I do not consider myself a writer. I have never blogged. I do not even journal. Even though I know it will be good for my mind, spirit, and overall wellbeing, I just can’t seem to get it into it. So what is it about the infamous Patrick Randall that is making me do things I have never done before? That is a question for a different day.
Today is about the Impeach Tree. Since you are all Freewayblogger fans, you probably know he lists some key placement strategies on his site. One of my favorites is what he calls the Hidden Dragon.
Using guardrails or other items to hide your sign from the back is one tactic to keep pesky intruders from removing your artwork. Such a simple concept, really. It’s ingenious. Other landmarks that come in handy include dumpsters, trees/shrubs/bushes, double fencing, parked cars, shipping containers, backsides of buildings…you get the idea. Anything that provides some cover.
September 11, 2019 was a good day to exercise my 1A rights. The first stop was this Hidden Dragon overlooking I-84 that I’d been eyeing for a couple weeks. It was too perfect to pass up. Seemed like the easiest drive-by, drop it in, three seconds, and I’m out kinda spot.
I thought to myself, “How can it get any better than this?” As I pulled up, there was a parking spot right where I needed it to be. It was mid-afternoon; the street was full, but not busy. The guy sitting in his car across the street looked over at me as I parked. I decided pulling the cardboard out of the back may be too obvious, so I reached back, folded it up, pulled it through my seats, and finagled it out my drivers door. I calmly got out, shoved the sign in the guardrail as close to the wall as I could, and jumped back in the car. Whew! That was easy.
I assessed the situation; the guy wasn’t looking, no one was paying attention. I realized the sign was crooked, and knew it would drive me nuts me to see one more crooked sign in a photo, so I got back out and tried to adjust. These two cinder blocks were in my way. I started grabbing them and shoving, scraping my knuckles, trying to hurry. Now I’m starting to think, why didn’t I just leave it? Then I stopped, took a deep breath, and moved the sign a little further to the right. That worked. It slipped right in, seemed nice and straight. Perfect.
After hanging a second Impeach sign further down 84, it was time to go back and get some photo documentation. I attempted to snap a pic of Impeach Tree, but was too distracted by the fact that the bottom half of my sign was cut off. NO WAY was I leaving it like that. So back I went. This time I felt more confident since it wasn’t my first rodeo. My parking spot was still there, thank Goddess.
I was ready. Let’s do this thing. I decided the tree is my target. I need coverage behind that tree, so I grabbed a bungee and snagged my sign. The line of parked cars gave me some added protection. I dove right in with my head tucked between the fence, tree branches, and the guardrail. Had to unweave the tree from the fence to get the sign in place, and right when I had the bungee pulled tight to hook…it snapped. I punched myself in the mouth so hard my sunglasses almost came off my face. Cheap ass bungee broke and DAMN. I think that is the hardest I have ever been punched in the face, and I did it to myself!! I was so stunned I yelled, “You have GOT to be kidding me” so loud someone must have heard it. I thought it was hilarious at least, even though my whole face was on fire and the taste of blood filled my mouth. Once I got my wits about me, I grabbed a new bungee from my car, finished my task, and away I went. Off to the races.
I found a gem of a spot across the highway to get a snapshot of this little hardworking sign, which I have named Impeach Tree.
We are at war right now and most people are asleep at the proverbial wheel. In addition to keeping me somewhat sane, I find painting signs to be therapeutic. A form of self-care that is critical right now, and I can’t help but think others would benefit too. Sign making and freeway blogging is also a fun adventure. What message do I want thousands of people to see? Where is the best location to get the most people to see it? Do I want to go for impact or more subtle? How long can I get that sign to stay up before someone takes it down? We are 100% in control of this. I do like control.
While I am not surprised Patrick has such a huge following, I am shocked at how few people have taken to freeway blogging. Don’t get me wrong, people LOVE the idea. The snag I see is the gap between hovering around an idea and moving towards action.
Folks seem to like it when someone else does it. Support and encouragement is huge, and needed. It also gives people energy to make more signs, and go harder but it puts a lot of pressure on one person in particular. It is easy to say one should not put that burden on themselves, but that is trickier to put into practice for some. It would be easier if others would join in the game.
There are many reasons not to do it; I’ve seen lots of them. Full disclosure (somewhat), I live with multiple chronic invisible illnesses. Basic functions like lying down, sitting, walking, and standing tend to be extremely painful. My muscles get fatigued, and I struggle with daily brain fog. This is not anything new, and it will not be going away. I have found that even though my arm gets tired cutting cardboard, or holding up the paintbrush, I find solace in knowing it is one step in a bigger project. Being able to work in batches allows me to take advantage of having energy and work efficiently, and scoping out spots takes time but pays off in spades. Once in a blue moon I have had someone go with me to put up signs, and that helps, but it is not necessary. I can do it on my own; I just need to work within my limits. I’m my own worst enemy here.
Remembering that one sign is more than none, and it’s okay that I can’t keep up with everyone else no matter how hard I wish I could is key. My long-winded point is that even some folks like me, who are less agile, are able to join in this game.
I have hope that more people will find that spark inside telling them “it’s time,” “I must do something,” or “I can do this.” Where are the folks who need some thrills and excitement? Where are the artists who are looking for an audience of thousands? Until then, I will keep reveling in the small group of active sign makers and celebrating every time I see my signs lasting longer than a few commutes. Proud to say that list keeps growing.
My heart is filled with a sense of purpose and peace being a part of this freeway blogging community, and I am grateful for Patrick and all the others who inspire me to keep going.
Feel like a badass, and you are a badass.
Some signs from @PDX_Resists: