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Friday, March 2, 2007

The Joy of Giving

I've very recently discovered the hobby of rock painting and my home is now filled with rocks painted as butterflies, ladybugs, cats, kittens, penguins, frogs and snakes. As each rock is transformed into a critter with its own personality, I am tempted to keep it all to myself. But then I remember, "It is more blessed to give than receive."

My mother, who resides in a nursing home in Ohio, has received a butterfly and ladybug accompanied by the sentiment, "let's fly away from here." A frog is on the way to her and she's requested more butterflies.

My neighbor, who oohs and aahs over each new piece, has received a cat that she proudly displays on her entertainment center. We are walking buddies and she has helped me choose rocks for future projects.

My sister-in-law, who recently shared that she collects emperor penguins, has received a hand-painted penguin rock and was surprised and thrilled.

Thanks to Lin Wellford, who has shared the art of rock painting in her well-written and illustrated "how to" books, I am able to transform lowly Colorado river rocks into artwork that brightens the day of my family and friends.

What do I get out of sharing my High Plains Critters? The joy of being a blessing and brightening someone's day.