Before I Die....
Tuesday, November 8, 2011 
Have you heard about the Before I Die blackboard in Brooklyn? It's a project that began in New Orleans and has spread to construction zones across the world...
This particular spot is at the site of a future Shake Shack. There's a few bins of chalk, and passersby are welcome to write out their own life goal. I accidentally bumped into the blackboard on my way to a meeting over the weekend, and here's some of what I read...
While it's personal to read these public bucket list items, it's even more intimate watching people write them. When I observed a stranger pick up chalk and write out their statement, I felt a little like I was peeking into someone's private journal. It's insight into what's important to that person. But there was such a sense of community in the openness of the experience. Like you just don't know what that person on the street is going through in that moment, or what they wish to accomplish in life. It was actually pretty amazing!
When I went to pick up the chalk myself, I was a little torn about what to write on the blackboard. I could have put down a million things in that moment, from the serious, big issue stuff to just heartfelt wishes. But I was on my way to a writing meeting and something specific was pressing on my heart, so this is what I wrote. And since I haven't touched chalk in, like, twenty years, I have the handwriting of a third grader.
Walking back to the subway three or four hours later, the blackboard was completely filled...
Which ones are your favorites? What do you think you'd write on the board?
(FYI – If you want to visit this site, construction is scheduled to end sometime this month. So hurry over!)
3 Comments | tagged New York City, USA, architecture, community, culture, entertainment, industry, news, outdoors, people, travel, writing | Share Article | Tweet
Reader Comments (3)
what a cool idea...i would be mesmorized by what people wrote. I think i'd say fall in love and see the world. Hopefully with that love! :)
this is really cool. i love what you wrote and believe full-heartedly that it will happen. made my heart hurt when i read the subject line. :(
i would have felt a little self conscious too but i love this idea!
the notes are so sweet and real. thanks for sharing jodi :)
right there with you on the publishing wish. here's to agents in 2012!
xo,
gina