Friday, March 20, 2020

I Spy A Silly Face! A Tale of a Community Window Walk

Today, in Northern Illinois, the city my parents live in the residents participated in a Community Window Walk. The first community window walk occurred on March 17th, St. Patrick's Day. Participating residents placed shamrocks in their windows, and families would walk around neighborhoods looking for as many shamrocks as they could find. This event was so popular, someone, somewhere who should get credit, added other ideas, and wanted to continue the fun. 
In case you'd like to start one in your community, here's the schedule that's 
been going wild around the internet and the world!

My family didn't participate in the first walk, simply because we were unaware of it. I thought, despite today's chilly temperatures, we should join in the fun. So I printed a silly faced emoji I found on the internet and taped it into my parents' front window.

Can you find the second silly face? 
It's my mom.

This afternoon, my dad and I bundled up. Even though spring has officially begun, our temperatures have a differing opinion. This meant wearing extra layers...hats, gloves, scarves and of course the usual uniform of winter coats. We walked about three blocks and hadn't spied any silly faces in windows. Until from across the street, we spied...

Four faces were smiling back at us!

But not just one an entire house full!
Each street-facing window contained a silly face. You could observe the representation of different ages in this home—some silly faces made of scribbles, while others appeared more sophisticated. Regardless of artistic ability shown, we laughed and paused and talked about each one.

For the remainder of our walk, we searched for more. We didn't spy any other silly faces on the streets; we wandered down. I noticed that this small task that defined our walk increased my observational skills. I was observing not just windows but the colors of shutters, yard decor, and tiny stems peeking out from the cold ground.

I'm looking forward to the next walk, on March 23rd, animals.

14 comments:

  1. This trend hasn't reached our community yet, but I love seeing other people posting about it! What a fun and sweet way to spread a little cheer and get fresh air. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. It was a fun way to spread cheer. Today we went back out and walked on different streets. We noticed people wrote notes back to those who’d posted on their sidewalks with chalk. I’ve been reminded that sometimes it’s the old school way of connecting, line writing with chalk, that makes you smile and brings joy.

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  2. I love this idea. It lifts my spirit. We need those happy moments. Thank you!

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    1. Mine too! We spotted more this morning while walking a different path. Brought more joy.

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  3. A writer's walk if ever I heard one! The pictures add such a rich dimension, and your keen observations slow down the walk so it feels like we are with you in real time. Thank you for sharing. Wondering how I could replicate this in the mountains of CO.

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    1. Hmmm...in the mountains of Colorado? You’ve got a little more of a physical challenge than I did. Good luck with thinking how to bring this to your higher elevation. I’m sure you can find a fun way!

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  4. We did the shamrock walk and loved it! I'll have to post this so we can keep it going. Glad you were able to enjoy the outdoors.

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    1. I hope you do! We spotted more silly faces this morning and that brought more smiles. Enjoy the challenge!

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  5. What a fun idea! :-) I had not heard of this activity before you posted about it. ~JudyK

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    1. Judy, I’m glad you enjoyed reading about some fun. It definitely brought us some joy during these tough times.

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  6. What a great idea for a community walk. I sometimes like to look in at people's houses, but it crosses my mind the resident might think I'm spying on them and not just practising observational skills, but this gets rid of all that. How fun and I hope more people put them in their windows next time!

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    1. I do the same Celia! Especially when I lived in a big city, I couldn’t help not to peek. I hope neighbors begin to give us all the benefit of doubt when it comes to observing. Just curious, not spying.

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  7. Window faces
    outward, scribbled
    smiles upon
    the glass;

    Our hearts
    and feet in sync,
    with our eyes,
    wandering;

    the presence
    of others, with us,
    the flash of worry
    never lasts

    -- Kevin, a poem left for your post (and an idea I love)

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    1. Kevin, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts in poetry form. It filled my poet heart with joy. I’ll share it with my Dad. It’s a lovely gift you gave to the two of us. Thanks again!

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