The Heart Rock Collective

Heart(s) in Focus - Creativeheart: inspired from nature, created from the heart

2011-05-17T16:48:00.000-07:00

'Hearts in Focus' is a weekly post that will highlight the latest images and stories related to matters of the heart, as well as introduce you to our newest members and contributors at the HRC.

It's always a blessing to meet and hear from other kindred spirits who love collecting, photographing and writing about heart rocks and heart-shaped images as much as I do.

Enjoy one of our latest additions to the Heart Rock Collective...

Creativeheart ~ inspired from nature, created from the heart

What would you do...how far would you go to pursue the desires of your heart? How much would you be willing to sacrifice to listen to and follow where your heart leads?

In her beautiful and delightfully inspiring book entitled, "Love is Everywhere", Tracy Kelly offers a visual smorgasbord of images and thoughts from the heart as experienced along her personal journey of following her heart's desires.

"After a trip to Europe in 2008 in which I followed my heart, I created a little inspirational photo book called Love is Everywhere...all about following your heart with some of the hearts I found on my journey.

I passionately believe in getting the message out that our hearts are our teachers and guides, and that we should follow their guidance for a loving and joyful life."

Check out her beautiful photography and natural handmade gifts, inspired by nature and created from the heart.

Many blessings,
Kimberly

Heart shaped rocks are better than rock shaped hearts

2011-03-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Toni Hemminger for sharing her story of seeing hearts in Nature...

"Wow... where to start, I have been collecting heart rocks for many, many years and my family and friends are now adding to my collection. Actually my sister in Magnolia Texas started her own collection recently. I not only collect heart rocks, I take photos of hearts in nature. I have included a photo of a heart on the side of the Brazos mountain in New Mexico.

Also an oil stain on my driveway.

They are everywhere!! My nephew Ethan (6) and; niece Grace (5) are the expert heart finders in my family. My daughter found the most perfect heart rock for me on a camp trip that she was able to bring back with her its about the size of a dime.

The second to last photo above was a heart she found on a backpacking trip that she was not able to bring back, but she got the photo!!

J's Heart

The most memorable story I have is from July of 2010. My daughter transferred from UNM in Albuquerque, NM to Humboldt University in Arcata, California. She is my only child and 1356 miles was a very long way away for her to be away from me as I have a medical condition and cannot fly. So I drove out, following her and her boyfriend to make sure she would be ok there. We had an awesome time on the trip but when we got there we found out the house they were supposed to be renting had been let out to someone else the day before so my daughter was basically homeless. I about lost it, they needed to find a place to live and I was on my own for 3 days. So I headed to the beach. It was socked in with fog the entire time I was there but I didn't mind it was only my second trip to the ocean so I was mesmerized and low and behold as soon as I hit the beach the first thing I saw was a heart rock in the sand. I spent hours beachcombing finding bits of shells, drift wood and I found over 50 heart rocks in my time there.

A man and his wife were sitting in the parking area eating lunch and the man walked out on the beach to ask me what in the world I was finding and I had just found the best heart rock ever (the last picture attached) so I just held out my hand and put it in his palm, he just stared at it then looked at me and said WOW its a heart! I said yeah isn't it amazing? You will need to come find your own :O) My daughter called me that afternoon and said are you meeting us for dinner? I had been on the beach for 6 hours totally missing lunch. It was very hard leaving her there without a home but they were camping on the beach and in a KOA for about 2 weeks before they found a place. I think that God kept me busy on the beach and gave me hearts so that I would know that she would be safe there.

I see hearts everywhere in the clouds, wood, pavement & I know I will continue to see them. The world is still full of love

Parking Lot Heart

Emma's Heart

Tawnya's Heart

The world is still full of love. I saw this quote somewhere... Heart shaped rocks are better than rock shaped hearts.... So true!!

Heart Dogs and Heart Rocks...

2010-12-04T07:05:00.000-08:00

Hunde Haus of Hope, British Columbia, CA contacted the Heart Rock Collective to share her heart rock story with us. An avid lover of canine critters, Hunde discovers her first heart rocks on a wilderness adventure with her beloved *heart dog* Jack. Read her story on her blog, Hunde Haus: Strolling Through Life One Paw at a Time.

Home is Where the Heart Is...1 year later

2010-10-16T03:42:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love happy endings -- the kind that moves your spirit, makes you swallow hard and catch your breath as a burst of joy washes through you?

Some of you may remember last December's posting, Home is Where the Heart Is from Greg Sarles. He shared the poignant story of the tragic loss of his parent's cabin, "a home away from home." One of things that made this place special was the heart rock embedded in the hearth. Greg reached out to the Heart Rock Collective to share his story and ask where he might find a replacement heart rock. One of our HRC readers reached out to him and offered him the gift of some of her heart rocks. Open Hearts...giving and receiving.

A few months ago, I received another email from Greg. Reading this one left me with a warm feeling and a permanent smile etched in my heart. Here's the rest of the story as Greg tells it:

Kimberly:

One of your reader's (I believe that her name was Jenna) sent a gift of two-heart
rocks and a "Heart-Rocks" book to me this past December after you had posted
the story of my parents cabin fire. I in-turn presented Jenna's gifts to my parents at
Christmas. My usually reserved parents both reacted with sincere joy and hope in
receiving such a thoughtful gift. I just want to express my thanks to you and Jenna
for sharing your heart and hearts!

I have included a couple of photos of the hearts solid in their new hearth.

Sincerely,
Greg Sarles

PS...Hear is the original story...

In 1990 my parents built the cabin of their dreams on Ten-Mile Lake in

Northern Minnesota. The most amazing feature of the cabin was the

field-stone fireplace rising from the floor to the ceiling 25 feet overhead.

We spent hours looking for faces, animals, and hidden objects within the

rocks of this majestic fireplace. In the middle of the fireplace was a beautiful

heart-shaped stone that my mother had insisted that the builders center in the

rock formation.

This past weekend, the cabin burned to the ground. Only the fireplace stands intact.

But the intense heat caused a majority of the rocks to explode, shatter, or crack.

Although all of the personal belongings and family heirlooms in the house were

lost, we feel extremely blessed that no one was home at the time of the fire,

especially considering that the entire family was planning on spending the holidays

together at the cabin this coming weekend.

The cabin was insured and a new structure will soon replace the former, but the

"broken-heart" pictured is very symbolic of the loss. I would love to surprise my

mom with another heart-shaped stone which she could use to anchor the new cabin.

Please contact me if you know of where I could purchase such a heart!

'I Got the Blues...'

2010-06-14T18:10:00.000-07:00

Found this heart rock at Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge in Concord, MA. (Took a little artistic license with the image)

Heart Rock Sculptures...

2010-06-02T04:44:00.000-07:00

Hi, I've collected heart shaped rocks from around the world, and after gathering several thousand of them, I wanted to display them in a way I could enjoy them. Here are some of the results. ~ Rives McDow (April 19, 2010)

To see more of Rive's work....check out his sculptures on flickr.

Collective Garden of Serenity

2010-06-02T04:07:00.000-07:00

What am I going to do with all these rocks?

If you're a voracious rock collector, like myself, you've probably pondered this question many times.

The idea of a desk 'rock garden' emerged one day at work with my desire to create a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere for our clients and colleagues upon first entering our office suite. Someplace to relax...a place of refuge from the demands of the work day.

It started with a few simple rocks...you know how that goes. The 'rock' garden continued to grow as colleagues and friends dropped by the office with gifts of rocks and shells from their vacation and travels. When someone asked about where I found all these rocks, I'd smile and then begin to share the stories behind each rock.

