Inspiration
This task was actually harder to think of what to do than to actually accomplish. We wanted to do something creative, but in what way? Hoping at least to find some potential objects for this task, we ventured out to first a thrift shop and then a discount store. While there were certainly some interesting things there, none were striking us with inspiration as we had hoped. We needed a coherent theme to guide us.

Somewhat frustrated, we took a break to eat. Afterward, we sat in Robby's car trying to think of potential items to put in a tree. He had written a list earlier and I skimmed through them to see what we could take from it. On this list was the following:

1) sunglasses
2) origami
3) cool looking rock
4) action figure
5) friendly note
6) small mirror
7) comb
8) strange key
9) stickers
10) name-tag
11) envelope with a few things
12) wood carved people (bonus points to those who get the allusion)

Also on that page it said "deployment of objects - attach notes saying "its okay, take me!" What are things that people would actually want to take? Then it hit us. Let's actually put things could actually use and be happy about finding! The comb seemed like a perfect fit, and from that we quickly generated a list of things to get for the task. A quick stop at Walgreen's and Walmart and we had everything we needed. Since it was already around 11pm by the time we actually finished all this, we adjourned for the evening.

Prep Work
The next day we gathered and laid out the items on the table to prepare them for tree placement.


Here are the items we actually used for this task:

1) chapstick
2) comb
3) toothbrush
4) hat
5) water bottle
6) cup noodle
7) recorder
8) gum
9) panties
10) candy

Deployment
Our goal was to find places where there was a relatively high amount of people walking by the trees since they are very useful items! We actually ended up spreading them out in two locations in Alexandria, Virginia.

First Destination: Waterfront in Old Town Alexandria

We ended up putting the first 4 items in this area. It was actually rather beautiful out, though it was raining on and off.

1) Chapstick

Chapstick definitely follows our theme and it was also was the smallest item on our list. In case some sort of authority thought perhaps it was inappropriate to be putting things in trees, it seemed to the most prudent choice.

2) Comb

Ah yes, the source of our inspiration. This was also relatively small and unobtrusive. We found a great tree just a little bit away from the first.

3) Toothbrush

A toothbrush is something perhaps people would need, especially in a tourist attraction. Perhaps they lost theirs on the plane ride? Even if they're not tourists, many people could find use in a toothbrush.

4) Hat

Feeling a little bolder, we used one of our large items. The day was rather patchy in rain and shine - a hat is useful for either situation.

Second Destination: Northern Virginia Community College Alexandria Campus

Another high traffic but tree-plentiful place, it is also rather convenient to check up on later.

5) Water Bottle

Hydration is essential to keep up with the academics! We found this tree quickly after leaving the parking garage.

6) Cup Noodle

Another essential ingredient to guarantee the success of a college student. A little harder to get, but so worth it!

7) Recorder

Who says that these are just for kids? Instruments are an ultimate utility.

8) Gum

Gum. Everyone needs it sometimes. We are rather generous and put a whole pack in the bag for them!

9) Panties

Yes well, accidents happen.

10) Friendship Candy!

Okay, so we thought maybe candy might be a little suspicious, so in a last minute stroke of inspiration we figured the best way to assure them was to offer our friendship. Inside there is a special added note and a friendship bracelet. Yay!

Hope you liked it,
The Broken Circle

Update: