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WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF RICK RUTHERFORD'S COUNTRY
'Badger House' ... Lawson Parent Gallery (left). Leura Concept Store (right)
Rick Rutherford's Country - The Australian Country Collections Shoppe boasts two stores in the NSW Blue Mountains ... (both now open seven days a week) For full details, click on the Stores button above.
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It has been a real battle to pen a few words of Christmas cheer this year … or more precisely, it has been the ultimate struggle to find the time to do so! Over the past few weeks the words have formed in my head many times, but the opportunity to translate them to writing here has continued to evade me. Just when I thought I had the whole festive season planned out and had allowed sufficient time to not only ‘fit’ everything in, but to also permit myself the indulgence of a few brief ‘respites’ along the way, the whole thing blew up in my face! After Christmas 2010 through which I struggled with pneumonia, I was determined to never again endure the scenarios of the previous festive season which saw me covering the shifts of ‘staff’ … thus rendering myself ill and exhausted. But here we are again, twelve months later, and despite the best laid plans, history repeats itself. Certain staff have fallen short of expectations and I have found myself working endless days on end, thus attaining a state of unprecedented fatigue. However, in the midst of it all, I have had confirmed to me yet again the love and loyalty of a select band of people within my life who continue to show and reflect unconditional love and understanding, principal amongst them being my ‘Jewish grandmother’ (pictured with me here) who is my constant touch stone and source of support, inspiration and endless wisdom. It is indeed in times of hardship that there is always good to be found, and for this I am eternally grateful. And such things also have a way of presenting the opportunity for reassessment and change. I’m not sure what direction and form this will take, but change is certainly looming large on the horizon for the coming year ... change for the better! That's certainly a New Year's resolution to embrace with enthusiasm, confidence and determination! And so, as we mark the end of one year, and the beginning of yet another, I take this opportunity to extend to all my wonderful supporters, customers, friends and members of the RRC family the greatest blessings of the season. May this season of endings and beginnings be for each of you a time of recounting and reassessing, of taking stock and letting go, of making memories and being grateful, of forgiveness and gratitude, of sharing the grace and love that was embodied in that very first Christmas over 2000 years ago … and may the coming days, weeks and year ahead be a time of peace, safety, prosperity and boundless unconditional love. Until next time Rick **********
A Getting Of Wisdom
By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third, by experience, which is the most bitter. (Confucius 551 – 479BC)
But what does the symbol of the owl really mean? It would appear from research that the owl has always been associated with the things of the night and the spirit world to some extent. In ancient Celtic mythology, as well as that of the Egyptians and various Indian cultures, the owl symbolised guardianship of the underworlds. It was honoured as a certain type of ‘keeper of the spirits’ and the embodiment of wisdom far beyond that of normal human perception and understanding. The owl was traditionally used by the Celtic shaman to represent ‘the eyes and ears of intuition and perception’. The Celts even believed that if an owl’s feather was placed on the body of a sick person, the cause of the illness would be identified and subsequently destroyed.
It is significant to note that the eyes of an owl are fixed – the bird cannot move them up or down, or to the left and right. They can only look straight ahead. However, in a wonderful act of creation, owls have fourteen vertebrae in their neck, meaning they can turn their head an amazing full 270 degrees. This has given them the reputation for thus being ‘all seeing’ … taking in what is happening all around them! As one commentator states “truly owls are an incredible display of God’s creative nature.” A dear friend recently relayed to me a story of last Christmas and how she wanted an owl to sit on the top of her Christmas tree! “Why, on earth?” I questioned. “Have you not heard of angel tree toppers, stars and other more traditional forms of adornment?” I reasoned. And then she explained to me the owl’s significance – from a faith perspective – and it all made sense to me. For this time in man’s evolution, her explanation also helped me understand the phenomenal rise of so many ‘owl-adorned’ homewares, figurines, jewellery, stationery and other such items. “The world is changing” she explained. “It’s happening at a rate of knots. There is a decline in so many aspects of the human condition. You only have to look around you to see how there has been such a shift in the way in which people treat one other. In so many respects there has been the undermining of the most simple and essential aspects of mankind. There is a rapid decline in the very moral fibre that makes up societies. The good, the charitable, the decent, the kind and the considerate are all being chipped away as, in their place, there is a dangerous escalation in the ‘age of me’.
