“Use what talents you possess:the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there
except those that sang best.”
Henry Van Dyke, Jr., American author and clergyman, (1852-1933)
My stones are not nearly as magnificent as those found in Japan, China or even other parts of the United States. They would not be admitted into the rare world of Suiseki but to me they are all beautiful and unique.
I collected these stones while I was living with friends in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania. They were everywhere, in the yard, by the side of the road, they were hard to miss. Once I started paying attention, I started noticing the beautiful shapes and colors. Every walk with one of my dogs was an opportunity to find a new stone to add to my collection.
I was astounded to find out that stones found on the surface in the state of Pennsylvania are from the Paleozoic Era (252-541 million years ago). The stones in the Pocono Mountains are mostly shale and are “formed by the compaction of silt and mineral particles, making it a sedimentary rock known as a ‘mudstone.'”
My Stone Collection
I was particularly intrigued by the heart shaped stones I was able to find. How do these stones, rambling about for eons end up shaped like a heart? It is a mystery but apparently not a rare occurrence; I found several in my friend’s yard.
I have quite a few smaller stones that would make perfect “worry stones,” several I have sanded down to make them smooth. I find the sanding to be extremely relaxing. I can sit for hours with a small stone, sanding away and clearing my mind. (Click on images to enlarge).
My Worry Stones
My Zen Gardens
Sources: Geology.com