“Rockbridge Rocks” is a Facebook page with over six thousand followers, many who paint rocks and combine that with easter bunny mojo to spread positive vibes and connect with others. We interviewed Joanna Higginbotham on how she got started with the group and her experience in the pro-bono rock painting and giving away business. Spoiler alert…. having a hobby that brings joy to others is a win win!
As an example this is the first message Joanna received when she started painting and hiding rocks: “My daughter found the yellow chicken "being unique is better..." one over the weekend and CHERISHES it. In fact she's sleeping with it and begged me to let her bring it to school to share with her friends. You brought a young girl a very positive message and a lot of happiness - THANK YOU!”
Q&A with Joanna Higginbotham, rock painter and moderator of “Rockbridge Rocks” Facebook page:
Rock River: How did Rockbridge Rocks get started?
Joanna: Jennifer Hopkins started Rockbridge Rocks because her son found a pumpkin rock at his school and he was so excited about it so she reached out to the group who hid that particular rock and they told her how to get started with her own group. And the rest, I suppose, is history. LOL.
Rock River: What year was this?
Joanna: 2017
Rock River: How and when did you get started with Rockbridge Rocks?
Joanna: Not exactly sure but I started painting rocks about 6 or 7 years ago. I noticed on Facebook Jennifer had started Rockbridge Rocks Facebook page and saw where people were posting rocks and talking about hiding them. I checked into it a bit more and also read up on kindness rocks and it just seemed like such a nice thing to do in our community. Honestly, I had no clue I would even enjoy painting rocks, but it has been very therapeutic and I just love it.
Rock River: Who else is involved?
Joanna: Anyone can join us and paint rocks and post when they hide them. Many, many people have contributed in that way, and we welcome anyone to join us. But as far as the Facebook page along with Jennifer Hopkins and myself, Brandy Hostetter also paints rocks and helps and is an administrator with the Rockbridge Rocks" Facebook page.
Rock River: Where do ya’ll hide your rocks?
Joanna: Most of my rocks get hidden in Glasgow, Natural Bridge, Buena Vista, Lexington, and Fairfield. Once in a while, if I head towards Staunton or Waynesboro, I hide a few in those areas too.
Rock River: What is one of your favorite stories about how your rocks affected people positively?
There are so many… I actually saved the exact words a lady used as it was the first feedback I received years ago. That one is very special to me; I can find that and send to you, but probably my favorite story is when a family found one of my Halloween rocks at the Natural Bridge Zoo and contacted me to let me know. They said they were taking it back home to Baltimore for their grandchildren to hide there. I mentioned how it's always neat to see my creations travel and that I was excited about it going to Baltimore, because my daddy was such a huge Baltimore Orioles fan before he passed away. I didn't expect to ever hear from them again, but then I received some photos and a message saying they weren't able to hide my rock inside the stadium, but they got as close as they could, the Babe Ruth statue right outside of Oriole Park at Camden Yards!! Oh my goodness!! These kind-hearted people... people I don't even know... did that for me even when they didn't have to! I cannot express how much that means to me!! I have been told that some of my rocks have touched the lives of others and that truly makes me happy. But in this case, I am the one who was touched in the most wonderful way!! I will never forget this.
Rock River: How many rocks have you painted and hidden?
Joanna: Not sure, but I know I have hidden hundreds since I started painting.
Rock River: What products do you use to paint rocks?
Joanna: I use acrylic paint. Usually the little Apple Barrel bottles from Walmart. I prefer matte over glossy. I get Mod Podge to seal them with and also paint brushes from Walmart.
Rock River: How do you get your inspiration for what you paint on rocks?
Joanna: I get my inspiration from pretty much everywhere. I know I am not a professional, but if I see something I like I try to play around with it and put my own spin on it. And I enjoy doing holiday rocks, especially Halloween and Christmas.
Rock River: What would you recommend to someone wanting to take this idea home to their local area after a vacation?
Joanna: I just recommend that they have fun with it. You don't have to spend a fortune to paint a few rocks. And if you don't want to paint actual characters or things like that, words can be encouraging too. A lot of my rocks have positive words or sayings. And if they choose to start a group or join a group of rock painters in their area, they should put the name of the group on the back of their rocks so that the person who finds them can post it if they want to and let people know they found it. A lot of the time people do not post the rocks they find. I like when they do, but if they don't it's okay, too. I feel like if one of my rocks makes a positive difference in someone else's day, that's all that matters. And I think it's fine if somebody decides to keep one. Or they can rehide it. It's totally up to them.
Rock River: Where do you source your rocks?
Joanna: I get my rocks from various places in Rockbridge County. Sometimes the shape of the rock determines what I paint. Flatter rocks are my favorites, but I will play around with pretty much any shape.
Rock River:
Thank you for taking the time to share your hobby and for choosing a hobby that brings joy to others.
Joanna:
Thank you for showing such an interest! Rockbridge rocks has made such a huge and positive difference in my life and hopefully it has made a difference, and will continue to make a difference, in the lives of others, as well.
