One year ago today, a very scared girl with a lot of bravado opened a plain little no-frills blog and tapped out the following:
“In three days, I will be homeless.”
As they say, what a long strange ride it’s been.
I could never have foreseen the interest tGGtH would generate, the places it would take me, the doors it would open, the opportunities it would provide, and most importantly, the wonderful people I would meet and friendships that would be developed in the process. I truly believe with all my heart that I have by far the best readers and friends a woman could ever ask for.
It’s a year later, and I’m more excited than ever about all the work yet to be done advocating for homeless people and against homelessness. As you may know, I’m currently in London on business, and one of the projects I’m working on with the inimitable Jon (BeatOnTheStreet), whom I’m proud to call a friend, is World Homeless Day, coming to a city near you on 10/10/10. I’ll blog more about it in an upcoming post, but it was such a pleasure and an honor to meet Jon in person finally, as he’s been a constant supportive presence in my life almost from the very beginning, a year ago.
More projects I’m working on include expanding and creating other sites along the full range of my interests (though of course homelessness remains my pet project and I’ll be maintaining this blog as well for all of my activism/advocacy stuff), finishing the upcoming book, as well as consulting on the movie rights currently in talks, and taking better care of myself and my health.
And of course, my ultimate goal (the apotheosis of my ambition, so to speak, as it’s difficult to imagine anything more glorious to which to aspire) is to own my own home…free and clear. Eep. Better get started on that one.
So please feel free to stop by in the comments and wish a very Happy Birthaversary to the Girl’s Guide to Homelessness! It is my most fervent wish that there be many, many more and that the site will continue to inspire hope, understanding of, and assistance for ALL homeless individuals. Thank you again to all of my friends, readers, and especially the fellow activists with whom I work in tandem – I can only dream of reaching the bar of super-powered awesomeness you have set!
* * * * *
(Stunning) photo credit all goes to: Alice Smith, http://www.puresauce.co.uk/; Amy Norris, http://eightsixty9.com/ – Thank you, ladies!
Happy “Birthaversary” Bri! Such a great blog and advocacy ability to the world! You are now an international advocate now that you have traveling to Europe under your belt!
You need anything in the US, email or facebook me!
Happy Anniversary to tGGtH! Both you and the blog have come a long way. I’m proud to have been part of the successes you have achieved.
I’m still amazed that my shout out on Twitter for help in caring for Fezzik resulted in connecting you with Sage, which helped you to have fewer worries, which…etc. etc.
Keep going and follow your dreams.
Happy happy!
I found your blog by chance not long after you started it. You’ve really opened my eyes to an issue I knew little about. Now I consider myself a homeless advocate and try to keep abreast of my local homeless issues.
Thank you for sharing your personal story. I’ve laughed and cried. And I’m always rooting for you!
Happy Birthaversary! I first read your story in either the Lodi or Stockton (it sucks to get old and lose you memory ) and started following you then.
I admire your drive and consideration for others, among other things. Thanks for sharing your life with us and I wish you all the success in the world!
Happy blogiversary! Here’s to you getting that home of your own sooner rather than later.
First a “hey” to Robin! yes, it’s certainly ironic that a cross-country request to our common friend Peggy resulted in both of our involvement in this unlikely blog. But thanks to you, to Peggy, and most of all to Bri, I can say we have all been uplifted by our willingness to give a little “leg up” to this red-headed ball of wonder. Bri, I have said this before and will say it again. If I was not witnessing the events of your life first hand, I would have a tendency to think that much is fabricated! But it’s real people! Wonderfully real. Bri, I continue to be amazed at your resilience and sunny outlook. I am honored to know you as a friend. Stay balanced, and focused on good things. Your future is waiting to be written!
hugs & love!! And a big sloppy kiss from Fezzik too!
That’s amazing! It’s hard to believe it’s been only a year. I haven’t been a commenter, but I certainly have been a follower, and I’m inspired every day by what you’ve accomplished. Happy birthaversary.
One year? Unreal! Keep up the good work and I hope you get a house soon.
Yay…
Happy Anniversary, lets hope the next year will be full of happiness and joy. You deserve it for all the great work you have achieved raising awareness and helping others along their journey….
Wishing you many more years of getting light on a subject that has been in the dark for too long.
Love the blog.
Don’t worry about the asses of the world. Karma is a bitch and she does believe in getting even.
Happy Blogiversary – it’s awesome how much can change in a year!
Happy 1st Blogiversity tGGtH!
Hopefully there will be many more to come.
Wow! Has it been a year? Seems like just yesterday – but then again, because of my “advanced” years, everything seems like just yesterday.
Your strenght and ambition is amazing. Good things do happen to good people. I wish you allthebest and happy birthaversary!
MAZAL TOV!
i so appreciate the five minutes of sanity that i have at work when i read your blog. it totally puts my life into perspective and makes me thankful for what i have and gets me thinking about what i can do for those who don’t… wishing you many more wonderful adventures and simple pleasures!
happy aniversary.
I hope you continue to give light about the discrimination, that homeless people and people with house but low income suffer for go to soup kitchens it save some money that is needly for live, like transportation, rent, mortgage, utilities, etc. And shamely the “volunteer” people who help in this places then curse you if you do your normal life: work, supermarket, restaurant, etc. To these people god blessed you.
Hey Bri! I found out about your blog through CNN and I’ve been a follower ever since. It’s funny because even though I don’t know you, I found myself overwhelmed with joy when something awsome happened and tears came to my eyes when you fell upon a misfortune. Keep up your amazing work. I’m sure many many people are grateful for you. You’re an inspiration. Happy Birthaversiray.
Happy Birthaversary ~Bri~!!! I’ve watched your progress through the better part of your first year and am so happy to see how far you’ve come. Your story caught my eye and my heart and I am really greatful for your friendship. I knew from the beginning that you would go far. Your personality and writing skills really shine and the homeless issue needed someone like you to shed that light on what’s going on for so many people. Can’t wait to see what the next year brings for you.
It’s really amazing how much your life can change in one year isn’t it? I’m really glad to have “met” you Bri and I hope you continue to pass on the good karma to others:)
Happy Birthaversary!!!
Happy birthanniversary Bri:) it’s incredible the long way you run
in one year..
Do you know about Homeless Girl she has a blog too. She is near london.
Here is her blog
http://superhomeless.wordpress.com/
Wow, it’s great to see all the “long time reader, first time commenter” people coming out of the woodwork! Thank you all!
Hi Laura, yes, I know Homeless Girl (she’s linked on my blogroll in the right sidebar). She hasn’t posted in several months though, so I hope she’s alright or has become rehoused. I was under the impression she might have been considering returning to her father in her home country, so perhaps that’s what happened.
~Bri
Yes, indeedy,Bri – “what a long, strange trip it’s been!” I see that you are living your life in “stranger than fiction” mode (me too!) Continue to enjoy the journey, Sister!
Here’s some vintage Grateful Dead w/ “Truckin’” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPNgjA4i6gM&feature=related
Rock on!
May Mystery, Magic, & Miracles keep gracing your path,
Rev. Cynthia
Thanks for sharing your experiences. Fabulous photo!
…You are so beautiful!