my collection from seven states. That’s a lot of
stupidity to share and – hopefully – it has provided
some relief from the seemingly nonstop political
debate on Facebook.
Thing is, I discovered others don’t see it as
stupid.
I expected likes and comments, but friends
started mentioning it when I encountered them
in the real world. The first in-person feedback I
recall was on a walk near our New Albany home.
A friend and his wife approached and he made
a motion as if he was tossing something in the
street. When we got closer he said something
like, “Thought I’d throw a spoon in the street for
you to find.”
For what it’s worth, I see a lot of forks and
spoons but only one knife so far.
The most flattering feedback I got was from a
social media guru at work. I think she used the
word “brilliant” to describe what I was doing.
Photos of random found items qualify as brilliant?
Hey, I’ll take it!
I found this Jan. 7, 2016, on the Arch Rock Trail
at California’s Joshua Tree National Park. Not
sure why anyone would leave beer behind. I found this March 13, 2016, on Elm Street in
New Albany. Needless to say, it disgusted many
of my Facebook friends.
I found this March 31, 2016, on Eighth Street in
Louisville. Kind of reminded me of the melting
Wicked Witch of the West. I found this May 26, 2016, on Main Street in New
Albany. It was a steamy evening with a real swampy
vibe. Couldn’t have been more appropriate.
I found this July 16, 2017, on 15th Street in New
Albany. I suspect that it’s the lighting that makes
me sad. For all I know, someone has an I lost this
today Facebook album. I found this Nov. 10, 2017, at the corner of Fifth
and Chestnut streets in Louisville. Who would
knowingly leave something like this behind? I’m
sure someone has an interesting story to tell.
Along the way, friends started sharing photos
of items they’d found. Some, like a rock, were
good-hearted mockery. Others, like a full pizza
in the middle of the street, made me realize why
what I do may resonate with people.
I always try to get an interesting angle on my
photos. Most of the time, I leave the items where
I find them, although I’ve positioned a few along
the way. Everything in the collection could be used
in some capacity, if needed. I rarely take what I
find and do my best to avoid repeats, although a
second curbside potato was too good to pass up.
One reaction that’s surprised me is that some
people think some of the photos are sad. I never
saw it that way until I heard it from others, but I
can see what they’re saying now. A lost pacifier,
baby shoe and sippy cup all probably led to their
share of tears. One that kind of gets me is a small
rubber tugboat I found on 15th Street in New
Albany. Guess it was the lighting, but I’m not sure.
What’s strange to me is the reaction I got from
my most recent find: a pair of dress shoes on a
Louisville sidewalk. That post got the most likes
and comments of any entries and includes the
dialogue that took place around me upon my
discovery:
Random woman: Those are some nice shoes.
Dude at red light: What size are they?
Random woman: They’re my man’s size.
Dude at red light: Well, th ey’re nice.
Random woman: Where are you going?
Gimme a ride. (Gets in Dude’s car)
True story.
Now, what will I find today?
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