You had lost your balloon once, or too many times to count. You had seen someone balloon(s) fly away and had the ‘OMG poor thing’ moment. We’ve also set balloons off, to find their freedom , to celebrate or to dedicate to our loved ones hoping they get our wishes and blessing. So where does it go? Some jungle, someone’s window or bounced off by an airplane? Be positive. They are in a happier place, they have their own life to live. Be it carrying your msgs or just wanna live happier cos you ditched them (accidentally if you choose to believe).

Balloon Town is a set of NFT art created to represent the above many reasons. Looks like Doodle you say? Part of the inspiration comes from them, definitely can’t win the design tycoon (I’m honest). The color theme focused on showing the happy, light mood, cheerful and freedom feel. With the world in a mess due to Covid and the Russia war , let’s set more positivity for a better future. See the brighter side, think about your childhood , the days when your dad or mum bought you that balloon that caught your eye for no apparent reason, maybe you are a balloon artist or sculptor who love balloons whom live with and for balloons, the days when you were blowing balloons for someone’s birthday, wedding or celebrations, etc etc. too much to write.

If you aren’t already sleeping by now, try my story which all started in a far far away… (snooze). Nah, just in any theme park likes you always go to. I was with my friend Magel.

Magel : No balloons for me… I hate balloons.

She was turning away when I pointed at the balloon clown who’s smiling creepily and handing out balloons to any kids that are smiling or squealing.

Me: Come on, it’s free. Just take one. I’m not gonna just take 1 for myself and leave you empty handed.

Magel: No. It pops and I don’t like the sound.

Me: I’ll make sure it wouldn’t pop.

Magel: How?

Me: Keep it in my bag. So even if it pops, you wouldn’t hear it.

Magel: What? OK... Whatever…

We were 24 years old during then.. and you would’ve thought  ‘Dude, too old for theme parks and balloons’. Yes for me, but it’s Magel’s first time and she’s visually impaired. I knew her while volunteering for the visually impaired society. Knew her when she was 23 and she’s a pretty negative person who gave up all hope, learning or being accepted by the society. Her parents were fed up with her every now and then, that’s how she ended up attending the club to know more friends and find listening ears. Took me some effort to have her open up about her thoughts and her ‘want-to-do’. And here we are.. at the theme park hearing people screaming, rides grinding metal and loud happy music in every corner. No, we did not take any rides in the end, because she was unsure and I do not know how to handle the after effect if she freaks out. So, we walked around, sipping Cola and keeping myself busy to describe the surroundings. She was happy and thanked me. I returned her bag after sending her home, with the balloon still intact. It did not pop.

As time goes by, I still see her at the club on and off. But as my work and personal life was getting a toll on me, it wasn’t easy for me to find spare time on many things. While still keeping in contact with Magel, the frequency became lesser as the other volunteers of the club slowly replaces me. So fast forward! 3 years later… I saw her pics that she was teaching children on how to sculpture balloons! Those hand held ones like the all-time favorite poodle, flowers, octopus, rabbits, etc. She looks good and all smiling now. No more negative grumpy Magel... but now in a wheel chair. Which I found out that she had other underlying health issues which were super minor during then but deteriorated throughout the years. We talked again and met up a couple of times.. and yeap a couple of times… because her health was really bad , she passed on a year later… :(

One of the topic from last meet up, quoting:

Me: Honestly, did you enjoy the theme park outing? Cos you didn’t get to ride anything. Just walking around..

Magel: It was nice, something is better than nothing. At least I felt like I was living it :) Btw, I lost the balloon when I opened the bag. It flew away. No idea where it went.. haha. Never found it

Me: Well, you have lotsa balloons now!

And the last time I ever set a balloon free, was writing wishes on it and hoping Magel would see it..

‘Be happy, laugh and run wild’

So, when was the last time you touched a balloon, what was it for?

Goodnight :)