Vendor Writing

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Get The Paper

WRITTEN BY NORMA B., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

I was going to get the new paper the day it was released

But my ride was running late

I realized I was going to miss the meeting entirely

So I decided to go down the street

To the local Starbucks and get a much needed dose of caffeine with a gift card I’d been given

As I waited in line to place my order, another vendor approached stating the obvious:

‘You missed the meeting today!’

I replied rolling my eyes and saying ‘I know!’

That prompted the man at the front of the line to turn to me and ask, “Just what meeting did you miss my dear?”

I told him about The Contributor- its mission and purpose to help those who are homeless and displaced get the things they need to lead productive lives in the community where they reside

He then told me his name was Joe and that he was familiar with the concept

Because he had helped to launch The Big Issue: a publication similar to ours in the UK where he is from. At that point he told me to put my gift card away, HE was, “buying my coffee today!”

I offered him a paper in exchange for the drink, so he could compare the one from the UK to the one from right here in Nashville, Tennessee.

I encouraged him to let us know what he thought of this kindred paper from across the pond! We finished speaking but as he walked away

A few others who overheard what we were talking about

They were also waiting for their drinks and other tasty treats a few began to ask: “Can I have one of those so I can check it out?” Or “Can I have one of those to read with my coffee, please?”

Without hesitation of course I said yes, as any good salesman would do Something not everyone was exited to hear Out of nowhere a man suddenly appeared

He gave me a stern warning: “There’s no soliciting here on this property ma’am!”

I said I am aware of that, but for the record, I didn’t ask ANYONE to buy a single paper!

Continuing on I said, “I gave a paper to the man who bought me a drink. That seemed fair as it was the ONLY thing I had to share.

I didn’t solicit a single sale they ALL asked me. Was I supposed to say no?”

He agreed, still he said I had to leave Once I got my drink, I couldn’t stay.

I did as he asked and went away, but know this, I did so with a BIG smile on my face! This story goes to show how much has changed since I started selling the paper way back in the day Ironically when I started I sold The Contributor at the Starbucks on 29th and West End One day a policeman threatened to give me a ticket because he said my wheelchair was blocking the sidewalk keeping pedestrians from getting through So I folded my chair and stood as instructed To avoid getting the citation he was offering That is until a manager came out and asked:

“Ms. Norma, why aren’t you sitting in your chair on the sidewalk like usual?”

I told him what happened, with the policeman and he took immediate action, placing my wheelchair in the gravel pit under the Starbucks sign. He went on to say, “If he comes back and gives you ANY trouble, tell him to come inside and talk to one of us, we’ll take care of you I promise!

Because you’re on Starbucks property now, and there’s NOTHING he can do about it!” Needless to say, I NEVER had another incident as long as I was there!

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Life and Times of James, aka “Shorty”

BY JAMES “SHORTY” R., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

Born June 17, 1958 in Jefferson City, Tenn. on a farm, I started school at the age of six, and continued at the same school until the 8th grade in New Market, Tenn. I attended Jefferson High School for ninth and tenth grade. I moved to Walnut Springs, Texas, and finished my high school years in 1976. I graduated from high school at Walnut Springs.

I joined the Marine Corps in 1977. I was head chef, and taught other Marines how to cook. I was responsible for teaching them how to cook for about 1800 Marines. I got discharged in 1981. I cooked for numerous businesses all over. I decided to open up a BBQ restaurant, J.R.s BBQ in Dallas/Ft. Worth. I owned my own catering business in Austin, Texas. I was approached by Willie Nelson, he asked what kind of work I did, I told him I was a cook. Willie offered me a job cooking at his ranch. I worked for Willie for two years in Austin.

I moved back to DFW and started construction work, and to be back with family for several years. I started traveling and ended up in Phoenix and also Flagstaff, AZ and did construction work. I missed my family, so I went back home and stayed for a couple of years. I lost all my family, so I had to get away, I ended up in Los Angeles for a couple of years.

I came to my home state in 2009, Tennessee. That is when I started selling the Contributor paper. I have been selling the paper for 14 years now. I was homeless with two quarters in my pocket. A friend told me about the paper. I want to thank my customers for helping me get off the street, and all the support and love they give. I want to thank all the volunteers at the paper office for helping me get off the street also.

I thank God for leading me to sell the paper, and putting all of the wonderful people in my life that I have met on my corner. My life has not been easy, it’s not a “bed of roses” but I’m making it one day at a time.