Ruby's Resturant - Home page

Max Ehrmann
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.

When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Ma, ek skryf vir jou 'n gedig
sonder fênsie leesekens
sonder woorde wat rym
sonder bywoorde
net sommer
'n kaalvoet gedig -

want jy maak my groot
in jou krom klein handjies
jy beitel my met jou swart oë
en spits woorde
jy draai jou leiklipkop
jy lag en breek my tente op
maar jy offer my elke aand
vir jou Here God.
jou moesie-oor is my enigste telefoon
jou huis my enigste bybel
jou naam my breekwater teen die lewe

ek is so jammer ma
dat ek nie is
wat ek graag vir jou wil wees nie.

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints,--I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!--and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

IF I HAD MY LIFE by Erma Bombeck

(written after she found out she was dying from cancer).

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in
I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained,
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at
Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing
Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love
Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with. And what we are doing each TO LIVE OVER
would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
storage.
or! the sofa faded.
less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
youth.
;
because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
watching life.
show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
go get washed up for dinner!" There would have been more "I love you's." More "I'm sorry's."
it and really see it .. live it and never give it back. Stop sweating the small stuff.
what.
us.
day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally. I hope you all have a blessed day.

Alone by Maya Angelou

Lying, thinking
Last night
How to find my soul a home
Where water is not thirsty
And bread loaf is not stone
I came up with one thing
And I don't believe I'm wrong
That nobody,
But nobody
Can make it out here alone.

Alone, all alone
Nobody, but nobody
Can make it out here alone.

There are some millionaires
With money they can't use
Their wives run round like banshees
Their children sing the blues
They've got expensive doctors
To cure their hearts of stone.
But nobody
No, nobody
Can make it out here alone.

Alone, all alone
Nobody, but nobody
Can make it out here alone.

Now if you listen closely
I'll tell you what I know
Storm clouds are gathering
The wind is gonna blow
The race of man is suffering
And I can hear the moan,
'Cause nobody,
But nobody
Can make it out here alone.

Alone, all alone
Nobody, but nobody
Can make it out here alone.

IF
by Rudyard Kipling

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knives to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,

Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

Wys My Die Plek
C Louis Leipoldt

Wys my die plek waar ons saam gestaan het,
Eens, toe jy myne was -
Vroeër, voor jou liefde vir my getaan het,
Vroeër, toe jy myne was.
Kyk, dis dieselfde; die silwer see
Blink in die sonskyn, soos lang verlee
Dit eenmaal geblink het, 'n welkomsgroet
Vir ons liefde wat uithou en alles vergoed.

Wys my die plek waar ons saam gekniel het,
Eens, toe jy myne was -
Vroeër, toe een siel vir ons saam besiel het,
Vroeër, toe jy myne was.
Kyk, dis dieselfde; die hemel, blou,
Lag soos voorheen op my en op jou;
Dit skitter nog altyd 'n welkomsgroet
Vir ons liefde wat uithou en alles vergoed.

Wys my die plek waar ons saam geloop het,
Eens, toe jy myne was -
Vroeër, toe ons harte so veel gehoop het,
Vroeër, toe jy myne was.
Kyk, dis dieselfde! Net jy nie. Vra,
Wie van ons twee moet die meeste dra?
Jy wat vergeet het - of ek wat boet
Vir my liefde wat uithou en alles vergoed?

Ruby’s Restaurant – The Tale
Every Friday, the young couple walked slowly past the grand restaurant called Ruby’s and paused at the foot of the path where they would stand and marvel at the magical glow of lights. Lingering at the open gate, they would listen to the familiar sounds of laughter…and wait, as the most delicious aromas would float down the path towards them! But is was the lady on stage that would always draw them in further as they walked up the path toward the side of the house to where she would be and stand quietly at the window and gaze at her in awe as she captivated her audience with her enchanting presence and performance.

This evening was no different, as they stood transfixed listening to her sing – arms at her side and her face looking toward a faded memory perhaps. She would pour out in song, the unforgettable pain of losing her greatest love. Each word would erupt from her heart and fall at their feet like angry waves and; like every time before, the tears would fall from the young girl’s eyes and the young man beside her would take his hand and gently wipe them dry and embrace her….and they would turn and leave before being seen. On this evening as they stood lost in her magic they never saw the man standing in the tall shadows watching them. “Please don’t stand outside, come in and join us, wont you?” They turned around in fright to face the kind stranger and the girl fumbled hopelessly trying to explain, “We are so sorry….we didn’t mean to intrude, it’s just that…..the lady…” Smiling warmly at them he raised his hand to his mouth to silence her and said, “There is no need to explain anything dear child, I have been watching you for some time now and I must insist that you allow me to entertain you. This will be our pleasure” he turned and walked to the front door and waited for them to follow him.

