Stealing Beauty: Stolen Moments

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Stealing Beauty

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~ Stolen Moments ~

The Best Medicine

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I was feeling the need for a little TLC this week so I popped round to my friend's home for a quick visit. Lucky for me this is the type of friend who is happy for me to call in unannounced, even if it is only a 5 minutes visit on the way home from some errand. For me it is akin to walking back into my childhood home. As I walk through the door I am always greeted by a flurry of activity. Four children bustling about to get to their scheduled activities but always time to stop and greet me with hugs, kisses and those winning smiles that only children know how to produce. Faces that light up with genuine affection and good cheer. It never ceases to touch my heart to feel this token of familiar affection. My adopted family.

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So feeling a little poorly this week I popped round for a dose of TLC and shining faces. I also popped round to steal a few roses from their front garden.. Yes.. that's me .. the rose thief. However the roses were feeling a little poorly too with the unseasonal heat this week so most were passed the picking stage... and at the fall back to the earth stage .. but with some scrutiny I found just a handful of these tiny blooms to take home with me..

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A quick arrangement in a small medicinal bottle

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.. and these scant few blooms became art.. Pocket sized beauty to place on my nightstand. Not one to pass up a photo opportunity, this small piece of stolen beauty has bloomed into all of the images you see above. Just three small buds. So just like the quick visit to my friend's home .. a small amount of beauty can go along way in improving one's outlook. The best medicine I say!

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And as I have finally posted something white, I am joining the White Wednesday theme, hosted by the lovely Kathleen from Faded Charm. Pop over there and see who else is posting.

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don't stop here as I have some bloggers to thank

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Well some more TLC came my way in the form of two giveaway wins.. and an award

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THANK YOU !

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Traci Thorson Photography

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The first win was three 'textures' to use with my photoshop manipulations.. What a lucky and timely win from the gorgeous photography blog Traci Thorson Photography. Traci's photography is exceptional and has certainly encouraged me to try harder and get more creative with photoshop. I have used one of her 'french script textures' in images #4,5 & 8 above. Please pop over and say hi. You'll be rewarded with the beautiful work of this talented photographer .. Thank you once again Traci for my win and your inspiration.

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Gypsy Brocante

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My second win is breaking news! Just in from the talented Jill of Gypsy Brocante. Jill's has a fabulous blog full of her crafty creations and gorgeous photos. She also has wonderful onlinebrocante shop offering fabulous vintage treasures along with her own clever creations of want-to-have jewellery and accessories. I was lucky enough to win this gorgeous Gypsy Bag. As I said.. hot of the press.. so can't wait to see it in person.. Thank You Jill for this lovely gift.

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French Sampler

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Next, an award from the beautiful Dash of French Sampler. Dash blogs about her daily life in South West France, her trips to places far and near and other gorgeous pieces of artistic beauty. Always something delectable and delicious over at Dash's blog. A secret treasure .. but I'm sure not for long. Please pop in and tell her I sent you and say hello to Crusoe also! Dash has given me the Beaux Arts Award.. created by her own hand. Thank you so much Dash for thinking of me and for always entertaining me with your delightful posts and images. I will be treasuring this award and passing it on in the near future.

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I've been a bit slow on the blog scene this week..

Been taking a rest to nurse a sore neck.. Will be round to visit soon.

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Thank You Everyone

For continually inspiring me with your beautiful blogs and thoughtful comments.

Have a great Wednesday!!!

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IMAGE SOURCE: Photography, text and photo editing by me - [Being Ruby]

[with the exception of the last two images]

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I've Got Sunshine!!

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Sunshine and Diamonds

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Today I want to say thank you to some wonderful gals who have passed me awards in recent weeks. It is always a happy surprise and much appreciated by both Julie and Ruby. [Ruby more as she is the flamboyant one!!]. These small gifts remind me that blogging is a community of generous and talented people who all contribute to brightening my day via their blogs and comments.

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Sunshine Award

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The following lovelies have passed me the Sunshine Award. All wonderful bloggers each with their own unique talents to keep me amused and visually delighted. So whether it be witty prose, photographic journeys, gorgeous interiors or artistic talents you are after.. you are sure to find something to enjoy from these diversely entertaining blogs. Thank You so much ladies. It is much appreciated here as summer leaves Australia and heads north.

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Jeanne of 'Collage of Life'

Tish of 'A Femme D'Un Certain Age'

Pam of 'Red Ticking'

Juliet of 'JulietK'

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The Five Diamonds Award

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And because I am obviously spoilt!! .. I also received the Five Diamonds Award from the beautiful Jeanne of 'Collage of Life'

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Thank you all for thinking of me..

I am in the process of changing my blog format so have moved all my awards to a separate page [here].

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Beautiful Blogger Award

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So as my way of saying 'Thank You' .. I have created a 'rule free' award that I can pass back to each of you .. The 'Beautiful Blogger Award'. Green in honour of St Patrick's Day tomorrow and Flowers as the universal gift of appreciation. Also, as I think Marina was away on vacation when I posted her award, I'm including her on this list too... Thank you my lovelies for thinking of me. It is always a pleasure to pop over your way or have you visit me!

