VICTORIA-

It seemed like an ordinary morning until Doug Hallstead discovered something extraordinary on the tree in front of his house.

“All of a sudden there are these happy eyes,” Doug points to a pair of big, googly eyes attached to the chest. “We were delighted! »

But then Doug wondered who put them there and why.

“We started talking to the neighbors,” says Doug. “No one said he did it.”

Instead, neighbors like Sue Bonnyman pointed out that under the branches of their trees there were more googly eyes.

“They basically planted trees all along the street,” Sue points out. “I think they’re awesome!”

Overnight, dozens of trees appeared to have sprouted giant eyeballs along Chamberlain Street in Victoria.

While a few looked like cyclopses with one eye, most of the trees featured two prominent peepers that caught everything.

“I was smiling all the way down the street,” Maia McKinley said.

Kelly Sims, a block away, also started beaming when she first saw the bark looking at her.

“It’s a bit of fun, urban guerrilla bliss,” Kelly says. “(And) a mystery!

“I don’t know who it could be,” Maia said. “It was a mystery.”

“Happy mysteries are always fun!” » Doug laughs.

It’s a wonderful mystery that some of them tried to solve after someone else mentioned seeing a blonde-haired woman carrying a few eyeballs under her arms.

“I talked to a few blonde ladies,” Doug says. “But none of them will admit it.”

So the neighbors changed the subject and, instead of wondering who did it, started discussing how they could get inspiration from it.

“Pull yourself together,” Sue said. “And improve your neighborhood.”

Do something unexpected that will just make someone’s day better.

“And I like that she did it anonymously, to keep the mystery,” Doug smiles. “We don’t have to take credit for the good things we do.”

But Doug says we need to express our gratitude. So instead of offering a grateful handshake or writing a thank you card, a hug will do the trick.

“I love it,” Doug smiles as he kisses the trunk and the tree’s wide eyes seem to stare back at him. “I love it.”