Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Wednesday Vignette: cactus rock

Jane Finch-Howell (aka the Mulchmaid) recently presented me with this well traveled, painted rock. She'd visited Skyler Walker and Alan Fritz's garden in Ilwaco, WA (Skyler writes the blog Tangly Cottage Gardening Journal) and Skyler sent her home with it, to pass on to me. 

If you read Skyler's blog—with it's tales of public gardening on the SW Washington coast—you'll know that she frequently finds painted rocks hidden in street-side planters and other places. That much I knew, but now that I was the recipient of one of those rocks I wanted to know the full story.

Skyler sent me this screen shot of their local rock page, something similar was referenced on the back of the rock. She also sent me this link, to help explain the phenomenon. 

I'm reminded of two young boys who used to live around the corner from us, their mom would walk them around the block and they were thrilled at our front garden: full of rocks! They could pick out just one rock to take home whenever they passed. I think maybe I'll enjoy this rock for awhile, and then put it out front by an agave and see how long it lasts. Part of me thinks it might set a bad precedent, putting something out there that is destined to be taken. On the other hand it might make some one (a child or grown-up) very happy...

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Weather Diary, Aug 4: Hi 87, Low 62/ Precip 0 

All material © 2009-2020 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude. Wednesday Vignettes are hosted by Anna at Flutter & Hum

13 comments:

  1. There was a contingent in our town that did this in the parks. Or at least that is where I found some, on our daily walk. They didn't have a page to post to. Lots of fun.

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    1. Fun indeed, and a lot of work, for those who paint.

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  2. This is a beautiful 'gift rock'. Knowing you are thought of so fondly all around the PNW has to feel good. I had once taken a 2-hour Mandala Rock Painting class. It was a relaxing, meditative activity. Occasionally on my walks I'd spot a painted rock and it always bring a smile to my face. I think the prospect of joy in finding your hidden rock outweighs the risk of bad precedent.

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    1. What a nice thing to say (thought of fondly) and you're right...it does!

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  3. Aww sweet! I love this idea. I guess I love anything kind and benevolent these days. That motif is perfect for you, and after that, it'll be perfect for someone else. Kind of like that Buddha I found a couple of years ago. It stayed where I found it for another year or so, and then all of a sudden, it had moved on again. Enjoy your time with your new rock!

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    1. I remember your disappearing Buddha, but I didn't remember that it was a found object.

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  4. This is a nice idea, especially now during the pandemic when face-to-face interactions on the part of strangers aren't likely.

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  5. You could have a lot of fun with this. Think Where's Waldo?

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  6. An artist here hid beautifully painted blown out eggs. Lots more fragile to deal with than rocks. My husband found one which we still have and it is gorgeous.

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    1. Oh gosh...so fragile! But what a gift for those who find them.

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  7. What a sweet idea. That cactus painting was made for you!

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