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Last night I promised you a continued story as I briefly introduced you to John. A young man of few words, but what he does say is impactful, “Cherish your family.”

Yes I meet more than John last evening, I am also introduced to his uncle Gabriel (AKA, Bob), who manages the Christmas Tree lot where, every holiday season, the two of them work side by side with their entire family.

As of that moment, something told me that Gabriel had greatness to share. Even then, he was willing to interview, but was more intent on having the chance to clean up a little before being photographed photograph. It was late, and seeing that he had been spraying flock on trees all day, and not feeling quite dressed to be photographed, I obliged.

So here we are in today’s daylight and I’m glad we scheduled this time.

Bob, I hope you are cool with what I am about to title you, it’s s a bold mantle to place. But after spending an evening, and a morning chatting, hearing of your perspectives on fellow-man, the way you hold your family together, and your opinion of the world, there is one personage that comes to my mind, “The Angel Gabriel,” and Bob, I’m happy to say, “You personify him.”

Readers, this entry may seem as if it is written as a personal note to Bob (Angel Gabriel). Please forgive me if it appears too campy.

I really don’t fully know why I’m authoring this entry in this manner, it just strikes me as appropriate, so I’m going to go with it. One thing I am beginning to learn as a blogger, write with your intuition, and that is exactly what I am doing tonight. Hope the experiment works out for all of us. Let me know?

Gabriel, you shared so many gems in our conversation. Life experiences that I can identify with, and many that I can not come close to comprehending.

You patriotism is awe-inspiring, 3 terms in Afghanistan, “remarkable.” The stories you share of the people, and the impact of seeing their gratitude for you, and your fellow servicemen, opens my eyes to the courage and compassion of those who selflessly put their lives on the line to serve mankind. I’ll not take my freedoms for granted.

You speak of your pride for your country and of your love for society. For that I am grateful and, like you, my faith in mankind grows.

There are a lot of good people out there, and in your contribution to 365, you help in bringing us all together.

Your sentiment, “Be good to each other, we’re not here that long,” strikes at the core of my thoughts on mortality, and how fast time really moves. This is a good thing to ponder, and I ask myself this question, “Exactly what am I doing each day, and what are my priorities?”

You say, “Treat every day like it is Christmas. Be comfortable with life, and just live, that’s all.”

Bob, you are the benchmark for peaceful and compassionate living.

When you tell me of your priorities: “Loyalty to Wife, Country, Family, Friends and of your commitment to simply do the right thing. I am thankful to call you a friend.

“I’ll never turn my back on anyone.” You share, and I believe you.

You tell me of your father’s example, “He would help anyone, he was a great man.” It is obvious you are following in his footsteps.

You pray to God, “Have faith in mankind,” when many pray for themselves, and I know your prayers are heard.

Bob, you are a good man. One for us all to model our lives after.

Yes, after writing this entry, I still have to stand strong in my title for you, The Angel Gabriel.

And for you Christmas Tree shoppers:
If you want to go to the friendliest family managed lot in the city, Check out Bob’s lot. Bennett’s Best Christmas Trees, Corner of Victory and Owensmouth. Tell them Richard sent you.

Also, Bob is one heck of an artist, having perfected methods of creating flock magic. He does not just spray white, he creates real life snow and color.

“Treat every day like it is Christmas.” Thanks Bob, I’ll do my best.

Definitely the shortest entry to date. Why? I’ve been asked to return tomorrow. And from what I’ve found out so far. A follow-up visit is well worth while. I’ll be back with the full story mañana.

For now we’ll keep it sweet and simple with one note of wisdom from John.

“Cherish your family!”

Great words to hear as we enter the holiday season.

Thanks John!

OK, you guys are in my life now. 80 days of 365 behind us. You have been with me through dark hostels, airports, Hawaiian tourist traps, edgy laundromats, football fields and rainy nights in naming a few. We’ve had a few laughs, shed a few tears and survived a few scary moments with people of all types. Today you get to hang with me on family business. As I said yesterday, we’re doing home improvement.

You have to know that I spend on average 2 to 4 hours a day on 365, weekday to weekend. Whether it is a busy work schedule, or a recovery weekend, I slack not. So today with a big list of household improvements still in progress, I hope for an easy find of a 365 neighbor. Yes, neighbor, thinking a quick walk around the block will easily run me into someone who would like to join us.

