sidewalkghostsblog

Day 216: It’s OK to be bored every once and a while

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“It’s OK to be bored every once in a while.

For some people… being bored is a sin, but if you look at it as a space where you can shut down stimulus so your mind can work… it’s really a place where you can come up with fresh ideas. Boredom is not pleasant. There are external things to combat it. Or you can simply let your mind wander. If you accept it, it can become a garden where you can grow new ideas.”

At first, I am a little confused by this council provided to us by Kyiv-born friend of the day, Dmitry.

In a considerate and heavily accented Russian voice, Dmitry is calm and calculated in his words as he sets the stage for our curbside discussion in a fashionable Beverly Hills shopping and dining district.

A wonderful anomaly to the general tone of the public that is usual to the 90210 destinations; Dmitry’s appearance strikes me to reach out to him. And as he reads as he walks on a street where so many are caught up in browsing store window to store window, it is quite curious as to who this Jimmy Hendrix-looking man is– and a Russian law student, studying at the prestigious Pepperdine University of Law, was farthest from my mind.

“I came to the United States thirty-three years ago, back when the Soviet Union was still Communist. My family was allowed to leave during the 2nd wave of the great Jewish migration. We were helped by the State of Israel and other organizations in the United States. 250 thousand were allowed to leave. Eventually, all of my family was allowed to leave, I was ten years old. It was a very interesting experience. A week in Vienna. A couple of months in Rome being processed, and then to a Chicago family who sponsored us. A year after that we came to Los Angeles.”

I have to ask, “Was the persecution apparent?”

“’I did not experience any direct Anti-Semitism; I was shielded by my teachers, parents, and grandparents. But I do remember my father telling me that, as a Jew, if I was to get any kind of education, I would have to be a perfect student and get all A’s. I carried that with me for a lot of years. The thought that in order to get accepted, or to be successful, I would have to do everything perfect… Perfect… Because I was a Jew. I’ve since then let go of the idea of perfection. I can best explain it with an expression I heard from a film editor, ‘Perfect is the enemy of the good.’

“’I did not experience any direct Anti-Semitism; I was shielded by my teachers, parents, and grandparents. But I do remember my father telling me that, as a Jew, if I was to get any kind of education, I would have to be a perfect student and get all A’s. I carried that with me for a lot of years. The thought that in order to get accepted, or to be successful, I would have to do everything perfect… Perfect… Because I was a Jew. I’ve since then let go of the idea of perfection. I can best explain it with an expression I heard from a film editor, ‘Perfect is the enemy of the good.’

It was said in the context of art, but it can apply to any human endeavor.

It’s like if you are trying to make a good painting, maybe even a great painting, if the focus is on perfection… the painting will most likely be inferior. This is true to life in general; politics, business, and relationships… definitely true for relationships.’”

Dmitry elaborates on his philosophy of boredom, “With TV, Satellite, Social Media… iPads, iPhones, it’s easy to be entertained every minute of the day. But do we actually listen for new ideas, poems, business ideas, songs, or anything else?”

“Do we actually listen?” I pause.

Earlier Dmitry suggests, “…there are external things to combat it…”

What business is he doing this day…? I do not know. Is he stimulated by the storefronts? I don’t think so! Is he bored? I’m uncertain. Yet whether bored or not, Dmitry is engaged in his mindset of shutting out external stimuli as he strides with a novel in hand. Reading and carefully navigating the sidewalk.

“…or you can simply let your mind wander…” Dmitry says.

Perhaps he is seemingly disengaged from society with his face in a book. Or is he living as he preaches by simply letting his mind wander?

“…If you accept it, it can become a garden where you can grow new ideas.”

“…If you accept it, it can become a garden where you can grow new ideas.” Dmitry shares.

And in the way he quickly and pleasantly converses with me, the answer is uncovered. Dmitry is putting something into his mind.

“’Boredom is one of those dumb words like kingdom, freedom, or abandon, I know abandon is a ‘don’ rather than a ‘dom’ end of a word,’” he explains.

“Words ending in dom are dominion words, referring to a place or a state to inhabit. If you shut yourself off from boredom, you are reducing your space to roam, or graze. It is a space where you can plant and develop ideas.”

Dmitry is a confident thinker, with a mind tempered for careful examination of humanity and a heartfelt desire to better the planet.

“The number one challenge for the future is to find a source of energy that does not rely on limited resources. We had the Manhattan projects Nuclear Fission and they managed to do it in three years. We need another Manhattan project for Fusion… it is the alternate source. Fusion, not Fission. Fission’s byproduct is radioactive, Fusion’s byproduct is Helium.”

