“There’s me words of wisdom… If you are going to commit, commit all the way…” —Chuck (with Karen)
Respect
Sidewalk Ghosts / Interview 446: “Everything Else Falls Into Place”
“One singular word… just respect. Respect one another; and why…?” —John
Sidewalk Ghosts / Interview 445: "Stuff Like This"
“’Alright… I’ll quote the peace movement. Once you’ve marched around the United States, back and forth… from Pasadena to New York and back like four times. 27,000 miles. ‘Overcome evil with good, falsehood with truth, hatred with love…’” —Dale
Sidewalk Ghosts / Articles: An Open Confession
I’m a little conflicted in thought today. Uplifted in most parts, yet burdened by a sub-emotion that has been nagging at me for the past 24 hours…
…An ache that has crept into my heart pending a few street exchanges yesterday—conversations that have hovered over my soapbox of optimism like a figurative haze of doubt; a doubt not of the growth potential of Operation-365 or of the united community that we are forming, but rather, a ripple to my notion of the sustainable and self-advocated point of view that 365 suggests. Namely, the premise that, no matter who we are, or what our situation, we all have something meaningful to contribute. The very core to my dream in regard to what we can become as individuals.
For three years we have met 100s of strangers. People who have randomly entered into our lives through the stream of content that 365 has offered. You’ve seen photos, read articles, accepted challenges, and have been uplifted (I hope) by the many comments that have been shared. An awakened community has and continues to grow. A people who are willing to look beyond the first impression, and a people who are open to at least ponder the reasons motivating the actions of others.
I did not even know their names– two individuals who from the corner of my eye, and at two distinctively different locations, walked into my life yesterday. I did not solicit any conversation, nor did I profile in any way. I was just in the same space at the same time. Under alcohol rich breath one says, “I like my meat white…” (referring to sexual conquest and the price of paid sex). The other, after calling me the guy with the camera, “I’ve got weed for sale.” Followed per my, “No thank you,” the response was something that sounded pretty close to (and in a derogatory tone), “Then how about you just give me some of your money!”
On both occasions, a dark feeling engulfed me. Not one that threatened my physical safety, but one that began an ache that crept into my heart and hazed me in doubt. A pain that was one part fear, one part protective rage (I’m a father and any perverse sexual remark to womanhood is grounds for self-defense of my family) and two parts, get thee away from me ye fiend of evil.
Could it be that there is true Evil about us? Is it plausible that even though we are all of like-wombed birth, and were all at one point equally innocent, that perhaps we can grow to be inherently dark in spirit?
Reflections that break my very heart to explore, but, non-the-less, emotion that would prove me an absolute liar if I dismiss as actual feelings. And even though, in both situations, there was no guile in my intent, I choose to quickly withdraw myself from both exchanges and since the experience I have contemplated the deeper meaning of the interactions.
1000s of people have expressed to me that we are all God’s children. So how is it that I can want to escape from two of them, and now freed, why is it that they still have a hold on my peaceful self? I ponder more and an answer begins to enter my head.
It is not my responsibility to change the world, and there is nothing I can do to correct the two strangers of above note. That is up to them and as children of the same God (if that is your belief), they have the freedom to choose and are accountable for they’re own actions. With this examination, the question becomes quite personal (even painfully so). I must look at myself– the offendee.
No fair, foul! What kind of restitution is that? They hit you and now you have to look within?
Wait! Wait! Don’t get bugged with me. I have a point. I am not condoning the offending actions of two who are not radiating peace. I am simply working toward self-healing. To carry the offense placed upon me would only serve to harden my heart toward the world in general—possibly even crippling me into type-casting all who are similar in outward appearance to the two very two persons who placed this burden on my shoulders.
Now I promise that I am not condoning the words of these two darker perspectives of humanity, nor am I advocating an acceptance of the results of their deeds. That I assure you is not the case. Should I have witnessed, or had place to save anyone from acted out acts of any kind, I would do my part as an active participant in protecting anyone in harm’s way of the aforementioned accounts. But again, to carry a generalized perspective would be equally harmful to society.
This life is paved with a tricky web of decisions; endless choices that are all directed by a complex make up of the experience and chemistry that is the sum whole of each and every individual walking planet Earth. I wish I had a general answer to why we are as we are, but I don’t. None of us really do, and the day you run across anyone who says my way or the highway, I suggest you run for the hills. But one thing the years of 365 has proven is that whatever the interaction may be, one fact is undeniably assured… we all bleed the same red.
With this comes great joy in our safe and happy places. But equally relevant is the contrary—we are still human, even when the light is lost. So to my two offenders, I forgive you, for I must. To not do so would be to contribute to the very devaluation of society that Operation-365 is fighting against—something that I am just not willing to do.
Talk soon my good friends,
Richard
Sidewalk Ghosts / Interview 444: “I’m Just A Kid In An Older Body”
“Try to imagine yourself as if you’re gonna meet yourself for the first time. What would you want yourself, to pretty much, think about you?” —Beast
Sidewalk Ghosts / Interview 443: “OK, So I’m A One World Person!”
“You need to step outside the prejudices and the mindset you were raised with, or have accumulated over the many years, and look at things from a new perspective…” —Sherrie
Sidewalk Ghosts / Interview 442: “Pay It Forward… Like The Movie”
“Enjoy peoples differences, including silly. Laugh as much as you can. Smile. Do goofy things. You know, to get other people to smile and come out of their shell. Don’t just look at people who are different with a, you know, oh gosh they’re awful because they are acting so silly, or so weird, or whatever. Or because they are a different color, or they are too old…” —Patricia (with George)
Sidewalk Ghosts / Interview 441: “They Need Love”
“To many people, they work a lot, they forgot about their kids…” —Orlando
I could write a long essay about Orlando. But to keep it short let me share a few qualities of this kind man: Humility, intelligence, caring, politeness, acceptance, courage and a loving commitment to family. Enough said. Orlando, welcome to Operation-365 my new friend.