Sadly, I’m proven wrong, and am blown away by a record set of rejections I get today. Turns out to not be such a “beautiful day in my neighborhood.” I’m thinking that perhaps, my wardrobe, shirt and tie (from my church morning), is positioning me to look too much like a sales person. But whatever it is. I’m 15 rejections in, and zero takers. A terrible start.

Licking my wounds, I give up and return to my Mr. Fix It tasks, not sure how the night is going to play out. Even start to have an “is this the end of 365 moment.” I hate it when those enter my mind.

I promise, I’ll not throw in the towel. Too much invested and too many followers. Like I’ve said, “365 is part of me.”

Fate falls in my lap when I run out of Liquid Nail. Amazing stuff for gluing shims to hang peg board. For you contractors, I know? In most cases one would use nails. But I live in a house the was constructed by traveling jugglers, and it seems they forgot to space the studs at 16 inch spacing. So glue it is for me.

However the jugglers have led me to good fortune in sending me to Lowe’s, where I thankfully meet my 365 friends for the evening.

I’m hanging in the adhesive section, and to the left of me is the coolest couple, seems it’s not only I who am deep in home upgrades. They are checking out a shelving unit at the end cap of the aisle. I want to approach them, but there is something really creepy about some dude asking to photograph you as you are in the midst of shopping. With a pit in my stomach and the thought of a 365 all nighter looming, I pass on approaching them. The last thing I want to do is become a menacing stalker.

Well, at least I have the right glue for my home project, and for the moment, this knowledge consoles me in distracting my mind from what looks like the approaching of a no sleep night.

I hit the check out stand, and wouldn’t you know it, right in front of me, the couple from aforementioned adhesive isle.

What the heck, I’m here, they are here. I extend a 365 invite. They accept and release me to a normal nights schedule.

My thanks are extended to my new co-home improvement friends, Julius and Kerri. Two of the friendliest humans around.

It’s sort of a deja-vu situation. How’s that? Talking to them reminds me of the relationship I have with my wife. Their candor is precious and it’s refreshing to watch the fun harassing they give each other. Together for twelve years, Julius and Kerri are mind linked. It is apparent in the respect they share for one another and the quick shorthand they display in responding to my questions.

They are a great couple. We keep our interview short and sweet. After all we are all knee-deep in home fix its and the day is running out.

There is no way to speak for either of them, they are a single unit, something very nice to see in this age of disposable relationships. So much in synch that their answers to my standard questions are unified.

Julius starts with a Bobby McFerrin lyric, “Don’t worry, be happy.” A key phrase that I can see in the glimmer of their eyes. Don’t worry, be happy, obviously a life motivator that keeps these two moving forward. I know? I’m making a lot of assumptions, but I’m just calling it as I see it, and I see no worries, just happy. What a great example these guys set.

Both talk of dreams and looking toward the future. A topic that has become the backbone of many of the people we have spoken to thus far. Sort of tells us something good about our current society, doesn’t it?

I’ve literally interviewed over one hundred people to date. There are great people all around, all wanting the same thing, to evolve with hope.

“Don’t worry, be happy” A challenge to follow your heart, to not look back, but to progress. Permission to, without pause, live life the way you want, to go forward without regret and to be content in your progress. No matter what happens.

Julius adds this to the mix, “And try not to stress.” Easier said than done, but duly noted. One this is certain though, you cannot be too scared to try.

“It’s never too late to do what you want,” Kerri kicks in. Another statement that has become staple to 365, and one that I never tire of hearing. There are so many of us who are buried in our dreams. Every time I commune with another who is still dredging forward with faith of dream, it reconfirms my convictions, and I hope yours. We’ve heard it stated from those in the darkest of places and those at the top of their game. Dream and aspire for what brings you joy. It’s not about a focus on greatness, but rather on self-honesty to go forth in what is important to you.

Of dreams for the future, again Julius and Kerri are unified.

“It’s not about what we inspire to be, It’s more about thinking of where we want to be at that point.” And what is that? I ask.

They answer, “That we can say, we did all that we dreamed to do, or at least tried. And we’re sure we will be content and satisfied with life if we can say that.”

Julius, Kerri, Thanks for the booster shot.

May all you dreams come true.

Readers, I’m getting some sleep tonight. Finished my entry at 11:34pm. Woo Hoo! early night.

The tribute to the future continue with Monica. I meet her this evening while enjoying a night out with my family.

