22
{Psst. Come to Pancake Palooza this Sunday.}
{I’ll be there around 11 a.m. And I’ll probably be wearing a bib.}
16
MISSION: Going Dark.
You know I love you. And you know I love this project.
But I am tired. So very, very tired.
I’m going to take a week or two off from the Secret Agent L Project, and I hope that’s okay. Lately, life has been extremely stressful for me, both personally and professionally (my day job nearly killed me yesterday), and I really feel like I need to do some major self-care for a bit. I don’t even have the internet at home, which means I have to stay late at work or come in early, or go to a coffee shop or bookstore where there’s internet, in order to post missions. With my day job being pretty stressful right now (lots of major projects with tight deadlines), the extra running around is taking its toll on me. But things will calm down in a couple of weeks at work, and I think I’ll be able to manage things again.
I also have speaking engagements and other obligations lined up over the course of the next couple weeks. I love it, but it’s a lot to manage on top of a full-time job, especially one that’s so stressful at present.
So for the next week or two, I need to spread kindness…to myself.
In the meantime, I hope you’ll continue to complete your missions and send them to me. And I hope you’ll know that I’ll be thinking of you while I’m “off the grid.” But fear not: I’ll be back soon. Rested and refreshed.
love,
Laura
14
MISSION: Secret Agent L Spreads Words of Love.
Each Valentine’s Day, I get this hair-brained idea that I can single-handedly change everyone’s notions about the holiday so that nobody feels left out. I know. Silly, right? And yet, I still try.
This year was no exception.
DATE:
Monday, 14 February 2011
OPERATIVE:
Secret Agent L
LOCATION:
various
Pittsburgh, PA
TIME:
throughout the day
It breaks my heart when I hear people feel sad about Valentine’s Day. When they feel left out. The holiday that focuses on love–the single most important thing in the world–and people feel left out? That’s just not right. And so, I take it upon myself to remind people that it should be a day about all kinds of love, for every. person. alive.
Several days ago I started prepping for my Valentine’s Day Mega Mission. I find that there is extreme power in words, and when words are both good and kind, they can change the world. (Didn’t somebody famous say that?) I grabbed some cards, some stickers, some beautiful paper, and I got crafty. And I used words to tell the recipients of my mission of kindness that I love them.
Yes. Even though we don’t know each other. Because that’s what love does. It knows no bounds.
And after I used those words and said, “Love! Love! Love for YOU!”, I got the envelopes ready into which that love would be carried.
I attempted to get up bright and early today in order to spread my little acts of love all over the city before work. But a restless night of sleep (I’ve got a rather stressful week at work scheduled) prohibited me from actually springing out of bed at the crack of dawn. Thus, my acts of kindness will be spread throughout the day. I did manage to do a few drops this morning before work, though.
I made a stop at Dunkin’ Donuts and picked up a couple dozen donuts for my co-workers. On my way out of the shop, I pretended to stop and pick up napkins at the little condiment counter. I dropped an envelope, snapped a picture, and was on my way.
I also had to get gas on my way to work, so I thought it’d be perfect to leave something at one of the pumps. But mother nature thwarted my efforts, as the wind in Pittsburgh today is gusting up to 40mph! My little act of kindness would have been swept away for sure!
So I headed towards the university where I work and decided to drop a few little envelopes there.
I plan on going off campus for lunch today, so I’ll be sure to make some more drops while I’m out. And on my way home from work, I’ll complete the rest of the mission. I simply want to spread love today, for everyone.
Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day, my dear friends. And remember: you are so, so very loved. Especially by me.
13
MISSION: Stressful Week=Friday Mission
Seems like I wasn’t the only one who had a stressful week last week! Between work, my health, and some other “life” stuff, I was feelin’ all balled up, that’s for sure. One thing that helped me? Prepping for this week’s Valentine’s Day Mega Mission (stay tuned!). I find that when I’m stressed, the best way to alleviate that tension is by giving. Sounds like Affiliated Agent V had the same idea.
DATE:
Friday, 11 February 2011
OPERATIVE:
Affiliated Agent V
LOCATION:
Bed Bath and Beyond
Greenwood, Indiana
TIME:
3:00 p.m.
I figured the best way to put myself in a better mood after a long, stressful week at work would be a Friday mission!
So I started putting together some items I had purchased in anticipation of my next drop. I had bought two cute sparkly tote bags at Target, some Valentine’s candy, a couple of magnetic notepads, a puzzle game, and a manicure set. I assembled everything in a bag, using the same concept as last time – one gift for you to keep and one for you to share. Since I was in a bit of a hurry, I even used the same note as last time…
I had a few errands to run during my lunch hour, so I figured a midday drop would help give me the drive to make it through the rest of my day. I headed out to Bed Bath and Beyond to purchase a few things for our newly renovated bathroom.
