It is not news to many that it has become harder to communicate regularly with friends and family with the current pandemic. With a decrease in communication due to social distancing, I also observed that less people were taking the initiative to spark a conversation with others they meet. People even began to avoid other groups if they were coming across each other on a small sidewalk, as to prevent any contact. However, a few days ago, I had a special encounter during a daily walk around my neighborhood. While strolling along the empty street, I came across two women who also happened to be on a walk. I had begun to turn to the other corner when I noticed something unusual; the two girls had also turned to see it. On the tree branch, a small figure made of aluminum foil stood hanging by its little hands. Without knowing who had initiated the conversation, our small group had exchanged a few words while taking pictures of the strange creation. Across the street, another old couple who had been on a walk were beginning to take photos as well.
Mrs. Holst, a resident in Beverly Hills, spoke to me about these curious figures hanging from the trees “I’ve found many all across our city,” she revealed, “and I think it’s heartwarming to see that a person may have taken an initiative to make them.” She then told me about the various places she had found them, and showed me several of her artistically shot photos.
Although I couldn’t see their smiles through the masks, it was clear that discovering the dynamically posed dolls was a nice surprise for all. For a short moment, I was able to forget that the world was fighting against a pandemic. It was the first in months that I had exchanged a short, lighthearted conversation with a stranger. After following Mrs. Holst’s instructions and searching some more, I could find several of the small treasures in various places across the city. Though it wasn’t a large donation to a charity or a life saving act of kindness, it struck me how a small effort could bring joy to many in a community.
I spent the next two days asking around to find who it was that made these creations. When asked if she knew anything about the artist, Adrienne, a student in Beverly Hills replied, “I wish I knew.” “I don’t know who made them,” she added, “but it was an enjoyable experience walking through the familiar neighborhoods to find each one.” Much like her, I could appreciate my surroundings once again, with the search to find the figures. Although I could not discover who had decided to make these creations, it nevertheless warmed my heart to see that people were brought together with the creator’s efforts. Ultimately, the figures stuck to me as a reminder that even a small act could warm a heart and prove to be a source of happiness during these tough times.
