Met Monday & Mr Grits Update!

It's Metamorphosis Monday!

This fun event is hosted weekly by Susan at Between Naps on the Porch.

Please stop by Susan's beautiful and informative blog to enjoy her post, as well as, see all the Met Monday participants.

But before I begin....I wanted to give you a quick update on Mr. Grits.

Mr Grits is still in Chapel Hill, and should remain there through at least Tuesday or Wednesday, at the soonest. We have been told it could be as late as Friday before he is released. Last I reported, they had discovered three lung clots, and they have since found another very large one in his leg. His oxygen level is still registering very low, and the doctors have said he only has about 1/3 lung capacity.

I spent the weekend at home with the baby - catching up on chores and rest. I am back up at Chapel Hill tonight with the baby in a motel room. (He is currently jumping his little heart out on the bed while I blog. Jump away, baby! :-D ) The kids fly in from Jamaica tonight, and I am expecting them here at the motel anytime. I promise to update you again, as soon as I know anything new.

But I just wanted to say how thankful and touched I am by your continued prayers and thoughts. My heart is lifted by this outpouring of support and love.

In Between my chores...

(cause life can't be all about chores can it?)

I pulled out my Spring/Easter boxes and started adding a few touches here and there to help lighten the modd of the home.

For this week's Met Monday post - I want to share my

"Before and After" Topiary project, and a half-finished mantle project. :-)

I made these two topiary forms several years ago after pricing expensive replicas at The Bombay Company, and they have been hauled across country several times.

I made them using small tomato cages turned upside down, wrapped with grapevine and ivy.

They are fun to decorate for the seasons. They are also the perfect height for my mantle.

I started out by adding a cute, bunny topper.

Isn't he the sweetest, fuzziest, cutest little thing?

Right now, Michael's has all their Spring floral stems half-price. I purchased four stems of pink cherry blossoms for $1.49 ea. These were cut into smaller lengths and randomly added to the topiary in a loose fashion.

Next, I added a pink, beaded berry garland.

Every Easter outfit needs a little "sparkle."

I loosely wrapped three styles of french wired ribbon in various widths.

... then added a matching bow tucked just under the fuzzy bunny.

Here is the finished topiary.....

(it looks much pinker here than it is in real life)

... and here it is sitting up on the mantle.

I removed the red, floral plates and floral arrangements in the center of the mantle - and added three whimsical Easter plates.


Here you see them in front of my Belgian tapestry - but I will be replacing this with a white-washed mirror.

I found these plates at Marshal's...aren't they darling?

"Chicks are Peeping..."

"Bunnies are Hopping..."

"Flowers are Blooming..."

Here is the partly completed mantle.

I guess I should call this post "Before" and "Almost After."

I still need to complete the other topiary, and add the mirror and some candles.

I added various silk stems such as hydrangea, gerbera daisies and more pink cherry blossoms.

I hope you enjoyed this week's Met Monday post. I will be adding more Spring touches to my home over the next few weeks.

(I know, I am waaay behind!)

I am also very excited to announce my New Etsy Shop opening soon. I have decided to start getting rid of some of my vintage pieces which I purchased primarily in Europe, as well as, some handmade items I am happy to have the opportunity to share. Look for more info soon. I can't wait to share it with you.

Don't forget to hop on over to Susan's blog to see all the other Met Monday participants. It's always a fun time!

May Your Week Feel Fresh as a Spring Daisy...Barb