Monkeyshines 2014 - Year of the Horse - The Hunt is On

361 comments

• D Derek staff January 31, 2014

  Previous comments on Monkeyshines 2014 are located at: /articles/view/monkeyshines-2014-the-year-of-the-horse

• N Namedcookwa January 31, 2014

  Engine house at Jane Clark

• M Madster January 31, 2014

  We found a purple one at the Lowell statue but I can't figure out how to post the pic not many other people have had luck but good luck

  • W wadefish January 31, 2014

    What time did you find it? That was the first place I checked. You must have beaten me there :)

• D DC January 31, 2014

  no luck for me this year... Stupid work getting in the way of a good search! Good luck to everyone out there still hunting :-)

• A Amanda January 31, 2014

  We found one at the Lock on Love Bridge!

• A ariel January 31, 2014

  Found some keys in wright park, looks like they belong to a kia. After our search, we plan on taking them to the police station.

  • L Lost January 31, 2014

    Thank you so much! We just spent an hour retracing our steps looking for them. I wish I would've looked on here sooner. We have to get my little brother to school and will contact the police station later today. Thank you so much again!

• T to/fro January 31, 2014

  Had to call off the search because of work :(.... Heads up, Proctor area and Union median are a bust (as of 6:30 this morning). Happy hunting!

• A Amanda January 31, 2014

  Boo. Have to stop for now-darn work. Good luck to the rest of the hunters out there. Even though I didn't find a monkeyshines this morning I did see my city in a whole new light (by flashlight), we live in a beautiful place Tacoma! Seriously some great night views in places I would never normally go in the dark, that incentive makes one do strange things. Thanks for the hijinks.

  • A Amanda January 31, 2014

    Also my security code for the post was "blue12" I'm taking that as a good Super Bowl sign!

    • M MariClaire January 31, 2014

      Go Hawks!!

• D Derek staff January 31, 2014

  We've been informed via official monkey channels that there are more than 1,000 balls this year. Happy hunting.

• A Angie January 31, 2014

  Found a medallion in the bushes outside Sherman Elementary.

• S SVT January 31, 2014

  4 years and our first find! Had a medallion, then found an orb in Proctor so traded up. take Only One!

  • S SVT January 31, 2014

    Ruston, not Proctor.

• T TacomaJustin January 31, 2014

  No luck. Time to get ready for work. I was reminded of several things this year. People who are just out for an early morning walk look at you strange when you ask "Any luck?". I need to stop wearing a baseball hat during the search. I've continued my streak for walking head first into a tree limb because I had my head down. Lastly...go with my initial feeling for picking a spot to search. Nothing like reading that someone found a ball in a spot you decided to skip.

  • X x97natali January 31, 2014

    Agreed...the only thing I "found" before having to catch a bus to work was that we all look slightly insane and definitely shady. You're beautiful Tacoma!

    • D DC January 31, 2014

      hahaha, we are all definitely insane!! In the best way ;)

• E Erin January 31, 2014

  Got lucky at Lincoln Park- medallion. Nothing at Wright.

• M Mama & Cubs January 31, 2014

  So far only a shell this year. An enormous THANK YOU to the folks we met at Starbucks in old town who gave my daughter the medallion they found. You totally made her day. She's been walking around like it's her precious. We promise to swap it if we find an orb.

• G ginny January 31, 2014

  For having so many, where are they??? We looked ALL OVER! Not a single one! :( maybe later...gotta get the kids to school!

  • L LilyLove2012 January 31, 2014

    Exactly - I was out from 6-8 am, never saw anything. Hmmm. Makes me wonder if they're being put out tonight, for weekend hunting?? have seen very few "finds" this morning. [quote]For having so many, where are they??? We looked ALL OVER! Not a single one! :( maybe later…gotta get the kids to school![/quote]

• F foxhunter January 31, 2014

  This year I took my 2 year out but it was too cold so we limited it to my favorites spots. After an hour or so we headed home. A thousand MS is a a lot so keep up the good search everyone! Remember that as this search grows to be nice to one another. This is meant to be fun and bring us all together on this fun hunt. We saw sooooo many people and half of our greetings were ignored :( In past years people would ask if I found anything or tell of someone who had and even offer where they lived and how long they had been out. It made it fun to know I wasnt the only weirdo with a flashlight searching through bushes and dark parks. Oh and does anyone ever go to a really cool spot and find nothing and think if I were the hiders I would of put one here? On St Helens and 6th there is some awesome planters along a strip of a cd wall by Amocat. We thought For sure there would be one but sadly no. Oh well. Its Friday hunters so remember there is always the weekend! Good work to Ms Monkey and her helpers for making these New Years so memorable!

  • Y Yojpoj January 31, 2014

    I thought the CD wall would make a great place too! I can tell you it wasn't because you didn't get there early enough. I looked around 4 AM… Nothing.

    • F foxhunter January 31, 2014

      Thats always a possibility but I've checked spots and found nothing only to read about someone finding it there later. The last time I found one I was walking a few blocks downtown and I checked the same news bins I checked when I arrived again. Boom! A pretty blue orb! We were out at 5 today. Maybe we were both too early. A thousand to hide will take some time. Seekers might be hiders and still out there :)

• L Linh January 31, 2014

  No luck for us since 4:30 am. Wright park, UW Tacoma and parts of downtown near union station. People around us haven't found any either. Time for work so there's always next year.

• F foxhunter January 31, 2014

  Nice find! Way to go for sticking to the rule! Its tempting but theres always next year :)

• D D&J January 31, 2014

  Found a medallion at the base of a tree in Lincoln Park

  

  H Hannah January 31, 2014

  Time for work--Thanks for a great time Monkeyshiners! Welcome to the Year of the Horse, Tacoma!

• M M January 31, 2014

  To the security guard at UWT--- hope you find one! We did (mom in the striped hat with hubby and two kids). 5:30 a.m. Lowell Elementary.

  

• M Mama & Cubs January 31, 2014

  My kids have expressed interest in joining Ms. Monkey and all the shiners in hiding them next year. They think it would be fun to do that and watch people find them. Any chance we could help out next year??

  • S Seenoevil January 31, 2014

    [quote]My kids have expressed interest in joining Ms. Monkey and all the shiners in hiding them next year.  They think it would be fun to do that and watch people find them.  Any chance we could help out next year??[/quote] Dear Mama & Cubs, We were the one's in Starbucks that gave you the medallion. Surprise - we are Monkeyshiners, done hiding for the day except for that one we gave you. You never know about next year....

    • M Mama & Cubs January 31, 2014

      That makes it even more special, finding a monkeyshiners is finding one in my book. well done! Thank you so much, it turned out it was the only thing we walked away with. We had a great time! I've always thought you guys were out there pretending to be finders, now I know.

• T Teri January 31, 2014

  We had found a ball at Titlow! Such great fun!

  • J Jack January 31, 2014

    We're at title and walked the whole trail nothing :(

• M Mojo January 31, 2014

  Found one about 5:40 down along the Thea Foss waterway near the new condos. A buddy found one on the new stairwell to the Murray Morgan Bridge. The one I found was broken into two big pieces but fits back together nicely. Maybe a stress crack? Anyhow cracked is better than nothing.

• H High heels hottie January 31, 2014

  Thank you so much my group found some on east side.. And I noticed 2 different stamps.

• M MamaKess January 31, 2014

  No luck so far this year after a botched start on my part. Hoping for a quick walk with the kids to keep searching later. I too would be interested in hearing about opportunities to help hide the treasures next year! I know my oldest would think it was a hoot to be in on a big secret like that. :-)

• A Auntspiker January 31, 2014

  Still on the hunt. Been all over downtown. Nada. Good vibes to all monkeyshines seekers out there.

• N Nameanita & boys January 31, 2014

  Been out since 5 nothing yet! UW, several parks, proctor, water front, pacific ave, broadway, commerce. Kids are getting discouraged. Any new finds?

• P Parker January 31, 2014

  I send in my photo - found a blue orb behind the downspout at City Lights billiards, after following a hunch and parking a little farther from my office. It's really fun to see everyone out looking, even at 8!

  

• P PeggySue January 31, 2014

  Found a Medallion at Franklin Park at the base of a tree.:)

• A ariel January 31, 2014

  One of the kids in our party found a pink and clear orb in the planters in front of planned parenthood. Also found two marbles in peoples park!

• J jandm January 31, 2014

  Thank you, Monkeyshines! This was our third year hunting. Two previous year with no luck and this morning it was looking to be the same. But, no! After hunting at several different parks, we made our way across the Foss to The Center for Urban Waters and found one there! We were worried it would be too obscure. Turns out it was just obscure enough! 2014 is our year! It was so fun to see and talk with all the other hunters we encountered this morning. Especially fun to see the families with children. Is there a way we can donate? We'd like to do our part to ensure that Monkeyshines continues. Thanks again!

• L Lol January 31, 2014

  Just got home from a 2-hour search, and came up empty-handed. Will continue to keep my eyes pealed though...once you start looking, kinda hard to stop!!

• D Dwendlandt January 31, 2014

  Got up super early headed out with my boys searching 6th ave. Proctor, Kandle park, stopped by legendary donuts for breakfast, went to the Chinese park on Ruston way we saw someone pull a medallion out of the lions mouth, went to Point Defiance walked around the pagoda, down by Owens beach too and no luck. : ( tons of people looking lots of smiles some of our friends were lucky, so I'm not giving up yet! I still have my preschool coming out to hunt and look around 9:30 maybe we will get lucky then? Anyways it's always fun, and frustrating but mostly fun. Thanks so much for this Monkeyshines people we love this!

• J Jazmyn M January 31, 2014

  Been out since 6am and have found nothing so I'm feeling a little down after searching 4 spots. This is my 1st year searching and I was born year of the horse, hopefully try again tonight. Good Luck everyone and Congrats to those who have found some monkeyshine :)

• T The slusars January 31, 2014

  We've been at it since midnight and so far we've found 2 marbles and a 12th man glass this was a long trip and the wife is getting sick :-/ really hope we can find an orb before we have to call it quits and head back to nj :-/

  • C chyba January 31, 2014

    Hello Slusars- If we wanted to get you an orb, how might we find you? Seems like a long way to travel and not return with an orb.

• A AndreaW January 31, 2014

  I have looked every year since moving to Tacoma 6 years ago and have lots of "just missed it" stories. I wasn't going to look this morning - I was feeling down and I had to get to work. My wonderful husband told me the walk would lift my spirits. I found a beautiful blue orb in a roundabout along Cedar St. Thank You to Ms. Monkey and all the Monkeyshiners!! You really made my day. I feel blessed to find one this year especially because I was born in the Year of the Horse. Happy Hunting everyone!

  • M Mama & Cubs January 31, 2014

    Chalk that up to a just missed for us then. Congrats!!!

  • P Phil January 31, 2014

    Yay! That story just made up for us coming home empty-handed. I will say there were quite a few young folk walking around town with large shopping bags full of ?? early this morning looking sly. Those flying monkeys must go through some sort of kafka-esque training.

• K KN January 31, 2014

  We found one hiding in the bushes at Mason this morning at around 5:30am. So excited! Thank you so much to the people who made these and hid them. :D

• S Sweet Musicks January 31, 2014

  My 4 year old woke up stoked to find monkeyshines, but sadly we haven't had any luck! Hit up South Park and The cultural center. Also hit the sounds station. Time to go home and take care of my sick hubby. Miss Monkey, you are one wiley lady!

• J J&R January 31, 2014

  Found a medallion in Jefferson Park early this morning...we haven't slept since yesterday so I'm ready for home! Thanks monkeyshines :) we love you!

• L Lyn January 31, 2014

  I can't believe there are 1000 balls this year?! They must be VERY well hidden because it seems like they are much harder to find!

• M Mama4 January 31, 2014

  Found one around 6:45am!!!! It's clear with crazy pretty mauve swirls all over. Thank you so much Ms.Monkeyshine and crew. What a fun tradition...I decide to make a small contribution in picking up trash along the way to help keep Ttown beautiful:-) until next year.....

• T The_253 January 31, 2014

  Have been up since 3:30am and no luck but I'm note easy to call it quits yet. Any clues? I have searched the "normal"spots with nothing to show yet. Any ideas on where else I should wander? Thanks to all, have fun.

