I’m obsessed with the beach in Toronto. How many cities have a swim-able waterfront just a stone’s throw from downtown? Since the weather was unseasonably warm and sunny today, I made my way to the beach.
I laid on my blanket, reading my book and enjoying the last rays of summer. It was nice hearing the sounds of families cooking lunch and children playing frisbee and soccer.
But what struck me most happened while I was on the streetcar, riding home.
As we passed a busy intersection, I saw a cheerful young girl – maybe 20 or 21 – holding a hand painted sign reading, “FREE HUGS”. She was smiling and waving at the passersby, radiating her beautiful energy out to the world. And I felt it. I totally felt her warm glow, and it lightened my already lofty mood.
I couldn’t help but think of all the lives she was touching, simply by offering a simple act of kindness and love.
I contrasted the image of the girl and her sign with what I see on the news every day. It’s hate that makes headlines but love that heals hearts.
So tonight, I’m going to give you the best hug that I can. A virtual hug:
August 30, 2008 at 8:13 pm
You are so…right with the news. It seems like all we hear are the bad things going on in the world.
You didn’t say if you went over to her and got a hug from her???
Have a great weekend Davey!!!
August 30, 2008 at 8:19 pm
this is the real mike in dallas
If you hug me, can I cop a feel?
August 30, 2008 at 10:46 pm
This is the real Mike in Dallas.
I heard you are fat, so no,
you do not get a hug.
August 30, 2008 at 10:47 pm
You are a fraud.
In the broadest sense, a fraud is a deception made for personal gain or to damage another individual.
August 30, 2008 at 11:17 pm
this is really funny..
dude..could we meet and f**k?
keep up the good work your making people laugh.
August 30, 2008 at 11:36 pm
no, i only f**k prostitutes
August 30, 2008 at 11:56 pm
Go away fraudulent Mike.
September 1, 2008 at 8:54 pm
You are a fraud.
In the broadest sense, a fraud is a deception made for personal gain or to damage another individual.
August 30, 2008 at 8:20 pm
I gave a hug to someone with a “Free hugs” sign once in downtown Edmonton. Totally awesome and random pit stop in my day.
Thanks for the virtual hug Davey!
August 30, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Sometime’s a hug is all it take’s to make a person’s day.
August 30, 2008 at 8:32 pm
*Hugs Davey Back*
August 30, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Thanks
I gave you a virtual hug back.
August 30, 2008 at 8:37 pm
The free hugs thing seriously makes people super happy! I love it–some people at my school do it and I never hesitate to give them a hug!
I <3 hugs and people who give hugs!
August 30, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Having a good journey!!
My uncle was living there.
He tole me many about Toronto,expecially “free hugs”.
He said Toronto is beautiful,he and his wife gave birth to my brother.
He said the cheerful young girls are all college students,they share happiness with others.
He want me go there with him,but Toronto is far from China.I fefused.
I hope I can travel in Toronto in the future!
LYM from China
August 30, 2008 at 10:06 pm
The best things in life are free.
August 30, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Except pot and prostitutes, I have to pay a s**t load for those.
August 30, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Virtual Hug right back at you, I am elated so many times by the way of how you show your appreciation to your fans, and all, so free hug right back at you again.
August 30, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Thanks davey!
August 30, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Lots of hugs too!!!
August 30, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Thanks! [Hugs back] You should visit Vancouver’s downtown beaches. Water might not be the warmest, but swim-able and less than a stone’s throw away.
August 31, 2008 at 12:04 am
Come here all of you !!!
Let’s have a energizing group-hug…
Doesn’t this feel good?
August 31, 2008 at 7:49 am
group-hug, yeah
August 31, 2008 at 12:12 am
August 31, 2008 at 2:54 am
The same thing happened to me in Dublin a few months ago. It’s great to think free hugs are happening all around the world. Maybe we should organise a worldwide collective free hug day!
August 31, 2008 at 3:08 am
I think it maybe last time search the internet in follow mouth.
I left and take nothing away!!
Bye my love!!!
^_^bye
August 31, 2008 at 3:40 am
The Free Hugs Campaign is a social movement involving individuals who offer hugs to strangers in public places.
