Wow, this day has come way too fast… and exactly how do I express the impact “Project 365” has had on my life? Intent is the word that wakes me this morning as my eyes cracked open and my mind began running its sleepy headed reflections, booting up while pondering just what to say in wrapping “Project 365.” A very emotional task indeed, and in my reflections an unusual word creeps into my imagination… intent. I’ll confess, I’m caught off […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

365 days of discovery, hundreds of photos of new friends and thousands of words written… I’ll not look at the world the same again. And, exactly who do I interview in completing my last day of a one year challenge; a challenge that has empowered me with a mission that has literally changed the course of my future, and has so enhanced my outlook on the world? And now, I am face to face with the question that has been […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

I can’t really say it is writers block, bit in writing today my mind is a little slowed, so I am just sitting here letting my typing fingers grab whatever they want. And for a guy who claims to not be a writer, it seems that over the last year, somehow my ten digit extremities have often taken over my mind, tapping into my subconscious. Today is one of those days. There have been far too many experiences shared during […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

“If I had to boil it down into one sentence… that would be to treat your neighbor as you want to be treated,” say today’s stranger now friend, Steve. Words that roll off the lips of so many of us, and words that are fundamental to the hope that many of us share. And at the very core of the sentiment is the reason that 365 has made it this far, only three days from the completion of its first […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

After listening to my explained history of 365, Rabbi Mentz looks into my eyes… “You’re on a journey to find yourself.” I cannot disagree, and in doing so, a peace fill my heart. A peace that I’m sure we all looking for. It’s that feeling of purpose, that joy of knowing that the path has meaning, and a freedom to accept the very things that frighten us. Those hidden dreams, un-faced secrets and desires for a better self. And although […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

Here I go again, walking up to people in parking lots, and in my own neighborhood none-the-less. How shameless. And, if you had asked me at the beginning of 365 if I would wander my own area so often, I would have most likely dismissed the notion. Thinking, “I need to travel as far as I can to find a diversity of people, and to meet true strangers.” Boy was I wrong… Not that I have leaned heavily on my […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

At a pace that is difficult to keep up with, The Chief talks of medicine, his spiritual reference for prayers, of his outlook toward his fellow human beings, of his years living on Venice beach, the importance of parenting, the environment and of his wishes for a more loving world. “There was a lot of anger, a lot of hate, a lot of drugs… sex, drugs and rock and roll on this beach ten years ago… it was a horrible […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

“Stop it! That’s it… Stop It!” Calvin pleads. “We all need to stop it…! We are such a joke around the world… We just need to stop it! Stop everything… the cheating, the lying, the politics, the don’t give a damn about your fellow-man, don’t care about your family, too much divorce, robberies, gang bangers killing people like it’s a video… My words of council would be to stop it! Look at how you’re hurting the world… look how you’re […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

Main Street, Venice, California, 8:00pm – the area is buzzing with foot traffic and constantly changing activity, and in the middle of it all, three people are talking enthusiastically as they sit in front of a little art gallery. There is something about them that will not let me ignore approaching them, but how? They are really pumped up in conversation. I so don’t want to become a pest by any means. And for whatever reason, I’ve been Mr. Vicarious […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

Entry 354 told you where I have been for the last couple of days… at a casting session for project I’m producing and shooting this month. Even introduced you to Blanca, casting director turned friend, a very cool lady with a special magnetism about her, evidenced in the way she sees good in all people. I can understand why she does what she does. Every thing about Blanca’s studio sings of this vibe of acceptance, and after spending time with […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

The sidewalk of Trendy Melrose Boulevard passes under my Old Navy flip-flops as I race in beating a last pulses of ‘Don’t Walk” blinks of red signage. But traffic signals warnings, scare me not, I’m an edgy guy in an edgy neighborhood. So I’ll be cool and show the world how radical I am, time to J-walk… I’m living on the edge baby! “Sure you are Radstone, you’re the Axl Rose of pedestrian violations, and your vibe is chill.” “Yep, […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