• R Runner Mom January 31, 2014

  Found one near Pt. Defiance around 7:30 am .... slightly cracked (but aren't we all) ... beautiful! Loved the mild rain and the many happy greetings. Thanks Tacoma, you're the best! Next year we'll be ready with something to hide as we go - love that idea!

• H Hunter January 31, 2014

  Found a glass ball around 7:30am on a island off of Sprague! Good luck to everyone out there.

• M Monique January 31, 2014

  We've been out since 3am with no luck. Still wandering the streets..

• T Tripl3.se7en January 31, 2014

  We found a marble on Proctor near the fire station in the big fishes mouth. Thanks marbleman!!! My next question is - WHERE ARE ALL THE MONKEY SHINES?!

  

• 2 253Bri January 31, 2014

  I found my monkeyshine at the Franciscan Medical Center in a planter at about 5:30 am. Happy Chinese New Year!

  

• B Brenda January 31, 2014

  This beauty was tucked away in a bush just waiting for me to find it! I knew this was the year I would find my first shine. Cheers to a lovely city and a magical morning! Happy New Year!

  

• M Mama & Cubs January 31, 2014

  So has anyone found anything recently or has it all died down? I'm still seeing people out there, but not hearing anything.

  • T Tripl3.se7en January 31, 2014

    Strangely quiet! I need to know when to go back out!

    • L Lyn January 31, 2014

      It is so quiet! We are happy with our success and will happily be sleeping in and looking forward to photos of all the rest!

• T Tripl3.se7en January 31, 2014

  Also....those orbs in the picture are BLUE & ORANGE ! :-o

• M Mother&Daughter; January 31, 2014

  This our third year hunting, and we make the drive all the way from Centralia! Found an orb our first year, year of the Dragon, found a marble last year. But this year was our first medallion! Found it at the Foss waterfront, in a washed up log! No marble sighting yet. Happy hunting!

• T Tom January 31, 2014

  Went looking for the Monkeyshines in various places with no luck. But I did find a mason jar with an origami horse in it; anyone know anything about that?

  • L LilyLove2012 January 31, 2014

    Really?! That's awesome! Hoping there are more of those around to find - what a cool idea. If next year really is the last year for #monkeyshines, we should be thinking about alternate art gifts like that to leave for our fellow Tacomans. Love it. This is such a great tradition - I hope it carries on even if/when the glass orbs stop.

  • P Peggy Walton February 2, 2014

    [quote]Went looking for the Monkeyshines in various places with no luck. But I did find a mason jar with an origami horse in it; anyone know anything about that?[/quote]

• T Todd January 31, 2014

  Just walked rust on way from Reconciliation Park down past the fireboat. Saw a few people who had found some. 2 orbs. And 2 medalions

• J Just Be Happy January 31, 2014

  Looked all over Ruston with no luck. I hope people get luckier than us. Happy Chinese New Year!

• R Rustongal January 31, 2014

  I found mind early, 5 am! Thank you local Tacoma Artist! Love it! I would like to say though I did think it was odd, that after I found my first one, it was nearly imposable to find another orb or medallion for my husband. I went to a lot of hot spots and non-hot spots, and finally called it quits at 7 am. Are they just more spread out in the Great Tacoma area or maybe I missed them? Either way, it was fun!

• M Mama & Cubs January 31, 2014

  We're finally calling it a day. Thanks again to the folks in Starbucks we aren't going home empty handed. Amazing that with so many of them out there that the activity seemed to stop around 8. Could they really all have been found? Ms. Monkey and all the artists, THANK YOU! This is a really cool thing you do. And if you're reading this, we really do want to help next year!! Contact me!

• D Derek staff January 31, 2014

  We love seeing these photos and stories. Keep them coming. Thank you for helping us spread the magic that is Monkeyshines. Also, we expect this level of enthusiasm for our city council coverage next week ...

  • C Charles January 31, 2014

    So what you're saying is there will be hidden art at the city council meeting next week??!?

• K KTeacher January 31, 2014

  First year for us and no luck. Tried so many places but I don't think we walked long enough in one place. Maybe next year! Thank you for the fun adventure my whole family starting at 5:45am!

• A anastasia January 31, 2014

  My mom found one this morning down near the Chinese garden by the water. I have yet to find one but I hope to get lucky after school!!

• M MAMOHMARR January 31, 2014

  Spent all morning looking for one of these things. Once we had admited defeat, I decided to go buy some coffee to warm up. and look what I found behind some pipes and meters!!!

  

• F FunkyFarquhars January 31, 2014

  My 10 year old and I ventured over from Gig Harbor at 6:30 this morning, sporting our Blue Friday gear. We searched for a couple hours with no luck but had a blast and pick up garbage along the way. I figured before heading back over the bridge, I'd snap a quick photo of him in front of the Seahawk house near Kandle Park. We pulled up and there it was: beautiful blue & green colorful orb! Thank you Tacoma Artist!

  

  • K Ken Dam January 31, 2014

    That is so cool! You found the one worth the most because its Seahawk Blue on Blue Friday! :)

• A Auntspiker January 31, 2014

  We found a lovely marble on a newspaper dispenser on Broadway! Thank you Marbleman! It was thrilling for me and my first grader. We kept on looking until noon: Wright Park, Franklin Park, Stadium area, Allenmore Hospital. No more finds. So many statues everywhere that you never notice until Monkeyshines.

• M Monkey nuts January 31, 2014

  Two words. Wildly disappointed. Not only because we didn't find any but seemingly the majority of others didn't either. I looked forward to this all year. :(. Not only did we not find any but there were none posted/found and hardly any of the normal haunts. I am happy to not be the finder but it is a rush to know that people are finding them at parks, schools, popular Tacoma landmarks. Mrs Monkey you might want to check with your distributors as perhaps this has become so popular that they are handing them out to friends and family and not 'hiding' them? 1000 this year? Really??!! None found at UPS, none at Wright park, fresco freeze, snake lake, pacific ave, 30th, waterfront, south Tacoma way, proctor, none in newspaper boxes, none of the fun. I am so disappointed to not feel the rush of the years gone by. Sorry if I sound ungrateful. I am not. I am just so disappointed.

  • L Lyn January 31, 2014

    Maybe people aren't posting about finding them in those locations. I heard that 6 were found on S Tacoma Way. We found ours the same place as last year. My guess is there is something more coming. Or we aren't looking hard enough. :)

    • M Monkey nuts January 31, 2014

      Thanks Lyn. I am happy to look - and work for it. we were out at 3 am. Perhaps you are right. Maybe people just aren't posting. Still super disappointed.

      • L Lyn January 31, 2014

        I do agree though, it seems oddly quiet. Wondering if maybe things were placed in neighbourhoods instead of common places. If so, I'd love to be a mailman today :D

    • M Monkey nuts January 31, 2014

      DC- I guess that is possible. Seriously though it is different. Read the posts.

      • D DC January 31, 2014

        Oh I know I was out at 4am and was super disappointed (and still am!) to find such a lack of finds. And true. Maybe people aren't posting. It's just so odd not to hear anything about Stadium District finds. That's where I got lucky last year. Still. I'll keep hoping to be lucky today :) Good luck to you!! And happy new year!

  • D DC January 31, 2014

    I'm hoping that means that they are making a slow drop and there will be opportunities to search after work!! :)

  • C CHABL January 31, 2014

    Disappointed that you didn't find any an the 'normal' places? Maybe it's time to get off the beaten path an explore our beautiful city! The best part about monkeyshines is the unexpected find and bringing people together in our beautiful city. I am sure the monkeyshiners have just made it more of a challenge. I saw many people out this morning driving to locations, getting out for a few minutes and leaving after a quick look with a flashlight. Maybe we need to spend more time on our feet scouring the city :)

  • D dustin February 1, 2014

    I've searched for these probably five times since 2003 and finally got my first one this year. Enjoy the fact that you got to explore your city a little, maybe say hi to a stranger and just get out and breathe a little. Sure, it sucks, but come on, take it easy, this is all for fun, for free (I'd gladly donate) and a fun way to celebrate the Chinese new year.

• S Sarah Villarreal January 31, 2014

  Been hunting with my toddlers since 8am. Im at a total loss on where to go next. Not giving up yet.

  • S Sarah Villarreal January 31, 2014

    [quote]Been hunting with my toddlers since 8am. Im at a total loss on where to go next. Not giving up yet.[/quote] we found a beautiful little blue marble at thea Foss waterway park. No luck on anything else.

• K KAB January 31, 2014

  Was amazed to come up empty at Wrights Park and Proctor this morning....maybe their making things less obvious for us???

• N Nasty Nate January 31, 2014

  What do you mean lyn? You heard 6 where found on so tacoma way? Did you find all 6? There was 15 of us from 3am until about noon, looking up and down. No one found one, we normally find them there. Did you take all six? How did you hear 6 were found, I don't see a post for it. We're you the party with the wagon and dog?

  • L Lyn January 31, 2014

    We searched there for over an hour and came up empty and someone said that they heard 6 were already found. Maybe that's just how rumors get started. We still looked but ended up heading elsewhere thinking they were gone.

  • K katie k January 31, 2014

    I was with the group that had the wagon and dog. We looked for almost 3 hours with no luck.

• T to/fro January 31, 2014

  Perhaps due to the complaint of people who work today, they hid a few today and the vast majority are going out tonight? Just a guess--wishful thinking.

• M Monkey nuts January 31, 2014

  Right? Us too. Not only us but everyone we ran into. I guess I just feed off the energy of them being found and this year......nothin. Not at the any at Gibsons, southern kitche , broadway, firemans park, the Grand, coronas, MSM, Starbucks, no stories of medallions leaning against fences or trees, just nothing. Nothing. Nothing. (Ok maybe a few but 1000 ? :(

• A Anita & boys January 31, 2014

  We are exhausted. Ive been driving for 7 hrs all over the city. Over 20 parks, downtown, east side, proctor, hilltop, stadium district, south tac way, pacific ave,waterfront,6th ave art district, bus stops, UPS, UWT,police and fire stations and found nothing! So frustraiting!! Some places we looked twice hrs apart. Blown through half a tank of gas and my shoes are wet. Getting sleeepy

  • M Monkeynuts January 31, 2014

    Anita....I feel ya. See my posts above. You sound like me. Blue.

• A Amanda January 31, 2014

  Keep the faith friends. There is no conspiracy. The find is always serendipitous. They are out there. Believe!

  • M Monkeynuts January 31, 2014

    Amanda I take it you found yours in your first 5 min of hunting?

    • A Amanda January 31, 2014

      I've found none. But had a wonderful adventure!

      • M Monkeynuts January 31, 2014

        So truth be told....you don't really know if they are all out there....right? Adventure?absolutely! Disappointing? True also.

        • A Amanda January 31, 2014

          I believe enough for the both of us!

          • D DC January 31, 2014

            I wish I could 'like' your comments Amanda. haha. FB trained :) Keep the faith!! And happy hunting

• T The slusars January 31, 2014

  We agree we live this tradition and flew out from nj yesterday. We started looking at 2 and tore this city apart all day we found two marbles and a twelfth man but not a single medallion or orb so after a 5 1/2 hr flight and full early morning/day searching we go home with no orb and wife sick with strep throat :-/ had fun and grateful just a little dissapointed

  • D DC January 31, 2014

    hey that's still more than some of us found!

  • M Monkeynuts January 31, 2014

    Been thinking about you today hoping at least another wildly dedicated searcher that travelled across the country had luck. Sorry to hear that was not the case. Now get home in time for the game. Go hawks!

• G GrumpyPanda January 31, 2014

  Man… this is crazy disappointing to read how this thread has changed. We live in or traveled to an amazing city with awesome artist that go out of their way to create this experience for the city. They work with local youth and create a feeling of community and camaraderie. If you made a find or didn’t make a find we all got up and out on a cold Friday morning and searched this fair city. We exchanged hellos and places we had checked. We saw tutus on statues and reminded ourselves of all the spots we love in this city. We looked like insane people bundled up and trudging through the cold with flashlights and smiles. I understand that not everyone found something or found what we wanted to find but hot damn I loved the experience. I can’t wait to putter about looking a bit more this weekend and to repeat it all next year. Thank you to everyone who participated, created, trudged, smiled, froze and hid to make this happen. You are and we are what make this city great.

