Voices of a Wind Chime

"Rusty"

Today, wind chimes are widely used as decorations to produce interesting background sounds in our homes and gardens. However, wind chimes were once used for weather forecasting. In the days before weather forecasts were available, weather-wise farmers, sailors and loggers made short-term forecasts with a knowledge of local weather conditions and a few observations such as wind speed and direction. In many areas, certain wind directions are often associated with specific weather conditions.

I bought this set of wind chimes.
As a gift to you from me.
Hang them on your porch,
Or even from a tree
A gentle breeze will blow them
The sound will bring a smile
So sit on down, right under them,
And listen for awhile
The song that they are singing,
is a message for you to hear,
the words that they are saying
are, a SISTER is always near.
I've named this wind chime "Joybells" (my sister's name is Joy)
"The key to your decorating needs" - one more vintage key to add to my collection.

My wonderful sister gave me a gift certificate for my birthday to an amazing boutique here in Grapevine (on Main Street).  It is full of fun, funky treasures; from jewelry, clothing, housewares to purses and rugs..  Go here to go to the Gypsy Warehouse website.  You will be hooked forever.  Great gift ideas to buy for someone that has eclectic taste.    I went by there today and found an amazing wind chime that is a perfect match for me.  It is a doorknob with a vintage key hanging from the chimes.  Thank you sis for my wonderful treasure that I will sit and enjoy this Spring/Summer under my new gazebo!

Here are a few other wind chimes that I've fallen in love and kindly given a "Ruthie" name.
"Make a wish"
The above is my absolute favorite - don't you wonder what this sounds like?  It looks so masculine so maybe it sounds deep instead of all clunky.  I think this might be my summer project?

I stumbled across this talented artist.  Check out this website.  The sound of these wind chimes is so deep and beautiful.  Davis Blanchard Wind chimes.

"Through the looking glass"
"Sunflower Seed"
"Slicker"
"Madaam"
"Masseur"
"Spalicious"
"Piper"
"Oh Honey"
"Carousel"
"Radiance"
Listen to these......Wind Chimes.  Gorgeous tone!

"The Village"

By strategically hanging several sets of wind chimes, you can hear the general direction of the wind;
and the rate at which the clapper strikes the chimes can give an estimate of the wind speed.
"Clementine"
"Terra gotta style"
"Jelly Fish Junction"
"Wicked"
"Stagger Home"
"Crocs"
"Indigo"
"Petrified"
"Crystal"
"Rolling Stones"
I'm in love with all the textures, bold colors and the "all natural" wind chimes.  I'm not too crazy about the real "pingy" sounding ones.  The one that I just purchased from "Gypsy Warehouse" has a wonderful harmony!
  The song that they are singing,
is a message for you to hear,
the words that they are saying
are, a FRIEND is always near.

I may not know you personally but I am your "blogger" friend.

Ruthie

Modern Doormats and Garden Updates

Spring is in the air and it's time to dust off our front porches and make them look nice again.  We have pollen ALL over our front and back patio's and I'm waiting on a hard rain to wash it all away. 

I've been looking at front door welcome mats.  It's a real easy update to your front entry.  They have some great ones at Target and Lowes this season.  I saw that Walmart even has some great selections. Costco and Sams are also in style this season!  Also, don't forget about BIG LOTS.  You never know what treasure you'll find there.
I found these at Chiasso.com, aren't they stylish?

Lowes.com
This one had me laughing and would be funny for your back patio.  Well, maybe not.  Found at Target.  Gotta have some humor, it makes life interesting and fun.
While you are out and about look for your new doormat for this season.
 I've found them for as low as $11.00.
Here are a few quick tips for your garden.
Add unexpected elements to your flowerpots. 
Here are some I just put together.
Added a petrified rock and some fun finials to this mix.
Once the flowers get bigger the finials will really add a nice touch!  I love when flowering pots are overflowing with captivating beauty.
This wrought iron piece makes my fern look dressed up ready for family and friends.  It's like the jewelry added to an outfit.
I found this statue at a garage sale.  My kids named him "Aslan" from the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe movie.   He guards our house and our dog loves to bark at him.
Love this fun concrete finial.  Adds height and whimsy to our garden.
Adding architectural elements to your fence really make a nice backdrop for your ivy.
I even love it when things start to look a little worn.  Makes them have a story!  Notice the green pollen I've been talking about!  Come on rain!!!
I planted Sweet Potato vines last year and their color was spectacular.  I decided to do it again this year.
Look who landed in our pool while I was taking these pictures!  Isn't he beautiful.
My angel and my weather vain are waiting for my Sago Palm to create an umbrella over them.
I'm always amazed at how fast they grow.  See the duck in the pool!
Isn't she sweet?
Lila is waiting for the gazebo to be finished so she can go back to her home!
Speaking of the gazebo, it's coming along well!
It's waiting to be stained.

Almost finished, roof is next.  All the pots are waiting for their spring flowers.

Hope you are enjoying getting your home ready for summer!  I'd love to see what you've done, Inside or Outside.  I know that spring gets you all motivated to do updates and changes.
   Send me an e-mail with your updates and I'll post them for all to see!
Ruthie

Church Pew - can it be saved?

