Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Rock My World

So I found this little movie here at the Dancing Mermaid (don't you love this blog name !), through the wonderfully inspiring Jen Lemen's blog. It made me cry with joy and wanting and inspiration. I want to do what The Dancing Mermaid did and find a group of kids and art journal with them everyday !!! Okay, once a week would be fine.! How wonderful to think of kids learning so early on the wonder, the healing and the joy that taking time to explore and foster our own creativity gives ! There is also such a gap in so many of the school systems when it comes to art and creativity. Ah, I could go on and on about this... I have ideas about how to make it all happen but my ideas are still in the embryo or pupa stage and need some TLC and some fear-facing in order to come to fruition.
In the mean time, I had to make me some of these rocks.

I actually did this before my trip to Montreal last week. I had a bucket of stones I had collected at Hampton Beach, NH a couple of years ago with the intention of using them in some arty way some day. I covered a bunch of them with a layer of acrylic paint, or left some of them their natural stony color. I wrote my inspiring messages with a Sharpie or a gel pen, pasted on a layer of glossy water based varnish and there I had it ! A little pile of love and good wishes to send off to my fellow men and women.

I so loved the idea of someone walking by and catching a glimpse of the color, stopping and picking up the stone and knowing that that message was meant for them ! I only wish I could have been there to see it - like there proverbial fly on the wall. But that's ok. As you know if you know me at all, things have been a little rough around here lately. Words I heard somewhere (or many places) keep ringing in my head...when you are feeling dispair, reach out and help another and you will feel better. And I have to say, I did...I felt connected to my world, felt more hopeful about the strength of good over evil, and good about myself for taking the time to give a little. It just felt good to put a little love out there without any expectations...

So I scattered the rocks here and there along the way to Montreal and back again. Some were left on picnic tables at rest areas in Vermont, on flower planters in the quaint town of Ste. Anne-de-Bellevue, in the coin return slot of a payphone, in a bowl of rocks at a friend's house, and just on the grey cement of the downtown sidewalk. I didn't get to witness anyone finding one but I hope that they had a smile or a sigh when they did. I had one stone left in my baggie when I got home. It was fitting that I give it to my sweet Hubby David and get a hug and kiss in return. The last stone of that trip read :

16 comments:

Sherry said...

What a fabulous post Kim and what a fabulous idea!! You just warmed my heart in such a huge way!! ♥

arlene said...

Kim, this is a brilliantly beautiful post!
I know how hard it is to reach out and bring beauty to the world when your own world seems grey and drab (and we all have those times: I've just come through a long, hard time like that).
This seemingly simple gift you spread throughout your world can have consequences that leave others breathless with hope. Thank you for spreading joy in this world! You are awesome!
Hugs,
arlene...going looking for smooth stones

arlene said...

Kim,
I forgot to mention...
Your idea to journal with kids is so exciting!! I've signed up to teach a three week course at our local library doing altered art with kids. It filled up the first day the flier came out, so I'm guessing there is a real need for this type of thing! I can't wait!
I'll let you know how it goes. I can't wait to see how your dream comes true...keep us posted!

xo arlene

Anonymous said...

Kimie,
I knew it was you! I found my rock yesterday. Wow, what a wonderfull idea!
It made me smille and everytime I sit in my blue chair beside my pile of rock, I think of you. It is helping me to take a break and relax.
Love you very much Kimie

Suzanne

Anonymous said...

Oh, Kim, what a gift this post is! Thank you for a smile at the end of my day. Please know that you are ever in my thoughts and prayers. I would have loved to find one of those rocks!

Anonymous said...

COOL COOL COOL COOL COOL idea!!!

Anonymous said...

What a sweetheart you are! And what a great idea-- can you imagine peoples faces when they found those rocks! So lovely.

Jennifer said...

That's a beautiful idea! I love that the last one was for your hubby...seems like it was meant to be so that for all the love you put out there you got some back. I'm gonna have to give this one a shot :-)

Dawn said...

Oh Kim, I just love your "Talking Stones" idea. Now I feel inspired to go find some and art em up and spread some love. Fun!

Cindy Dean said...

What a cute idea about the rocks. Just wanted to say thank you for the comments on my blog. They are much appreciated!

arlene said...

Hi Kim,
I saw your comment and yes, we need to chat! My email is artdeme42@gmail.com

I think it's great that you are looking for an opportunity to share your gifts!

DMG said...

YOU rock, Kim

carolyn said...

Hi Kim~
What a wonderful idea! You will be brightening someone's day when they find your rocks. I wish I could find one of them!
It reminds me of Found Art Tuesday by Rosa Murillo. She leaves small pieces of art in different places and has contact info on the art so the lucky finder can contact her if they wish.

Charlie said...

What a great idea. I love it. What a great way to turn negative into positive. When you are feeling down doing something for someone else really does make you fell better. We could all learn from this. Good luck on your journey.

Anonymous said...

Hello Kim, I found you through Sherry! I love this post. I wish that you would have gotten the opportunity to see someone find a stone... but the feeling you left with is also priceless. Good for you!!! :) xoxo, Joanna

Summer Gypsy said...

Hi Kim,
I found you through Sherry, too! I love your Rock My World idea. One can only imagine how a small kindness will affect another person who is in need of hope. The rocks are awesome!!! I'm sure they have brought instant joy to all of their "finders."
Blessings,
Marilyn