  • D DC January 31, 2014

    Does anyone know who was responsible for the tutus? They looked like the ones the Thursday runners have. Either way, I thought those were SO FUN!! I had a blast wandering around taking their pictures.

    • D Derek staff January 31, 2014

      The tutus were done by the Tacoma Runners as it was the anniversary run last night. We put up a few last year. This year there were a lot more. It is merely a coincidence that it happened the same night as Monkeyshines. Check out the Facebook group for a lot more photos. https://www.facebook.com/groups/tacomarunners/

      • D DC January 31, 2014

        Ha! That's fantastic, thanks for the info!!

  • M Monkeynuts January 31, 2014

    So I am wrong for wanting to find my lil piece of hand blown treasure by generous local artists to add to my art? Wrong for looking for hours and feeling disappointed. Let me think about it....not sorry. Love this city. Love this tradition. Disappointed. And that's ok.

• C Chrees January 31, 2014

  The lady friend and I were out early and had a great time, ended up finding a purple medallion tossed over a chain link fence on dock st (it was hard to get!) and a cool shell on the big bell behind the art museum. Two friends had luck on the glass bridge and somewhere down by Thea foss, both orbs. Talked with quite a few nice people, no one seemed to have any luck. Also, sadly, many of our encounters with fellow searchers in parks seemed more like a race/battle to look first than a friendly comradery. I'll be out looking tonight for an orb, I've yet to even see one in person. Here's hoping there's still some of the 1000 out there, even tho so few seem to be having luck. Thanks for another fun year!

• J Jenyfer January 31, 2014

  I went out solo last night around 12:30 and again around 3 and found NADA :( ...I went to People's Park, Hilltop MLK, Frost Park, Pac Ave, Broadway fountain, UWTacoma, Museums, Wright Park...I'm still holding out hope and looking again later. fingers crossed!

• A Ariel January 31, 2014

  Hey all, don't be so glum! keep the faith, and remember that its more about the adventure than the shiny piece of glass. In any case, I have faith that the monkeys will do right by us. I'm gonna keep up the search and I'll bet the monkeys will keep leaving surprises to keep us on our toes.

• T Teri January 31, 2014

  Did anyone find Angel posters? I looked at Reclamation Park, along 6th and the Theater District but no luck. Does she only put out like a dozen? Any other places to look?

  • D DC January 31, 2014

    I know a LOT of them were picked up last night...and I think they only do the one drop :(

  • J Jenyfer January 31, 2014

    I saw one that was found yesterday on twitter but they didn't say WHERE... its gorgeous! :)

• W WildRose January 31, 2014

  Part of the excitement of the treasure hunt is not knowing if you will find what you seek… but you also may find something, whether it's a new park to bring your family too, a new tree to sit under on a sunny day, a stranger whom you enjoyed a brief conversation with… We spent 5 hours searching various spots today and came up empty handed (except for the surprise geocache at Snake Lake) but it was so fun! What a beautiful city we share! Like others have said, I think more of them will be dropped over the weekend (during the Super Bowl??!!), so keep up hope and get out there this weekend, explore, be kind, pick up trash, support the local businesses… And might I suggest that if you are interested in learning to blow glass, Tacoma Glassblowing Studio is beyond awesome. Learn to make your own orb! Good luck, see more of you out there tomorrow :)

• T T-TownFreckles January 31, 2014

  Went out at 4am-7am, with no luck...all downtown with one stop at the Wright Park Lions. Went to work at 8...Took my lunch break at 12:30 and decided to cruise around for another look. Found an orb and an origami horse! Found the orb at the Buddhist temple with the octopus mural (went to that dedication thought it would be a good place). BINGO!

  • T T-TownFreckles January 31, 2014

    not sure how to add a photo!

  • D DC January 31, 2014

    WOOHOO! ;)

• N Name January 31, 2014

  Daniel Lucus Rahe (FB) is selling multiple orbs on ebay.

  • A Annie January 31, 2014

    He brags he found 6 .... https://www.facebook.com/daniel.rahe?fref=ts

    • R Rhizl January 31, 2014

      This guy deserves to get punched in the face... And I will do so if I ever see him... DOUCHE BAG!!!!

  • N Nasty nate January 31, 2014

    This guy is a douche!!! What happened to taking one!!!! I hope you donate the money to the glass schools. Karma comes back in mysterious ways.

    • S Short monkey January 31, 2014

      Looks like this Daniel guy is part of the running group from last night if you click on his FB. So the people that did this run last night, most of them probably have not heard of monkey shines and saw them being put out. Therefore not understanding the tradition of taking one for your treasure but takes multiple to sell them. Leaving people like myself that take this day off work every year to search disappointed on not finding a treasure. Daniel you are a piece of work and should be ashamed of yourself to make a profit off something that is free to the public and gets the community out for an adventurous scavenger hunt. Searched for hours and agree with Monkeynuts, very disappointed. Wish we knew if they were all out or if there are more to come. Happy hunting everyone.

      • D Daniel Rahe January 31, 2014

        Hello! Please try to respect my privacy by NOT clicking on my FB (facebook). You see, I have a secret dog-fighting business, and some pictures from a few of the matches are in my photo albums. If any city officials find out about that, I am gonna get a fine, which I really can't afford at the moment (I'm kinda broke, LOL!). So, god bless! Thanks!

        • C Carly E January 31, 2014

          Haha! Best reply. Two older ladies told me about this while out today and I totally believed them. They were super sour! Glad to know they were misinformed!

      • A A January 31, 2014

        I'd say that the people that are a part of 'the running group from last night' are quite aware of the tradition of monkeyshines. Perhaps you should look into who runs this site as well as co-founded the running group before placing blame on them. No one is entitled to find a monkeyshine. If you want to guarantee that you get one, there are loads of talented artists in this town that I'm sure can blow you a glass ball on commission. You could even learn to make one yourself as others have suggested.

        • S Short Monkey January 31, 2014

          Then your runner should know to only take one. Not blaming all the runners and placing blame, but sad that 1 can make it look bad. The adventure is to "find one" not have one made, not the same. Never said no one is entitled to find one, but its a wonderful way to get the community together. I enjoy it even if I dont find one, but it makes it fun to find one especially for the ones with children. Daniel your post is also not funny and very disgusting. I hope you get worse than a fine. Dont talk about animals like that, I dont care if you are serious or trying to be funny. Its not funny. Thank you to the individuals that put this on. Its amazing.

          • D Derek staff January 31, 2014

            Our Runner? Our group has almost 4,000 people in it (2900 on FB) and Dan hasn't joined us in a long time. Be careful about your assumptions based on a few things you read on the internet. An out of context twitter post is a precarious place to begin a witch-hunt.

  • T Tara January 31, 2014

    Am I mistaken or isn't this the same man who interviewed the monkeyshine smasher last year? So he was perplexed that someone would smash them but it's better to take all you want? https://touch.www.linkedin.com/?sessionid=8342930142003200&as=false&rs=false#public-profile/http://www.linkedin.com/pub/daniel-rahe/14/657/29b

    • D Daniel Rahe January 31, 2014

      Ok, ok ok. This has gone far enough. I did not find a single Monkeyshine today. At 7 in the morning, I posted a joke on twitter about finding and selling them. It was quickly refuted as a joke by one of Tacoma's most-followed internet personalities. I also stated on my facebook page that I had not found a single one. I am friends with the Monkeyshines folks. I am a volunteer for the city of Tacoma in several capacities. I'm a citizen arts journalist and humor writer. This was a joke that was fun for a couple hours, but when people actually want to keep digging into my internet profiles and saying threatening things, I kinda feel like the joke made me sad. Feel free to dislike me or whatever... but don't waste much more energy on it than you already have, folks. May your searches yield you glass happiness, daniel

• P Pamtron January 31, 2014

  Searched all of downtown and Stadium it seems from 10 til 1:30. Time to go to work! Please, keep them coming! I'm ready to pack up the dogs and try again tonight! What a wonderful city we live in! Grabbing a trash bag and some gloves for tonight's search. keep em coming, Ms Monkey!

• C Cassius January 31, 2014

  I just felt the need to comment on the fact that while not everyone finds glass orbs to call their own, everyone I encountered out and about this year was positive and friendly. Past years I've been lucky to find glass, but not as lucky in the hunters I met. I'm grateful to live in a community where the artists share so freely and where they are embraced by those that live here. To forestall any negative feedback...I was not lucky on my hunt tks morning before I had to go to work. But I will be wandering out tonight, hoping I encounter positive attitudes even if the year of the horse is not my year. Thank you Monkeyshines for what you do!

• J Jennifer January 31, 2014

  We started by the History Museum, went to the Tacoma Water Front, then headed to the Zoo Park, and Proctor District and Jefferson Park and Stadium area and Wright Park and no luck for us ) : Maybe next year, was nice to get out and Walk around though.

• E Evelyn January 31, 2014

  Each year I have wanted to search, but had to be at work in Seattle or Olympia. But looking at these posts I wonder if I would have found anything anyway. You are all looking in places I would never think of!!! On a bell? Behind a pipe? Amazing! My guess is that there are either more waves of goodies going out tonight, or these are really well hidden. This gives me great hope! I will do some searching tonight. Thank you Monkeyshines, and thank you Tacoma. There is no place cooler than our city!

• B Bri January 31, 2014

  Found the most beautiful orb in a tree this morning around 7:30am. Took a vacation day today to go out looking, and am very happy I did. :) Thank you to all for an adventurous hunt!

• S Sara January 31, 2014

  Searched for 10 hours, didn't find any orbs or medallions, but I found a blue and green marble!! Maybe it was fate since I'm a life long Seahawks fan that I didn't get a "Bronco Ball". My new marble will have it's own place on Super Bowl Sunday! It's only weird if it doesn't work!! GO SEAHAWKS!!!

• T TravisL January 31, 2014

  I woke up at 4 AM and searched for eight hours today. I took the day off of work to search with my wife, daughter, brother, parents, and friends. I visited Wright Park, Firemans Park, UWT, Bridge of Glass, NW History Museum, Tollefson Plaza, UPS, the Proctor district, Puget Park (both ends), the fireboat, the pier, the Lobster Shop, Baltimore Park, Rust Park, Vassault Playfield, Swan Creek Park, South Park, the South Tacoma Sounder station, the SERA ballfields, the Java Jive, Lucky Silver, Cheney Stadium, the Foss skate park, Metro Parks HQ, UPS again, Carr Park, Ulrich Park, and Reconciliation Park. I found no glass. It was still a great day. Glass is serendipitous. Memories are the goal.

• K Kanela January 31, 2014

  Went out around 2am alone and found a 12th man stone. Then went back out with my mom and little brother at 5am. We found two marbles, which was great, and lost my car keys in wrights park, which was not so great. So happy we didn't leave empty handed, but I am still determined to look. The husband and I have hope to find our very first monkeyshines tomorrow morning after work. Good luck everyone!!

  • S Steph January 31, 2014

    Was your car a kia? Someone posted earlier they found some kia car keys

  • M Mama & Cubs January 31, 2014

    Someone found car keys at Wright Park and turned them over to the TPD. Look through the posts and someone mentioned it.

• T Team Franzy January 31, 2014

  We've come up short so far this year but we're still having a blast with this. We love ya, monkeyshines! We've had many great conversations with locals & out of towners, a rare weekday breakfast & lunch together at our favorite restaurants, we wore out our dogs, saw a sea lion hilariously playing near the beach. What more could we ask for?! Well, a monkeyshine, but we're not giving up.

• S Shawn January 31, 2014

  Just found a white orb late this afternoon in a flower bed at the corner of Yakima and north 8th. Can't believe nobody had found it yet. Thank you to everyone who puts on this great event.

  • F FluteGirl February 1, 2014

    How did you post your pic?

• K KrisKD January 31, 2014

  Searched for many years now -- incl today -- and still nothing. After last year, took a glassblowing class to make my own, so might I might do that again. It was fun, plus I have an extra special float! This morning and afternoon we walked War Memorial Park, South Park, S Tacoma Way, Wapato Park & Fern Hill area.

