9
MISSION: Animal Lover
I love animals! I have a soft spot for dogs and have two of my own. They are such important members of our household and we love to treat them to special days in the park, for a swim in the river, or a healthy hike in the woods. Missions that target animals are some of my personal favorites. This one gets two paws up!
DATE:
Tuesday, May 31 2011
OPERATIVE:
Agent Daisy
LOCATION:
Animal Hospital in Fort Collins, CO
TIME:
Afternoon
This was my first mission, and I was very excited! I chose the name Agent Daisy because I love flowers and the daisy is the happiest one I know.
I decided to spread the love at an animal hospital because people’s pets aren’t able to show their appreciation in words.
As you can see, one of my cats helped me get everything together. He must have known what I was doing. My young child was also very curious as to what mommy was doing, so I explained it to him, hoping some of the generosity would rub off.
He was totally excited, and couldn’t wait to leave the mystery gift.
I wasn’t sure what to include, since pets of all types are seen by the veterinarians at this particular hospital.
I decided to include a $5 bill to help pay for their fees, and a $5 gift card to get something for their pet. The gift card was a rebate from the purchase of cat litter, so it was purrfect
When I got to the waiting room, it was filled with people and animals, and bustling with activity. I was afraid I would have to call the mission off, or as a last resort, leave it in the bathroom.
Finally, the people sitting near us were distracted, and I slipped the envelope behind my back onto the chair. When I got up to take my cat in the exam room, I made a little extra noise so the people would notice ME, and not the surprise I had left behind.
After the visit was over, I returned to the nearly empty waiting room to discover that the envelope was still on the chair. I paid my bill, shrugged my shoulders and left, knowing that the person it was truly intended for would eventually find it.
Looking forward to the next mission!
I am also looking forward to the next mission. Especially, if it includes animals!
8
MISSION: Be Kind – A Lenten Special
I’ve always admired those who give things up for certain religious and other affiliations, such as during the Lenten season. This must be a difficult and challenging 40 days. But I’m sure that the experience can really enlighten the practitioner and encourage great things even beyond the established time frame.
I fasted yesterday. For one day. For no other reason to challenge myself. Those who do so as part of a cleansing or connecting ritual during Christian, Jewish, and Islamic Holy days have my respect.
Affiliated Agent M took her Lenten experience in another direction this year. Some of her mission details and photographs are included in this awesome post.
DATE:
March-April, 2011
OPERATIVE:
Affiliated Agent M
LOCATION:
Pittsburgh and Beyond
TIME:
Various times
This year for Lent, I decided that rather than giving up something, I would try to do weekly random acts of kindness a la Secret Agent L. Over the seven weeks of Lent, it was inspiring to do good for others in the midst of my busy everyday life.
These missions provided me with a sense of accomplishment and also a lesson in my faith, as a reminder of the importance of kindness toward others.
My mission locations included a turnpike rest stop, an elevator, Starbucks, a busy building on Pitt’s campus, and St. Paul’s Cathedral in Oakland.
Whether leaving behind snacks, a gift card, flowers, or an inspirational greeting card, I felt a feeling of excitement as I wondered who would find my messages and what their reaction would be.
I included a few of my favorite pictures from my journeys, with my most favorite being my final mission where I left a “Be Kind, No Exceptions” magnet at St. Paul’s Cathedral on Good Friday.
Lessons learned: it is not easy to be “secret” on a large college campus, photos on iPhone may be cause for explanation to friends and loved ones, and most importantly, kindness has no price, as even the simplest of messages can brighten someone’s day.
Congratulations on a wonderful and successful mission. Great work, Affiliated Agent M!
31
MISSION: Many Mini Missions
I’ve been working my way through many emails over the past few weeks and decided to post a few quick missions together. Not to take away from the missions, but to provide a post that features several great missions at one time. Hope you enjoy your many mini mission roundup!
Valentine’s Day
DATE:
February 14
OPERATIVE:
Affiliated Agent E
LOCATION:
Starbucks in Lakewood, CO
TIME:
8:45 am
I got around to my third mission today. I found a super cute Valentine’s Day mug with a little bear in it on sale at the grocery the day I did my first missions and I knew it was perfect for another drop. I picked up a small bag of coffee and a hot chocolate mix and wrote a simple card “A little something to warm your heart today. This random act of kindness brought to you by Affiliated Agent E”.
