Even before Frost Bank and CultureMap had finished setting up for their "Call Me Optimistic" event at Axelrad Beer Garden's Shop Local Sunday market, people were clamoring to share their happy thoughts.

Many of the more than 200 shoppers who crowded the market that day took time to jot down what makes them feel optimistic, and even those who didn't were warmed just reading the answers.

One family asked if their children could contribute, and each little one wrote, "When we are with Mom and Dad" (not bribed, we swear!). Later, the parents circled back and added, "When we are with our kids," causing several onlookers to tear up.

An older gentleman made repeat visits to the boards but didn't pick up a chalk pen until the event was nearly over. When asked why he delayed, he replied that he had been intimidated by the wall and didn't want to write a generic answer. On his last trip by, he decisively picked up a pen and said, "I'm going to write my generic answer because it really is when I feel optimistic." His answer? "I feel optimistic when I see someone smile."

This feel-good visit was the first of 2019's pop-ups that are helping Houstonians be more optimistic and spread positivity.

CultureMap and Frost Bank will be hosting more of these pop-up events throughout the year, surprising and delighting folks all over Texas. Want to know where we might show up next? Sign up for our emails and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for hints about our next stop.