story telling

“Treat every day as if it is the last day you will see. Life is so fragile; you never know what could happen in a second. There are so many unforeseen pitfalls. Everything could be fantastic and could change instantly.”

The first words Richard, my new friend, shares with me this day.

In a way, he is a noticed stranger, a man I have seen many times walking his dog through a nearby neighborhood I often travel. I’ve caught eye contact with him on occasion, but never have taken the time to introduce myself. My life is different now, and I have pledged to never pass on saying a polite hello to anyone who connects with me eye to eye. Today is such a day.

It’s almost dusk and I’m driving on Richard street. No rush to be anywhere, no stress in my mind, and doing my best to live life as prescribed to me by many of my 365 friends over the last one hundred days.

One hundred days… I need to pause on that…

365 has been an amazing journey, and it’s hard to believe that I’m apexing towards the half way point. One hundred days… I guess that makes us a centennial community, a mark that I could never have accomplished without the openness, and bravery, of all of whom I am proud to call my friends.

With this said, let’s all take a moment to celebrate. No, not with fan fair, cancel the open bar and let Joe the neighbor take five in brining his cover band to the party. Our celebration is going to be a little different. How about we call it a tribute?

That tribute; a simple breath, a moment of calmness, a self-permission to drop the stress in looking at the world around us with welcoming eyes. Can you think of a better way to end 2011 and step into a new year, I can’t?

And in reviewing Richard’s concept of treating every day as if it is the last day we will see, and in talking with him further about the meaning of his council, I can honestly say, “His perspective is a supportive request for peace of mind and of respect for the lives of others.

In one seemingly fatalistic statement, he supports the positive observations and council of so many other 365 members.

Oh, that’s a stretch Mr. Radstone; you are a word bender. No, not really. My friend Richard delivers the goods to support his positive outlook.

First, he has a killer flu; I’m even surprised he allows me to photograph him. As we are talking, I can see that he is so congested that he cannot breath through his nose. I’m sure you have been there, and to have meaningful conversation when ill can be quite a challenge. I’m glad he finds the focus to interview, for Richard expresses words we need to hear.

You see, Richard’s life has been an homage to serving society. A high school teacher, he has dedicated the last twenty-six years to educating special need students. This is something that he does not aggressively flaunt; I even have to lure it out of him. But once we start the discussion, I am allowed into the life of a very kind and patient man. One whose only wish is this, “Leave the planet in good shape for the next generation.”

On that topic, we do briefly talk of environmental, economic and political issues, but these are not exactly what Richard is referring to. What he is addressing is a call to society, “Treat each other kindly. No matter what our condition, we all have something to offer. Learn to not only love yourself, but be accepting of others, again, no matter what their condition.”

Richard has the humble chops to make this claim. Think about it, twenty-six years working with special need teens and their families. That takes a special person.

“Whether mentally or physically disabled, people are people, and we need to look at each other as such.”

“I see lot’s of love coming from my students, as well as parents that are so dedicated to their children. Having a special need child is a blessing, but it difficult and a life long commitment.”

Of this blessing, “These kid have a lot to offer: talents, aspirations and personalities.” I can feel the compassion of Richard’s commitment to his community as he shares this with me.

Even his perspective of the school where he has been teaching for his entire career, and incidentally, the alma mater of my wife, reflects his commitment in seeing good.

“I’ve been a school teacher at Canoga High since 1985. It’s a great campus with great programs. We have lots of advanced classes and it is a nice place to work. I don’t understand why so many families are sending their kids to other schools.”

Does he care, I think so, “It touches me when I see the joy of parents who see progress in their children or when one of my students is successful in their development.” He says.

Twenty-six years dedicated to one agenda, to be a good teacher.

So in tribute to 365 and to Richard, let’s all join this day in one mission, that call, “Keep our chins up, look at people as people and say one simple word, Hello, how are you!”

Richards wish for the future:
“’I’d like to know that the day shall come when people will look back and say, ‘we left the world a better place.’”

