Item 199 – Wozdom Day 2 – Formula for Happiness

We’re all here because of Steve Wozniak. Why? He’s the co-founder of Apple and spearheaded the creation of the very first Apple personal computer. He was also the first to bring color to personal computers. So clearly without Steve, we wouldn’t have GISH… or at least it would otherwise be played with carrier pigeons for communication (many of which wouldn’t make it over the oceans). So actually, Steve has also saved millions of carrier pigeons from drowning (not sure why that’s not in Wikipedia). Anyway, it’s Steve’s birthday on the 11th of August, so we’ve decided to honor him with a little of the GISH Community’s creativity as a thank you for helping steward in personal computers as well as for saving so many carrier pigeons. He’s a prankster, so he’ll enjoy it. Your first Woz birthday item is: Have you ever heard of Woz’s happiness algorithm? No? Well, we’re about to blow your mind. Here’s his secret to happiness: Happiness = Smiles – Frowns. That’s it. It’s that simple… and it works. We think that algorithm will stand the test of time, but we’ve heard you have a better one! Have one person on your team write out their personal “formula for happiness’ in an equation (simple or complex) on a chalkboard, piece of paper, or artistically using flower petals, twigs, or stones and take a picture of it so we can read it. Post your image on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook, and make sure to include the hashtags #GISH and #WozdomDay2! Then upload the original photo to us and include a link to your public post on social media in the comments!

Item 178 – RBG Lacework

Ruth Bader Ginsburg is known for her strength, her measured and wise jurisprudence, and her signature lace collars. But as all Gishers know, lacework used to be used to depict historic moments, so clearly you should crochet or knit a lace collar featuring a portrait of RBG or that conveys a message to her.

Item 166 – Backyard Burning Man

Burning Man has been canceled, but COVID can’t take the festival of radical self-reliance away from us. Introducing Backyard Burning Man! Build a miniature version of “The Man” in your back yard or driveway and burn it in effigy. (You may ONLY set it ablaze if you can do so safely– otherwise, you may submit your unburned work.) And of course, remember: leave no trace when you’re done.

Item 153 – Leaf Confetti Wishes

At Camp Welaka, the Girl Scouts write wishes on paper airplanes and send them out into the world. But we don’t trust airlines to get our wishes where they need to go. Write your wishes on tiny pieces of hand-made biodegradable confetti made from leaves and cast them into the wind. — Inspired by Katie