During my shopping trip, I tried to make my drop many times, but kept getting interrupted! The store was unusually busy for a Friday afternoon, but I finally found a quiet section of the store. I quickly left my package on a shelf with place mats, and got out of there because I saw another shopper and an employee headed my way. But not before I took a quick picture!
Way to go, Affiliated Agent V! I think your idea of creating a mission that gives one gift for your recipient and encourages another gift to be given away is brilliant! Truly, you are embodying the meaning of kindness and selflessness. Can’t wait till your next mission!
11
MISSION: Little Boxes of Love
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I think it’s only fitting that I post a few of the sweet VDay missions that my agents are completing. Rest assured, no sappy, romantic stuff here. Just loving messages and acts of kindness, with the intent to remind us all that we are loved and worth being loved…in all kinds of ways.
After all, that’s what Valentine’s Day should be about. All kinds of love, for every.single.person.
No exceptions.
DATE:
Thursday, 10 February 2011
OPERATIVE:
Affiliated Agent T
LOCATION:
various locations around a town in western Pennsylvania
TIME:
11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
I love my town. I really really love my town. In fact, I wish there was a way for me to give a Valentine to my entire town, I love it that much. So, one night, an idea struck me to do a massive Valentine’s Day themed mission, and I had just the thing to use.
When Affiliate Husband S and I got married, our wedding favors were these little white boxed filled with candy. The boxes had stickers on them with our names and wedding date, and a simple “Thank you for sharing our special day”. The candy inside was wrapped red and white puffed peppermint candies, so yummy. Everyone loved them. Unfortunately, I made way too many favors, and we had a lot left over, over six dozen actually. So, instead of throwing them away (so wasteful) or eating all that candy ourselves (so fattening), I decided to turn the extra favors into a mission.
I took all the stickers off the boxes, and hand wrote on each box “For you, yes you!!”. Then on the tags, I also hand wrote on one side “A random act of Valentine’s Day kindness. – An Affiliate of Secret Agent L.” and on the other side I put the Secret Agent L web address and Twitter handle. This took me about a week to do this, working on a few at a time. Finally, after they were all done, the little boxes of love for my town waited patiently for delivery.
I decided to go to lots of different places to leave boxes. I went to 18 different places around town, including the post office, library, mass transit station, laundromat, and several businesses. Along the way, I stopped for lunch, because, hey, even secret agents need to eat, and I left one for my waitress with her tip. It was so fun to put the little boxes around. I tried to place them strategically, in the Valentines sections of stores, and in some cases handed them to the workers in the businesses as well.
Valentine’s Day can be a little lonely for some people, so I hope in some small way I helped a few people realize how loved they are, not only on Valentine’s Day, but every day of the year.
I know this is a few days early for Valentine’s day, but I just could not wait any longer to do this mission. I have been working on it for a couple of weeks, and when I woke up to sunshine, the excitement got the best of me, and I knew today had to be the day I carried out the mission. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Affiliated Agent T, I LOVE this mission (no pun intended!). You exemplify the meaning of unconditional love, of kindness, and of community. Thank you for once again extending your heart in such a pure way. (And I LOVE the Secret Agent L t-shirt you’re rockin’ in the third photo! You go, girl!)
8
MISSON: Bus Stop Brightness
YOU GUYS. OH MY GOSH. Have you ever heard of Tim Hortons? Apparently, they have the BEST. DONUTS. EVER. (We don’t have Tim Hortons here in Pittsburgh. Cue sad music.) And if you’ve been following the Secret Agent L Project for any period of time, you know that I. Love. Donuts. With all my heart. So, this mission? Yeah. AWESOME. And it took place on my birthday!
Oh, and by the way: the recipients of this mission? They totally emailed me. And asked to become Affiliated Agents. (See the end of the post for their email!)
SCORE.
DATE:
Friday, 28 January 2011
OPERATIVE:
Agent Bluebird
LOCATION:
bus stop
Mississauga, Canada
TIME:
1:48 p.m.
I am happy to report the completion of my first mission!!
I figured that people who wait at bus stops would be appreciative of a little something to brighten their day. After all it’s winter, and it’s cold. Very cold. So I decided a cup of something warm would hopefully make the wait or journey more worthwhile.
I picked up a Tim Hortons card on my way home one day, and put $5 on it. I was so excited, I even drew little smiley faces in the 0′s!