I decided to drop it today since the mug is a Valentine’s Day mug and I decided on Starbucks for the location since anyone there would probably enjoy a mug and coffee
I hadn’t considered how difficult a drop at Starbucks could be on a weekday morning but I managed to leave it on one of the tables out front
Step by Step
DATE:
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
OPERATIVE:
Affiliated Agent K
LOCATION:
South Park Shops, Bethel Park, PA
TIME:
7p.m.
1st Mission Accomplished
the plan . . .
1) finally use the $5 gift card that has been sitting around forever in my non-coffee-drinking daughter’s room
2) call to see if it still had a balance on it – hooray, it was still active for $5
3) become an affiliated agent and copy business card
4) create packaging (that my other creative daughter still doesn’t believe I created . . . but I did)
5) find lost digital camera
6) find the time for the drop off
7) almost have the time so decide pet store a few doors down from Starbucks is a great place for the drop
8 ) spend too much money on this doggy product, that didn’t work successfully enough, but am thrilled it was a good place for my gift
9) thanks, secret agent L – you ROCK!
Sweet and Simple
DATE: April 7
OPERATIVE:
Affiliated Agent D
LOCATION:
South Hills, Pittsburgh
TIME:
Evening
Just a brief note to let you know that I did put out a couple money envelopes in the South Hills of Pittsburgh!
One Smooth Daddy
DATE:
August 10, 2010
OPERATIVE:
Affiliated Agent T
LOCATION:
Pearland, Texas
TIME:
5:50 p.m.
In keeping with a previous mission carried out by another Affiliated Agent, I decided to go with a bit of a twist. As a mom and now grandma, I am very impressed with how dad’s take a active roll in their children’s care. I wanted to let dads know that taking care of kids is such a awesome thing to do for their children and yes their wives, and I admire them. What chore is more ucky than changing diapers? That usually sends the gag reflex into hyper-drive in guys! I figure a man that can conquer that and carry out that job is a manly man and…well he deserves a manly high five (grunt grunt).
I set out to Smoothie King to get a gift certificate for the well deserving dad, and after authenticating the quality of the goody to be offered, I set about making my purchase. I checked into home base to assemble my goody drop where once again, my sidekick “The SOTH” helped. We tied it all up with a tidy bow for our super dad.
At 5:50 pm I slipped into a church which has a diaper changing table in the men’s restroom. I checked to make sure it was not occupied
This was a simple mission and not much risk factor involved, but a rewarding mission none the less. Kudos to diaper changing dad’s out there, you’re the best!
Good things come in 3s
DATE:
August 18, 2010
OPERATIVE:
Affiliated Agent Yetti
LOCATION:
Natrona Heights, PA
TIME:
2:00 p.m.
The first part was making a greeting card with Angels on the Front to show love for all people. Second, was the inside left of the card that had the business card and signed Affiliated Agent Yetti…affiliate for Secret Agent L. Third, the inside right of the card said, “Thinking of you…..This is just a gift for you just because you are SO SPECIAL to find it! Enjoy! God Bless You! Fourth, we put in 3 dollars to represent good things come in 3′s. Finally, the kids and I put the card in a plastic bag so shed it from the weather and we put it on a random blue car in the Walmart Parking lot as we were going there shopping for things for dinner that night. We checked about 3 hours later and it was gone.
Conclusion: Mission accomplished by Secret Agent Yetti…..
These are such great missions. Very inspiring. Thanks to each and every one of you!
28
MISSION: Everyone has a story
I could not have said or done better myself. LOVE this mission.
Date:
May 31, 2011
Operative:
Affiliated Agent T (assisted by Covert Assistant S)
Location:
a Sheetz in Western PA
Time:
Dusk
I am a huge book lover, and my favorite books are always those that tell the stories of real people. I am a firm believer that every person has a story to tell, and we are the authors of our own destiny. We all have the power to make our story great, but sometimes we all need a little encouragement. My mission today was to bring that encouragement to someone who may need it.
