Hi friends! It’s been a while since I’ve written, but I experienced something today that was super funny and about as original as the idea for this blog. It relates to internet begging, but is more closely related to panhandling money in traffic. I was driving today and and passed a couple people with the ‘will work for food’ signs. This is not uncommon in my city. In fact, I’ve actually handed out a couple of 5s, just because I know that giving opens up an avenue for receiving. Unlike some, I don’t really care what they are going to do with the money. I give it freely, because I know that people have given freely to me in my times of need.

So, driving along in traffic, I get to a stop light at an intersection. I look up and see what can only be described as a red Power Ranger with no face. This dude was dressed in a full face, full body leotard, bright red, with a cardboard sign that said something to the effect of..

Crash landed on Earth. Need $1 for repairs. We come in PEACE!

Now, I drive an 86 VW Bus, and I have experienced a sign that was flipped over for my benefit. As I approached, dude with dreads flipped the sign over and showed me the phrase that read ‘VW Bus broken down. Need money for repairs.’ I have no idea if this was the reality of the situation, or if he was simply smart enough that he knew how many ‘bus people’ live in my town and figured he could cash in on the camaraderie of hippies who drive a bus. Either way, I pulled over, dug like 12 bucks out of my purse and handed it to him. For my fee, I got a great repair tip regarding a simple change of the fuel filter!!

But the alien thing was brillant! There were actually 2 of them, both dressed in a red, full bodysuit on opposite corners of the intersection. Waving to people, flashing the sign. I’d LOVE to know how much money they ended up with at the end of the day.

Lots of people get really annoyed at panhandlers, but I think that panhandling attempt may have been just brilliant enough to earn rewards for creativity. Unfortunately, I had no cash on me today or I would likely have contributed myself.

Resources: The picture was taken from Google images, but if you click it, you’ll be taken to the website that offers these handy bodysuits for sale! Maybe this idea could work for you in your town. (DoItStyle.com)

Tags: pandhandlers