photojournalism

“Hello” – quite a basic word and one that has been the genesis to countless amazing conversations I’ve had throughout the life of 365. It’s a salutation, as low-key as it is, that has propelled us to amazing interactions with the world during the last four months. And I take this as an acknowledgement in encouraging us in our 365 charge, “Chins up and eyes open to the people around us.”

This charge alone has changed my life, as well as my outlook of everyone I pass each and every day.

“Hello” has become second nature to me now, and I have learned to accept whatever is returned to my gesture. I will not disillusion us, much of society is skeptical and justifiably so. There are more scams on the street than I can name. And with intrusive solicitors knocking on our doors and phoning as if they have privilege to interrupt our precious time, it is completely understandable for the need of a protective street shell.Yet this shell can also be our greatest nemesis, isolating ourselves from the opportunity to broaden our scope in appreciating the people around us.

“Hello” – what’s the harm in sharing it? And if said with it sincerity its results can be pretty astounding. The key is to expect nothing in return, and to not compose any pre-conceptions of those you are acknowledging.

Just throw it out, to anybody, anywhere, anytime; some may smile back, others shiver nervously at its gesture, and if you are lucky, some may slow in acceptance to further conversation (and how cool is that). But at the end of the day what really matters is the seed you planted, and I’m sure that your gesture makes a deeper impact than you realize. This is a fact that after interfacing with at least five hundred strangers since the inception of 365, I have come to know.

I say regularly, “I am not directing 365, it is directing me.”

And through your readership, and I hope your acts, we are all-embracing the power of “hello,” adapting it into our every day living. Its impact is powerful and its ability to heal many a weary person and to unite humanity is remarkable.

So here is a gift to you, translations for “hello,” http://www.ipl.org/div/hello. Use them as you may and I’m sure that many of us would love to hear your stories of reaching out to the world with your “hellos.” So please feel free to comment your experiences. Remember, “We are in this thing together.”

Most of my day today has been confined to my desk in completing business agendas. And when 8:00pm rolls around, its time for me to steal a break in running off to Starbuck’s for a soothing herbal tea.

Starbuck’s, you owe me a cent of two for the plugging of your stores, but I can’t help returning there; the free WiFi is so convenient and the cake counter is my refuge (Don’t tell my wife, she has me on a diet). (Wow – things you learn about while proofreading – TR)

The place is fairly busy, with many curled up into their own homesteaded table, ear-phoned and eyes glued to the laptops. I appreciate everyone’s privacy, and deem it extremely creepy to start talking to a person who is obviously doing all they can to escape from the humanity that surrounds them.

My take, it’s explainable for those who are studying or deep into business matters, but to see those, who by choice, decide to isolate from the experience of society is a sad thing to witness.

So I just nod and smile, some smile back, some wiggle focus back to their space, but no one attacks me, it’s not like I’m holstering an Uzi. And if they think I’m a prowler, deviant or social misfit, at least and I can sleep knowing that I’m probably a topic for entertainment in telling their friends, “What was with the scary smiling dude at Starbuck’s?”

As I mentioned, the place is fairly busy, and with all tables filled with, I’m in my space citizens, I recline to the patio where I throw a “hello” to a fascinating gentleman, and to my honor, a man that I can now call friend. Who is this chap? Say “hello” to investor, husband, father, spiritual giant and poet, Gordon.

Over hot beverages we talk for around an hour, covering topics ranging from religion and spirituality, to business and politics to family life, society and its future.

Gordon has seen a lot in his life, and is a captivating conversationalist. A highly educated and successful investor, he lives bi-coastal and has a deep understanding of the world and the issues we all are subject to.

Our conversation is high paced and I find it impossible to accurately take note to all we talk of. But there is one through-line to our discussion, “I don’t believe in specific miracles, the way I see it, ‘Just being here is a miracle in itself.’” Gordon shares.

We talk about the experience of life, and sharing where we both are at in life compared to the lessons to be learned in all that we do, difficult times to the best of moments.

I’ve lately been creating another philosophy, it disputes the “grass is greener on the other side” theory.

My philosophy? “The grass on the other side is just grass.” Meaning, we are not walking in the other’s shoes, so to draw any conclusion is unjust. I was taking to a friend in the medical profession the other day, and we addressed this point with his observation of seeing many of his so-called successful and rich, colleagues deep in unhappy and unfulfilled lives.

That contrasted with the experiences shared with me from another one of my friends upon his return from South America. “I spent time in a very poor village, and everyone was happy and content with life. There was love, laughter and peace.”

The grass is the same grass, no need to compare and, as Gordon proclaims, “Just being here is a miracle in itself.”

Leaves us a few points for consideration in examining this question, “Do we accept our daily miracles, or do we live by comparison and regret for what we don’t have?”

Perhaps we are created that we may have joy: Gordon’s suggested miracle of life.

The evening is getting late, 10:00pm, and in departing Gordon recites one of his poems for us. It’s titled, “That Rose There,” and goes like this:

My yesterday the rose was gone all that remained a vine of thorn.

But today a new bud was there and the prickly vine is no longer bare.

Amidst the branches of broken sticks, the climbing rose had made its fix

Although its flowers quickly died more colors burst from buds that hide

Because the tree of life grows the same way, twenty-two branches from each day and as those days are completely done, they fade into tomorrow’s sun.

Bursting as proud as light once there, touching the hearts that we’ve grown to share.

Just as the sun sets in the West, morning comes to another crest.

You leave this life to go somewhere and you bring that new rose there.

©2012 Gordon R. Hummel

Gordon, a pleasure sharing a cuppa with you. See you at Starbuck’s.

“We support our troops,” a banner that points my attention to a group of men displaying and waving a tribute of flags as I drive past the corner of Topanga Canyon and Victory.

Auto horns are blasting, vocally backed by cheers and whistles calling out from my fellow road travelers.

