Inuksuk--What?

Inuksuk is an Inuit (Eskimo) word for a stone structure that can communicate knowledge essential for an Arctic traveller.  It has a strong connection to the land: it is built on the land, made of the land, and tells about the land.  It should be shown respect because it will protect the traveller in the harsh climate of the Far North. It represents the thoughts of the person who built it and left it upon the land.  I was told this by my neighbor who loaned me The Inuksuk Book.  She spends time in Canada each year.

I have one near my front step.  One of my grandsons built it of local rock they collected on walks down to Bear Swamp.  I have respected it and left it where they placed it. It reminds them to return to their grandmother and grandfather's house.

Turn here to Didi's house

I know the Native Americans in the lower 48 states also used rocks piled in certain formations to show directions, mark a trail, or tell where a cache was located.  They were called cairns. 

Another neighbor who spends time in Hawaii each winter told me she has seen similar stacks of rocks in Hawaii. I read that while they supposedly show respect for native deities, they are also troublesome to park rangers and scientists.

You are probably thinking how does this qualify as a "garden moment"?  Well, it's in my front garden--and it's been raining for 2 days. So all I can do is look out the windows and wish for sunshine.  Meanwhile, I was spending time looking through the front window at the stones piled up along my front walk and watering my houseplants...