He lengthens his progressive point of view toward what is to come.

“There will be more of us. We have to ethically and morally commit that is a good thing. To not do so would be genocide.”

Dmitry, my new friend, thanks for helping us think!

Day 282: Nice Hat

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“We should never prejudge anyone, not by color, not religion, not by where we come from. Just be good people, the rest will come from self.”

Yup, The world is an awesome planet! So, I’m driving down the street and when arriving at a stop sign I notice the gentleman in the vehicle next to me is wearing a fedora much similar to the one I’m wearing. But even more, appreciated is the warm greeting he gestures with a tip of his hat, and rolling down his window, he compliments, “Nice Hat!”

Right then and there I know this is a true neighbor, and it’s important we meet this man. We have a very brief car-to-car discussion and within minutes we find ourselves parked in a little baseball field just off the busy street where we first met.

It is unsolicited gestures of kindness like this that prove to me humankind has the potential to be a gregarious and loving people. A premise that 365 has burned deeply into both my mind and heart.

Not saying that we are on a path to being a global government or homogenized society. For it is our diversity is that makes us rich and magnificently unique. What I am saying is this, in our own communities or our travels, do we view one another with love and acceptance, without preconceived notions of the negative, or with optimism in seeking our similarities as species human? And tonight as I aimlessly drive, an unknown friend has done just that, reduced the size of our community with the simplest of gestures, a hat tip, and a smile. And as minute as it may seem, the humble acknowledgment has brightened my day more than I can accurately express.

I’m on the receiving side of kindness today, and to tell you the truth, I needed to be here today. It is for this reason I write this with the utmost gratitude and honor for my new friends: Rom, his daughter Anne, son Tom, and their young friend Yoadd.

I love this project, it has been a life changer for me; and, my dream is, that it is the same for you. It’s about real everyday people with real-life concerns and experiences. I hope that from it none of us will ever look at the world the same.

Rom and his children are very much a family and have proven again there is real power within the realms of caring for our neighbors. Their enthusiasm for life and love of the world is evident not only in their countenance, but alive in their words.

I’ve coined the phrase, “The silent majority.” In it, I am referring to us, the everyday people. For after speaking with so many strangers turned friends, I am realizing the greater population of us, “Real People,” are all saying the same thing. “We want to get along, be loved and respected for who we are, and desire to know children will have a safe world to live in. A world with less oppression, less governmental control, and the opportunity to safely live, love, and worship as we desire. Trust me, I am not trying to get political, but I just found a quote from the late Ronald Reagan. Whether you approve of his administration or not, his thought strikes resonance. He stated this, “Government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.”

Call it a dream or not, but we are the silent majority, and we have the power to build our communities into loving safe-havens. It takes not much to be effective in uplifting each other, like for me this evening. I was a little down, but through the tip of a hat from an unknown man, my life became much richer. The lesson is there to be learned, and the tuition is free to all. The fee? Only a sincere smile and a warm heart toward our neighbors. My hope is that we all receive our Master’s degrees from the University of Planet Earth (UPH). And with that, Let class begin!

Youthful Instructor Anne takes the podium.

“At school, I’m part of the recycling club, and I want to tell everyone to go green.”

She describes her definition of the world, “It’s called a community.” Out of the mouths of the children. We have to ask ourselves in checking our outlooks on the youth: Who is the wiser? The old… or the young? And are we listening?

Professor Tom addresses the student body.

 

“How you look and what you do now will be less important. People will be more thinking about what you do for the whole world, not as much how important you are, but how important you are to everyone else.”

“Always stay positive and be happy about what you have, because if everyone becomes negative… then neighbor will turn on neighbor, and the world won’t be a happy place.”

Dean Ram sets the tone for his faculty and all visiting students.

 “We should never prejudge anyone, not by color, not religion, not by where we come from. Just be good people, the rest will come from self.”

Visiting students, and family friend Yoadd contributes to the curriculum.

“Everyone should be happy with one another. Live life to its extreme because it is short… and kind of fun.”

Four distinct views, four sets of suggestions for us all to consider, and four lists of concerns and advice that has become a constant among the over 1000 people who have conversed with us in 365.

We shift to the future in part two of our educational workshop.

Again instructor Anne starts the ball rolling.

“The word war will go away and everyone in the world will come together as one big family, and they will notice that no matter how someone looks or is, as long as they respect you and you respect them, we can all be like one family.”

