Fleeting moments
Posted on March 31st, 2010 –
Okay, so remember that top-secret mission I mentioned last Wednesday? Well, the plan’s in action (eeee!), which means I’m allowed to go public with it.
But since I have to occupy a whole blog post, dear reader, why don’t you see how many steps into the production process before you figure out what I’m up to? I’ll describe the steps. :)
Step 1
Print a few test photos. Create some aberrations. Never speak of them again.
Step 2
Make exactly the same mistakes as in step 1, but on the other side.
Step 3
Bend some spring-style paper clips using nothing but the force of the mind. Or pliers if sissy.
Step 4
Attach paper clips from step 3 to properly printed photos. Step 1 never existed.
Step 5
Affix postage from various and sundry Canada Post stamp strips one has, for some reason or another, hanging around one’s flat. (Who the hell am I gonna send a letter to?!)
Step 6
Append writing instrument onto paper clip to secure it in place. Ready for its big journey! Somewhere … mysterious.
Step 7
Perhaps overseas. Perhaps into the gutter. I really have no idea. It’s that mysterious.
Just write and drop into a mailbox. Or keep and spoil the whole thing. :(
I had originally intended to plant these photos and then sprint to a nearby waiting zone. I specifically selected each location so that I could be a comfortable paparazzo, relaxing with a coffee and snapping people’s faces as they made the discovery. And thence to share the anonymized reactions here.
But I decided against that. Simply record the goodbye and be off. Hope it ends up in a nice home. Besides, I’ve got those other locations to think about now and I can get around a lot faster if I don’t have to skulk around waiting for the next victim. Fleeting moments, or some such bullshit, is what ran through my head when I initially thought about this, implying I shouldn’t be hanging around anyway. Doesn’t matter now. The photos will keep coming so long as postage is willing and the wind is cooperating. And people are willing to pick crap up off the ground.
... with pictures
... with sounds
... with videos
... with opinions
... that's shorter
... that's longer
April 1st, 2010 12:36 am
What a wonderful idea! I feel somehow that it ought to be possible to tie your idea in with Postcrossing but I can't think how.
April 1st, 2010 7:48 am
Thanks, Sheila. I hadn't heard of Postcrossing until you mentioned it, but maybe I could suggest it or pre-address it on the next batch of cards. Sounds like a great idea.
April 1st, 2010 10:15 am
That is so wild! A lot of effort but totally cool!
April 2nd, 2010 10:54 am
Not so much effort, Grace. At least not once I got it all figured out :)
April 1st, 2010 11:01 am
that is a very cool idea! hopefully whoever receives these postcards from around the world (lets hope!) will drop you a line to let you know that your work of art has made it safe and sound. I hope you'll keep us posted if you DO get a note back. :)
April 2nd, 2010 10:54 am
I'm not expecting any back, Renee. What I'm hoping for is for whoever finds / receives it to leave a comment here.
April 2nd, 2010 10:23 am
Hey!
Why not send it to me!
April 2nd, 2010 10:55 am
I could, Mailbuff, but I feel that that would be cheating. But maybe I'll send you a special one :)