

With heavy Iranian accent Vahid stages his concern, “My language is not very perfect.”

“Just go for it…” Joseph encourages, “…speak from your heart… we can get back to my lesson in later.”

Vahid relaxes and begins, “All the people of Iran, and the people of the world, can help each other. I hope that one-day all the countries will come together and we don’t have different countries… That we can all live together, like it is one country. It’s free and we can move about, we won’t have passports or green cards. That it can be like one system, not driven by religion. Religion will be for personality and does not come between us. But for all of us, it’s the same, like one world.”

“How we can do it?” Vahid proposes. “People need to talk…” he says, “…We need to make a better system. We have two systems, Capitalism and Communism, and we need to find a new way of how we can share all the things between all the people.”

And a key can be seen in Vahid’s conclusion, “That we can learn to have good minds… open minds… and loving minds.”

Joseph kicks in with a joke, “I suggest having all the leaders work out our problems with a game of Ping-Pong.”

Not so sure that would be the best of politics, but the visual that comes to mind is very amusing. I guess we could call it “The Ping-Pong Council.”

“What do you guys see the future being?” I challenge.

Still a little inhibited with language Vahid enlists Joseph to become the spokesperson for the two of them.

Joseph takes the baton (taking the paddle just does not sound right). “I see different trends… and I think it is our choice in which way we want to go. A lot of the things that connect us, and make us closer together, also can bring us further apart.

Without any Facebook… without any Internet… I found this place (referring to Vahid’s Club). Sometimes people have the illusion of being connected in their devices, and they end up isolation themselves. I see that as a danger, where people become increasingly isolated. I think that the danger carries a very heavy psychologically effect… it can be a major cause of depression… and it can be a major cause of a lot of problems.

At the same time, those same tools can help the planet allocate resources faster and the people can be made more aware. Look at what happened in Iran, the Internet really helped the situation.

And, I think if we can be smart about the way that we harness technology, we can use it to better society. It a tightrope and I don’t think there is an easy answer to it. I think what it really is… is our learning to be able to tune in and to be present, and to not necessarily depend on the Internet for all of our answers. That we can come up with local answers to the problem in our own communities. This kind of communication needs to become the wave of the future.

We can’t really do everything from the top down, and if we use technology to communicate more effectively between local communities, to take advantage of our own local resources and communicate with each other better… Then we have a chance.”

Vahid simply agrees.

Readers, I’ve got a new challenge for us, one that kind of aligns with what we are talking about today and something we have not yet tried. Think of it as an experiment in testing the strength of local community and an offer to help a talented coach to get his small business going, all while getting the opportunity to chat about whatever.

I’m calling it, as conceived by Joseph, “The Ping-Pong Council.”

On Saturday, August 25 (that’s two weeks for today, and I’ll throw a few reminders in the weeks to come), between the hours of 3:00pm and 7:00pm, let’s get as many Angelenos as we can to play a few rounds of Table Tennis at Vahid’s club. It’s not the expensive, $7 each and I’m sure will prove to be a lot of fun.

I see two things that can come from it. One: A great opportunity to share thoughts and witness just how in common we all are, and Two: to help a deserving dude get his business off the ground. And in either I see no downside.

So friends within commuting distance of Vahid’s “Table Tennis Club” we look forward to seeing you at the tables.

Table Tennis Club
21911 Sherman Way
Canoga Park, California 91303

Several months ago I stumbled into a group of friends debating political, social and religious issues without the need for anger, bloodshed or ridicule. That alone is a  feat worthy of applause. But what is most unusual about this gathered group of diverse of ladies and gents is the absolute respect they demonstrate in every word and effort they debate. And even in disagreeing they maintain their closeness. They call themselves “The Patio Rats.”

Every night they gather, and as I am told, constantly differ in size and in attendance. For eighty-four days (since my last meeting them) I have randomly passed the Starbucks at where they assemble. And for eighty-four days I have wondered where their conversations are going.

Tonight, I get the answer. 9:00pm it is, and as I approach their claimed table, I am quickly greeted by Rats regulars, Vincent and Tasha, who with warm smile of reunion invite me to again convene with them. And gratifyingly, it feels as if I have known them for years.

Vincent and Tasha (Not Pictured) are gracious in introducing me to others member I have not yet met, and as we get to know each other, and as expected a two-hour visit materializes.

