I woke up about 6AM, had my usual oatmeal breakfast and headed south toward Santa Barbara. I stopped on the way for an early morning interview on Santa Barbara talk radio. I arrived at my friend Alannah’s place around 10AM and took a much needed shower. After I felt human again, I prepared the art supplies for the community art workshop at our World Homeless Day Event the next day. Since this event was the culmination of our tour, I was very excited about it. My friend and long time supporter Roslyn, had been working hard organizing the event for the last few weeks and I knew it would be great. She and I checked out Pershing Park after dinner to plan how we would set up for the event.
World Homeless Day Finale
Although I wanted to park the RV at the event, there was no legal place to do that, so Roslyn picked me in her car and helped me haul the supplies, etc. We arrived about an hour early to set up the tables, chairs, PA system and the other stuff we needed to do the art workshop. On Sunday morning, Reverend Hank feeds people and preaches at the park; he as been at it for more than 30 years. Many of the people from Hank’s event meandered over to our spot and most were very interested in participating. Another group, Art In The Park, joined us as well. They recently began doing art projects with homeless people in Santa Barbara and were a welcome addition to the World Homeless Day celebration.
Several talented people performed their music and recited poetry much to the delight of the crowd. As usual, I spoke about the project and our intention of empowering people and invited all to join in the workshop. The participants started drawing and had a great time. Some of the participants were mourning a friend who had died in the park the night before. They placed a large stone on the spot where he died and asked people to sign the “memorial” rock. Doug drew a picture about his sadness and told us it was the first time he had ever drawn anything in his 34 years of life.
Although we didn’t get all the media attention we would have liked for the 1st Annual World Homeless Day, we were happy to be part of an event that empowered and celebrated people without homes around the world. We packed up all the art, supplies, equipment and the tables and chairs. As usual, we had lots of people helping us, so it went quickly.
Later that day, I headed home to Ojai. I was so happy to drive into the blessed valley that I call home. Although my surroundings looked the same, I felt different somehow. The tour really was a life-changing experience for me. I can see it is going to take awhile for me to really understand and assimilate it all.
I am very grateful for all the wonderfully generous and gracious people who helped us before, during and after the tour. We couldn’t have done it without you.
To read about the entire tour, visit this page.