My former colleague, Barbara, told me that as she trekked through the deserts of Arizona, she remembered my love of rocks. She slipped a few precious finds in her backpack to bring back for my collection.

Strangers would pass by my office window; stop to admire the garden and a few would venture into the office to share their passion for rocks.

One colleague joked that soon my desk will be covered in rocks and there would be no desktop to work (yes! that is my plan ;)

How do you share your 'heart' rocks? We'd love to see/hear how you spread the love with your collections...please send your stories to heartrockcollective@gmail.com.

For where your treasure is there is your heart...

2010-03-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Shelley Stejer for sharing her 'heart rock' story with us on the Heart Rock Collective.

Found all these in about an hour without even looking, and about 8 more later. Every time I looked down, there were more. I keep wondering what this means. I found them the day we purchased and took ownership of a small piece of land on a lake. They were all found right at the entrance to the land in front of the gate :)

Shelly Stejer

Grace in Rocks

2010-03-12T06:27:00.000-08:00

A beautiful reminder that thoughtful gestures 'with heart' and from the heart offer grace to the giver and receiver. Read Jane Kovacs heart rock story...Grace in Rocks.

Home is Where the Heart Is...

2009-12-22T16:35:00.000-08:00

The Heart Rock Collective (HRC) ~ A Blog with Heart(s)

Greg Sarles emailed the HRC to share this poignant story of the tragic loss of his family's home. Nothing touches the human heart more deeply than the loss of one's dreams, priceless memories and the treasured place one calls "home".

This Christmas season, my wish for Greg and his family is one of hope for the future. May they rebuild their new home upon a solid foundation of loving memories and long sought after dreams. Home is where the heart is...

In 1990 my parents built the cabin of their dreams on Ten-Mile Lake in Northern Minnesota. The most amazing feature of the cabin was the field-stone fireplace rising from the floor to the ceiling 25 feet overhead. We spent hours looking for faces, animals, and hidden objects within the rocks of this majestic fireplace. In the middle of the fireplace was a beautiful heart-shaped stone that my mother had insisted that the builders center in the rock formation.

This past weekend, the cabin burned to the ground. Only the fireplace stands intact. But the intense heat caused a majority of the rocks to explode, shatter, or crack. Although all of the personal belongings and family heirlooms in the house were lost, we feel extremely blessed that no one was home at the time of the fire, especially considering that the entire family was planning on spending the holidays together at the cabin this coming weekend.

The cabin was insured and a new structure will soon replace the former, but the "broken-heart" pictured is very symbolic of the loss. I would love to surprise my mom with another heart-shaped stone which she could use to anchor the new cabin. Please contact me if you know of where I could purchase such a heart!

Sincerely,
Greg Sarles

==============================================

What better Christmas gift to give than to share one's heart. Any Heart Rock Collector who would like to share a "heart" with Greg, please contact the heartrockcollective@gmail.com!!

Healing a Broken Heart...Tasmanian style

2009-08-06T16:59:00.000-07:00

The Heart Rock Collective ~ A Blog with Heart(s)

Benny, another heart-rock collector from the 'Land Down Under' shares this powerful story of how a Tasmanian 'get-away' offered solace and peace for a broken heart...

"Oh wow, in response to Troy... As it happens I've lived in Wollongong for 7 years and recently I had my heart broken in many places, not so much by a lover, but by 'life'... everything that could was going wrong... So a friend in Tasmania suggested I could visit for as long as I needed. The town in Tassie is on the beach. I decided to explore the beach with my old dog and I was surprised to see a lovely heart shaped rock. I took that as a lovely gift from God and nature and took it with me. The next day, I walked along that same beach and everywhere I looked, there were heart shaped rocks. I collected another 3. Two days later I decided to take my dog to another beach and I went back to my friends place with my arms loaded with heart shaped rocks of much bigger size! In all, in 4 days, without even trying, I collecetd 17 heart shaped rocks from just a few centimetres across to some quite hefty ones... but the most amazing one is one that I found just a couple of days ago, same beach, which looked so real in colour, size, shape and proportion that I actually squirmed as the surf washed over it and touched it's blood red shape... I hoped I wasn't seeing a real heart that someone had dropped on the beach, improbably from the butcher or something grizzly... and I quickly poked it, fully expecting it to wobble like the real thing, but, it was just, thank goodness, another rock! The interesting thing is that I lived in Wollongong and I just love it there, but nothing was working out... I came to Tassie where I have no intention of staying forever, and yet, I have found a quiet peace here and a whole collection of heart shaped rocks!"

Give Your Heart(s) Away...

2009-07-05T15:09:00.000-07:00

After days of never-ending rain, this afternoon offered a refreshing change with its endless blue skies, billowing cotton clouds and golden sunshine -- the perfect day! I spent the afternoon enjoying the quiet beauty of Great Meadows Wild Life Refuge (Concord, MA). Along the trail, bordering the wetlands, the cattails swayed in the gentle breeze as the sound of the marsh wrens filled the air.

Nature offers just the right balance of solitude, joy and beauty to soothe the weary soul...and sometimes unexpected treasures turn up. I found three heart rocks (pictured above); each one -- uniquely shaped -- reminding me that love is present all around. Whether the shape of your heart is worn down and hardened by the harshness of life; a little rough around the edges or open and full of love, the message remains the same...if you want to receive love, give some away.

Love is a decision.

So...I made a decision.

I gave away my heart(s) today in hopes that someone in a need of love will happen upon these little heart rocks tucked away in the marshes of Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge awaiting discovery.

Peaceful Blessings to all, may God continually shower you with His love in unexpected ways.

~ Kimberly
--------------

My profession is always to be alert, to find God in nature, to know God's lurking places, to attend to all the oratorios and the operas in nature. ~ Henry David Thoreau

You will find something more in woods than in books. Trees and stones will teach you that which you can never learn from masters. ~ Saint Bernard

Labor of Love

2009-07-04T07:27:00.001-07:00

If you believe in love, love can move mountains...even giant 'heart rocks'.

A heavy equipment operator discovered this 'gem' (his favorite among many cool rocks found at his work-sites) and brought it home to become part of a beautiful waterfall (pictured above) that he built for his in-laws.

Thanks to David A. Perry of Connecticut for contributing this heart rock story and reminding us that 'hearts' are moved by love.

HiddenTreasures...Hearts bound by Love

2009-05-17T19:04:00.000-07:00

A beautiful and moving story a family's unique discovery of hidden treasures that speak of the love that binds...hearts shared...across time. Thanks to Liz for sharing her story with us...

My mother lived in the Virgin Islands for most of her later years. When she passed, my sisters and I cleaned her home from top to bottom leaving nothing but a mop outside and a few items that the new owners might appreciate.

When my husband and I traveled to the island for an anniversary vacation, we decided to see what the house now looked like 3 years later. Approaching the house a bit nervous, because I was fearful of an onslaught of emotion, we found the house exactly as we left it, mop and all and falling apart. I checked all the doors and found only one to be unlocked. The apartment below was open and there sitting on the table was a small box with something white sticking out. I cleaned this place and left NOTHING when we left earlier. I had no idea where this box came from and why it had my moms handwriting on the outside. Looking in I was flabbergasted. There sitting gently side by side were 31 different heart shaped pieces of white coral. All shapes, all sizes. I was beside myself. Not only did I not know where these came from, that my mother ever collected these beautiful finds, but my sisters too had no idea. The only thing we could think of was how she had always had a basic theme to her home- everything was white (furniture, kitchen, marble floor etc., and you splash vibrant color all around.) She must have found these stones/ coral in her travels around the world and kept them to herself somewhere unknown to us. How they ended up back in her home long after she had passed and the house was sold is a mystery.