“What is needed is a reassessment of priorities and behaviours. To turn the ‘age of me’ on its head, the solutions for the future ahead rest in each of us stopping and taking account of how we are living in the here and now and setting strong foundations for the future. We must take stock, and make any necessary changes so that we each can embrace again the good, the edifying, the positive qualities of the human condition which link us to one other and bring us into a place of peace with our fellow man and with our creator.” And so the wise old owl sits watching, waiting for a world that is pregnant with possibilities – and yet paradoxically is in a state of decline – to change.
But it is a pattern that can be broken, the power is within the hands of each of us. And it can be done in such small and effortless ways. A simple smile and cheery greeting when meeting strangers; standing to the side of the pathway to let others pass; opening the door for someone; picking up litter in the street; respectfully putting back merchandise in a store just as one finds it; sitting in the left lane to let other driver’s pass … there’s thousands and thousands of such simple, yet significant things we can do to demonstrate our care and concern for others. And once these acts of kindness and care become a part of our persona they grow and flourish to determine the way in which we approach the bigger things of life. And they bring joy … to the individual and to all around as they become an essential part what we can call the ‘God-stream of life’ within each of us.
Until next time
Rick
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The following is the latest press coverage on our 2011 Christmas Collections - Western Weekender Nov 12th
Off And Running!
Continuing the theme, the Retro room instantly transports everyone back to the halcyon days of the 1960s and 70s with lots of ornaments and complementing treasures that are inspired by the happy Christmas times of the baby-boomers! The Children’s room has also taken a step back in time, this year the gallery’s entire ‘Kid’s Christmas’ being centred around all the gorgeous handcrafted fabric ornaments and decorations that were so much a part of country Christmas decorating in the 1980s and early 1990s.
If all this isn’t enough, in a break with tradition, the gallery’s permanent Christmas room has been transformed into a little piece of Scandinavia as the trees, the dining table, the shelves and all other parts of the room have been decked to the nines with an almost endless array of treasures inspired by the traditional folksy homespun look of the coldest North Europe climes. It is here that the store’s fabulous gingerbread collection also finds a home.
Indeed Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year … and the most wonderful place to come alive with the magic of the season is definitely Rick Rutherford’s Country – the Blue Mountains’ premiere heritage country gallery and essential visitor destination!
Rick Rutherford’s Country – The Australian Country Collections Shoppe – is located in ‘Badger House’, 3 Badgery Crescent, Lawson (in the heritage precinct just over the railway line … from Leura turn left at the San Jose Bridge, just after the Lawson Station and township) Ph: 4759 3434. The Leura store is located at Shop 9, The Strand Arcade (close to the famous Lolly Shop), 178 The Mall, Leura. Ph: 4784 3799. Both stores open at 10am, seven days a week.
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LATEST HOME TOUR - READ NOW!
It's unique! It's ecclectic! It's a collectors' showcase ... and it's our latest country House Tour just published. Click the House Tours button below to read all about this intriguing country home.
