Painted rocks? The idea is simple: get a rock, paint it, hide it, and then leave a hint on Facebook so others can find it. It’s a trend that is popping up all across the country.
In Huntley, Sun City residents post their treasure finds on The Facebook Page Wildflower Lake Neighbors in Huntley. Who is responsible for all those painted rocks hidden all over Sun City?
Judy Stage wrote, “I found this one near neighborhood 36 in Sun City. It meant a lot to me because earlier that day I had a big health scare and then I had to wait three weeks for test results. That little rock was sort of like a sign that everything would be OK, and it is. The other side has a turtle on it and that was my mother’s favorite. Thank you for the little stone. I’ll always keep it.”
The painted-rock movement, which — with the help of community-driven Facebook groups — is spreading kindness around, is growing one rock at a time.
Nancy Gebhardt said, “I enjoy finding these too! Thank you to whoever is sharing a little bit of cheer with the world in general. We need it!”
A private Fakebook page, Huntleyfindsrocks, gives residents clues and inspirations for painting rocks.
Platt Klatt, a resident that owned up to the acts of kindness, said “I believe there are a few of us. I do mine with the grandkids. We believe in spreading good Karma. We hope to brighten people’s day. Please find some of our handy work.”
What gave him the idea?
Klatt said, “We took a trip to Alaska in 2018 and found some painted rocks on our hikes there. We brought the idea home and I started painting with my 4 grandchildren.”
Some people will only choose to create and hide, while others will participate in it all; painting, hiding, and finding. Klatt said, “If you find a rock, you can either re-hide it or keep it. Lots of people choose to keep their first rock and then re-hide the rest.”
Sarah Krown, another contributor, said, “We enjoy hiding them for the grandkids to find and also anyone that needs a lift of heart. My husband, Jim is an artist. He also is a member of the Woodchucks in Del Webb. He does the painting and I do the hiding.”
Marie Frostman said, “We leave a painted rock at new neighbors. We just leave them at their doorstep. It is coated so it can withstand the weather but some choose to take their welcome gift inside.”
The uses for the rocks know no bounds.
Klatt said, “I had a lady use Mr. EGGPLANT (rock) as a marker at her husband’s grave. She would leave it when she visited so the kids knew she had been there. Then they take it home.”