This story would be something in and of itself, but what she and my sisters and no one else knew, was that my son and I have been collecting heart shaped rocks for the last 13 years and only we know about it. Pretty wild huh....

WELL....there is one last part to this story....

My mom is buried on the property, and we wanted to visit her too. she was buried in an above ground site. A stone wall with name plate in the front and cement top. Common in the south. I went up to visit her and to leave an orchid and one of the coral hearts we found. When sitting there I looked over to the right where the stone mason who built the wall and sealed her in must have flicked the remnants of cement on his shovel off, and there was a small perfectly shaped heart made out of the cement. With that I lost it. I retrieved the heart and took home so many wonders and questions. My mother and I were more alike than I knew and we have this one special bond that will always warm me when I look on at them all mounted for me and others to see in my home. My son and I continue to collect and love knowing it is just for us to do. Our little something....

Thank you for letting me share this with you. I hope others enjoy it as much as I love sharing it.

Liz

The Law of Attraction: A Magnet for Heart Rocks

2009-05-14T20:02:00.001-07:00

Troy, our heart-rocker, from Australia, knows how to find heart rocks. Learn his 'secret' to successful heart rock finds as he recounts this sequel to his previous post, Somebody Mend This Broken Heart.

The next couple of weeks following the finding of that broken heart rock, I decided to look for more heart rocks and walked down the same beach and the adjacent pebbly beach a couple more times. As I have recently taken an interest in The Secret and The Law Of Attraction, I put the law of attraction into practice to find more heart rocks and indeed I have found several more heart rocks including two that are perfectly shaped into hearts (one being of petrified wood), I have gladly taken these heart rocks and kept them in my collection of other rocks of interest I've picked up off the beaches. Also to my amazement I went to my local Woolworths supermarket to do grocery shopping and when I was getting some potatoes I found a siameze potato which was heart shaped and I bought it with the other potatoes. Anyhow here's some photos of my heart rock collection and potato heart.

Cheers
Troy

Somebody Mend this Broken Heart!

2009-04-25T11:35:00.000-07:00

How would you respond if you encountered a broken heart (rock)? Yours or someone else? What would you do?

Compelled to take action, Troy Walters, a fellow heart rocker from the 'Land Down Under' shares with us his response...

Hi my name is Troy, an Aussie who takes interest in the oddities that nature presents to me and during my walk on North Beach in Wollongong, NSW, Australia I came across a blue grey heart shaped rock that was broken diagonally in two, I guess some teenager must of pegged it against another rock with intent to break this heart for kicks. Anyhow it's a shame it was broken but yet I was fascinated how perfectly this rock was shaped into a heart so I took some photos and I felt compelled to write a message in the sand for this rock so I wrote in the sand "Somebody mend this broken heart!" as the first thing that came to mind was that classic Bee Gees ballad "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart" and I photographed it. I didn't take it with me as it symbolizes a broken heart and I'd probably would feel broken hearted hehehehe, nah I felt it would be better left at the beach with the message and it will be interesting to wonder how many beach walkers would see the rock and message and what their reactions to it will be. Anyhow I decided to google heart rocks out of curiosity and I came across your blog spot displaying other peoples heart rock discoveries and their stories so I thought I'd share my story too.

Cheers
Troy

I will give you a new heart...

2009-02-28T19:14:00.000-08:00

A gift from the sea...

Tossed upon the rocky shores of Rye, NH, tumbled by the tumultuous waves, a heart, once lost... is found again. Love prevails. God’s unfailing love sent special delivery…through this gift from the sea.

Ezekiel 36:26
And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

~ Kimberly

Hearts in Focus - 2/27/2009

2009-02-26T18:48:00.001-08:00

'Hearts in Focus' - A monthly addition to the HRC that will highlight newbies to the Heart Rock Collective. If you stumble upon an intriguing post, story and/or resource pertaining to heart rocks in your virtual travels, please forward the link and/or url so that I can add them to our collective and extend a 'Hearty' welcome.

Please enjoy the latest sites of hearts found and shared...

Heart Centered Blogs:
Kitty's Heart of Nature blog

Gifts from/for the Heart:
Kitty's Heart of Nature Etsy Shop

Romancing the Stone...Adventures in the Namib Desert

2009-02-23T20:21:00.000-08:00

A heart rock story guaranteed to make your heart swoon!

Glenn McCrea shares this touching account of his adventures trekking through the Namib desert in South Africa. Determined to fulfill his dream of finding a heart rock for his wife, he refused to leave empty handed...how far would you travel to find love?

Nambian Heart Rock

Hello,

I discovered your site today and decided to share my best heart rock story.

My wife, Deborah, has been a seeker and collector of heart-shaped rocks for many years. Whenever we are out in the wilds we keep our eyes peeled for specimens to add to her extensive collection. Back in December 2000, I spent several weeks visiting my brother, who was working in South Africa at the time. While there, we made a road trip up into Namibia to the Sossusvlei area (http://wikitravel.org/en/Sossusvlei) in the Namib desert.

This area is famous for its huge red sand dunes. The plain below the dunes is littered with the most fascinating weathered black rock, which I believe is dolomite. The surface of all the rocks has been carved by eons of wind, and each rock has the texture of a dark Haas avocado.

When I saw these amazing rocks, I fantasized about finding a heart-shaped rock made out of this unusual stone to give as a gift to my wife. I searched for the two days we were there, and just as my brother and I were leaving the area, I asked him to pull over so I could make one more search. It was late morning and very hot, so he sat under a tree while I wandered out in the full sun trying to fulfill my dream of finding the perfect heart rock for my wife.

When I look back on the find I made, it seems almost like I conjured the rock out of the ethers. It was so perfect that it looked like someone had placed it there for me to find. I believe it is the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me.

The next time I had a chance, I telephoned my wife from Namibia to tell her that I had a special rock for her, and that if somehow the plane crashed on my way home, she should make sure they combed through the rubble to try to find it. Luckily, that wasn't necessary, and I lived to see the incredulity on her face when she first saw it. The rock measures 5" across by 4" top to bottom and is 1.5" thick.

Glenn McCrea

Santa Rosa, California

mccrelliott@earthlink.net

Check out Glenn's website www.dewdropworld.com
~beautiful nature photography seen up close & personal~

Peace, Love and Be Happy!

2009-02-20T20:00:00.000-08:00

We all need love...to know that someone cares about us...that someone is watching over us. Signs of love surround us. A young woman from Long Island, N.Y. shares From the Heart -- a story of how signs of love transcend time and place...

Friday, February 20, 2009

"Gab & her big rock"

"I am seventeen years old H.S. senior from Long Island, NY. In celebration of From the Heart month at the Long Island Children's Museum my exhibit titled "Peace, love and bee happy" is a collection of 25 of my favorite photographs and my entire heart rock collection. I have never counted but I might have 40 heart shape stones which I have found where I live (N.Shore of L.I.). and since my Grandmother's passing eight years ago I keep stumbling upon heart shaped objects. I believe they are I love you's from my Grandma so I started photographing and collecting them. One day while walking on the beach I looked up and said "OK Grandma!! Show me a sign" attached is a photo of myself with the rock I found that day!"

Happy Heart Rock Day!

2009-02-14T19:35:00.000-08:00

Happy 'Heart Rock Day' to all my fellow Heart Rock Enthusiasts!