Richard, Keep on teaching, and feel better, I know the flu is a bummer.

I’m sure you are getting used to my travel journals by now. Some days you hear a lot about my day, others are right to the point. Today, I think we’ll land somewhere in the middle.

Lately, my daughter has been accusing me of being too busy for her, a typical request from an extremely creative nine-year old. But looking at the 365 journals, and seeing how much time I have spent with her on this project alone, I’m pretty convinced that her jab is un-warranted. Especially on this cold rainy evening, as we find ourselves: My wife, daughter and I, at her piano recital.

However, the musical feast was almost not to be. How many of you, even with the best of planning, forget the most important, and at the same time most distant, of traveling tasks? No not the map, ex-nay on the snacks promised to accompany the ride, car is clean? We checked the guest list, and scary Aunt Milly is not going to be there. What then?

The invisibly obvious…Gas!

Crud, fifteen minutes to get there, fuel gauge needle buried into the red. Why do we always say the following statement to ourselves, “No worries… We’ll fill up on the way,” probably one of the top ten dumbest statements of any busy family or person. Yea! Right! No worries!

Two choices now, stop and miss the recital, and receive the consequences of a room full of waiting faces, and we arrive past schedule

No Way! My daughter’s music teacher has a standing rule; we don’t start until everyone performing has arrived. But let me translate what this really means, “Those who are late will never be forgotten for holding up the show,” not really the badge of honor I want to wear tonight.

Or, behind the box of what the heck, choice two, GO FOR IT! DRIVE ON FUMES.

I go with, what the heck box, we’ll do it right, if we are going to be late, we’ll be really, really late from running run out of propellant. Maybe that way, in worst-case scenario we’ll at least have a story.

Luckily for us, we roll in on fumes, and walk into the recital looking as if all is well in Radstone land.

The performance is cute, 45 minutes piano virtuosos followed by four napkins of catered egg rolls, but the reality is slowly setting in. We’ll be traveling home soon, and the horror of the possibility of running out of gas in heavy rain is becoming brutally apparent.

We luck out, the fuel angels play in our favor, and we chug into a Chevron literally as the car gasps it’s last breaths of fumed motivation. I look at my daughter, “Told you we’d get some quality family time.”

I’ve still not gotten a 365 interview at this point, so I figure, “Hey, an opportunity for more family time.” Gonna drive this jab home tonight. “Let’s see if we can find someone who wants to be in 365.” She is in faster than I am, and before I can shoulder my camera bag, she is in the rain looking for friends. I love this kid.

Into the store we go, asking everyone we see. All decline for one reason or another. Watching this set of exchanges is the proprietor, Umesh. I’m thinking he is going to throw us out for bothering people. Turns out completely the opposite of how things play out. Bottom line, Umesh stands forward in being today’s 365 contributor.

He teaches me a thing or two about kindness to others. First off, the station is crazy busy. There is hardly a second when no one is at the counter where he is working. But even with this pace of customers, he is open to questions and thoughtful in his responses.

The other thing about Umesh that impresses me is his attentativeness to his customers. Everyone receives a smile and a sincere “Have a good evening.” He tells me, “Too many people are too stressed and need to slow down.” We’ve heard that one before, haven’t we?

Umesh has a dialect, but his English is regal. The sort of voice you hear from diplomats and royalty.

I find out that he is a recent immigrant from Sri Lanka. “I came here two and a half years ago, and I prepared for three years to make to move.”

Here is something I did not know. In order to get a student visa, you have to show one hundred thousand dollars of cash assets. Being an alien myself, parents migrated from the UK in the early sixties, I have a great respect for those who go through the legal channels, working and saving to come to America.

Umesh talk of America with pride. He says, “Everything is possible here.”

“And with faith in God, I’m positive all will work out.” Umesh blends this perspective into the council he shares with us, “No matter what happens, just believe, in the end you will be in a good place.”

