Tip Hat Curios

I’ve busked on sidewalks, in public parks, in bars, and at farmer’s markets, always with an inverted top hat nearby.

I live and operate in Maine–therefore I sometimes barter. At other times, people just toss weird shit in my tip hat of their own free will. Here are some of my more… interesting acquisitions.

• A chestnut.
• A miniature red wooden clothespin, about the size of a fingernail.
• Potted mint.
• A key for easy access to a washer and dryer near my home.
• A 6” whack of goat pepperoni (which was really delicious, by the way)
• A thick, short, retractable pen with a face, glasses, a tie, a keychain attachment, and a Koosh ball for hair.
• An invitation on a napkin complete with a name, address, a hand-drawn map, and what drugs will be available. Thanks but no thanks.
• Marbles.
• A bottle of Shiraz.
• Paperclips (useful, but I can purchase my own, thanks).
• Scones. Loaves of bread. Summer squash.
• A lump of frozen goat meat.
• A great massage.
• A rolled-up piece of paper with a rubber band around it. Unrolled it to find my own face staring back, in caricature.
• A mid-song kiss on the cheek. (Awww, thanks.)

Okay, your turn. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve ever received as non-monetary compensation for creative work?