Years ago we decided to do some rock walls in an area of our yard. My daddy is an amazing landscaper! His first grown up job was as a brick layer, which helped him develop skills for all kinds of yard projects. He has built rock walls many times in his life.

So my darlin’ and I asked for his help in making our rock wall. My dad said to go get a load of rocks and when you’ve got them we’ll do it. My darlin went to pick up a load. He hunted and looked through the rocks at the quarry. He spent a lot of time picking what he thought was the best rocks, then brought them home.

When my dad saw the rocks he said, “Hmm…they’re not very “inspired.” We were both not sure what he meant. He went on to explain that round rocks, like the rocks that have been in a river, that are smooth and roundish from the water running over and around them don’t make the best rocks for a wall. The best rocks for a wall are irregular and have edges that kind of fit together like a puzzle. The best rocks are “inspired” rocks.

I love the way my daddy described the rocks as “inspired.” 

I will never look at a rock wall without thinking about the day I learned what an “inspired” rock is!