I Love Failure

 I'm glad you stopped by! Let me ask you a question. Have you ever failed? It could be anything from a recipe to a relationship. While you are thinking about that I wanted to share  one of my own experiences with failure.

A few years ago, one of my boys asked me to run a half marathon with him. I'll admit I did not really want to, but my desire to not miss an opportunity with him was greater than not wanting to run. So I said "Yes!" I had run a couple of half marathons before, so I figured getting ready for one more really wouldn't be that difficult. I had a seven mile loop that I jogged about three days a week and decided that would be fine. Long story short, I made it to race day, and that training program proved not to be so "fine!" I felt good to begin with, but when I got to mile seven my legs were done. I think training a single distance for two months was not the best plan. I can't begin to tell you how difficult the next six miles were for me. I can look back now and laugh, but that day at that moment, I was an emotional wreck! I struggled with fear for about a mile and then moved into anger about  mile eight. At mile nine I tried motivational self talk. Honestly, from mile ten to twelve I cried uncontrollably. At mile thirteen when I crossed the finish line, I was physically sick. Yes, I finished the race, but I failed that day. I could have blamed the freezing temperatures or the crowded race course, but at the end of the day the fault was mine. I did not train, and I failed.

I believe with every failure there is a lesson learned and a reward gained. I learned so many things about myself that day out on that race course. Most importantly, I took responsibility for my failure to train and learned from my mistakes. The following year I signed up for the same race and trained well and crossed the finish line in less time and with a smile on my face.

The point is we learn from our failures. It is a good thing, and yet we refuse to let our children fail. Why is that? When our children are young we teach them and train them and fill their little "bag" full of wisdom and instruction. We train moral behavior and Godly character. We teach them to think and equip them to be able to choose right from wrong. We fill their hearts with all these tools so when they enter the teen years they are ready to face new challenges and adventures. However, so often we as parents deny our children  the privilege of failing. For example, if a child forgets his homework we rush it to the school so they won't suffer the consequences. (Imagine if we'd let them suffer a "zero" they might not forget that homework again) Think of a time you failed and the invaluable wisdom you gained from that experience. Don't deny your child failure.

2 Corinthians 12:9 " 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

For my child to know Jesus like that, I have to let go and know His grace is sufficient. He is enough!                                                  Love love love Ruthie

 

Teenagers

 I am so glad you stopped by. I couldn't wait to give you the latest update on our cows. Eddie asked me to help him with the cows a couple of days ago, and you know I couldn't get in the truck fast enough. However, I probably should have asked a few more questions, because he needed help separating the big babies from their mamas. I realize they need to be weened from their mamas, but these calves are like my children and I thought it was really hard to do. We first separated them into different pens and the mamas were nervous and uneasy. The babies were clueless as they followed me wanting to be petted and loved and fed out of my hand (they are so spoiled). Then we loaded the calves into the trailor and the mamas were frantically pacing back and forth. When we left the big field the mamas mooed like crazy. I've never heard anything like it! As I was locking the gate, it just about did me in watching Eddie leave with the babies and seeing the mamas left standing there.

As I drove home, the sun was going down and I thought about the babies spending their first night alone in a new place. I am so glad sweet Valentine will be there. She has been without her mama since birth and will no doubt be an encouragement to the girls. Over the next year the girls will not only grow in size but grow very close to each other. It will be fun watching them grow into teenagers. I do wonder how our relationship will change. Now they eat out of my hand and follow me like puppies. I know it will be different, I just wonder what different will look like.

I'm laughing out loud at myself, but the teenage years with cows is not too different from teenage years with children. It's important that teenagers become more self sufficient, but that doesn't mean that they abandon their relationship with their parents. I think it's so important that my teenagers learn to do things for themselves like projects, homework, even some laundry. I think it's good they learn to make their own haircut appointments, pick up things from the grocery, register for college tests, and even RSVP their own invitations. I know I'm probably stepping on toes, but every time your child learns to do something new for himself he gains more confidence and more self respect. Just because you are no longer making their haircut appointments doesn't mean your not needed or your relationship is non existent. It actually takes your relationship to another level. A more mature relationship and a deeper love and respect.

My calves will be grazing in big pastures and will no longer eat out of my hand. However, they will love when I visit and bring hay and pellets. I feel sure they will even want me to pet them and rub their necks. In the same way, as my children grow in their independance our relationship will also grow and be even sweeter! And just so you know, I will always wrap my arms around them every chance I get and

[caption id="attachment_1499" align="alignleft" width="200"] My sweet Valentine![/caption]

remind them how much they are loved! Be brave! Let go of that "control thing." I promise you won't regret it!

Love love love Ruthie

Project: Journal Page

 I am so glad you stopped by. I have been playing in my art journal today. My art journal is a place where I try new things and journal the process and what I learn and whether I like it or not.  I was experimenting with a new technique, and I really likedit and thought you might enjoy it too. It was very simple and tons of fun. All I did was use my printer to copy a page from a magazine and then I glued it into my journal and painted it. It was so creative and very easy!  I think it is a technique you could really use your imagination and come up with some amazing ideas. So this is what I did.



I first found a picture in a magazine and made a black and white copy of it using my printer



Then I used mod podge to paste the copy in to my art journal.



Then comes the fun part. Grab your acrylic paints and paint. Use any color you like and bring the black and white photo copy to life.