Monica is one of those rare people that radiates happiness. Something I pick up on at first glance. So much so, I am even a little intimidated to interrupt her stride as she energetically walks past a shop window, just a few yards from where my wife, daughter and I are enjoying an after dinner outing.

But even though I’m hesitant to approach her, my daughter urges me to say hello. This project really is becoming a family endeavour. It’s strange I should feel these jitters. I mean, I’ve found myself in much more sketchy situations, all without even cracking a sweat. Why tonight?

It’s 12am, my meeting with Monica hours behind me, and I am still examining the question of why I had the jitters. One thing come to mind. There is something about Monica that makes me feel young, reflective as to my life experiences. Not saying that I am over-the-hill, but her vitality forces me to pause for a moment of self-reflection in asking myself a question, “Have I really traveled the right path.”

It is impossible not to do a personal inventory while being in the presence of Monica’s energy. Meeting her takes me back to my beginnings, and the though is a little overwhelming.

I’m happy to say that most of my energy of youth is still at core, it’s just a little weathered, but nowhere near extinguished. Actually it’s on a high and I am going through a rebirth of sorts. How else can I commit to the task of still keeping my assignment work vibrant while continuing the 365 journey.

So as I conduct my mental inventory this night the answer to my earlier question of, “Have I really traveled the right path,” is a resounding, “YES-ABSOLUTELY!”

I’ve spoken often of the wisdom of youth. Monica is yet another cornerstone for the future, bright, articulate and artistic.

A student of communications she has set her career course, speaking of art and youth culture. Aspects like music, fashion and lifestyle. She is a people person and is looking forward to a life in PR.

What is striking about Monica, is her relaxed confidence. There is purpose in her eyes as she speaks her words of counsel.

To the young people:
“Save your money. Invest it on classic things and your eduction. Stay away from the trendy, it will only take it away from you and leave you with nothing to show.”

To the older people (that’s me)
“It’s never too late.” (amen to that)

For all of us (I love this one)
“Mac not PC.”

Monica sees the bright of the world. She talks about the power of music festivals and the people who attend them. “I’ll never miss one again. It’s amazing hanging with so many different people, all having fun camping and enjoying music.” As she tells me this, I see her mind gears turning. It’s more than the music, it is a life beat. An awareness of people, culture and communication.

12:30am now, think I’m getting closure to my jitters in speaking with Monica, it is not nervousness, it is excitement, enthusiasm for what’s to come.

So a toast to all of us in raising our glasses high, it does not matter what our age, It’s never too late!”

Monica, thanks for the push and, yes, I’m a Mac person.

Oh! One last note: Monica thinks I need to take 365 to Croatia, Iceland and Japan. Right now I’m a little underfunded, but I’m open to anyone who wants to invite me over. 🙂

It’s Thursday morning and I’m prepping for the afternoon Thanksgiving meal to come. It’s the one meal of the year that is pure gluttony married to a feast with a purpose: “To be thankful for my blessings and the family that I have.” As dysfunctional as it can be at times, I still love them, and as usual, I prepare not only for a giant meal, but ready myself to experience every emotion smashed into a very short time. Every year we gather at one destination, my sister’s house in Laguna Hills. We come from all over to reunite, eat, sleep and to partake of the tradition of all traditions, The Black Friday Sales.

I’m not the shopper of the group; my role, catch up on sleep and to keep the couch soft and warm for afternoon movies. I’m good with that. My wife is the line keeper, the most patient of the bunch (and because is not interested in the sales) is drafted to hold spots in line as the rest of the group plan their strategy for the next bargain. It’s sort of leap-frog thing, very well orchestrated with the finesse of a highly planned military operation. You’ve got to see it to appreciate it.

This year I have one other laid back companion in by sleeping brigade, my Nephew Aaron.

Shopping countdown has begun, T-minus nine-hours and counting to the 12am commencement of “Operation Shop-Hop.” Over the aroma of foods almost ready for consumption, the troops begin to strategize, “The Disney Store is opening at 12am, are we going? Are we getting up at 5am or 6am!? The line is already forming at Best Buy, do we go there or not?”

Already lining up at Best Buy? Never have I lined up for days to hit a sale. I’m extremely interested. And enlisting the support of Nephew Aaron, I set out to investigate.

We drive to Best Buy and spy a line of chairs, tents and bundled people. All looking like hearty shoppers and numbering around fifty. Why hearty shoppers? It’s cold, looks like rain is coming and the store doors don’t even open for over 24 hours.

