Hidden painted rocks in Ohio spread hope and inspiration

In our ongoing series, "A More Perfect Union," we show what unites us as Americans is far greater than what divides us. A simple but unusual hobby is spreading across the political battleground state of Ohio. Residents are picking up and passing along colorful stones to share random acts of kindness. Dana Jacobson reports.
Subscribe to the "CBS This Morning" Channel HERE: bit.ly/1Q0v2hE
Watch "CBS This Morning" HERE: bit.ly/1T88yAR
Watch the latest installment of "Note to Self," only on "CBS This Morning," HERE: cbsn.ws/1Sh8XlB
Follow "CBS This Morning" on Instagram HERE: bit.ly/1Q7NGnY
Like "CBS This Morning" on Facebook HERE: on. 1LhtdvI
Follow "CBS This Morning" on Twitter HERE: bit.ly/1Xj5W3p
Follow "CBS This Morning" on Google+ HERE: bit.ly/1SIM4I8
Get the latest news and best in original reporting from CBS News delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to newsletters HERE: cbsn.ws/1RqHw7T
Get your news on the go! Download CBS News mobile apps HERE: cbsn.ws/1Xb1WC8
Get new episodes of shows you love across devices the next day, stream local news live, and watch full seasons of CBS fan favorites anytime, anywhere with CBS All Access. Try it free! bit.ly/1OQA29B
---
Delivered by Charlie Rose, Norah O’Donnell and Gayle King, "CBS This Morning" offers a thoughtful, substantive and insightful source of news and information to a daily audience of 3 million viewers. The Emmy Award-winning broadcast presents a mix of daily news, coverage of developing stories of national and global significance, and interviews with leading figures in politics, business and entertainment. Check local listings for "CBS This Morning" broadcast times.

[@coniccinoc]

I found a beautiful painted rock today in Michigan. Beautiful purple, smiley face and a pack-man ghost. Thank you for whoever is in this group, you certainly made me smile. It is now on my fireplace.

[@candiigirllxx]

This is beautiful! I have started painting rocks and placing them around my neighborhood about two years ago. I also have a Facebook page dedicated to it so those who find rocks can share a photo if they would like. One of my favorite posts was from a woman who found one of my rocks and took it to Mexico when she went to vacation and she snapped a photo of it in Mexico and shared it and she also left it there for somebody else to find and that really made me happy 💕

[@patty2883]

what a great idea!... Never hurts to put a smile on someone's face.. New Jersey girl here... 😁🦋🐞🐝💟

[@greenpea9412]

I just found a rock today at the CJ Brown Reservoir in Clark County Ohio. It was in a tree that had a split in it. As goofy as it may seem to some it made my day. I will hide it tomorrow in a new location.

[@joemomoney13]

Things like this are so much more meaningful. It was created with sincere thought & kindness & passion. Fabulous idea!!

[@gorilla18168]

#RammyRocks U.K.

[@Teacherstonack]

I live in Washington state and I hide my rocks all over. I went to NYC and hid three. My niece and I hid two in Woodstock! I have no painting talent, so I do dots. It's a great hobby and a lovely way to relax.

[@marthaoliver1099]

I'm from Washington State & I love painting rocks too‼️

[@tashapurvis6692]

We are doing this in my hometown too. We love this idea and it really is bringing people together and putting smiles on people's faces!

[@vkookandjikookijustcant]

Tasha Purvis what town cause my town is doing it too.

[@dennisheiserman2607]

I love painting rocks, Ans leaving them for that special person to find.

[@rustyshacklefordFIAT]

Found one in a waterfalls when i was in hawaii. Truly an amazing experience

[@fahadtiwana9226]

I lost my 8 and 5 yr old daughters and I am doing the same in Pakistan . You are in my thoughts and prayers ❤

[@OliveEyes]

Painting rocks is nothing new, I was doing it way back in the 70’s! 😁✌️

[@Lionlover-cd7xd]

I live in Ohio and we have passes to Cedar Point. Today my mom and I are making rocks and we are going to hide them at Cedar Point next time we go

[@jennyhughes4474]

In about 1977 my boyfriend and I went to the beach in Brighton (England) on new years day and oh - somebody had left painted stones saying 'happy new year'. I kept the 2 I found right up until 2011 when I moved to France. We were delighted when we found them and never knew who had painted them and put them there.

