ESVARocks! A kindness rocks group comes to the Shore

Kindness Rocks started when Megan Murphy met Oprah Winfrey who encouraged her to do something to help people. She came up with the idea of painting kind words and inspirational messages on rocks and leaving them around the beach for others to find. Her daughter encouraged her to start a hashtag and soon The Kindness Rocks Project, hashtag and all was growing into a global phenomenon.

The project has made its way to the Eastern Shore. Linda Bell is the creator and administrator of ESVARocks, our local kindness rocks group that lives on Facebook.

The Mirror caught up with Linda to find out more about the joy of Kindness Rocks.

How did ESVARocks get started?

I saw a couple of my friends’ post painted rocks that they found in Hampton Roads and I thought that was pretty neat. I then came across a news article that explained the “Kindness Rocks” and how they were spreading across the United States. I searched Facebook looking for a local group and when I couldn’t find one, I decided to make one and so ESVARocks was made.

How many members does it have?

We currently have a little over 2,345 members but that number increases every few minutes it seems.

Where are the most popular places to find rocks?

The most popular places seem to be Onancock by the gazebo as well as in front of the many shops, the shops in Onley, Exmore park, and Cape Charles park. There are a bunch of rocks going out each and every day so you really never know where you may find one.

What kind of rocks are the best to work with?

Any smooth rock works great. I use what are known as beach pebble from walmart.com. They are relatively smooth and flat. However, if you have a rock and you can get paint on it, use it!

Do you have any recommendations for paint supplies?

I recommend cheap acrylic paint from Walmart. They are fifty cent a bottle and work great. Other than that, you need brushes and clear coat of some sort. You can use clear spray paint or craft varnish. It’s important to seal them with spray paint or varnish to protect your work of art from the weather.

What is the best part of being a member of ESVARocks?
There are so many great things about being a member of ESVARocks. You get to meet new people. You may be walking down the street looking for rocks, someone notices and comes to start a conversation about rock hunting. You’ve just met a person you may not have met otherwise. Another great thing is having something to do with your kids that does not involve technology. Sure, we post stuff in the group but while you are hunting/hiding/painting, technology is on the back burner for the time being. It is hard to look for a rock with your face buried in your phone. As for me, I love seeing everyone participating and doing something as a family. It’s really cool to see the kids so excited. Though, I think some of the adults are just excited, myself included.

Note: The Mirror is still waiting to find its first rock…but we’re still looking.

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Wayne Creed

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