Professor Tom concurs.

Ram looks at his faculty with loving eyes but grounds them with a challenging mountain to overcome. “I’m really, really scared about the level of communication between people. As of today: I love you, I miss you, I need you, is gone. Everything is texting, everything is computerized and the feelings, the emotions, are dissipating from the world. Everything is very technical and I’m really, really scared. I think in ten years it is going to be much worse. I’m afraid parents will not communicate with their kids, and kids will not communicate with their friends. They barely do today. Honestly, I think it is going to get worse.”

Instructor Anne contributes to the dean’s comments.

 

“I see it two ways… Technology, it could be a good thing and a bad thing, like my dad said, people will talk to each other less. Like on their computer or iPad or something. That’s what makes their life… and their life evolves around that.

Again instructor Anne starts the ball rolling.

“The word war will go away and everyone in the world will come together as one big family, and they will notice that no matter how someone looks or is, as long as they respect you and you respect them, we can all be like one family.”

Professor Tom concurs.

Ram looks at his faculty with loving eyes but grounds them with a challenging mountain to overcome. “I’m really, really scared about the level of communication between people. As of today: I love you, I miss you, I need you, is gone. Everything is texting, everything is computerized and the feelings, the emotions, are dissipating from the world. Everything is very technical and I’m really, really scared. I think in ten years it is going to be much worse. I’m afraid parents will not communicate with their kids, and kids will not communicate with their friends. They barely do today. Honestly, I think it is going to get worse.”

Instructor Anne contributes to the dean’s comments.

“I see it two ways… Technology, it could be a good thing and a bad thing, like my dad said, people will talk to each other less. Like on their computer or iPad or something. That’s what makes their life, and their life evolves around that. It is also good for contacting someone or finding someone. We are definitely going to go more green and technology will help that. But if life totally revolves around your phone or your computer or something like that, that will mess up your life.”

Visiting student Yoadd queues in on the environment.

“Technology will definitely be more advanced, especially when it comes to saving the planet and going green.”

Something is going on right at our roadside school. And I must credit Dean Ram for his leadership and example to us all. Its youthful faculty is on fire in training itself, and I hope us, to be active in working towards a better future while strengthening our existing communities. Through their example and words today, I know one thing firsthand. For I was tired, I was missing being home with my family, and I was clueless as to where to meet a new friend. And the moment I let go of my self-control in submitting to whatever is to come, a hat is tipped to me. Call it fate, call it coincidence, or call it anything you wish. But whatever the cause, and trying to not be selfish, I must say, THANK YOU to my new friends, our well has been filled.

For who knew that in a quite little baseball parking in the burbs of San Fernando Valley, I would encounter the wisdom of future leaders and the man who is planting meaningful seeds?

Best of all, UPH is open registration with no limits to enrollment. Better yet, its courses are self-created and at hand for you to develop. So for today, I ask you to consider this youthful wisdom as orientation, and in that, you are at the center of the lecture hall. And as remote and self-assigned teachers of a better future, UPH permissions you. Gives you a blank syllabus that contains no limitations. So as you create your annex campus wherever you are. Lest you never forget, “Your individual impact truly does matter to someone else in the world.

Day 307: The Farralone Line

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“Live every day like it is your last. Because you never know what is going to happen.”

On day 124, we met Fernando and spoke about an invisible border that separates two distinctly different neighborhoods. Thirty feet of auto-traveled asphalt that I defined as the Farralone line, a black-topped river that parts two cultures, each with its own dynamic ways of daily living. My side being communicatively isolated within its walls, and the other side open with street activity at day’s end. A part of the neighborhood where on weekends music regularly rings out, and a culture where families are seen gathering in front yard conversation.

In a way… it is reminiscent of vintage America. A time when neighbors knew neighbors and cups of flour were exchanged. The irony, not often can a single Anglo be seen present navigating over the Farralone line. And in my observation of times past, a question is posed. What is happening to the American spirit of unity? For in a country, in which the very title, The United States, screams of knowing thy neighbor, many still point a finger at the richness of its diversity; a diversity that is the very foundation of its creation. And, a foundation that, as observed by my Hispanic friends on the other side of the Farralone line, has been respected as long as I have lived in my house.

Yes, I have many friends on both sides of the street, but to be quite honest, at many a time I feel more at home on their block. And today is such a day as I run into two new friends, teen neighbors Robert and Erik.

