CHECK this out!

There is just something about black and white check that makes my heart sing....
Look at this kitchen! The floor "makes" this room look perfect!


OH, Isn't this tile so much fun? I could see a kitchen or bathroom back splash done in this...or a simple bar area....or MAYBE an old armoire turned into a liquor cabinet with this as a back splash..........hmmmmmmmmm.....

And look at this tiny bathroom....Isn't it so sweet? Perfect balance of patterns without going TOO overboard.

And look at this mosaic I made using Flickr tools. (see side bar in my blog to access my Flickr account and see credits for photos.) Isn't it fun?

Now that my creative juices are flowing, maybe I will post something I have done in my own home to share with you....like that liquor cabinet...

xxxooo Ruth

I know.. I have been majorly inept about keeping up with all of you and my blog postings. For that I am sorry. It is just that life has been so all consuming and demanding .......

I hope you enjoy the mosaic I made of all things Valentine's.......

The center picture is of me and all of my sissies (7 in all!). It was taken almost, (gulp) 50 years ago! Of course with a little modern day embellishments it looks adorable.

I wish each and every one of you a very Happy Valentine's Day!

xxxoooRuth

The greatest love of all-

John 3:16-

***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

Happy Thanksgiving!

Oh My...

I have been a real slacker when it comes to my blog, and I am sorry......however I am so very thankful for friends like you. Thanks for all of the inspiration and friendship you have bestowed upon me, but most importantly, I am thankful to GOD for each and every one of you. You have shared your thoughts, dreams, inspirations, ideas, and just good old companionship. For that I am truly thankful and realize there is a purpose and a plan in this for all of us. Hope you have the most blessed Thanksgiving ever!

XXXOOO Ruth

Happy Halloween!!!

Hello Dear Blogging Friends~
It's been awhile since my last post, and I have missed you all! I just wanted to share some Halloween pictures with you.
Above is a Halloween Tree I decorate every year with my boys pictures from Halloweens past......

Next up, meet Harry, James, and Lazy Eye Lynn...they are pumpkins a good friend and I carved last year...sad to say, they only survived a few days! Now they are just a memory!

This is a candle holder I purchased last year from Hallmark. They literally FLEW out of the store! Don't know why it is coming through so small, but you can see how cool it is. When it flickers the image gets larger and smaller against the wall. The back side is a witch with a cauldron....

Ahhh, I love Flickr! I created this image using Flickr toys. Please visit my Flickr page for credits!

I hope you all have a Happy and safe Halloween!

xxxoo Ruth

Falling in Love....AGAIN.....

The Lake.... Gazebo on the Lake at The Farmhouse...
Child's Pl ayhouse
Pump House
Me and all of the Girls!!

With autumn...that is!

Isn't it such a glorious time of the year as the nights become shorter and the sound of crunching leaves can be heard underfoot? When the aroma of burning fire wood can be enjoyed and the crackling fire from the fireplace/fire pit brings warmth and beauty.... When the glorious sight of autumn leaves has the most sceptical of human beings brought to the realization of the Creator who created it... Oh, how I am in love with all of the beauty that fall has to offer!

I would like to share some pictures of a trip we enjoyed last October with special friends at their farmhouse. As you can see, there was much to be appreciated with so much beauty, and at times, it was overwhelming to know that God gave all of this beauty to us to remind us of Him and His awesome majesty! I hope you enjoy these as much as I do, and hope you get to enjoy a similar get away weekend soon!

xxxooo Ruth