The words “60 Turns per Minute!” is inscribed on the handle of this antique Cream Separator. I was tempted to use it for the title, but decided on The Trading Post. Since the Kale was the center of my focus, the added antique appliance was a bonus so that it wasn’t just a “flower power” painting, but held some masculine interests as well. It was a photo taken back in 2009 at the Trading Post just outside of Port Perry, Ontario. A charming Quality Food Farmer’s Market boasting 7,000 square feet of fabulous foods, some gifts and even a petting zoo. I began to learn of the Kale and why it becomes this glorious spray of rich bold, colors of pink, red or blue-purple to produce the exquisite jewel tones within the Kale that otherwise we would never enjoy. So it has also been in my learning experience after 30 years as a painter when a season of extreme cold from some trial or burden fills life to the brim we will come to shine all the more for the Lord as a result. But as I (we) allowed the Lord to transform the “numbness” felt during those times into something of eternal value we too discovered that He brings “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” (Is. 61:3 ) Indeed, Isaiah wrote those words out of his own transformed bitter life experiences & they still strengthen and comfort us today too!