Bouffant Blonde

How many times have you whined today? Give it up! We all complain numerous times each and every day. And usually about trivial things that really don't matter or that we simply can't change. We just don't like to admit that we are whiners. Think about it. It's June in Alabama. It's hot and humid. And sunny. I'm thankful that the rain has finally stopped but now in a two-day span of time the ground is so hard. I miss the cooler temperatures that the rain brought. But when it was raining and water was standing everywhere, I was first in line complaining that I wanted to see the sun. Or think about the traffic. That's a favorite whine topic. The stop lights never work to our satisfaction. If we're in a hurry, they're always red. When we're trying to delay our arrival, they're always green. And don't forget about that slowpoke going our way. You've heard the phrase "he's got nowhere to go and all day to get there." If the sl...

Table and chair sets like this one may soon be history. The reason? A law that goes far beyond protecting children from lead and goes into the realm of ridiculous. Let me make one thing clear -- I totally support testing children's items for lead. We all know the impact of lead on children. It was scary and infuriating last year to realize that kids we love were playing with toys that had lead on them. Plus, the trauma of explaining to a two-year-old that Thomas had to go to the hospital. So this isn't about keeping lead away from children. Any reasonable person supports that. This is about protecting artists from being shut down. The law requires all items -- including hand-made items -- to be tested for lead. Since artists items are all hand-made that means each individual item would need testing. Some have estimated the cost at $150 and up per item. Who can afford that? And what customer will absorb that cost? Most artists are like me. I purchase my wood at local building s...

All is right with the world. At least the world that Bouffant Blonde inhabits. A new baby joined us last Wednesday at 11:21 p.m. He's a perfect miracle and a reminder that God blesses us again and again. There is nothing more peaceful or emotionally filling than holding a newborn in your arms, watching him as he sleeps. He is safe and secure and trusting. Evil and despair are far away. God is present and fills the space around you and this little one. I was never able to have children of my own. It was a great sorrow for someone who dreamed of five or six kids running around a huge house I would call home. But blessings have come elsewhere. From the friends who have shared their children with me. From the little ones in Children's Church who laugh as they learn about Jesus and art (hey, I am who I am!). And most especially God has blessed me with a niece and three nephews to cherrish and love. There are those who remind me that I will never know how deep is love that flows fro...

Recently a new commercial shows a dad preparing for a big night out. He's getting spruced up, complete with tie. His big date? With his little girl to play tea party. It's one of those commercials urging men to take time to be a dad but the same message could go to mothers. Children are only small once and the years go by so very fast. I know the message isn't new. Kids care about the time we spend with them. My young nephew doesn't run to me and ask, "What did you bring me." He runs to me and asks, "Will you play with me?" That's what he'll remember. Playing football with his clutsy aunt. Or learning to hit a ball with his Dad. Or reading his "Jesus Book" at night with his Mom. Those are the things that matter. This table and chair set was such a joy to design and paint. It was a special gift for three little girls from their aunt and uncle. I hope they enjoy playing tea party as much as I did when I was a little girl.