Before I tell you about our cheerful rocks, I'd like to share my latest Moda BlockHeads block, #17, by Betsy Chutchian. She calls it Crossroads. I changed it up a little ( of course I did) and am very happy with the play of red and white prints. I made my block 8 1/2". There it is on the design wall with its sisters.
So, about our rocks. About two weeks ago, Eva and I started noticing something interesting on our morning walks. Every now and then we would discover a painted rock with an inspirational word written on it, tucked under a shrub along the sidewalk. Some had flowers or other designs painted on, some had a word such as "Kindness" or "Love" or "Smile" on it. We found them enchanting and tried to be observant to spot as many of them as we could.
When I read the latest online neighborhood newsletter, I discovered that these painted rocks are a thing. People are trying to cheer each other up and leave these pretty little things along popular walkways for folks to see. One person suggested picking one up and keeping it, and replacing it with another one. But one man said his wife spends hours painting her rocks and doesn't want them taken. I get it. We plan to just add to the scenery and not remove any.
What you see in my photo is Stage One of our Cheerful Rock Endeavor. We got the base coat on and let it dry and tomorrow we will add our flower (or other decoration) and our cheerful word of choice. Isn't this a fun idea? I will show you our finished rocks before we leave them for others to discover on their daily walks. My girl and I plan to spread a little kindness and cheer!
Eva has a plan for where she wants to leave hers. When we walk, we sometimes pass a house with a wrought iron fence. Occasionally, there is a young girl, maybe five or six, peering through the bars. She always calls out "Hi!" and looks so wistful for a playmate. Eva wants to tuck her rock into their front flowerbed like an Easter egg in the hope the girl will find it.
What a wonderful idea! And how thoughtful of Eva to think of leaving one for the little girl. It will certainly bring a smile to her face.
Your quilt blocks are looking good together.
Posted by: Donna | May 07, 2020 at 05:12 AM
I had noticed online that these were becoming popular, but didn't really know much about it. I haven't seen them in our neighborhood, but we live in an older area so perhaps there aren't many kids or many people venturing out. Can't wait to see what you and Eva create.
Posted by: Robby H. | May 07, 2020 at 05:22 AM
That's a wonderful project for the two of you! The idea to leave a rock for the little girl to discover tells me that Eva is modeling behavior she's observed in her own family. That should make your day...week...year!
Stay well!
Posted by: Jan | May 07, 2020 at 07:12 AM
Your new block is so pretty. Love your fabric choices. The rock trend is so fun. Eva will get a lot of joy from this project and so will other people wherever they land. I have seen some around our neighborhood in the Creek. So fun! Have a great day!
Posted by: Mary Kastner | May 07, 2020 at 07:24 AM
Your red "blockhead" block is beautiful. Love gorgeous floral fabric, one thing that's harder to find on-line than in shops. You know that one you see that just says pick me and you make a whole quilt around it. The rock idea is catching on, hopefully tolerance and kindness as well. So hard for kiddos to understand everyone can't come out to play.Eva is so thoughtful. Have a great day. We have the Spring weather I love in TX, it never lasts long enough though.
Posted by: Stephani in N. TX | May 07, 2020 at 07:40 AM
"Grays Harbor Rocks!" have been found for several years up here now. From grocery market shelves to sidewalk shrubbery, they are everywhere. People are encouraged to take them from one place and leave them in another. So happy to see your post...it was a reminder that hubby and I once thought this a fun project to try. Now we will!
Posted by: Kathleen Gentile | May 07, 2020 at 08:23 AM
really a fun idea! your blocks are lovely...it will be a beautiful quilt when finished. I feel so badly about that lonely little girl. this is such a hardship for kids everywhere. :(
Posted by: Ina | May 07, 2020 at 09:39 AM
Your blocks are fabulous. I love the use of the toile. The painted rocks are sweet. I saw a ladybug left at the beach, took my friend to that spot later that day but it was gone. :(
Posted by: sharon | May 07, 2020 at 10:26 AM
What a lovely way to spread joy! Love Eva's idea too. Your blocks are very pretty and the end result should be stunning!
Posted by: Dianne | May 12, 2020 at 04:01 PM