Up to the front of the line we quest and are completely rejected by chair one. Chair two nods us off, followed by the support of chairs three and four. Fifth in line takes it to a new level, “I can’t have my photo taken, I’m in the Government.” We appreciate the humor and move on. Didn’t feel right anyway.

Past the chaired shoppers and up to the first set of tents we travel. I’m now even more inquisitive in my desire to be allowed into this boutique culture. At tent one, we meet two well equipped young gents. Their post looks more like a mountaineers base camp than that of a waiting for a sale encampment.

I’m telling you, these guys have it down, multiple tents, lightweight chairs, sleeping bags, provisions, even power and television (got to have some luxury). I need to understand Black Friday and they look like they know exactly how things work. Perhaps they will enlighten us, I extend a hand of 365 fellowship.

By the way, there is one item I’ve already found out from the front of the line. The encampment started on Tuesday. The store opens on Friday. You do the math. I do a little in my head and come to this conclusion, “There is no way I’m sleeping on the curb, possibly in the rain, for three nights to get a $199 forty-two inch flat screen.”

What I quickly learn, from our camping friends, Twan and Chris, it’s not all about the sale, it’s about the experience and bonding with friends.

“We’ve been doing this for six years. It’s our chance to hang out and catch up.”

Twan and Chris are very gracious, offering Aaron and I chairs in inviting us to stay a while. We join camp and I realize the eyes, that were earlier upon us as strangers, have settled down. Thirty minutes into our exchange, even one of the first to reject us (I think chair three) strolls over to engage in the conversation, there is obviously something peaking his attention. Is it me, or is it Twan, or Chris? I can’t say. But whatever it is, we are now part of something.

Our discussion starts out as do most introductions. I speak of the origins of 365, my families interest in Black Friday and we exchange a few general questions; you know, the basic common graces in getting comfortable with each other stuff.

We chat for about thirty minutes and the topics lean towards the future and wisdom for the readers of 365.

Here is where my earlier questions is answered. “Is it me, or is it Twan or Chris? I can’t say. But whatever it is, we are now part of something.”

I think it is Chris.

Not two minutes before we are visited by chair three, Chris says this to me, “I am a Christian. Just thirty minutes before you guys showed up, I said a prayer asking for a chance to share what I believe.”

Our topic as we are visited by vicarious friend three: Faith and the Bible. Now I must state, I do have my beliefs, but do not proclaim them openly in 365. From the beginning I have continually reminded us that 365 is an open discussion of whatever my interviewees decide to share. My job is to draw no conclusions, and other than the occasional blurb for a small business, do not promote any spiritual, or political agendas.

Yet, as is our visitor from chair three, I am engaged in the topic. Chris quotes several poignant scriptural passages.

From Philippians, Chapter 4 / Verse 13:

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

From Matthew, Chapter 6 / Verses 25 to 33:

“25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

In the words of Twan (Who by the way, comes from a Buddhist background):

“No matter how many times you fall dawn, pick yourself up. Follow your dream and keep filling the well.”

Our vicarious listener of chair three leaves, Twan expresses his thanks for the discussion and Aaron and I travel back to the family shopping cayos.

“Follow your dream and keep filling the well.” Twan says, I think he is talking about having faith and letting go to a higher power.

All I can say is this, No matter Gentile or Jew, Muslim or Hindu, We are all in this life together and someone is listing in guiding us to a better path.

Funny how the holidays bring out the best in so many.

Per the line, I get it now. Sure, many are here for the deals, But the best of it, people are here to be with people. And the presence of Chris and Twan is inspired.

Great breaking bread with you my friends!

Now I’m off to eat!

“We’ve known each other for 28 – 29 years.” Says Ashley, owner of  Ashley’s Sizzorz Palace of her friend Sharon. Both women who first hand know the meaning of self-reliance and positive forward thinking.

There is no quick path to telling their stories. Two hours I spend visiting with them, even meet Ashley’s husband, Victor (not pictured). We talk of everything from the spiritual to the economy. Issues like unemployment, the battle between corporate mega giants and small business and the personal trials of life and parenting.

These two special ladies are intertwined by one common thread as quoted by Sharon, “Don’t look at the hard times as struggle, but as part of the journey. You’ll be better able to enjoy time.”