• W WAsurfer January 31, 2014

  @ 4:00am....So after 2 years with no luck, today was the luckiest I've ever been. My girlfriend and I were in down town completely alone, walking along in our hunt when we were approached my a suspicious vehicle. The woman in the passenger seat asked us with a smile..."what are y'all doing?" We could barely get out a reply before this mystery woman Handed us a beautiful glass ball. The woman wished us a happy new year and then the car sped off as we said thank you. Thank you to All of the Monkeyshiners involved, this event is truly a Tacoma staple that everyone must experience. It truly is an amazing city we live in.

• L Lola January 31, 2014

  Walked two hours with the kids this morning and another two hours alone all over T Town this afternoon when I was supposed to be at work. Still nothing...but man, I got some exercise in and am quite familiar with nooks & crannies of this most wonderful city we call home.

• C CCH January 31, 2014

  Found a cool glass ball with an octopus on it in stadium district.

  • J Jill January 31, 2014

    [quote]Found a cool glass ball with an octopus on it in stadium district.[/quote] Yeah, we found one too! It was a pink octopus on a red shiny ball placed on the Goddess of Industry statue. We didn't find any Monkeyshines but we were pumped to find that little treasure.

• G gritcitygirl January 31, 2014

  I've been hunting for 7 years now and I've been incredibly lucky overall. But this year I had the best timing I could ask for. I came home with a beautiful blue orb and my companion got a medallion. (Found at Jane Clark at about 5:45am) I've spent hours over the years wandering the city in the cold wee hours of the morning, and every time I have to say it was serendipity. I know that's not much comfort for those empty handed, but for me when the search is forced it's not successful. Twice over the years when I've given up they have appeared. Just putting it out there. I suspect Monkeyshines will continue to pop up all weekend. Keep the faith and keep looking. As for the beautiful angle posters - they went up last night and rarely last more than an hour or two. Beautiful angle has quite the following at at the first hint of a poster my house frantically pulls on shoes, clothes, and runs out the door. Sadly they are hard to get. Best of luck fellow monkeyshine hunters!

• K KdBirdy January 31, 2014

  Last spring I found one snake medallion serindipidously at one of my work sites, then another at the same site in December as I was cutting back an ornamental grass. It was so cool finding one by surprise and then even more suprising to find another half a year later. This year I wanted to join the craze, but I must say, something didn't feel right about it. I knew one would come to me, just as it did last year. So.... As I was picking up litter at the Utility building this morning, I found one. I had a dream about finding one in that exact spot. Thank you!!!!!

• M Mom of 2 January 31, 2014

  Is it worth going out this late in the evening to look?

  • T TacomaJustin January 31, 2014

    It wouldn't hurt. A couple years ago I found one five days after they were hidden.

  • L Lyn February 1, 2014

    Always keep looking. My son found his first Monkeyshine in April of the Year of the Dragon. :)

• T the hunter January 31, 2014

  Well I almost had one this morning. As I was walking down Broadway, a couple walking ahead of me picked up a globe. If only I was ahead of them... There's always tomorrow.

• E Erin January 31, 2014

  Don't give up Tacoma peeps! I just found my medallion tonight- probably not a new one just over looked. What a beautiful city we have- I gained a new love my neighborhood business area. I got lots of great looks from commuters stuck in traffic as I jumped up and down holding up my prize :) Also found lots of great places to re-hide it WHEN I find one of those Orbs. Thank you Monkeyshine!!

• A Anita and boys January 31, 2014

  Took a 2 hr nap snd we have been back at it since 7pm. Waterfront, stadium district, proctor, random parks and the hospitals, glass museum, doc st., UWT, pacific avenue. Still nothing. I have searched for 14 hrs. Some places 3 x's. Went theu an entire tank of gas and $50 on eating out and snacks for the 4 of us. Bout to just quit. Not happy anymore.

  • M Mr. Monkey January 31, 2014

    If it's not fun any more than stop.... Listen this whole thing wasn't started so people had something that they owned. It was never about the bobble of glass or having it to display. It was the idea that you knew something good was out there. That there was love and caring hard work vas years of learning that went into the gift of hope. I really would love for people to remember hope is the gift joy is the gift. Be safe out there.

    • G gritcitygirl January 31, 2014

      Thank you Mr. Monkey for saying it so well.

    • F Fellow Hunter January 31, 2014

      Well stated Mr. Monkey. I wish more people would remember that.

    • M Mojo February 1, 2014

      Amen. A lot of people overly bummed for little reason. Enjoy the journey. Have searched for years and found my first one this year. There are no guarantees in life.

• Y ylilbit January 31, 2014

  First year here in this wonderful city. So glad that I found out about this. We spent the morning and late afternoon looking but did not find one. I told my girls that the chances are slim. If we do, great. If not, we still had a great time exploring a bunch of Tacoma that we may have normally just over looked. We live on Fort Lewis and is a one car family. Coming up north takes a little coordination. The beauty in the city is awesome. From the waterway to the architecture to the unique differences in each area. Want to check out more of Old Town later. Also loved how friendly everyone was that we go to meet that was just as crazy as us. Happy monkeyshine hunting everyone! Read on the Tribune that next year may possibly be the last year. I hope not and really appreciate all of the efforts that is placed by Ms. Monkey and all the monkeyshiners. Thank you so much.

  • T tripl3.se7en January 31, 2014

    [quote] Read on the Tribune that next year may possibly be the last year. I hope not and really appreciate all of the efforts that is placed by Ms. Monkey and all the monkeyshiners. Thank you so much.[/quote] Oh sad - http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/01/31/3021322/rise-and-shine.html

  • T Thankful February 1, 2014

    I would be so sad to see it end. But the way people have joined in this year with new special treasures, I believe it will always continue in a different way. My kids are already planning special treasures for next year. Monkeyshines have created a truly beautiful thing, and even when they stop being placed, the tradition will continue. The article mentioned 1000 balls, I thought the 1000 counted medallions as well. Where are they?! Can't wait to find out.

• M MamaKess January 31, 2014

  I just jumped over to TNT site to read the Monkeyshines article. Did anyone else notice that the article says at the bottom that the event starts anytime after midnight TONIGHT? Not trying to stir the pot but I wonder if that's just a mistake or does that explain why some folks feel like they're coming up short? I feel like I didn't get anything this year cause I was up all night with the baby but hmmm... maybe tomorrow morning I'll try again just in case. If nothing else maybe I'll get to say hello to more of my fellow hunters and enjoy the sunrise outside again!

  • T Tripl3.se7en January 31, 2014

    Midnight Friday has already happened. This midnight coming up in nearly 2 hours is Midnight Saturday.

    • M MamaKess February 1, 2014

      Thanks Tripl3.se7en for correcting my logic. You are totally right. I think I was reading that as what I wanted it to be so I might still have a good chance of finding a treasure!

• M Monaole January 31, 2014

  I saw that... It would explain why there's only been a trickle and not the same sort of reports as all past years...

• M Mr. Monkey January 31, 2014

  Excuse the autocorrect...

• B BeccaandRach January 31, 2014

  It was our first year hunting and didn't start looking until around 5:30 pm..... had no luck what so ever. We did enjoy walking the streets of Tacoma and might look more in the morning.... did anyone see anything in south end of Tacoma? Since we are new we really have no idea where to begin to look at parks and what not (:

• V VargasFam1129 January 31, 2014

  Went out for the first time tonight with my mom,husband and 3 year old son. No luck tonight hit going to search again tomorrow! He had a blast and loved wearing his headlight. Want to post a pic from my iPhone but don't know how. Help anyone?

• Y Yellow hat nail lady February 1, 2014

  I live in NE Tacoma and wish they were dropped around here. I went and looked around Julia's Gulch just incase but no luck.

  • P Ptfvance February 1, 2014

    I, too live in NE Tacoma (BrownsPoint). For the past several years my kids and I have started our search at the Kobetich Library, the firehouse, Brown's Point AND Crescent Heights Elementary schools to no avail. I wonder if we are overlooked because some might consider our area as a suburb of Federal Way and not a part of the city of Tacoma. I wish I knew. It seems we must truely venture out of our neck of the woods . And that is what the great adventure known as Monkeyshines is really about.

    • D Derek staff February 1, 2014

      NE Tacoma has been included for many years now from what we understand. They're out there.

      • Y Yellow hat Nail lady February 1, 2014

        [quote]NE Tacoma has been included for many years now from what we understand. They’re out there.[/quote] Well then I will look!!! I went out super early on the New Year and really enjoyed the quiet time with myself(and found two marbles Thanks Mman). I took my son out later that day(found one marble) and he wants to go hunting next year in the AM. We searched around "Tacoma Tacoma" as we call it but today we will look around NE Tacoma. Thanks!

• J JTM February 1, 2014

  Is anyone out and about right now, I'm not sure if I should go out looking right now. I have my new born asleep, both of us year of the horse and would love to find one of these monkeyshines, this is my first year hunting. Anyone have any clues?

  • C Cheechmo February 1, 2014

    Well, if you want to find one, the best course of action would be to go out and look for one. I was out for six hours yesterday and came away empty-handed. Not complaining, though. It's all in good fun. Burned plenty of calories and enjoyed exploring and chatting with my fellow Tacomans. Thank you to the mysterious artists who put in the work to make this happen!

  • N Newbie February 1, 2014

    [quote]Is anyone out and about right now, I’m not sure if I should go out looking right now. I have my new born asleep, both of us year of the horse and would love to find one of these monkeyshines, this is my first year hunting. Anyone have any clues?[/quote] Did you decide to head out? My nine year old and I am excited to start our hunt, but I'm also wondering what our chances will be. Well, I guess we'll find out soon enough! :) happy hunting!

• N Newbie February 1, 2014

  Anyone out and about now? I just found out about the monkeyshines last night--after living in Tacoma for almost 9 years! I am ready to wake my kids and head out, but it seems awfully quiet this year...

• M mom+1 February 1, 2014

  just checked out Proctor in case of a second drop. Nothing new.

• A Auntspiker February 1, 2014

  Wearing my lucky legwarmers and heading out to try again.

• J JNat February 1, 2014

  No sightings on 6th or UPS early this beautiful morning. They're out there somewhere...

• N Newbie February 1, 2014

  Nothing @ UWT either. :(

• D DrK February 1, 2014

  found one token yesterday, no ball, but happy as can be! then to my surprise, last night, the token, sitting on a shelf in my living room, suddenly exploded. no kidding. shot glass 6 feet across the room. not near heat or anything. split into 4 parts. does that mean I can find another? does the only take one rule apply here? thanks Monkeyshine, for a great day!!

• J JNat February 1, 2014

  Worst case scenario I burn off the three slices of Medi's Combo I ate last night and I have a very exhausted weimaraner...both of which are excellent outcomes!

• S Starbucksaddict February 1, 2014

  Hit the bricks early this morning by combing around Old Town with coffee in one hand, and a flashlight in the other. Met two amazingly nice women at Old Town Park who were out with the same thing in mind, and we exchanged pleasantries and talked about where we'd searched and what area was next for each of us. I zipped up North 30th to the Proctor District, and searched high and low to no avail. It was a tranquil time for me as I wandered in the light rain, checking in mouths of salmon statues and digging around in planters. I walked away empty handed, but was grateful to have been out in the calm of the morn. I remember doing this the very first year it came out and how exciting it was to find the grapefruit sized orb sitting in downtown Tacoma. Last year, I took my family for their first time and we struck out, but still had a great time. Honestly, I'd hate to see this local tradition come to an end. For those who run Monkeyshines, thank you for the many years of great anticipation and fun. It was an awesome reminder of how alive Tacoma is, and how much fun it is to go treasure hunting as an adult at 5 am. Oh, and for the two ladies who I ran into at the park, I hope you found something! I thought I did in Proctor, but it wound up being a dog's colorful ball with Nemo on it!