Featured today are three stranger now friends Jake, Sarah and her boyfriend (not pictured)

Jake goes first in accepting our questions. And shows a little difficulty in getting going.

“Wow! I’m drawing blanks.” He starts. “These are hard questions. I’m usually the quite one who doesn’t say much… Now I feel like I have to be the brilliant philosopher.”

The Rats cheer him on.

Tasha, “You can do it, man!”

Vincent, “Just say it how it is!”

He struggles… then in the blink of a thought, lightning strikes.

“The best advice I can give someone is to be the best person they can be. And if they do… Life will reward them. That’s the way I’ve always tried to live my life… just being nice.”

But then he stammers… “It doesn’t always pan out… but… uh…! It doesn’t really have it perks… EVER!. He reverses his council.”

Tasha prods, “Then why do you do it!”

Jake rebuttals, “That’s kind of like the way I was raised… slash… programmed. And now I’m a robot… A Cyborg.”

Yet in his change of course, there is a questioning look on all of our faces. I absorb the momentary stillness of topic and offer a finding. “My opinion…” I blurt, “’… and as hard as it is for the world to admit, I think in many instances ‘Good guys do finish first. Just sometimes it take them a little longer. But the rewards are greater and last longer.’”

A fact proven, when Vince, unsolicited by me, gives me his digital recorder. “You can use this more than I need it. I’m only using it to record log stuff, you are using it to record things that are more meaningful.”

I’m flooded with confusing emotions of embarrassment, humility and gratitude in his example of doing good, for in his gesture, he proves the point that it is possible for people to give before they desire to receive. That little voice recorder was valued to him. I knew it in the pride he took in telling me all about it. And for him to so easily depart with it is a message to us all to look away from the material and consider the whole community.

I take the recorder with on pledge, “I’ll do my best to use it to capture real stories of real people and in continuing the works of 365.

We turn back to Jake, who has had a few minutes to consider his council. Elaboration he says, “One of the biggest things I feel like, in general being a good person. It’s not like the rewards and the perks of it are always for you. It’s for the benefit of others.”

Yet there is another side product of Vincent’s gift. In seeing the exchange, Jake was given the opportunity to more deeply consider his initial comment, and in doing so reflects on a moment that touched his life in telling me of a time he saved a life, a life that many would have passed by.

In short, he tells me of passing by an unconscious tweeker at 2:00am. “He didn’t look good, so I stayed by him and called the Paramedics.”

So what one may say. But to look a little deeper at the situation a larger picture is staged. 2:00am, streets deserted, drug addict passed out, alone and a sitting target, would most of us closely examined the situation and stayed by until help arrived.

“They later told me he would have died if it was not for me being there,” Jake closes the account.

As expected, this launches to round two of debates, a discussion of good vs. bad in the world. And how the media always highlights the bad. Joking about the way the news usually reserves the last five minutes of it broadcast for the obligatory  “On the lighter side” story.

“The future… that’s tough,” positions Jake. “The way society is going? In one hundred years it will be ridiculously overpopulated. It sounds kind of messed up, but I am hoping for some kind of equalizer. A bubonic plague, a yellow fever, stuff like that needs to happen to societies, otherwise we overpopulate, overgrow. I know… it’s messed up… And if I died, it would suck… but it needs to happen for the human existence to go on.

History repeats itself. It always has and it always will. There is mass death, followed by a rebirth and some sort of renaissance, an art form or whatever it may be. And the future, it’s more or less going to be as it is now… just more high-tech; and, probably just as  f…ed up.”

I love the dark projections. And in every scary account, I see challenge for change. Remember I’m an optimistic realist. Absolutely the world can be a dark planet and doom can be realistically placed on the horizon. But does that mean we bury our heads in the sand in accepting desolation thought and actions? And if the end shall come, are we prepared to rebuild? My vote to the floor of the Rat Pack conference and to the constituency of 365; let’s prepare for the best, and ready ourselves to survive the worst. That way we can sleep at night and continue in good deeds.

Back to, “Good guys really do finish first.” It’s all a matter of perspective.

On to Sarah, our second new friend, who with the support of British Boyfriend, gives her advice to the world.

“Wow that’s tough, one shot to tell the world something really important…?”

After a pause Sarah finds her platform, “Iran is not a terrorist country… it’s a beautiful country… it’s history is amazing… it’s not the people… it’s the government.

