Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Social Experiment: Juju Bombing in Burbank and Beyond

A few weeks ago, I was reading my favorite blog, when I came across this post about how homeowners Sherry and John found a hidden message in their new abode. I'd never heard of anyone purposely leaving a note to new occupants in a house—and I loved the idea of it.

I loved it so much, I started thinking that maybe I could steal it.

If I randomly stumbled across some message of love and advice, I would think it was a gift from the universe. It would make me happy. So why not do something similar: modify the message, leave notes randomly around for others and then feel happy that someone else could read them.

Given that I'm in the midst of wrapping up wedding plans and, thanks to layoffs last week, am now the solo writer at my job, time got away from me after I read Sherry's post. But today I decided to carve out a few minutes to re-craft their message and start the experiment.

Here's what mine says:

May today bring you peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities in yourself and others. May you use the gifts you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. May your soul enjoy the freedom to sing, dance, live and love.

I printed out a page with my message repeated over and over, then I cut two copies from it and put them in my pocket.

I decided I would plant one inside David's Bridal when I went out at lunch to pick up ribbon and sash fabric for my flower girls' dresses.

It was sort of funny scoping out a spot to drop it. I felt like I was sneaking around; getting ready to commit a minor crime. But I left it on one of their counters and I hope either a bride or salesgirl will discover it and smile today.

I stuck the second one in the bathroom at work. I don't know how many women there are on my floor here—maybe 50+. When I entered the ladies' room, 3 of the 5 stalls were filled. I contemplated sticking my little note in the stall somewhere...but that felt kind of creepy. However, I didn't want anyone to see me drop it on the sink. (These were funny things to be considering while I was sitting on the pot, by the way...) In the end, I just took my sweet time washing my hands and flung the note next to the hand towels. Hopefully someone who needed a pick-me-up message found it after I left.

I'm not sure if it's the spreading of good juju that makes this little project so thrilling. Or if it's the sneakiness—the not wanting to be seen dropping my notes. But it's sort of fun. And now that you've read what I passed along, I hope maybe your day is a little brighter too.

19 comments:

LesleyG said...

What a great idea! You are such a sweet person, doing this in the midst of all the... stuff you have going on.

laura said...

It's like one long ass fortune cookie...only without the extra calories. :)

Hunter said...

I'd really like to know what the lady who picked up the bathroom note thought about the universe telling her that being in the can was "exactly where she was supposed to be right now."

The Real Mom said...

I love you Laura!

Jane Monepenny said...

LOVE IT! It's a lot like Post Secret books and people who leave notes in them in bookstores for others to find when they browse. What a great idea, especially for someone who really needed that one final push. I'm stealing this!

Danielle said...

What an awesome idea! Not to mention, I love what you wrote and somewhat feel like it was meant just for me! :)

Mandy_Fish said...

Sounds like you needed to put a little positive energy back into the atmosphere. Sorry to hear about the layoffs at your office. I always find that to be a gut-wrenching experience, whether I'm one who gets canned or I'm one still at the office.

Anonymous said...

Wait, you mean I'M not your favorite blog? *crushed* ;)

Heh - I can't imagine leaving notes like that at work. Maybe one's that say "computers aren't going away, have you ever considered Learning Annex?", though...

Sizzle said...

I love this idea! And yes, I feel good reading your special note (thanks). :-)

Anita said...

What a great idea! I would've loved getting this random juju note unexpectedly.

Rach said...

i have that quote on my desk at work - it gets me through many a hard day!! i love what you did though...i'm thinking of copying you and leaving it for others too :)

btw - great fairy pictures!

Melissa Maris said...

Lesley - I think it's helping save my sanity. :)

Laura - It reminded me more of like an Irish blessing. Minus the Guinness.

Hunter - Sometimes you are meant to exactly be on the toilet. Wouldn't you rather be there than like out on the golf course when nature calls?

Real Mom - Laura needs her own blog, doesn't she?

Jane - You're so worldly - you could stash stuff in all sorts of interesting international locations.

Danielle - I meant it for everyone, including you. :)

Mandy - It's totally gut-wrenching. So yes, I did need to put some positivity back out there. And it gave me something to blog about... :)

Geekhiker - You're my second favorite. :) We could create a whole new means of communication with this, I think! You should totally start leaving snarky IT messages around your office.

Sizzle - You're welcome. Too bad I couldn't have stuck it in your purse or bathroom stall...

Anita - When I finally meet Evie, I'm totally putting a secret note in her diaper for you. :P

Rach - Awe I love that you have that quote on your desk. And thanks for the fairy props. I cannot tell you how fun that was!

Melissa Maris said...

I need to attribute my over-use of "like" in my comments back to the beer I had at lunch today.

Jeff said...

Beer? Like awesome.

Anonymous said...

You drink a beer in the middle of the day while on the job?

Anonymous said...

Super idea!
I've been wanting to carry around a post-it pad so that I can leave wee messages like "Wow! Your hair looks great today!" on bathroom mirrors and things. I'm a bit chicken though... I'm all 'Ah! No! What if I get caught leaving complementary notes around bathrooms!'

Obviously I'd be arrested. *snigger* (I'm such a goody good scardycat.)

Melissa Maris said...

Anonymous - Yes, I drink beer at work sometimes. They're essential components to certain department lunches.

Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks said...

I love that you're spreading this goodness. My dad left a hidden message in our childhood house. He stuffed a wine bottle with a note (how dare you demolish this kitchen that we spent a fortune on!) along with the front page of the newspaper from that day.

blakspring said...

that made me think of amelie :)