Many Yazooans have probably seen a variety of colorful, inspirational painted rocks throughout the community. Smiles come to the faces of many who pass by the rocks. And a few have even taken them home or passed them onto friends or even complete strangers in an effort to spread the joy.
Meet the man behind those colorful creations. His name is Charles Everett, and he is beginning to be known throughout Yazoo and beyond as “the rock man.”
For the past six years, Everett has painted rocks and left them around town for locals to find in the hopes of brightening someone’s day.
This creative hobby began when his wife found a rock and left it behind his truck to find. His discovery led to a movement.
Everett paints his creations in sections of about 25 to 30 rocks and puts them out. After placing them throughout the community, he immediately starts a new batch.
Everett said he hopes the rocks make people stop and think when they find these them. He also hopes a little inspiration comes their way as well.
Everett has painted about 400 rocks in total. The cheerful rocks have made their way to Maryland, Colorado, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, California, Costa Rica and, of course, Mississippi.
Everett said he hopes the small tokens will remind people to slow down, take a look around them and notice the small things.
“Everyone is dead set on doing what they are doing and not really paying attention to what is going on around them, “Everett said.
He said this in response to a rock he placed in a busy spot that has not been found in a week. However, he remains hopeful that the creation will soon be discovered.
Everett has several other hobbies, including writing. He has five books, two for children and three for adults, published. Copies of the adult books can be found at Ricks Memorial Library and other businesses within Yazoo City.
A former crane operator at CF Industries, Everett also enjoys painting and photography. He can also be found hunting and fishing with his family.
A visit to Everett’s home is also proof that he has slowed down and began to notice things around him. He has several artifacts he has discovered in a variety of displays in his house.
“The stuff that I do, I’d have to give Momma and Daddy credit,” he admits.
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