A lot of people think that Iran is hooked in with the other Islamic countries. Right now in the United States there is a build up of hate treatments towards Iran. And, I want American’s to really understand the facts about the history as to why Iran is really the way it is. A lot of it really has to do with American dabbling and interference.”

Not focusing on only America, Sarah’s boyfriend kicks in with a British view. “Also, the Islamic revolution in the seventies is what plunged it backwards to this Shah law.”

We talk of Sarah’s father, who when stuck in the middle of the revolution, lost all that he had, of the modern and contemporary Iran of the pre seventies and of the current censorship of web and telecommunications that is now happening in the country.

“It’s really difficult right now…” Sarah reflects,  “…and I’m afraid that America is going in this direction with so much right-wing influence and via the religions that rule the country.”

Yet one more discussion, that of religion, the question posted, It is the religion or the people who don’t understand the nature of God, loving and patient. I vote for the interpretations of the people and not the religions that are the base of the problems. For the throw out the water because of a few bad fish would be to kill the whole school. And after meeting so many people of different faiths, all who share a similar want for solidarity, it is hard for me to suggest any global assessment of any one faith.

Sarah looks forward, “First off I want to preface, saying this as a person who lives abroad (Sarah resides in Taiwan), and I have this fear that America is dabbling in other countries way too much. That in every single country that they do dabble in… to help the country… they have destroyed it. They build it back up only to a certain place; and, then make that country dependent on the States. So, I feel that if that is the continuation of what is happening, it’s not good.

But if that does not happen, I see so many possibilities of what the world could be like.” Sarah’s face lights up. “Who knows what we can do!”

But in her glow Sarah fades to a more somber expression, advising, “And although I see a world that is completely going to be run by technology, we may lose our humanity. Who knows, maybe Facebook will be an evil thing?”

11:00pm strikes, quitting time… Let the conference take rest… Perhaps we’ll pick it up at Facebook next visit, perhaps not. But whatever the discussion will be, I can say for certain that it will be colorful.

Patio Rats, I love you guys and I’m sure we’ll be talking again soon enough.

Good night all, 12:00am is almost here and I need my beauty sleep.

Seems it’s the week of questions for me, and just as did Jamar yesterday, today’s stranger now friend, Pamela, breaks the ice, inquiring, “Do you feel like you are growing as a person, or just getting inside the heads of how people think?”

We talk for a while about her query, and to save you from having to read the thousand or so words that it would take to fully publish our discussion, I’ll just give you a few bullets:

• My life will never be the same and I’m dedicating it to growing the 365 mission.
• Every person, no matter what the circumstance, has virtues of value.
• I have learned more than I have shared, and from now on, I will always regard the power of the individual as magnificent.
• The ability to do good lies in the hearts of all of us.
• The majority of people want the same things in life.
• Respect, love and acceptance are greater weapons than ego, money and politics.
• Those that intimidate you most, are often likely as afraid of you as you are of them.
• The slightest gesture of kindness can open guarded hearts.

Per today, in leading me to meeting Pamela, I’ve taken several rejections from other people, all of which led to short and meaningful conversations. “No worries, they are leading me to my next friend,” I’ve grown to accept this mantra as a guiding light in directing my navigation, and in it, have accepted the fact that not everyone wants to be photographed and interviewed by a complete stranger. But, even in this assessment, I have began to feel of a mutual respect with all who have allowed the invisible walls of self-created segregation to be broken. A message clearly telegraphed by the handshakes exchanged and the nodding smiles in departing from today’s rejections. That alone is gratifying enough, and I’ll never stop challenging you to try reaching out whenever you can. You’ll find that everyone has fascinating stories and wisdom to share. The secret is allowing self to slow down in observing the people around us. And when conversations occur, tempering yourselves to listen a little longer, and to contribute a bit more openly. For what I am finding is that there are endless moments when eyes meet, and the more we, as a whole can recognize them, then the mathematical increases of those making change in outlook can be passed on, even in the slightest of gestures, again, an honest and heartfelt hello.