The young girl moved forward and her companion followed as they made their way towards the open door. Looking into the great big dining room, facing a sea of smiling faces and different shades of magnificent colour, it was just too much to take in. Their hearts beating wildly, the couple clung to each other as they stood facing this new world. The magic seemed to go on forever. “Welcome to Ruby’s! Come this way please let Sophia show you to your table.” said the man pointing to a beautiful young woman who appeared from behind a pillar and showed them to a table. Her movements were like poetry in motion and her hands moved gracefully, as in a single gesture she seemed to pull out the two chairs and fanned the napkins open, and laying one in each of their laps. Overcome with emotion the young girl looked up and asked, “The lady, will she sing again this evening?” Sophia looked down her eyes opened wide and she smiled “Oh yes dear

friends…at Ruby’s the magic never ends…and the lady’s name is Eva”

Eva came from up north and after years of running from shadows and chasing dreams, she found an adorable little house in this small yet friendly little town just outside metropolis, and slipped quietly into a different life. With her beloved dog Co-Co, she soon found herself surrounded by the most wonderful people and the change of lifestyle and tranquility proved just what she needed.

Going about her usual morning walk one day with Co-Co her faithful companion, her attention was drawn to a flurry of activity taking place at the grand old house on Bree that she had greatly admired for the past few months now. The house had stood empty for some time now and now suddenly this! She stopped to see what all the fuss was about and saw busy people everywhere – some were pushing wheel –barrows while others built towering scaffoldings – some men were barking orders whilst others obeyed commands industriously.

Then between the madness, she saw two women who were trying to listen to what a man was saying. They were leaning toward each other, swaying like orchestra conductors; the sight was somewhat comical from her viewpoint as their mouths moved furiously, their voices drowned by the noise around them. Eva wondered what they would be doing with this grand old madam, after all it would be a crying shame if they were to destroy her character as they did to so many of the older homes nowadays. “R for?” she wondered as she saw

the large round letter drawn roughly on the front wall of the house.

She edged forward wanting to walk up to the women and introduce herself, wanting to find out what they were doing – but she changed her mind. “What would they think of me – poking my nose in their business?” she said to Co-Co who too seemed engrossed by the hive of activity taking place.

She stood around for a few minutes and then continued on her walk not realizing that the two women had noticed her and were about to wave her in……

The story of Ruby’s continues…

Weeks past and one afternoon Beth & Katie were browsing around in an intimate “coffee-come-art café”, looking for a particular style of art for their new restaurant when they heard singing coming from a room at the back of the café. Looking at each other smiling broadly, their mouths forming perfect O’s – they made their way towards the beautiful voice. Standing in front of an easel stood the tall strong shape of a woman – her black hair cascading down her back tied loosely together with a blood red ribbon. Her voice flowed like a river – at times it raged and others it just flowed but; it was the feeling in her voice that captured them both! Not wanting to frighten her, Katie coughed softly and with that, the woman turned around.

Her features were so distinctive; her olive skin glowed in the afternoon sun that danced its way into her studio. Perfect brows framed her big brown eyes, their lashes long, thick. Her jaw was defined and strong, and her full red lips ran along solid lines with their ends dipping slightly. Her face showed little emotion as she looked at them. “Can I help you?” she asked. “We heard a voice…..and could not resist! Beautiful…you sing beautifully!” Beth composed herself quickly. “And actually we were looking for some art for our restaurant Ruby’s!”

Suddenly Eva’s face broke out into a wonderful smile and extended her hand in friendship – “ah, the R must be for Ruby’s then? Excuse the mess; I have been trying to finish this piece for weeks now!” Please come, sit down we have much to talk about!” The women introduced themselves and Eva ushered them towards an old couch before disappearing from the room. She returned with a pot of tea and a bottle of wine. “Tea for you, wine for me!” she said with a broad smile.

They spoke about their life’s journeys; of love lost and found; and on that warm afternoon the three women started a very special friendship.

“Oh I love to sing, to act - every now and then I try to paint…but I don’t bake!” Eva exclaimed animatedly sipping her wine, and with that, Beth & Katie just knew that everything was suddenly falling into place beautifully!

Eva would sing her heart out at Ruby’s and all the people of
the little town would come and listen to her!

Each character is fictitious….
(Although in the mind of the author
the

re is a slight similarity in some aspects)

As your Hosts, we would like to thank you for choosing to dine at Ruby’s!
If it is your first time here, we hope you enjoyed every minute and that ourdream lived up to your expectations and more importantly; that you return with your friends for more Magical experiences!

As true aficionados to superior customer service, we welcome any suggestions, compliments or complaints.