A few minimal traffic violations and car accelerating g-forces later, I find myself engaged in conversation with one of three honorable veterans of service to the country, one even a participant in the battles of Normandy Beach, all of whom spend countless hours of self-funded time in getting one direct message out, “Support our troops.”

Asking for no monetary compensation, donations or personal acknowledgement of any kind, they are proudly engaged in purpose, to honor the men and women who valiantly risk life and limb in the fight for freedom, a message that deserves the greatest of respect.

Richard is the spokesman to the troop of three and speaks of honesty, consistency and the power of the individual, “You don’t owe anybody anything, except being true to your conscience.”

He points this comment in advising us to be courageous in listing to the dictates of our own mind, heart and inspiration. Richard stands strong in his belief of the person, and gives us permission to own our decisions, suggesting that we look beyond popular census or trend.

“You owe your commitment to anything you believe in. Causes go away, politicians go to jail, promoters go onto the next thing and all your left with is how you feel about what you did,” Richard platforms.

“You have no control whether anybody else in this world lets you down. The only person you can control is yourself.”

“No-one can guarantee wisdom, but anyone can choose honesty.”

Adapting its theme, Richard references from the most obscure examples, “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, “If you can’t be excellent, be the best you can.”

Be the best you can? Possibly a behind the mind look at the commitment of Richard and his other patriots in committing time and dollar to the support of our troops.

Richard is a spokesman for human rights. He holds no contempt towards any population or human being. Rather his outlook steers away from mass opinion and leans refreshingly towards a passion for the rights of the person; the only thing he pushes is that we act in accordance to our own free choice, and to campaign for the freedom of the individual.

He sums up his council in breaking down his wishes for the future:

1 Year – “Get through this year with no more anger and hatred.”

5 Years – “Realize there are more important things than faction and short-term political objectives.”

15 years – First with a smile, “Happy to be here,” then on to his real advice, “I’d like to see the opportunities that we have in this country spread around the world.”

Richard is an evangelist for the strength of personal choice, yet he is realistic in his charge, “You can’t make everybody happy, force them to act like free people, can’t think for them in making them wealthy. I’d just like to see everybody at least have the opportunity to achieve these things.”

May we all have the courage to act in accordance to our agency, and to move forward in contributing honestly to the world; and as suggested by Richard, “If you can’t be excellent, be the best you can.”

“We must all allow for everything. Every presence, every influence, so that we are allowed to be who we are and what we are, naturally, and be true to ourselves. By allowing for everything you are having a form of compromise, however small or large, it is a form of change. And what I would want for the world going forward is that we all allow for change, true change. We all united together and take that first step and change everything together, all a once.”

Words shared with us today by Jackson, friend of Sue, both of whom I meet at a farmer’s market this morning. Most of my time is spent speaking with Jackson who started our discussion with the above words. He talks of compromise, but it is not the compromise that many would associate with that word. Jackson uses the word as a call to unity in directing us to be adaptable. When he speaks of compromise he is speaking of humility, understanding, and the ability to listen to one another in achieving one common goal, task, or better yet, dream for the future.

Jackson and I share our histories and I find out that twelve months ago the company to which he had dedicated many years had laid him off due to cutting back their work force.  A story that many of us have shared, or we know people who are going through similar experiences. Jackson looked at this chapter of his life with meaning and even though difficult to go through, is thankful for no longer working in the culture he was working in.

He speaks of allowing for the fact that everything has a place and it has helped him to develop his understanding of compromise. And when he speaks of compromise, he talks of it as an empowering tool, as he expressed to us earlier, “No matter how large or how small it is, it is still a form of change.”

I can tell by Jackson’s attitude that he is where he wants and needs to be, and speaking with him is a testament to his positive outlook.

Sue contributes with an equally positive view of the world. “I believe in people’s honesty, and in the Golden Rule. I’ve learned through my life, when you give, you get (Mitzvah).”

So why are Sue and Jackson at this farmer’s market?  The only answer I have for that is Mitzvah. They are here, seeking not to sell products but, to promote what they both feel is of the highest importance – taking care of our planet.

The reason I am standing here talking to them is at first, gratitude for the beautiful violets they have given to my daughter and her friend; the same potted violets they have been giving out all morning to every passerby who stops to share time with them. As we start to talk I just felt it was the right thing to do to include them in 365.

Jackson tells me of his concerns for the planet, “We have to clean up our own mess; we are dirtying it up faster than we can clean it up.”

He tells me of a situation where he came across a limestone construct that filtered the air. From that we question what the government is appropriating their resources for. In looking at where money gets spent, why can’t we allow more budget to support environmentally positive concepts?

“It doesn’t make sense;” he says, “every little change we can do makes a difference. We found spoons made out of cornstarch. They are completely disposable and completely biodegradable. The Government subsidizes the farmers who grow corn, makes sense that somehow they could come together to mainstream products like this.”

 “I’m bringing back a lost art – organic growing,” Sue tells us. This is their reason for giving their gift of flowers for all who pass by. It is a token to foster recipients to think about their daily impact on the environment. Every violet that is leaving their table has been completely organically grown, from seed, to water, to soil… even what it is packaged in, all with zero negative impact to the planet. Again, Mitzvah!

My experience with them reminds me of my talk with Bronwyn, Treat The Planet Right several months ago when she challenged us:“If we are going to change, we have to do more, get involved, and educate ourselves. It is amazing how little knowledge our current people know about the environmental impact of industry and population.”

In honoring Bronwyn’s statement, it is great to see people who are championing the same cause.

May we all find our own ways of compromising for a healthier planet.

At an unidentified hospital, an unidentified man, undergoes an unidentified invasive procedure. There is no emergency, no ambulance and no remorseful tears.

He is a good man, and I am proud to call him friend. With this he has asked me to pick him up, and with my wife included we make a plan for the return of his sports car from said hospital. You see… my friend does not want to overburden anyone, so he chose to drive himself one way… got to love his conscientious!