[@joannsinar7319]

Hi. About a year ago i found a painted rock it was the Batman logo dated 1982. I thought this was a new idea. Keep smiling Happy hunting

[@emobitch743]

it's so fun to find them

[@CindyCaVANas]

I love this!

[@denisedunfee5323]

I have so much paint..its redlilous! I went out and got a whole bunch of rocks. It's so relaxing and it may make another person feel good. I will also keep some and give to my neighbors. If you have alot in your mind or if your stressed...start painting. It's an awesome way of relaxing. Good luck an have fun. I'm also from Lancaster Ohio

[@petreamarchand8634]

Thank you for sharing positive, uplifting news!

[@mddell58]

Reminds me of leaving *folded up notes* of random, kind sayings. Too difficult to leave paper laying around now day. The. *rock* idea is fabulous, & very UNselfish.

[@busybees.r.c.1836]

You could prbly find some kind of quick biodegradable paper too

[@graciethorn1060]

I love putting these rocks around my town

[@Idolmakercat]

This is catching on. More states are doing this.

[@shush9071]

Frankie Tortonesi there was a Berks County rock in my town, it said "Boy Power" on a cyan and dark blue painted rock.

[@busybees.r.c.1836]

Kansas did! At least a few places did

[@darlenewalters3765]

No one thinks it's a new idea. The point is it's a rough world out there. And a kind, encouraging word is welcome, even needed. And as always the giver is blessed as well as the receiver. It's a good thing to do.

[@chenk13]

I found 10 yesterday and it was so awesome

[@z75sportster]

Kids love doing this and it keeps kids doing great things !

[@avi.9979]

I bet your daughter would be proud of you! :)

[@Magdalena-eb1sk]

love the idea! sharing a bit of sunshine!

[@nicklittlepigyclark]

we are doing this here in Otorohanga, heaps of fun

[@kiwimid]

New Zealand!

[@sonjakeesee6977]

I live in Washington and I have been painting some of these in memory of their daughter

[@Chickenmom777]

I just discovered this in Arizona. walking in the park with my grandkids, we found a rock with a website on it. We are now hooked💕

[@joannsinar7319]

Good Am from the UK. I LOVE ROCKS from finding my 1st I can honestly say Rocks have changed my life,body and mind. i have lost half my body weight walking miles hunting for rocks. I have put smiles on faces. I have found rocks that have made me smile/cry/laugh and everything inbetween. Keep Smiling,Happy hunting

[@ruby07241]

Who can forget pet rocks?

[@สุวรรณีหมายสุข]

ruby07241 p

[@bettyhall9777]

The same thing is going on here in catawba,caldwell,and Burke counties . And probably other places too in North Carolina and it does make you smile. I go and hide the ones I find to make others smile as well.

[@janetsnakehole9345]

How in the world could 15 people not like this? (smh)

[@toniharris1144]

Janet Snakehole i

[@debbayley2161]

Trolls.... they’re everywhere....(sigh!)

[@annonomus6511]

I found 2 today at my workplace in tucson, az and it really did make me day! I cant stop thinking about it.

[@carlasoutherland4687]

This is done in Ky. My grandkids love to look for them.

[@skyzze]

PRETTY ROCKS I LOVE ROCKS

[@shazarts]

Great idea

[@bukuroshebytyci185]

People in my neighborhood have been doing this and I’ve joined in~

[@hopethang143]

omg omg i am homeless living in my car with my serive dog and i love painting rocks and been doing that in ct fairfield Bridgeport Stratford area i feel like adding a little color and beauty to the world

[@ninisince64]

We have them out here on long island

[@AniramTay]

I do this where I live in England.

