Bucket list
time left on god's green earth varies.
There are, of course, the materialists: “Be a billionaire!,” “Go on a safari,” “Win the lottery!”
In every crowd, the smart alecks: “Become a K-pop idol!,” “Talk to the dead,” “Watch Gen-Z save democracy.”
But, there is also life-affirming, serious stuff: “I want my mom to get a kidney,” “Get over my fear of heights,” “See my daughter love herself and be truly happy.”
What was most striking for Costa, who had seen a similar thing done at a Ketchikan, Alaska, blueberry festival, was how incredibly soulful many of the responses were.
“Sure, some of them have to do with things or money,” she said, “but many are just about how people want to conduct themselves for the
rest of their lives.”
What Costa learned about her neighbors is many desire to live a full life and let go of resentments. They want to be the best version of themselves and live in the moment. They want to bless
their families with a beautiful life of happiness and find true peace. Some want to forgive themselves. Some want to mend relationships.
In all, said Costa, most of the vows people made gave her hope in humanity.
“Some people get it,” she said. “Their life is not about some big, grand thing. It's a day-to-day thing.”
When she'd return from playing beach volleyball, Costa said it was gratifying to see how people reacted to the posts. One man, who works nearby, stops by every day just to read what's been added.
She loves the communal nature of people thinking deeply and sharing with others. She hears passersby exclaim “Me, too!” upon reading a vow and some have posted sticky notes with the same onto the chalkboard.
“Any time people can find connections with others, it's wonderful,” she said.
What's next for Costa? Maybe someone wants to “pay it forward,” she said. Come and take the chalkboard and write a new prompt. Get people thinking deeper, acting with good intention.
Perhaps her friend Hermosa Brewing Company chef Aaron DuBois will come reclaim the chalkboard. He gave it to her and is now sort of regretting not putting it outside his restaurant, instead.
Or maybe a journalist will help spread the word and get readers thinking.
“You have to think now about what you want to do before you die,” Costa said. “That should be your tag line.”