A little behind the scenes Hollywood excitement for you today, or better introduced, dispelling the myths of industry glam. Casting for an ad shoot I’m doing in September is on the agenda, and stuffed with chocolate chip cookies and fruit I sit in meeting a variety of theatrical characters as they appeal to the court of video capture. Hurry up and wait is the theme of the day as aspiring actors arrive in clusters between the calm of, cool one […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

“With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One.” No… I have not been paid by any evil empire to commercialize 365, but you have to admit that TOMS is founding a business model on principles greater than that of the bottom line. Plus, I have a little inside scoop on the company, which by the way, positions themselves as a movement, when in a coincidence of timing […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

I never fully get the opportunity to ask Sandy the two 365 questions, there is just no time for it as the clock begins to turn close to the 4:00pm mark. It’s been a very eventful day. 6:15am: Load car with luggage. 6:30am: Begin first leg of rush hour traffic. 7:45am: Drop wife and daughter at airport (They are flying to visit my sister-in-law who has had her first baby). 7:48am: Begin second leg of rush hour traffic. 7:50am: Hit […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

It’s been quite an interesting week… my business is busier than ever, my commitment to 365 is not faltering, and despite the emotional hit I took from the lack of attendance at our Ping Pong Council of Saturday past, the opportunity to meet like minded people has not eluded me. Another unexplainable few days have passed, where contrary to any profiled effort on my part, 365 has somehow grabbed my arm in carrying me towards people who all share a […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

You may remember Betsy of day sixty-three, a really cool lady and the art teacher of my daughter. Not only is she sincere in her collaboration with the world, she is a very talented artist who since our meeting, has embarked on her own 365 day blog commitment in hitting her over 180 day mark this month: The Pinups of Betsy VanDeusen. I have a lot of respect for Betsy, so when yesterday in popping a head into the studio […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

I call him a gentle giant. He smiles graciously as we share a few minutes together in waiting for his wife to conclude a doctor’s appointment. It would have been easy for me to judge, or profile, or make assumptions to the intent of my new friend Michael, as he sits ominously under the shade of a tree, his sheer stature taking a dominant section of city bench. But to make any assumption is not my job, or a burden […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

No secrets anymore… the new friends I hid from you last night take center stage today, Young family, Anthony, Kristen and son Israel. At under twenty-four, both Anthony and Kristen want with a peace that is beyond their years. I made quick reference to it in my writing yesterday. But tonight In sitting with them, nothing has changed. Recently relocated to Los Angeles from Rhode Island, they say, “It is a miracle we even made it here, we both come […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

I’m standing in the middle of a field under the artificial light of incandescent floods. To the left of me is a gathering of soccer kids, their parents and coach, all deep in practice ending chatter. Ahead of me are two female teenagers in the middle of some type of gymnastic like exercise. And to the right of me are three gentlemen engaged in a round of somewhat aggressive Cricket. Why I am here? I don’t fully know, other than […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

Serendipity, Karma, Fate, Accident, Coincidence or any other theories from Gestalt to a broad range of reference on a number of laws of attraction, all concepts to consider in the meeting of today’s strangers turned friends, Autumn and Jason. And I promise that I am not wearing any symbolic pendant or sporting any form of religious apparel. So you are safe in the knowledge that you aren’t being led towards jumping off any new age pier or be recruited to […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

The environment is at the top of the list this week. And over a summer escaping chilled Jamba Juice pit stop we run into Erin. It’s very late in the afternoon and the day has been packed with start-up business. Part of which has been planning for the next phase of 365. Yes friends, the locomotive has way too much momentum to stop now. So readers, be expecting announcements of next destinations very soon. And with minutes left to our […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

6:00am… take a walk in the neighborhood in readying myself for the day. As I stroll, passing many a house, I ponder the years have I lived in my home, the added twenty my wife has resided on our block (we bought her parents house) and the one year of my 365 awareness. In it, a stream of thought, one that directs me to a stark conclusion, “I am nowhere near even cracking the surface of the depth of humanity […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