I’m not making this stuff up; I’ve been experimenting with hello for almost a year now; like just after my meeting with Pamela, a nod I exchanged to rushed family at Little Caesars Pizza. While, in waiting for my order, I noticing a mother and a daughter who for some reason were scurrying their pace. At one instant the mother caught me in her sight. I tipped my hat, warmly smiled, and the results were a trip. Her countenance changed, her pace slowed and I watched her as her tone towards the people around her and the counter staff became more tolerant. I’m even a touch embarrassed in telling you about such a personal moment. And in sharing it, as I have stated many times, it is not of me. I make no claims of being anyone with special abilities and reveal it without any want of ego gratifying applause. Bottom line… I’m just a regular guy, meeting regular people, while doing my best to raise a family, to keep a roof over our heads and maintain a spark of dignity for myself as well as grow my regard for the people around me… That’s all.

People are amazing, adaptable, intelligent and in most instances, very spiritual. I’ve met with all faiths, even those who do not lean towards any higher power in enduring this life experience.

Some are at peace, others are troubled; yet, in the uncountable tones of perspectives I have heard from the many that have communed with me, no consequence can be placed. For in all there is one sum desire to purely be accepted, to be loved, to have the basic securities that all humankind deserves, and to feel safe and assured that they are OK in who they are, and in where they live.

Basically, a common want to trust and to be trusted, and it is this universal theme that is, like the finest cream, rising to the surface of my findings. In it, another latent bullet point to Pamela’s question comes to mind. “I have learned the true meaning of tolerance. It has not been an easy lesson, and it has been one that I am sure will consume the remainder of my time on Planet Earth.”

Tolerance is hard-earned, and to master it (and I assure you, I am nowhere near master level), we have to bear the chest tightening of looking at ourselves in questioning why we react in a particular manner, or from where have I drawn this opinion? Nine times out of ten, the answering finger points back at ourselves, confirming the need to not place any self concluded perspectives, or worse judgments, before we know the whole picture… or at minimum, the character of the one we are profiling. Yes, an extremely difficult premise to wholly own, and one that through time, I promise, does get easier.

I guess in a way, I am putting my money where my mouth is in walking this 365 path. Had no idea at it inception, I would be talking the way I do now. And, on this trail of discovery, I continue to invite you to join me. For I’m only one little voice on a larger and diverse planet. But, at least, my prayer is constant, “That we may all do our part to reframe any negative feelings we may harbor towards one another until we have examined the whole story and have carefully looked into the eyes of those we a pointing at. This is core to the understanding of true tolerance.

Pamela has a loving spirit about her, one that grabs my attention after spending a few minutes away from the previously skeptically accepting conversations. Her first words in responding to our 365 questions reveal why the very air around her is comforting.

“All I can do is speak from my heart, and from where God has placed me in the last couple of days…” Pamela happily states, “…is that for those who are believers to literally be the salt of the Earth… and to be a light to all around them. To realize that everywhere we go, we are either salting the Earth or are a brightening it. And, we don’t want to be the salt that looses its flavor or to the person who turn out the light.”

True, Pamela is a Christian, a faith that, as do many other faiths, focuses on good deeds toward fellow-man, and in acceptance of a loving God. But also, a faith that due to the zealousness of many a not so inspired evangelist, can at times be polluted with a not so loving outlook. In my opinion, none of us are damned. There is a loving God, who knows us, who understands us and one that desires the best for all of us, no matter what our circumstances.

Pamela elaborates, “The truth is love, that is what God is. If we are angry all the time… or mean… or disrespectful… it passes on. We need to watch how we live… That’s all…

…My advice… Live and walk in love. And find out what true love is by knowing the creator of love.”

“What do you see in the future?” I inquire of Pamela.

As do many, she pauses to reflect. “Not one year from now… I don’t really want to put a time frame on it. But if I had to, I would say that within ten, twenty years, if we continue on the path as far as where we are now, as far as society, as far as being introverted, as far as being so consumed in technology, in not really communicating, in not building face to face relationships, and in not loving; it will speed up the process of our society not being how this country was founded. It hurts to see that there’s no sense of family, there’s no sense of relationships anymore. People communicate through text… and that just irritates me.

For those who don’t believe in God, I ask them to really listen. He shows himself to everyone in everything. If there is a question in your heart, I encourage you to really seek, to really look for it before you discount it, because it is really life changing.”

She adds a pet peeve, “If our schools, if our society, if our government don’t put an effort into really loving, and caring for, and pouring into our children… who are our future… it will destroy our country in comparison to what other countries are doing with their education systems. We are building more prisons, and we are closing more schools. We need to give back… that is important to me!

