The Painted Rocks on the Trail

On a hiking trail near my house, someone has been hiding painted rocks along the path. Ladybugs. Tiny houses. A rock that says "You're halfway there!" right at the halfway point. One with a perfect little portrait of a fox.

I started looking for them on my morning hikes. Then I started painting my own. My first attempt was supposed to be a sunflower and looked more like a fried egg. I hid it anyway, under a fern near the creek.

Two weeks later, I found a new rock beside mine. It said: "Love your egg!" with a smiley face.

There's a whole quiet conversation happening on that trail now between people who've never met. Rocks that say "Look up!" "Keep going!" "The view is worth it!" I don't know who started it. I hope they know how many people they've made smile.