Now I’d be a liar if I told you I have never seen them. For often as I have walked past their home, we have met eyes with a distanced hello. But after a while, even this acknowledgment has grown old and even lacks depth. With this admission, the time has come. The moment to pause and do my part to start the conversation. After all, Robert and Erik are my neighbors. Only four houses and a street divide have parted our knowing each other a little better, and it’s well time we talk.

I ask Robert to share his words of counsel with us. “Live every day like it is your last. Because you never know what is going to happen.”

Because you never know what is
going to happen.”

Without fail, I’ve heard this from many a youth throughout our 365 interviews. And, every time I hear it, it sounds different, especially from the way I expressed it when I was a teen. For me, at the time, it was about self and looking only for fun. A fact I’m a little embarrassed to face as I remember my teen years. But the reality is, my generation grew up in the  “If it feels good… do it” era.

The eighties! A blur now, and although there were a host of global and political problems then, the decade bred youth that was in no way comparable to the informed generation that is walking the planet these days.

So when Robert speaks of living every day like it is the last; it is implied that his meaning is based in a much greater depth. He elaborates as he looks toward the world to come, “There will be no more gas, everything will be run off of electricity, like water and solar panels. There will be no poles or electrical wires. Everything will be wireless. Tires won’t be rubber. We will be hovering over the ground, helping the environment and all that.”

Sure it sounds Sci-Fi. But in reading through the lines, Robert is speaking of environmentalism. Taking care of the world that has been given to us.

I turn to Erik, What words of wisdom do you have to share with us?

He gives us more of a petition than advice. “I’d like to see world peace,” he says.

“I’d like to see world peace,” 

I could write more, but how do I top, “World Peace.” And as far as this afternoon, let’s just say this, The Farralone Line is slowly disappearing in my world. And as I recite Erik’s romantic and optimistic wish, I hope we can at least drops the borders of our own making.

For as history continually illustrates, the efforts of one can be great, and if each one of us does our part in our neighborhoods, perhaps Erik’s words might not have fallen not fall on deaf ears.

It’s not about riots, big groups of protestors, or even subscribing to one party or another. It’s much simpler than that– and that answer is lurking in your circle of influence.

So please, never forget, wherever there is one good deed given or thought shared, a seed is planted with the reach to grow a better world. And from that place, who knows what can happen?

So in the end, the choices remain yours, and if you think deeply, I’m guessing you probably know what you need to do. And in that, the question lingers, and in it, a modest challenge, “Do we choose to listen?”

Pass it on my friends!

Day 012: The World Is The World

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He says, “People are generally good and change is possible.”

Tonight my wife and I go for an evening drive. I’m slowly sucking her into my daily routine of meeting new people. We end up stopping at Warner Center Park, just a couple of miles from our home.

A little bit about Warner Center Park, other than its three claims to fame: Summer outdoor concerts, night outdoor movies, and a killer 4th of July fireworks show. Its hidden secret? The diversity of those who frequent its fields. Making it a local melting pot of cultures. From India to Europe, you can find it all at Warner.

The evening is cool and calm, youth soccer to the left of us, a mother with her son taking private Karate lessons to the right, and straight ahead, two young men sitting in the grass. At a distance, it looks as if they are holding a giant yellow garden hose in their laps. What’s up with that? We looked curiously at each other.

Then the Sherlock Holmes comes out in us as we set a path for a closer view. As we walk towards our contacts to be, the hose moves on its own?! Now we’re intrigued. Perhaps they are just messing with people. Trying to get a rise out of anyone thinking they’re handling a huge cat-eating snake. On park grounds mind you. Fun! A practical joke? Maybe? But whatever they are holding, we’re in!

100 feet to target, 50 feet to target, 10 feet to target, CHOW! It is a snake! 30-pounds of Burmese python, to be accurate. We’re nervous, but quickly overcome any fear in wanting to know more? I pull out my 365 business card, walk up to these guys, plus snake, and reach my hand out to introduce my wife and myself.

These guys are really cool. Turns out they go to Canoga High School just up the street, my wife’s Alma Mater. Won’t date my sweetheart, but I can say I’m pretty sure that non of her teachers are still there.

One thing this project is teaching me fast, there are many young men and women with great manners and intelligence…all lining up to lead the future. Tonight is no exception to this discovery in meeting today’s strangers-now-friends, Izzy and Jerahmia.

