Rock Revival

23 February 2011Sarah M

“And I am thankful for the love these rocks have always given.” Noah and the Whale Think back to your childhood—those carefree days of grass stains, snow forts, and making toys out of nearby material. Those were the days when hours could be spent digging tunnels into sandbanks as your own utopian cities were designed with inhabitants selected from the perfect stones. Every child who has tumbled barefoot or rubber-booted along a beach knows the wonder that accompanies the discovery of that perfect rock and the security that comes with its stony weight in one’s pocket. The ambiguity and formlessness of rocks have made them the ultimate toy for imaginative children and their rainbow of variation the object of desire for avid collectors. Their beloved utility has even earned them a spot in popular culture as the iconic pet rocks of the 1970’s. The ideal low maintenance pet and a durable and unique friend, it’s no wonder the pet rock has been such a popular product since its pilot in 1975—though why anyone would buy what can be found through some satisfying searching is unclear. One thing is certain, for a student unable to maintain any pet other than a fish, a rock is a simple and creative solution. In dorms, our home away from home, a little decoration can bring a lot of comfort and a few sedimentary (or metamorphic) friends even more so. For those of the more inventive sort, the classic idea of a pet rock has given way to coconuts, tree cookies, and pet socks though the idea behind their domestication is the same: in times of uncertainty, there is nothing like having a rock solid friend to turn to.

Where Students Choose To Be