The campaign was widely publicized in 2006 by a music video on YouTube by the Australian band Sick Puppies. The free hugs began in Sydney in 2004.
The campaign is an example of a random act of kindness, a purportedly selfless act performed by a person for the sole reason of making others feel better.
Oh and Australia is full of cities just a stones-throw from the beach.
August 31, 2008 at 4:05 am
Thanks Davey,
I’m a new “blog buddy” and this was a great way to start my day. I appreciate it.
AD
August 31, 2008 at 4:06 am
Just like to say it’s currently 10:05 in the UK. Hence I’m starting my day here.
August 31, 2008 at 4:25 am
Hugs right back atya davey!
….have to agree with mike, I’m sure ‘Tronno’ beach is great but I’d say it probably doesn’t get better than Sydney for city beaches !!!
August 31, 2008 at 4:25 am
Thanks Davey and hugs for you this Sunday morning.
I have my shirt off waiting for a real hug from you – better still, lets get naked for it and have an all over hug!
I can dream!
Love and peace Davey.
August 31, 2008 at 5:00 am
Thanks very much David !
So, this morning, I was in a very good mood while I was having my breakfast !
Yesterday was the hottest day of the month, at 10:00, we had more than 25°C in the shade and in the afternoon more than 32° C. As you certainly know I have the chance to live in a town which is in waterfront. I can assure you the sea was refreshing !.
Wasn’t it a little place for me on your blanket ? We could have read the book together.
How can I give you a hug when I know you’re still asleep while I’m waking up ?
It reminds me a movie “Lady Hawke”.
But if you give me a hug, I will hang on you tightly and never ever let you go !
kiss
August 31, 2008 at 6:07 am
We once had a “hug me” tree in Toronto, but it fell down earlier this year
August 31, 2008 at 7:54 am
lol
sorry, but i had some funny imaginations
August 31, 2008 at 6:50 am
Hey Davey~~~~ I hope there are FREE HUGS in HONG KONG!!
Thanks for the HUG!!!!!
I wish i could hug u everyday!!!!
EVERYDAY!!!
Sorry i am crazy..a little bit!
Have a great nite my dear!
Claire
August 31, 2008 at 9:24 am
Way too awesome! That’s the best virtual hug I’ve every received.
Thanks Davey – right back at you!
Ciao – J
August 31, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Awwww, thank you. That’s so nice.
*hugs*
August 31, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Hugs are great, I usually get a hug from my co-worker when she come to work, it usually make my day go better if I have had not so good day at work.
August 31, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Back at ya! Nothing beats a great free hug!
As I was cheering on the sidelines at the Gay Pride Parade here in Montréal (La Diversité, in French) a guy came walking by with a ‘Free Hugs’sign. I yelled and waved my hand in approval, and lo’ and behold, he came directly towards me and gave me one of the nicest full body hugs I’ve had in a long time. A blatant expression of unabashed joy! He was really good looking, too. Needless to say I fully ‘grok’ your meaning. Definitely, back at ya,mate!
Be well,
August 31, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Thanks for the hug yesterday, had a very, very bad day and it just made it all go away. Made me feel like it was all going to be all right.. Well, just wanted to say have an awesome Sunday (wait it’s past 8 over there already) Well Monday.. Have a good one Davey!
Always,
Alexander
September 2, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Thank you Davey
I just returned from an escape from the hurricane in the Gulf. A 4 hour drive took 8!!!
With no air conditioning in my car in south Texas, I rushed to get to my job. and what’s waiting for me?…a hug from Davey Wavey. It was just what I needed. Thank you and back at ya.
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September 6, 2008 at 2:40 pm
lol. i love when people do that on the streets but i hate it when they wear a t-shirt that says “free hugs”.
September 11, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Go Toronto! Go Hugs! Maybe I’ll see that girl at the Eaton Centre on Sunday ahaha!
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August 17, 2010 at 1:43 pm
The group giving FREE HUGS in the Montreal Pride parade, is BELIEVE fro St. James United Church. We have been giving FREE HUGS in the parade for the last 4 or 5 years and will continue this important ministry. I am glad that it was a very positive experience for you!
August 29, 2011 at 5:04 am
I never wanna let go never!!!