I received an email from Oriana Green, a fellow heart rock collector, who requested a link back to her blog, Green Meditations: meditation on nature as a spiritual and creative path.

On her site you'll find beautiful images of nature, information on how to meditate, spiritual/inspirational quotes and the following two stories of her heart rock discoveries. Enjoy!

Found-and-Lost

http://greenmeditations.com/found-and-lost

The Earth is my Valentine

http://greenmeditations.com/

A peaceful heart...

2009-02-13T19:26:00.000-08:00

John Pettygrove shares with us this beautiful story of his wife's discovery that heart rocks can soothe the troubled soul...

"My wife had breast cancer two years ago and for therapy, she would look for heart rocks and it has become a passion. We have turned it into something we share with others as I have been able to incorporate them into displays. Her awareness started a year before we met, when a painter dropped his paint brush while painting her house two stories high and it hit a rock on the ground and made a perfect heart. Then after this, her printer would spontaneously print out a sheet with a small heart in the upper left corner. I know looking for heart rocks has given her peace during a difficult time and she found what I have not been able to give in these rocks. I have given her your web site but wanted to share her story."

Heart Rock displays
www.rockymountainmetalscapes.com

First Heart Rock Story of 2009...

2009-01-01T14:22:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all our Heart Rock Enthusiasts!!

I was delighted to come home this afternoon to discover an email from a reader who stumbled upon our blog and offered these beautiful heart rock images to add to our collection! How lovely and precious to find a heart rock...doubly blessed! God truly showers us with His extravagant love. Please enjoy the first of what I hope will be many heart rock stories shared with the HRC for 2009.

Received January 1, 2009

"Over 25 years ago, I found solace in this double-sided heart rock found at Pavillion Beach. I have always thought of the first image as the "front" and the second as the "back". Enjoy!"

Hearts 'n Sync

2008-12-29T17:47:00.000-08:00

I was delighted to find my heart 'n sink with God while doing my dishes tonight :-) Just what I needed to lighten my spirits...heart bubbles! God always surprises me!

Delight yourself in the LORD,
and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD,
trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.
~ Psalm 37:4,5

A Child is Born...

2008-12-24T18:04:00.000-08:00

For unto Us a Child is born
Unto Us a Son is given
And the government shall be upon His shoulder
And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor,
The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
- Isaiah 9:6

"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord"
~ Luke 2:11

Merry Christmas! May your hearts fill to overflowing with the promise of hope for better days ahead, renewed hearts and minds and restored relationships with family and friends.

Blessings of God's peace,
Kimberly

Hearts in Focus - 11/10/2008

2008-11-10T18:35:00.000-08:00

'Hearts in Focus' - Please enjoy the latest updates from fellow Heart Rock enthusiasts...

Newsletters with Heart & Soul:

Found Heart's Newsletter
Check out Rick Ruggle's newsletter to learn more about his new photograph collections. Just in time for the Holidays...give a gift of the heart from the heart.
Subscribe

LovingBlind Productions Newsletter
Josie Iselin continues her soulful work in sharing her special vision of seeing the beauty in the gifts found in the earth, sea and all that surrounds us. Subscribe to her newsletter and keep up-to-date on her latest books and projects.
Subscribe

Heart stones hold precious memories...

2008-11-02T18:58:00.000-08:00

"... found these on the river bank of the Ct. river in Northern N.H. before my Mom died...they are a source of great comfort, until next time....Gert"

Thanks to Gert Cote (Western, MA) for reminding us that our 'roots' (the people and places that shaped us) remain forever in our hearts. Welcome to the Heart Rock Collective, Gert!

To see more of Gert's collection, check out her heart rock stories and images over on Josie Iselin's blog.

Heart Shaped Rock in Memory of a Fallen Agent

2008-10-26T12:22:00.000-07:00

I always love to receive emails from people who offer a piece of their hearts. The following email was received from Frances O'Connor on October 23, 2008...

I do not have an image to share at this moment, but pursuing a quest of over twenty years, last week I picked up a rock at the site of where my younger brother transitioned over 3 months ago in upstate N.Y. It had a piece off the top and looked like a broken heart. He was too young to die at age 62. He was a Criminal Investigator for ICE (Homeland Security). They are still investigating his death. A moment ago I went to look for the rock and panicked when I couldn't find it from my trip, but a prayer to St. Anthony quickly solved that.

Fran

Hearts in Focus - 9/13/2008

2008-09-12T16:24:00.000-07:00

'Hearts in Focus' - A weekly addition to the HRC that will highlight newbies to the Heart Rock Collective. If you stumble upon an intriguing post, story and/or resource pertaining to heart rocks in your virtual travels, please forward the link and/or url so that I can add them to our collective and extend a 'Hearty' welcome.

Please enjoy the latest tales of hearts found and shared...

Writings from the Heart:

Cheryl-Anne Millsap is a staff writer for The Spokesman-Review and writes a weekly post on her blog, Home Planet. I discovered two articles she penned for the Spokesman Review a few years ago about her personal experiences collecting heart rocks and the flood of stories she received from others who shared a similar passion.
Take Moment to Cherish Love on the Rocks - March 20, 2006
Many Memories are Embedded in Hearts of Stone - April 3, 2006

Virtual Heart Heart Projects:

Hearts from All over the World

A beautiful testimony...this website chronicles one family's journey of discovering and observing heart rocks and shapes. After the passing of a loved, heart rocks and heart shapes became a way for each of them to honor the memory of their loved one and to celebrate and enjoy the love found in each moment.

Join a 'Heart' Centered Group:

Pawn Shop Hearts - Pawn Shop Hearts is a public collective of heart-shaped images discovered from all corners of the world.

Hearty Blogs:

Jim and Lea - Heart Rocks at Cradle

Matters of the Heart - Quotes & Inspirations:

"Let a man set his heart only on doing the will of God and he is instantly free. If we understand our first and sole duty to consist of loving God supremely and loving everyone, even our enemies, for God's dear sake, then we can enjoy spiritual tranquility under every circumstance." ~ A. W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God

Many blessings,
Kimberly

Allow Me to Explain: Collections

2008-09-11T19:41:00.000-07:00

Hello, HRC Readers,

Please welcome the most recent addition to the Heart Rock Collective:

Nisha from TX shares her heart-warming stories about family, farm life and the treasured memories and lessons embedded in ordinary moments in her sojourn through life.

Check out her blog and read about her Collections of Heart Rocks:
Allow Me To Explain: A wife and mom trying to keep the memories fresh

**Please send prayers for Nisha and her family for safety, God's protection and blessing as Hurricane Ike heads towards landfall on the Texas coast.

Special Delivery...

2008-09-02T16:02:00.000-07:00

Early morning light gently brushed across my face to awaken me this morning. Fleeting thoughts of a dream flickered in and out ...my mind grasping to piece together the wisps of memory dancing close to the edge of my consciousness...just out of reach. I dreamt about Andrea, my sister, last night. I awoke with an ache in my heart...I missed her.

Over the weekend, I'd spent hours pouring through dusty boxes of letters from friends and family - some dating back 30 years. Most of the them penned in the familiar graceful strokes by my sister. Letters flowed back and forth between us across the miles and years...She'd been on my mind since this weekend. Over the last few years, life circumstances changed the frequency and means of our communication.

Recently, a family reunion beckoned me home to the shores of the Peninsula in Erie, PA (my Mom's hometown). My sister didn't attend; I'd desperately wanted to see her, but respected the choice she made. I sent her a beautiful heart rock that I found on the sandy shores of Lake Erie to let her know I loved her; that across the miles in spirit we remained connected.

