For the Love of Rock

The Essence of Being a Writer

Ever since the first time I could string words together into a coherent paragraph, I have been a writer. But what does it truly mean to be a writer? For me, it is not merely about putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. It is about writing for the sheer love of the craft. Writing is woven into the very fabric of my existence. When I am not writing, there is an ache in my heart, a yearning in my soul to express myself through the written word. To a writer, writing is akin to a divine act. It serves as a bridge, a connection between the ethereal self and the tangible world. Through writing, the chaos, passion, and desire for connection manifest as concrete expressions.

Like the devotion found in any passion—whether it’s cooking, painting, music, hunting, care taking, gardening, or engineering—writing is how I express myself. It is the bridge that connects my inner world to the outer, the fire that fuels my creativity and love.

The Journey to Authorship

In 2012, I published my first book, embarking on a journey of writing and sharing my stories with the world. Although some books were sold, I found the greatest joy in giving them away, letting my words travel and touch others. I never sought the approval of publishing companies, editors, or agents. At times, I criticized myself for this, yet at other times, I accepted it.

Recently, I have come to terms with the fact that I have no desire to sell books or participate in the traditional trappings of a successful author. I don’t long for book readings, signings, or writers’ groups. I have realized that being a writer doesn’t necessitate being an author. My heart lies in the act of writing itself, not in the pursuit of fame or recognition.

A New Passion: Rocks and Stones

In the summer of 2012, I discovered a deep love for rocks. This newfound passion began in Wyoming at Custer State Park, where I felt an intense connection to the stone formations. It inspired me to write a book about my experience. A year later, my love for rocks deepened at Boysen State Park, where I encountered an array of wind and river-polished stones. These tiny treasures captivated me, sparking an interest in rock collecting.

In 2019, I experienced a profound spiritual connection in the desert of Oregon. The stillness and silence enveloped me, allowing me to connect with the earth in a deeply meaningful way. It was as if I became one with the rocks, a silent observer connected to the ancient energy of the earth.

The Power and Wisdom of Stone

Rocks possess a unique, god-like power. They originate from the earth’s core, embodying the essence of creation. Igneous rocks form through volcanic activity, metamorphosing under immense pressure and heat, while sedimentary rocks tell stories of ages past. Tapping into the energy of rocks is like connecting with the wisdom of our ancestors, offering peace, knowledge, and understanding.

While writing serves as a bridge for my self-expression, stone represents a divine connection. When I carve a piece of rock and present it to someone, it feels like unveiling a piece of god. The stone becomes a gateway, providing a bond to the earth’s core and the timeless energy it holds.

Embracing the Connection

The act of shaping and polishing a stone transforms it, revealing its inner beauty and allowing others to connect with it on a deeper level. Just as I have found peace and fulfillment in writing, I have also discovered a profound connection through rocks. Each piece I create and share is a testament to the divine essence within every stone—a connection between the past, the present, and eternal.

In offering my carvings to others, I feel a sense of satisfaction, as if I have placed a lost soul into a loving home. It is a reminder that while the forest and wood hold their own power, my heart belongs to the stillness and strength of stone.

A Journey into the Void

In 2019, amidst the vast, desolate stretches of the Oregon desert, I found myself slipping into a chasm of spirit. It was a place where silence reigned supreme, a silence so profound that even the hum of the earth became perceptible. The absence of planes, cars, birds, and even the occasional fly created an environment where inner silence was not just desired, but demanded. Untethered from the physical plane, I felt myself falling into a void, where the sun’s penetrating rays evaporated the grievances of my past, leaving me cleansed and renewed.

Becoming One with the Stone

In this serene stillness, I melted into my surroundings, becoming one with the rocky landscape. I became the observer, akin to a mountain of stone that had witnessed the passage of time in silence for millions of years. There is something profoundly powerful about sinking into a stone monolith, finding solitude and aligning one’s vibration with that of the rock. In these moments, I simply existed, in perfect stillness.

Contrasts Between Desert and Forest

The desert’s energy is distinct from that of a forest. Imagine the lush vibrancy of a rainforest compared to the austere quietude of the desert. Both environments are alive, breathing, and growing, yet they express life in different ways. A forest thrives with activity; it can engulf an ancient temple within a matter of centuries. Life in the forest changes and communicates visibly: insects buzz, birds sing, and plants grow at an astonishing pace.

Conversely, the desert embodies a slower, more patient form of life. Though life exists, it is hidden and resilient. The desert’s changes are subtle, requiring a metaphysical microscope to observe. This environment demands patience, calm, and quiet—a stark contrast to the fast-paced world driven by technology.

The Eternal Wisdom of Stone

Beyond the desert lies the deeper essence of stone. Tapping into the vibration of a rock is comparable to connecting with the energy of countless ancestors across millennia. Rocks possess a timeless peace, knowledge, and understanding, reminiscent of a god-like power. Unlike the ever-changing forest, stones have existed for eons, their origins lying deep within the earth’s core.

Igneous rocks, birthed from the earth’s core, transform under pressure and heat into metamorphic rocks. Erosion and compaction yield sedimentary rocks, which, under similar forces, return to metamorphic form. The cyclical nature of rocks mirrors life’s eternal transformations, connecting us to the core of the earth and, symbolically, to the core of ourselves.

The Art of Stone: Unveiling the Divine

As a writer, my craft serves as a bridge from my inner goddess to the manifest world. Yet, working with stone is a different experience altogether. Stone, as a piece of god sent from the earth’s core, holds within it the answers, truths, and stillness that many overlook. By shaping and polishing a stone, revealing its hidden opals, fossils, or crystals, we allow its worth to be recognized and embraced.

When a person connects with a carved stone, they welcome a piece of the divine into their heart. The stone provides a gateway to the core, embodying the power of past lives and the stillness of the ages. Whether fashioned into shapes of animals or abstract forms, these carvings combine the inherent power of the stone with the symbolic power of the creature.

Honoring the Forest

This is not to diminish the power and divinity found in wood and the forest. Trees hold their own sacred energy, and I remain a lover of the forest. However, as one who works with stone, I feel a particular calling to unveil the divine inherent in each rock I carve. Sharing these creations is like dressing god in fancy clothes and presenting them in a manner that speaks deeply to others. It offers a sense of peace, as if I have placed an orphan in a loving home, and it fills my soul with tranquility.