It would be unethical for me to fully expose the depths that are shared with me in regards to the history of these two spectacular women. Plus, it would take a novel like entry to fully give their stories the justice they deserve, but trust me, both Ashley and Sharon have earned the ranks to make Sharon’s above claim.

What I can share is what I witness during my visit, as well as a few of their philosophies.

Now, I can’t say that I am an expert on salon culture. I have been to a few in my time, everything from swanky Beverly Hills establishments to the most understated of Barber Shops. Yet there is a sweetness to Ashley’s place that I have not experienced, that is, until now. The only way to explain it, “It’s like sitting in a humble living room with friends.”

It is obvious that Ashley and Sharon have a wonderful relationship. However, my witness doesn’t stop with them. Other customers stream in, I presume preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday. Each one of them are well-known to Ashley, and t like them, I am becoming part of a family. Customers are in Ashley’s chair while I, sitting a the very simple reception area, converse with other salon friends who are waiting for their turn to be spoiled. “I’ve been coming here for 8 years now and will never go anywhere else.”  One customer tells me. I’m off base even calling her a customer, best to call her a friend.

Victor tells me of customers that continually come to Ashley from as far as Maine, Palm Springs and Oceanside. And after being part of the family for a short time, I see why.

I also find out Ashley is more than a stylist, she is an artist and a healer. Ashley is very humble, but does talk of her artwork, which is hanging on the walls all over the salon. “I did not study formally, I taught myself from looking at other paintings.” Some people just have gifts, and Ashley’s is the ability to see the good in all thing’s and find a way to communicate it, I see it in her art and her words.

But as to her ability to heal, that’s a different story. This fact comes to me in a more vicarious way; through the words of the people she has helped.

Sharon tells me of one example, a near crippling car accident she had, one that even though no bones were broken, great muscular and ligament damage resulted. Doctors told her she needed surgery and would most likely forever walk with a limp. Procedures and an outcome that ultimately she declined, saying “I didn’t need the surgeries, Ashley healed me and I credit her with the movement I now have.” She stands up and show me her stride, no limp, perfect.

I not proposing that Ashley is metaphysical, quite the opposite. What she prescribes is rather simple, positive mind-set, a dose of good old common sense and a bit of stretching mixed with massage.

Sharon goes on, “She has hands of steel and knows how to encourage me. I love her for that. She healed me” Other ladies tell me of Migraines no more, giving homage to Ashley’s scalp massage. Now how many hair stylists offer healing? Ashley is magical.

I probe a little and discover one current trial. After 20 years of corporate employment, Victor was laid off fifteen months ago. I’m troubled by this story. You see, Victor is a very intelligent man with a powerful work ethic. “I want to work. I apply for employment every week, even do volunteer work. No one is hiring.” His story hits me in my achilles heel of my opinion of corporate cut backs. I’ve heard many stories similar to this, even having my own similar experiences, and have begun a personal crusade. That crusade, “Frequent small and self-owned business as often as possible.”

Business’ like Ashley’s (now the sole bread-winner for the family), the mom and pop hardware shop, self-owned restaurants, garden supply, auto repair, tradesmen, there a too many small business’ to list. Find them and frequent them. Help them grow and perhaps, they in turn can provide employment opportunity, or at least be able to support themselves and their families. Thanks for allowing me to be a touch political for a minute. Being a small business myself, Ashley and Victor’s story hits home.

But what about Sharon? The quick answer; fashionista, stylist, and lady of many words. Her quotes are endless.

“Don’t be overwhelmed by big things. Take baby steps. If you are ten feet underground and want to go to the top of Mount Everest. Remember to take baby steps. Maybe you’ll only get half way there and be satisfied in how far you have come.”

“Little miracles happen every day. Take the time to notice them”

“We’ve heard this one all the time. When one door closes, another one opens. Just believe, and even with a lot of dead bolts, that door can be opened and fly you to the moon”

Ashley give’s us a few more gems:

“In life you should not let the words of others bother you, otherwise you get stressed. And that makes you old.”

“Be careful not to give you kids too much. Allow them to learn to stand on their own two feet. Otherwise they will be handicapped”
(She has the right to make this statement with two sons to her credit. Both successful. One a pharmacist the other just finishing college)

Per the future:

Ashley: Life just gets better and better. All I can say is whatever it is, it is going to be good.”

Sharon: I want to be much more spiritual, much more centered, much more traveled, and above all, much more at peace.

Ladies thanks for letting me hang out with you!