We are wholly impressed with the way these two young men express themselves. Izzy shares a comment that deeply impacts me. To set it up, He recently relocated to the USA from Turkey, has spent time schooling in South Africa, and by what he shares with us, has seen a thing or two of how fellowman can treat fellowman. Very impressive for a 17-year-old. What he says is this; a very simple statement, but one with great depth, “The World is the World.”

I ask him what he means? He responds by telling me that people are generally good and change is possible. It just takes time, and that we have to do the work and be patient.

OK, I’m 50 (now you know), I’ve seen and experienced a lot of things since I was seventeen. But I’m telling you, at 17 I would have never made a statement like Izzy’s.

My wife kicks in and asks Jarahmai a question or two. He chimes into the conversation with similar depth. Talks about his Greek heritage and upbringing. I can see why these two kids hang out. They are ahead in their maturity, and it shows. Glad I met them. Parents be proud!

We talk of goals. Turns out that both share an entrepreneurial perspective. Izzy sees the business opportunity in breeding snakes. I did a little research and he is absolutely correct. There is a gigantic market that spends premium dollars for exotic reptiles.

Jerahmia speaks of following in his father’s footsteps, wanting to build an electrical business. Smart kid—we all know how much we pay our electricians.

As we all chat, here is what catches my eye. Something that is becoming a through-line with many of the people I have interviewed thus far. These two youthful gents talk not only of earnings, but of equal importance, the perspective of doing something you enjoy. I’m only 12 days into 365. We’ll see if this theme keeps constant.

We finish with a few witty lines of conversation. Here are my two favorites:

One: Izzy supports the ban on domestically owned Pythons in Florida. They grow huge in that climate. Untrained they eat dogs, cats and can harm children. He goes on to share, on the other hand, they should allow domestic Pythons in New York City and San Francisco. I laugh loudly, thinking he is bagging on the cities. Well, it turns out that for New Yorkers and San Franciscans, your safe. The cold climate limits their growth.

Two: I had no idea that a 17-year-old could leg press 1000 pounds, Jerahmia can! Considering myself somewhat fit, I decide to ask more weight lifting questions, thinking I can get a pointer or two. I stop at hearing he can chest fly 305. Lifters, humble up, you know how strong this kid is. I’m fine with sticking with my twenty-five-pounders.

Oh Yeah! Forgot to introduce you to the Python, “Say hi to Goliath.”

I’m off to hibernate now.

Day 11: Only He Knows

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He tells me lemongrass tea is a cure for joint pain.

OK cut to the chase. My eyes are watering and the room is a blur. I’ve barely eaten today and have spent the last 2 hours trying to be intellectual in my writing tonight. The day has been insane. It’s rapidly approaching midnight, still not done with the day’s business. And now it’s time to go with the flow in whatever words come out. So here we go.

Meet Otto, (self-appointed owner. I found out a year after this encounter that he was the delivery man…wish he would have been honest with me) of Lemon Grass Thai Restaurant, a cool little joint around the corner from me. I’m telling you I’m lucky to have even gotten out of my office today and as I am writing this, I’m still at it working to deliver a project. By my side, my wife, who with a good friend Brandon, a very talented illustrator, are working on a set of perspective sketches for an advertising photo shoot I’m doing next week. No rest for the weary.

Flashback to 6 pm, when I grab my camera bag to hit the streets. Out the door, I go for another jaunt up Sherman Way. Not far from my house I look left and leaning against the wall, smoking a cig, is Otto. I look at him thinking, “who is this guy, and why is he loitering in my neighborhood?”

Not being the shy type, I know the only way to find out who he is, is to approach him. I step up, introduce myself, and invite him to 365.

Turns out, he is the owner (not so much) of one of my favorite local eateries. We go into the restaurant and take a few photos. He is a very energetic, educated, and amusing gentleman (again, why the deception).

I learn a thing or two from him about healthy eating. He tells me Lemon Grass Tea is a cure for joint pain. I’ll try it.

I want to write more, but I have to humble up today in letting you know, I’m toast.

I leave in sharing Otto’s recommended dish: Lab (a spicy beef salad). If you ever visit Lemon Grass in Canoga Park, order it, just try to not ask for Otto styl… or maybe you should.

All for tonight. And to my deceptive friend Otto, my heart is with you my brother—for it is not mine to guess what demons you are battling.

