THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 17, 1995 TAG: 9512160089
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
SOURCE: Janelle LaBouve
LENGTH: Medium: 72 lines
Kathy Ruley gets excited about things that are old.
Her Hickory home, built in the 1870s, is filled with reminders of bygone Christmas seasons.
She especially enjoys the lighting of the yule log at the Adam Thoroughgood House in Virginia Beach, the first brick home in America. Three men are needed to lift the log. Ruley's husband and her father have both helped to transport logs into the Thoroughgood house for the ceremony.
In the old English custom, the whole family assisted in moving the log indoors where it was lit with a small brand saved from the previous year's fire. When guests arrived, each received a leftover brand to add to the flame.
Sometimes guests tossed glasses of ale or wine on the fire to ensure a good harvest.
Several years ago, Ruley, a crafter, realized that many people might enjoy lighting a yule log in their own homes.
Ruley began making her own version of the logs for sale and for gifts. She decorates them with all-natural ingredients, such as dried fruit and flowers, which provide a fragrant blaze on cold winter nights. Recipients receive a card describing the yule log tradition.
She often provides free shrub or tree pruning. Then she incorporates some of the clippings in a floral gift for the one who allowed her to prune.
Many of the wild flowers used in her crafts are found during what she calls ditch-bank shopping sprees.
On the first such jaunt with her son, Ruley says she came home with more than she bargained for.
``We found a cat,'' she said. ``Coco is still with us. That was four years ago.''
Her crafts include stained-glass projects and Christmas ornaments. Since she took painting classes, she has been designing all sort of painted items. Many of her pieces have a primitive appearance.
Gifts from Ruley often include an unusual request.
``If you do something nice for someone, you should ask them to pass it on,'' she said. ``I believe we are here for a reason. If we can't do things for someone else, why be here?''
Full name: Kathy E. Ruley
Hometown: The Kempsville section of Virginia Beach
Fond childhood memories: ``Having neighbors who were good to me. I felt so secure. I grew up in a normal, average family. I didn't get in trouble, and I did what I was supposed to do.''
Spouse: Glenn
Children: Adam
Occupation: ``Homemaker, tour guide for Marjorie Phillips' Tours and taking orders for and making all types of floral arrangements.''
Hobbies: ``Scuba diving when I can afford it, creating stained-glass objects with my dad, folk-art painting, collecting primitives and other old things.''
Last book read: ``Angels'' by Billy Graham
Favorite song: ``I don't have a favorite song, but Larnelle Harris is my favorite singer.''
Favorite movie: ``Little Rascals.''
Can't resist: ``That's easy. Junk food.''
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ``Be more disciplined about exercise and nutrition.''
Favorite TV program: ``Home Improvement''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: Frankie's
Favorite way to spend a day: ``Helping someone in need.'' by CNB