There are no accidents. Tonight I went to a Cuban restaurant and it was just at closing. I thought it was open later and when we found that it was closing, they were kind enough to allow us to stay but I felt that it was better to let them go. Laura asked us to please sit and it was fine, so we did.
My friend told me she believed Laura was from Venezuela which was interested me for other things going on in my life, when I asked to verify, she told me she was from Argentina. We began to talk about World Cup, which lead to speaking about language, which lead to how much faster one can learn language when enveloped in it. She stated, that English was difficult and the more she learns, the more she learns she doesn’t know. I said, that is the case with life in general.
This opened the door for an amazing conversation and connection with her. We shared concepts and I found out that she is very passionate about her family and the experience they have together. She admires Mother Teresa and the unconditional love that she demonstrated. She wants to be part of seeing love and compassion amongst everyone.
She told me how kindness is just part of who she is and she can stay detached from outcome always be that toward people. She believes her calling is to be a light and a difference, regardless of return and that what she puts out into this world will come back to her.
Her family came to the United States 9 years ago with a job opportunity that lead to a better life for her family. They will be returning to Argentina soon and she feels a calling to do something with/for people there.
Laura was very passionate about the concepts and the people she spoke of in our conversation and it was a beautiful encounter.
Far Rockaway
Austin has worked for the New York City Parks Department for the last 8 years. His current assignment is to patrol Far Rockaway Beach near 90th Street.
I was surfing there yesterday when I saw Austin calling for some kids to stay away form the rock jetty. Later in the day I ran into Austin at “La Playa” restaurant on Rockaway Beach Blvd.
Austin was originally from Nigeria. He and his wife have been married 17 years and they have a 14 year old son. When I asked him what the secret of his marriage success, he answered “Fishing. That’s number one. Then its patience and communication”.
Austin has seen it all when it comes to beach goer stupidity. You can tell from his ticket pad that he’s written his share of fines. The most popular offense is non-compliance. If you wont stop your antisocial behavior after a few warnings, he’ll happily give you a ticket. The next most popular offense is alcohol on the beach.
Austin takes his job seriously. When he puts on the uniform, he feels that he represents the Parks Department and his actions must be fitting of his uniform.
Erica and Joia ( the parrot ) hangs out at les Enfantes as well. Joia is 17 months and Erica had has her since she was a baby bird. Joia is very well behaved and maybe she’ll talk to me later.
I was at dinner with a good friend of mine, John. We sat at the bar, which from experience seems to be his preference. Michelle regularly waited on him and once I asked her about her Silly Bandz, she began to share a bit. This led to me finding out about her Guatemalan father and Irish mother who met in Missouri (of all places) while in school. I love stories of uncommon romance and happenstance, so I got inspired and realized she would be number 3 if willing.
Michelle was born in Guatemala and moved to Florida with her parents at 5 years old. She is an FIU graduate with a major in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice. Her parents were eagerly pushing for law school, so she decided to revolt and now is aspiring to go to medical school and is optimistic about that all working out. Ultimately, she said she is passionate about contributing to the quality of life in Guatemala. When she becomes a doctor, she wants to do work there and start/enhance programs for children there.
She is working on conquering the short board as she can already hold her own the long boards. She also is participating in her newly formed soccer game where she talks tough of her skills as a left forward… she is right handed.
I was saying goodbye to a friend I had lunch with and noticed James calmly taking in the day. I asked him how he was doing and how his day was going. He told me he was excellent and was taking a walk while he waited for the group he was driving to finish their lunch. James drives a charter bus for Community Transit, Inc. family owned and operated in West Palm Beach, FL.
I asked a question I have always wondered about drivers of larger vehicles and that was “Do you experience road rage or learn to just accept how people zip around you out there?” He had a very calm response and said that he just gets in his groove and does fine. His biggest challenge is getting over his sleepiness when he starts driving.
I found out that he loves his wife and has the regular responsibilities of a honey-do list that he was getting back to when he was done that day. He also is a devoted church-going man and invited me to attend sometime. I am not one to pass up an invite like that, so I will be seeing him there.