When I arrived home this evening, my eyes fell immediately to a yellow package stuffed into the mailbox. A quiet voice rose up within me...it's from Andrea - special delivery. Hesitantly, I opened the package not sure what to expect, not wanting to be reminded of the deep ache of missing her. Five years have passed since we've been together as a family. Pictures and occasional letters keep me updated on their lives, though I always want more.

A short note tucked into a pocket size book enclosed a picture of my beautiful little niece Nicole. She's growing up so fast...taller and more beautiful than I remembered. A quick note jotted on floral stationary expressed my sister's appreciation of the heart rock I'd sent her. A few lines caught me up on her daily life these past few weeks. Just enough connection to feel the love closing the distance I'd felt between us. As I turned over the small book in a my hand, a smile crept to my face. While shopping one day, the book Heart Stones by Josie Iselin caught her eye. She thought I'd enjoy it. (The book is a wonderful collection of heart stone images. Josie captures the beauty and universal appeal of the heart stones and the 'messages' offered in each.)

Ironically, my sister and niece share the same passion for heart rocks. For last decade, they've collected heart-shaped rocks. It amazes me that our connection remains so strong...one that transcends time and boundaries. Across the miles, two hearts forever share the bonds of family, sisterhood and love.

Heart Rocks...

2008-09-01T09:34:00.000-07:00

Discovered a new blog called 'Reflections on Being Present' by Jenna from Nashville, TN. Her first post offers a personal reflection about the meaning of the heart rocks discovered during an important period of transformation in her life...

'Heart Rocks' ~ Reflections on Being Present (Jenna's Blog)

A Heart for Grampa...

2008-08-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

Email received from Jean in Marshfield, MA on Sunday, August 24, 2008
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My story...

"My dad has been in the hospital for three weeks now. He went in for hip replacement surgery and has suffered one complication after another. At one point he needed to be put on a ventilator. As I was getting ready to go to the hospital one day, my daughter chose one of my many heart rocks and asked me to bring it to Grampa. It was picked specifically because the shape would be obvious to him if he held it in his hand! So, I brought it to him and placed it in his hand. I told him it was a heart rock form my daughter. For days I would check to make sure the nurses were keeping it in his hand. One day when I came in I noticed that since it kept falling out of his hand, one of the nurses had taped it on his bed right next to his head. It has been with him ever since."

Jean
Heart Rockin' Family: www.frecklesfilledwithlove.blogspot.com

Padova, Italy - Hearts in Stone

2008-08-23T05:45:00.000-07:00

Email received from Jan, Connecticut on Saturday, August 23, 2008
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My daughter just spent the summer studying in Padova, Italy. The tiny cobblestone street in front of where she was staying had some heart rocks, and someone painted them all red. What a pleasant way to be greeted each morning as she set out for class!

Jan in Connecticut

PS I found your site through polly-vous francais

More than Meets the Eye

2008-08-22T19:34:00.000-07:00

Email received from Neha of Kolkata, India on Friday, August 22, 2008
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Hi!

I'm Neha from Kolkata, India and let me just tell you that I was absolutely elated when I came across your blog....here's my little heart rock and its story :)

REWIND. . .Unbound and unleashed..Rethought from A to Z...Pages turned incessantly..In hopes of finding ME...
http://rewoundreflections.blogspot.com/2008/08/more-than-meets-eye.html

hope to hear more stories!!
thanks again :)

Found Hearts by Rick Ruggles ~ videos

2008-08-09T19:17:00.000-07:00

You may remember one of my earlier posts (Feb) hightlighting the beautiful images of Found Hearts by Rick Ruggles. His photographic work reflects the beauty and love that surrounds us ~ primarly heart-shapes found in nature. Recently, I checked out his website for updated information about a gallery exhibit he had earlier this year. New additions to his site include the following two videos (worth watching!):

Saville Gallery Show 2008
Interview on Maryland Public TV

Heart Rocks of Alaska: Nature's Valentines

2008-08-05T18:49:00.000-07:00

While conducting my daily internet search to network with other heart rock enthusiasts, I came across this delightful video, "Heart Rocks of Alaska: Nature's Valentines" produced by Evan Steinhauser. Evan works as a photojournalist in Alaska, surrounded by the majestic beauty of God's creation. His first heart rock encounter occurred on a daily hike through the Chugach State Park near Eagle River in Alaska. Check out his video to learn more about these amazing 'heart' treasures discovered along his many hikes.

*I contacted Evan and received his permission to include his work on the blog.

Sharing My Heart(s) with Others

2008-08-04T18:47:00.001-07:00

A heavy rainstorm blew in from the west yesterday. Dark, billowing clouds hung draped over the landscape obscuring the clarity of the once crystal china blue skies. It reminded me how life can often feel at times...confused, full of darkness with the threat of storms brewing just ahead. Eventually, though, the storm passes...often with a rainbow to herald the return of sunny skies and a brighter outlook. Out of the confusion and chaos emerges clarity...hope.

Today, I had a breakthrough. I'd recently been praying for guidance and direction with this blog, about what to do with my growing heart rock collection. The clouds of confusion parted and the crystal light of clarity emerged. Quietly...this simple message was heard, "Share your heart(s) with others."

During my lunch break today, I took my usual walk along the Charles River and ended up at my favorite bench. Just before heading back to my office, I bent down to put on my shoes. There amidst the sand and gravel was another tiny heart rock. When I returned to my desk, I carefully placed it in my heart-shaped shell with two other hearts. A beautiful addition to my collection, though I felt a nagging voice inside me urging me to give these away...to share them with someone.

Just then, a colleague interrupted my heart-rock gardening to share some sad news about a colleague's loss of her father. My immediate thought was to give her one of the heart rocks. Offer it as a touchstone...a symbol of love...a remembrance of the love once shared with her father... of the Father's love that is everlasting.

Giving our hearts to another...sharing ourselves...offering love in times of need...this is what matters. God reveals to me each day His love for me...it's poured out in unending measure. In turn, I must pour out this love flowing within me to others. I cannot keep it for myself.

St. Francis Prayer

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love;

for it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

It's a Heart Rock Life!

2008-08-01T16:51:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite movies is Field of Dreams. I love the idea expressed in the line, "If you build it, they'll come." When I started my blog, I hoped that others would join and/or contribute to the collective voice of the blog, sharing their stories and images of heart rocks. A year has passed and I'm overwhelmed at the numbers of people I've met who collect heart rocks and have started blogs, groups and written books expressing this shared passion.

When I logged in after an evening walk (found two heart rocks this time), I was delighted to read a post from another Heart Rock lover...all the way from California!

I'd like to introduce you to the latest blog addition to The Heart Rock Collective: It's a Heart Rock Life

Welcome to Sharilyn from California! Check out her blog...read her heart rock story; read her inspirational writings; meditate on her visual snapshots of everyday life which speaks of God's beauty surrounding us. Look around you to witness His creation, look within to experience His love and grace.

Birthday Wishes!

2008-07-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow's my birthday! Thursday, July 31st. My birthday wish for the coming year is for God to continue to change and transform my heart. I pray that anything that blocks me from giving and receiving love be removed...let the barriers, the hurts and wounds be healed by God's loving mercy and grace. May I have a heart for service, a heart for healing, a heart for worship and a heart to share with others.

