100Strangers

Stranger #4 - Bob Goff

Bob Goff spoke for Compass Church and I had to meet him. So, I took this photo after a huge Bob Goff bear hug.

Stranger #11 - Josh Ayala

I met Josh Ayala at the Mall. Josh is a magician, fire-eater, tongue model and was featured in the intro for American Horror Story

Stranger #17 - Hayden Cruse

I met Hayden Cruse outside of Buon Giotto with 3 friends. Hayden is from Colleyville and is back after a semester in Colorado.

Stranger #22 - Karen Williams

I met Karen Williams in Disney Springs while walking with a friend. Karen is a full-time Orlando Uber driver and was a little nervous about posing for this portrait.

Stranger #18 - Eddie Maserati

Eddie Maserati caught my eye while he was grooving to some live music at Disney Springs. Eddie seemed completely unharnessed and fully alive. I knew he was my stranger for the day. So after trying to get him to stand still for a low-light shot with no flash (no luck there), I just had to ask his secret. So, I leaned in and whispered, “Eddie, how are you able to dance with such joy and freedom?” Somehow, I just knew I was about to rediscover a deep spiritual truth. Eddie stood still (for the first time since we met) and with a matter-of-fact tone said, “It’s simple, I just don’t give a shit.” Then he walked away.

Stranger #19 - Alan Hirsch

I officially met Alan Hirsch today. His groundbreaking book “The Forgotten Ways” has been a personal favorite for years. Can wait to read his latest book, 5Q.

Stranger #23 - Josh Brown

I met Josh Brown during his morning shift at the airport. His red eyes, dazed look, and slumped body revealed his exhaustion. So, I asked if he had been working all night. Indignantly he responds, "No, I just got here."

Stranger #25 - June Thornley

June Thornley and her husband now raise their grandson. They had originally planned a day at the waterpark, but the cold winds sentenced her to watch go-karts from the bleachers

Stranger #27 - Gary Wingrove

Known for his mad banjo skills and psychobilly vocals, Gary Wingrove lives in North Richland Hills with his two cats. He used to deliver pizza but now serves up some of the best-used non-fiction around.

Stranger #26 - Amanda Hoyer

Amanda Hoyer works at Half Price Books, at least for the next month. After completing over 35 applications, she’s hoping to snag a job as a teacher and eventually become a trauma therapist...but first, grad school.

Stranger #30 - Rosa Segura

I met Rosa Segura at a local park feeding ducks with her daughter and granddaughter. Rosa didn't speak English and, at 85 years old, was hesitant for me to take her photo. "I'm not pretty," she said. "No, no," I said. "I think you are beautiful; your smile is stunning." Immediately she grinned from ear to ear.

Stranger #32 - Dave Hine

I met Dave Hine watching his son's football team end the season with a massive water balloon fight. Dave is a self-proclaimed ex-military beard farmer, custom home builder, and professional video game player.

Stranger #33 - Taylor Lawler

Taylor Lawler had just fired up a fat stogie when I met him. His family had just arrived from Birmingham and they were celebrating being together again. Taylor boasted, "My brother is 21 and had never flown or been to Texas until now."

Stranger #39 - Randy Charles

I met Randy Charles shining shoes at Houston's George Bush airport. He made me smile as I walked by, so I knew I had to take his photo. Every time I raised my camera to snap a shot, Randy grinned and said "Jesus." I guess Jesus made him smile more than cheese. As soon as I lowered my camera, he started talking, "I've been wash'n feet for 27 years and have been so blessed. I've shined for Lyle Lovett, Evander Holyfield & George Foreman. And, once Clay Walker blessed me big time...even when I hadn't shined his shoes that day."

Stranger #42 - Karen Byrd

Karen Byrd, her sister, and niece jumped on my elevator as the doors were closing. “I’ve got the same haircut as you,” Karen said as she nudged a bandana from her scalp to give me a peak. Karen was full of life, even though she had Stage 4 cancer and was now in Durham, NC for testing after a round of chemo. “I’m not supposed to have made it this far.” She said. “And tomorrow, I’ll confirm with the doctors that Jesus has healed me.”

