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Rocky days ahead for Vanderhoof

But sometimes rocky days are the best days
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Rocks are beautiful in their own right, but finding hidden stones painted with words of affirmation in random locations are even more beautiful - especially when those words are gifted to you by a complete stranger and may even be timely in your life.

READ MORE: Painted rocks in Newton.

The practice of anonymously spreading good cheer by way of painted rocks has reached near epidemic proportions in the United States. Clubs have been established that have hundreds of members. They even have Facebook pages where finders can share a picture of their painted rock.

The affirmative-word scavenger hunt has gained a foothold in Canada as well and painted stones are also appearing in Vanderhoof.

This reporter was amused this week after finding two stones and realizing an anonymous artist had deliberately intentioned to create a sense of community in the town by giving back to unsuspecting locals.

Mayor Gerry Thiessen also found a happy-stone. His read, “believe you can be amazing.”

When asked what he thought the stones said about the artist, Mayor Thiessen said, “It says they are positive. That they don’t believe there are any ceilings in life that can hold you down and so that’s really encouraging.”

He went on to say, “This rock is so incredible for people who may have limitations in thier life, then, all of a sudden somebody comes along and says, ‘No, that’s not what you were meant to be, you were meant to be amazing.’ It’s just a really neat story.”

It is unknown if Mayor Thiessen will keep his happy-stone or relocate it, but what is known is he appreciated the concept, the artist’s vision and how it has the potential to positively affect someones life.

What does one do if they stumble upon a happy-stone? They can either relocate it for someone else to find, or, as this reporter will do, keep the stones in a collection but make new ones to hide around the community - further adding to our collective good and infusing positivity into the community consciousness.

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