Since returning from my vacation, heart rocks appear in my travels on a daily basis. Wherever I look, I find one or two hearts. What's really curious is that many of them I find in the cracks in the sidewalk. Very tiny heart stones tucked quietly amidst the cracks...how odd...why do I find so many of them here? Want to know my theory? The souls that need love the most, to know that they are loved, usually walk downcast eyes, shoulders slumped weary by the burdens of the day. They're more likely to see them. God seems to be leading me to do more with my heart rocks...not just collect them, catalog them and photograph them, but to share them with others - to share the important messages contained in the heart rocks themselves. I pray that God continues to lead and direct the purpose of this blog and my passion for work with transformation of the heart and spirit. May my heart continue to open to the love around me that I might share it with others.

Blessings,
Kimberly

Finding Love in the Swiss Alps

2008-07-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

While trekking up the trail from Gimmewald to the alpine village of Mürren, I discovered the heart rock pictured above. Another reminder of the abundance of God's love...wherever I go (far or near) love reveals itself in unending glory.

Highlights of the mountain trek included: breathtaking vistas, breathing in fresh mountain air, languishing in the beauty of the lush green valleys, hearing the chorus of bells as cows grazed lazily along the hillsides, feeling the deep sense of peaceful stillness of the surrounding mountains...moments and memories not to be missed!

Breaking Hearts in Salzburg, Austria

2008-07-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

Spent a day exploring Salzburg, Austria. A city rich in history ~ known for the birthplace of Mozart; the setting for the Sound of Music; the stunningly beautiful Mirabel Gardens and quaint tightly packed streets with Baroque architecture. A virtual feast for the eyes and ears. Trekking up the hillside to see the twelfth century Hohensalzburg Fortress, my brother and I spied these heart rocks along the trail.

Hearts on High in the Swiss Alps

2008-07-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

Just returned from an amazing 2 week vacation which included a 10-day road trip from Sweden to Italy. During the early part of the trip, we traveled through the Swiss Alps. Lush green valleys blanketed the landscape set amidst rising sheer monuments of incredible beauty. We stayed overnight in a quaint little town called Wengen (accessible only by train). The next day, as we meandered through the Alps headed towards Italy, I caught sight of this heart shape carved out of the snow on the side of the mountain! My brother quickly snapped this image as we rounded a curve down the mountain.

Wherever you go...love is...

Hej, Buon Giorno, Hallo, Guten Tag!

2008-07-22T14:18:00.000-07:00

Marstrand Island, Svergie

Hej from Svergie! Just arrived in Göteborg again after a 10 day road trip to Italy with my brother Chris and his partner TJ! What an amazing adventure...my first experience traveling abroad! Found many heart rocks along my journey...will post pictures and stories of my travels when I return to Boston. God blessed me with His love and grace throughout the trip...despite myself. I didn't realize how scared I would feel stepping out of my daily routine into a fast paced foreign adventure.

The journey began with a heart rock discovery and hopefully will end with one. My friend Kelly arrived at my apartment on Friday, July 11th to take me to the airport. A little overwhelmed by the thought of traveling, I made a last minute sweep of the apartment making sure that I'd packed everything. When I heard her car pull in the driveway, I was still packing! We grabbed my luggage and headed out of the apartment...the door closing signaled the start of my adventure. While loading the luggage in the car, a sparkle on the pavement caught my eye. Bending down for closer inspection, I noticed the sparkle was a tiny blackish colored rock trimmed with a thin white edge. How perfect! - a heart rock for my departure. Caught up in my 'heart rock' swoon, I rambled on to Kelly about the 'symbolism' and serendipity of the moment. As she shifted into drive ready to pull out, a vague sense of dread washed over me...where was the plastic ziploc bag that I'd had in my hand before leaving the apartment? The one with that I'd thought I grabbed before I shut the door...the one with my housekey and the important papers I needed regarding my flight...the one that was still sitting on my wooden chopping block...in my apartment. AARGH! My mind whirled as I attempted to remain calm and rationale. Panic flooded in...my flight, I'd never make! How would I get into my apartment? Breaking in wasn't an option - my landlady agreed with me ;-) when I called and mentioned that I'd considered this option. I asked her if she had a spare key to my apt. Thank god, she did! One problem. I'd need to pick it up at her workplace - 20 minutes away. My friend, Kelly (a godsend) calmly drove the out of the way to pick up the key from my landlady and then circled back home to get the papers. I still managed to catch my flight with time to spare. That's about how the rest of the trip went...kept finding heart rocks, always with a bit of drama attached to each one.

Found my first heart rock in Svergie tonight walking through town. A tiny rubypink colored stone - precious and sweet. Just the little reminder of love from God that I needed tonight.

Look forward to sharing my hearts from across the miles and hope that you'll keep sharing yours, too!

Hej då, Ciao, Auf Wiedersehen

Stealing Hearts in Malibu

2008-07-07T23:20:00.000-07:00

Large mauve colored heart rock from Malibu Beach, CA (June '07)

A Brother's Love

Last summer, my brother Chris invited me out to southern California for a visit. Finances were tight; I couldn't afford the plane fare. Knowingly, he purchased a ticket for me to fly out (not once, but twice) last year to spend time with him. His heart eclipses the one pictured above. How would you describe someone like my brother? His joie de vrie permeates his whole life. His wisdom exceeds his youth. I marvel at his ability to understand and accept himself - always seeming to move beyond the self-doubts and fears in confident stride. I find his generosity, caring and concern towards others incredibly genuine and selfless. Did we emerge from the same womb? :-)

So...back to my visit...

Everywhere we went in California was a special adventure. The itinerary on one particular day trip included a drive up the coastline -- destination Malibu beach. After a couple of hours spent lolling in the hot shifting sands and walking amidst the pounding surf it was time to pack up and head home. My feet dragged slowly as I headed towards the parking lot. Just one more rock...that's all I wanted to find...just one more. My two-year old inner child emerged ready for a full-on temper tantrum! My face flushed crimson as my selfishness overtook my sensibility. I was determined not to leave empty-handed. I frantically began searching for a heart rock. I told myself that I couldn't leave Malibu without one. My brother 'lovingly' gave me the 20 second "It's time to go!" warning (heart-rock withdrawal started to overtake me). I shot a quick prayer to God hoping to find a BIG heart rock before time ran out. Typically, my prayers to God don't include demands or 'wish lists', but this was a special situation; time was of the essence. A sign post or billboard with a directional would suffice- something unmistakable. An 11th hour miracle prayer never hurts either. Just as we passed an outcropping of rocks, a flash of mauve caught my eye. I thought to myself, "It couldn't be, could it?". I sprinted over to a rock wedged between two others. Just the corner was visible...just enough to pique one's curiosity. One swift tug on the rock did the trick. I flashed a Cheshire grin towards my brother as I hoisted up a HUGE heart-shaped rock. Unbelievable! I stole a few 'hearts' in Malibu ~ Writings from the Heart Rock Collective

Side note: Early this year, Chris and TJ moved to Sweden with the 'girls' Lily & Zoey. Before they even left US soil, an invitation was extended to visit them overseas. So yet another great adventure awaits. This Friday, I'm hopping across the pond for two weeks - itinerary: Road trippin' to Italy. Maybe I'll steal a few 'hearts' in Italy!

Will post again when I return sometime in early August. Happy Heart Rock hunting to all!

Healing Broken Hearts

2008-07-04T22:05:00.000-07:00

When I first began to find heart rocks, my collection resembled a mass of rejects from the Lonely (and Broken) Hearts Club. I was a magnet for attracting 'broken' hearts. Many years later I discovered the message that each broken heart (rock) contained. These symbolized the places within my own heart that needed healing and restoration.

