Sidewalk Ghosts is Live
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The roots of Sidewalk Ghosts were planted in September 2011, when, during a time of personal hardship, I sought clarity as I embarked on an uncharted journey—wandering the streets as I blogged daily essays, portraits, and videos based on conversations with thousands of strangers. For hundreds of consecutive days, no matter what was happening in the world, how I felt, or where I was, I journaled the hope, hurt, and wisdom shared with me. I called it Project 365.
In it, a profound and far-reaching call to action was given to me—a premise proven as thousands more from around the globe followed the project, saw the faces of, listened to, and responded—not just to me, but to each other. Strangers who, through their shared truths, diverse perspectives, and revealed struggles, challenge us all to consider the personal impact we have on one another.
As strangers from most every continent (people I had never met) engaged with these stories, a larger conversation began. That by simply recognizing the words and experiences of complete strangers, grew a realization that our individual actions do have great reach. A truth that, through the way we view, listen, respond, or acknowledge another’s existence—we have power to better the now and future.
From the Project 365 archives
I called them the Bridge Builders, a global and influential collective of distinct individuals committed to awareness, empathy, and respect. An emerging majority strong enough to appreciate the richness of perspective and lifestyle. Objective enough to quietly contribute to their communities and relationships. Wise enough to look beyond race, creed, outlook, gender, age, attraction, and religion. Disciplined and loving enough to, whether in agreement or disagreement, live by a constructive code of conduct.
To the Bridge Builders, I will always be grateful. You have taught us that by opening our eyes, ears, and hearts to one another, we can do more than lighten the burdens we carry—we can see beyond the ghosts that divide us, beyond the barriers we face. We can find peace and focus as we harness the best of who we are. Most importantly, trust ourselves, knowing that our individual influence can add to shaping this world we share.
Welcome to Sidewalk Ghosts, my friends.
The roots of Sidewalk Ghosts were planted in September 2011, when, during a time of personal hardship, I sought clarity as I embarked on an uncharted journey—wandering the streets as I blogged daily essays, portraits, and videos based on conversations with thousands of strangers. For hundreds of consecutive days, no matter what was happening in the world, how I felt, or where I was, I journaled the hope, hurt, and wisdom shared with me. I called it Project 365.
From the Project 365 Archives
In it, a profound and far-reaching call to action was given to me—a premise proven as thousands more from around the globe followed the project, saw the faces of, listened to, and responded—not just to me, but to each other. Strangers who, through their shared truths, diverse perspectives, and revealed struggles, challenge us all to consider the personal impact we have on one another.
As strangers from most every continent (people I had never met) engaged with these stories, a larger conversation began. That by simply recognizing the words and experiences of complete strangers, grew a realization that our individual actions do have great reach. A truth that, through the way we view, listen, respond, or acknowledge another’s existence—we have power to better the now and future.
I called them the Bridge Builders, a global and influential collective of distinct individuals committed to awareness, empathy, and respect. An emerging majority strong enough to appreciate the richness of perspective and lifestyle. Objective enough to quietly contribute to their communities and relationships. Wise enough to look beyond race, creed, outlook, gender, age, attraction, and religion. Disciplined and loving enough to, whether in agreement or disagreement, live by a constructive code of conduct.
To the Bridge Builders, I will always be grateful. You have taught us that by opening our eyes, ears, and hearts to one another, we can do more than lighten the burdens we carry—we can see beyond the ghosts that divide us, beyond the barriers we face. We can find peace and focus as we harness the best of who we are. Most importantly, trust ourselves, knowing that our individual influence can add to shaping this world we share.