Look for that experience to follow.
So, to kick off this adventure, I decided to introduce myself to my neighbor. We have briefly exchanged words one time before when he got rid of his 6 series for this sweet truck he set up. He has the unit next to me that he uses for his law office. He is not your stereotypical lawyer, but more of a UFC looking bad ass, so needless to say, I didn’t know if he was going to be friendly or not. What I did know is that he has good taste in rides after seeing a very well done old 80′s jeep that thoroughly set up, done with care and sounds like my Ducati when he starts it.
After speaking with him, I discovered that he is a very friendly, well spoken guy. Trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has taught classes. He is a father of two boys and from the sounds of it, he is very devoted to creating a great childhood for them.
As of Monday, June 26th I have gotten on board with the 100 people project! Chuck is full of great ideas and I was inspired to get out of my comfort zone and be open to the encounters and pleasant surprises of picking up a conversation with great people.
Tonight I begin my list, day 3 complete and 3 great people already!
A little about me. I am very passionate about increasing the quality of life that I am experiencing. This project is right in line with what I am working on creating in my life and assists me to stay open and make a difference in this world by being an example of a friendly, authentic individual.
My interests run deep, all arts and forms of expression where a person’s passion can be communicated is appealing to me. I recently did a 21 day detox to purify my body a bit. I actively work on old cars, ride a trials bike, design, write software, cook, dabble in photography, write music, sing, etc… generally, I keep myself busy.
Friends and the relationships in my life are very important to me. Enjoy my journey where I encounter friends I haven’t met yet 
Brain, Con Artist
Con Artist ( con stands for connection) is a store/workshop on 119 Ludlow Street near Delancy. It is the brainchild of Brian, who I found painting the store late at night.
The idea is simple and brilliant: create a workshop where the artist’s work would be voted by other artists of the collective for sale in the store. Everything you find in the basement store is made by the resident artists. Each artist pay a monthly fee and 15% of the proceeds of the store also help cover costs.
The store has a collection of T-shirts, ties, plates and lots of other artwork. Each Wednesday Con Artist has an event which can range from music to exhibits. When I met Brian, he was whitewashing the wall in preparation for the next event.
The workshop has equipment for silk screening and Brian is in the middle of building a darkroom.
Brian is wearing a different T-Shirt every day for 1 year.
Check him out on http://www.yearofthetshirt.com
Layla, Hearts Revolution
I first noticed Leyla in my neighborhood a few weeks ago. How could you not notice?
I wondered if this was a new fashion trend, so when I finally came across her at Ludlow and Delancy, I stopped her. If you walk down the street with rabbit years and a pink band of makeup across your face, you expect someone to ask you about it right?
Leyla is starting a wonderful new movement, www.heartsrevolution.com, where children are encouraged to be their own superhero. Hearts Revolution is also a three piece band. I’ll keep my eye out for their next appearance.
Hearts Revolution also has an ice-cream truck. Why didn’t I think of that? I would love to have an ice-cream truck.
Sarah working the ice-cream truck
Alita Surfer
“You look fit, you’ll be fine”, says Alita when I asked her if I would be able to learn to surf.
Yes Alita, flattery will get you everywhere
Alita was born in Morocco, moved to Montreal, then moved to Dominican Republic and is working at Les Enfantes Terribles for the summer. She’s studying communications in Montreal and will be graduating in April. Alita considers herself Dominican but I think surfers will always identify themselves more as a follower of the Church of the Open Sky before any nationality. She also owns a surf shop in DR and is here acting as a buyer for her shop.
Alita heads out to Far Rockaway to go surfing on the weekends and has offered to teach me how to surf. She is guaranteeing that I will be able to stand up on the board the first time out. I can’t wait!
There are no accidents. Tonight I went to a Cuban restaurant and it was just at closing. I thought it was open later and when we found that it was closing, they were kind enough to allow us to stay but I felt that it was better to let them go. Laura asked us to please sit and it was fine, so we did.
