Take Time To Smell The Roses....

Garden Cottage
Cherub Fountain
French Bust
Tree Man
Gabriel- My Garden Guardian

Good Morning Dear Blogging Buddies~

It's hard to believe it's been almost a whole month since my last post, and I do apologize because I have missed each and every one of you so!

Life just seems to take over and the demands can be somewhat overwhelming at times. That was the inspiration behind this post, "take time to smell the roses".

I decided after working all day in my garden on Sunday, to grab my camera and focus on the little things that make me smile and help me to decompress. It is amazing how the garden has the ability to do that. There is just something about sitting in a garden that can take all of your cares away, for however brief a time it may be.

The colors, the smells, the sounds, the warmth of the sun.....so tranquil and inspiring. A beautiful natural tranquilizer from God!

It is my wish that you find the time this week to "stop and smell the roses" and remember to thank God for your blessings!

xxxooo Ruth

Happy Mother's Day....

To all of you wonderful "chick's " out there in blogland!!!
This past Sunday I took some pictures at our local greenhouse. The first picture reminded me of B.J., at Sweet Nothings, and her love for roosters, but since it's Mothers Day, well, a hen HAS to do! ...And look at her with her sweet little chicks...isn't it adorable!??
This greenhouse never disappoints and has such pretty and unusual garden ornamentation, as you can see, and this is just part of the outside! There are rows and rows of endless possibilities for all types of gardens.
Inside, is just as amazing and equally impressive. There are fountains, gazing globes, trellises, windchimes, arbors, etc...the list is exhausting. And to top it all off, there are resident kitty cats that sleep amongst the decorative planters that are on the shelves. Since they are in a greenhouse, it is like sitting in a sunny window ALL day long for them. Anyone with cats knows how they love to sunbathe!
I think it would be fun and I would LOVE for you to post pictures of the greenhouses where you buy your seasonal flowers. I would love to see how they inspire you and how each greenhouse differs from region to region. Let me know if you are up to it.....and have a happy and blessed Mother's Day!
xxxoo Ruth

Sunday Morning...........

Good Sunday Morning Dear Fellow Bloggers~~~
I am so sorry that I haven't been the best about my blogging abilities lately. Sometimes life just catches up and before you know it another week has gone by, leaving me questioning where it went!
I have been busy, needless to say, but then I have been dealing with the unexpected nuisance of allergies. My husband and I went out for a motorcycle ride on Thursday evening. The weather had been so beautiful, but, little did I realize that the pollen was so incredibly high and EVERYWHERE.
I normally don't have allergies, but I am guessing because of the major assault to my upper respiratory tract, (like a powerwasher blowing in my face and up my nose), that it was plenty enough to cause major irritation to my throat, sinuses, and eyes. By Friday morning, I was very congested and puffy. By Saturday, much the same but more sneezing and a scratchy throat. You know it was bad, especially since I didn't even go to a VINTAGE garage sale advertised on the next street over! I was afraid all of the stuff would be so dusty, that it would irritate my situation further. Besides, I just didn't have the "umph" in me to get moving.
So today is Sunday, and I am feeling better...still sneezing and the throat a little scratchy, but nowhere as congested as I was.....
It is rainy and cool today, and we are suppposed to go to church at 10:30, but I am staying home to read my bible instead. I am currently in 1 Samuel, as I am reading the bible in a year. It is AMAZING, and further reminds me of the unquestionable forgiveness, love, and patience the Lord has for those who truly trust and believe in Him. It also reminds me of His angels who are constantly ministering and protecting me. They must be an awesome sight to see in their full glory, however they can, and have, ministered in the form of humans....
This scripture, and many other instances in the bible, remind me of that-

"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for some have entertained angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2.

Isn't that amazing?

I am hoping you have a wonderful and blessed week, dear blogging friends!
xxxooo Ruth

I've Been To Gardens All Around The World This Week....

On Flickr!

Good Morning Dear Blogging Buddies~

This week I decided to take a trip to Flickrland , and do a search for "cherub fountains". ( and no jet lag, either!)

Well once again, my Flickr friends did not let me down. I was so inspired that I had to do a mosaic with all of the beautiful fountains I found. Aren't they just dreamy? There is something so ethereal and inspiring about moss covered statuary. Can't you just hear the trickling of the water and smell the of the mist it emits? So peaceful and relaxing....

Keeping that inspiration in mind, I have decided to post a few pictures of my own garden from last year. I am so anxious to get my little garden oasis underway, and persue a few projects that I have accumulated over the winter, but for now I will have to settle for pictures and dream of what will be!

Here's hoping you have a blessed and beautiful day.

xxxooo Ruth

Random Shots of Happiness............

Good Morning Dear Blogging Buddies~

Hope you are having a beautiful day. The sun is in it's full glory, with the birds chirping and a gentle breeze blowing. My spring bulbs are slowly emerging from the chilly soil, in an attempt to say, "welcome spring." Soon it will be time to assemble my patio into the private oasis that I so crave, but until then, I am enjoying the little things inside my cottage.

This morning I was wandering around my home, admiring the way the sun beckon's me into each room, seeing things in a different way. That inspired me for the title of todays blog, Random Shots of Happiness. The few shots I've taken, are special places in my home, that just make me happy whenever I walk by them. They are little "still lifes" that resonate a mood or a feeling at different times of my life. They just make me smile!

Being content in the simple things clears the way for contentment in the big things that really matter...like a warm home, a beautiful family, food to eat, clothes to wear, things I so often take for granted. I am often reminded of the blessings I am given everyday and humbled by God for His blessings to me and my family. It is my prayer that you, too, are reminded of the blessings He gives all of us. A reminder to worship the Creator, and not the creation,

"for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21

Have a beautiful day!!!

xxxooo Ruth

Happy Daffy's....

Hi Everyone~

Happy spring! I hope all of you are doing well and had a blessed Easter. It's been awhile since my last post, but I thought this adorable arrangement of mini daffodils would make up for it. I just can't help but smile everytime I look at them. (They actually smile back at me!)

It is so very warm and seasonable today, 59 degrees and sunny. It's the kind of day that I love sitting outside and just letting the warm sunrays soak into my very being. It is energizing and medicinal at the same time, and so good for the soul!

I hope each and every one of you is having a wonderful spring day, and make sure you take time to smell the daffodils!

xxxooo Holly

Feeling the Need for Spring!

Feeling a little antsy and craving the outside was the inspiration behind the decor of my mantle in my family room...hmmmm...looks like I have summer more in mind!

I love seashells and pinecones together. Reminds me of my summers in Long Beach Island....

Hope you are having a great day!

xxxooo Holly