My friends,
Welcome to Sidewalk Ghosts
[ From the Archives of 365 ] What? Who? Ozzie Nelson?! So here I am, casing the neighborhood and feeling strangely like Ozzie going to borrow a cup of sugar for Harriet. No not Ozzy Osborn, but Ozzie Nelson. If you don’t know the sitcom, Ozzie and Harriet were the ideal TV family and ran on ABC from October
[ From the Archives of 365 ] Today’s entry: Travel log style. 11:30 am: Early lunch with family. Almost decide to shoot Chef Abraham (owner of the restaruant where I had lunch). Discouraged by the lunch rush, I pass on the prospect. 1:00 pm: Frys Electronics, Kill two birds with one stone. How? Buy a wireless keypad
[ From the Archives of 365 ] Slava, 61 – Professional Chauffeur I ask him to share a hobby, after a moment of thought he said in a deep dialect, “guitar.” I ask him to tell me his favorite tune, he laughs and is silent. A few uncomfortable moments pass, I ask him what kind of music,
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “We all have a 6th sense that we all feel, and we need to learn to express it or at least recognize it.” “My wife and I just want to help people. We are all capable of amazing things if we stop judging and lashing out and learn
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “My advice for the world? As a teacher, I hope that humanity doesn’t stagger in its upward swing.” “I like old stuff and new stuff. People say that I was born in the wrong era, but I have to nip that. I have an appreciation for antiquated things…
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “Tell me what you know and you will entertain me, but tell me how you feel and you will intrigue me.” In sixty minutes I pick my daughter up from her drama class. And with that purpose in my mind, I find myself rushing through the local Smart
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “It’s perfectly sane to go mad in order to understand.” “Lookout! A creepy guy is stalking the neighborhood! Why has he parked his car on the street? And what’s with his sidewalk pacing? Let’s stay away from him, I think he’s a serial killer!” First impressions are a
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “I want everyone to have a nice-looking, clean, fluffy, good-smelling dog.” The words my husband, Richard, sprang on me that morning. “I’m cheating.” He told me as the dog groomer called to confirm our appointment, “I just couldn’t help myself. I asked her if she would be my
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “If it’s nude, I’ll be there!” Unbelievable! I actually found a couple of hours to relax poolside. An unexpected bonus seeing that, as I was at the beginning of a one-week workshop I was presenting to JPAC (Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command) at Pearl Harbor, was a moment that
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “I’d like to see younger people in the government. We need more young people in power. And what I mean about power is young people able to make decisions. They have a fresher perspective and listen to the people. It does not matter if they are Democrat or
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “The most important thing that I want to tell the world is to respect everyone, the planet, and everything. Nobody talks for real peace, everyone tries to fix the problem. But the way they are doing it is creating more problems. We need to show more open hand
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “Technology is not the only solution; we need to learn how to overcome things without getting lost in it.” You may remember Betsy from 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, but
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “I’d like to see the world become closer to being in unity. People loving each other, respecting all as one family. Back to the ways things used to be, helping each other, not that we have too, but because we want to.” It’s been a while since I’ve given you an outlined
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “So many people today are ‘self-aware,’ but lack the ability for ‘self-reflection’… when the door is unlocked, at least twist the door handle and check it out. Know yourself and see if it is what you want.” Richard has been glued to his chair for days, retouching images
[ From the Archives of 365 ] Everybody is born into this world with nothing. Now when you get into the world… it’s a cold cruel world, and unless someone gets the right nurturing from a mother and a father, they are going to go haywire. At a pace that is difficult to keep up
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “Stop placing blame. Don’t blame others. You can’t blame society and you can’t blame the government. You have to look at yourself in the mirror and realize that you have control over your situation. As soon as you take self-responsibility you enable yourself. You can’t blame others.” Tanner
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “You have to be so independent. Art schools are very critical. It’s not like sports where you get rewards for winning. In art there is no winning, it’s all personal and no trophies are given for best work.” As a swore I would never do again, I find
[ From the Archives of 365 ] “I’d like to see more people taking care of themselves and the planet.” Thirteen has always been a lucky number for me. Perhaps being born on May 13th is a contributor to my choice of fortunate digits, or maybe because I got my first driver’s license on Friday
©2025 RICHARD RADSTONE / SIDEWALK GHOSTS
No image or content may be copied, downloaded, or transferred without written permission.
©2025 RICHARD RADSTONE / SIDEWALK GHOSTS
No image or content may be copied, downloaded, or transferred without written permission.
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©2025 RICHARD RADSTONE / SIDEWALK GHOSTS
No image or content may be copied, downloaded, or transferred without written permission.