Talk tomorrow my friends, Richard

Day 010: Fifteen Years of Passion

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Whatever You Promise—You Deliver

Sunday afternoon, my day for spiritual worship and family time. I’m sure many of us covet this day to refill our wells for the week to come. 10 days into 365 and Sundays are already becoming the hardest day to get my butt moving. But two things I learned from my father move me forward: First, “There is only one way to do things, in whatever you do, be certain to do it right and finish it.” and secondly; as many Brits would state, “Keep a stiff upper lip.”

So with full commitment to see 365 to the end, a smile on my face, and a very supportive daughter in hand, I grab my gear for a Sunday stroll around the neighborhood.

We walk a few blocks. Noting shops unfamiliar to us, and a few we have frequented from time to time. As we browse, looking through locked storefront after storefront, most closed for Sunday rest. I realize 365 is changing my perspective of how I look at the rows of small businesses that are only footsteps from my front door. And being a small business owner myself, knowing how important it is to retain a customer base, I’ve always done my best to regularly patronize my fellow entrepreneur. But today’s feeling is deeper than that. Something different is brewing in me, and I’m not sure what it is.

I pause for reflection; a new type of empathy is grabbing hold of me. My desire to connect at a deeper level to these neighborhood co-business owners is becoming much greater. And with only nine days of meeting strangers behind me, I’m fully realizing the challenge is starting to change me, and I think it is for the better.

Canoga Camera—closed, (best ink price in town); Caveretti’s (old school Italian Deli)—open (of course, it’s a restaurant); The Boxing Gym—closed; five or six other closed stores, and then, prepared to look through yet another closed window, there it is…Canoga Park Florist—open!

Now for as long as I’ve lived in my house, (9 years to be exact), never has this store been open on a Sunday. So my curiosity takes hold, and through the doors we go

We are greeted by shop owner, Shabbir, who sitting at a display checking his text messages. 4:45-ish, store closing at 5:00 pm. I tell him what I am doing, and he buys in. Graciously giving me almost an hour—way past closing time. I find him to be very honorable and kind… even gives my 8-year-old girl a stuffed toy.

I could write a book about our chat, but I’ll keep it short, we have many more days ahead of us and I don’t want to lose you with too much text. But no matter how long-or-short these stories become, please stay with me. The journey is just starting, and I have no idea of where it will lead us

So with that said, let me give you a short rundown of our conversation and some things I did not know:

  • Shabbir loves working with all kinds of different people, bad day pick-me-up to hospital gifts, anniversaries to weddings, birthdays to graduations, mothers day to Valentine day, all have their respective flowers. But to Shabbir it’s more than just pre-arranged product, it’s pride in knowing exactly what flowers to choose for every customer he meets.
  • Gladiolas, lilies and gerberas—until now, I thought only roses were the most beautiful flower for arrangements.
  • Yelp really does work.
  • He loves being a florist and sees doing nothing other than that for the rest of his life.
  • His philosophy: Knowing your customer’s heart makes you a better business person.
  • Whatever you promise—you deliver.
  • His Dream… to pilot a plane; life is just too busy right now.

Oops! I forgot to ask him when he rests.

Talk tomorrow my friends!

 

 

Day 009: Less Violence, More Fixies

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“Biking keeps us out of trouble, you know, drugs and stuff.”

Vincent and Angel, Age 18 – sponsored riders: JB Bike Shop #2 

Went for a walk today and, strolling down Sherman Way in Canoga Park, I came across a cool little bike shop, J.B Bike Shop #2. Great place. Very urban. Met the owner Antonio as I browse and mingle with his mechanic and a few customers. In talking with him, I realize he knows his bike stuff.

To do my part in supporting small businesses, I need to let you know he is the place to go to buy a custom fixie or for tune up’s of just about any bike.

But here is what impresses me about Antonio, he gives back to the community. How you might ask? Seems he has taken a few very talented neighborhood kids under his wing in offering them bike sponsorship as well as a safe place to hang out.

In a day with so much gang violence, alcohol, and drug abuse is running ramped among our urban youth, Antonio’s positive influence is apparent. His eye to protect them apparent as I walk into his shop. Guessing I look a touch suspicious to him with my camera in hand and roaming eyes. So as I strike up a conversation with Vincent and Angel, inviting them to allow me to photograph them for 365, Antonio hovers closely as he checks my intent. And with his approving nod, the two young men accept my offer.

We go to the alley behind the shop and the boys begin to warm up. All the while, Antonio watching closely. I’m sure still not fully comfortable about my reasoning to photograph his riders. Now, this story is not wholly about Antonio, but it would be very inconsiderate of me not to mention him. I regret not getting a photo of him. But in reality, his acknowledgment is necessary. Two great and very talented young men, who without Antonio’s support, may not have had the opportunity to develop their talents.