A while ago, I had found a bunch items that followed this theme. They included a paperweight, a mug, and some decals that said “write your own story”. I decided to add a journal to this, and throw in a little packet of coffee for the mug. I used a plain white bag, and decorated it, so that the recipient would know it was a gift for him/her. I then jotted a little note of encouragement for the recipient to go out and write their own story, and included the SAL card. I put the bag all together, and tied some pretty ribbon on it.
The drop was harder than I expected. With the weather nice, everywhere we went to make the drop was really crowded. Stealth was pretty much impossible. Finally, we stopped at a Sheetz gas station, and I had my husband (Covert Assistant S) make the drop. He placed it out in the open, in front of the store portion of the gas station. By the time we pulled out of the lot, someone had picked up the gift.
I truly hope this small act of kindness provided some encouragement for a person in need.
I can really identify with Agent T and S in this mission. We all have a story to tell. Next time someone is telling you theirs, take a minute to actively listen and find the way you can identify. I’m always surprised when I open my ears and my heart.
27
MISSION: Traveling Drop at a Rest Stop
I get nostalgic when I travel. I’ve traveled quite a bit, over this country and others. Traveling opens my eyes and my heart to others. Happy is the best word I can use in how this mission makes me feel.
DATE:
June 10, 2011
OPERATIVE:
Affiliated Agent J
LOCATION:
North Carolina Welcome Center on I-26 East
TIME:
6:30 p.m.
I was having a rough run of things last month and decided to cheer myself by cheering someone else. So I gave myself a small budget and went to the store for my lunch break. I picked up a few things from the bargain bins, walked around, and tried to find a little something for “everyone” since I wasn’t sure when/where I would leave it, yet. When i got home that afternoon, it hit me! I knew exactly where I could spread some joy!
I spend quite a bit of time driving along a stretch of I-26 where it crosses from Northeast TN into Western North Carolina (think “mountains”), and along that interstate there are rest stops/welcome centers on each side of the state line. So I put everything together with a little note (in a fun tote I picked up, too), and then as I crossed into North Carolina that evening, I paused at the rest stop.
I sneaked the bag inside my own big satchel and went on in. The place was pretty busy (it’s a popular stop with rocking chairs, walking paths, and a nice atmosphere), so I made for the Ladies room. I went into a stall and got ready – pulled the bag out, got my camera ready, and peaked out to decide on where to leave it when i was sure I was the only one in there. I ended up leaving it on a counter at the end of the room – everyone who comes in has an opportunity to see it. I made sure the attached card was visible, and grabbed a photo before ducking back into my stall – such sneakiness is tricky (and fun).
I’m sure that if a parent or child found it, the parent probably cursed me at least once – because who needs a cup-ball in the car with them, or bubbles? But all was fun, and even a parent who has been trapped in a car with their kid for however long can appreciate the joy and fun of it.
The whole thing certainly brightened my day, and I was reminded of how little “cost” can go a long way.
Also, we had some rambling rain showers (happens a lot in these mountains – sort of like a rain forest), and as I drove away from the Welcome Center I saw some great rainbows. I mean, who could NOT love an evening like that?
Affiliated Agent J did a great job in in this mission. I am sure many traveling families in need of a break would love to come away from a rest stop with a rejuvenated focus. I know I would! I’m glad this mission also provided you, Agent J, with a rejuvenated spirit. Awesome work!
25
MISSION: Great Outdoors Week
If you don’t know by now, I’m a huge fan of outside. Specifically, Pittsburgh’s outside. This city has so much to offer and I love to take advantage of the four seasons of outdoor fun. I routinely ride my bike to work, meetings, and to the market, practice yoga often, and hike and camp. I’m a member of Venture Outdoors and check out the Walls Are Bad calendar all the time.
Affiliated Agent GiVi seems to second this fondness for outside and I’m a huge fan of her missions!
Date:
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Operative:
Affiliated Agent GiVi
Location:
Point State Park, Downtown Pittsburgh
Time:
1:15 pm
This year, the tenth annual Great Outdoors Week ran from May 13 through May 22. Outdoor-related activities like hiking, biking, and paddling were scheduled throughout southwestern Pennsylvania to engage the public in nature-based activities.