  • Y Yellow hat Nail lady February 1, 2014

    [quote]Hit the bricks early this morning by combing around Old Town with coffee in one hand, and a flashlight in the other.  Met two amazingly nice women at Old Town Park who were out with the same thing in mind, and we exchanged pleasantries and talked about where we’d searched and what area was next for each of us.  I zipped up North 30th to the Proctor District, and searched high and low to no avail.  It was a tranquil time for me as I wandered in the light rain, checking in mouths of salmon statues and digging around in planters.  I walked away empty handed, but was grateful to have been out in the calm of the morn.  I remember doing this the very first year it came out and how exciting it was to find the grapefruit sized orb sitting in downtown Tacoma.  Last year, I took my family for their first time and we struck out, but still had a great time.  Honestly, I’d hate to see this local tradition come to an end.  For those who run Monkeyshines, thank you for the many years of great anticipation and fun.  It was an awesome reminder of how alive Tacoma is, and how much fun it is to go treasure hunting as an adult at 5 am. Oh, and for the two ladies who I ran into at the park, I hope you found something!  I thought I did in Proctor, but it wound up being a dog’s colorful ball with Nemo on it![/quote] Lol I dug in a tree cuz i saw a ball..... it was a plastic Christmas ornament! Made me laugh cuz I was pretty close to climbing the tree to get it.

• H Honeytoes February 1, 2014

  Went out this morning with no luck. None! I parked at the Chinese reconciliation park for just a few min. and my car was broken into. My blue canvas Holister messenger bag was taken and had everything in it. This was the only time I've left my wallet inside

  • U ur1rose February 2, 2014

    Sadly, the same thing has happened to us in the summer... its a shame the cops aren't trying to bust this person when it seems to be reoccurring at the same location.

• L Lola February 1, 2014

  Had a dream last night that I found a lovely red and gold orb placed in a sidewalk planter...wonderful!!! I cannot wait to find my first treasure, all of the searching so far has made it that much more special. Thank you Mr Monkey for stating what I had been thinking as I read some of these posts. Keep it fun, people!

• A Abby February 1, 2014

  Wish steilacoom park was a part of it all

• M Miss K. February 1, 2014

  My best friend and I have been searching since Thursday night, and have found so many unintended treasures. Though we haven't found an orb or medallion, our search this morning turned up an inspiration to keep looking and believing. While crossing 28th and Proctor, a common place for most, we noticed the phrase "don't stop believing" painted into the street. Driving over it and even crossing it, nether of us, who are born and raised in this area, had ever spotted it. We won't stop believing in Tacoma and all the wonderful things this city has to offer. Moral of the story, don't stop believing Tacoma or Monkeyshine enthusiasts! Will try to upload picture shortly.

• A Auntspiker February 1, 2014

  Checked out NE Tacoma this morning. Found nothing but it was so peaceful.

• C Cindy February 1, 2014

  First year hearing about it. Did not find any orbs yesterday morning, but did find a few treasures I would not have seen otherwise: birdsnest and crocus just starting to sprout! Also found only 2 "maybes" discarded cans - that are now recycled. Thanks to all who put this on!

• J Julie February 1, 2014

  Searched with my kids off and on yesterday and found nothing but had a great time. My husband went around our neighborhood (by Lowell) with them this morning and they found one!!! My kids are beyond excited.

• T to/fro February 1, 2014

  Lucked out at Proctor this morning finding marbles. Many thanks to the marble man!

• A Anita February 1, 2014

  Woke up extremely sore. Spent all day yesterday looking with my sis and 3 boys. No orbs, no stallion medallions as my son has nicknamed them. I thought he had a good idea about looking where there are horses... Wells Fargo, parks with rocking horses, and S. Tac. Way ( they have 4 horse statues). My sis would like me to report our other findings. 2 marbles @ Wrights Park, a purple glove @ the waterfront, .26 cents laying in the street., a picture of a couple kissing outside of Dawsons, a few xmas ornaments found at Wapato Park, Broadway, Firemans Park, Freigh House Square, and the statue on Proctor. We have a group looking this weekend. Hoping to complete our 10 yr collection.

• J Jimmy February 1, 2014

  After hours of looking, is started checking people's yards in the north slope area. After getting a few stares and yelled I came across three beautiful large orbs in a garden. I was respectful and only took one. Oddly, it does not have a horse on it, but mistakes happen.

  • L LilyLove2012 February 1, 2014

    Hmm, is there another animal stamped on it? Sure you didn't take someone's actual garden art? : ) The dangers of using glass floats as yard decor around Tacoma...

  • J J February 1, 2014

    My recollection of previous years is that the monkeyshiners are not to place orbs in people's yards, only public places to keep peoples privacy and keep their garden art from being stolen. Unlikely 3 orbs would be left in the same place. Better take your find back and apologize if you meet the owner when you do.

• O oma February 1, 2014

  Is Steilacoom and Lakewood included??? Noticed one was found at the Love Bridge in University Place.

  • P Peter Peter February 1, 2014

    I don't know about this year, but I've found one in Steilacoom before.

  • S Sugar Plum February 1, 2014

    We have a Love Lock bridge here in Tacoma. It's next to the Elephant Car Wash.

• D DrK February 1, 2014

  my understanding is this is just a Tacoma thing. I bet someone just rehid one they found. :-)

• K KC February 1, 2014

  Searched about 10 hours yesterday with no luck, met lots of nice people and saw 2 people find theirs. Had to stop to go to a birthday party at 4 but on our way home we decided to check one more place. Searching trees at jane clark park we found 3 little glass trinkets, not monkeyshines but still treasure! My boyfriend was so excited to finally found something. Thank you to whoever placed then there :)

• A Anita February 1, 2014

  Jimmy has me laughing! Yah if it doesnt have a horse stamp its probably something the owner of the house purchased. Altho the lil boy earlier found s blue & green one laying in the seahawks house lawn? Thats not really hiding it tho. More like someone hand delivered it to their front door. Not very fair. Anyway your secrets safe with me Jimmy. Lol Not seeing any posts from today. Is there really 1,000? Adding up all the posts there hadnt even been 100 found yet. I have noticed a lot of people finding blue & green ones. Possibly they will be hidden on super bowl sunday??

  • M MB February 1, 2014

    monkeyshines should not be on private property, most likely the one jimmy referred to was not a monkeyshine. The seahawk one was NOT in the law, it was next to a parking sign next to the street/sidewalk near the house. So glad a lucky fan stumbled upon it... Just as intended.

• T Tripl3.se7en February 1, 2014

  I know! I have yet to see a picture of an orange one like the post shows!

• Y YEllow hat nail lady February 1, 2014

  Searched around Centre@Norpoint and Kobetich today. Didn't find and MS but fam play a fun game of hide and seek in the trails and found treasure in the woods that says "Take me to Canada" haven't opens but it has a Pokemon card, rubber bracelet, a ring and a letter in it, idk what it says yet. We are really enjoying hunting around NE Tacoma now that know there's a chance no matter how slim!

  • S Sarah February 1, 2014

    Sounds like you may have found a geocache. They are not meant to be removed. Might want to check out the geocaching website to make sure. Www.geocaching.com

    • Y Yellow hat Nail lady February 1, 2014

      That's what I thought at first but I highly doubt that after looking at it.

• T tacoloco February 1, 2014

  My first year looking, second location, 2 hrs in and found a marble. Titlow had nothing, tcc had marble.

• K Kelli February 1, 2014

  After wandering around Proctor, Wapoto Park and the Waterfront yesterday with no success, we decided to go to Old Town today. Lucky decision!! Found a medallion where we least expected, at McCarver Square under the bushes!! Besides the medallion, we have seen parts of Tacoma we never knew existed and plan on exploring more throughout the year! Thanks to everyone who has made this possible!!! Not sure how to post a pic, but the medallion is clear with stripes of colors and the horse head on top - beautiful!!

• K Katia February 1, 2014

  Scoured Optimist Park in Tacoma's West End. Nothing.

  • S Sugar Plum February 2, 2014

    I looked there around 10 am on Friday and found nothing. I didn't know the name of the park until I read the sign and thought how perfect would it be if I was to find a shiner or a token in this park. Hay, I'm just being optimistic.

• S Steph February 1, 2014

  Went out again at 5am didn't stop till 8am and still nothing. Trying not to get discouraged, but this is my third year looking and I would love to find one! My group did score a couple marbles by the conservatory in Wright Park. Thank you Marbelman!

• J JJ February 1, 2014

  I surrender, Ms. Monkey, I'm stumped you win. I was out early yesterday because I couldn't sleep (around 3:30 a.m.) I think I saw some of your crew but after 8 hours of searching yesterday and another six today I think I'm done (turns out my gym workouts are not adequate preparation for hours on my feet). I hope lots of new people are finding Monkeyshines where ever they may be hiding. :-)

• M Manilow girl February 1, 2014

  Found on today feb 1 at 220pm in chinesse park. With my daughter the pro shiner. It was in a base of a bush and brown. Glad we didn't miss it.

• 1 12th man February 1, 2014

  found an orb yesterday -early - downtown, lots of people out looking and not a lot finding. Today took my kids out to 3 parks and 1 school. Found marbles at one park (Thanks marbleman!) made the day for my kids as we found no orbs or medallions. We hid a bunch of agates in 2 of the parks, we hope it is a nice consolation prize for others who don't find monkeyshines!

• H High heel hottie February 1, 2014

  Love it my mom and hubby found today and we saw a couple more but rule is only take one. Had a blast today. Still a lot of people looking for them. Keep faith there out there.

  • N nick February 1, 2014

    Where did you look that you noticed others waiting to be found? Please help

• D Dave February 1, 2014

  Searched Jefferson Park today and found a tennis ball with Monkeyshines written on it. Close but.. my 7 year old was thrilled! haha

• J JohnKatieAbby February 1, 2014

  Found a little red marble being attacked by a Giant Squid in the Wright Park's Lions paw around 10:30 AM Saturday. There are still some out to be found.

  • 1 12th man February 1, 2014

    [quote]Found a little red marble being attacked by a Giant Squid in the Wright Park’s Lions paw around 10:30 AM Saturday. There are still some out to be found.[/quote] Would like to see that!!

• A Amy & Kevin February 1, 2014

  We found a beautiful lavender orb this evening at dusk. It was hidden deep in Julia's Gulch & camouflaged by the leaves. Thanks, Derek, for reminding us to look in Northeast.

  • Y YHNL February 2, 2014

    Lucky! I wanted to check there so bad before work but didn't have time. I went at night after but was obviously too late lol! Way to go!

• T T&N February 1, 2014

  Found a medallion by sea scout building. The wife has eyes like a hawk. What a great time.

• P PandaGrumpy February 1, 2014

  Went and puttered about looking again this morning. We found a nifty swirled marble and one of the octopus attacking a red marble. Looked about downtown near the graffiti garage and the Spanish steps.

• N Name I think I can I think I can... February 1, 2014

  Wish me luck. Going out for the 3rd time. I giddy with excitement. This is way better then geocaching.

• S Sugar Plum February 1, 2014

  Yesterday I found a medallion and my son found an orb with Seahawks colors. Go Seahawks! Started out at 4:30 a.m. and didn't find our first one until 10 am. Originally my 15 year old son went with me to keep an eye on his crazy mom running around in the dark but when he found his orb he was grinning ear to ear. Note to self: Bring extra socks and shoes. What you may think is a step down onto a path could actually be a pond of 5 inches of water. I'm glad to hear that items are being hidden in NE Tacoma. Getting us out of downtown and the Proctor area makes us realize just how big Tacoma really is. 253 I love you!

• D dustin February 1, 2014

  In 9 or 10 years of searching (probably gone 5 of those ten years) I finally found one, but I found one stamped with a dragon, which makes that two years old correct? Kept searching for a horse, but had no luck on that account. I may go back out tomorrow morning to try my luck some more...

  • S Searching February 2, 2014

    Where did you find it?

  • S Searching February 2, 2014

    Where did you find it? It must have been well hidden!

    • D dustin February 2, 2014

      thea foss way, not very well hidden at all, in fact, a good set of eyes could have seen this from the road, if you knew it was there at least

• B bnk February 1, 2014

  I took our two boys out searching for the first time yesterday. We were on the UWT campus, not having much luck, when we encountered three other hunters. One gentleman had found a beautiful glass ball, but it didn't have the stamp on the end. He generously handed it over to the boys! It made their day. Thanks again, kind stranger. Tacoma is the coolest place ever.