A lot of people talking of God over the last few weeks, could it be the season, or are we starting to get an idea of what is core to many? One hundred days down now. I’m sure time will reveal the answer to us.

“In Sri Lanka I was an Investment Advisor, and I am now going to college studying marketing and business. One day I want to own a station like this one.”

“I really like my job, I meet all kinds of people and enjoy talking to them all.” In this claim, Umesh proves to me of his intent, to be a positive contributor to the country that is offering him a new life of opportunity.

It is clear that he feels privileged to be in the United States, and has charted a respectful course.

His example can be taken by us all, and in his words of encouragement, I am in agreement. Those words, “Hard Work Pays Off!”

Umesh, Keep your shoulder to the wheel, my friend.

For me, my evening path is one-dimensional. As my mother always says when I am driving, “Home James (a British reference to a cab driver).

No worries Mom, I have a full tank of gas.

Out on a Saturday road trip with my daughter, destination, Santa Barbara, land of healthy living and volleyball.

It’s a lovely drive and we drop off highway 101 just as sunset hits. My daughter has a plan… a sand crab hunt. Chasing the sun, we race down Cabrillo Boulevard and settle at the free parking by the volleyball courts.

She grabs her beach stuff and looks at me, “Dad… your camera bag.” Wow, at nine she has learned at an early age to push me with the fortitude of a seasoned producer.

She is right, 365 never takes a break, and even thought we are on family time, she makes this acutely aware to me, “It’s day ninety-nine, you’re almost at one hundred days Dad. Keep going!”

I accept and strap on my forty pounds of backpack for a soft sand workout. By the way, my shoulders, back and neck are starting to get buff. Who knows? Maybe I’m unintentionally developing the upper body exercise fad of the future: “Sand Backpacking?”

On the horizon are several groups of Volleyball games in various stages of play. We see one group that is wrapping up as the cold evening air begins to take its bite (as much as it can in sunny California).

We approach the group, and although they seem interested at first, when the question arises, “Can I photograph you?” they decline.

The beach is mostly empty, but there is one figure further down the coast, a man fishing, boat at side. Maybe he will be interested. If not, no worries. After all, it’s family time. So if he is out, I’ll find someone later.

The sun is touching the mountains now, and as we get closer to our unknown fisherman, he begins to push his boat into the water as he packs up for the day. Oh well, like I said, “I’ll find someone later.”

Here’s one more finding I’m accepting about 365. It really is directing me, and the more I submit to it, the more is drawn to me. And today proves this point.

The moment I acknowledge, not defeat, but acceptance in finding no new friend, a voice strikes me from behind, “Hey, we just finished or game, I have a few minutes before we leave, do you still want to interview me. The others don’t want to, but the project sounds very interesting and I’d like to contribute.”

Stepping up is the wonderfully energetic and fit Bronwyn. At first words, I really like this lady. There is a magic radiating from her and at first question I know why.

It’s cold!! And I want to be courteous to shivering Bronwyn, so without hesitation I go right to interview.

“What words of wisdom do you have for my readers?”

Even though it is tooth chattering cold, Bronwyn delivers a huge smile, “That’s easy… spend time outside!”

Bronwyn’s is magical. And here is my perception to the key of her magic; – she possesses a love for nature and the world around her. With this, it makes sense as to why she is so radiant; Bronwyn is in her element… the outdoors.

Healthy is an understatement in describing Bronwyn. I’m sure many of you have run on the beach. For those of you who have not, know that 100 yards can be a breath taker. In talking to Bronwyn, she is not at the least breathless, even after sprinting 200 yards to catch up with us.

It gets better. She tells me of her career, “Tomorrow I start a new job, so I’m getting in all the outdoor time I can find before I go to the office.” What of this career? How do you cage a graceful bird to a cubical existence?

The answer can be summed up in two words… passion and commitment. Bronwyn’s profession? Environmental Economist. The title is over my head, so we talk about it.