I’m sitting here watching the clock tick by, and with my time stamp getting very close to advancing to tomorrow, I’m feeling a little nervous in being able to get you comments from today’s friend John. It’s been an interesting day in keeping the 365 flame burning. Not so much so in regards to my perspective of the world about us, but in the general undertaking of story finding. You see I’ve had to prioritize my personal life for a […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

Trapped I am not as I sit poolside with one of the most active minds I’ve encountered in a very long time, my new friend, horror filmmaker and reality show editor John. For a few hours we chat, including a short run to the Taco Bell border for midnight snacks. And in this time, I get a glimpse into the brain of an exceptionally talented and environmentally aware dude. One, who through colors the likes of 70mm cinema, captivates, amuses […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

I run into Damian, who with one reservation, “I have a few minutes, I’m waiting to meet a friend,” agrees to share a few words with us and in our meeting I have no idea of the wisdoms to follow. Damian is a gentle guy and very accepting to sit with me in offering his advice. “Worship music, and reopen the ear to music and life… to find the rhythm of life, not just ignoring it. Don’t turn music off… […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

“The moment I saw her, I could tell that she had a peace about her,” says my wife in looking over my shoulder as I write about today’s stranger, now friend, Anahita. Her name alone is closely associated by many mythologies with fertility, healing and wisdom. And in noticing her, the spirit she emits is nothing but magical. So much so that on this hot summer day, one in which my family has taking refuge on the Santa Monica beach, […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

Last night the sun was gone, yet the sound of busy traffic deafened my senses in blocking my ears. This morning proves to be a different, and contrasting, numbness of senses, for the sun is blazing into the sky, and even though my ears are not ringing from scurrying motorists, my senses are still blurred by the glare of heated daylight. But underneath it all is a crazy seventh sense that has been developing over the last year. It’s not […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

“Take every day one day at a time…” Says new friend Pharaoh, “’…Too often people get stressed out because they are taking on too much; they worry about tomorrow, or the day after. But if they focus on just one day… and in getting through that day, in being able to meet the goals of that day, they won’t get so bombarded about how they are going to pay rent…? how they are going to meet they’re obligations…? or thoughts […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

“Be kind to each other… give of yourself… allow your gifts to be manifest, and let other people to have their gifts instead of expecting them to follow yours. We are all different… we all have different things that we do well. I’m a good teacher; I’m terrible at other things. I can’t be a nurse… not my thing… but I can be a good teacher. And, I can give away sewing knowledge and that is what I love to […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

Remember last week when I mentioned that my wife and I were doing a role reversal, well as much as we can while still running a business and redeveloping our website. We extended it to two weeks. Day’s that have been a great eye-opening to my family, and days that I will do by best to recreate in the raising of my daughter, even though she is still having issues with my needing to double duty at time in doing […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

My email freaks out today. The activity bar tells me that data is flowing in, but nothing registers in my incoming mailbox. I’ve done my due diligence, set up the same account three times and nothing. And in this world of virtual business… I need my connectivity. Crud…! I’m hooked, pulled into the techno abyss of the disconnected. And the whole is getting deeper… Help! Assistance needed! I’m over my head in emotions of “What the heck!” And with the […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

It’s 7:00am, the day is beginning, and the streets are shifting from barren to flowing with life. Lines of cars are queuing at the traffic signals while commuters stop for morning coffee. Me…? I’m taking a break from an early work start… stretching my legs and my mind with a leisurely 80 degrees cool morning stroll. Oh Yeh… It’s gonna be a sizzler of day… that much I can already tell. There is this Seven-Eleven on the corner, I stop […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

35 days to go until the ending date of my 365 goal, one year, at least one stranger turned friend every day. A lot has changed since the beginning of this journey. And although organic to it’s originating purpose of uniting the voices of “We the people,” it has grown to be a greater mission,one that I am entering into the early stage of planning. But one thing I promise to you, “365 is only beginning.” It’s come too far […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

