Inspirational painted rocks start to appear

Cathlamet resident Amy Hoogendoorn had read about the phenomenon in other towns and cities, but it was while hiking Mt. St. Helens with her friends Katie and Montana Stephens that the charm of finding inspirational painted rocks brought the feeling home for her.

These days, she and her friends are literally bringing that feeling home to Cathlamet, by painting rocks and hiding them all over the community. They began by painting 100-150 rocks and hiding them in parks, businesses and other public areas around Cathlamet.

They want to provide a little fun and quiet encouragement to their neighbors.

The rocks are an act of love, a reminder to strangers that there is kindness, unselfishness and simple fun all around us.

"People love to find them," Hoogendoorn said. "I get the biggest kick out of seeing kids look."

Now she, Stephens, and Amber Cameron are administrators for a Facebook page called "Cathlamet Rocks!" Some people are posting pictures when they find the hidden treasures. Others are joining in on the fun by painting their own stones with pretty designs, colors, or inspiring words.

"It's a great feeling," Hoogendoorn said. "The kids really seem to enjoy it. It's a fun way to be outside. It's for everybody. This is such a great, diverse community, and it's just another way to bring us together."

Keep your eyes peeled. If you see one you like, take it home. If not, you can leave it where you found it or hide it somewhere else. Anywhere really. Skamokawa, Grays River, Longview. Topeka, if it's on your way.

That's part of the fun. These rocks could end up anywhere.