And being a self-respecting friend, it would be a sin to even consider allowing him to drive himself home, bearing after operation pain and groggery. He debates with me regarding the need of my service, but I win the argument, “There is no way you are driving home! I’m good… Shut up and enjoy your pre-opp, see you at the end of the day.”

Even turns out to be blessing in a way. I’m sure you’ll laugh at this reveal of my life. Our life is crazy busy, and three hours of traffic confinement becomes a dating road trip for my wife and I. “Boy Richard, you’re living in the fast lane, aren’t you buddy?”

We arrive at the hospital to find my friend recovering, woozy and well taken care of. And even in his wobbly condition, he remains focused in his ability to reach out in putting others before himself. I wish I could reveal his name, but he has asked me for anonymity, but I’ll tell you this, he is a banner to the purposes and challenges of 365.

My wife and I arrive to the reception area, and upon our checking in, appears our wheel-chaired buddy. Touting a loose smile he greets us with this introduction directed towards the chauffeur of his two-wheeled transport, his nurse. “Here is the guy I was telling you about, are you going to let him take your photo?”

Turns out that through the glare of fading sedation, I find out he has been talking up 365. We chat for a few, and even though my new nurse friend expresses her support of the project, she declines being interviewed and photographed.

I talk of passing it on, and with that, nurse hands the baton to the captivating Lorena, the face that welcomed my wife and I at our first arrival. Funny thing, the instant I first recognized her, something told me she is today’s friend. I ignored the initial feeling and now here we are. The point, “We need to listen to ourselves and trust the impressions we get of those around us.”

“Eyes up, and intuition open to the world.” I call it.

And what is that I speak of? I’ll lean toward Lorena to explain what I am talking about.

Like I said, at first sight, I knew Lorena was our friend of the day.

She possesses a compassion that can be felt standing in her presence. It is impossible to ignore.

I ask her, “What words of wisdom, advice or council do you have for the world?”

I’m taken back by her response, I have not heard this one before, and it is such an expected response that the thought of it never hit my radar.

Lorena sits angelically reflective, and nodding her head with a welcoming smile asks me, “What words of wisdom do you have?

It’s one of those teachers being taught by the student moments. I take my pause, “’I’m listening to the people of 365? Opening my mind in creating its mission? And through learning to write in that process – have managed to articulate quite a few core statements that I feel we are all coming to an agreement on? But in a thumbnail, ‘What really are my wisdoms to share with everyone?’”

I site several excerpts from my journals, stories shared with me by a few of our 365 friends and in doing so conclude with a reference.

“We were all once infants, innocent and clear minded. From that point the world influenced us. I suggest that we view each other as coming from that same place, and practice dropping our conceived perceptions of each other in striving to look deeper than first impression. To be accepting of each other for whom we are, and do our best to do what we can to look at the world with positive glasses; and accept stuff happens, good and bad.”

Whenever I say this, I have to reaffirm to you that I am not looking at people with rose-colored glasses. Just with open-mindedness and with the benefit of the doubt. And in doing so, my eyes are opening. I hope yours are too.

Lorena opens up, “I’m a religions person – a Christian.”

She pauses again for introspection, “No matter what anyone is going through, depression, a divorce or any difficult situation, God has answers, and his answers are for everyone.”

It’s only been a few minutes in speaking with Lorena, and I am touched with her trust in sharing a deep belief. I’m driven to look at the many faiths we have spoken with over the last months, and even those who are not believers in any single religion or at times even God; all talk of a higher power of some sort. And that higher power is where they all seem to admit to turn when life goes south.

That alone is cause to change our views of one another. Yes, even the person yelling at us to yield the lane may have a soft center. The question is, do we buy in, or do we choose to lean away from bad Juju.

Lorena, “Even when bad things happen, we have to say positive.”

Sound young? Naive? I ask you to think about where Lorena works for a second… the front desk of a very busy hospital / trauma center?

We discuss this point and I find out the Lorena has seen it all, and still, she keeps her humanity and compassion.

“It like the stuff you see on the TV show; Investigation, 1^st 48 Hours and Disappearance. There is so much of humanity that is cold and heartless. I see suicides, people killing each other and lots of other bad stuff. People need to reach out to God.” Lorena shares.

I promise that I am not evangelizing, I really want to be certain that this is always open in my blog, but one this does not falter in the highest percentage of my strangers turned friends. From the darkest of circumstances to the seemingly easiest of life histories, this theme is a driver: Most of us believe in something greater than ourselves, and how sweet is that?

Lorena, as young as you are, I’m pretty sure you have seen much, it is apparent in your thoughtful questions and peaceful countenance.

As you say, “No matter what anyone is going through, depression, a divorce or any difficult situation, God has answers, and his answers are for everyone.”

We’ve let my healing friend sit far too long in the reception area and it’s time to get him home.

He and get to share my Accord, but for my speed hungry best gal, and with the encouragement of my inebriated buddy, we set her free to sports car freedom.

She grins ear-to-ear at the prospect of a highway zip in returning home, and with “Lets get going boys,” off we go.

Lorena, an absolute pleasure meeting you!

I’m still affected by the onslaught of chance meetings of past 365 friends and of 365 readers. Over the last week this occurrence is accelerating and it happening in a city as vast as Los Angeles has, in a way, knocked me to my knees in wonderment, motivating me to reach out as far as I can. In doing so, I’m working to take 365 on the presentation road. Not for aim of self-glorification, but in support of the message it is building and for the community it is forming. If we can get this much traction via a blog, what can we do if we hit the media and speaking circuit?

This is the motivator that led me to set up a TED profile yesterday, my first outreach in actively promoting 365. I’ll push harder and see what other vehicles I can find, but we have to start somewhere. Anyone know a good publicist who takes on pro-bono outreach projects?

And to commit to the long-term, I’m even setting up a .org to build a permanent model for the 365 mission, I’ll keep you posted.

We are almost half way through the initial one-year challenge that got this whole ball rolling, and I stand beside myself, amazed at the unity it is forming and the works I am witnessing.