I realized I didn’t have a card, so I decided to make one using yellow card stock. I made a little poem too, and wrote it on the inside of the card. I attached the Timcard, and the Secret Agent L card on the inside, and placed it in the envelope.
Now, the only question was when to do it. I wasn’t sure of the bus schedule at the bus stop near my house, so I kept putting it off. I didn’t want anyone to see me. Then a few friends of mine were planning to take the bus to the mall. So I thought this could be perfect.
We got off the bus at the bus terminal, and I went straight to an empty stop. An accomplice of mine kept watch, while I placed the card on the bench. We hurried away, me with a gigantic smile on my face. That felt great!!
I really can’t wait to complete my next mission.
Great job, Agent Bluebird! Secret Agent L approves!
Here’s the email I received from the lovely recipients of Agent Bluebird’s mission of kindness:
…So me and my friend wanted to join because recently we were taking a bus and we walked into a bus stop and saw one of your letters. There was a five dollar card for Tim Hortons in it and it totally made our day and we decided to join and want to put a smile on somebody’s face. –Anonymous and Friend
7
MISSION: Cold Weather Wonders
I know I’m not alone in my cold-weather aversion. I love Pittsburgh too much, though, to move to a warmer climate! Luckily, my heart gets warmed by the sweet and simple acts of kindness that my Affiliated Agents are performing all over the country. They warm me for sure!
DATE:
Tuesday, 2 February 2011
OPERATIVE:
Affiliated Agent E
LOCATION:
1. office building
Arvada, CO
2. Park and Ride
Wheat Ridge, CO
TIME:
11:42 a.m. and 2:10 p.m.
I love doing things to brighten peoples day so I adore the Secret Agent L idea. I have been so excited to do something ever since I first email in August but could never seem to come up with the perfect idea. What to buy, where to drop it . . . it was too much – but I was just thinking too hard about it
As soon as I stopped thinking so much everything just fell together perfectly!
CO has had a really tame winter but yesterday it was snowy and COLD! I went to WalMart to pick up some wintry stuff and it was all 50% off – my lucky day! I picked up stuff for 2 missions:
Mission 1 – windshield washer fluid, gloves, winter headband
Mission 2 – gloves and a hat (x2) using the one for you one to give away idea that was on your page from another recent mission
Dropped package for mission 1 in front of the building where I go to the chiropractor. There are lots of businesses in that building so I figured there would be plenty of people going in an out so someone would find it. However, I was a little worried about finding a chance to drop it when no one was around but the parking lot was empty when I was ready for the drop then right after I got back into my car someone pulled into the parking lot – perfect timing! I attached a note that read:
“Everyone needs a pair of gloves
On this chilly February day
Whether snow is one of your loves
Or if you can hardly wait til May”Hope this random act of kindness brightens your day and warms your heart as well as your hands.
-Affiliated Agent E
Put gift 2 in one of the bench shelters at the park and ride. Figured there would be plenty of people coming through here in a few hours after work with a cold drive ahead of them. I put this gift in a small reusable shopping bag I had laying around the house with the following note:
“On this chilly day, a random act of kindness has come your way! Let’s usher in this month of love with a little gift for you and a second to give away. Brighten a friend or a stranger’s day.”
-Affiliated Agent E
After the second mission I was at the grocery and found super cute valentine’s day mugs with a little stuffed bear inside for $1.20! Mission 3 already coming together! I wrote a simple note that just says “This random act of kindness brought to you by Affiliated Agent E”. I am going to pick up a small bag of coffee to put in the mug as well.
I have to say I am addicted now and am definitely going to be on the lookout for more great deals to use to future missions! Thanks for the wonderful inspiration!
5
MISSION: Autism Awareness with Warm Winter Friends
This mission? Melts my heart. Getting younger people involved in the Secret Agent L Project makes my heart swell with love and pride. I truly believe that the earlier we teach our youth about kindness, the more of a reality a healed world will be. BIG THANKS to Affiliated Agent LA for recruiting some younger operatives!
DATE:
Friday, 28 January 2011
OPERATIVES:
Affiliated Agent LA
Junior Affiliated Agent M
LOCATION:
Heinz Field
Pittsburgh, PA
TIME:
not disclosed
Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote “The only true gift is a portion of yourself”. I have found that to be true through my volunteerism. I have found myself talking about “Secret Agent L” and wanting to enlist others to get involved, especially my high school volunteers. I think that volunteerism often starts from wanting to give back and from appreciating the kindness of others. I decided to have one of my students help me with my next mission.