On a personal level… we all need, especially mother’s, to seize every opportunity to be the one’s who are pouring values and morals into our children. Like trying to find ways to not always have to send them to a babysitter, or to think that the school system will teach them values. This is where we do our part to build the core foundation for our future. We need to not worry so much about things like having to keep the house clean all the time, if it leads towards ignoring our kids. They are a gift… we love them, we need to cherish them.”

Day four of family role reversal takes us to another movie night at California State University Northridge (CSUN). My wife has been glued to the computer all day, and with her eyes and shoulders twitching from LED blindness and computer posture, my daughter, a family friend and I rescue her from the isolation of website backend madness.

We settle at our blanket base camp, spread out our picnic dinner, and in the ambience of a dusk sky and opening credits, I take leave in search of friends unknown.

This is the fourth evening I have found myself at this same venue, and in past quest for friends, I contained myself to the comforts of mingling within the crowd of moviegoers and vendors. And tonight, not wanting to be overly redundant, I have chosen a different tack in leaving the field in which the event is taking place. My aim in this decision… to find a more intimate and quite discussion… one that is away from the temptation of kettle corn, the thirst for fresh squeezed lemonade and the interruptions of Lilo and Stitch punch lines.

The campus is laid back, being the summer break that it is, but here and there are pockets of students grouped in casual banter.

I approach one such gathering, English major, Jamar and two of his classmates (not featured) as they sit in front of the library relaxing in post game chill after a match of rugby. Don’t know exactly why I am drawn to them, other than the influence my subconscious has pressed in pointing me in their direction.

I throw my first question, “If you had any advice, wisdom or council to share with the world… and they were listening… What would you say?”

It gets turned back on me when Jamar asks, “Before I answer, what has it been like meeting people every day, and what have you learned? I’m very interested, because I’m kind of like that type of person too… Everybody has a story to tell.”

I know now why I am here. You always hear me preach of the potential greatness of the upcoming generation. And right now, it is manifest upon me times three, Jamar and his two friends’; one is a Business major, the other Athletic Training major. And in the sum whole of each of them is a desire to be of service to the world around them. A vast difference from the “this is what I am going to do” vibe that I felt so often in my nineteen-eighties higher education experience. Or, was that because I was in the arts? Who knows? But at least I can say that I have survived the ego game, and to date, have avoided any enticement to remove my ear in a fit of “Look at me!” Mr. Van Gogh, don’t worry, I’ll always love you.

And not trying to be ghoulish with the loss of ear giggle, but in a roundabout way, an auditory reference does bridge into Jamar’s words of wisdom, “You have to listen to people… even if you think they will affect you in the least way.

He cites an experience. “I remember, once when I was talking to a homeless guy, just seeing where his life had been. He had his ups and downs just like anybody’s life. So it was cool to see that everybody has a story… we are all like grains of sand.”

We open into a conversation on the subject, sharing 365 stories of friends past, mixed with experiences Jamar has lived. I’m telling you, one of the greatest highlights of journey 365 has been making (not getting) the opportunity to chat with the youth. They are a powerful influencer of the way the world is heading, and whenever I allow myself to listen to their insights, their input is most often, filled with inspiring points and articulate wisdom.

Jamar is no exception, “One of my good friends, he’s a frat guy…” He respectfully reveals, “…and I don’t usually mess with frat guys.

Maybe it’s in my head… maybe it is not. But, I don’t have the best relationships with them… I think it’s because I’m black. It could be me… it could be them… who knows?

But either way, I like this guy because what he said. He’s a business type of cat, so he said he never does business with a guy until he talks to his secretary and his janitor. The two people that you just don’t have to treat well. If he treats them like shit, he won’t to do business with them. It’s not about having money… It’s about having character.”

It never fails, whenever I follow any peaceful impression of mind, I am directed to people of like mind. People like Jamar. I know, it sounds so metaphysical, and trust me when I say, “My life is definitely not new age.”

But the point is, Listen; and when you hear it… make the time to Follow.

Jamar has things of meaning to share, and to have passed on the pull to speak with him would have only left his voice unheard. And now meeting him, I feel it a privilege to publish his insights.

Of Jamar’s character, and his outlook towards his co-humans. “You’ve got to give people the benefit of the doubt. That’s the way I try to live. Sometimes it bites me back, but most of the time… I just feel good about it.”