Sidewalk Ghosts / Interview 439: “The Moments That We Have Now”
“I guess if you think too much about work and business the future can be a little scary…” —David
Sidewalk Ghosts / Interview 438: “What Good Is Waiting?”
Sometimes it feels as if the world is conspiring against 365, something that I am learning to take as a compliment. My reasoning? If what we are doing has no significance then it would most likely receive no resistance. So again, bumps are just part of the path in growing our community and our message of unity.
Why do I express this notion? Well, let’s just call it the mystique of the magnetic jungle and its effect on the audible world. Easier translated: My batteries died mid-interview on microphone one.
“Way to go Richard! You’ve directed and produced industrial film and commercials. How can you let this happen?”
I know, mud in my face. To say I have any excuse would be a great fabrication. I was monitoring the interview of today’s “Stranger,” now “Friend,” Liza. I took my time setting the audio levels. Yet at the end of the day I ended up with very sketchy sound. So much so that I am embarrassed to even stream what seems like more background noise than narrative. Yes, microphone one was the very microphone that was intended to capture Liza’s words. But there is a silver lining to this story. Maybe even a higher than my reason for its happening.
You see, for days I’ve had a message growing in my heart, one that has blossomed from the meeting of our last several strangers, all people who originate (Like Liza), not from North American soil, but from continents troubled by great abuse of human rights–countries that, for many, give first-hand witness to the depths of human brutality (and I am making a few assumptions here as to the full history of my new friends). So perhaps loosing my audio was meant to be, as it allows me to write this entry—that is, if you believe that sort of thing.
Still, credit to whom credit is due, for Liza, an amazing artist in her own right, begins our narrative theatrically by asking to sing a song. That’s right… a song, as I interview her on the sidewalks of Tarzana, California–a song that reminds us of the resiliency of many of our 365 friends.
As Liza sings, no worry does she show while many passing pedestrians gaze at us, nor does she flinch with any display of intimidation as my two cameras stare right back at her—just a joyful peace to offer her talent.
At first meeting with Liza, it is easy to be smitten. There is a special quality to this brave lady. An essence that draws you to want to know her, one that is more than merely comforting, it is inviting.
Born in Lebanon, Liza migrated to the United States in 1978. In speaking with her it is impossible to not feel of her depth of understanding of this experience we call “life.” Light-filled is her face and pure and direct are her words… oh yea, that song? Liza sets it up.
“I’d love to sing a song. It is an international song the applies everywhere and to all people.”
In a voice the likes of Liza Minnelli she begins:
What good is sitting alone in your room?
Come hear the music play
Life is a cabaret, old chum
Come to the cabaret
Put down the knitting, the book and the broom
It’s time for a holiday
Life is a cabaret, old chum
So come to the cabaret
Come taste the wine
Come hear the band
Come blow that horn
Start celebrating right this way
Your table’s waiting
What could permitting some prophet of doom
To wipe every smile away
Life is a cabaret, old chum
So come to the cabaret
I used to have this girlfriend known as Elsie
With whom I shared four sordid rooms in Chelsea
She wasn’t what you’d call a blushing flower
As a matter of fact she rented by the hour
The day she died the neighbors came to snicker
“Well, that’s what comes from too much pills and liquor”
But when I saw her laid out like a Queen
She was the happiest corpse, I’d ever seen
I think of Elsie to this very day
I remember how she’d turn to me and say
“What good is sitting all alone in your room?
Come hear the music play
Life is a cabaret, old chum
Come to the cabaret
And as for me
And as for me
I made my mind up, back in Chelsea
When I go, I’m going like Elsie
Start by admitting from cradle to tomb
Isn’t that long a stay
Life is a cabaret, old chum
It’s only a cabaret, old chum
And I love a cabaret
As I sit her, absorbing the lyrics, a somber note is kindled in my heart as a think of Elsie, the central character in the lyrics. What side of the track of judgment do I (and we) stand on? Are we comfortably seated at the platform of the snickering neighbors, or are we willing to admit to the shared length of our stay? A thoughtful consideration for certain; not one of us is perfect or infallible.
The point being (and what I feel Liza is suggesting) is that we should look beyond the first impression we conjure as we interact with the people around us and, in doing so, lovingly embrace the cabaret we call life.
She shares a few thought as to how to get there. “We have to create happiness for the children. The children today don’t have happiness. The parents are not happy. Me as a kid, I remember with my family. I was a very happy kid. That’s why I am able to smile and give this love to other people. But we don’t see this in this young generation; too much greed, too much selfishness. Why don’t we replace that with loving each other?
With all the races and all these religions. We only need one religion in this world. It’s the respect and to love each other, and with that we will not create this fundamentalist and the extremists, and these dirty politics around the world. We can share the whole earth with love, and worshipping our lord. You know, God above, God almighty… Amen.”
Liza, thank you for your street side audition. But with that said, may we remove you from the stage and place you in a new role for the day. Welcome, Director Liza, you have motivated us as participants in a virtual and ongoing awakening of unity. Its title, “What Good Is Waiting?”
Talk soon my good friends,
Richard