Burdened by years of unresolved anger, failed relationships and unfulfilled dreams, I felt heart-weary and hopeless. Prayer offered me solace; I began to ask God to show His love for me. That's when I began to find heart rocks. At my darkest moments, God offered me the most beautiful heart rocks. I began to share them with friends and family. Bits of joy began to replace the heaviness that weighed on my heart. The more heart rocks I gave away, the more love filtered into my life. Today my heart is full of hope...still healing and becoming whole!

The seeds for this blog were sown by my brother, Chris. I'd begun to write a collection of stories entitled 'Writings from the Heart Rock Collective'. He encouraged me to share the stories of my 'heart rocks' on the web. From this small seed, the collective voices of heart rock lovers emerged. My vision for this blog is to create a virtual community where people can share their heart stories freely, fully and openly.

Keep the Heart Streams flowing! Give away your heart rocks to those who need some love. Help participate in the movement of 'healing hearts' through sharing one heart rock at a time.

Take the Challenge: Put Your Heart On-the-Line

2008-07-03T18:59:00.000-07:00

Challenge #1: Share your heart rock story with us!

Pick one of your favorite heart rocks and share about your experience in discovering it. Where were you? What feelings did you experience when you found it? What did you do with your rock(s)? How long have you been obsessed with finding heart rocks? :-) I started collecting them about 16 years ago. I know there are others besides myself who share this passion! I'd love to hear from you!

I'll share a story first...see my post below.

Heart(s) of Forgiveness

2008-06-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

Last week, I drove up to Maine to spend the day with my Mom and celebrate her birthday (June 20th). We took a long walk along the path that bordered the rocky coastline at Portland Headlight. As we started out on the path, I prayed that I would find a heart rock. I planned to make amends to my Mom that day. I needed strength and assurance from God that my conversation with her would be fruitful. I'd thought about making amends to her for years, but didn't have the courage, willingness or humility to follow-through with it...until now. About one month prior, I'd asked her to let me know when she was ready to have this conversation. As we were driving out to the headlight, out of the blue, she said, very quietly, "Do you remember awhile ago you mentioned you wanted to have a talk with me? Well, today would be a good day." Long pause...my mind raced back to that conversation. Yes, I'd asked her to tell me when she was ready. Today was the day. Was I ready? Honestly (in that moment) I wasn't. I prayed to God for a willing heart. We had a few miles to go before we arrived at the Headlight -- a few miles and lots of silent prayers.

When we arrived at the parking lot, I remember thinking to myself, "How and when do I start this conversation?" The words stuck thickly in my throat. Breathing deeply, I summoned my willingness...my prayers becoming deeper. I took a few steps as we started on our walk. I stopped in amazement -- a heart rock lay in my path. God had answered my prayer. Sending thanks skyward, I continued on. I noticed the tiniest heart rock a few steps from the first one; it was almost imperceptible to the human eye, except to the trained 'heart rock' aficionado (It's hard for me not to see hearts wherever I go). I picked it up and turned it over in my hand; just to make sure that it really was a heart rock. Yup...it was the real thing! I reached out and put it into my Mom's hand. To pass on to her a gift from God.

When I was little I remember that I would give her little 'gifts' that I would make or find. It reminded me that the simplest gesture from the heart reaches the heart. Shortly after I'd found these two hearts, my Mom found a few of her own. The day ended with a pocketful of heart rocks...we were showered in love.

Each piece of my heart that I offered to her; each acknowledgment of the hurt caused by my harsh words and judgments over the years began to loosen the hardness within my heart. How do you make up for lost years, words unspoken, actions not taken, love not shown? My eyes opened to see the truth. All those years that I spent blaming, resenting and misdirecting my anger at my Mother stole precious time and intimacy from our relationship. Nothing was ever resolved from my outbursts. Healing began with my admission and acknowledgment of my wrongs towards her. Forgiveness heals. Love heals. It begins with the decision to extend your heart to another...to put it on-the-line. What have you got to lose?

God's love exists all around. When I share my heart with someone, the love within me grows and expands. My stone heart of unforgiveness transformed into a heart of flesh as I mended the strained relationship with my Mom that afternoon.

I LOVE you Mom!

Flickr: Hearts of Nature

2008-06-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

Interested in sharing images of Hearts found in Nature with other like-minded souls?

Check out this Flickr group: Hearts OF Nature

See images of all natural/nature hearts that are found in our natural world.

A Pug's Life...

2008-06-25T04:30:00.000-07:00

Goodboy Norman Featherstone's blog chronicles his daily mischievous adventures in Asheville, North Carolina. Even this little Pug enjoys the excitement of finding heart-shaped rocks. Read his story.

Missouri Farm Yields a Crop of 250 Heart Rocks

2008-06-16T15:23:00.000-07:00

What an amazing find! I discovered this blog, Farm Girl Fare, during one of my google searches for 'heart rocks'. Read about Farm Girl's dream come true of moving to the country...read about daily life on a 240-acre farm in Missouri, organic gardening, food and recipes and read about her incredible 250 piece heart rock collection that she's collected over the past few years on the farm.

Check out her latest 'heart rock' post, Tuesday Farm Photo: Still Collecting Heart Rocks.

The Heart Rock Buffet

2008-06-08T08:20:00.000-07:00

From coast to coast, we hear from 'heart rock' aficionados who share a similar passion...sharing the joy and love symbolized in the 'heart-shaped' rocks they discover.

We recently received this email from Hannah Blaydes in California. Learn more about how her whole family collects and transforms heart-shaped rocks into beautifully crafted pieces of art.
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Email dated: Sunday, June 8, 2008

Hello!............

I just stumbled upon your blog!............ How wonderful!..
My husband,daughter and I have been collecting Heart Rocks for a while now, We have put them together in a way that has created Amazing Art Forms!.........

Please check out our website.. www.HeartRockBuffet.com
There are many more to come!... God has given us such beautiful things!...the journey of these rocks is amazing.

Thanks for visiting!
Heres to Heart Rocks!
Denise, Dave and Hannah

Anika's Heart Rock

2008-05-16T17:17:00.000-07:00

Mary Grinaker contacted the Heart Rock Collective to share this touching 'Heart Rock' story and make a special request.
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"Yesterday while walking home from school my kindergartener ( Anika, age 6) found a
spectacular Heart shaped rock. She slept with it last night. Carried it in her backpack to school today. And then put it in her dress pocket to play in the park after school.

All was beautiful UNTIL she discovered the rock was missing from her pocket. We searched the park for an hour...until I could convince her that we would Google Heart shaped rocks and see if we could get one. That's of course, how I found you.

Any chance I could get another from your collection? My little girl is very sad and very desperate!"

All the best!
Mary Grinaker

Found Hearts by Rick Ruggles

2008-02-01T18:48:00.000-08:00

I discovered the website, Found Hearts by Rick Ruggles during one of my google searches for 'heart rocks'. A fellow heart rock collector listed his site on her blog as a 'must see'...

With a keen eye and passionate vision, Rick Ruggles, captures inspiring and awesome images of hearts found in nature and the world around us. His creative vision speaks to the love that can be found all around...open your eyes and your heart and enjoy these beautiful images.

Heart Rock Shrine

2008-01-31T18:29:00.000-08:00

"How deep is your love?" See how one couple's commitment of love found expression over time. Visit Daniela's travel blog, Mountainshine, to read how while treking through the Grand Canyon, she stumbled upon this amazing heart rock 'shrine'.

