Picture of the Week #306 "Resting by the Faux Van Gogh" Venice, California 2014 Signed & Stamped

When I was taking these pictures along the Venice walkway, I saw this homeless and toothless man relaxing peacefully under the faux Van Gogh. I snapped a couple of images and went on my way. About ten minutes later a young, maybe in his mid 20's man, grabbed my camera by the lens. Instantly I grabbed his neck and squeezed his Adam's Apple to one side. He was shocked. And frankly so was I. I pushed him back and he let go of the lens. Then said something to me about being an "old man". I quickly responded by saying, "I'm old because I outlived young fools like you". He walked away. I calmly made my way to my car and then thought about what would have happened if he took a swing at me or if he had friends? I got to my car and looked back to see that he did not follow me. My heart did not race nor was I scared, if anything I was proud of myself. I was for a brief instate back in Brooklyn reliving my youth. When I told my therapist a few days later what I had done, she declared that she was proud of me.