[@KianPatel33]

This started in my town a few years ago

[@TheMeloettaful]

Too bad it hasn't caught on here in Oklahoma. It seems like such a wonderful idea! Maybe I might paint a few and leave them somewhere and see what happens 😊?

[@lenak7554]

The ROCKS has hit Sheboygan WI. we love it!!

[@1Sweetness]

My son found one MISSOURI

[@ErnieCG]

Lovely colours

[@princessnunafart]

OH MY LORD! I FOUND ONE OF THESE, BEFORE!! 💕

[@lucianonevesneves7814]

Muito lindo 😊😊

[@bobbybob3681]

3 weeks and her baby was gone... breaks my heart.....

[@silverlve70]

Rock on!

[@MizzMarley20]

I love the idea. And I love art.. So soon I will be sending my own art rocks on a journey. Hoping they will bring smiles to all that find one!! ❤❤❤❤ R.I.P Megan and all loved ones gone to soon!!

[@beckymendoza8894]

Texas also!!

[@siddthenarrator8993]

In London we don't have these rocks as big as palm we have them big as one eyeball!!!

[@oddity0304]

My school did this and it’s everywhere

[@bettyhall9777]

I'm so sorry about the lady losing her child. That is so sad. Praying for her and the famiky

[@Myth1ca]

Betty Hall for her and her FAMILY

[@psychicviking]

I like the rock painted to look like an owl and it has a heart-shaped face.

[@aynsleyfrench2656]

Hello. My name is Aynsley French and I am 13 years old, My sister my mom and I are the proud owners of the Madrid NY Rock Facebook page and when I found this wideo I said "Wow I never new that this trend was started in Ohio." And I though that it would be very cool for you to come to my little home town of Madrid NY. And my aunt also is the owner of Ogdensburg NY Rock Facebook page so if who ever is reading this I hope we could get you guys down here.

[@butterflyangelwhisperblogs2193]

The hidden rock game is very popular in many states. Honestly I think it's been around for a while in some areas. Except now people are painting them and hiding them now where awhile ago you would just search for unique rocks that would look cool. It's a fun family-friendly game and is free for families.

[@Greywuylf]

We are doing this in Arkansas also. :)

[@emobitch743]

I'm painting one rn

[@joannsinar7319]

Me too. lol Keep smiling.x

[@ajcullen4678]

I'm going to paint one for my nephew once I get a suitable rock...he loves toy story and I'm gonna make a forky. There's one in our area but we think someone stole it😞 The painter couldn't find it and there's no pictures.

[@virtualfroggy]

My small town does this it's so addictive

[@journeyofthesongbird2017]

Coeur d Alene, Idaho has almost 10,000 members in our group.

[@ataaah]

I know someone in Sonoma, California who does this.

[@petereddie9269]

I love the NJ rock tread that started i have found over 200 rocks in the 3 months of summer

[@lillisapayne]

Wonderful idea!

[@rockinrobin7105]

❤️

[@terrialvers6906]

I live in Breese Illinois we participate in our beautiful little town I pic up one rock everyday on my heart smart walk. Welcome to Breese

[@butterfly-iu5ig]

I think this is a great Idea new or old, if it encourages someone and gives them hope what a great blessing!!! I think its already in my area, but I think I will start doing it too :)

[@haydnsaunders2006]

The woman looks like she’s going to sing “ SHINE SHINE SHINE A LIGHT “

[@tameyiery5485]

I will do this for Meghan. beautiful story but I'm so sorry you lost your daughter .

[@haydeeirizarry7285]

I found one in Aldis Supermarket in Florida

[@razztazz1982]

I will put some around in Texas. I haven't seen any there. Great idea.

