All in a Day’s Work (and the grand tip total!)

I last posted for #bloglikecrazy on Thursday. I knew posting Friday would be tricky because I work all day and then had an event to go to that night right after work. I was right. I had planned on blogging on Friday when I got home from the event, but ended up staying out until later than expected (happily) and didn’t make it. I blame my missing days on Friday and all the goodness that came with it.

I previously wrote about guest bartending at Naked Art Gallery on Friday evening for their Kitschmas Holiday Opening/3rd Friday in Forest Park and also trying to collect tips for the Crisis Center while I was at it. I don’t volunteer at the Crisis Center (yet), but I have many friends that do and some that work there, as well. It was a natural choice when deciding on where to donate any tips I might make on Friday night. I scooted over to Naked Art a little before 5 p.m. on Friday with Crisis Center literature in hand, ready to take on the masses.

I’ve been to 3rd Friday in Forest Park many times and it’s always a good showing. I think this one was particularly well-attended because a lot of the merchants were kicking off their Black Friday specials that night and there were carolers and other entertainment to start the season. I was also advertising free hugs with drinks and tips during my stint from 5 – 9 p.m. that night. I had no idea how many people were going to take me up on that offer, but I know I hugged at least 100 people. I had the time of my life! Friends, co-workers, Janes, neighbors, everyone came out. I was so tickled to see so many familiar, beautiful faces in the crowd and even happier to be serving them. What was the best part of the night? Swinging a little girl around in circles during her hug. Best.moment.ever. It was even better than counting the tips tonight to the tune of $208! I am floored and in awe though I am not surprised. Birmingham shows me everyday how generous her people are. I’m honored to call you friends. Update: I ran into a friend this morning (11/19/12) at the grocery store who wasn’t able to make it out on Friday night, so gave me a donation in the parking lot and she got her hug. New total is $213!

I cannot begin to thank you all enough for supporting our local artists, merchants, and non-profits. The Crisis Center thanks you. Vero and Naked Art thank you. I thank you. And if you didn’t already get your hug, be sure to stop me the next time you see me and ask for it. They’re FREE and I love to give them!

As always,

Love yourself.
Find peace inside.
Share happiness.

images taken by David Phipps, courtesy of Mr. Phipps and Naked Art