In the middle of the Mojave Desert on any 115-degree day can be found a bazaar marker. On it inscribed, “Baker, CA – Gateway To Death Valley.” For decades it has been an iconic photo stop for many a heat wave fatigued traveler. And on it’s face can been seen the atmospheric annotations of the temperature of the day. Hot is an understatement in the summer, and cold is the call of the sand in the winter. But as a […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

Several months ago I stumbled into a group of friends debating political, social and religious issues without the need for anger, bloodshed or ridicule. That alone is a  feat worthy of applause. But what is most unusual about this gathered group of diverse of ladies and gents is the absolute respect they demonstrate in every word and effort they debate. And even in disagreeing they maintain their closeness. They call themselves “The Patio Rats.” Every night they gather, and as […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

Seems it’s the week of questions for me, and just as did Jamar yesterday, today’s stranger now friend, Pamela, breaks the ice, inquiring, “Do you feel like you are growing as a person, or just getting inside the heads of how people think?” We talk for a while about her query, and to save you from having to read the thousand or so words that it would take to fully publish our discussion, I’ll just give you a few bullets: […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

Day four of family role reversal takes us to another movie night at California State University Northridge (CSUN). My wife has been glued to the computer all day, and with her eyes and shoulders twitching from LED blindness and computer posture, my daughter, a family friend and I rescue her from the isolation of website backend madness. We settle at our blanket base camp, spread out our picnic dinner, and in the ambience of a dusk sky and opening credits, […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

“Everything closes on Sunday’s. It’s family time” Kara brings us up to speed on the German culture. “I think adults have to behave the way we are demanding our children to behave,” she platforms with an explanation. “’We ask our children to compromise… and to talk to each other in a nice tone. And then we are constantly inundated with what’s in the news of people who can’t talk to each other. We’ve got two warring parties and a president […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

For the next week, I am clueless as to the length, or depth, of the entries I will be writing. And for the sake of explanation, just think of me a Mr. Mom. As for the next five days I have positioned myself for a role reversal of responsibilities at the office. You see, my wife is a very talented designer, and due to the iPad and the new HTML 5 protocol, it is time for us to update our […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

I look at my wife, my eyes tired and the bargaining begins. “Do you have any ideas for me as to how to get through 365 today/” I whine on, “I’m feeling overwhelmed by all that I have to do and want to spend time at home… with family. Let’s think of an angle that can let me stay home” Now, I’m expecting a list of creative ideas. My brain perks up in readying itself for a brainstorm of alternate […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

It’s so random how I run into people, and never knowing exactly what we will be talking about, there have been many unpredicted topics unveiled, and today proves to be a first. At initial impression, a future prediction is put forth that seems as if pulled from the plot of a Sci-Fi film. But upon further examination, there are grounds to support the views of one of today’s very articulate new friends, Jorge, who with his girl friend Cindy have […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

I’ll be honest; my brain is on half power as I write this entry. Not sure why, but for whatever reason, I’m falling short on any snappy opening or theatrical set up. Possibly its the uneasy feeling that was left on me by hearing the back talk of two people who were positioned outside of a grocery store, solicitation signatures for a very contested ballot initiative. In listening to them I was wholly unimpressed to hear of the contempt they […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling

The only word that comes to my mind is “Chill” in describing Steven, veteran, cycle builder and now friend. “I’ve got all that I need,” Steven tells me in describing his lifestyle. “I share a house with a friend and my stuff will fit in the back of a pick-up truck. I don’t stress that much about things. I don’t worry about money, I can pay my bills and it always works out.” Relaxed, non-judgmental and wise are the attributes […]

Categories: 365, Documentary, Fine Art, photojournalism, Portraiture, Story Telling • Tags: documentary, fine art, photography, photojournalism, portraiture, story telling