Apparently I tend to boss around complete strangers.

We saw these kids walking along the square, carrying their instruments. Here's what happened next:

Me: Hi guys! Are y'all gonna play in this spot?

them: We're thinking about it.

Me: Where are you from?

Them: We're from this little town near here. (They go on to tell me where they're from.)

Me: I live there!

(Then we have a short conversation about who we know in common. They're such sweet kids.)

Me: So...what are you doing? Are you going to play??

Them: ::nervous laughter::

Me: Next time bring your guitar case for tips.

Them: We're not here for the money. ::looking slightly unsure of that statement::

Me: Take your hat off and put it on the ground. (I place the hat upside down in front of the boys.) Now, play your best song.

In less than five minutes, I counted more than $10 placed into the hat. I took a polaroid of them (after asking :p), and placed it in the hat with a couple of bucks.

My friend teased me about how motherly I was to them, but I felt SO proud of them! It takes guts to play in public.

I told them to come back next weekend and bring the case.