Many of our 365 friends have spoken of a better future for our children. A wonderful sentiment. One that challenges my every action, pushing me to reflect on the impact and consequences of the decisions I make.

“I’m tired of the little gestures.” Bronwyn states.

“If we are going to change, we have to do more, get involved, and educate ourselves. It is amazing how little knowledge our current people know about the environmental impact of industry and population.”

Bronwyn is not bagging on us, she even says, “I’ve been studying this stuff for years and I haven’t even touched the surface of it.”

What she is saying is this. In my words, “’Sure, it is a good thing to recycle our plastics. The positive impact of that alone is great. Yes, I realize we are all busy and can’t find time to know it all. Bronwyn even accepts this in stating, ‘I have been studying the environment for years, and there is no way I can know it all.’”

Here is what I propose, “We need to push a little harder in doing our part.”

Perhaps it’s in the form of an educated vote. Maybe it is a letter to a politician or corporate executive in lobbying for better reforms or initiatives. Or simply, an hour or two a week in Google or other search engines, education ourselves on things we can do in every day life to help the environment. Whatever it is, I suggest we lean it towards Bronwyn’s wishes for the future.

Those wishes, “I’d love to see a day when we are doing more good for the planet than harm.”

Bronwyn, I hear you about the little gestures, I’ll work to do better in understanding what I can do, and again ask you, my readers, to join me in this cause.

Bronwyn, today you have reached out to me in sharing what to you may seem a little gesture in joining 365. My hope is your message touches enough of us to become one large gesture for us all to chomp on. TREAT THE PLANET RIGHT.

365 has posed this question, what is a stranger?

In the beginning of my journey, I was resolute that a stranger is a person who is completely isolated from my circle of influence. And although this is still a major part of my quest in meeting my friends, I have come to realize that there are so many more strangers around me, ones that this rule is overlooking.

I’m a compulsive kind of guy. That compulsion has been both an asset and a barrier to me. Why do I share this character trait with you?

For the first sixty days of 365, as a said above, I worked by the steadfast rule, “A stranger is a person who it completely isolated from my circle of influence.”

At 98 days, I now know that my stranger rule is flawed. There are so many more levels of strangers that I have rudely ignored, one’s that at many times are closest to us. For that reason I have defined several more levels of strangers.

There are strangers amongst us:

Take for example the story of Nikki (For The Love Of Dogs), our dog groomer. I’ve known her by name for over twelve years, yet until recently, when she became a 365 friend, I had no idea of who she was. Now we are truly friends.

Our personal networks are filled with strangers:
It’s easy to overlook these strangers by association, often failing to open our eyes in allowing ourselves to reach out to them. I think of the referral that my daughter’s art teacher shared when she introducing me to the fire dancers of  “Welcome To Our Neighborhood,” Or Is That? “There’s A Fire In My Pocket!” An experience that I can truly say broadened my understanding of the commitment of real friendship and the importance of community.

And now to my newest discovery, “Strangers in the shadows.”

You may have noticed in my last few entries I have been mentioning a location photo shoot that I am in. Specifically, I am in San Diego, and this is the last day of a three-day lifestyle campaign for a local utility company.

For the last two days of the shoot we have been at the residence of one of the companies marketing employees, who has graciously allowed our production, over thirty people, to descend upon her home and family. That in itself is a gesture worthy of the greatest applause.

We are a very respectful production, but even with every bit of professionalism and respect for the home, I do realize that we are a great disruption to life of a very sweet family of three: Mom, dad and young son.

For two long days we have been here, sunrise to sunset, not one complaint. We’ve moved tables, chairs, and taken over the entire lower floor, and, basically, the home is ours.

And even when the father of the house has to redo an entire document, due to an unfortunate a breaker trips, he never breaks a sweat.

During the whole production, I am aware of his presence, even have a few moments of small talk, but other than that, he is a new person in my life.

Our shoot wraps, and as we clear his home, I notice him standing in the shadows, just under a house light illuminating the side of his garage. Could he be my friend of the day?

