Alameda's 'Carry Chalk' Featured In Documentary: WATCH

ALAMEDA, CA — She goes by the name "Carry Chalk." Though many Alameda residents have caught her in action, chalking inspirational words on sidewalks, she prefers to remain anonymous. She said it's to keep the focus on her words, not on her.

She's been at it since 2018. Some messages are meant to encourage: "You are beautiful and deeply loved."

Others are observations meant to connect us: "I miss the rattle of sweets in my grandpa's pocket."

One saved a life: "You are your child's hero."

These details about the chalk artist are revealed in the award-winning documentary, "The Silent Messenger of Alameda, CA" by Matteo De Luca. You can watch it on a YouTube link below.

The artist is a former teacher who found a box of chalk that belonged to her husband. She does not know why, but she grabbed a piece one day and took it along with her. As she drove her daughter across Alameda, they had a serious chat. When her daughter made an important decision, the mom pulled over her car, hopped out and chalked on the sidewalk, "Go through it or grow through it. Your choice."

That was the start, but it certainly did not end there. There have been thousands since.

Carry Chalk features some of the chalks on her own Instagram page, and news stories have spread her message around the world.

That was her hope, she said in the documentary, to inspire other people to chalk words of inspiration in their own communities.

As for how she comes up with the words she chalks, the artist said she listens to inner nudges and puts the messages where she believes they are needed.

She was moved to tears when one woman told her that she had lost all hope and decided to end her life. When she left home to kill herself, she looked down at the sidewalk and saw, "You are your child's hero." That woman went home and cried, and never carried through on her dark intentions.

Carry Chalk's Mission

Why? It started with a spontaneous message, but why continue? "I really feel, especially in this day and age, that people need to remember who they are. They need to feel encouraged and hopeful about their own lives. Why they're here on Earth. What they're here to do. And I just feel like people can use an encouraging word."

She listens for the "kind" voice within her and shares it with chalk.

"I want to just put a shot of love out there."

More writings from Carry Chalk:

"Don't speak unless it improves on silence."

"Someone loves you."

"I grieve the what could have been moments with my mom."

"You're tired of struggling and feel like nothing will work out. Hold on. You'll overcome this."

"Your kids don't need a perfect mom — they need a happy one."

"Don't get lost in your loss."

Follow Carry Chalk on Instagram.