I’m always happy to support America’s small business owners. Let’s do our part in helping each other.

So readers, If your hair is getting long and your head aches are killing  you. I’m telling you where to go. Ashley’s Sizzors Palace, 22141 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303, 818-703-9935. Tell her Richard sent you.

“A positive plus a positive is a positive; a negative plus a negative is a positive; a positive plus a negative is a positive or a negative.”

“Keep your eyes up.”

“Even when I’m looking down, I’m looking up”

“What you see in life is a lie.”

“Do the first thing that comes into your mind, because the second is what you are thinking and the first is what you know.”

“Exercise patience.”

I can barely keep up with the philosophies of Matthew, a man I meet while (I’m here again) at a shopping center.

The dude is an introverted extrovert, a speaker of little words and an orator of many, an engaged communicator and a distant conversationalist, a master of controlled confusion. But his confusion is not by chance, it is by choice.

Unbelievable, Here I am, at a mall again, my less than favorite place on earth. No worries, it’s the holidays, I’m glad to dig deep in engaging with my shopping spirit.

Luckely the mall is not too crowded, and with my family at side, I head towards Macy’s. Almost there when I am stopped by the Hickory Farms girl, “Would you like to try our Farmhouse Cheddar?” Sure, why not? Free cheese? “I’m in.”

No sooner than I have tooth pick of cheese in hand, a voice emerges from behind by back, “Yeh! the Farmhouse Cheddar!”

It grabs my attention and I turn to search its origin. There he is, backgrounded by Christmas pine and shifting from huge smile to solemn face, Matthew.

Somehow I feel like I am part of a social experiment and I am being tested for a response.

Not wanting to feel like a lab rat, and figuring he is my 365 friend for the day, I approach him to see what’s up.

With business card in hand, I tell him about 365. His response, “Yup.”

That’s it, “Yup” and “Yup” only. So with “Yup” floating in the air and Matthews eyes scanning my business card, I continue. “Do you want to be today’s friend?”

You guessed it, “Yup.”

Challenge on… “May I ask you a few questions?”

Yup (now I’m saying Yup) his answer, “Yup.”

OK, now that we are all sufficiently confused, and on the same page in this experience, let’s move on.

Matthew and I manage to get through our “Yups” and move on to a fuller line of conversation.

Turns out that there is more to Matthew than meets the eye. He is very articulate and passionate about life and the journey he is on. The guy is deep, almost poetic. Thoughts and phrases rain from him at a pace that is impossible for me to accurately note. He truly is a viewer of the world, involved in it with his own unique confusing way. “I’m looking for response,” He says.

And response he get. He drew me in and as I get to know him, I see that he is a kind of like a chameleon. Shifting his words and body language to draw and direct people to him, even changes his shirt three times during our photo shoot (I later see him in a fourth jacket).

He is a shape shifter, not in a “See me” way, but more like a “How will you react to me experiment.”

Matthew speaks with respect of his fellow-man. Yet another contrast. “Then why do you work to confuse people?” I think to myself.

“Why” A question that continues to resonate with me.

“Simply Why?” I’m still not sure we even addressed “Who”, but “Why” is enough for me with Matthew.

Bottom line, it appears Matthew changes morphs to evoke curiosity from those passing by.

What leads me to this conclusion is something he says, “Figure out how to bring society to you, or ‘It?'”

Oh man? another point of confusion, “It?”

Matthew talks of society as “It.”

I’ll be honest, I am confused by this thesis and am trying to grasp the concept.

Here is the best I can to communicate his explanation. “It” means an energy, a magnetism of sorts. Like attracts like. If “It” is dark, “It” will find dark; if “It” is light, “It” will attract light.

But whatever “It” is, “It” makes sense to Matthew. And that’s alright by me.

In some way, my eyes have been opened, I have met a philosopher: “The Master of Confusion.”

And the last part of the dizziness, after an hour of surreal discussion, Matthew leaves me with this sign off.

“Keep it real!”

?*?!?*!???, “I’ll try.”

Flu is in the air and I hope I’m dodging a bullet. Not sure yet, two hot showers and the chills stay hold of me. The sun is dropping, and with contracting stomach, I’m not feeling that motivated. Even though it’s rather early, 4:30pm, the thought of being too far away from the sanctuary of the water closet is still not that appealing. I say this with humility, knowing we’ve all walked these trails a time or two.