[@nadinem4959]

My sister found one of these in Georgia!! Love the idea!! I may do the same!! 💕

[@DonnaHarris3578]

There is a group on Facebook that hides art of all kinds including jewelry and rocks for other people to find. It's not just here it's world wide! The name of the group is Art Abandonment! I am a member too.

[@ErnieCG]

That's a nice idea

[@uchibauki2515]

You can keep it or rehide it :-)

[@joannsinar7319]

Yep Ive found/painted lots & lots only kept one. which is a spaceman sat on the moon taking a selfie my DOB is 20th july 1969. my grandad always would say I was a rock on the moon and got kicked off when the spaceship landed.I was known as Moonbeam until in my late 20's.

[@ErnieCG]

It's sad the woman lost her daughter

[@EllEss331]

Big bear hugs of comfort and love to her and all the family and friends. Her daughter lives on through the sharing of these rocks. What a lovely remembrance!

[@uragonka6329]

I found one today

[@freewoodencrosses]

I found a painted rock in an obscure place in ICELAND

[@SouthernAngelsStamping]

Love this idea💜💜💜

[@MissGroves]

Forest of Dean rocks in the UK!

[@emobitch743]

we do that in Etoewn

[@lexievaneese5288]

IT ALL STARTED IN IDAHO!!!!!

[@ilkojuko]

My town did this for a girl called Isla and made it #islastones even tho we're English and it's the sweetest

[@MissyBeidleman]

I just started doing this i live in northern Minnesota

[@emratliff6621]

found one from pickens county ohio and i like in middletown!! 7 hours away!!

[@shellbear124]

Imma have to get some rocks now

[@carveyandemilylester7843]

We do this in Eugene/ Springfield Oregon too

[@Cool_brad]

I found 2 of them in main

[@SH-vm1rz]

wow what a beautiful and touching 💡 love it. I too paint on rocks with nail polish it comes out nice. but u inspired me...i will start also here in Israel the ame and hope to make a change in all our lives...what else do we need besides a smile and a touch of good words. bless you all.

[@ryleesmith5593]

It's getting big in Crestview Florida too :)

[@mamatx55]

In Burleson Tx it was learned the manager of QT throws them away. His place near park so many stop there first drinks while hunting b or putting out Ricks. Wish he could see thus. We have a great group growing fast, sprang from Mansfield Tx.

[@rebbecaneece2862]

We do this in Tennessee to I love paining them

[@CatzASMRnMore]

we have ours in Florida....Rockin all over the world....look us up at Levy County Rocks on facebook...

[@mommyblessed2x28]

CatLovezTokioHotel yep my husband just told me about this said he's seen them places just found out about it myself I want to find one now😸 mabey make a few of my own

[@CatzASMRnMore]

you should its fun and makes others happy who may be suffering from a horrible time..i know when i found my first lady bug rock..i almost cried cause it made me happy i was going thru a rough patch...so i started doing them and im happier just doing it..look up on facebook your city or country rocks..im sure there is gonna be one.or start one of your own.

[@juneartz1073]

CatLovezTokioHotel I do the same thing , do you have instagram? You can find me as June Artz on insta , i try to spread the love in the Netherlands. .

[@creativesparks2164]

CatLovezTokioHotel yessss

[@orchidoils692]

We do??😃😃

[@allgamersunite7340]

this is happening in pittsburgh kansas as well

[@blackghost6265]

this is happening in uk were I live its so fun to paint rocks

[@alexandriadiaz]

I love the idea of this & planning a similar RAK. Tfs! 💕👍

[@cutelittlecupcakesmom]

East Orlando Rocks :)

[@jeannethurman9025]

I do this at a park but not hidden in a painted wooden container

[@alliescott5598]

I live in ohio and i found a rock yesterday

[@samsjusthere8159]

I FOUND ONE ITS A GREEN WITH A SMILE

[@creativesparks2164]

They have them in Florida but they are hard to make because there are only mostly shells

[@jessieromeroart5322]

there r some in Owosso Michigan...."OWOSSO ROCKS".