If you were to ask 4-year-old Ruthie Johnson of Inverness why she enjoys spending her time painting rocks and hiding them for others to find, she would say “because I love rocks and making people smile.” It’s her mission to make someone’s day in the form of a hand-painted rock decorated with a friendly face or an inspirational message. What started as a love for rocks has turned into a quirky new community art project for Ruthie and her mother, Brandi.
Maybe you are having a terrible day and an unexpected gift left on the sidewalk will make you smile. Maybe you've been looking for a sign, and there it is!
“The sheer excitement and look of joy on her face as we were hiding our creations meant as much to me as it did to her, but for different reasons. Ruthie was elated at the thought of being a part of a treasure hunt that included rocks, but for me it was about introducing her to the importance of community service and giving back. It’s about finding happiness and joy in the simplest things,” says Brandi.
Ruthie and Brandi’s goal is to encourage others to come together in this inexpensive and thoughtful way to add kindness and cheer to their community. “The rocks you put out there are gifts. Let them go and be a gift to make someone’s day.”
