An Angel, A Cop & Bob

Greetings, to all from the Windy City. Let me just start by saying where Stephanie goes apparently bad weather follows. Indeed, I am in constant competition with a storm front that I just can't seem to shake. But what can you expect from our friend mother nature.

Well, I shall begin by getting everyone up to speed on what's been happening with my mission. After my run-in with the law at the Mall of America I decided to try my luck in St. Paul. Let me state that I love St. Paul. It is so beautiful- I had no idea. The beauty of the entire Midwest has come as complete shock to me (I suppose that would be natural considering I have never been here before). In the St. Paul area all the neighborhoods have a Boston, New York City and English countryside kind of feel to them. They actually have Carriage Houses that they rent out as apartments. I think I took an entire roll of film here.

Anyway, in St. Paul I couldn't seem to find large crowds matriculating in one place (as it was a Monday) so I took the next logical step. Now realize my next logical step would most likely not even come close to what your "next logical step" would be. However, for me this meant one thing- go door to door. Yes, that's right I decided to be that annoying pest we all hate to see when we open the door- the almighty solicitor.

Of course, first I called my friend Judy about my plan and she suggested I call the St. Paul police to check on their laws regarding door-to-door soliciting. After getting the run around from every department this side of the Mississippi I decided to blow caution to the wind (or in my case handcuffs) and just go ahead until I was told not to. So I picked a neighborhood that had a "good vibe" and off I went. Surprisingly, I wasn't nearly as nervous as I had anticipated. I guess it's just a lot easier for me to deal with people on a one to one basis than standing in front of a large group of them.

Upon my arrival at the door I would ring the doorbell then hold my breath and wait for the door to open. As soon as it did off I went on my spiel. "Hi, my name is Stephanie and I am driving across the country trying to collect one dollar from everyone in America so I can make a movie. I was wondering if you would be interested in contributing."

This statement was usually followed by "Huh. What is this for?" I would then repeat myself but this time at a slower rate. And, I am happy to report that most people were really great about it. A woman named Helen was even so excited at what I was doing she wanted to personally take me to all the neighbors because she knew she could force them all into giving me money(hey no objections from me).

I was doing fine until I came to a cantankerous man whom I shall refer to as "Bob", who was very displeased by my going to his door. He said, "I will not be part of this scam young lady." Scam? Apparently, this mission of mine was a fraud. To Bob I was just a local St. Paul gal who thought I would find a quick way to make a few bucks for my drugs and alcohol (if only my quest was this easy). Bob proceeded to tell me that what I was doing was illegal and he would be calling the cops so I should leave. Yikes, what is with police and me? I took this cue as my sign to call it a day before I spent the night in the slammer. Seeing that I actually didn't have a place to stay that particular night the thought did cross my mind (only briefly of course). Besides that afternoon I had made roughly $175 so I was feeling good about myself.

Cut to yesterday when I made my way into Chicago. Naturally, upon my arrival rain and thunder made an appearance impeding any attempts to raise money. Luckily, I had a place to crash at so I could enjoy the comforts of a nice bed and hot shower.

This morning I made way into the city around 9AM. A heavy thunderstorm was expected to hit mid afternoon so I decided to get as much fundraising in as I possibly could. I headed over to Buckingham Fountain (you know the one in the opening of "Married with Children") because you could park near it (there by giving people the chance to actually sign the car) and it was cheap metered parking.

Things were going fine for the first hour until yet another cop approached me. Apparently, you cannot "publicly solicit" where I was at. So it basically amounts to the fact if I want to solicit at the fountain I need to do it "privately." Thankfully, the officer (whose name I did not get) was really cool about things and just told me to pack it up. He even suggested I go down by the water near Lake Shore Dr. (where ever the heck that is)...

Well, my friends that is all for now. Before I go I will leave you with today's journal lessons. One: where Stephanie goes- rain AND cops follows. Two, Helen in St. Paul is an angel. And three: "Bob" in St. Paul if you read this I am not a drug addict or an alcoholic just a crazy person with an actual tangible dream (well, I guess that could still be construed as a nasty addictive habit)..

Much Love, Stephanie.....