I remember briefly telling him about 365 yesterday. He accepted my card with an interested, “I’ll check it out.” But that was it and I left it at that.

Tonight though, I feel a strong prompting to invite him to the project. I refuse my inspiration for a moment.

“I’m cheating,” I tell myself again. Even Tonya, my camera tech and good friend, digs me, “You’re cheating!”

But I think about it for a moment. “Does it really matter how we meet each other?” I ask myself.

“Who makes the rules of association anyway,  and who tells us who, or where, or why we should reach out to each other?

Sure Brian (I do approach him, and he does accept to be in 365) has shared world space with me for two days, but that is no reason to discount an opportunity to share a bit of who I am, and opening up to find out about him. Does it?

How many times have any of us, for one reason or another, chosen to withdraw within ourselves in the sight of possible friendships? Think about that for a moment, and consider it a challenge to extend a hand of introduction the next time you feel inspired to do so.

If there is one thing I have learned thus far in 365 is that every time I converse with any of the people I am meeting, not only my understanding, tolerance, and knowledge of my fellow humans evolves, but my own personal esteem along with my appreciation for the world around me grows incrementally.

Richard… Thanks for the Zen Master stuff, but what about Brian.

Well, in a way, I have already been talking of Brian. We’ve taken over his house for forty-eight plus hours, all of which he has been gracious and accommodating. At one point we even drove him out of his office, unintentionally relocation him to the garage to complete his business calls in the peace of silent.

That is itself is a testament to his patience and self control.

As speak with Brian while the production finishes its final wrap out. He shares with me a few aspects of himself that testify to the reasons behind his ability to allow us into his home.

For one thing, Brian is man of balance and respect for others. “My parents taught me early in life the importance of respect for man and the importance of family values.”

The respect for man part, I completely see, it’s obvious in the way he has treated my team and the depth he has allowed us into his home.

What is of even greater impact to me are the words he speaks of when addressing the future. “I have no control over the world, although, what I can control is how I live in it, and how I teach my son. Which is the way my parents taught me.”

The whole picture clicks in, Brian is teaching us all by example, and more importantly, teaching his son (who, by the way, is present for much of the shoot).

Yes, we are an extreme distraction; yes, we are noisy; yes, we are moving stuff.

“I want my son to grow up respectful and with good values,” Brian says.

Brian, keeping your cool is a lesson in itself, one that I am certain your son is taking in and will model in his life.

We speak of other great values: Family First, Loyalty, The Importance of Earning Trust through Honesty and the Selflessness of Helping Others.

Brian speaks of his business (which by the way has been written up in Forbes) with great humility. Yet, when we hit that topic he redirects our conversation back to family. It is obvious that this is a man who, even though he states, “I have no control over the world,” knows exactly where he is going. And at the top of his priorities, the answer is clear: His family.

Brian, my wife has been asking me to interview more Mothers, but today, I am pleased to say, “It is a pleasure to meet a good father.”

Brian, Thank you, and your family, for having us in you home. Your example has made my world a better place.

Happy Holidays, my friend!

We finish day two of our photo shoot today. All goes well, and at wrap, two of my crew friends (for the second day, Tyler, along with the lovely Tonya) do what any respecting photographic artists would do at the end of a successful day… buy shoes.

Well, at least that’s Tonya’s plan, and being the supportive lads that Tyler and I are, we are happy to join her in a shopping tour. Plus there is a bonus; Bloomingdales has comfortable chairs for shoe shoppers. Been on our feet all day, and a term of duty in a mushy chair is looking pretty promising.

I need to tell you a little more about my work history, I was once a young Al Bundy, and yes, I’m proud of it, got me through photo school. For those of you who don’t know All Bundy, he was the subject of a sitcom that aired from 1987 to 1997: Married with Children.

In the show, dear old Al was a rather uncouth gentleman, but the premise of the comparison is funny non-the-less. I use it in gest, knowing one thing; I was a charming shoe salesman, the anti-character of our satirical Al Bundy.

