***Happy New Year***

Yup, that's me 11:59, 12/31/08....
Just sipping away on my 2nd glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne awaiting the glorious arrival of 2009.........don't we all look this relaxed and marvelous on New Year's Eve?!

I know it sounds so cliche, but where DID the time go ?
Honestly, I can't believe how fast 2008 has gone. Maybe it's because I am almost, (gulp, ) 50 and smack dab in mid-life , or because I see how my boys have grown into fine young men, or maybe because the mirror is ever so truthful in it's reflection of honesty....
Maybe it's all of these reasons. I don't know, but it is a reminder of the sobering fact that life is really so short, and meant to be LIVED!

Thank you for blessing me with your friendship this year. I am truly grateful and in awe of the amazing and inspiring friendships that blogging has brought me in 2008.

It is my prayer and hope that in 2009, you LIVE your life to the fullest and treasure each step along the way.....
REMEMBER....Stay close to Him, and He will stay close to you.
May God bless you and keep you safe this New Year, and always.
oooxxx Ruth
.

Merry Christmas!

SWEET CHERUBS WITH BLING!

Mirror mirror on the wall...

Tiny rice lights in powder room...

My Collection of apocrathy jars I have been snatching

up for years at garage sales.... I love how they look here!

Magical and icy!

Another shot..........

My collection of antique Christmas ornaments in a

HUGE apocrathy jar I got at Home Goods last year.

A string of tiny rice lights inside makes this truly enchanting!


Hi Everyone~

So happy to finally be spending some time with my blogging buddies! Time is passing so quickly and it is hard to believe we are already in the "Christmas countdown".

Now that I have finally found a moment to share, here are a few of my most recent decorations for Christmas.

MINIMAL was the name of the game for me this year.

With the economy doing so poorly , and things being so unstable, I believe it is time to re-access all that we have, and all that we really need. I am finding that I am much more clear headed , focused, and less stressed when things are kept simple and to a minimum.

Lately, my cottage style has also been reflecting the same sense of calm, peace, and simplicity. My recent bedroom makeover, and upcoming kitchen changes will be posted in early 2009.

Plan to be surprised!

Until our next meeting, I hope each and everyone of you and your families has a VERY blessed Christmas, and remember the TRUE reason for the season...

Luke 2:11-

"for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

Isaiah 9:6 "For a child will be born to us, And the government will rest on His shoulders, And His name wil be called Wonderful Councelor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."

(I LOVE how Isaiah prophesized about Jesus coming LONG before He was even born!)

Merry Christmas!

xxxoo Ruth