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For the following bloggers with many thanks for you friendship;

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Jeanne of 'Collage of Life'

Tish of 'A Femme D'Un Certain Age'

Pam of 'Red Ticking'

Juliet of 'JulietK'

Marina of 'Iced Vovos'

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IMAGE SOURCE: Beautiful Blogger Award , text and photo editing by me - [Being Ruby]

Other awards kindly received from the bloggers mentioned

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Angels And Saints: Keeping It Real

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ANGELS & SAINTS

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Warning: I make no apologies .. this is a long, wordy post.. choose the exit door now if needed

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The beautiful Meredith from Count It All Joy recently passed me the 'REAL Award - My Blog Is Me'. I have to say I was quite touched as Meredith described me as one of her Fairy Blog-mothers. How sweet is that? I often think of her as my blogging Angel. Meredith always sees the best in me whatever I attempt creatively, which fills me with encouragement and inspiration to keep trying. Just visiting her blog invariably brightens my day and allows me to enjoy that warm feeling one has when surrounded by caring and joyful people. She is one of the true nurturers in this world and it shows in her colourful posts about her family, life and cooking session that will make your mouth water...

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So onto the award which is described as follows;

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'This is an award is for those who are brave enough to expose just enough to reach, touch, and possibly help someone else to see something differently. I am giving this award to only 3 blogs. The only requirement is authenticity. Use these awards wisely and do a post on the award telling why you wish to pass it on. Please link the award on your sidebar to this post. *Then the meaning of this award will not get watered down or changed.* And believe me, when I see this award on a blog, I will STOP, READ, and LISTEN to the message, and the messenger. Maybe others will too'

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Pay It Foward

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Now the part that I always find difficult. Trying to narrow down the sea of inspiring and thought provoking blogs to just three! Harder still as I have made some wonderful friends in blogland who support, encourage or amuse me daily [you know who you are]. So I am choosing based on authenticity [as required], but also that these individuals have inspired me to want change in my own life... Their blogs dedicated to their lives and craft have given me hope that I too can take 'the road less travelled' . ... One Day! Maybe! haha

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Meredith - Count It All Joy

[here]

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Meredith is the real deal.. For all the reasons I have mentioned above.. I am gifting this award back to her... So thank you Dear Meredith.

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Meredith's posts are about as real as it gets. Sure she throws in humour to keep it light, but in between those lines of text one gets a real sense of the caring person she is. She doesn't frighten away from telling it warts and all and posts about the simple daily things that perhaps we all take for granted. From Meredith's clever pen [or perhaps index typing finger] she consistently brings us her love for her family, friends and faith and a good warm glow that makes you wish you lived in her house! If Meredith sees a shining light within you... she will foster that light until it burns just a bit brighter.. Thank you Meredith for your constant encouragement.

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I should also mention she is one of the wittiest bloggers I've come across. Everything she tackles she does so with unabashed wit, humour and an abundance of beautiful beautiful colour, bursting out as bright as her own personality. She is one of our very own earth angels.

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Cathy - Simple Things Small Joys

[here]

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Now anyone who has read my blog for a while will know how much I admire and appreciate Cathy's blog and creative talent. Hers was the first blog I ever found and inspired me to start my own. Her gorgeous charms spoke for themselves and found their way into my life. Not only is Cathy's work adorable, but her lifestyle is one I envy. She incorporates her creative talent into her daily life, her business and her love for her family and home. She has strived to live her dream and has taken us along with her via her blog. A simple beauty filled life lived with creativity. I do believe she has found her niche ... and this inspires me to try and find my own. Cathy is another nurturer who encourages me and other bloggers to move forward and pursue their creativity. If you'd like to read my previous post on how Cathy has inspired me you can find it [here].

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Coty - Styling by Coty Farquhar

[here]

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And finally, I pass this award to Coty. You'd be hard pressed to find someone who isn't delighted and awed by the beauty that is found on entering the magical world of Coty. She has one of those blogs that is just packed with image after image that mesmerize and delight. All of it being her own work.. The photography, styling, artwork... all exceptional and from her own hand.. In fact the whole family is talented. A wonder-world of talent going on there in the Southern Highlands. Now here is the thing... Coty is also very down to earth... modest about her achievements and happy to share and encourage others.. She will show you the glamour but also explain the work and effort that goes into creating her dreams.. I like this.. it's keeping it real.. and by doing so it presents itself as potentially possible for mere mortals like ourselves... ha ha ha.. Another nurturer and encourager... who sees a light in others and will readily jump in to encourage their growth.

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Saints

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Now in case you were wondering where the Saints comes in.. Australia finally has it's first Saint.. Mary MacKillop of the Cross. Announced by Pope Benedict last week in Rome. I am not very religious but do have a healthy curiosity with religious artifacts, saints and e-votos. Symbols of hope. As there are a few people in my life right now that need that extra serving of hope, I find this quite inspiring, not to mention extraordinary as Australia is such a relatively new country and I always think of Saints as those cloaked in mystery from centuries ago. Mary MacKillop was a true struggler and fighter for the truth. A dinky-di Aussie. She also kept it very real so fits into this post perfectly.

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Congratulations For Getting To The End Of This Post!!

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Thanks for hearing me out.. Now in someway I believe every blog is a reflection of oneself. Unless you have someone out there doing the posting for you! ha ha The bloggers I have mentioned have somehow inspired me on my own personal journey and that is why I have chosen them today. I have one more award to share given to me by the lovelyJeanne from Collage of Life.. I'll do this sometimes in the near future, but meantime pay a visit to all of these wonderful bloggers and brighten your own day.

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IMAGE SOURCE: Text, Photography and photo editing by ME - [Being Ruby][with the exception of the award image and description]

The Angel photo was taken on a bridge in Roma. This angel is one of ten that lives on the Pont Sant'Angelo - Roma.

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