Lynn Kelly enjoyed a part of her Thanksgiving at Centennial Park in Moncton, indulging in her newfound retirement pastime. The Moncton resident placed intricately painted Halloween-themed rocks in various locations within the west-end park, hoping to bring joy to whoever discovered them. Shortly after, one of the rocks disappeared, with Kelly embracing the mystery of its whereabouts as part of the excitement for her. She acknowledged that not everyone who finds the rocks informs her, with some choosing to keep or re-hide them.
As a member of the Facebook group “Happiness Rocks Moncton,” Kelly is part of a community of around 5,000 individuals who paint and hide rocks in the region to brighten someone’s day. She shared instances where rocks she painted were taken to places like France or found by visitors from Morocco, highlighting the global reach of this simple act of kindness.
The group was founded in 2017 by Tracey Vail from Lower Coverdale, N.B., as a cost-effective method to spread happiness. Vail expressed delight in reading the heartwarming stories shared on the group’s Facebook page, noting how the rocks have the power to uplift individuals during tough times. Despite hiding numerous rocks over the years, Vail has only stumbled upon a few hidden by fellow members.
Kelly, initially a novice in rock painting, has grown to find it fulfilling and engaging. She has hidden rocks not only in Moncton but also in Sackville, Nova Scotia, and parts of Prince Edward Island. Additionally, she has contributed rocks to “Rocky the snake,” a project initiated by five-year-old Liam Mackley from Dieppe. Liam’s father, Chris Mackley, shared how the project unexpectedly garnered significant attention, with the community actively participating in expanding Rocky the snake.
The Mackleys were taken aback by the overwhelming response to their initiative, with Chris initially planning to paint rocks every other day to maintain Liam’s spirits. The popularity of rock painting has surprised them, emphasizing the joy and sense of community it has brought to many individuals.