Click here for more details about the origins of the heart rock 'shrine'.

Be Still My Heart

2008-01-31T15:43:00.000-08:00

Love everlasting...symbols of love...sweet 'heart stones' as described by this Californian blogger remind us that love is everywhere...you need only look for it.

Click on the link to learn more...Somewhere in Time (Linda's Blog)

Heart Shaped Rock

2008-01-31T15:14:00.000-08:00

Ann shares a 'priceless' heart rock story of how a simple heart rock changed the heart of a tough Army Drill Seargeant. Read the rest of the story on her blog, Runandsew Quilts.

Blessed-By-Many-Hearts

2008-01-28T19:18:00.000-08:00

Read Bridget's blog to learn more about her growing heart rock collection, check out South City Musings: Tower Grove, St. Louis, Missouri: If you try sometimes, you might find...

Additional posts:
Blessed by Many Hearts ~ heart rocks found/shared
Heart Rocks ~
I Love Heart Rocks

Willfull Grace: Heart Shaped Rocks

2008-01-26T19:45:00.000-08:00

Check out Pam Ferguson's collection of heart-shaped Rocks on her blog, Willful Grace.

A River of Grace Flows Through You...

2008-01-26T18:45:00.000-08:00

Learn the inspiration behind Kathryn Knoll's discovery of heart-shaped rocks. Check out her blog, Hearth Talks

Transformation of the Heart

2008-01-16T06:17:00.000-08:00

© 2007 Kimberly Nyce ~ Writings from the Heart-Rock Collection

Walking in the woods today, I felt as I have so many times on my solitary walks - a sense of longing and hunger for God. Thoughts swirled in mind...silence is what I truly desired.

So much of life is wasted on thoughts that deplete, defeat and leave one feeling empty and hungry for something more substantial, life giving and satisfying.

Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." ~John 6:35 NIV

Nothing in this world (be it a person, place or thing) can fill that space within that craves love - that hungers for peace and contentment. It's a place that only God's love can fill, to truly satisfy. His love is overflowing, abundant and poured out, if we will only receive it. But...sometimes the heart (the will) is unable to receive this love. The walls of bitterness and resentment hedge us in; at other times, our heart have turned to stone - full of fear, broken-hearted over life - unable to feel, to breathe, to open to the joy and pain of life.

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." ~ Ezekiel 36:26-27 (NIV)

When I read this scripture, 'heart' rocks came to mind which remind me (tangible evidence for me) that God's love is available, everpresent and patiently awaiting my invitation to receive it. When I look for it (in people, places, and things) I cannot find it. When I let go and let God bring me what I need (in His time), I am filled to overflowing.

To seek God first. To surrender your heart. To be content only in Him. I prayed that I might find a heart rock that would resemble the growing and expanding heart of Christ within me.

I found a large rock resembling a heart, though it wasn't quite perfect. It didn't express the perfect love of Christ that I longed for. I continued on my walk - determined to not settle for less than perfection.

Just as I released a prayer from my heart...I looked down at the trail before me. A perfect heart-shaped rock lay patiently in the earth, awaiting my notice. It was three dimensional - expansive and perfectly shaped on both sides. Another rock for my growing collection.

Christ's love is perfect. Why do I seek love from other sources which do not fill me? They only drain me of my hope and dreams. I'm left still longing - hungry and demanding to be satiated.

God can fill that longing, but first, I must I surrender and admit my weakness and brokeness. I surrender into God's powerful loving hands, my life and will to mold and shape as He so desires for his purposes.

The transformation of heart begins...

Heartrock (pictured above) discovered while meditating by a brook behind the Wilson House in East Dorset, VT. 1993

Glacial Heart

2007-12-05T19:01:00.000-08:00

Tasman Lake is a terminal lake formed at the receding edge of the Tasman Glacier in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park on the South Island in New Zealand. In early December 2007, while on vacation, I took a boat tour of the lake in order to view the glacier and to see icebergs up close. Only 10% of the volume of these icebergs is visible above the water line. Some of the icebergs were rather large. On one of the smaller icebergs, we were able to dock the boat, climb onto it, and explore. These icebergs contain both rock and rock flour (pulverized rock material). I was looking around and spotted this heart rock encased in its own impression. The dark rock had absorbed more sunlight than the surrounding ice causing the ice around the rock to melt faster. This heart rock was formed through the forces of frozen water rather than flowing water and, as a result, is more angular in shape. I was tempted to call it Iceberg Heart, but Glacial Heart sounds more poetic.

Rye on the Rocks

2007-12-05T18:35:00.000-08:00

"I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart." ~Jeremiah 24:7 NIV

On a warm Fall afternoon, the solace of the coast beckoned my spirit. My car instinctively headed north, winding its way up towards the coastline of NH. I strolled along the shoreline; my eyes scanning the thousands of rocks that stretched before me...searching for a heart rock.

Lounging on the rocky shores of Rye Beach (a place of refuge during the storms of life), I shielded my eyes from the glare of the mid-day sun. The sunlight danced on the water; diamond dust sprinkled the waters creating a magical display. The tide gently swept across the shore, caressing the changing and shifting sands - an intimate gesture that seemed to capture the simplest and purest form of love. After years of disappointments, my heart seemed closed to the idea of love.

A single question occupied my mind, "What would you risk to find love...to abandon your heart into the awaiting arms of love?" How does one open one's heart to love again? Pondering the thought, I noticed a heart rock submerged in the sand. Leaning forward, my arm fell slightly short of its grasp. A wave crested and washed over the shore sending me stumbling backwards nearly escaping a soggy mishap. Would I venture into the tumultuous waters to risk capturing this latest discovery for my collection? Was it worth the risk? Would it satisfy me if I discovered upon closer inspection that it wasn't the 'one' that I expected, hoped for or desired? What then? Would I throw it back into the waters -- defeated and determined to abandon all hope of ever finding another one?

God's gentle whisper spoke to my reticent heart..."You will never find love standing at the shores of life, afraid to risk getting wet."

RISK. Just the thought of this word caused a spasm in my stomach; fear gripped me. Would I risk heartache again? Would I risk the pain of opening up to love, only to be hurt by life's disappointments, altered plans and unrequited love?

Opening my heart again would surely cause pain, wouldn't it? On the other hand, would I risk missing this opportunity before me...only to add this moment to the long list of 'lost opportunities'?

Before I could finish the thought, my body lunged towards the rock. Emerging from the depths of the sea, my arm (now soaked) held tight this sacred find. A heart rock, slightly imperfect (not nearly the kind I anticipated or hoped for when I first set eyes on it) lay heavy in my palm. At that moment, the tide swept up and over my sneakers soaking them through to my socks.

Sometimes in life, you have to take the risk. The first steps (usually the most difficult) sometimes result in getting a little wet, a little bruised, and a little heartbroken. Other times, you're totally submerged in a swirling sea of joy bursting from this new experience of an awakening heart.

As I continued my walk, I realized that one simple action (a risk) opened a small window of my heart. It was just enough to desire more risk...to continue to seek love whatever the cost. Disappointment, pain, heartache and loss cannot be avoided in life. But, always there is greater love...a deeper love...a more pure form of love to be found. And so...as the day's journey neared it's close, there amidst the rocky shores of life, I found an even greater love -
the love of myself (with all my imperfections), the love of life, and the love of God.

Would I seek God will all my heart? Would I allow God's love to reawaken my heart?

Love is patient, love is kind, love can be found...but you must be willing to take the 'risk' in order to discover it.

~ Writings from The Heart Rock Collective