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What they're all saying! The latest feedback and thoughts from RRC readers ... From Jeanette
I used to read Australian Country Collections for hours and days on end over and over, I just loved them and when you left it I tried to get into the new one but it just wasn’t the same without you. I then got into your new magazine and also missed it when it went. The other day I was in an op shop and picked up two old copies that I wasn’t sure I had read them before but got them anyway, I have spent nearly a week picking them up and always there is something to read or admire over and over. I never tire of them. Today I picked up my computer which I haven’t had very long so I am a little bit of a novice. I decided to look you up only to discover your magazine is on line. It’s like a breath of fresh air to have it in my life again. You are the most interesting and talented writer I know. Thank you ... Jeanette O’Donnell
From Deb: Dear Rick, Fourteen years ago my first husband, who was only 39 years old, died from a brain haemorrhage whilst at work. I had only just said to him a few days before what a great year it was going to be. We were going to finally own our home. Then we could start doing things with our two children whereas before we could not afford to take them places ... not even picture shows and holidays because money was so tight. When he died it knocked the bottom out of our world. Anyway, what I wanted to say to you was that a few weeks after he died, and the kids were at school, I was in the newsagent, just wandering around to keep my mind off things, when I spotted a pretty cover on a book, so I picked it up and started flicking through it. It was Australian County Collections. Needless to say, I was totally hooked. I started buying the magazine as the words and thoughts you put into each issue lifted my spirits like you wouldn't believe. Even today when I get a bit down I still just reach for one of your books and re-read it. I have also used them to get my ideas for making furniture. Things have been too expensive to buy so I started making country style furniture myself. People who have seen the things I have made continually want to know where I have bought them. They can't believe that I have made them using your books as a guide ... not until I show them something in an issue that is the same. Where some things were made using timber panels I leadlighted them instead, which I feel enhances their look. I always stain the timber I use either a golden teak or mix the stains until I get the right colour. I love the warmth of timber. When you stopped producing Rick Rutherfords Country it was like I had lost a friend. Amazingly, my son and his wife bought me a computer for Christmas this year,and when I learnt the basics, one of the first things I did was type in your name. Now, thanks to the website, I feel I have my old friend back. What an amazing person you are. You have been gifted with a way with words that only a few people will have. (I am not one of them, I'm afraid). Whatever you do in life, and wherever life takes you, you are an angel and an inspiration to many people. For years I have wanted to write and thank you for keeping me sane but I have never had the courage (or spelling abilities). So THANK YOU and God bless you. Regards, Deb. From Wendy: Dear Rick, How are you? I pop into your website every now and then to catch up on your news ... I love collecting quotes and wanted to share some quotes with you that are very inspiring to me. Here they go: FRIENDS: Surround yourself with people who believe you can (Dan Zadra)
SUCCESS: Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming
Love & Best Wishes Wendy From Beck: Hi there. I was just looking at your fab site and saw you are after original prose or poetry. Well, it's not much but this came out of my mouth today when I was chatting to a friend about home decorating:
If you don't decorate your home with what you love then you won't love being there and it will never be HOME!!
From Karen: Hey there Rick, I was going through my journals the other day and came across this verse that I would like to share: The Difference I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day; I had so much to accomplish that I didn't have time to pray; Problems just tumbled about me, and heavier came each task. "Why doesn't God help me?" I wondered. He answered: "You didn't ask?" I wanted to see joy and beauty,but the day toiled on grey and bleak. I wondered why God didn't show me. He said: "But you didn't seek?" I tried to come into God's prescence; I used all my keys at the lock. God gently and lovingly chided ... "My child, you didn't knock." I woke up early this morning and paused before entering the day. I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray.
From The Hall Family: Hi there, This was written by our ten-year-old son Calum - we thought you and your readers might enjoy it. It's all about Christmas decorating:
Oh no! It’s Christmas time. That means Mum’s Decorating the house With Santas and stockings And Rudolphs too, Snowglobes and holly Nutcrackers and elves To name a few. There’s the mistletoe Above the hall (I need to remember to avoid that). Hand-stitched quilts and cushions Appear in every corner. Snowmen and snowflakes Seem so out of place. And lucky last The Christmas tree or Should I say trees The house is like a forest. My favourite is the The great bushy Christmas tree In the lounge Covered in ornaments Such as baubles and Candy canes With the flashing star On top. Every room has something Christmassy inside it Not even the bathroom Is safe. Where will it all end? Then there’s the food Like puddings and gingerbread men Roast turkey, smoked chicken and The Darryl Lee chocolates It never seems to end ... Christmas isn’t just one day In my house It’s a whole month of traditions Like the advent calendar Mum made us a few years ago Music and carols fill the house Bing, Frank and Dean Croon away However, if I hear “Walking in a Winter Wonderland” Once more I will pull my hair out! Really there is no end! My Mum’s mad about Christmas And I mean really nuts But I actually like it I really have no other choice
If you would like to contribute comments, Feedback or quotes as the readers above have done, all you need to do it send us an email at rickrutherford@iprimus.com.au We look forward to hearing from you.
