What is the creative new wave that is “Rocking” the nation? Yes, you guessed it, the Painted Rock Craze!!  The purpose: To spread a little joy, share the love, to inspire, to honor and remember loved ones or just to have a little fun.  These random acts of kindness have been dubbed across the nation with fun names such as Kindness rocks, Cleveland rocks (little Drew Carey show reference there), and in fact, almost every community, large or small has their own “Rocks” Facebook page and some very interesting stories that go along with them.  I will list some of those page locations at the end of the article so that you may read them for yourself!

Now, do you remember when you were a little kid ( and for some of us I know this is really becoming a stretch)  but can you remember the joy you felt finding a rock of a different color, a different shape, a smooth rock or that one perfectly flat skipping rock?  I think I was ten pounds heavier as a child because my pockets were always filled with my rocky treasures.  Today for some of you maybe it is the thrill of finding a Quarter on the sidewalk, the excitement finding an edible mushroom (if you visit up north), or the joy of finding a new yet abandoned golf ball on the course, or the feeling of walking the beach early in the morning to find that perfectly formed seashell – a treasure which many of you still have.  Yes, finding a rock painted by someone with the sole purpose of wanting to make you smile is even better than that.  There is a lot of love, generosity, hope, and joy embedded in that one brightly colored piece of stone.

This pebble love has taken on a life of its own.  The Creative Art Studio at Harrison Crossing owned and operated by LOW’s own Rebecca Russell has scheduled two rock painting classes and has received hundreds of responses from people excited to attend!

Some regional Facebook groups focusing on the painted gems around the country have memberships exceeding the 30,000 mark!  The rock hard truth is this inexpensive, creative, fun way to “pass it on” for young and old is not going away quickly.  And why should it- this is something we all need a little more of right now.  A way to reach out to our fellow man will a little brightly colored stone!

So what should you do when you see one of these little “Random Rocks of Kindness”? – And you will be seeing them around LOW and the surrounding areas soon if you haven’t already.  First, take a picture of it and post on one of the facebook pages devoted to the rocks.  Locust Grove has its own page- Locust Grove Rocks.  Maybe #lgrocks if you are on twitter.  The person leaving the rocks will be looking to see if someone has found it and the journey the rock will take from there.  Then either leave the rock where you found it for someone else to discover or take it with you and hide in a new location.  And even if you do none of the above, please take a moment to look at the rock, soak in the simple joy of it and allow it to make you smile! 

Here is a simplified version of the rock process from locust grove rocks -Simple Rules we hope you follow:
1. Paint rocks
2. Take pictures and post here
3. Hide rocks throughout LOW / Locust Grove
4. Post pictures of your finds
5. Keep or re-hide your treasures
6. Check out pinned post for more information

Here are guidelines from the kindness rocks website that they recommend but if you do not have their recommended supplies still paint away as long as it is safe for the environment.-

STEP #1  YOU WILL NEED SOME ROCKS!

Flat smooth rocks work best. (An excellent source for rocks here in LG is Www.KearnsTruckingAndStone.com in Culpeper)

STEP #2 PREPARE THE ROCKS BY SPRAYING OR PAINTING THEM WITH NON-TOXIC SPRAY/PAINT or Acrylic paints(AVAILABLE AT ANY CRAFT OR HARDWARE STORE)

This will prepare the rock surface for your artwork/writing and seal the rock so your paint pens will last longer

STEP #3 USE OIL BASE SHARPIE PAINT PENS TO CREATE YOUR ARTWORK

They work best… and are easy to work with, and last a long time. I also have found that Prismacolor Premier nontoxic dual tip markers work best for writing (available in craft stores in the art section)

BE SURE TO ADD…your local rock facebook page such as locust grove rocks to the back of each rock you drop so others can join us and share their pictures when they find one, that way you can follow the journey of your rock…

STEP #4  FINALLY PAINT A FINAL COAT OF NON-TOXIC CLEAR SEALANT 

This will protect the artwork from the elements and the paint from altering the environment… brush on Modge Podge outdoor sealant works great!

*When dropping your rocks or installing an Inspiration Garden, be sure to acquire permission. It is our goal to promote respect and consideration for others while spreading kindness. It is frowned upon to drop anything in our National Forests and National Parks, where they have an LNT (Leave No Trace) policy for visitors.  NEVER EVER LEAVE MARKERS OR PAINT FOR OTHERS TO ADD INSPIRATION, AS YOU CANNOT BE SURE THAT PEOPLE WILL BE RESPECTFUL TO THE ENVIRONMENT!

Where do you find interesting, inspiring quotes to use?

Search Pinterest or Instagram for super cool inspiring quotes but you create your own sentiments that come from straight from our heart, those rocks are special

Here are some tips from Parentmap.com and what they recommend for creating and hiding the rocks-

1. Always be mindful of the environment and respectful of the community guidelines that already exist. 

2. Seal each rock and do not add/attach anything to the rocks, as there is no guarantee that it will stay on and not become liter or swallowing hazards for children or wildlife.

3. This is a gifting project. Many Facebook groups remind their members that this is about gifting and not always expecting to find a rock or get recognition when yours is found.

Do not hide rocks on in national parks or state parks.

One thing I would like to add is to be sure to place your rocks in such a way that no one can stumble or trip over them.  Do not let them become a hazard to the elderly as they are walking.  Be respectful of others property and do not place them where someone will be mowing the grass – like on the top of the Dam here at LOW.  This is something we all can enjoy as a community as long as we are mindful.

And now those links I promised you including the love rocks which is dedicated to two young girls who lost their lives-

https://www.facebook.com/groups/LocustGroveROCKS/

https://www.facebook.com/lovedrenched/

http://thekindnessrocksproject.com/how-to

http://www.cleveland.com/tipoff/index.ssf/2017/01/painted_rocks_send_ripples_of.html

https://www.parentmap.com/article/painted-rocks-treasure-hunt-kid-craze