Ben

I can't remember exactly when I met Ben Purvis, but I can remember where. Dissatisfied with the quality of framing I was receiving at a local frame shop, I stopped by Fads and Frames in Clinton. I met this sweet young man in a tattered ball cap and I liked him immediately. 

It soon became obvious that he was head and shoulders above anyone who had ever framed anything for me. An amazing artist in his own right, he has an unfailing eye for the perfect colors, textures, and styles in frames and mats. I soon began going to Ben for all my framing needs. 

Over the years, he became more than the guy who beautifully framed my artwork. He became a friend. He encouraged my forays into different styles of watercolor painting and collage. He always had a kind word and a hug for me. When I was in the hospital getting my first hip replaced, I looked up one day to see young Ben standing by my bed with flowers in hand. 

When Fads and Frames closed, I was not sure what was going to happen to Ben. I hated to see someone with his talent take a humdrum job that did not involve him using his gifts. Fortunately, despite the odds of trying to start a business, Ben took the lemons that had been handed to him and made lemonade! Doing the lion's share of the work himself, Ben renovated an older building in downtown Raymond and opened Benjamin's Framing and Fine Art. Here he displays his own art as well as the offerings of a few fortunate others. If you want something exquisitely framed, make the short drive to Raymond and go see my friend Ben. 

https://www.facebook.com/BenjaminsCustomFramingandFineArtLLC/

https://benjaminbpurvis.com/

I am so proud of Ben. If anyone can make a go of this, he can. 

Second Chances

I've been thinking a lot about second chances lately. I know that I have been granted a number of them in my life and I am thankful for them.

I am getting SO tired of constant social media posts that dredge up transgressions from as many as 50 years ago. Seriously? People can and do change. In one case, a person became a Christian and has issued an apology for actions done as a young person. But no one ever bothers to look up the rest of the story. Instead, they gleefully pass on this antiquated garbage. 

I totally get that in some cases, a second chance should not be given. In cases of physical and/or sexual abuse, it is just too dangerous to grant another chance. In cases where an addict or alcoholic is still actively using, steering clear is a good idea. 

Think about the second chances that you have been given. Have you received a second chance at life due to a medical procedure? Have you been able to beat an addiction? Has someone in the right place at the right time kept you from taking your own life? Has your spouse taken you back after finding out you cheated on him or her and is willing to give your marriage another chance? 

If you have had the gift of a second chance, could it be time to give one to someone else?