Stranger #43 - Arleene Correa

I met Arleene Correa in the airport on my way home to Dallas. You couldn’t miss the Aztec styled tattoo that stretched the length of her right arm. “I was born in Mexico, raised in San Fransico, and now am a political artist.” As an undocumented immigrant, Arleene confronts the current political climate with her images of Donald Trump painted with pig’s blood. “My mother would call me a pig when I did something wrong as a child. And in my culture, it didn’t get any lower than that. That’s why I use pig’s blood for my work. Trump doesn’t deserve real paint.”

Stranger #44 - Miranda Fite

I met Miranda Fite at the local used bookstore in the horror section. She had just finished browsing the survivalist and witchcraft books and now was looking for something to pique her interest. Two years ago, Miranda dropped out of high school to raise her newborn son and now lives with her uncle. “I’m finishing up my GED and hope to become an osteologist so I can study bones.”

Stranger #45 - Robert Lott

I met Robert Lott in line at Joe T Garcia’s tonight. He had bluest eyes I’d ever seen, so naturally, I asked him to be my stranger for the day. Robert was with a girl who had been his friend since 1984 (even before he sang lead vocals for a 90’s hair band). And now, Robert is the produce manager for Market Street in Colleyville, TX.

Stranger #47 - Simone Bianco, PhD

I said, "I couldn't help but notice that you've got this 'Silicon Valley Genius-vibe' going on. So, I had to stop and ask your story." Stranger #47 blushed then laughed. "Well, I do research for IBM in biological AI and have my PhD in physics, but I live in San Fransisco." (I guess I was only half right) Awkwardly and randomly, I asked, "So, are you famous?" Again he blushed, "I wouldn't say I'm famous, though Forbes just did an article on me." So I Googled Simone Bianco, PhD...yep, famous.

Stranger #49 - Daniel Wright

I met Daniel Wright loading a large canvas duffle bag into his truck after an afternoon of selling at Pottery Barn. He had a classic Casa Blanca look and I just had to meet him. “I’m a trained electrician, but I love crafting canvas duffles out of reclaimed military surplus. My wife encouraged me to follow my dream, so here I am.” He said. Daniel started W Durable Goods thirteen years ago and continues to sell handmade gear worldwide.

Stranger #51 - Dennis Dupp

Dennis Dupp's classic senior-hipster-look was undeniable. So, I introduced myself and asked Dennis what he did for a living. “I teach video and broadcast journalism at Indian Hill High School.” He said. I wanted more, so I asked how long he had been teaching. He smiled and replied, “I started teaching at Indian Hills after college in 1969 and have been teaching there for 48 years. I’m hoping to make it 50.” Dennis and his wife were grabbing dinner with one of his broadcasting students that plans to pursue a career in film. “One of my past students now works for ESPN and I’m trying to help this one get connected.”

Stranger #54 - Jack Real

I met Jack Real on the porch of a Cracker Barrel in Conroe, TX. He was sitting in a rocking chair and smoking a cigarette. “You know anybody who wants to buy a bunch of watermelons?” He asked with a manic rock. “I’ve been farming for the past 14 years and have thousands of watermelons to sell.” I shrugged and he stood to walked inside for a carry out order.

Stranger #56 - Jirmad "Soul-O" Gordon

I met Jirmad "Soul-O" Gordon setting up for a gig on our Carnival Ship. He had more of a rock-star vibe than the typical cruise tourist (that’s not hard). Soul-O had just moved to Atlanta from Jersey and is now onboard for a 3 month contract with Carnival. His soulful tone and engaging stage presence made you want to listen all night long.

Stranger #57 - Luis

I saw Luis in downtown Cozumel hunched over and sitting under a tall palm. He looked like a man with a story. So, in broken Spanish (and crazy American tourist gestures), I asked if I could take a photo. Luis didn’t speak any English but knew how to ask for dinero. Drudging up his high school Spanish basics, my son asked, “How are you?” Luis shook his head and answered, “Not good, because I have no money.” Then he pointed as he exposed a darkened sore on the front of his shin. We gave him two dollars.