So when our shoe salesman hits me with this question, “What camera do you shoot with?” I am set back. How in sam heck does he know I am a shooter? The answer, obvious, forty pounds of photo backpack on my shoulder.

Who is our man of the moment? Emerging artist, and the future of photography: Storyteller, Bradley. “I’m going to Brooks Institute (my alma mater), and am selling women’s shoes to save some money for it.”

Oh yeah! I forgot to tell you, “I sold women’s shoes through my time at Brooks.”

Bradley tells me of his past internships and of his business plans. The guy is sharp and sober in his thoughts. He speaks of his enthusiasm for photography and of looking forward to the three years of training he is about to embark on.

It does not take me more than one explanation of 365 to get his acceptance to be today’s friend. So much so, that I have invited him to work with us on our photo shoot tomorrow. If I find time, I’ll get back to you a let you know how it goes.

We walk the shoe department for a couple minutes, and for our photos, settle in an isle between a couple of sale shoe racks. Boy, do I remember this rack. Always led to a double sale in my shoe days.

The interview turns out to be no picnic. The eyes of management, and hoards of holiday shoppers are upon us, leaving us only a few minutes to shoot and talk. Bradley is stoic, staying focused and able to well manage both his photo opportunity and the several customers that he is serving.

No one really complains as we shoot, yet when Bradley and I park momentarily at a counter for an interview, we are subtly corrected via a single comment of Bradley’s manager as she walks into the stockroom. Her comment, a rather low toned, “Bradley.”

I get the message loud and clear, “Bradley, back to your sales.”  Interview is over.

Here is what Bradley quotes:

Words of Wisdom: “You absolutely have to keep an open mind, and regardless of their culture, be respectful to people in general.”

About the Future: “My hobby is Philosophy and Theology. So, in ten years I’d like to not only be somewhat established as a photographer, but more importantly, be recognized for work that brings awareness to issues in our society that causes people to stop and think for a moment, and that my imagery will help promote change for the bettering of our society.”

Photography truly is a powerful medium, isn’t it?

With the many through lines that are developing within my 365 journey, one that continues this week is the premise of the law of attraction.

As Allen stated a few days ago, “I felt no fear as we hit the bunker.” Tonight’s entry builds on this thesis by continuing Allen’s introduction to the concept of “fear not.

It is late, the day has been full, and with two hotel stay days still left of the location assignment I am on, I find myself isolated in a very empty hotel lobby.

One of my crew friends, Tyler, runs into me and we decide to hit the lounge to see if we can meet a 365 friend.

Sitting at the bar, enjoying a quite dinner is Rebecca. Absorbed in conversation with the bar tender. I vicariously listen in the their topics, and although they are talking of mostly trivia, I am intrigued and reach out to her.

At first our dialogue is distant and forced. “Your project sounds interesting, but let me finish eating my dinner and I might be interested to be in it.” Rebecca comments.

Tyler and I continue our conversation and with the clock ticking away, I cross my fingers, hoping that Rebecca will allow me to interview her.

Not wanting to be an intrusion, we sit for some time, and when Rebecca requests her closing bill, I muster the courage to bother her once again.

At first she is reluctant, but as we converse the apprehension dissipates as we begin to talk of the negatives of the corporate world. Turns out that Rebecca is a very brave lady who has taken the leap of faith in leaving its comfort to follow her dream.

I have met some very powerful and amazing women over the last ninety-six days. So, it is no exception to that rule when, as Rebecca and I chat, I realize her wisdom is a direct pick up to so many of the threads established within 365.

As many have shared, she councils us to believe in our dreams and to follow them.

But, Rebecca takes it to a new level in issuing an unintentional challenge. In her words, “Fear is a motivator, feel it, and do it anyway, it could possibly be an affirmation of something you need to do. You may fail, but you can’t quite. In all things there is a lesson. And that lesson makes you stronger and a better person.”