This really was a fun exercise! I will say I used a very limited palette when I painted this. I would recommend using only a few colors but lots of different values of that color. For example, I used multiple shades of sap green in my trees by adding cad yellow and white. I used cerulean blue for my sky and dress and added yellow and white for multiple values of that color. I really love the way it turned out.



For those of you who are familiar with my style know I could never leave something so plain. I had to stamp and doodle all over it! In my opinion, It gives life to the piece! Then I journaled the process right on top of the page. Remember to use permanent pens and inks when doing all these projects. Once you're finished you can seal it with a coat of mod podge if you want to. I love this journal page! While I was working on it I thought how adorable it would be to use a photograph of my own of people or places that I love. I could add personal things like letters and art and all kinds of fun ideas. Really the possibilities are endless! Try it and have fun with it! It reminds me a little of paint by number. Send my a picture of your art work! I'd love to see what you come up with! I love a fun project! Enjoy!

love love love Ruthie

Big Love in Pink

 Hi! I'm so glad you stopped by! I've been busy in my studio! Thank you for all of your fabulous comments! Thank you even more for reading my blog and sharing it with your friends! It really means so much to me that you spend time with me in my studio. I love every time you leave your thoughts and comments! I had such a great time creating my "Happy Fall" piece and sharing with you and how to make it, I thought I would teach you how to make another piece. I made this today and absolutely love it! I hope you will try it at home and send me a picture of what you create! I look forward to hearing from you!!!!



I started with a 5x5 deep edge canvas. Really you could use any size that you have. I like a 5x5 because you can finish it quickly and it's a great size for a gift .



Then I used Mod Podge to cover the canvas with book paper.



I used painters tape to spell the word LOVE  on the canvas.



Then I chose one of my favorite colors in acrylic paint and painted over the tape.



Ta Da!!!! I pulled the tape of and used a stamp to ink the a little on the front and sides.



I painted stripes on the sides with a lighter pink and used ink and permanent marker to add details.



I chose a green ribbon to wrap all the way around and finished it up with a bow on top.



That's it! What do you think? I "Love" it! I hope you do! Let me know what you think! I'd love love love to hear from you! Have fun! Ruthie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Fall Project

 I love this fun project and thought you would enjoy making one like it. Get out your mod podge and get started. I can't wait to see what you come up with! You will need a piece of MDF or canvas board (whatever you have is fine) decorative paper, old book pages, acrylic paint, craft paint brush, stamps, ink pad, permanent pen, and of course, mod podge to hold it all together! Have fun!!!

 

 I started with a piece of MDF size 6x6. I gathered paint,brushes,paper,scissors,modpodge



I used mod podge to attach decorative paper to the MDF. I created a border with contrasting paper and torn book pages and pasted them directly to the paper on the MDF with mod podge. Then I cut shapes to go on the MDF.



Once I cut all my shapes I added paint to the cut shapes and paper on the MDF.



I love paint! Paint the paper with different shades of green and orange. Be brave! You can't mess this up! Put paint where ever you like.



It's beginning to take shape. Glue cut shapes to the MDF. As fabulous as   the paint looks, it's way to clean. Find your ink pad and stamps and stamp away!



Be brave! Stamp! Stamp! Stamp!



Keep stamping. I also used bubble wrap and stamped a few white polka dots.



Keep stamping and add text, anything you like.



Use a permanent black pen to sketch around shapes and add detail.



I drilled holes on each side and used a thin gauge wire to make a hanger. I added some green glass beads to give it a little something extra. I love the way it turned out!



Wire is a quick and easy way to hang this piece of art. I wrapped mine 3 times.



I love the way it turned out! I do! I love love love it! It was fun and easy! Try it! Get out all your craft stuff and get going! Please leave me a comment or a photo! I can hardly wait to see what you do! This actually makes me wish for fall! Have fun with it! Enjoy!

Happy Fall Y'all! Love love love Ruthie

 

Helmets

 I was wondering how you felt about wearing a helmet? Yesterday I was jogging in a neighborhood, and I passed two precious boys riding bikes on the sidewalk. Obviously they were brothers. The oldest boy looked to be about 8 years old and the other looked to be around age 5. The oldest was in front on a mountain bike without a helmet. The younger boy had training wheels on his bike pedaling as hard as he could and barely moving, but he had his helmet on tight. Apparently, the big brother did not think he needed his helmet that day. I guess he thought he was a good enough rider that he didn't need protection. Maybe he figured it was a short ride and he was close to home and he would be fine without it. After all, it was just a leisurely ride on the side walk.

Tuesday I was sitting in "my chair" studying for my sunday school lesson and without any notice or warning my mind was invaded with lies. I heard lies such as, "You are wasting your life. You should not be teaching art, you are not creative. You are worthless." For a split second, I must admit, I lost my breath and considered giving into my emotions. But God Almighty reminded me of His word that I had heard on sunday. My preacher, Mr. Mac, is teaching from Ephesians 6 about putting on God's armor daily that we might be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. (verse 11) Sunday we learned about putting on the helmet of salvation and taking up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Rather than surrendering to the lies of satan, I put on my helmet and I picked up my sword  and God rid my mind of lies and filled me with His peace.

Just like the little boy on his bike, I was enjoying a leisurely morning without my helmet. With out warning, I was hit and unprotected. That sweet boy made it safely home, and because of the helmet of salvation and the word of God so did I. I asked you at the beginning of this post how you felt about helmets. I hope after reading my story you never leave home without it.

I would love to hear your stories! Leave your comment so everyone can read and be encouraged! love love love Ruthie