On Friday night I was invited to attend the kickoff event for the upcoming Autism Speaks walk this summer and took one of students who has been so dedicated to helping students with autism in our school district. This young lady, my Junior affiliate agent helper M, has been a true inspiration to me of what is means to be a volunteer. I marvel at how much she gives of herself to help others on a daily basis. She will be heading off to college in the Fall to study special education, to dedicate her life to helping children with disabilities. I thought she might enjoy helping me in leaving a “warm winter friends” themed gift for an unsuspecting stranger to find.
I typed up a cute little note and paired it with a pair of cozy toe socks, warm beverages and a can of chicken noodle soup. The dinner that we were attending happened to be held at Heinz Field at the same exact time as the big STEELERS rally. We left the goodie bag near the entrance to Heinz Field and hoped that a hard core Steelers fan with frozen toes might find it on their way out of the stadium or one of the dedicated volunteers from Autism Speaks might find it on their way to their car. While we were at the dinner, my student volunteer and I were so moved by the families who struggle daily with autism. Many of the speakers shared how much it meant to them to have an organization like Autism Speaks to stand with them and to have caring and compassionate care from local agencies and volunteers.
As we were putting on our coats,we peaked out of the window to the sidewalk below and M exclaimed, “Hey look, the bag is gone”! It was fun to think who might have found our surprise. On the way home we brainstormed ideas for fundraisers and awareness activities for Autism Awareness Month in April and talked about ways to break through the apathy that we often see in kids M’s age. I think that sometimes it just takes a small act of warmth to break through the ice.
Affiliated Agent LA and Junior Affiliated Agent M, I am SO PROUD to have you on my team of agents. Your thoughtfulness and creativity are incredible! THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!
And, of course, GO STEELERS!!!!
4
MISSION: Fun and Sun
Pittsburgh isn’t exactly known for sunny days. In fact, we get only about 65 sunny days a year here. And the month of February? It’s painful, Friends. I don’t know about you guys, but my body actually physically aches for sun and warmth right now. So when this mission came in from California, with its lovely message and beautifully sunny photos, I knew I had to post it right away! And I know, I know…more puppies!!!
DATE:
Tuesday, 2 February 2011
OPERATIVES:
Affiliated Agent S and Puppy Agent LP
LOCATION:
Point Isabel
El Cerrito, CA
TIME:
1:23 p.m.
A few weeks ago, a friend stayed with my pets while we were out of town. She loves dogs, so I bought her a gift card for the Sit & Stay Cafe at Pt. Isabel, an off-leash park on the San Francisco Bay. When we came home and she left, she gave me the card back and said there was about $6 left on it…
I found out about Secret Agent, and thought this would be a good match! So, I made a card with a picture of my pets loving each other…
…gave some credit for finding/attracting…
…Agent LP and I went to the park…
…taped it to a bench with a great view…
(There it is!)
Nice view!
It was a FUN experience! Thanks!
Affiliated Agent S and Puppy Agent LP, you guys rock! And the view! Oh, the view! I want to go to there!
1
MISSION: RAK at the Dog Park
Dogs and kindness. Need I say more?
DATE:
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
OPERATIVE:
Affiliated Agent A
LOCATION:
Bruno Canziani Park and Dog Park
Livermore, CA
TIME:
1:16 p.m.
This is my first mission as Affiliated Agent A. I wanted to do something to recognize our animals and bring more awareness of the plight of the Pit Bull, as well as inspire and show love to another human being.
I decided to leave a dog book at a dog park. This should hit the mark in both areas. I went to the park at 12:00 pm. There were two people there with their dogs. So I decided to wait for a while to see if they would leave. As I did, some more people showed up with their dogs. The dogs got more excited as new dogs showed up. One dog decided she must have been overheated because she literally jumped into one large plastic tub filled with water. She had three legs in and it was so cold and windy. Hilarious!
Anyway, I waited for about ½ hour and then decided to leave and come back later. Went back about an hour later and no one was there! So I took the package and decided to add some flowers to the mix. Just as I was entering the dog park, someone started to come in at the opposite end. I quickly placed the package and flowers down on the bench and took a picture. All the time, with a huge smile on my face. The other person was watching me so I had to hurry up and scurry away.
I love your idea! This was wonderful! Thank you!
I also wanted to mention that today was the 1 year anniversary of loosing my little pit bull mix, Corky. I just felt I wanted to honor her in some way today.
Affiliated Agent A, I think this was a brilliant mission and wonderful way to honor the memory of your beloved Corky. Thank you for extending kindness to humans and their little family members with fur!
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