• H Hannah February 1, 2014

  I had to give up on New Year's because of work and am now stuck in Seattle for a work training all weekend-- I have been pleading with friends to go out but no one has faith. I love living vacariously through your stories and I can't wait to get home tomorrow and continue the search-- even if all I find is other happy shiners! Thank you again Ms. Monkeyshine and crew! P.S. I did find two marbles in People's park-- Thanks for thinking if Hilltop Marble Man.

• X Xeno February 1, 2014

  Found a medallion yesterday out at the Port of Tacoma, which was completely unexpected as it was a last resort. Found some strange ceramic/glazed creatures on Hilltop today from a collection series of 25. Really want an orb but think the obvious places have been picked over and the not-so-obvious places are going to force me to break my back and really search. BTW Thursday looks like the high is going to be 34 degrees. Any fear of the orbs shattering, especially the floaters?

  • D dustin February 1, 2014

    I found one today that may have been out in the cold for two years, still holding up fine.

• D Deeterg February 1, 2014

  Found a beautiful marble tonight while walking the pup. Thank you!! There are more out there....

• M Marie & boys February 1, 2014

  Squid find downtown too, it glows! Boys love it. Thank you!

  • 1 12th man February 1, 2014

    [quote]Squid find downtown too, it glows! Boys love it. Thank you! [/quote] I'd say octopus, really cool!! Congratulations!! It is great that others are joining in on hiding treasures

    • M M February 1, 2014

      That is so cool looking!

• M mollie February 1, 2014

  I've been searching since yesterday at 4:30AM and have found a single marble at People's Park (found yesterday around 9am). I've been all over the city...was hoping for luck as I was born in the year of the horse. Feeling really discouraged. Maybe next year. Thanks for the marble, Marbleman!

• A Auntspiker February 1, 2014

  An on-the-spot poet at the Georgetown Trailer Park Mall about Monkeyshines, and he wrote this good luck poem on the spot. Good luck to everyone. My search continues tomorrow! (P.S. Marble found on Broadway!)

  • A Auntspiker February 2, 2014

    Here is the link to the on-the-spot poet: https://www.facebook.com/onthespotpoetry I thought he captured the event very nicely based on my rambling description. Who doesn't love telling a Seattleite great things about Tacoma?

• H Hanakuli February 1, 2014

  I moved to Tacoma from Hawaii last Spring, and I am in love! Great people, beautiful architecture, fantastic public transportation. Although I am just learning about Monkeyshines via a tweet, I wanted to share that I post pictures of Tacoma daily on instagram under the hashtags #ilovetacoma #downtowntacoma #tacoma & #gritcity, and have "met" some wonderful people, some born & raised here, others, like me; fortunate to have landed here. Discovering Tacoma through pictures is so much fun! Who knows, maybe I'll discover an orphaned orb somewhere! Thank you for sharing this wonderful town with me. Aloha!

• M Ms. Monkey February 2, 2014

  So great to read all of the wonderful comments, and so thrilling to hear that others are getting into hiding gifts as well. Mr. Monkey said it well, The Monkeyshine Project is about joy and wonder and everyone's ability to positively impact each other. Seeking is the treasure, the reward. This year there are more medallions than balls, keep looking!

  • T Tripp February 2, 2014

    I read somewhere that there are around 1,000 balls. Does that mean there are over 2,000 treasures to find? Or was the original 1,000 quoted meaning everything?

    • T Tripp February 2, 2014

      Here it is! Derek wrote a little further up: [quote]We’ve been informed via official monkey channels that there are more than 1,000 balls this year. Happy hunting.[/quote]

  • D dustin February 2, 2014

    Like I mentioned to someone above, I've been searching for these since 03 or 04, I can't remember and of the five or so times I've searched, today has been the first time I've been able to find one and as "luck" would have it, I find one that's most likely been sitting in the same spot for two years. Regardless of the hours I've spent wandering around in frustration, there has been something nice about getting to explore nooks and crannies of this beautiful city, saying hi to strangers as they walk by and just get out for a little bit. Thanks for the moments. May try again tomorrow for a horse to match this dragon :)

• E Erin February 2, 2014

  Anyone out there?

• M marbleman February 2, 2014

  Thanks all! put more marbles out thisyear than ever. Vintage ones, blown glass contemporary, and chinese hand made ones. fyi.... some one might want to look at the sign at the boy scout headquaters, around the park headquaters, and near the lions at wright park. (fence line). see ya next year.

  • G Glasslvr February 2, 2014

    Thanks Marbleman I found a beautiful ear blue and orange swirl marble behind the scout sign!!!

  • Y Yellow hat Nail lady February 2, 2014

    Marbleman are there any int NE Tacoma?

• A AZtraveler February 2, 2014

  Nothing found in ups, proctor, TCC, the many parks, with the exception of just a few, 6th Ave. etc. Balls hidden in gulches? In industrial Tacoma? No one but a shine hunter or a home bum would find those! They were originally set out for people to find. Doorways, planters, park benches etc. Families out looking with their kids for days for nothings. People took days off work to search, for nothing. A couple came back from NJ to hunt and got nothing. So where are these 1000 balls? They changed the formula... looking back on past years, they were found. This year even looking at all the posts here only about 10% have been found. Sad so sad. And so disappointing. Feel like I have been kicked in the head by a horse. There sure seems to be more people disappointed this year than ever before. And it shows how diligent some are, with balls being found from previous years, but nothing for this year. The reason people get up at 4am is to be treasure hunters. Treasure hunters like to find treasures. Yes hope is a gift, but lets keep it real. In all the shiners looking, out in the cold and the rain and losing money missing work to be out there, families taking their kids out of school, were not looking for hope, other than the hope they could find a treasure. Not sore knees, sore backs, and tired disappointed children, all for nothing. Why was so much found last year than this year? And there's suppose to be more this year than last? More put out less found. Why did you make this so hard and frustrating? If that was the goal, you succeeded.

  • M Mad Dawg February 2, 2014

    @AZtravler grow up! You missed the whole point of what this is. If got really want a "ball" so bad go buy one. No one made you do this and the people doing this don't owe you anything. You talk about people with their families for hours walking around Tacoma, isn't it a shame that these families had to spend time together without sitting in front of a TV? Or better they were forced to talk...OH THE HUMANITY! Whose losing money by the way? The only people who lost money on this were the people who put this together who have to listen to your ungrateful complaining. I hope you never do this again or next time take this time to play in traffic

  • G GiantPacificOctopus February 2, 2014

    I hear you... but, may I offer a suggestion? I don't mean to sound smarmy, really, but I found it incredibly fun and rewarding to put a few goodies out. I enlisted a co-conspirator, and we got to sneak around town with eyes peeled for good hiding spots. We saw wonderful things and chatted with great people. When I started seeing people say that they were glad to get an octopus, that absolutely made my day. Yes, let's keep it real--It'd be easy to get frustrated or disappointed if you're out to find a monkeyshine and luck isn't with you. On the other hand, it's hard to feel anything but elated when someone finds a bit of serendipity you've laid in their path. All that to say, if you're prone to frustration, maybe try hiding next year, instead of seeking. It's a blast, and it's guaranteed frustration-free.

    • M M February 2, 2014

      I think the octopus marble is the coolest thing ever! Are they handmade? They are funky and fun and my 8 year old son is into looking for one! Thanks for introducing them...

  • P Pamtron February 2, 2014

    This was my second year looking for monkeyshines without success. But it's ok! I saw some amazing places in Tacoma I hadn't noticed before and got to walk around with my dog and boyfriend and get some fresh air and exercise. Let's stop being so negative. Plus, This tradition is for Tacoma residents, I'm confused by the New Jersey and Arizona people on here complaining. This isn't a large scale government funded event for people across the country to fly out to do.

  • T TacomaJustin February 2, 2014

    You should enjoy the hunt. Not whine about how they were hidden. Disappointed kids? I explained to my six year old that we were going monkeyshine hunting and to enjoy being outside going on an adventure. We came home empty handed and I still had a kid that told her mom how much fun she had and that we looked really hard. Sounds like your attitude may have rubbed off on your kids already.

• A Angie February 2, 2014

  I want to counter the angst and negativity with a note of thanks to the organizers, artists, and volunteers who dedicate their time and talent to this amazing guerilla art project - their gift to Tacoma. Please accept my gratitude and know that your efforts are appreciated.

• S SL February 2, 2014

  Found a beautiful clear glass Monkeyshine with what my wife describes as "galactic swirls and an amethyst colored year of the horse stamp". Amazing!! This is my first year and it took me about 5 hours to find one. Getting up early was well worth it. I explored three other parks before finally going to Jane Clark Park where this one was found. Thanks to the artists who donate their time and materials for this fun and mysterious Tacoma tradition!!!

• L Limbkiller February 2, 2014

  Too much whining people! I don't think this was ever meant to reward everyone with a "Treasure". I have been searching for the 8 years now, some years I have found a ball and many more i have not. This year I was fortunate to find one on Friday AM. My wife found a medallion this morning at a location that we checked the two previous days. Thank you Ms Monkey and all the other Monkey shiner's for keeping us guessing and searching.

• M Ms. Monkey February 2, 2014

  @Tripp. There were about 1000 total combined balls and stamps.

  • T Tripp February 2, 2014

    Excellent! Pressing on! :-D

• M Miss K. February 2, 2014

  Marbleman does it again! Check out the locations he mentioned, there are definitely still some treasures in those spots

• T TacoLoco February 2, 2014

  Wow, I feel the need to point some things out to the previous "complaining comment": #1 - It's a "GUERRILLA" art project - nothing about it should be easy (If you understand the meaning, it makes perfect sense). #2 - Shame on parents that take their kids out of school - perhaps that is why they hid them harder so that one can take the kids after school. AND... #3 If someone feels they can afford to take time off work - good for them. (I know I can't). So perhaps making them harder to find means working folk can still go to work and find something once off the clock. #4 - Perhaps they spread them out to places folks who are unfamiliar with the North End might find them. I was sad that so many are concentrated in one or two areas (Proctor and Downtown). I'd like to see more in areas where communities of color can participate and not need a car to get there. "BRINGING ART TO THE MASSES" is a gift for the disenfranchised, not just the privileged. Plus, this would get folks from the North End to go into areas they may be unfamiliar with other than the negativity they hear on the news. My #4 comment is based on my combing such areas and finding nothing, and not seeing or reading about anyone finding anything in those areas. Peace, and thank you to all the young artists that have found a passion in creating beautiful projects. DO THE JASON LEE GLASS SALE NOT JUST MONKEYSHINES. Lastly, if I read correctly, those of us that love this, even us "Newbies" should be sure to tell the Tacoma Arts Commission just how much, and WE need to make sure the funding is there to carry this tradition on. TacoLoco

  • J Jilly Bean February 2, 2014

    Very well said, TacoLoco.

• J Jilly Bean February 2, 2014

  I just want to say thank you for this amazing adventure that you have created for so many people in Tacoma. My daughter is almost 3 and we are venturing out this morning for our 1st treasure hunt for monkeyshines, marbles, orbs or medallions. We would never be picky about finding any sort of treasure! Only take one~a great rule to this treasure hunt! Peace, Love, Unity & Respect to all of Tacoma.

• I I think I can I think I can February 2, 2014

  My son and I found an octopus but left it because we thought it was a lost toy. That was before we saw that it was a thing to be looking for. Hahaha oops at least I took a pic of it first. We did find to AWESOME marbles and swiped those up. Really gave us hope and now he wants to look some more. I love that he has a hunt to conquer.

• M Mama & Cubs February 2, 2014

  We only looked on Friday morning, and had a great time. As I had my kids with me I can't help but feel that I should respond to the negative people out there who are trying to publicly shame people who may have taken their kids out of school. We were lucky that my kids had no school and therefore opened us up to search as long as we did. If parents choose to take their kids out of school for ONE day, that's their decision and frankly since you know neither them personally or their situation you should just keep your mouths shut. It's not for you to comment or have an opinion. You are right up there with the people acting pissy because they found nothing. There were tons of people out there this year, and while some of them were unpleasant and gave us dirty looks the vast majority were friendly and we had a great time. I enjoy the people like marble man who choose to add to the fun, the person with the octopus on the ball (so cool, I would love to find me one of those!), the origami horses, the 12th man glass, the shiners themselves. It's about exploring our beautiful city, the fun of maybe finding something (or in our case someone's!), and most of all having fun! Ms. Monkey and her crew do a wonderful thing, they've started something really cool. If indeed next year is the last year, my hope is that the community will continue with their additions as they are getting more and more wonderful.