Every day via those we meet, and the comments received, I am reaffirmed that each one of us truly has the potential to do exceptional things. And as stated yesterday by Jerry, “We all have a purpose,” and no matter what our status in life or business, we can make a difference on planet earth.

I remain resolute in my findings of the absolute power of one, as I paraphrase the combined thoughts of many of our 365 friends, “We’d rather see many doing small works every day, than to hear of one large work that will probably fade away.”

Today I spend a short thirty minutes with yet one more individual who is doing his part, humble Eddie.

Eddie and I run into each other during a wait for family, myself, along with my wife, sit in wait for my daughter to finish her art class, and Eddie, for his wife’s end of workday call.

“Where are we?” you ask.

Where else, a shopping center… OK, stop throwing the bricks! I know I’ve said malls are my least than favorite place… But please don’t thrash me… I’m waiting for my daughter. Is there any nobler cause?

Anyway, now that I have dug a deep hole of self-recrimination… “Dude, you’ve also hidden behind your kid… Wake up and take the humbling.

Alright, I submit, there are great people to be found in enclosed shopping madness, And despite the climate control and twenty-four hour artificial sunlight, I promise to return… Might we move on?

Go forth Richard, but we’re watching you buddy!

Thanks, I shall not judge the malls ever again; let’s get back to Eddie.

Like I said, Eddie is humble… Very humble… and he accepts his opportunity to contribute without hesitation.

Eddie is a very spiritual man, this is evident in project he is working on as I interrupt his privacy, a talk he will be presenting at his church. But as we talk, he prioritizes the importance of freedom and of free will.

“We know what is right or wrong,” he suggests with a smile of acceptance in setting the stage for his thought for the people of the world.

“I ask for peace, and if everybody will contribute, we have a future to look at.”

“We can learn from our past, look at what happened in World War One and World War Two.”

Eddie’s war reference pushes me to think of the greed, corruption and deception of blindly following pregidous leadership. I think of Hitler and the carnage and horrors he left in his wake, as well as the atrocities endured by an innocent people. This reference in itself is enough of a thinking topic to end our discussion. But we still have time before Eddie’s wife calls and my daughters class ends, we resume.

Eddie references another instance of mans fall in supporting another hot issue for Eddie. “We need to take care of our planet. Look at what happened in the Philippines with the deforestation in the name of profit. Now there is terrible flooding, landslides, loss of wildlife and risk to the health of the countries people and agriculture. The people who caused the problem were caught up in greed and not thinking of the next generation.”

Let me spin Eddie’s case studies by saying this, two negatives can add up to a positive.

Per Eddie, “If you consider everything, the difficult economy, the stresses of the world and instead think about the people, and if everyone could do something for others and focus on respecting the earth – the planet has the potential to be a nice place to live in.”

“It is up to us to teach, and to the next generation to do their part,” Eddie advises.

“And whatever we do today, the next generation will have to live with. This generation is looking at us… We have to think about our kids.”

Eddie, thanks for your call to action, we will do our best to honor your advice. Friends, whatever positive you have… Pass it on.

I’ll spare you the travel-log today and jump right to expressing the words of today’s friend, Jerry.

I do this to allow space for the depth of Jerry’s experience and power of his comments. Even in meeting him, during a visit to Starbucks, the scope of 365 is acutely brought to my attention.

Why does he accept my invitation? “I’m a reader of your blog,” he tells me, “I even know Charley” (FYI: Charley, “The Parable of Charlie” is one of my 365 strangers turned friend). At 160 days in, I’m starting to see this happen more and more often. This alone is a strong indication that we are getting our message out.

Twenty minutes ago I finished setting up my account at TED. Phase one of working to get 365 into the TED conferences (I quick promo for 365, can you go to my TED profile, and if you can join and comment, that will surely help to get 365 seen, thanks, here is the link Radstone at TED). In registering my profile, TED asks a series of questions, one of which is freakishly linked to my discussion with Jerry.

That question asked me what I am passionate about.

My response:
“’We all have purpose. The value of the individual is a powerful tool in understanding one another. An ambassador of sorts, I have one agenda, ‘Facilitate unity in both society and professional cultures.’”

I’ve lately been battling with words like passion, excitement and enthusiasm. Words as great as they are have the risk of trembling to heavy resistance. For example, say we are passionate about mountaineering and are passionate about cresting a difficult summit. The trek begins and the initial passion is a high, adrenaline is powerfully flowing, but four days in and the oxygen is getting painfully thin, the mind and body start to fight back; legs, lungs and desire waiver. And even more distracting we are nowhere near summit and are beginning to witness others in our company struggling in their movement towards objective summit. At that moment, passion, although convincingly high at the inception of the climb, can quickly turn to fatigue, regret or, worse, be redirected to a lesser resolve; we’ve climbed as high as we want to… good enough.

Perhaps you complete the ascent, perhaps not, but for the sake of experimentation, let’s replace passion with a deeper reasoning, a purpose that is core motivation to the mountain challenge.

With that, let’s look at another contrived scenario, replacing passion with a purpose. How about we come up with a noble purpose, say, honoring all the men and women lost in warfare, and our climb is an effort to place a mountaintop banner to honor and stand strong as global tribute for the legacy they left behind – a grand purpose indeed.

Now lets re-examine the same moment, this time looking at it with the above mentioned purpose, a purpose with a greater depth than that of the emotions of passion. Four days in, the oxygen is getting painfully thin, the mind and body are fighting back, legs, lungs and desire waiver, others are struggling, and we are not anywhere near summit. Yet we have a powerful purpose to move us forward, a purpose beyond emotion and physical trial. With this I ask a self-question, “What will your resolve to fatigue be?”

Enter Jerry’s opening statement, and I assure you I did not coach for this response, “Everyone in life, regardless of their circumstances, has a purpose, and everyone has to find and follow that purpose.”

