09 - 12, 2005

'Celebrating my birthday with a happy hug.'

Today is my birthday and I am happy. Not because it is my birthday but because I just woke up that way. It was fun having so many people wish me happy birthday and give me hugs. I decided that it was my day to receive hugs rather then just giving them. It is true that hugging should be a shared experience but more often then not I am on the giving end as many do not really give back what they receive. It is ok I like giving. This year I am not doing anything special, but generally I have a dinner party on my birthday where I play host by invite my close friends and sometimes new friends to my loft to celebrate with me. I prepare a scrumptious dinner and it is great fun. I don't really understand the idea of offering gifts on a birthday. I see it more as a celebration of life where the greatest gift is the cherished company of loved ones.

'I open my heart to you the next step is yours!'

I am often asked if I hug as much in my personal life as I do when The Hugger Busker?

Whether it is as part of my show or my personal life I just love hugging. Just because I hug hundreds of strangers a day professionally does not mean that I am turned of by it when my day is over. In fact the inner feeling of comfort and joy that I get each and every time that I share a hug is what keeps me hugging. I know that it make others feel good when I hug them but it also makes me feel wonderful and that is why I do it and continue to do it in my civilian life. I would say that I am a dedicated hugger as hugging has become my standard form of greeting.
Often people I meet for the first time have already heard about me so they welcome a hug from me, in fact many look forward to it. I suppose they want to see if the quality of my hugs lives up to the reputation that they have garnered. As for those who don't know me as a hugger, well I usually greet them with a warm handshake or kiss on the cheek. But once they find out about my hugging vocation they invariable welcome a parting hug from me. Hugging is not just what I promote in my performance work but also what I strive to promote in my day to day life. The sharing of human intimacy is something that is desperately needed in our society so might as well teach by example. I live my life the best way I can and if what i do inspires others to be alittle happier in thier lives then that is a good thing.

'Where there is kindness there is hope. Where there is love there is joy.'

Le Bon Dieu Dans La Rue. I was invited to give hugs at the annual fundraiser of this wonderful organization that helps homeless, street kids stay safe and fed. Dans La Rue is run by Father Emmett "Pops" Johns who is known for driving around in an RV called the Bunker from which he offers food, warmth and help to the disenfranchised youth of our urban society. It was happy to have been invited. A fair number of homeless kids who hang out in the neighborhood regularly come to me for hugs. I was a good match for this event because as I give unconditional hugs and comfort in the form of hugs Pops brings love and comfort to street kids in need. I saw myself as giving hugs to the donors and volunteers of the organization on behalf of all the kids that their time and money has helped.

A beautiful evening it was the organizers had set up a special place for me. I was all lit up with a nice back drop it was cool.The evening was very successful and the organizers were very happy. The press was there and loved my concept. So I found myself having my photo taken with Pops and a main donor for the Gazette's Society section. At the end of the evening I set myself at the exit to allow everyone a chance for a farewell hug and many guests responded.I like the feeling of being a host and wish everyone a wonderful evening as they leave. It is important that guests leave an event with a smile as they will have good feelings about it in their memory.It makes me happy to see others happy.

A gorgeous week but I stayed home for a well deserved rest. I am happy that I kept my promise to myself of taking the week off to take care of myself. I must be remember to love and care for myself before my body reminds me with illness or accident. My journey demands that I be disciplined and whole.

If you have not noticed I’ve redesigned my site adding several new sections. I've also including video and audio clips of recent interviews.

Sharing my vision of a caring world!

It took all my resolve to get through the day. It was beautiful and I wanted to be here share love with so many people. I was really running on empty I even took a long nap in the park during the day. I know that I should listen to my body and rest but I just love being here doing what I do. Tomorrow I’m off for a week.

I wonder why I am here if I feel so drained. I suppose you might be wondering that as well. Haaaa! I given this much thought and the reason is very straight forward. It is the sparkle of delight in the eyes of someone whom I just hugged, the joyful laugh of a child running back into their parents embrace, the deep sigh followed by a surprised giggle of someone in my embrace, the beaming smiles and radiant looks of wonder and joy that emanate from so many who stop to watch and participate in my journey, in our journey of human tenderness and caring. This experience is so very powerful for me, so very invigorating, so meaningful and nurturing to my being that I just want to go on and on and on. I have tasted the elixir of life that gurgles from the fountain of love and my thirst has become insatiable. A traveler on a personal and spiritual journey is what I am and I love every second of it, the good, the bad, the beautiful and the ugly. What drives me is not just the sheer joy of giving heartfelt hugs but the burning desire to fully experience the deeply transformative journey that has become my life.

Where there is kindness there is hope!

It was one of those days where I woke up feeling down and out. I end up going to work feeling sad and empty. I usually get really quite inside when I fell like that. So my walk to work was a very silent one. I could feel the little energy I had dissipating with each step I took. Exhaustion was creeping in even more. I had promised myself that after this weekend I would take the week off no matter what the weather was like. And only work weekends from now on.

Taking a moment to express gratitude and asking for whatever inspiration I need always lifts my spirit above the din. Doing this always helps me, and especially when I get to work feeling tired, down or am just in a pissy mood. Before I open my arms to the world I will take a few moments to be still and silent. Hands to my heart, head bowed, eyes closed, I breathe deeply, then I offer a silent prayer to the Creator.

‘I am grateful for the beauty that surrounds me. I welcome the delights and lessons of this blessed day. May fortitude, wisdom and compassion be my constant companions so that I may face this day with loving kindness and joyful wonder. I strive for the courage to open my heart so that the light of love can flow through me with vigor and passion. May my very being become a source of healing, joy and inspiration for all who cross my path.’

If this prayerful intention is not enough to sooth my suffering then invariably, with in a short time a kindred spirit will be sent to me. They will hold me to their bosom and with a few gentle words of encouragement illuminate the shadows of my heart. It does not take much more then a bit of kindness to bring hope back into another’s life.

Went for a few hours late in the day but the evening the place was so quite. I had expected more people on a warm Friday evening. From now on I will just go hugging on Weekends and leave the week to rest up and write.