I thought it would be a nice gesture to get in the spirit of encouraging folks to get outside and play, so my mission featured a $10 gift card to REI, a water bottle, and a nice cotton blend t-shirt (made with recycled fibers!). With the people I know who like to do outdoor activities, an REI gift card is a huge thrill – REI is like a Toys R Us for grown ups. So it made me happy that someone would find this little surprise.
I also wrote a little note in the card:
Roses are red
Violets are blue
We like the outdoors
Hope you do too.
I know it’s kind of cheesy, but it got the message across, right?
I decided to leave the package at Point State Park during the Venture Outdoors Festival on Saturday the 21st. This is an annual event that features dozens of local outdoors clubs sharing information about what they do. Each year about 6,000 people attend. So I figured my mission would be a good fit for this crowd.
It was a perfect, warm sunny day. About time too, considering all the rain we’ve been having. But the challenge of being a beautiful day was that a lot of people were out. A lot.
How would I ever do this mission without someone noticing? There were a couple trees where I could set it out, but what I’d be doing would be too obvious; there was a big grassy area too—but so many people walking by! I decided to place the package on the little pedestrian bridge that goes under the highway in the Park. I skirted behind some DCNR park rangers, set down the package and walked to the other side of the bridge to take a picture, all the while trying to look nonchalant. Very difficult.
I really hope someone picked it up and appreciated what was inside. I was glad to do it!!
Awesome, job Agent GiVi. This was certainly a great mission. I know so many folks who would have loved to be the finder of this one. Keep up the great work! For more information on what to do outdoors in Pittsburgh, Check out the following websites and Get Outside: Venture Outdoors, Walls Are Bad, Friends of the RiverFront, and PGH CitiParks.
I’ll see you outdoors!
24
MISSION: 3-in-One
This mission from Affiliated Agents B & A is so wonderful, I want everyone to just dive right in. Enjoy!
DATE:
May 5, 2011
OPERATIVE:
Affiliated Agents B and A
LOCATION:
Shoreline/Edmonds WA
TIME:
8 p.m.
This mission just happened to fall into place. I had actually made these 3 gifts a little while back and just had not “placed” them yet — and so…..
The first one is a little photobook, journal and pencil all wrapped with a ribbon which could be for anyone – male, female, young, old….. — I went to the local nursery and placed it in a box of dahlia tubers for a gardener to find and take home…
The other two were gifts of body lotion and bubble bath — in little clear bags with the notes and SAL cards attached.
I hadn’t really any idea what to do with them until my friend (Affiliated Agent A) suggested that in honor of Mother’s Day, how about the local maternity ward???
Great idea A! With a little doctoring of the outside and attaching stickers that said “Happy Mother’s Day” we set out for the local hospital.
When we reached the birthing center we offered up what our intentions were and the charge nurse was more than helpful — she took us to the one vacant birthing room and let us “prop” them for pictures (we had one on the bed and one in the isolette). Obviously we couldn’t leave them in that actual room, but once we explained the entire SAL project, she assured us she would place them for a couple new moms this weekend —
Happy Mom’s Day to all you mothers out there ( and all those who fill in as moms!!)
Such a wonderful mission. I am so blessed to have an amazing mom who has long been a great friend, too. She’s seen me through some tough times and I’m thankful enough to have been able to help her in her own times of need, as well.
Here’s to a job well done focusing on moms!
23
MISSION: Keep It Simple
Yum, Yum! I LOVE coffee. Recently though, I’ve tried to switch over to tea. Because of the antioxidants found in some teas coupled with my recent registration for the Zipcar Low Car-Diet, I feel like tea will give me a lighter and healthier way to start my morning. So for a while, I’ll just enjoy my coffee vicariously through missions that mention the delicious drink.
DATE:
May 21, 2001
OPERATIVE:
Affiliated Agent psalmfourtysix
LOCATION:
Iowa
TIME:
Afternoon
Yesterday, I knew I would be spending some time chilling and sipping some coffee while reading at our local Panera. I thought it would be a good chance to do my first mission. I had just finished the book “The Last Song” by Nicholas Sparks and hoped to share it with someone else as it is the perfect sit-and-read summer book.
