Storytime

Yesterday, I walked into a cute little boutique clothing store. The owner greeted me and asked me if I was looking for anything in particular. She also informed me that she designed and repurposed everything in the store. Everything I laid my eyes on had it's own character, I could tell she was serious and had a passion for fashion and interior design.

"I am in need of pants - handmade, tailored pants." 

"Follow me."

She took me to the back, to where the dresses and bottoms were. I was amazed at how beautiful each piece was. She asked me if I knew my measurements...picked all that she knew would flatter me, and my body type. She was so helpful. We discussed our backgrounds and what we did, for a living. Just friendly conversation, as I tried on clothes in her tiny fitting room. I was the only patron in the store, so, she was very attentive - more than I normally would prefer...but she was so interesting to me. I love people who, it's clear, hone their craft and take pride in their work. Literally, everything fit me. It was as if it they were made just for me. I decided on 3 of the 6 pants I tried on. 

"I'll meet you in the front." 

I got myself together and walked to the front. She had placed my items in a box, that was also a carrying bag. The detailing in her presentation was noteworthy. I grabbed the 'box-bag' and thanked her for her help. "Of course!" I proceeded to walk out of the store, when she quickly stopped me.

"Oh, you haven't paid yet."
"I have to pay for these?"
"Well, um, yea. They aren't free."

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That's what ya'll bums sound like when you expect or even have the audacity to ask, an artist, like myself, to perform for free. Miss me with that bullshit. My art is my work. I do it for. a. living.
I've spent many years developing my craft...the very essence of my being. The same essence you crave, and desire to see perform, on a stage.

DON'T FUCKING PLAY ME.

Only I can volunteer myself to do something, without pay. Approaching me, with the assumption that I will, just because you asked - tells me, you have no respect for me, nor my art.

You'll forever get no. response. from. me. Come correct, or don't come at all. I'm not here for it.

This was a PSA. The story above, is obviously (or maybe not so obvious, to some of ya'll), not true.

Upward and onward.