‘KINDNESS ROCKS’: Pike County residents spread happiness through decorative rocks

Published 3:00 am Saturday, August 19, 2017

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

An act of kindness can be as huge as Stone Mountain or as small as a sea pebble. It makes no difference.

That’s the idea behind “Kindness Rocks” and the idea is putting a smile on faces all around the country and a skip in many steps. 

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“Kindness Rocks” is a national project that has as its purpose making the world a happier place with a few words of kindness found in the most unlikely places.

The idea is to simply connect people with happy words, a.k.a. act of kindness, painted on rocks and hidden to be found.

Joy Scarbrough of Troy became connected with the project through her mom, who lives in Niceville, Florida, and her sister who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was intrigued by the idea of paint something as simple as a rock with a sweet message or a fun motif and hiding it for someone to find.

At about the same time Scarbrough was finding happiness in small places, Britani Lee, who lives in Banks, was creating the Kindness Rock Project for Pike County.

Lee had been invited to join groups in other counties but wanted to form a group for all Pike County residents.

“I wanted everyone to get involved with spreading happiness by painting simple words of kindness on rock, thus the name, Pike County Rocks-Alabama,” Lee said.

The rocks were to be hidden in public places with the expectations that they would be found and bring a smile to those who “unexpectedly” find an act of kindness.

“While visiting my mom in Niceville, I found three rocks on a three-mile walk,” Scarbrough said. “It’s amazing how finding a colorful rock with a fun message can brighten your day.”

And, painting the rocks will lift the spirits as well.

Scarbrough often writes Bible verses on the rocks along with simple sayings like ‘Be Happy” and patriotic messages including USA.

Lee didn’t even know she could paint when she got involved in Pike County Rocks-Alabama

“Sometimes I use a pencil and draw on the rock before I paint it,” she said. “Most of the time, I stare at the rocks from all angles wondering what it could be transformed into. I just let my hand do the work and eventually something fun and interesting is created.”

Painted rocks should be hidden in public places where there is steady foot traffic. However, care should be taken not to disturb or damage existing displays or property.

“Those who hide rocks should be respectful of the property owners and, before hiding a rock at a business, the business owner should be consulted,” Scarbrough said.

The Pike County Facebook page, which has gone from 200 members to more than 1,000 in two weeks, is run by Scarbrough.

Those who would like to join the Pike County group are encouraged to go to the Facebook page Pike County Rocks-Alabama and join the fun.

“And, make sure you put Pike County Rocks-Alabama on the back of all your rocks,” Lee said. “Take your rocks to other towns and other states. It’s fun to leave rocks in other places and it’s fun to find rocks from other cities and states.”

When a rock is found, photograph it, post the photo on Facebook and then hide the rock for someone else to find. Or, if the rock is just too special to hide for someone else to find, paint a replacement rock to hide.

The Kindness Rocks project is for people of all ages. It’s an opportunity for Pike Countians to be creative and connect with others while spreading a little kindness along the way.