• K KrisKD February 2, 2014

  Nobody is entitled to a Monkeyshines (or other wonderful) treasure. Bad attitudes be gone! Couldn't complete your "collection?" So what? You got exercise and fresh air, just like the rest of us. I have never found a MS or marble in the years I've searched, but I do have fun every year walking small parks and the south end. I'm still out searching - even today - and I will be out there next year if we are lucky enough to even try. Thank you, Ms. Monkey and her crew!

• Q Queen Elsa February 2, 2014

  The fact that people are getting their panties in a twist is pretty disheartening. I've been shining for roughly six years and found LITTERALLY nothing, but I'm not complaining. I got to go out with family and friends, spend time together and find new places. That's really a treasure all in itself. I just want to take a moment to thank the artists, I'm not a glass blower, but I dabble in other art forms and I know just how much work goes into something so beautiful. For everyone complaining, grow up. It's not all about you, and if you can't handle putting the time and effort in then just stop trying, no one here wants to hear it.

• A Auntspiker February 2, 2014

  This morning, I checked Julia's Gulch and what I thought was my ace-in-the- hole, The Place of Circling Waters habitat in Port of Tacoma. I found nothing. I enjoyed my time out, but carried bear spray, and am pretty sure I encountered some prostitution-in-progress. The parking area for the gulch is a bit sketchy. I have commuted past both thesis places nearly 1000 times, and never stopped, so thanks monkeyshines for that. Not giving up. More have to be out there or more must be coming.

• S Starbucksaddict February 2, 2014

  Just left Wright Park where I watched as a very kind hearted gentleman approach a young boy and his mom and ask if they found anything. When they said they had not, he reached in his jacket pocket and gave the boy four marbles, wished them well, waved and then went to his car and drove away. As he did, the mom yelled, "Thank you, Marbleman! Thank you so much!" All I have to say is if that was you, Marbleman, that was very cool and classy of you. And don't worry, you and your car description are safe with me. Thanks for making that boy's morning.

  • M Monaole February 4, 2014

    Thank you marble man!!!! I spent hours looking for shines- I didn't find any- but I found a marble!!!! I was so excited you could have heard me yelling a mile away:) I love looking each year for shines, I know some day I will find one but the search is what I love.

• Y ylilbit February 2, 2014

  Love the positive to counter the negative. Clover park school district was off this Friday. That was the only reason why I got to go out with my kids. There is also many home schooled kids out there. Don't judge unless you know the whole story. I knew that it wasn't going to be laying out in the open...at least not the majority of it. So I wasn't expecting to find anything. Just love going park hopping and enjoying the day with the kids outside. If we didn't have the gas money to drive around I wouldn't have gone out. In fact...we did one day because of gas money and is happy with a day of searching and no treasures to take home. Just because you search doesn't mean you have to have a material object to wave around. It was great just having my kids searching and not on an electronic screen. :) This event is technically all year. There is always a few not found. So on a day off take the family out and have some fun. Need to be grateful for having an event like this. Not many people or places would. It's a free material object (though wonderful beauties) that you may get as you are suppose to have fun. A lot of takers. Need to say thanks to the givers. Love all involved including the non monkeys. So many that I'm encourage to figure out what to leave behind in our search next year. Might not be as artistically pretty as what I've seen on the page here. Must be able to stand up to the wet weather here. ;) Thinking...

• L Lincoln/McKinley hill resident's February 2, 2014

  Spent about 4 hrs a day looking around downtown, museums and parks. All the people looking have been really friendly. A nice man in wrights park gave my son a marble our first day on friday. I am not going to give up if 1000 are out there we should be able to find just one for grandma. Legs are sore from all the stairs, but will be looking sometime again today love treasure hunts but wish there was a map or hint of some kind.

• M mdchristia February 2, 2014

  Whew! After our whole group looked Friday morning for 5 hours, Saturday morning for 4 hours and last night for about an hour we came up empty handed. Then BAM! I was walking my dog for about half an hour today and found this glorious horse medallion in the fountain on Yakima! I'm wet from jumping in it but it was WORTH IT!! Thanks for making it more difficult this year, it was truly serendipitous for me!

• R roro February 2, 2014

  Yesterday my husband and I took our 17 month old hunting :) We all loved the adventure, while my daughter was a little more interested in the crows. Today I went out alone, and feel like a kid :) Both days we came up empty, but it was worth every minute! Thank you for doing this, I look forward to next year!

• M Makennnie February 2, 2014

  No luck yet still looking for some. Just hit up wrights park none. Any were I should look would really help. It's my frist year I hope I can find some.........

• G Grateful! :) February 2, 2014

  Thank you!! So grateful for such a fun experience filled with hunting, driving, greeting strangers with smiles, and exploring Tacoma! I never knew how many parks were here! This was my husbands and my first year. We started at 4:30am and looked for 7 hours. I found a clear medallion inside a tree with the horse stamp. This was such an awesome experience and a great memory we will treasure! THANK YOU to Monkeyshines and everyone who helped!

• T The Wills February 2, 2014

  This was our third day searching and finally found a beautiful blue orb in the Port! It was a spot that we had already checked the day before?! But today today is my birthday so I think it was meant to be found today!! Thanks Monkeyshines and Marble Man! Made for a fun birthday!

• L LilyLove2012 February 2, 2014

  Dustin, thanks for sharing the pic of your Year of the Dragon orb you found this year! Beautiful! I've heard that there are definitely monkeyshine pieces not found every year, so good on you for proving that rumor. Kinda love the idea that some things go undiscovered, for future Tacomans to stumble upon and wonder about. Little art time capsules. Your story is a nice reminder to keep our eyes open and truly SEE what's around us in this awesome, beautiful, creative, gritty city!

  • D Dustin February 2, 2014

    No problem, I was totally surprised and realistically, it was visible from the road, so really surprised it was never found, though the stamped part was facing down, so I can see how the clear part would be tough to see. Can't wait for next year!!!

• M MONKEYTIME! February 2, 2014

  Have all 1000 of the monkeyshines been hidden? or are they still hiding them? I haven't found any! I have to find one, i get one every year!

• P Peter Peter February 2, 2014

  I saw this elsewhere on the internet and thought it should be said here: "Your inability to find a Monkeyshines is not the Monkeys' fault."

• J JNat February 2, 2014

  Nearly eight hours in now over the last three days, mostly solo as my wife is over six months pregnant. Starting to get a little frustrated at the level of difficulty this year, no doubt, but still in absolute appreciation. Stop all the hating people. No one is forcing you to look and if you need a piece of art or "treasure" so badly then go buy one somewhere from one of the many, many talented artists around. I've always felt there is a major karma component involved here. Pick up garbage, be kind and speak to people, and most importantly be grateful for your amazing city that does something this cool. All the whiners, complainers and just plain rude folks I'm seeing and hearing, I don't believe you'll EVER find one because of your horrible attitude.

• H Happy 5th grader February 2, 2014

  Thank you marbleman!! We have searched for three days and finally found a beautiful marble on the 21st st bridge right when we were ready to throw in the towel. You made a very determined 5th grader quite happy!

• C Cats Eye February 2, 2014

  I would not call people "whiners" or "complainers" or say they don't deserve to find a treasure - that alone is just as negative. And telling them to go buy one is even more insulting - the whole point of it is to find one - you know it is. For all you frustrated folks that didn't find one this year, I totally understand. You had high hopes! I felt the same way... hours of searching... and nada. Just keep your eyes peeled, you never know when something will pop up!

• A Anita February 2, 2014

  Thank u cats eye!! Im not mad or upset with the hiders at all! The point is to find one. Iv. Seen this city back n forgh numerous times. Lived here nearly my whole life. I take my kids hiking thru snake lake snd the 5 mile drive all the time. We go to different parks and very active in our community. So when people say " its to explore our beautiful city" we do that every week. This is the one week a yr where we go above and beyond to find te treasure. My father started us in this as a family and my kids are the 3 rd generation. My dad is to old to hunt now so i do it for him. I only vent my frustrations on here. Im not mad or ungrateful at all. Ive spent almost 30 hrs looking this weekend. I havent given up. I will find one! I believe! Thanks marble man! I finally found a marble at the lion in wrights park. And thank u to whomever has been leaving xmas ornaments and bouncy balls too. My kids found 5 of each.

• T Tickle February 2, 2014

  All this hunting for monkey shines has me wanting some stiff moonshine! Holding off though, in case more come out after super bowl! I searched all afternoon…McCarver playground, Brown and Haley, the Occupy Tacoma park, the flowerpot statue things in Dome District (contained a dead bird), Freighthouse Square…Nothing. Staying positive but perhaps its time to throw in the towel.

• 1 12th man February 2, 2014

  anyone find any agates?

  • K Kacie February 3, 2014

    We found one tucked away in a log when we were looking for Monkeyshines at Titlow :) was that one placed by you?

    • 1 12th man February 4, 2014

      [quote]We found one tucked away in a log when we were looking for Monkeyshines at Titlow :) was that one placed by you?[/quote] My daughter hid that one, she'll be glad to hear of a find. We had at least as much fun hiding as we did searching. we put out quite a lot in a couple parks, next year we'll come up with more and maybe some other treasures. Thanks again to the monkeyshine group!! My son said the other day, "I want to live in Tacoma when I grow up." Oh yeah, I said, why? "Because of monkeyshines!" was his reply : )

• E EMS&Girls; February 2, 2014

  Thank you Marbleman! We found a magical spring green speckled marble this morning hanging from a binder clip in a tree house platform on the Prospect Point gulch. It rolled out if my daughter's hand and then the real hunt began. 30 feet below in the leaves and dirt we found it again! Totally worth every effort! My daughters and I screamed our lungs out and stopped every passerby on the way home. Thank you all of you beautiful artists who make this magic happen every year! Please keep it going!

• J jandm February 2, 2014

  Third day out this morning. Found the orb on Friday, nothing on Thursday, but today went back to the same place we went Friday and found a medallion in a spot we know we searched before. Thank you again Monkeyshines folks. So much fun! Now each of us have found something this year!

• R Roxanne February 2, 2014

  So much fun reading all these comments. No orb or medallion for me, but I found a marble today at the Boy Scouts sign. Thanks, Marble Man! I felt so inspired this year that I hid a treasure of my own this afternoon. Hope someone finds it and gets that wonderful feeling of discovery we've all been seeking! :)

• 1 12th man twins February 2, 2014

  In honor of our Superbowl win to celebrate and share the love again a fresh batch of 12th man tokens are scattered around our beautiful town!

  • 2 2Big February 3, 2014

    [quote]In honor of our Superbowl win to celebrate and share the love again a fresh batch of 12th man tokens are scattered around our beautiful town![/quote] Thank you guys! Found 4, took 1...our kids will love it! Still looking.

  • G Glasslvr February 3, 2014

    Thanks for the search! The kids will love the token the Lion was holding for me!

• K Kanela February 3, 2014

  Spent a beautiful day, Saturday, wandering with my husband. We checked a few lookouts in Brownspoint and some of our favorite spots in the Port of Tacoma. After finding nothing, we decided to grab dinner and keep looking. Next places on our list was Freighthouse Square, Tacoma Dome, Dock Street and walked Pac Ave from the Harmon to Firemans Park. We didn't find anything, but we met 2 really nice security guards. :) Tonight after the awesome win, we decided to go out again. We checked Swan Creek and Ruston Way. Although, we may have not found any balls or medallions, Husband was more than excited to find a 12th man token. :) Thank you so much for making his day! We always have fun just wandering, but it is nice to find a special something too.

• H Hockaday February 3, 2014

  Went out on a cross Tacoma jaunt on Friday with two friends who had never heard if monkeyshines. Back in the year of the Dragon (my first year, and my year on the Chinese Zodiac) I was able to find one after ten hours of searching. This year with two newbies we searched for hours and found a few shells and some great bonding time. As we concluded our search and parted ways I drove home. Halfway home I received a text from one of my buddies saying he was walking for a consolation coffee when he stumbled upon a beautiful blue orb (above somewhere in the comments). The serendipity of it all is what makes this so much fun! As I type this I sit outside my sisters house waiting for her to get ready so I can take her out on her first hunt! Wish us luck! Best -DH

• H Hockaday February 3, 2014

  Success! Just found one of the 12th man tokens tucked into a planter near the Matador.