But with 150 to 300 visits a day registering on my blog statistics, there is no way I can let you guys down. Oh yeah, I forgot, It’s cold and raining too. I’m truly having trouble starting the 365 engine today. So I have to give credit where credit is due. I’m going out for the readers today. “Thanks for the push.”

As my father always told me, “Keep a stiff upper lip.” So with his council blaring in my mind, to the door I go for a walk. I grab the doorknob, and before turning it to engage the opening of our house portal, I pause, looking to the sky in plea for a swift journey and settled bowels.

Out the door I go… Oh, not good! The streets are barren, rain approaching, and all are inside. In self abuse, I visualize them sipping hot cider and relaxing at day’s end. Funny enough, due to the stomach woes I’m experiencing, the thought of cider does not appeal to me. Take that self abuse lobe, the last thing I need this evening is a digestive.

I press on, no one to the left, and no one to the right. I carefully stroll and not wanting to accept defeat from a mere stomach virus, I prepare for a long, cold, wet walk. Not fifty steps from my front door, I spy my neighbor of six years. I’ve given him countless nods from my car, quick hellos from across the street, and the occasional wave from afar.

I think for a moment about my wife’s commentary of few days ago, “For The Love Of Dogs,” and realize that I know nothing about my neighbor. He is the only human in sight, Perhaps he is my answer to my heavenly plea.

If all things happen for a reason, as stated yesterday by Molly at the veterinary clinic, then maybe my slowing is a divining rod of sorts in leading me to truly meet my neighbor. One thing is for certain, I’m positive if I were feeling well and the weather was optimal, my path would have been drastically different.

I approach my two doors down and across the street neighbor, and shake hands with my new friend Pedro.

At first we struggle a bit in communicating, having a Spanish/English language barrier. It does not take us too long, however, to find a mutual speaking pace and I am all ears.

Since 2005, I’ve been aware of Pedro, his eclectic front yard (picture a 24/7 garage sale), constant shuffling of projects and curb parked cars in various states of repair. Pretty much all I knew about him, that is, until tonight.

I find out Pedro is a man of great depth and world experience. Originally from San Miguel, El Salvador, Pedro has covered the gamut of careers. “In El Salvador I was a very successful event planner.” He is humble in revealing his full history. Which leads me to inquire a little deeper. Pedro opens up and give’s me a full timeline of his transition to becoming a United States Citizen.

Bear with me for a moment, I have to jump tracks to set the scene as to what Pedro is all about. One word, “Family”

Pedro has an incredible intellect and work ethic, all for one purpose. Not self-gratification, Not riches, but simply for his children. All of whom are successfully near the end of their academic studies. “My daughter is studying to be a veterinarian, my older son is almost a doctor and my youngest son is studying biology at Cal State Northridge.

His work history is secondary, Event planner in El Salvador to University administrator in Mexico to reselling cars and cleaning house with his wife in America. Why such a path?

Again, Family. “I wanted my children to get the best education they could. That’s why I moved.”

Pedro is an activist, “I had to leave Mexico, I got involved in working to expose the corruption in the educational system, so they took away my job.” He says this with a spirit of hope, and I can tell he has the knowledge that he did the right thing.

I ask him why he has so much stuff. The short answer, “My hobby is yard sales.” He goes on to reveal a deeper and more meaningful explanation for his endless inventory of goods. “We are destroying our planet with waste. Especially in America, where so many are materialistic. I see so much thrown away that does not need to be discarded. There is too much trash killing our environment. I save and repair what I need, and don’t buy what is not needed. That’s why I have all this.”

Pedro is a selfless man, Family first, take care of the world and love life.

Of love of life, the proof is in the pudding. All of Pedro’s children are happy. “We are a close family, my house is a very special place, and I’m proud to say that my children have no vices. They don’t drink, smoke and understand, respect, love, charity and compassion. I taught them early about manners and the importance of being a good person. All thing that my mother taught me when I was a child.”

We’ve been talking for an hour now, my upset stomach has mostly been dormant, but feeling it’s rumblings beginning to return, and knowing that I must soon go (in more ways than one), I ask my final question while I accompany Pedro in returning to his task of painting his motor home.

What are you wishes for the future?

A two-part answer.

“My children happy and working as professionals.”

and

“To return to my small town in El Salvador. I miss my culture, my people are friendly. Everybody is happy. That’s the way I was raised.”

Pedro, Thanks for the message. Your right, “Family is First.”