I shoot a lot of photos. Have to, the assortment of tricks Vincent and Angel can do is astounding, and all without a ramp. And on bikes weighing around 30 pounds to boot. They lift them as if they are weightless. Off flat pavement mind you. It is impossible to show you what they can do in a still photograph, but picture this: You are riding backward, then lift the front wheel, spin around, lift the bike 3 feet off the ground, do a wheelie (on the front wheel), spin the bike on the front wheel, then ride away backward.

Or how about this one:

Pedal as hard as you can for 20 feet, leap your bike in the air, again 3 or more feet up. From there you have a few choices; maybe you want to turn the front wheel to face you, let go of the handlebars, or even better, reach out for a midair touch of the spinning front wheel with your good hand.

I think you get the picture. These kids are fearless athletes, and the best part, they are exceptional young men. Grounded (excuse the pun after seeing them take flight). Noticeably ahead of their peers in wisdom.

Here is what they say about their sport and life.

  • Biking keeps us out of trouble, you know, drugs and stuff
  • You only live once, live to the fullest
  • Do something you love
  • Never give up (even if you break your arm)
  • Their motto: Less Violence, More Fixies (a very difficult bike trick)

Vincent is planning on going to business school and dreams of opening a bike shop, just like Antonio’s.

Antonio gives his blessing with one condition. He says, “OK by me as long as it’s 30 miles from mine.”

Vincent replies, “How about another state?”

Vincent’s crazy ariels, hands off bar, wheel turned back.

 

Angel, the king of flying wheelies.

 

My favorite crazy trick: grab air and touch the spinning front wheel.

In parting, I ask them one final question, do they like to mountain biking (my favorite sport)?” They both agree, “no way, mountain biking is way too dangerous!”

I thought to myself, (a very confused) Huh?!?

Day 008: The Betty Boop of Wilmington, Ohio

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She Is A Forever-Young Lady

Tonight I’m traveling from a location scout in San Diego. Feeling rather fried and having my dear old Mum’s apartment on the route home, I drop by her place to say “hi.”

As all mothers do, she pulls me in for dinner, something no self-respecting British man can decline.

You have to know my mum, an amazing Brit, 86 years young with an incredible history going back to the WWII Blitz over London.

At dinner, I show Mum the 365 project. Her eyes light up, and to the phone she goes in calling her neighbor. Five minutes later I’m sitting in Pat’s living room, meeting her and her four-legged companion, Sassy.

We chat for over an hour. A remarkable conversation, all about faith and laughter. Her happiness is contagious and even though Sassy is drawing blood as she scratches on Pat’s delicate skin, Pat remains unaffected and smiling.

She shows me photos of her eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and as I get to know her family the talk shifts to darker history.

She tells me of her son’s murder and the early death of her high school sweetheart husband. She unveils a tragic work injury that removed her from the workforce and of her being the only one still living of all of her siblings. But the radiant thing about her is even with the difficulties and loneliness she bears, she is unshaken in her optimism and positive outlook toward the world.

There is too much to write about Pat and it’s getting late. Tomorrow is a big day and I need to prep myself for a night of curved-couch sleep. I cannot refuse Mum’s invitation to sleep at her place. I’ll just leave for my L.A. commitments at 5 am. Better to feel the sting of exhaustion than the disappointment of a Jewish mother.

So before I nod off to pretzeled sleep-land, I’ll list some of what I learn about Pat.

  • She rolls with the punches
  • Feels fortunate that she can walk and think
  • Holds her hospital’s record for the most stints in a living human heart – ten to be exact
  • Still trying to figure out how she can have 3 hips replacements with only 2 hips
  • Has patterned her life after Betty Boop

Pat, I love you, you forever-young lady.

 

Day 007: King & Queen of Hollywood

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The True King and Queen of Hollywood

When you think of the West Coast photo scene, you may think of a who’s who list of name photographers and celebrities, but today I met true photographic royalty.

Meet Silvino and his sister Andrea, two incredibly hard-working people. I’ve known Silvino’s name for years as one synonymous with quality flash equipment repair. His reputation is huge and well-respected. Never met the man before today so let me start my story with a tale.

Once upon a time, there was a beauty and portrait photographer. His light was spectacular (please forgive the self-glory, just makes a better tale), but his equipment was flawed. One flash, two flash, three flash, none—a song that was becoming more and more familiar to him. His mind was troubled, and his patience was thin as he did his best to mend the problem. A little tape here, a rap of a hand there, but no matter how hard he tried he would experience again: one flash, two flash, three flash, none.

