Around Town #3

Overton Square is on the rise.

"Thursdays Squared" was last summer's concert series and it showcased the energy that was pulsing thru this recently dubbed "Theater District." 

New restaurants there were also on everyone's culinary destination list. Babalu was my first find with their tableside "best guac on the bloc." 

Today's "find," Belly Acres, would be a "build your own burger" paradise for lovers of grain fed beef. I, on the other hand, was "rurally"enchanted by the decor and the unique street signs assigned with each order. 

I also have a quirky habit of checking out a restaurant's restroom---it's part of a  many a "lady's" dining experience. Since the restaurant's interior has been described as looking like "Willy Wonka" bought a farm," I knew checking our the restroom was a must. 

A bucket sink and straw on the walls----I was not disappointed. 

anonymi-TEA

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, (Matthew 6:33, NIV)

Pay it forward. Random Act of Kindness. (RAK) These contemporary terms describe unselfish giving of gifts. No thank you note required when the donor chooses to remain anonymous. 
At Hattiloo's Overton Square grand opening this past weekend, I noticed lots of "big" Memphis names and corporations who were etched into the wall of this black repertory theater's entry. But....what caught my eye was the simple one, "A Friend of Hattieloo." No fanfare. No accolade. No strings attached.

Such a gift was "downright" biblical. (Matthew 6:33) In the area of black arts, there has been a tremendous need for a platform for many Memphis actors "of color," as a former HHS student of mine shared with me.  Not just on the stage, but behind the stage expertise as well. So a "shout-out" of "Hooray" to that "friend of Hattieloo."

In the spiritual realm, anonymous giving is more than just a way to reignite one's faith in human kindness, it's a way to follow the examples set in God's word.

Certainly a cuppa anonymi-TEA in gift giving can brighten the day of the recipient or recipients, but it can brighten the "givers" day as well.