First words out of Jerry are an exact mirror of my reflections of only twenty minutes past, my reflections of purpose. I know he and I are meant to be speaking this evening. Too many factors are making that persuasively apparent.

Jerry elaborates, “In the process of finding that purpose, you have to be self-sufficient. Unless you have a mental or physical condition that prevents you from sustaining yourself. Even then there is still purpose.”

What Jerry is talking about is destiny, sort of a pick-up of Valentina’s concept of Maktub: destiny that is a result of a personal point-of-view. A point-of-view that is core to the depths of our psyche or spiritual self, and one that can become the purpose to our existence. And what Jerry is saying is that we need to grasp the journey and be responsible for how we support ourselves in attaining, or finding, that purpose. That is, unless we are unable to sustain our living due to extreme mental or physical conditions. Basically he is saying, and I know some of us don’t want to hear it, “No free rides.”

But Jerry is compassionate in this reality check, “Every successful person has had hardship.” He suggests as he warns us of a few stumbling blocks to self-awareness, “Don’t be envious of other people because they are pursuing their purpose – learn to admire them as inspiration to model in finding your path, and don’t put other people down because of what they achieve.”

At sixty-nine Jerry is accepting his wisdom and through his willingness to share his history steers us toward green horizons.

“Today I am celebrating an anniversary,” he tells me.

I have to ask, “What is that anniversary?”

Jerry tells me of his forty-one years of dedicated service working in the auto industry as a high level accountant. He tells me of many interesting and poignant experiences, of his early retirement, and the difficult emotions he bore in the process of this life change.

“I was not ready to retire, but 365 days of unemployed reflection has changed me for the better. I feel very fortunate to be where I am,” Jerry shares.

Strange I should run into a man who follows 365, knows one of its friends, and I meet him on his 365^th day of personal growth. Not sure if there is meaning in this, but it is pretty cool to think that perhaps there is.

Jerry talks of his learning: “I used to think work meant earning money to buy materialistic things rather than appreciating my family. My life was spent working, and I know I was a workaholic. I know now that material things are not what is important in life. It took me many years to figure that out. I can reflect back on my life and see that all the time I was working I was loosing much.

“It’s like this,” he says, “Just imagine having a beautiful house, an expensive car and being totally alone?”

So Jerry is a workaholic; at least he was working.

Sure he was, but at what the cost?
Two marriages (I won’t even go into the depth of the pains he went through, I promised privacy to Jerry)
No children
One pituitary tumor, threatening life and almost taking his eyesight
One pace maker
Seventeen daily medications
A forced retirement at the peak of his career

Yet, Jerry is a survivor, both physically and mentally.

“I’ve always looked at the brighter side of life and never lost my sense of humor. That has carried me along; you can’t take things too seriously and you have to laugh. And you have to accept that you cannot control everything in life”– more wisdom from Jerry.

I’ve sat with Jerry for about two hours; time to change gears towards the future, and Jerry has a lot to express.

“We live in some interesting times. Technology is changing so rapidly, with computers, mobile devises, smart phones. Even though these are wonderful gifts, they do not replace human interaction.

“Thinking back to my childhood, I remember we had to use our own hands, minds and imaginations to play. I am concerned that the future will get lost in technology.”

Jerry is brave, open and thoughtful; he proves this by opening up with a political voice, “Our government has lost touch with the average citizen, us, the middle class voter. Like the huge bills that the Obama administration continue to pass; they speak of transparency, yet what they write is so complex and large. So large that the populous as a whole cannot absorb what Washington is doing. The government needs to find ways to communicate what they are proposing in a legible format that the populous can absorb.

“I’m not knocking the system our forefathers set up – it is a good system. But now the government is running like a choir and everybody is singing a different song. I’m not blaming the Republicans or the Democrats, but something has to be done. If not, and I’m not sure exactly when, added to the out of control spending, we are going to hit a wall. I’m all for helping the world, but we also have to take care of ourselves and repair our problems.

“As a country we are at a turning point; we can grow stronger or begin a terrible downfall, and I put a lot of responsibility on the government’s terrible communication with the citizens.

“I’d love to talk about world peace, but we need to take care of our country before we can do anything.”

We have talked of much with Jerry, and I’m not sure how to wrap up this entry. But seeing that we have spent quite a bit of time defining purpose, may I interject this. Is there a greater purpose in simply reaching-out to listen and trying to understand those around us? And if we listen, do we hear?

As Jerry cites, “Everyone in life regardless of their circumstances has a purpose, and everyone has to find and follow that purpose.”

I get a random call a couple of days ago, an inquiry directed to me via one of my on-line marketing placements, Production Paradise. For my industry friends, it is a very well populated source for all kinds of media and production resources from around the globe.

We have a brief conversation, find our mutual ground, and schedule a face-to-face.

Our phone call concludes, and in addition to the prospect of a business venture, a voice in my head directs me to be certain to take my 365 gear. This is going to be a meeting of both business and spiritual discovery… I listen.

My instincts are correct…

Liza is the woman of my first contact at our decided meeting place, the office of Fever LA, a very contemporary product placement company specializing in the fashion and entertainment industries, where Liza works as a the director.

With the inclusion of company president, Valentina, we conduct our business, and upon its conclusion, I speak of 365.

I am greeted with open arms, and faster than I can write; the entire staff steps up to voice their part in becoming 365 friends. Instantly, I find myself captivated in a series of discussions with five amazingly unique, life experienced and articulate people. People ranging in age, cultural backgrounds and advice; the captivating people of Fever LA,

The office is bright, clean and airy, and even though it wears a trendy Melrose address, it possesses a wonderfully peaceful chi; a feeling that emits not from the open floor plan, its unpretentious furnishing or sunlight drenched atmosphere, but a magnetic vibe that flows forth through the people filling the room.

I speak with Liza first, and even though very busy with incoming emails, she breaks away from her hectic afternoon with a set of insights. Liza is a powerhouse, a sensitive blend of focused mindset and apparent compassion.

