Corporate Blog

When you really mean it, put it in Stone

The United States of America was founded on the idea that regular citizens can be mature and responsible enough to govern themselves. That was and is an extremely liberal and liberating concept in the history of the world. I don’t think most Americans really appreciate or understand how rare and precious such a concept of government is to those who live under its influence. Neither do they realize the great responsibility it places on each citizen. It is therefore incumbent upon those few who grasp its significance to inform, influence and inspire the rest of the citizenry in order for this great experiment to work. This is true patriotism on the most fundamental level.

There are as many ways to express patriotism, as there are people. What is important is that we as individuals learn all we can about our government, country and yes, politics, so that we can influence government confidently, in our own unique way. The more this happens, the more this unique style of government makes America great. The less this happens, the more this country devolves back to the old system of the governing elite controlling the populace with tyranny. Also, the more knowledge we each have, the less contention there will be based on emotion. The contentious, negative emotions in politics are mostly caused because of insecurity in our position. So the first step in being a true patriot is to seek out the truth. Did not Jesus say, “…know the truth, and the truth shall make you free”?

The next step is to proactively assist others in understanding what we do and helping them find easy references to learn all they can. Because we are all very busy with our personal lives, we usually need to get another person’s attention in order for them to express an interest in what we want them to learn. A very effective way to do that is stated in the title of this blog. A beautiful natural stone boulder with a thought provoking quote and artistically carved image can cause people to think of things differently and even may prompt discussion. A message carved in stone communicates that message as powerfully as any possible medium. A Natural Stone Flagpole Base uses the symbolism of a rock foundation and the powerful influence of our flag in an unbeatable combination.

As far as I know, this effective way of communicating feelings and ideas was originally developed by the artisans at Natural Rock Designs. So far no one has come close to duplicating this idea with the level of quality and artistry as Natural Rock Designs. We have many quotes and graphics already in stock, but look forward to your unique statement that will communicate to the world why you are passionate about this great country of ours.

The recent funeral of the daughter of our good friend and colleague, LeEtta, has caused me to think more deeply about some things, as funerals often do.  This amazing 15 year old had no idea, I’m sure, of the incredible positive impact she had in her short life on so many of her peers.  In the few weeks since I experienced her influence because of the funeral, I have been more aware of different evidences of how much potential influence each of us has on the world around us.

We may not be aware, but every time we take a stand for a correct principle we believe in, we influence others in a positive way.  That influence spreads from them to others and so on.  Any time we make known that we stand for something in a kind, humble and nonjudgemental way, it makes others stop and think and re-evaluate.  When we treat someone with kindness it makes them want to do the same to others and the ripple effect begins again.

So what does this have to do with rock designs?  Well, it doesn’t have to have anything to do with what we do here, but it can.  When I create the designs that go on the rocks that become flagpole bases, I am always hoping to influence others to be better people and citizens.  I also know that when someone purchases a natural rock flagpole base that takes a stand, we are teaming up to make a difference in the world.  Recent studies show that just seeing an American flag will influence a person to be more aware politically to the extent that their voting is altered.  So just by flying the flag, you are influencing our country for the better.  Check out this link.  http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/washington-whispers/2011/07/20/shock-study-us-flag-only-boosts-gop

When you add to the influence of flying the flag the powerful statements engraved in solid rock, you find people getting a lump in their throat when they see one of these pieces.  It is so easy to be distracted by the mundane things of life that we tend to forget what is really important.  That forgetting, affects our actions and our effectiveness in moving society in a good and positive direction.  Reminders of what is good and right is vital to the survival of this unique American way of life we enjoy now, but are so close to losing.  Ideas like, principles matter, our freedom wasn’t and isn’t free, our constitution is vitally important, when etched in stone can’t help but make an impact.

While on this topic of the power of one, I must point out how much influence each of us has even in things that seem beyond our power, such as our government.  Do you have any idea how much influence an attendee of a caucus meeting has in the molding of the political landscape?  It is staggering when you look at the numbers.  If we do our homework and study the candidates on this amazing tool called the Internet and especially understand the principles behind the issues, we can exert a tremendous amount of influence at these neighborhood meetings.  If you do a little digging you can understand the terminology that economists and other experts use that tend to intimidate most of us.  When we win the private victory of being confident in the principles behind the issues, we start winning the public victory.

This country may a ways away from what the founders hoped for, but it is not too late if we wake up and become informed.  There is so much that we as individuals can do if we just will.

