In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s often difficult to stop and appreciate the little things. Sometimes, all it takes is finding a little joy in the unexpected.

Amidst the nooks and crannies of Gallatin, there are hidden gems to be found.

Nestled into these nooks, from coffee shops to toy stores to the shelves of Walmart, crochet artist Heather Langston has hidden handcrafted bumblebees that have delighted those who have been lucky enough to find them.

Heather’s bumblebee treasures are miniature crocheted masterpieces, complete with adorable little yellow and black bodies, white wings, and glistening beaded eyes. Tiny yellow notes adorn each bee’s neck, handwritten with inspirational messages including “Bee Kind” and “Bee-lieve in yourself. You are enough.”

It's no coincidence that Heather has chosen the bumblebee as her muse.

Just as bumblebees are important pollinators of wildflowers, plants, and crops by spreading the vibrant yellow dust that ensures the vitality of each plant species, Heather’s tiny, crocheted pollinators spread joy and happiness to each person who discovers them, thus ensuring the vitality of the community.

The idea for randomized gift giving isn’t new to Heather, who comes from a long line of givers.

“I take after my mom,” she explains. “She was always a very giving person and when she passed away in 2014, I wanted to carry on something that reminded me of her. Something she would have done. My son never got to meet her, so I'm trying to teach him everything she taught me about kindness.”

Heather’s focus on giving is refreshing in a world where interactions can seem transactional at times.

“I wouldn’t like to be there when they find them. I'd rather hide them in secret because I don't want anyone to feel obligated, or like they have to give me something in return. I mean, it’s a gift,” she says.

Spreading a little joy and kindness, with no expectation of anything in return? Heather may just be onto something.

We are made kinder by being kind. We are made happier by spreading happiness.