What is the deal with the cute painted rocks?  Well, here is what we found out from Jill McCall & Tex New Mex Rocks.  And it is super fun.  Our paper is dedicated to having good news about Roosevelt County and avoiding the national “bad” news and this is one of the most fun stories we have seen in awhile.  The whole family can participate and you leave a bit of brightness where ever you go.  Isn’t that what we all should be doing?

“Our group exists as an act of random kindness to unexpectedly brighten someone’s day one rock at a time and to pass it on. That is our mission; our goal. In doing this, we receive benefits as well. When we are creating our mind is moved away from the stress in our lives and the issues in the world. When we hide rocks we are giving and that just feels good. When we are looking for rocks to paint and looking for painted rocks we are out in the fresh air and sunshine. When our rocks are found and posted, we are overcome by excitement.
The idea is to get out and get moving!! Take a walk and find a rock. Paint the rock and hide the rock!! We are painters and hiders. We hope our finders join the group and become painters and hiders too!

Be respectful!! No rock should contain any insulting picture or language. Please do not paint rocks regarding political issues, hot topic issues, issues revolving around adult concerns, or causes. We are not that kind of group. If you wish to support something join that group or support a cause, issue or topic on your private page. We are the place to come to get away from that. Our platform is sharing kindness. We are not a support group.
This is meant to be fun for all ages and abilities. Any rock painted with obscenities, racism, or nudity will be deleted. Keep it rated “G” for everyone.
Have fun!! Hide the rock in various locations to brighten someone’s day. We have plenty of other places to leave a little something to brighten someone’s day.
This is for all talents levels. You can use paint, chalk, crayons, or sharpies. If using sharpies or other waterbase marker, cover with light coat of modge podge to prevent running and bleeding. Try stamping designs or stickers. Remember to protect your artwork and your rock from the elements you have to seal your rock. I use a clear spray paint that says “seals” and “protects”. Find it in the spray section. You can use Duraclear as well. Duraclear is a non aerosol sealer that can be used indoors.
The sky is the limit to your options. Search “painted rock” in Google and Pinterest for ideas. Check out our group for ideas too! Don’t worry if someone has painted a ladybug. Paint another! Gather your inspiration from us. Have fun!!

Ok, we have 2 funny things that have happened in the week since we started…my sister, who lives in Ohio, got me started on the rock hunting while we were there on spring break. We looked and looked for rocks everywhere we went. One day this past week after we started the group here, she pulled up to Wal-Mart and saw a purple rock against the wall. She didn’t tell us but parked hurriedly and started speed walking to the store. Her family thought she had lost her mind but she was trying to hurry and beat everyone to the rock! When she got there, it was just a piece of trash. We have really gotten a kick out of that, her even picking up trash.
My niece who is 3 understands how excited we are to see rocks that have been painted or could be painted, she starts shouting, “Hot Jack” when she sees them. We assume she means “Jackpot!” since this is what we all shout when we see a good rock pile.
Another emotional story was about a women who told me this had given her life meaning again. She knew she could paint and hide rocks and that would make a difference in someone’s life.
We have started painting at lunch in my office, a Jr high art class is painting every Wednesday for community service, and we are going to help paint rocks at a nursing home soon. I paint a few a day and try to take some to hide with ne where ever we go. It’s like an Easter Egg Hunt all year round. You’re the Easter Bunny!
When you find a rock, post a picture to our Facebook page “Tex New Mex Rocks!”
For rock painting tips and safety rules, check them out on Face Book at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TexNewMexRocks/permalink/1138588259602338/