I’m sure we have all felt fear. How many of us have the courage of Rebecca and actually take the plunge to face it.

Rebecca is listening to her dream. Leaving the salaried stability of steady employment in following her passion to help others. “I am a full time student working on my Masters in Psychology.”

“My thesis is centered on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)” Hearing this takes me back to my interview with Lucy, and her work against Human Trafficking. Lucy told me of the intensity of the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder suffered by the victims enslaved to the brothels and the hopelessness that many of them feel.

It is a warming encounter to meet a person like Rebecca, who is on course with the compassion and courage required to serve those ravaged by the paralysis of PTSD.

We spend a bit of time talking about her focus of treatment, “Emotional Freedom Technique (EFD)”. I am no Psychologist, but what Rebecca shares with me is very empowering.

“I want to help people to point their lives towards where they want to be.” I see the conviction in her eyes as she verbalizes this philosophy.

“Our minds are extremely powerful. Like computers, we just have to program them right.”

The bar tender walks over, “I am closing in a few minutes.”

Oh! Talk about terrible timing; we are on a killer topic. We find out we have around five minutes left before doors close.

Rebecca and I pick up the pace of our interview. To program our minds comments? A huge line of discussion, and one that at 11:00pm is just too weighty to fully discuss.

But here is my spin. “If need be, face the fear, feel the pain, do the work, apply the rules of forgiveness (to self and others) and continually strive to reframe disabling thoughts and behaviors.” Not easy to do, but very empowering if accomplished.

I wish I had a day to talk with Rebecca, but the lateness of the evening, accompanied by both of our busy work schedules, has made that impossible.

Yet, I do manage to record Rebecca’s general wishes for the future.

“I hope for a world where fighting ceases. It’s all driven by greed and the agenda’s of political parties. It would be wonderful to see people respecting each other as fellow humans. And, to intelligently work together in doing the right things.”

In closing Rebecca leaves us this sobering proposition. In all that we do, think about the “Seven Deadly Sins.”

Rebecca, your focus, compassion and courage to speak out is greatly appreciated.

It’s now 1:00am in my camp; Let’s all get some sleep now.

“Just Smile, Man! There is no more to say in describing Janett.

I am traveling today with a three-day assignment shoot beginning tomorrow. Wherever I go now, my crew rallies with me for 365. Today is no exception. For the second time, my producer and very talented writer, Michaelbrent Collings, approaches a 365 friend.

He does this as we are checking into our hotel, and before I have a chance to figure my path, I am chatting with the vivacious Janett, the front desk clerk at the joint we are staying at.

The front desk is busy, and to be totally honest, I need some sleep; tomorrow is a big day. For this reason, we decide to make our interview short.

One thing is overwhelming; Janett is full of energy, nothing but smiles from this girl. “I am always smiling, it makes everything better, and it’s contagious.” Janett is a poster child for positive attitude. I am instantly taken by her wit and maturity.

At twenty-one, she is already speaking of balance in life. “I’m working on having a life with less drama.”

We talk of priorities and the importance of education, focusing on the need for a life filled with good things.

Good things, like making smart choices. Janett is not partying like many at her age. She talks of healthy fun and how much she enjoys her job.

“You have to be open, it’s cool to get out there and smile at the world. I’m loving life and do enjoy working in hospitality. At the front desk I get to talk to lots of different people. It’s like traveling to other cultures.”

Janett speaks of smart choices? In following her example, It is time for me to make one. The day has been long, my eyes are drooping and the morning is approaching rapidly.

To that end, I must say good night my friends.

Tomorrow is another day.

“Don’t let fear dominate your decisions” – straightforward council you might have heard before, words that are easy to hear, but hard to act on.

Today I run into Allen, a man who has earned the chops to live by the above mantra.

What gives him his perspective? “I will always remember it,” he says.  “The night we went to war. I was stationed in Kuwait and was at the center of it all. I heard the scuds coming in and dropped to my knees to pray, asking, ‘Please remove me from fear.’ We all moved! And my prayers were answered. I felt no fear as we hit the bunker. The only concern I had was for the other guys.”

