Ruthie Ridley

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Shabby Apple {Perspective}

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This past weekend, Ben and I got away for some much needed time alone in the city! I love going away with my husband.  I think as a couple with or without kids, that it is important to get away and re-connect outside of the hustle and bustle of life.  I personally could do with a monthly get away! Anyone with me?! It was a little harder this time because I worked quite a bit following up to our time away and my middle daughter, Savannah was sobbing when it was time to say goodbye. ( Never fun!!) A quick face time + pep talk when we arrived and she was fine for the entire weekend. In fact,  she didn’t want to leave her grandad’s house at all! Anyway, Ben planned out our weekend so perfectly.  He booked a lush hotel right in the heart of the city.  He had reservations made for dinner Friday night at a restaurant that we cannot wait to go back and visit.  The name was Frascati and the food was to die for! We spontaneously decided to go see a movie following.  We took an Uber in, got to the theater all excited like 16 year olds (it was 1030 pm at night) and decided to see The Revenant.  We were beyond pumped because we got killer seats in the IMAX theater! It has probably been about 10 years since the last time I have been to the IMAX.  I was pretty giddy sitting in front of that HUGE screen.  Ben gave me the “Calm down, now” look quite a few times!

As we sat down and began to watch the previews, Ben received a face time call, from what looked like an England number (where he is from).  He declined the first call and when the second call came through he picked up. Ben left the theater to see who was trying to contact him.  I stayed in by our seats and waited for him to return.  Instead of him coming back to see the movie I received a texted that read “That was Ann. Granddad died.  She couldn’t get a hold of dad.”  I literally responded “Oh my God”. In a moment like this your heart sinks, you can’t think and everything seems to just stand still…  I was frozen.  Someone who I had grown to love and who was so dear to my husband, is now suddenly gone.  Our weekend away suddenly looked very different from what we had expected.  Instead of having mindless chatter and gallivanting aimlessly through the city, we grieved.  That night, Ben was able to speak with the majority of his family to share and process what had just happened.  Our conversations were centered on nostalgic memories, most that made us laugh some that made us cry.  Grandparents can hold such a special place in our lives.  Although we know that at some point they are going to go, unwell or not, it is never something you expect or are at ease with.

So, why do I share something so sad! It’s because when circumstances like this occur, it makes you pause and think.  Your perspective gets realigned into proper focus. It makes life stand still and it causes things that are important to be magnified and for the things that aren’t to be diminished.  At that moment in our time away we could only think about family.  When you lose someone it makes you so utterly grateful for the breath you are breathing and you once again realize how fragile this life is. You suddenly want to fully experience and cherish each and every moment.  I am grateful for times like these.  They bring me back to the center of what really and truly matters.  After God, family is everything to me.

On to something, a bit lighter! I have been wanting to work with Shabby Apple for quite some time now!  I am so honored to be able to do a collaborative post with them as they are one of my favorite online shops at the moment.  All of their designs are artfully designed with a vintage flair.  There are so many options to choose from, I literally want everything they make!! This Dress is called the “Professor Jones” and is one of the many pieces in their new arrivals! I highly recommend checking out Shabby Apple!! You will be very impressed with their selection and pricing!   Lucky for you, my wonderful readers, I have teamed up with Shabby Apple to give away 50.00 toward any purchase on their site.  Be sure to check out my Instagram feed tomorrow  for a chance to win!!  Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today! Much love always,

 

Ruthie xo

shabbyapple- spring   shabbyapple-new release
shabbyapple- Ruthie  shabbyapple-Jewlery
shabbyapple-Ruthie Ridley
shabbyapple-coachbag
shabbyapple-color blocking

shabbyapple-Blue dress

All Images By: Sarah Schweyer Photography

Dress: Shabby Apple

Bag: Coach

Ring: Charlotte Russe

Converse: Macy’s


Reader Interactions

Comments

  4. Samantha says

    That is such a hard thing to go through – and it happens so suddenly in most cases! I am so sorry for you loss, and your family is in my prayers! xoxo

  7. Janna Doan says

    ruthie–i am sad to hear this and send my condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. i couldn’t agree more about perspectives being realigned. my favorite sentence was, “It makes life stand still and it causes things that are important to be magnified and for the things that aren’t to be diminished.” so true. you my dear are an amazing writer. xoxo,

    janna | http://www.jannadoan.com

  11. songbirdechoes says

    I am so so sorry for your loss, my dear. Prayers are with you and the family. I really love how you styled this dress 🙂 Also, this means you need to plan another outing with your dear hubs soon! <3

  13. This Jenn Girl says

    Sending positive thoughts your way, I am sorry for your and your husband’s loss. You’re completely right – it’s events such as this one that put things into perspective for us. Suddenly, we feel grateful and more appreciative of things we once took for granted. We’re only human, but sometimes perspective is definitely needed.

    Love this casual look and the color-blocking! You look so comfy and chic!

    Jenn | http://www.thisjenngirl.com

  14. MemeSu says

    Firstly, sorry for loss…prayers up for your family and big hugs to you!
    I can definitely relate to the alone time with your partner. We were super excited about our week trip to Maui but had to postpone because of the house going into escrow (we are selling and house hunting lol!) and arrangements falling through for the kids! Thank goodness I had reservations that allowed free cancellation! lol!

    • ruthieridley says

      Thank you so much for the hugs and the kind words!! I am excited for you all, getting and selling a home!! Bitter sweet I am sure!! Hopefully yall can get away sometime this year!! xo

  15. heathermedema says

    Ruthie! I am so very sorry for your loss, my friend. Your positive perspective is so inspiring! Loss of a loved one can be such a blessing to us when we take that moment to step back and appreciate all that God has given us through that particular loved one as well as those who are still here with us. <3 Prayers and virtual hugs go out to you and your family!! XX

    As for the outfit – you look so very chic and cool! I adore the sporty vibe and the midi-length dress is perfection!
    XO,
    Heather
    http://www.alittlecasual.com

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