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Come Join The Party
There’s a party going on … somewhere! To be precise, it’s being staged at the Blue Mountain’s beautiful heritage country gallery Rick Rutherford’s Country, and the guests are being feasted to more than just a glass of vino or two! During the course of midyear Yulefest celebrations, this year Rick Rutherford’s Country saw huge numbers of new customers flood through the door who were drawn by the breathtaking displays and wonderful atmosphere of this unique mountain’s attraction. And many of them asked if they can ‘stay and party’, so the gallery has responded with an invitation to all to come and do just that! Due to so many requests from customers interested in visiting the store after hours - in the company of a group of their own friends so that they can all enjoy the hugest selection of wares the country store has to offer - an exclusive party plan concept has been launched. It’s so simple. A customer organises a group of 20 or more of their friends and relations who want a great night out and they then book the date. We supply wine for the gathering and the hostess supplies the nibbles. All guests receive 10% off everything in the store, plus the hostess is entitled to an extra gift of a $100 shopping voucher to be spent either on the night or at any other time within a year! It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore the gallery and shop in the company of your closest friends and like-minded country fans, as well as having the chance to view and purchase – ahead of other customers – many of the new lines that come into stock. And, on top of it all, it’s the promise of a great social activity combined with the prospect of being able to purchase some great homewares, quilts, exclusive handmade treasures, loads of Christmas items and unique gifts at better-than bargain prices. If you would like to ‘come join in the party’ all you need to do is gather up 20 friends and call us … we’ll organise the rest.
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A number of customers have recently asked me why the mantelpiece within the Counter Room of the RRC Lawson gallery has had a display of owls. I’ve never really been one to follow trends and homeware fashions as such, and have certainly not gone out of my way to specifically purchase a whole range of owl collectables. It has really been a gradual process of acquisition … a handsome life-size money box came from one English supplier. A scholarly-inspired set of owl-adorned bookends came from another. A few owl figurines were sourced from an international manufacturer and a selection of owl-decorated ceramic mugs were found within the collection of a favourite china supplier. The collection has thus come together more as an act of serendipity than one of intent. 
Various early Native American cultures also connected the owl with great wisdom, foresight and ‘the keeper of sacred knowledge’ while some have always held great taboos when it comes to the bird, the Apaches in particular regarding it as the most feared of all creatures as they believed owls embodied the spirits of Apache dead. West African and Australian Aboriginal tribes, by extension, regard the owl as a very special and sacred animal as it represents ‘a messenger of secrets’ and things beyond the human and ‘natural’. 
“Political corruption is rife. People of faith are losing faith. Wars and famine are on the rise. The earth itself is groaning for change as the seas rage and the land erupts. Things simply cannot go on the way they are. Within the spiritual world there are so many modern-day prophets and preachers who have revealed words of warning for the direction forward. Wisdom tells that the exact happenings for the times ahead have not been yet revealed. But what we do know is that a change is coming for things just can’t go on the way they are. If something doesn’t happen we will sink into complete disarray. 
I was talking to another dear friend recently about such matters and reflecting on the way in which the world has so dramatically changed – in both a local and global context – in the short decade or so that we have known each other. While she recounted to me issues of decline within the schooling system (her sons had endured a most terrible and alarming time within a somewhat brutal and corrupt educational institution) and the impact of various other acts of ‘social undermining’ within her world, I sadly acknowledged that I too had noted a downward trend in the way in which various people treat both their fellow man and the property of others. It is heartbreaking to acknowledge such things, especially when one takes into account the truth that one will always reap what one sows … the disregard and disrespect one demonstrates to another and their property will surely be reflected in hardship and discomfort experienced in some other aspect of their lives. It is just the way of the universe and leads to a continuing cycle of sadness. 
