#sidewalkghosts

Sidewalk Ghosts / Interview 386: "Dream Big… The Right Way"

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“All things that happen in your life is designed… That God put people in your life for a reason… Faith is first… then it is integrity.” —Kenny

He resembles Hall of Fame’s Dave Winfield, Frank Thomas and Ozzie Newsome as he played for the Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres and Montreal Expo’s. Then there is his time with the Buffalo Bills when he realized that the skies the limit in playing two Super Bowls. But his depth is deeper than his athletic success, charming character and pleasant disposition. Today’s stranger… now friend, Kenny, speaks of faith, respect, community, love and culture.

With the confidence of a seasoned coach he encourages us to dream big… the right way.

He quotes, “That is all I know how to do.”

Sidewalk Ghosts / Interview 385: In One Word… “Harmony”

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“We often times to get stuck with the expectations of society, what we’re supposed to do, how we are supposed to live our lives and you don’t want to get caught up in other people’s expectations…” — Erik

Sidewalk Ghosts / Interview 384: "Authentically You… That’s My Advice."

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“Remember to be you. Authentically you and smile to strangers and love everybody but love yourself. Always, always, always just do that little bit extra, even if it’s not convenient. That’s my advice.” —Roshan

So there I was, sitting at my desk, consumed in completing a long list of tasks as I prioritized my actions. It’s a common ritual for all of us. Our life, our work and our play expands and contracts with deadlines and commitments. We end days on highs, and we end days on lows. Yet in all, lessons are learned.

On a regular basis we gaze upon our goal lists, contemplating our futures as we dream of “that day when.”

Why the sentimental intro? You might ask. Well, I re-learned another lesson today, one that directly links to the very reasoning that grounds why Operation-365 exists, and to why I will do my part in growing our community.

5:00pm… I peeled myself from my desk, redirected (by a nagging subconscious) away from what I perceived as the days priorities. You know, those quite thoughts that dwell in the background of what we agonize as have to do’s.

“Time to stop…” it whispered… “Get out of yourself,” It advised… “Your day has been full and there is someone you are meant to meet,” It challenged.

Now I’m only a few short days into our second one-year commitment of daily interviews of strangers (now friends), and today’s new friend has proven just how united we can be.

5:15pm… that little voice in my mind has directed me to Warner Park. I’ve been here before, even have made a few friends of 365 here. But today’s whisper feels more direct than ever. If there is one thing 365 has taught me, it is to acknowledge that little thing we call intuition. We all have it… but the question to ask ourselves is, do we follow it?

5:20pm… Park the car, and as I do, I notice two women walking towards me on the sidewalk. Something pushes me to approach them. OK, could be a creepy guy moment. I ready myself for rejection. But to ignore a first impression of my mind would have only left me questioning my motives. For I have promised myself, and you, that I will not profile whom I approach. That I would raise my chin to the world and follow the direction of the whispering voice to approach all that I lock eyes with.

5:21’sh pm. With business card in hand, “Hi I’m Richard, I’m a photographer and film maker…” I go on in beginning to explain O-365…

I’m stopped in my tracks as Roshan and her friend shut me down… “We know you!”

I’m shocked and a little worried. “You have,” I wobble.

“Yea, a while back you interviewed my friends (Project-365 Day 93 / “The Trail Is Our Therapy”). Remember them, you met them on the hiking trail at the top of Victory.”

“Wow, yes, I totally remember them. Great couple. Loved talking with them.” We open into a wonderful conversation.

That lesson I spoke of earlier, the re-kindling of the flame we call Operation 365. It truly is more than a series of interviews. It is the beginning of a great and united community. Roshan and her friends have proven this fact. For in a city of millions, it is possible for the paths of strangers to unite on common ground. The skeptics might lean on premises the likes of 6 degrees of separation or other similar theories. But for me, the idea is much simpler… Just speak with each other and simply leave it at that.

Talk tomorrow my good friends, and Roshan, your words have smitten us.

Sidewalk Ghosts / Interview 383: “Pass It Around… We Need It.”

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Today’s stranger now friend, Benjamin, begins, “I would say share who you are. Share yourself so somebody gets to know you, who you truly are. There is no time for hate or anything to be passed around. There should be more love going around. It’s not enough of that. I think people are loosing sight. It’s because we are all the same. Race is not an issue…”

Sidewalk Ghosts / Interview 382: "Try To Be Remarkable… Every Day"

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If you had the stage… the undivided attention of the world… and all were listening… What words of wisdom, council or advice would you share?

Today’s “Stranger” now “Friend,” Martin, answers.

Sidewalk Ghosts / Interview 381: “Stop Fronting and Be Yourself”

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“I’m 22 and I quit my job recently, and its been terrifying entering the business world as someone like me who has been, like, a sensitive musician my whole life and I’m starting to confront the things that most of us deal with on a daily basis, and that’s everybody’s obsession with status, success and power; and I feel like pursuing self-employment has become this ideal… but there is a really dark side that a lot of people really don’t talk about…” ­—Christopher

Sidewalk Ghosts / Interview 380: "You Cannot Spell Oblivious Without Obvious"

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Flip says, “You cannot spell oblivious without obvious. There is all sorts of potential all around this damn world, all in your damn self, just staring you in the face… Leave something…”

SideWalk Ghosts / Interview 379: "You're Already Off To A Better Start"

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“Be the change you would like to see in the world.” Quotes Josh, today’s stranger now friend. He continues with his own words… “I’ve noticed that life doesn’t exactly get any easier; you just get more accustomed to going about your daily life. So even though things can get you down and make things worse for you. It does get better…”

SideWalk Ghosts / Interview 378: It's OK To Talk To Strangers

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Jury duty today… one of the civic obligations many of us have enjoyed on a yearly basis. A room full of sequestered people, some wanting to do their duty while others hopelessly scheme for the perfect excuse to get out of service. But as quoted, via the strangely welcoming and compassionate smile of lady behind window 3, “I’ve heard them all.”