“We are all very interconnected…” Jamar grows his statement, “…I fell like if we all wanted to make the world a better place… it wouldn’t take much from each person on an individual basis. It just takes a change of mindset.”

“What’s ahead Jamar?” I question.

“Where I would see us, and where I would council us, would be in two different places. He preempts.

“I would council us to scale back our living. Just because it makes it easier to be communal, which is the most proficient way to live and work. But that’s not necessarily a reality.

Where I see us? I don’t necessarily see that gap between the small population, where the large wealth is, and the big population, where the small wealth is… getting much smaller… I just don’t know where I see it, man…! I really don’t know!

It’s desperate times for a lot of people… a large percentage of the world. Revolution is coming soon… I think.”

Revolution is no new concept to 365. Yet in the mentioning of it, rarely is the very concept of bloodshed expressed. Sure, we have had a few who have predicted a doomed future. But the general assessment of the mass of 365 (now somewhere around 1500 conversations) agrees in one unified prediction. Turmoil is ahead, but in it will come a great resolve. A unification of sorts, and day’s that so many are looking forward to in one-way or another.

Per the often mentioned revolution? The general consensus is this. The war will not be one of bomb and gunfire (although I’m sure there will be horrors to bear, history has clearly taught us that). It will be a war of enlightenment, where battles will be fought via streams of information and applied actions from what I have come to endear as, “The Silent Majority.”

The unheard voices of you, Jamar and I are powerful. And if used as weapons of unity in respecting our circles of influence, I question one premise. “How far can we sound our message?”

The trumpet blows, the castle gates fall, the troops deploy and the banner rises with words of glory, “We are all in this thing together!”

Jamar… thank you for your courage, you are fighting in the right trench, and your charge of command is accurate, “We are all very interconnected.”

“Dodgers fans!” I blurb out to the father of the family that is sitting next to my daughter and I as we enjoy day three of the role reversal my wife and I are experimenting with this week.

It’s been an interesting week, and to couples of the world… I suggest you try it if your lifestyle allows. It’s an eye opener.

But more than sharing a table at Phillips, a local hot spot, and home of the West Coast’s undisputed greatest French Dip sandwich, as well as mixer of the most wonderful sinus clearing mustard, my friend of sandwiches enjoyed tells me of his port of call. “I’m from Las Vegas, we came here for the whole experience before going to the game tonight.”

Never am I one to pass on chatting with a fellow Vegan (I was raised there and, until deep into the eighties, had a studio just off the Strip). And now, with 365 in my life, it would be downright rude to not ask my fellow desert dweller to be part of the project.

With the manners of ambassador for the people, my new friend, Alex gives me a little background. “I’m in law enforcement,” he explains his profession as he accepts my friendship.

And in his description of his job title, he dispels any myths of the volatile gun-toting police officer. “I like my job… Yes, there are a lot of people committing crimes in Vegas, but I still realize that they are still people. My job is to stay calm and to talk people down.”

What strikes me profound is that, even though Alex works in the center of the mix of good and bad, he holds the greatest of compassion for his fellow human; be it at his best, or more resoundingly, when he is at his worst, Alex differs not in holding a respect to all. There is a to the point wisdom in his every word and in what he says he emits a great understanding of the human condition.

“Nothing good ever happens after midnight.” Alex informs as he advises us, “Don’t go out after midnight…

…And if you do… be aware of your surroundings. If you are out after midnight… your goal should be to get home.”

There is no alarming tone in his voice, no contempt for society and absolutely no implications of any desire to instill fear into his accompanying family.

Las Vegas… Sin City. But, as illustrated by Alex, also home to many loving and caring families. I know this first hand after living a large portion of my life there. Even have a sister and her family who still reside there in loving the three digit summers.

I’ll not hide the fact that I had my share of all night casino and club adventures in my youthful days. Days when vice overpowered virtue, and being the young hip photographer that I was (well I’m still pretty hip for an old married dude, just a bit wiser), there were moments where the temptations the city had to offer overcame my common sense in pushing me into whatever binge I decided.

But now, with a few more years under my belt, a child, a family and a different spiritual outlook to the whys of our existence, my priorities have shifted a tad. Plus, I’m sure my body and brain would rebel against me if I even considered putting it through the same rigors again.

