The final piece of the puzzle

 

Google Maps

As you can see above I made a true treasure map, as the final piece of this project and it was lot of fun. I actually made two! The image caption goes to a second version of the map that can be navigated using a Google app called "My Maps." This is a really cool tool that I previously didn't even know existed that lets you set markers to make your own custom map. My interactive map lets you click each X to see the associated clues! 

Wrapping up!

As this project comes to a soft close, and the treasures have been out there for a while now, it feels like it's up to the world to decide what happens next. 

I think at least 4 boxes have been found so far which is my first big success! 

With a kind response from one of the finders of my treasure I was gifted my second success! 

I'm not going to call it a failure, but a success in waiting was the question I set out in the beginning of this all: Could I have an impact on people's mindfulness of the communities that they live in? In reading There's Treasure Inside, as well as one of the comments on my blog I'm hopeful to see that there are other movements out there answering just this question with a positive YES!. The comment I'm referring to mentioned a friend's mom who paints rocks and hides them for people to find. This is part of the Kindness Rocks Project and I'm so glad there are people making these kinds of gestures. I love how creative and accessible it is!

My third and unexpected success then isn't in finding that answer, but in the journey that's I've been on. I just got to spend the last few weeks doing things that made me feel good about myself, and I had fun being creative while doing it. 

I used to share my creativity through photography and that fell off for a long time until this project started. I think I'll keep it up!

I used to be an avid reader, and before There's Treasure Inside I can barely remember the last book I read for pleasure, literally years ago. Now that floodgate has been opened and I've already picked up my next book to read! 

I used to enjoy going out for long walks, then I stopped for a long time. Now with this project I've been going out more and enjoy getting moving again for the first time in a long time.

I started hiding coins in 2023, had a ton of fun doing it, thought I'd do it more then never really got back into the habit. Now again I am in the habit and finding that joy again. 

A few last thoughts...

Next time, I think any other treasures I hide will be anonymous and I won't be seeking feedback. I didn't like the feeling of setting an expectation for a stranger or putting them out of their way, or the perception that there is an ulterior motive as if I'm seeking "clout". Making that QR code and putting it into my boxes was probably one of the harder thing's I had to do - even though I imposed it on myself as an expectation. The lack of feedback or engagement continues to be something I think about as now I wonder WHY some people didn't reach out. Were they disappointed? Creeped out? Self doubt and being overly self-critical have always been a challenge for me and I'd rather just avoid it as best I can next time. Anyways, I think there's more magic to be found without the knowledge of who or why these treasures are out there.

I look forward to the spring thaw and what treasures I might hide next! If you've ever read King Arthur's tales, I can already see some inspiration in those tales! 

Dennis the Peasant: Listen. Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony.
Arthur: Be quiet!
Dennis the Peasant: You can't expect to wield supreme power just 'cause some watery tart threw a sword at you! - Monty Python and The Holy Grail

Thanks for joining me on this journey, and I sincerely hope you all find whatever treasures you're searching for! -RBF