“I know everyone says this,” Liza begins, “‘But I have to say it, ‘Believe in your dreams, and go for it.’”

“How do we know what those dreams are?” I ask.

I love Liza’s answer, “The ones you don’t tell.”

The ones you don’t tell, a very thought-provoking perspective to a globally pooled dream quest. Makes you takes a breath for relaxed reflection.

Liza’s wishes for the world, “I’d like to see a see a planet of people getting better, smarten and kinder, and a year older.”

She does it again, “A year older”

We chat about this one-year older concept. What Liza is inspiring us to do is to not accept the one-day I will posture.

I see one-year older as a three word philosophy of applied actions. Meaning, every year has purpose, and that purpose is to grow, and with every experience comes, both painful and glorious, greater knowledge emerges, regardless of the circumstances.

Liza has more, “Life is to live and to take, don’t accept no. Be prepared for the worst and go for the best. Life will give you shit, but you can’t let that stop you. And in all things, you have to be willing to not get back what you give.”

This is going to be a long entry, Liza alone has given us much to chew on, yet she is one of five contributors, So if you like, maybe it is time to grab a tea…

…OK… rested… eyes ready to read more, here we go, it’s Valentina’s turn.

Valentina is truly charming, and spoken through a beautiful Italian dialect, she ambassadors with a quick sentence, “Try always to get your chance.”

Very to the point, but I need clarification, “’How do you define, ‘Your Chance?’”

The conversation warms up, “I believe in the Arabic word, Maktub,” Valentina inspires. “It means, ‘All is written…’ in a good way. We create our own destiny. We have to listen to our own voice and recognize that chance, then we need follow its path.”

I did some research on Maktub; it is a very empowering philosophy:

Maktub: The Arab culture has an ancient belief, or rather, an archaic saying. It simply says, “It is written” – It is written. Meaning no matter how horribly things go wrong, or how badly life deviates from the script you had planned, believe that if you want something with all your heart and you believe it is your destiny, then the whole universe conspires in helping you achieve it, because it is written. And if it is written, it happens. Maybe you wouldn’t be too sure about it now, but you’ll see. Believe in yourself, and no matter how messed up things may seem at that moment, things will fall into place, because you believed in yourself and your destiny. And when the pieces of your life fall into place, you’ll find yourself muttering ‘Maktub’, because you will realize that miracles do happen, but not to those who call themselves ‘lucky’, but to those who believe in them.

In gracing us with wisdom, Valentina is direct, “Go out and get your chance. Like what I am doing, I thought about it one year ago, and now I’m here. All I did was commit to the idea, and things started to happen, it was not easy, I had to make sacrifices and now I am here. You don’t quit… solutions arrive.”

Valentina is following her own advice, and as I expressed earlier, there is a peace at Fever LA and I think I am tapping into the source of that balance; it emerges from the faith and courage of its owner, Valentina. Who after a move from Milan to Los Angeles, has opened a thriving business in under a year, during a recession, that is itself is quite remarkable… Maktub.

“I’d like to see people living and getting the best out of technology.” Valentina states.

Yet her reasoning is greater than one would expect, she sees it as a tool for shrinking the planet. A means for a global activism of sorts, “I’d like to see it contribute to helping people to get out of poverty, and would love to see no gap. Of course there will be rich and people who need help. But each are be able to do the best with their lives and with what they have.”

We talk of works, and the fact that everyone can grow from wherever they are. Regardless of wealth, education or situation. What it takes is ambition, drive and the courage to listen the dream.

Wow! We have been talking a lot of the dream over the last few months. Seems a ship is setting sail, and it is up to us to jump on board, or not. I’m not promoting major lifestyle destruction, just a small adjustment to our thinking, an adjustment to allow ourselves to nurture the peaceful thoughts, and an admonishment to allow them in. They are core to personal growth and the foundation to strengthening our ability to navigate compassionately in this world.

To support this soapbox, Valentina has the perfect words, “Inside we are a garden and we need to nurture its growth. We should not look outside for our peace, it is a jungle.”

On to the refreshingly wise Jen, whom I have identified as a student of humanity.

“Never stop learning, because as soon as you do, you are dead,” she tells us.

Bold, exact and highly motivating, Jen’s thoughtfulness is radiant in her eyes, and the sureness of her words demonstrate her belief in her reasoning.

“I’d like to see everyone being Intelengencia.” She challenges. “Too many people are closed-minded, ignorant, and follow the trends and social media without looking in-depth into what they are following. They need to look at all perspectives before coming to any conclusion.”

Jen identifies the problem as, “They think they know everything, but they really know nothing at all.”

Again, bold, exact and a call to mindfulness.

Intelengencia, a new word for my vocabulary, so I spend some Google time.

Its origins are complex and derived from Latin; define a Russian order of class distinction. But over time is has become an accepting force to understand humanity.

The intelligentsia (from Russian^[1][2] интеллигенция, Russian pronunciation: [ɪntʲɪlʲɪˈɡʲentsɨjə]; from Latin: intelligentia) is a social class of people engaged in complex, mental and creative labor directed to the development and dissemination of culture, encompassing intellectuals and social groups close to them (e.g., artists and school teachers). Initially the term was applied mostly in the context of Russia and later the Soviet Union, and had a narrower meaning based on a self-definition of a certain category of intellectuals.

Here are a few bullets as the modern interpretation of intelligentsia:

• Advanced for its time moral ideals, sensitiveness to fellow-creature, tact in manifestations;
• Active brain work and persistent self-education;
• Patriotism, which is based on faith in its own people and whole-hearted, inexhaustible love to little and big Motherland;
• Creative activity as a crucial part of intelligentsia lifestyle (this applies not only to artists, as many can consider, but also to scientists and engineers – ranging from creative approach to their main occupation to recreational culture, various hobbies and self-improvement practices, like sport and hiking);
• Independence, aspiration to freedom of self-expression and finding of themselves in it.