I wrote out a card, used a bit of ribbon and then purchased a $5 gift card for Panera when I got there. I left it on the couch in the corner in hopes that it might make someone’s day to find a book and a “coffee” to just sit and chill with.
I do hope it finds a good home.
I do, too, Agent psalmfourtysix. There are few things more fun than an enjoyable read. And finding one during a routine stop for coffee is even more exciting.
Great first mission!
21
MISSION: The Gold Box
Wow, how time does fly. I set myself a goal of posting on a regular basis. I know I’ve kept you all in suspense. Now in the midst of a heatwave, regular will hopefully become more often. Thanks for continuing to comment and email while my boss Laura is on vacation. Now, the mission!
Affiliated Agent T really knows how to brighten a day. Her lovely gesture of leaving a necklace in a grocery store almost assuredly made the day of an unsuspecting shopper.
DATE:
May 23, 2011
OPERATIVE:
Affiliated Agent T
LOCATION:
Kittanning, PA
TIME:
2:00 PM
A while ago, I won a contest on a blog, and the prize package included a book and a really lovely necklace. Unfortunately, I do not wear much jewelry, so since received my prize, this lovely necklace has been sitting on my bookshelf, in a pretty gold box. Finally, I decided, why should I let this sit here, when I could use it to brighten someone’s day?
I used a blank notecard that I had to write a note to the lucky recipient, explaining that I wanted them to have this gift to help spread kindness and help chase the rainy day blues away (it had rained for a week straight). I mentioned that if they had no use for the gift, they could always pass it along to someone else and continue the day brightening. Then I included the Secret Agent L business card and suggested they check out the site.
I took the card, and addressed the envelope to the lucky person who would find my gift. I decided the box was too pretty to wrap, and instead tied the whole thing up with a nice bright red ribbon. I slipped the whole thing into my purse, waiting for the right time and place to complete the mission.
Later that day, I ran to a local grocery store to pick up dinner, and thought, this is the perfect place to leave the gift! I went to the cleaning products, and nestled the gold box in among dish washing soap. My hope is that some lovely lady trying to get soap that does not cause dishpan hands found my little gift!
What a wonderful mission. I wish I had a fun and clever comment about placing this mission by the dishwashing detergent. Maybe the recipient really cleaned up by finding this one. Or perhaps the smile of the finder of this gesture was likely bright and shining! I’ll just stick to posting your awesome missions.
Thanks, Agent T for a job well done! Agent T told me that she set herself a goal of performing one mission per month. That sounds reasonable and attainable. I like it and can’t wait to see your mission for next month.
5
Celebrating a Return
Hello all. Number Two here. While my boss, Secret Agent L is taking a much deserved break, including a recent vacation to California (!), I’m going to try and fill in as much as I can. I want to start the return to the blog with an email from the finder of a mission. But first, some thoughts.
Reading the email from ‘Recipient E’ caused me to think about recent events in my own life. The death of a family member. The anniversary of the birth of our country. The things we put off or don’t accomplish because life just gets in the way. We plan and hope and pray only to find that life doesn’t always go according to our wishes.
And sometimes, that’s a good thing.
DATE:
December 14, 2010
OPERATION:
Holiday Treats in Texas
LOCATION:
Jason’s Deli, Dallas, TX
TIME:
12:30 p.m.
I found an orange envelope inside the bathroom of a Jason’s Deli in Dallas, TX. Its definitely been a couple of months, it happened in December of 2010. There was a note and an iTunes giftcard. I haven’t used it yet, but I remember it brightening my day because my boyfriend wasn’t being very pleasant. Its been in my car ever since, and I stumbled upon it again today.
Those reminders are nice to have and even nicer to stumble upon later.
So to welcome you all back to the blog and to welcome the blog back to you, I leave you with a heartfelt prayer for letting go and welcoming back.
In search of my mother’s garden, I found my own. – Alice Walker
Found Something?
Join the Ranks
More Secret Agent L
Past Missions
Be Kind. Buy a Magnet.