• I I think I can I think I can February 3, 2014

  Spent another 6 hours wondering around Tacoma yesterday and found a clothesline pin that was turned into a batman figure and spray painted silver. Any hiders out there hiding those? Kids also found a big purple bouncyball. I feel really guilty keeping those things without knowing they don't belong to another person. Founds some great spots to look for MS but turned up nothing. Oh well maybe next weekend.

• C Chris February 3, 2014

  After 3 days of searching, I found treasure! No monkeyshines but I found on of the numbered ceramic animals and two 12th man medallions! The little turtle came home with me but I left the 12s behind for others, go find them! Wright Park!

• L Lola February 3, 2014

  As an avid hunter each year who has yet to find an orb or marble I must say that I think that it is awesome that Monkeyshines are even more of a challenge this year...so great that they didn't all get found the first day! Now we all can feel like we might have the opportunity to find one anytime, throughout the year as we are out and about walking around this fantastic city. It is truly a gift...the hope and wonder of finding cool art that we can take home with us when we least expect it!

• A Abby February 3, 2014

  Are they all put out now?

• K Korbie February 3, 2014

  This was my 6th year hunting monkyshines, I have been lucky to find an orb and a medallion in past years but this year after spending likely atleast 12 hrs looking over the last few days I have finally stumbled upon a 12th man token. I have enjoyed the outdoors and treasure I did find even if it wasn't the treasure I was looking for. Thanks monkyshines, I look forward to looking like a crazy person each year!

• S ShineOn February 3, 2014

  Huge smiles and thank you's to the monkeyshiner you came into my neck of Tacoma and hid such beautiful gems for my family to find. We have had such a fun filled weekend; walking, talking and fellowshipping with others around the topic on the monkeyshine. I found a beautiful green and blue orb today in a place my gut told me too look a couple days ago. I actually walked right by it on Friday while searching. Not at all a coincidence that I find it today-this orb represents HOPE for me. Something I've been lacking lately but saw a glimmer of it just before finding the orb. Going to be a very sentimental piece of art for my life. My son and I will go out tonight and hid the medallion that I already found- keeping true to the rule; Only One. Don't give up; there is still hope for you too. To Ms. Monkey and her crew; you're touching lives in ways you can't even imagine- Bless you!

  • D dustin February 3, 2014

    That's so awesome! My girlfriend and I will be trying again this week maybe, a longshot at this point, but the weather will be nice (but cold) and even if we come up empty handed for her (I got the dragon on saturday), it will be a silly excuse to go outside some more :) Also, I'll be making a museum quality case for my single dragon float this week and I'll be sure to pass along pictures to house this beautiful piece of art (fun working for a plastic company). Tacoma baby!

    • M M February 3, 2014

      That is a beautiful float!

• H Heather of Tacoma February 3, 2014

  Hi there, do all orbs have the badge/stamp on them? I found a glass ball today, but it had a hook not a badge. Hoping this is monkeyshine, not someone's personal ornament!

• T Tripl3.se7en February 3, 2014

  In literally the last place I looked as I was on my way to my car. In a knot in a tree. I found my own 'year of the horse' momento - a rubber purple pony! Thanks to whoever left it!

• O Oma#7 February 3, 2014

  Thanks Monkeyshiners for giving me the boost I needed to get out there and walk-discovering Tacoma with new appreciation for the beauty and diversity. Went everywhere: Rose Garden, Pagoda, War Memorial, China Lake Park, Snake Lake Nature Center, Wright Park, Pantages Theater, Manilou Park, Ryan's Park, Wapato Park.................and found nothing! But I had a great time with my husband and then my daughter--and not giving up yet. Just checking -----Tacoma only right????? Not Lakewood???

• R ratfink February 4, 2014

  Don't give up! Been lucky enough to have found a token the last 4 years. Was hoping to find one this year. Yesterday while out, not looking, a horse found me. pictured is the 5 tokens I have found the last 5 years. Thank you Ms.Monkey and crew for all you do. You're the best!

• S steve February 4, 2014

  FIrst timer here and nothing in the downtown area.. hmmmmmmm lots of trash and cig. butts in the planters....

  • O Oma#7 February 4, 2014

    I am with you Steve, have gone up and down the streets, into fountains, under bushes, walking the parks---and nothing--but exercise and fresh air. So sad to see all the trash--walking stick helps pick up. Stay safe.

• A auntspiker February 4, 2014

  Took my kids for a chilly walk at the Kobitech trails in NE Tacoma after school today. We found nothing but I am not giving up yet. If there were 1000, there must be more out there.

• D dustin February 4, 2014

  Well, empty handed. Tried a couple spots downtown again, couple revisits, couple new random shots in the dark. Then headed to the secret beach in the port, hoping I could stumble upon something with a flashlight, nope. Then tried the bridge going over to browns point and the little piece of land under it. Nothing there but snow and frozen fingers. Hit a couple spots along marine view drive, nothing there either. I think I'm nearing my limit for searching. Would love to spend some time on the bike along MLK or Yakima since those seemed to be hot spots, but I might just call it until next year. Good luck folks, stay warm and enjoy your time out and about... #betheadventure

• O Oma#7 February 4, 2014

  Frozen at McKinley Metro Park---but batting ZERO. Milgard Breast Center----ZERO. Fern Hill Library--ZERO.

• M Meowwoww February 4, 2014

  Came across a marble today! This is my first year on the hunt, so to find anything was great! Can't wait to go out again, hope there is some left out there!

• A Abby February 5, 2014

  Think I'm throwing in the towel as well. Been out every day since it started and nothing. Had a great time with friends and family though.

• K KC February 5, 2014

  while walking around on my lunch break today, found a 12th man token on a rock at Mary Bridge :) made my day!

• T tripl3.se7en February 5, 2014

  Someone should start a Monkeyshine fan club! I would love to get notifications on new posts/finds and be able to like all these comments! I know the Monkeyshiners won't do anything but could the fans?

• O Oma#7 February 6, 2014

  I am all for the blog. I thought they (the Monkeyshiners) were to give out some 'clues' after setting them out for a week.

  • T Tripl3.se7en February 6, 2014

    Yah, it's great to have all the finds/comments in one spot. I don't mind the blog, just wish it came with notifications and liking ability :-) I pretty much keep a monkeyshine tab open all day and refresh the page through the day. :-) Though comments have slowed waaaaaay down. I was all ready to go out hunting again today, but when I got gas, I froze my butt and decided another day might be a better idea. :-)

    • D Derek staff February 6, 2014

      There actually is comments notification. If you register on the website, you can click the "subscribe to comment notifications" at the bottom of the comments area. We may even turn on the LIKE function ... we coded it, but never turned it on.

      • T Tripl3.se7en February 6, 2014

        Sweet! Registering :-)

• C Cole February 6, 2014

  MultiCare Health System’s lead groundskeeper Greg Allen found a 12th Man glass token on Feb. 5, hidden in a planter in Baker Plaza on the campus of Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Tacoma General Hospital. “It was just right dead center in a little succulent,” Allen said Thursday. Young patients have found a few other 12th Man tokens outside of Mary Bridge, mostly hidden in planters.

• J Just a Redhead February 7, 2014

  This is so cool! If we went and looked tomorrow, do you thin they're all gone already? Or is it worth a try?

  • T Tripl3.se7en February 7, 2014

    I don't think even close to half have been found.

    • B bhappy February 8, 2014

      While many still be hiding out there, many/most probably have been found, and just not POSTED to this site. I just found out two friends ran at 6a on Feb 1 on Ruston Way, and each found a float , but they didn't know about this site, so neither of their treasures are 'accounted', as I believe are so many others. I will keep my eyes peeled, but my hopes for a New Years horse are mostly dashed:( maybe I'll have a goat(ghost) of a chance for next year!

      • T Tripl3.se7en February 8, 2014

        This is the most they've ever put out (over 1,000) and the least amount of posted results. I think most are still out there.

• A Anita & boys February 8, 2014

  Soooo just curious... Has everyone given up? Noone has posted a monkeyshine orb or medallion find since the 3rd. People have found marbles, xmas ornaments, bouncy balls, trash, 12th man tokens. We have looked every day after school/ work. Over 20 hrs alone last wkend. What am I missing???

  • T Tripl3.se7en February 8, 2014

    I've taken a few days off due to the colder weather. I just don't know what to think. People have literally scoured the town. But not good enough apparently! :-)

• T The Hunter February 8, 2014

  I'm still looking, have been everyday since last Friday. Not finding though. Took this week off for looking. Good luck to who ever is still looking!!

• B Bill February 8, 2014

  I just found one today down in the Port of Tacoma

• T The Hunter February 8, 2014

  Nice to hear Bill. I poked around the port this morning.

• N Namefam February 8, 2014

  Searched a good part of the day but to no avail. Still a great day and found the newness through my Mom's eyes of her first time! It was a bit sad still since this is my fourth year searching and I've yet to find anything. It will happen though, there's still time.

• S skaromoto February 8, 2014

  Spent a few hours today....took to the seaside to town, but no such luck! Earlier this week we heard that there were still quite a few out to be found! It was still fun with the dog...willbe out again. So much fun...get some fresh air & exercise & see Tacoma in a different light...THANK YOU!

• T The Hunter February 10, 2014

  Before we can't post anymore I just want to thank ms monkey and her group, the Tacoma art commission and everyone else who made this great event possible!! I'm still not going to quit looking until I find one! Thanks again!!

• T The Hunter February 10, 2014

  A big thanks to Derek and exit133 too!!

• E Elle February 12, 2014

  On the 31st my husband went out searching bright and early in the morning. The first place he checked was the gas pump at GardenSphere as we knew they had been left there in years past. No luck. He searched high and lo all over town and came home empty handed yet again. We were sad. We got over it. This morning while I was helping a customer at GardenSphere I spotted a shiny object in a palm tree against the fence. I reached down to get it. Lo and behold... a Monkeyshine. Inside the store. Any of us have had the opportunity to find it in the past two weeks. I have to say, it made my day. We had all but given up on ever finding one.

  

• M monkeywalker February 13, 2014

  I have to say that hunting for a monkeyshine has become my new exercise plan. I have walked and walked and become intimate with more trees and shrubs than I can count. Thank you to Ms Monkey, all monkeyshine creators, all monkey helpers, and also MarbleMan for getting me off my couch, out of the house, and exploring Tacoma neighborhoods. I am very grateful!

• D Dwendlandt February 14, 2014

  Well after giving up hope, searching for days and days. Someone hid a monkeyshines in our planter in our front yard! Thank you fellow monkeyshines friend. And thank you everyone who helps make, hide, and keep this wonderful fun thing going. I so enjoyed the search and checking places around Tacoma I never thought about looking at before! PS I would show a picture but I can't seem to attach a photo?

  

• M MonkeyWalker February 15, 2014

  Was out walking in Proctor this morning and found a clear medallion! Whoo hoo! Thank you to all makers and all hiders of monkeyshines!

• T tripl3.se7en February 18, 2014

  Not gonna lie. I dreamed about monkeyshine last night. :-)

• A Anita February 19, 2014

  Congrats MonkeyWalker,Dwendlant, and Elle. I have not given up just yet! I know I go through a rooler coaster of emotions doing the hunt every year. From excited,to worried,cold,anxious,dissapointment,to joy, and determined. It's kinda funny how quick you can change. I am still faithful and looking. My sons friend found on e walking to school last week and brought it to class. The kid didn't even know what it was until my son lead the class in a big discussion on Monkeyshines and family traditions. LOL That was just the boost we needed to keep going.

• J jetboatgirl February 23, 2014

  Just found a 2014 float on Dock Street!

  

• B Beth March 15, 2014

  Just found one! At the corner of N 21st & N Pine, under a bush. It's solid blue and ridgy!

• J JustAGinger February 20, 2015

  Has anyone found anything in Steilacoom? Is it worth looking there? Thanks all!