I have a wonderful friend that called me up to let me know that there was a church that was being demolished in the area and they had left a pew on the side of the road for anyone to pick up.  She knows me well and knew that I'm always looking for "treasures."   
Of course, I get a call like this and I can't ignore it, even if I'm still in my PJ's! I immediately got dressed and jumped in my car and headed out on my inquiry about this treasure.
I pulled up next to the pew and my first impression made me thrilled.  Yes, it definitely needed to be "born again."  It had some major problems.  It was rugged and worn, tattered and definitely abused. 
It made me ponder these thoughts...
How many have sat in this pew?
What memories were created from weddings?
Who mourned over their loved one at a funeral?
Who dedicated their children?
Whose life was changed forever?
What kid fidgeted and drove their parents crazy?
Who watched their friend or family member's baptism?
Who grew older and grayer over the years?
What worries in life were brought before God?
How many words of thanks were uplifted?
How many actually fell asleep in this pew?
Who gave their offerings?
Who became missionaries?
What hymns echoed throughout the building?
How many children got pinched because they weren't listening?
How many hearts were touched by another sitting next to them?
Who held hands with someone they loved?
How many generations sat in the same pew each Sunday?

These are just a few of the questions I asked myself.  These are also the things that made this pew a treasure!!  I love old things that have history!  Who doesn't?
Craig's List Church Pew - $300 and it isn't even restored.
Well....I got out of the car and took a look at it.  It REALLY needed help!  Someone needed to dedicate their time, money and woodworking skills to this project.  I thought about it and decided that
I would pass up on this treasure.
As I drove away, I saw another truck pull up behind me.  They got out and I couldn't help but slow
down to see what they were going to do.  Oh no, did I make the wrong decision?  This is a treasure and now someone else is going to take it away!!  I slowed down and watched anxiously.  The couple walked around it several times, stood there and talked with their hands on their hips.  The man (I'm assuming he was the husband) didn't look too enthuised.  Of course, I knew why!
Finally, I could tell that they had made a decision and started to pick this treasure up.  I started wondering why I passed this opportunity up.  I don't like seeing others take away "my" treasure.  They both grabbed a side and started to walk toward their truck which was all prepared for loading.  Suddenly, within a few seconds, the pew started to fall apart and eventually it fell into a pile in front of them.  They both looked so disappointed and walked away.

But he said to me, "My grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak."
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Not every thing is a treasure!  What it did remind me as I drove home is that people are ALWAYS treasures.  We sometimes look like we are okay and put on a false pretense that "all is great" but we all fall apart at times too.  The great thing is that we are always a treasure to others, always.  Sometimes we look ragged, worn and often we feel like we can't ever be put together again.  However, if we surround ourselves with people that love us, they can pick us up, load us up with encouraging words, wisdom and love and they don't just leave us there like this couple left this pew.  Our friends and family begin to put us together with Gods help of course! 
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Thank you Peggy for calling me about this treasure, it was a great reminder for this Easter weekend about restoration and the need for God's help!

I'd love to hear your comments about your memories in your church pews growing up?

Have hope my friends, you are a treasure! 

Happy Easter!

Wicker Patio Furniture Face-lift

My wicker patio furniture that goes under our gazebo really got damaged last year.  I decided to give the chairs and the table a makeover with Mini-wax Spray Wood Stain. 
Here are the results.  You know I am all about transformations and this one really did work well.  I love it when you can spend a little time and get great results.  A whole lot less expensive than purchasing new furniture that's for sure!
BEFORE

AFTER

Fresh new cushions and this will be a new set!
Transform something of yours today!
Ruthie

Branches and more branches

Table scape by Donna Karan
 House Beautiful Magazine 
Photograph by Trevor Tondro
"Wood, Stone, water, flowers - being surrounded by nature is always very grounding for me," says designer Donna Karan.
Wow, sounds like words that would come out of my mouth.  When I saw the above table scape I LOVED it because it was an extension of the post I wrote about a few weeks ago about nature.  Go here to read that post.  "The above tree looks like it is growing out of the table, creating a canopy.  Wood adds so much warmth" says Donna Karan
Donna paired these branches with a moss table runner.  It really softened all the wood.  The moss up in the branches adds so much drama too!
This neutral table setting is something that you can't mess up.  Adding white flowers really makes it sophisticated too.
Here are a few of my ideas that you could do to change up this table.

Use wrought iron silverware to add some texture and design.  These are from World Market
I love these linen napkins too.

Wooden square plate by "Noritake"
Square adds interest to the table.
Wouldn't it be a fun surprise to have this beautiful shell ring around the linen napkin.  Your friends could take it home afterwards.  It has an elastic band so one size fits all.  Places like Charming Charlies in Southlake has rings like these for a steal.

Using glass votives in different sizes with a soft cream colored candle adds great neutral ambiance.

Or what about this lovely concrete snail planter as your candle holders.  You could use several.

Lined up on each side of your branch centerpiece these cuties would be amazing.  Using them for your white flowers would be beautiful too.
Lilies are always a great choice because they are so fragrant.
If you didn't want to use "real" moss, you could use this tablecloth.  See this link for details.
Happy entertaining this Easter weekend!

Participating in Metamorphis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch.  Check out all the great ideas on this blog.
Ruthie