I rode my motorcycle up to Nederland, Colorado, just west of Boulder, to visit The Train Cars coffeehouse. It was a warm summer afternoon, but the air was cool, as usual. Snowcapped peaks all around. Ah, nice...

As I walked up the steps into the train car to order my usual vanilla latte and powdered mini-donuts, I noticed a 20-something young lady setting up her guitar in the small gazebo on the patio area. A small tip jar at the side of her stage. Four or 5 people were sitting together at a table nearby. One appeared to be her mother.

A struggling artist? No doubt. Struggles with cords and vocals that were not yet ready for a public performance, but what kept my attention was her determination to face the public and do her best. My guess is that she had told her mom NOT to draw attention to herself by applauding.

I wanted to hang around long enough for others to join and build her audience. Some came and went without really acknowledging her. No tips yet. I couldn't allow for that trend to continue.

I needed to give her a larger tip than I had in cash, so after another song ended, I asked for her Venmo ID and did the transaction through my iPhone before I gathered up my helmet and jacket to head back out on the road. As I started to walk away, she said "Wow, thank you"!

Kindness matters. Gratitude matters. For many entertainers and service workers, TIPS matter a great deal. Always tip well. Always!