Day after day turned into week after week and as the months slowly passed his trouble only grew. One flash, two flash, three flash, NONE! 

Then, total darkness finally fell upon him, so off to Silvino’s he went.

OK, we’re on the same page, take the flash head to an expert, time to meet Silvino.

I call to schedule a drop. Answering the phone is his sister Andrea. We chat the usual tech stuff and my gut tells me to ask her if she would be interested in being photographed for 365. I explain it to her and she promises me 5 minutes. We agree and 45 minutes later I find myself in Silvino’s West Hollywood shop.

I arrive and am welcomed to a very busy family-run business. I first meet Silvino, as seated at a tech counter in the back corner, he quietly worked away with electrical grace. I look around and self-inventory countless flash equipment of every brand. The tone of the room is focused and as my eye’s scan, I notice another technician (Hortencia: Silvino’s step-sister) hard at work on what looks like delicately wiring a flash head. And from behind the counter, Andrea pleasantly steps up. With a warm smile, she breaks the silence as, greeting me, she writes up my paperwork.

Business done, we start to chat. We share life stories, our children (turns out we both have 8-year-old daughters), and of her 17 years of working with her brother

Silvino’s ears perk up, leading to my inviting him to join us in conversation and asking if he will be in our photograph. He humbly agrees, but states, “I never let people photograph me.” I feel privileged, seeing it as an honor to photograph someone whose work I truly respect.

His job is thankless and unseen. What he and his family do is a great backbone to the LA photo industry; something that I challenge every photographer to respect in using his services.

We all chat and the conversation quickly turns away from business to more poignant topics. We expand our talk to past, family, and our LA histories. As we converse, I am smitten by a sense of laughter blended with a powerfully determined work ethic and focus on family.

We share family photos and stories of our kids. In doing so, I strengthen my testimony of the importance of family and our responsibilities as parents. I reflect upon the many hard-working families I know. I walk away with a self-challenge, and a challenge to you, to recommit to getting to more fully know our communities.

So today it is easy to forget the spotlight the famous photographers and celebrities hold. For front and center in my mind are Silvono, Andrea, and Hortencia: keep going, you’re doing things right! In my mind, and as the people you are, I see you as the true Kings and Queens of Hollywood.

Silvono, Andrea, Hortencia: Thanks for letting me into your lives.

Day 006: The Book of James

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“Let The Love Come to You”

Day 6, almost one week into 365. Only 359 days to go. The good thing is, so far my family is on board. Tonight my daughter and I pass Taft High on our way home from dinner out with a friend. In the parking lot are a dozen or so catering trucks. Gourmet trucks are becoming quite the rage lately and we regularly visit our favorite haunt; a Friday night hot spot we know in Granada Hills where 50 to 60 trucks usually show up.

Tonight, however, catches us by surprise, seeing trucks in this spot is not a typical occurrence. Even though we are full to the gills from a heavy Mexican dinner of chips, fajitas, and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, we find it impossible to withstand the temptation of a catering truck expedition. I try to drive by, but 1/4 mile past Taft, our willpower gone, we flip a U-turn as we commit to the pursuit to snacks.

We pull up and immediately I see my greatest temptation: chocolate-covered nuts. Hey, they are full of protein. That’s good for me, isn’t it?

Ready to binge, my daughter and I walk towards the most colorful truck in the lot, Antonia’s Nuts. On our approach we are greeted by James. At first glance, I know this guy has things to say. He agrees to be photographed. I quickly find out one fact is certain, James is way chill.

We talk for about 15 minutes. My takeaway: James is an icon for the positive. The kind of dude we all want as a friend.

A few statements from “The Book of James”

  • Why not? Not why!
  • You have to have humor
  • Laugh at it all
  • I’m a musician, but check out my girlfriend’s music

James lives what he preaches. He tells me of his house just being robbed, “it opened up the universe for me.” Even had the robbers try to break in again a second time while he and his roommate were home. He just went to the door and told them to go away. Many of us would have attacked them. James just kept his cool.

I find out he is a musician. Leads me to ask him if I can promote his band or share any message for him. He gives me two simple notes.

ONE: “Live positive and let the love come to you”

TWO: “Nah, my band broke up, but you can promote my girlfriend’s music—it’s cool. Google her. Jade Alexis”

James, hope to see you again!