Burnt............

Can we talk about sun-burns???

And while we are at it ... can we talk about hand care?  Or more specifically, unsuccessful hand care.

I used to be a blue-eyed brunette or what used to be known as an Irish Brunette.  (now .... I am a gray-haired AARP member!  But .... I am not a red-hatter!)  Light skin ... no olive tones.  Winter.  Think winter.

It makes sense that I burn relatively easy.

When I go outside, I apply 35-40 SPF sunscreen.

I put on a stylish straw hat.............

And I work.
And I sweat.
And the sunscreen melts away.
And I continue to work.

So I burn.............. a bunch.

But here is my problem ... people always talk about my burn. Which I don't mind. But over and over again .... its seem like it is something awful.  I could puff Camel cigarettes in the restaurant with less condemnation!!!!

You know, you shouldn't spend that much time laying out in the sun.  

You know you should be wearing sunscreen when you golf..... or boat ..... or garden.  

 Yea ... like I golf!!


I have heard it all.

You can have a fake-and-bake tan the color of a latte and no one says a word.  But do physical work and get a tan ..... you will get chastised.


Which brings me to my hands.  I have very tiny hands ... and gloves that really fit are hard to find.  Dear friend Jill sent me a great pair and they are wonderful.

But most of the time, when I am working with our customers.......

I am in the dirt.
I have a pair of clippers in my hands.
I'm running water.
I am grabbing change.
I have a chicken in my arms.
I have a cat at my feet.

And any gloves that I may have worn,  are in the back pocket of my jeans.  My nails are short and ragged and my hands are stained with dirt.

At least, I don't have Lindsay Lohan's manicurist!

There are times that I avoid social situations because of my hands and my very-burnt nose.  The comments and/or the stares are hard to take.

We are society that values looks and image over work ethic and physical labor.  And I am sooo very grateful for the many friends that I have that accept my appearance.  I try.  I really do try.

And with all the women entering agriculture ... we are going to see more ragged nails... more burnt shoulders.

We need to honor those that work ... really work.... over those that play socialite. And that means the acceptance of a burnt nose ... red shoulders ...... and stained nails.