For a full definition and history, here is a Wikipedia link. Before reading it, I suggest that you prepare yourself another tea; it’s a long and deep read.

…1648 words so far, I told you this is a long read. Like I said five amazingly unique, life-experienced and articulate people.

To stage the young and vivacious Chanel, who begins with quoting William Shakespeare, “Nothing is right or wrong, but the thinking that make is so.”

At under twenty of age, Chanel has a depth of world experience, is traveled and clear speaking.

She addresses observations from her time living in Asia. “We are so far behind Japan, and need to match up with the people of its culture. They love their children, the environment and value spirituality more than religion. And they are way ahead in technology.”

Chanel is a speaker for animal rights, and puts her concern to actions. “I’m a vegetarian. I’m not saying don’t eat meat, but before you kill an animal, don’t torture them. People should see themselves in the minds of animals. They would probably think twice as to how they respect what they eat.”

Four diverse women, four wonderful perspectives, four humans who all look beyond themselves and accept their futures with faith and hope; it is no wonder, that in the fast-moving and highly competitive world of fashion and entertainment, that Fever LA, is a safe harbor in the storm – quite the contrast to its Name.

To center room comes Nicolas, our final friend today, who is business traveling from Italy.

A very reserved guy, he gives us this, “Live every day like it is the last day and respect each other.” Sort of a nice wrap up of all we have talked about.

Lot’s to nibble on today, isn’t there.

Talk tomorrow, my friends.

Maktub…

“Be present and mindful. Not an easy thing to do, to not think about the past, or the future, but to live life in the moment. And Kindness can come from there.

“To do it you have to follow your heart and be aware enough to know we are all swayed by the media, politics and society.

“Enforce your self-authority over all these outside influences in doing what is right for self and others. It’s all about ethics and morals.”

Not my words, but the words of fellow blogger Dez, the owner of allspunout365 (http://allspunout365.wordpress.com), a very cool 365 day blog with one mission, to highlight random acts of kindness, one a day for one year. Now on day 321, Dez is an example to me of commitment.

I meet her in a random way, from a kind comment she places on my blog, and after reading it I am strongly prompted to reach out, inquiring if she would be open to becoming one of my 365 friends.

Until we meet today, at a little cafe in Sherman Oaks, I knew nothing about Dez, other than her blog. At first meeting I am immediately smitten by her spirit. Dez is angelic and emits the most amazing positive attitude. Her energy is infectious and after having the opportunity to spend almost two hours chatting with her, I am edified in my knowledge of this fact, “There are so many good, kind and caring people in the world,” and Dez is one of the best.

Dez, purely stated, is one of those people that radiate kindness, and because of this it makes absolute sense as to her motivation for starting her blog. Love for others is obviously in her DNA, it literally emits from her in every word she shares, and the way she listens with me this day.

“I moved to Los Angeles to follow an acting career.”

As we talk, I find out that Dez is highly talented and no quitter. She is exquisitely beautiful, articulate and educated – the kind of person that makes it in Hollywood.

So why the change of heart, “After awhile I realized that my heart was not into it. I wanted to look beyond myself in helping others.”

At that moment of self-realization, she decided to return to academics and has followed a greater path toward helping others.

Now, four months from completing her Masters in Clinical Psychology, Dez is on her true course to contributing to the world in helping others.

We talk for the bulk of our conversation about society and self-worth.

“When I started school, I wanted to work with children and trauma. But as I spend time in my internship, working in a community mental health center, I’ve been exposed to many different cases and am learning a lot. I think I’ll stay here for now and hope to work with more families.”

Dez is a fighter, “I work at least sixty hours a week, class, my unpaid internship and my money making job (administrative assistant).” That does not include the time she puts into her blog and study time.

“Why did you commit to a 365 day project with all you have to do?” I must know, after all, I am a 365-day blogger and it’s rare to commune with another.

“First, I was a little bored and was looking for a challenge”

I think to myself, “A little bored? Sixty-plus hours a week and a little bored,” Dez is a powerhouse of ability and I’m uplifted by her commitment.

She goes on, “But the more I got into it, the better it felt. It is great to be a part of something positive and I’ve grown from the experience.”

“Would you encourage others to do a 365 blog?” I question.

“Absolutely! All they need to do is find anything they are interested in, to listen to their heart and go for it. They will learn a lot about themselves and I’m sure grow from doing it.”

That leads me to a more personal question, “Your almost done with your year, would you do it again!”

Her reply, as I thought, “It’s been difficult and challenging and I’ve grown as a person. Creating it has changed my life, and it’s been motivating. I’m already thinking about a next project and am letting it evolve in my mind.”

Dez’s answer strikes hard with me, I’m on day 128 and, I too am hooked, we’ll see what happens at the end of mine.

In meeting Dez, seeing other 365 blogs (there are a few out there), I too encourage you to explore the thought of starting one. I promise, even though a daunting commitment, you will be enlightened.

Man! There is so much to say about Dez, and it is impossible to articulate it in a short blog.

Our conversation is deep and her quotes at the beginning of this entry do articulate the basics of her council. I guess the biggest take away I can offer, “Be courageous. Look at your life, but do not reflect on it. Lean on your experiences, education, spirituality and conscience to make you decisions, and once made, constantly listen to your self-voice and be strong and humble enough to follow your own inspiration.”

In speaking of the future, and the world, Dez starts with this… after a big pause of thought, “I can’t comment on the world, that is too big. For me, it’s not really possible to see what it will be.”

“For me, it’s not really possible to see what it will be.” Dez says, and I know she means it in a very optimistic way. And after hearing so many doom and gloom predictions, Dez’s reply is a breath of fresh air.

Picking it back up, Dez continues, “But I can comment on society and myself. For me – peacefulness in self, for society – really think about acceptance of self and others, and learn to work hand-in-hand with each other. We all know what it’s like to be human, ‘the human experience,’ and we all know what pain and happiness is.”

