Bouffant Blonde

It's winter in Alabama and spring is in the air. Nothing quite like a January that comes with sunny days in the 70s. Of course, that was yesterday and today. The week's end will likely bring nights in the 20s with highs in the 50s. Normal weather, the experts say. I like spring days, with the sun gazing down on us all. This painting reminds me of the beauty in this world that God created. The beautiful purple shades glistening in the sunlight, while the stem dances in the light breeze. What a perfect day.

Have you ever felt like a faceless person in what can sometimes be a cruel world? This lady haunted my thoughts for several weeks last fall. To me she symbolizes the hidden heart so many of us keep hidden in protective clothing. We're so afraid to let the world see our heart, our love, yet that is what Jesus called us to do. To love one another. That's a scary thing. Anyone who has ever had his or her heart -- or good intentions -- thrown back at them understands that fear. But God never said life would be without fear, without challenges, without anger or hurt. He said he would be with us no matter what. This painting took far longer than most. I would work on her, changing the colors and effects. She watched over me. She remained near my work table for weeks, constantly in my sights. She spoke to me then. And she speaks to me now.

Have you ever noticed how happy frogs always seem to be? They just hop around in their own little world. Oblivious to the problems that surround them. Seems to me we could all learn something from frogs. I went through a period where I painted a great many frogs. Mostly bright green with huge smiley faces. They're all painted on scrap wood. For those of you not familiar with that term, scrap wood is just pieces left over from other projects. Some I rescue from what otherwise would become ashes. I doubt any of us realize how much wood is discarded in the making of cabinets, houses, furniture, etc. As a folk artist, I'm all about using what's at hand rather that purchasing something new -- then cutting it to fit and discarding what's left. I guess the green movement influences me more than I realize. Don't get me wrong. I can shop with the best of them. I love sales. Especially those clearance sales where everything is like 80 or 90 percent off. What bargains! I do so...

Green Dog decided to head inland for the winter. Even the Gulf of Mexico gets a little chilly in the winter so he decided to put his surf board in the garage and head home to Alabama for the the winter months. In Green Dog's world the sun is always shining, the flowers are forever in bloom and orange cars run without fuel. Paradise! We hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Green Dog played football and baseball with his nephews, got tons of presents (large white teeth come in handy when opening gifts with too much tape), and ate way too much. It was a blissful event, made so much more satisfying by having Lady, Little Guy and Sunshine with him. We hope to see you all this spring when show season starts again.

Thanks for all you who visited my booth at the SACS show in Montgomery. It was a new adventure. The show moved this year and suffered all the usual growing pains. Parking is a pain for those of us who don't like to pay to park so we can go shop. Anyone share that view? That said, a number of holiday items sold out quickly. The Christmas trees in assorted colors were gone within the first hour of the show. Who knew they were be so popular? I do have a few large (three and a half feet tall) snowmen left. All the smaller snowmen are gone. I have one small (table-top size) Miz. Bea Blonde cabinet left. And one child's table and chair set left. I'm looking forward now to spring. I'll post the show schedule later when I firm it up.

My last show of 2008 will be December 6-7 at the newMontgomery Convention Center at the Renaissance Hotel and Spa. Show hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $2 per person. This is show is organized by the Society of Arts and Crafts of Montgomery and Central Alabama (SACS). It will be filled with wonderful handmade and holiday gifts at affordable prices. I will have several Miz Bea Blonde cabinets, one child's table and chair set and plenty of art. I also will have Chistmas trees (the wood variety), recipe holders, candy containers. pins, red hat ornaments and many other gifts for young and old, male and female. Stop by and say hello. Mention you read this blog and receive a free gift.

My next show is scheduled Sept. 13, 2008, on the campus of Troy University in Troy, Alabama. It's a fundraiser put on by the alumni association. The arts and crafts event will be at the Troy University Alumni House at the corner of George Wallace Drive and Highland Ave. This is across the street from the football stadium. The show hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. I will have many new items available for sale, including affordable Christmas gifts. I'll also be taking furniture orders for Christmas delivery. These include children's furniture and novelty cabinets. Hope to see you there!