There’s nothing like a granite rock shaped like an egg to catch my attention while beach-combing. This rock grabbed my attention immediately and it beckoned  me to stop. I am grateful that it came into my field of view while walking along the shore. It looked so unusual in the context of this black volcanic rock shoreline. Its surface was perfectly smooth and it was surprisingly large, much more so than the other rocks in the area. The contrast of the smooth white speckled surface against the rough and jagged background made it stand out. Everything about it was intriguing and unexpected. I couldn’t help but wonder what force of nature was involved in placing it here in such an odd location. Smooth, polished rocks like this one are created over a very long time through the grinding force of water and its turbulence. The discovery of the rock and my state of wonder with regards to its origin inspired the photographic image I created.  I felt like this rock had a story. This is what it told me.

The rock speaks to me about the idea of potential. The energy found in this rock is pure potential energy. It is a metaphor for potentiality and chance. The rock always possessed the ability to become this smooth egg-like form. The granite material always possessed the potential to become what it is now. Time and the force of nature shaped it into a beautiful natural object which I observe today with curiosity. We are all born with enormous and sometimes untapped potential to live lives of profound meaning and purpose. I perceive the egg shape as a symbol of growth, strength and development. This rock, created by times past, conjures up for me feelings of potential, possibility and  hope about my future. It represent the promise of renewed life and connects me to the bounty of the universe which is the original source of all creative energy.

C.S. Lewis (1898-1963)