Just to hold it...

Seriously, I'd do almost anything for an excuse to hold a nicely rounded stone in my hand just this bit longer. Painting them is another wonderful way to stay connected. This one I am really happy with. I use it as one of my "stones to hold", because it sits so perfectly in my hand.

I have a few well proportioned stones that I handle regularly for the good feeling they give me. Painted ones are better than felted, because you want to feel the surface. I always carry a stone or two with me and collect them from anywhere I go.
When I visited stony beaches in England, I used to sit there entranced, touching, shifting, weighing... Last year in the Polish mountains I wandered along the bank of a huge creek choosing a rock. There were so many, all of them round and white! The one that I finally took with me was much bigger than my head. I so regretted not being able to lift a bigger one :)
Now it sits on my windowsill, together with the collection of smaller ones. I love how it contrasts with the furnishings.