O Canada

I don't mind getting the occasional Canadian coin; I know they're basically the same size, shape and color as our coins, and they get mixed in a lot.

But I found about 12 Canadian coins all together in my case, which leads me to surmise that some Canadian reached into his or her pocket to tip me, and while I appreciate the thought, Canadian money still isn't legal tender in this country.

Things that make the Fiddler go Hmmm

A while ago, a couple was in the Public Garden having what I assume were pre-wedding photos taken, on account of the man was in a tux and the woman was in a gorgeous white dress with a red overlay and gold trim. I don't know fashion terms or I could probably be more specific.

They had their photographer take their picture with me, which while I find it flattering, I wonder why they want a stranger in their photos. I mean, I'm used to being a photo op, but not so much for a wedding.

Still, they looked very happy, and I'm always glad to be a part of a happy occasion.

I know they're smart, but...

Busking in the Public Garden, saw two smallish dogs leashed to each other. I didn't know dogs could take each other on walks.

O RLY

An older man walking past in the Public Garden stopped and told me, "I'm surprised they haven't made you quit yet."

Hm...it's legal to busk in the Public Garden (although there are rules against having music at your wedding ceremony, but that's another story); I'm playing a fairly quiet instrument, and I'm not singing offensive lyrics. Or any lyrics. Why would "they" make me quit?

I wonder if it was sour grapes, but I didn't pursue the matter.

Little pitchers have big ears

There's a stage magician who has been setting up in the Public Garden across from the ducklings. I haven't had time to watch his act, but he seems popular.

The other day, he was between acts; I think he was setting up for the next round, so there were just a few kids and parents watching him. I'm not sure what happened, but he jumped back from his table and dropped the S-bomb in front of six or seven six- or seven-year-olds.

I don't consider myself particularly prudish, but it does seem that if one is gearing one's act towards small children, one should have an emergency backup supply of not-quite-swear words for such situations.

Overheard on the Common

Four middle-aged working-class Boston guys in a conversation.

One says, "Yeah, so you owe us two bucks from Friday. We only matched two numbers; we didn't get the ball, the whatsit ball...the crazy ball."

I shall now call Powerball, Crazyball. On the rare occasions on which I need to speak about Lotto at all.

Identify yourself

Yes, I do studio work and gigs; yes, I have a craigslist post to that effect.

However, if you're going to call me to do studio work for you, please leave a name and location, or you're just going to sound sketchy and I'm not going to call you back.