In talking with Allen it is apparent that this for the other guys outlook is to this day core to who he is.

“I was a reconnaissance photographer,” Allen humbly tells me. He does not talk about his missions in detail; but, knowing that the recon guys are first to the front, I can only assume that he has seen it all.

“You have to stay in the moment and look for the next right thing to do.”  Allen is all about doing the right thing. He talks about the law of attraction, relating it to a higher power. “I do not preach or promote what I believe, I just do my best to help others, in doing so, good people find me and I find God.”

Allen is concerned for the people of our country. He talks of our greatness and the freedoms we have, but sounds an alarm for the future.

“I worry about the current state of the union. I hate to say it, but I think we are on the midst of a revolution of some kind. People are fed up and to their breaking point.”

Yet even with this dark concern, Allen leaves us this positive affirmation:

“Always remember to give back.”

Allen, Thanks for the call to action!

Holiday parties all weekend. Not only am I attending, I’m hosting. Not the best weekend for a long 365 search and article.

Can’t figure out exactly where to go. So when my daughter and I hit the road for and errand run, we decide to stop by one of our favorite hiking spots, hoping to meet a friend for the day.

We park at the top of Victory, an entrance to Ahmanson Ranch, part of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. It’s a very cool open space saved from development in 2003.

The sun is rapidly dropping and the wind enhanced evening chill is beginning to set in.

There is a Hawk hovering overhead as we hit the trail. This sighting renews our commitment to weather the cold. Especially my daughter, who in her short sleeves, runs up and down the trails. I’m not bad parent. We have three coats in the car, all of which she refuses to put on.

Approaching us are several groups of hikers, returning from their afternoon’s outings. It’s starting to get very cold, but even with the wind and the on setting freeze, I am warmly welcomed by my two new friends, local nature lovers Johanna and Steven.

It’s getting very close to dusk, and not wanting to loose the light, we scurry to take a few photos. Luckily for us, the light is great, making it easy breezy to get a nice shot. Plus the picturesque hillside surely helps a bit.

We are too the point in our conversation. So I’ll be fairly brief in my write up.

Have you ever met those people who have a calmness about them; that, “we are good with life and the world around us countenance.”  You know, those happy examples who seemingly have discovered the secret to life, or at least are on track to a better future.

We are good with life and the world around us, the easiest way to introduce, Johanna and Steven.

Like I said, we have a very short conversation. But gems are shared.

“The trail is our therapy,” they tell me.

I ask of their wishes for the future and any wisdom for the readers of 365.

The new-year is getting closer and, I’m sure all of us need to continue to be uplifted to know that none of us are alone in our thoughts. With this said, welcome Johanna’s and Steven’s combined thoughts on one of my favorite topics, the current state and future of our youth.

A regular theme and another affirmation to many of the topics we have covered over the last 92 days.

“We want our kids to have a simpler life and a respect for nature. We worry about the pressure schools put on our children to perform.” I instantly relate, they are not talking about rearing uneducated children. They are talking about a system that institutionalizes education to a set of standards and statistics, a method of education that teaches unhealthy competition, undue stress and an inability to develop individual talents. I could write a book on my point-of-view on this issue, but that is no the purpose of 365, maybe next year.

They continue, “Our wishes for our kids…Less technology,” referring back to their perspectives of simplifying life and an appreciation nature.

We talk of our childhoods and the time we spent playing in the mountains and fields. “It’s all Wii 2 now.”

This is why I continue to fight tooth and nail with my kid about the virtual world. So far I’m still winning the war. There is no Wii 2 in my home; although, I do admit to several subscriptions to virtual play worlds.

The sun drops below the horizon, and we are late for our evening commitments. Sadly, we have to conclude our trail talk.

Johanna, Steven, thanks for sharing a few minutes of cold air chat. Your wishes for the future are well needed.

See you on the trails.