The
Written Word
The whole world is made up of different class structures, which means nothing. I believe we are all a part of a system that is able to cross the invisible boundaries that bind us. No one should feel inferior to another person, or be uncomfortable in a new and different environment. Basically we are all the same and when faced with the confrontation of talking, or speaking, keep your head high and speak clear. You will be amazed at how you are perceived. People are just as queries about your life as you are towards theirs.
I have spent the majority of my life as an artiest, writer, traveler and a seeker of new experiences and adventure. Living this way I have become class-less, and what a great level to be on. I have dined with the extremely wealthy, eating the greatest cuisine and drinking the finest of wines and felt totally at ease, although a bit of a gluten. I too have shared food with the very poor and excepted what they offered with extreme grace, and felt humbled to see them give without hesitation. When there is so little, to turn down an unselfish gift, for any reason would be a great insult. It does not matter who you may sit with, weather it is to break bread, or to enjoy a fine bottle of wine, everyone can share their riches.
Being class-less is not saying that you do not need social grace, because you do. When you show gracious manners you will be accepted with out hesitation, no mater who you are with. Being class-less is a goal we all should strive for. When you have reached it you have transcended the need, or requirement for a class structure.
I was photographing some Basque and Chinese sheepherders and invited to join them for dinner. We all sit closely in a sheep wagon and dined on mutton, eggs and potatoes, everything flavored with the cooks personal arsenal of spices. The meal was fantastic and the wine was served in a lone leather bota bag. We passed it around the small group, with each person taking their turn.
The way of drinking from a bota bag is simple. At no time do you allow your lips to come into contact with the spout. This takes a bit of finesse as you are squirting the wine straight into your mouth, and of course you cannot spill a drop. My first few attempts at this was amusing, as was evident with the laughter of the men crowded into the wagon, but I did get the hang of it and with doing so came acceptance and numerous pats on the back. I thought what an honor to be here with these people. I have been fortunate to be in similar type situations with different people from all walks of life and each time became humbled with the feeling of hospitality.
I am a workingman, a vagabond and an artist all rolled into a man with empty pockets and not bothered by this fact. I don't worry about what the stock market is doing and really have no desire to find out. I am rich though; rich in my mind with the feeling of creativity and with the experiences I have had throughout my life. I am not old; for age is just a state of mind. I have been told by my opposite to grow up, to cut my hair and get serious about life. I feel they are the ones that need to get serious about life, their life. Throughout the years I have been walking this planet I have lived a life that I am proud of. I have seen and done many things, but by no means have I seen or done enough. The experiences I have had I would not trade for any amount of gold, or riches. They are mine forever; even when I share my stories with others I never loose possession of them. I have always felt that when we pass on to the other side it matters not what we might have in our pockets. Monetary wealth will stay here, but if there will be anything that we can take with us on the last journey, it will be our memories. My bags are going to be bulging with the true riches of life.