To act in such ways takes huge determination as one works against the forces of opposition which are so prevalent in this day and age. But it can be done as we each decide to set off and do even just one of the ‘positives’ that will edify ourselves and others. Wisdom dictates that we each need to perform such acts, and as the Good Book directs “wisdom is the principal thing. Therefore get wisdom and with all your getting, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4: 7) In such a way we can each start to make sense of a world in change. We can understand the way ahead and embrace the promise of the future with anticipation rather than despair. But the whole process starts with each of us, and such simple yet significant acts that will ultimately change us and the world in which we live. As Mahatma Gandhi said “we must become the change we want to see” … the future is indeed in our hands. 
Just like the millions of folks on the other side of the world who annually state that “it ain’t New Year until it’s New Year in New York”, lots of people throughout the greater Blue Mountains region, Penrith Valley and beyond have come to the belief that “it ain’t Christmas until it’s Christmas at Rick Rutherford’s Country!” It’s certainly true of the several hundred who last Saturday attended the official launch of the company’s 2011 Christmas Collections, and the many hundreds who have already streamed through the doors since. And it’s all set to run right up to Christmas Eve!
As owner Rick Rutherford explains “Christmas is the most magical, wonderful time of the year … and especially in these times we all need a little cheer. And so we have transformed the Rick Rutherford’s Country Lawson gallery into a wonderland inspired by the best Christmas haunts of internationally-renowned destinations like Germany’s Dresden and Cologne, Holland’s Dordrecht, France’s Strasbourg and the Lincoln Christmas Markets of England! The Lawson gallery has become a veritable showcase of Christmas themes from around the world as each room has been specially decorated to reflect a different Christmas style and period. 
"It’s our biggest and most magical Christmas showing yet. The theme this year is ‘ the magic of Christmases past’ as we have given each room, themed display and feature tree the full ‘nostalgia treatment’. Star attraction is the nine-foot towering tree in the middle of the English room, laden with exclusive, collectable glass ornaments, including a wide selection of indents and dioramas so synonymous of Christmas tree decorating in the 1940s and 1950s. In the Victorian room the look is even more nostalgic and old fashioned, with a tree covered in jewel-inspired ornaments, sugarplum fairies and other beautiful decorations reminiscent of another time and another place” Rick explains.
“The gingerbread story in the Christmas room typifies just one of the collections created this year. There are over 35 feature trees throughout the shop – from two feet tall to over nine – which have each been designed to showcase a host of special themes. There’s an owl tree and striking silver cardinal tree, another covered in glass cupcakes and a very regal one adorned with golden crowns. There’s two gorgeous snowman trees, a vintage angel tree, a cat tree for feline lovers and so much more” Rick Rutherford explains.
“The amazing selection has taken us over a year to put together and has come from all over the world, including England, America, Europe and the most amazing nostalgic glass decorations from New Zealand! We also have the most beautiful homemade pieces – including handcrafted stockings – to complement the manufactured wares and there’s even a few authentic vintage items scattered throughout the gallery to really excite Christmas collectors.”
As the sound of Christmas carols fills the air and the aromas of plum pudding drift through the ten showcase rooms, it’s not hard to understand why so many people maintain that a Rick Rutherford’s Country rivals the best showings anywhere in the world. And with the most amazing array of homewares and gifts on show as well, it is also little wonder that people from throughout the region – from Orange and Dubbo to the Penrith Valley and beyond – make Rick Rutherford’s Country their premiere Christmas shopping destination. As one shopper recently stated “why would we battle the madness of the shopping centres when we can find everything we want here, for everyone on our Christmas list … and at better prices than we would pay elsewhere.” 