But what is amazingly refreshing is seeing so many of the upcoming generation embracing the very values of which I am referring to. And in comparing the way I looked at the world in earlier years, I have to credit them for their maturity.

Case in point, Alex is not alone, he has with him his entire family (not pictured), and in their eyes I see an awareness that I have observed in many a 2012 youth. An awareness that is further confirmed by the unity that all of Alex’s family project in the intentness they have for our discussion.

We get to the point of what can we do about the way people treat each other in looking at the years to come.

“As a society we should steer more toward education.” Alex suggests, “Secondary education; education after high school, whether it is technical or professional… it doesn’t matter… just going off to college.

I believe if the world is an educated place, it’s a more positive place… it’s a more loving place… it’s a more peaceful place. It’s seems there are a lot of real uneducated people who ruin the world.

The way I see it is that the world should embrace education. And if more did, then hopefully that would lead to everybody having better lives. The more educated people we have… the less people we would have in jail… At least that is my opinion.

If more people were able to receive a proper education… we would probably see a more productive society.

We need to focus on a better education for our kids and our grand kids.”

Yep, Las Vegas, city of fortunes made and of dreams destroyed. A land where anything goes… and what is sacrificed is often hidden, ignored or forgotten. A place that I know first hand can extract the boldest of fantasies and offer materialistic rewards of endless color. A vacation destination of the most glorious character, a city when entered with the correct value system, can produce lasting memories.

But contrasting the globally published persona that it bears, it is a diverse community of caring citizens; real people with real families… families who have valid concerns for the world ahead.

“We need to focus on a better education for our kids and our grand kids,” Alex platforms.

Words that many a concerned father might say. But after knowing where Alex works… what he does for a living… and the acts he has most likely witnessed, I view him as a man who is credentialed to make his claim.

“The way I see it is that the world should embrace education. And if more did, then hopefully that would lead to everybody having better lives. The more educated people we have… the less people we would have in jail…”

Alex… we value your opinion. Please don’t stop keeping the streets safe for us… we appreciate what you do and the compassion of your outlook.

And as for me… midnight…? No worries…! That’s my bedtime.

Talk tomorrow friends.

“Everything closes on Sunday’s. It’s family time” Kara brings us up to speed on the German culture.

“I think adults have to behave the way we are demanding our children to behave,” she platforms with an explanation.

“’We ask our children to compromise… and to talk to each other in a nice tone. And then we are constantly inundated with what’s in the news of people who can’t talk to each other. We’ve got two warring parties and a president who can’t do much because people aren’t behaving themselves. It’s really hard to say to our kids, ‘We expect this of you!’ when we don’t live it by example.’

The biggest thing I want the say to people is, ‘Live the way we want to see our kids living.’

Kids are not having the opportunities that we had… and fortunately for my family, we are in Germany, where it is a little safer for kids (Kara has lived there for eleven years working as a teacher).

My kids can ride their bikes and go down to the bike paths. But here in the States, I worry about stuff like that. What example are we giving our kids with what is going on.’”

I have to ask, “Why is it safer in Germany?”

“The family is important…” Kara responds, “’…multi generations are still living in one house, and we don’t have as many nursing homes to push people off to. Sunday’s are a family day where you can’t go shopping… everything shuts down. That brings out the best in people. You see kids outside playing with each other. Families are walking together… or biking together… It’s a slower pace of life where the family is still important.

It’s not like Germany doesn’t have its problems; but the problems we see are adult based. So again, if we want our kids to have the kind of life we want for them, then we have to restructure within ourselves. We can’t just say, ‘Well… you’ll have it better.’ How are they going to have it better if we are not showing them?

‘Do as I say… not as I do…’ That doesn’t work!’”

Kara gives us a few tips on navigating forward.

“We need to always continue to question ourselves… Are we doing the best that we can?

Are we providing that next generation with what they need? Are we providing the art’s opportunities that there should be? Are we continuing to feel that math and science are the only things we can afford to teach them…? When that is not bringing out a full human being.

And we need to keep history alive.”

I’m always happy to engage in conversations on the modern schooling systems. Not bagging on the teachers, there are so many great ones like Kara and a plethora of other teacher friends that I have known for many years.

The problems actually lie at the top end of education, with administrators working within an antiquated schooling system. A System that is far in need of an update to match that of the world as it is now, and not lagged by the weight of schooling methods that worked in the past.