Our interview is growing to a close and I’ve forgotten to tell you one thing, my daughter has been patiently sitting with us. Why do I constantly drag her with me on these 365 quests?

A two part answer, “1) She asks to come, 2) I’m watching her learn compassion and am proud of her for her sensitivity.”

Dez and my girl hit it off wonderfully, furthering my gratitude for Dez’s outlook on life.

So what about Dez’s act of kindness today, other than the sweetness she has shared with my daughter?

It’s called a “Yarnbomb.” Every once and a while, Dez painstakingly knits a gift. Her gift? A handcrafted cotton flower carrying a message. A message that she randomly places on a tree, or a street post or even in a yard. A special little offering of affirmation and hope to whoever the unknown recipient is. Bottom line, a selfless act of random kindness.

Lucky for us, today is a Yarnbomb day, and we are placing the grand marshal of all Yarnbombs, a pass it on challenge.

It works like this: we are placing it on a light pole, it reads this.

“This bit of knitting, or “yarnbomb,” was made with love and care with the intention of strengthening community and kindness.

“This little yarnbomb has begun its journey in Los Angeles, CA. and hopes to make it all the way to New York, NY.

“Please carefully and kindly place this yarnbomb on the next tree or pole, in the next city or state from where you find it, going in the direction of New York.

“As a random act of kindness.

“Then pull out your smart phone, take a picture of it, and email it to the address below (making sure to indicate who you are, in what city and on what object you kindly left this yarnbomb, and any other info you wish to share): Allspunout365@gmail.com

“Then, visit the blog below to update yourself on this yarnbomb’s travels, which (with your help) will be updated daily.

“Respect the process.”

In closing we talk of life’s path, and conclude on one unanimous finding, “We will always be evolving and there is much to learn.”

“If I could do it all again, I would study neuroscience. There is so much going on in that field, and it would be exciting to be part of it. What is fascinating is how study of the brain is linking to the treatment of trauma.”

Dez, I know you will do all that you dream to do.

Talk again, Doc, loved chatting with you.

I have no idea of what is in the air this week… I’m looking at myself… I think I’m the same as I was last Thursday?

I’ve showered… stayed polite… even dressed presentable… but if we are looking for a banner record for rejection, the last five days has set the bar for getting “Go away 365 guy.”

I’m running on half tank, and thanks to the persistence of my lovely wife and daughter who are accompanying me this night, and striving to keep my moral up. Because of them, I am happy to introduce you to the man of the hour, Kevin of Alta Dena Express fame.

I won’t give you a full rundown of our path to Kevin, just will say it’s been long and has covered a loop of almost thirty miles. Who would have ever thought, that with so much geography covered, we would find ourselves friendless?

And after so much travel, it’s quite interesting that we set port at Alta Dena Express, only one mile from our home. “Who would have thunk! (I know thunk is not a real word, but it’s so fun to say… thunk, thunk, thunk).

If you’re old enough you may remember the days of full service gas stations. I got in just under the wire, starting to drive way back in 76, close to the end of the drive-up service era and on the threshold of self-service.

Oh well, we still have drive-through Starbucks. I know a stretch for authentication.

So to drive into an Alta Dena Express is to visit back to the days of service. And Kevin’s store is a time-tested monument, one that links back to an age of community: A slower time where people looked eye-to-eye and not through the speaker of a fast food joint.

Face-to-face service that listened with a polite, “How can I help you?”

“How can I help you?” Basically the core take away from my visit with Kevin.

I walk in to the store and feel of the relaxed atmosphere. It is no 7eleven with rows of Slurpee machines or rolling hurry foods.

Rolling hurry foods? I’m referring to the variety of reinvented hotdogs that 7eleven has seemed to discover. They are evil things, always tempting us on their glistening and slowing turning rollers of silver. Such powerful seducers, with one dastardly goal, to inadequately nourish their victims in filling the void of their growling stomachs.

I shamefully admit, my kid and I love them, but I guess, you’ve got to throw caution to the wind sometimes. Life is for living, and stacking the condiments on an unknown mixture of meats is my kind of thrill seeking. And at two for $2.29, who can pass on the adventure.

Let’s get back to healthier matters… the good life… the slower pace of living at Alta Dena.

I can understand why, with a smile on his face, Kevin tells me, “I’ve been working here two years.” The guy is way chill and is happy to talk with me.

I’ve mentioned community, and with Alta Dena being so close to my neighborhood, and knowing the San Fernando Valley pretty well, I know that every day brings a vast diversity of customers right to Kevin’s door.

He shares a comment with me that is very revealing as to who he is at heart, “It make things better the more people you get to know, and the more you know about other people, the more you know about other cultures.”

Kevin nods with acceptance when I state, “I bet this job has taught you a lot about people and culture.”

In his gesture, the story is told, Kevin quests not status, is not compelled to judge, or driven to own the world. He is just a steadfast dude doing the best he can to live right, and to get to know his neighbor.

Here is a unique combination of wishes for us, both of which are linked together in Kevin’s delivery of them, “Don’t quit” and “Get to know each other.”

Don’t quit, we’ve heard it time and time again, but never linked to get to know each other.

The mixture of the two statements is fascinating. There is only one-way to interpret it; could Kevin be saying this? “Don’t give up on each other.” It’s at least worth pondering.

The store is close to closing time, so after buying my health food for the evening, Snapple, a Twix Bar and Altoids, I ask Kevin our final question, “Where would you like the see the world in the next five, ten, fifteen, or beyond years.”

He answers, “The world less hungry.”

I inquire as to why he feels this way.

“I was watching a documentary on Korea the other night. They showed the hunger there. Kids are dying of starvation all over the world. It really impacted me.”

Don’t quit… Get to know each other… and more dramatically “Kids are dying of starvation.”

I’m driving home, my girl happily sipping our Snapple, and I can’t help but to be sobered by Kevin’s wishes for the future. “Makes me think how fortunate so many of us are, even if money is tight.”

Kevin, we’ll be taking again, I’m sure.