So the room sits, all looking at the floor, dozing off or reading as they wait to be called to bear the barrage of lawyers questions regarding their character. We are a diverse and intriguing group of strangers. I’m sure with many experiences, loves, hopes and fears. So in tribute to Operation-365, I raise my chin up to look around the room. I guess I’m looking for connections. But sadly, far too many are a guarded and shrouded behind self-created walls of invisibility. So amidst the occasional acknowledgement from curious fellow human, most just simply dismiss me as they drop their chins in looking away.

An announcement perks through the silent separation and brings many together as they look up to the ceiling.  It’s as if the PA system is more human than the microphone voice of our courthouse friend (as she is in plain sight, standing only feet from us at room’s center). “If any of you cannot commit for 7 day’s, you can ask for a reschedule,” she explains.

Oh, that’s just perfect! Can’t wait to do this again in 3 months. Of course, I can’t stay for 7 more days. Already have lost 4; and if chosen to stay another week, who knows, maybe longer, the pay of $15.76 falls a little short of making my overhead. I was hoping for a 1-day trial. You know, he stole the socks from my bedroom dresser and I have the photos to prove it. Cut and dry. In and out. Must not be my week.

To window 3, as instructed I go. Yet again getting to receive the same paperwork that brought me here it the first place. Not that I like to gripe, but hats off to the systems we have in place. Could there possibly be a better way to schedule us… I don’t know. But a man has to gripe sometime. After all, I’m just as human as you. That said, looks like I’m back in May. Oh summer, how I love thee.

So now I’m standing in line for the said assistance of window 3, overhearing, and yes, buying into the banter of all who are expressing the reasoning behind why we can’t stay. Funny how easy it is to share negative comments with the world around us. So I try an experiment, I turn my thoughts to what the staff must be feeling as, I’m sure, they are overhearing our loudening words of wisdom. I recriminate myself a little regarding my less that positive gut reaction, realizing that we are all equally human, especially the workers servicing this full line of annoyed people. So I back step my thinking, choose not to look for faults, but to merely listen and observe. As I do, a calm face to the left of me comes into bright focus.

Christine is her name and it is with warm spirit that she chats with us regarding her views on compassion, trust and love.

O-365 daily blogumentary has begun, and Christine, thank you for putting us on a fantastic path. You are living proof that it is OK to talk to strangers.

See you tomorrow my friends,

Richard

SideWalk Ghosts / Interview 377: An Oasis We Call Quartzsite

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a-show-771230Last week a good friend (photographer and creative director BJ) and I visited Quartzsite, Arizona; home of the largest open-air collectible gem and RV show in the nation. Every January over one million people, from all parts of the country, fall upon this sleepy little desert town, magically transforming it into a bustling oasis of migratory residents and daily visitors.

qrig2Retired snowbirds harbor in state of the art motorhomes, off the grid families relax as they set-up shops of every kind; while top-notch gem traders gather to exchange product and experience. To call the gathering eclectic is a bold understatement, and for certain, Quartzsite is not merely a swap meet. It is an abstract and morphing city. An ever-changing cultural destination, one that now having met many of its citizens, has left an indelible impression on both my mind and heart.

Outside the big tent at the Quartzsite, Az. RV show, 2013.For within its carnival like atmosphere can be proven that diversity is the greatest key to a uniting power that lies within all of us. A power that if harnessed allows us to work together in finding common ground within our own communities.

hundreds threeThe interviews of Project-365 awakened us to see, and hear, many insights that were undeniable in their uniting influence. The hundreds we met clearly communicated the positive effect of one individual gesture, one expressed moment or even the simplest sincere act of appreciation can carry.

There has never been a time in history where we are individually empowered the way we are now. Technology has opened the floodgates of information and connectivity, and as long as we have the right to use it without restriction, we have great ability to facilitate positive actions.

This global collaboration of the diverse is here because of WordPress, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and whatever other social and media sources we can use. I am personally grateful for their creation, for without them, Operation-365 and its mission would not exist. But please, consider them the messenger and not the destination as we debark on the O-365 blogumentary (beginning full swing in the next few days).

As the daily interviews and episodes are published I ask that we take the time to look past the delivery method in activating ourselves as Ambassadors within our spheres. In doing so, please take the time to look upon the world around you. Get to know your neighbors and take pause to consider the deeper motivations as to why others act as they do.

This is the beauty of meeting the strangers we now call friends. It is through listening to their words that we may come to know them, the world around us and maybe even ourselves a little better.

With this, a challenge is placed. One that is both entertaining and enlightening. That as we examine the ways we interact with one another, that we might find ways to contribute to our communities. Together, who knows what bridges we can build?

The vast diversity of Quartzsite has proven this thesis plausible. For if over one million strangers crammed into a little town of tents and motorhomes can look upon each other with compassion and respect. Isolated in the middle of the desert as they reach out to each other. Then perhaps whatever they are doing is something worthy of modeling in our own lives.

New friends of Quartzsite… thanks for allowing me to share your words with the world. Your council is lucid and your community is vibrant. Your diverse and loving acceptance has uplifted us all and the dignity you show for one another is an example to be followed.

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Welcome to O-365 blogumentary my friends,

Richard