Ask the Author: Dennis Cardiff
Answered Questions (13)
Dennis Cardiff
What is most important is to acknowledge them as human beings: smile, make eye contact, say good morning. They understand that not everyone has spare change, it may have been given to another pan handler, some people only carry plastic. Bernard, a panhandler I talk to most mornings told me that if everyone passing by dropped a quarter, he would have enough money to eat and have a secure place to spend the night.
What I do is buy $5.00 meal cards. Giving food or even coffee is not always appreciated. Bernard has only a few teeth, so he can't eat anything but soft foods. If he's given too many cups of coffee it means he will have to leave his spot and go to the bathroom. He doesn't drink alcohol or use drugs so I don't mind giving him a $5.00 bill. Other panhandlers may be in need of bus tickets.
After I've created a relationship, I'll stop and talk, ask them how they've spent the night, if they've been warm enough, if they are in need of anything such as winter boots (inexpensive at thrift shops). I always try to make it about them. Often they don't have many people to converse with.
What I do is buy $5.00 meal cards. Giving food or even coffee is not always appreciated. Bernard has only a few teeth, so he can't eat anything but soft foods. If he's given too many cups of coffee it means he will have to leave his spot and go to the bathroom. He doesn't drink alcohol or use drugs so I don't mind giving him a $5.00 bill. Other panhandlers may be in need of bus tickets.
After I've created a relationship, I'll stop and talk, ask them how they've spent the night, if they've been warm enough, if they are in need of anything such as winter boots (inexpensive at thrift shops). I always try to make it about them. Often they don't have many people to converse with.
Dennis Cardiff
Hi Susan, I have shared your link https://www.gofundme.com/kep6bw
to all my friends on Facebook and Twitter.
God bless you,
Dennis
to all my friends on Facebook and Twitter.
God bless you,
Dennis
Dennis Cardiff
I always keep a notebook handy. There is always something that happens during the day that is noteworthy. When I'm talking to my homeless friends I don't use a notebook, but type the conversations at my earliest convenience.
Dennis Cardiff
Hi Margaret,
Thanks for your interest in my book. I can see from your picture why Goodreads isn't certain that you're over 18.
I hope that your problem is solved by listing your birthday and keeping it hidden. If not, let me know and I'll see if I can work something out.
Cheers,
Dennis
Thanks for your interest in my book. I can see from your picture why Goodreads isn't certain that you're over 18.
I hope that your problem is solved by listing your birthday and keeping it hidden. If not, let me know and I'll see if I can work something out.
Cheers,
Dennis
Dennis Cardiff
Hi John, this book sounds fascinating. I have purchased it and will review it as soon as possible. I no longer live in Saskatoon, but if you sent a letter to the Saskatoon Library, I'm sure they would be interested.
Cheers,
Dennis
Cheers,
Dennis
Dennis Cardiff
I work full time in the mailroom of an international law firm. After all the daily mail is distributed, and when all my other work related duties have been performed, I have the freedom to concentrate on my own writing. In my opinion I have the ideal job.
Dennis Cardiff
I always find poetry to be difficult to write since there is so many poetic devices involved: end rhyme, internal rhyme, rhythm, assonance, alliteration, structure and meaning. Even in free verse many of these same things must be considered. On the other hand, some poems write themselves. ~ Dennis
Dennis Cardiff
I consider writing as a way of life. It is a journey, not a destination. It is what I do every day. Positive reviews are very encouraging.
Dennis Cardiff
Read and write as much as possible. Keeping a daily journal has helped to keep me inspired.
Dennis Cardiff
I am currently working on Book 4 of my series Gotta find a Home: Conversations with Street People. Book 2 is scheduled for release in late July. Book 3 will be released later in the year. At present, I am half finished writing Book 4. I expect to complete it by the end of the year.
Dennis Cardiff
I try not to worry about it. I simply do other things like reading, playing guitar, exercising or painting. I've found that If I keep my life balanced I am most creative.
Dennis Cardiff
I am most inspired in nature, where I can relax. Some of my writing is inspired by what I'm currently reading. Books on Buddhism I find to be very fulfilling. They put me in a positive frame of mind.
Dennis Cardiff
Meeting with street people, I found a culture that is unfamiliar to most. I have come to enjoy conversing with these people who have become my friends. By relating my conversations on a daily basis I hope to introduce the general public to these friends who are just like you and me.
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