There are all kinds of signs in the world, serving a variety of purposes.  Many signs are temporary and many are permanent.  Some are humorous.  Some are serious.  Signs can inform, distract, inspire or depress.  Whatever you  intend the message of your sign to be, the actual material it is made of can enhance it or detract from it.

Unfortunately, too often the decision of what material to use is based on what is easiest and cheapest, with no thought of how it affects the message of the sign.  For example, I often see flimsy plastic signs in areas that have frequent high winds.  The intent to use the inexpensive material was to save money and make a good impression by looking nice, but the number of times the sign needed repairing made it an expensive sign in the not very long term.  A sign that is torn up  frequently is not the impression the owners of the organization or business had in mind.  I also see painted wood signs in harsh weather climates that deteriorate in a very few years.  The intent there may be to look natural or use natural material to help the environment, or to just look classy and be strong against high winds.  The results, however, is a sign that looks cheap and gives the impression that the business or organization is fly-by-night, unkept and unprofessional.  It may not have blown down in the wind, but you might wish it had because of how it looked over a few short years.

Stone signs are obviously not the answer to every sign application.  Natural stone is usually not a good idea for advertising a yard sale or advertising this week’s sales for a store.   But consider for a moment just how versatile and effective natural stone can be.

For practical purposes you have durability that is hard to match.  Not many sign materials can compare to natural stone in being hurricane resistant.  Natural stone signs are also practical because monument-type signs are much easier to get city or county approval.  They are also very much in harmony with our increasingly environmentally aware society.  Some cities only allow signs that are made of natural substances.  Stone signs are also relatively inexpensive to have installed in the first place and  long term they save maintenance costs as well.

What I see as the most significant advantage of stone signs is the message they communicate.  Businesses, organizations, communities, churches and families all want to convey messages of stability, integrity, strength, commitment, etc.  I defy anyone to identify a material for a sign that conveys these ideals as clearly and powerfully as solid natural rock.  Natural stone or rock are even the choice of material God uses in getting messages across in the scriptures.

Natural Rock Designs has one other advantage to their stone signs that most others do not.  It is the amazing beauty of the natural stone that comes from their quarries.  Natural beauty is one attribute that can only enhance the message of a sign.  Consider the sample pictures I have included here.

I have been working here at Natural Rock Designs for three years. The company has changed ownership since I’ve been here, but the work remains the same.
One of the more integral parts of working here, is getting to know the stories behind the creations of our rocks…. We hear “Cabin” stories, “Gathering place” stories, Lake house stories, Humorous stories… But the most touching stories, are the Memorial Stories… We receive first hand stories of Heroism, bewilderment, intrigue, spontaneity, Courage… all of which end in loss….
I have a true LOVE for the Natural Stone we engrave on. I am most touched when the words of those left behind, are etched in stone…. A solid, Final, and everlasting testament to the loved one passed, for all the world to catch a small glimpse of a life once lived, and who now is gone. Etching those final few words in stone, often say more than three or more paragraphs in a book. They are profound, from the heart, and “etched in stone”….. Never to be removed, never to be changed, and most importantly, never to be forgotten…. Like the Loved one passed.

When I work on these Memorials that are designed by those who loved them, I get to walk the yard with them as they choose the “Perfect” Rock….. I hear about the loved one’s life, laughter, career and hobbies…. I often hear touching moments that changed both their lives in an profound way and forever lasting…. I hear of the funny things they’ve said or done. I hear some of their opinions or passions on certain matters…. While the loved one speaks of them, they have a distant look in their eye, and a reminiscent smile as if, for a brief moment, they were brought back in time, forgetting the reason they are here picking out a rock……… All I can do is stand there and listen as the lump grows larger in my throat….
Often Portraits are rendered and etched on the memorials. I have the privilege of preparing the rock prior to engraving, and painting the rocks after they are engraved. I get to see, work with, and help form every minute detail of each face…. I can’t help but look into the eyes with tender compassion, and hurt for those who lost such a beautiful loved one, knowing that at one time, a mother and a father gazed upon this precious face with love too great to express with words…. Each memorial has it’s own set of emotions, separate from the others. They are Individual in circumstances, families, seasons, and lives lived. Who these individuals were, and what they stood for is now forever etched in stone…. What an honor to be a part of their memory, even if it is just  the small part of carving the forever sentiments and images in stone….. Thank you for endearing us with this privilege.