Talking to Rocks

A rock is a rock, but is it?

Today after a doctor’s visit, I was sitting out on a little circular border surrounding a large tree. It was just about the right height for a bench so I sat on the concrete flat area that seemed made to sit on. Inside that was a ring of rocks. To look at them at first, they were all about the same size and most were round and there was a bit of change in color. I picked up one and began to study it carefully. This one seemed to have one end cut or broken off, and it revealed a much darker and varied , somewhat smooth surface, as if I were looking into it. Down one side of that top area, extended a crack that seemed as if another part of it might split off. And crossing that seemed to be attempts to cut it with a sharp object diagonally.

Something drew me to pick up other rocks in that circle and to look at them. I guess sometimes it seems that, for example, perhaps all grains or sand, or in this case, all rocks in a group are similar in size, shape, color and texture. But in this case, the more I examined the rocks, I saw how distinctly different each one was. And I began to think about how each rock might have formed and what must have transpired to make it so different from all the rest. In my mind were so many questions coming forth, seemingly spilling out like a dam that was overflowing. How could it be that stones that likely all came from the same source/location could all be so different in texture, colors, shapes and sizes. Where was this magical place and what other surprises did it hold?

As I was pondering all these wonderful mysteries, my Lyft showed up and honked for me. I grabbed the one rock with the top seemingly cut from it and put it carefully into my pocket. I wanted to look at it once again at home and I wanted to ask it questions. One thing I learned today was that we should never even take a tiny grain of sand for granted. There is mystery and magic everywhere in this world.

14 thoughts on “Talking to Rocks

  1. I have always loved stones and rocks. I have a collection of them in my living room. I even have a piece of petrified wood with it. Whenever I go where there are numerous stones, I always look to see if I can find something unusual to take home with me.

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  2. We must be soul sisters. I have been collecting wood, stones, neatseeds (any seed I don’t know the name of) and every other imaginable thing that catches my eye out in nature. I am one of those people who would likely walk off the edge of a cliff if I didn’t have someone trailing me or walking next to me since I often keep my head down as I am looking for treasures to take home. One of these days I will share “Dancing Man,” who was the product of a group of women each working on my contributed piece of wood that I had for years. Pretty cool. Yes, I love things like petrified wood, and just about anything that jumps in front of me. I used to have something I called my “living art basket” hanging on the fence. I always brought the treasures to it, rearranged them, and kept them like that until the next time I went for my walk. That was one of my joys for a long time. I also painted my stones with significant words sometimes on New Year’s eve, and made that word my guiding word for the next year. Some of the words have been Focus, Compassion, and Courage. Thank you for sharing this.

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    1. Oh, I so love this! Thank you Laura. Wonderful quote!!! I must remember this. Though I think it is likely wrong, because even the rocks break down eventually, and then they reform in things like lava, etc. and stones in the ocean. At least I think they do. Wow! Something to ponder for sure.

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  3. Your parting sentence is also thought-provoking. The rocks are formed by the constant stress and pressure of the grains of sand (for some types). After enduring the stress for awhile, they emerge with their unique lines and patterns.

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    1. As always, Jennie, you are a breath of fresh air and so full of great and true wisdom, especially with children, who are the future. In my experience with juvenile delinquents, I have seen so many young people who could have become great and contributing citizens of their communities if they had experienced genuine love, respect, good teaching, and encouragement to do something for the world that they really enjoyed and felt good about. What a wonderful world this world be. I am tired of seeing children poorly dressed for cold weather, hungry because they are not getting enough good food at home (or any in some cases), and children having to cope with parents who have drug habits or other equally depressing habits, and I am quite certain this is not just the juveniles. I had my preschoolers and kinders coming to school without extra clothes to change into if they had an accident, inadequate clothes for the weather, coming to school really hungry (you can tell by the way they gobble down the snacks and try to find or get more), or children throwing up all over themselves or me because they were actually too sick to be in school, but the parents bring them anyway. You are so lucky in the area where you are that the parents seem to really love and care about their little children and take an active part in their education. Thank you every single day of my life for what you and others who follow you try to give the children! You are much respected, appreciated and loved forever. Anne always

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      1. Thank you, Anne! I know exactly what you mean; it only takes support and kindness to make a tremendous difference in the life of a child. Sometimes a smile can make all the difference. Easy to do, and much for a child to gain. Yes, if only… Like you, I know many children can have a different life with merely some positive kind words. You are what all children need, Anne. Many thanks!

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