But what is the solution? I admit that I am clueless. The problem is vast and complex, but there is an educator who has an idea. Sir Ken Robinson, a man whom I have never met, but his message is succinct. He calls it “Changing Education Paradigms.” Here is a link to a presentation that explains his point of view. Check it out; his concepts are very eye-opening.

“I hope we are going to be in a place where kids drive the education…” Kara elaborates, “…if there is something that they want to do, that in the future we will not be so focused on the school programs, and allow them to progress and grow through things.

Sure, we all have to work some kind of job at some point. But we need to have a more rounded people who can all come to an understanding of each other, regardless of race, gender or faith. That Muslim, Christian, Jew and Catholic can get along. We all have our beliefs, and we need to learn how to respect each other. And we need to learn that it’s not a bad thing to be just who you are. I hope that we can come to a day where we live together in a respectful atmosphere… I think we could do it… if we tried.”

For the next week, I am clueless as to the length, or depth, of the entries I will be writing. And for the sake of explanation, just think of me a Mr. Mom. As for the next five days I have positioned myself for a role reversal of responsibilities at the office.

You see, my wife is a very talented designer, and due to the iPad and the new HTML 5 protocol, it is time for us to update our assignment website. So, for me to sit in the office with my eyes over her shoulders would only prove to be a possible demise of our relationship, or at least the beginning of the journey to the guest bedroom for a month or two.

But really, the blessings are all mine, and I get the win/win. It’s not often that I get to dedicate the majority of my time to stepping out of the office, and I’ll, admit that although I love what I do, I am allowing myself to check out as much as I can. And even better yet, I get to come back to work with a great advancement in the positioning of my business. Got to love the tenacity of our better half.

With that said, my entries may be brief for a few days, or maybe not, but whatever they are, I’ll do my best to give you what I can. Plus, there are probably many who know me that might say, “Thanks for using fewer words” (We’ll see if I can?).

It’s day one of role reversal… we go bowling… and meet Steve, his wife Laureen and their grandchildren who are in lane 29, directly adjacent to our spot in lane 30.

Steve is throwing strike after strike. And in neighborly fashion, I begin complimenting him on his game. One word leads to another, and before I know it, my bowling family has vicariously grown larger than only my daughter and I. Never underestimate the power of a simple smile of appreciation.

We all finish our games, the pins have stopped flying and with a pause of bowling ball retrieving settling into our seating arrangement, I decide to extend a 365 invite to my new strangers now friends.

Without a second thought, Steve and Laureen are open to discussion. But with family commitments beyond the bowling alley time they have schedules, we agree to keep it to five minutes… I start my recorder, take a few snaps shots and this is what they have to say.

Steve:
“We are Bible believing Christians. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and fear, being respectful for God. To expand on that a little bit, the world has the wrong stereotype of Christianity… They look at it as hypocritical and judgmental. But real biblical Christianity is about loving one another, and considering others more important than yourself. It’s really caring about other people.”

As customary, I ask Steve his predictions of the world ahead of us.

“It’s hard to put a timeframe on it…” He positions, “… and these supposed Christians that make prophetic statements and set time frames? None of us really know a timetable. The real difficulty is that the world is going more towards an absence of standards on what is right and wrong… and against standards of morality. Ultimately, God is going to redeem a fallen world. How many years…? It’s hard to say…

… There is lot of revival in other countries… And there are a lot of people coming to a belief in Christ. And with that, the world is kind of polarizing… its kind of leaning in the other direction.”

Laureen adds to Steve’s shared hope and faith for the calming of a turbulent world, “Prioritize god…” she smiles an enchanting warmth, “… know of his truth… and then share that truth with others… that is what will change the world. It’s really his timeframe, not ours. We are just called to be faithful in our day.”

“The bottom line is living it… not just preaching it…” Steve resumes, “Taking care of people and living in the moment. It’s not ours to judge. That’s God’s prerogative… that’s his authority. We just have to love people.”

And loving people is exactly what Steve and Laureen model in their lives. I know it to my core… As evident in their very countenance and kindness they so easily place upon my kid and myself.

Our five minutes are up, it’s time to return to our individual lives, but as a last gesture of accepting love Laureen reaches out to my daughter and me with outstretched arms, “I’m a hugger,” She says.

Our hearts are touched by the gesture.