A Mr Grits Update...and some news to share!

The surgery is officially scheduled for Monday. We have to be at the hospital at noon, but were not told what time the actual surgery will take place. I am thinking it's gonna be a long night for both of us. I will have my laptop to keep me company. I promise to update everyone as I have news. Thank you so much for your continued support and thoughts and prayers. I have received so many emails from everyone, and it means the world to me. I shared them with Mr Grits, and he was very touched. Either that or he was high on the oxygen - couldn't quite tell.

;-)

and...

Sometimes, there are points in your life when you momentarily question the Heavenly Father and what he has in store for you. It has been a rough few weeks...and even though my faith has not been tested - I have felt, at times, that I was being tested. A few days ago - I was having a "little crisis" and in full pity-party mode.. Work was getting the best of me, I felt a cold coming on, the baby was cranky and trying to get sick also, I was worried about Bill.....etc. Then I get a call from my son and daughter-in-law.....

I'm gonna be a new Grammy! I have been doing the new Grammy dance for days! :-D

They conceived on their last night in Iraq. How's that for irony?

I made it perfectly clear they did not have to name the baby in honor of this place of conception....i.e. Madelyn Baghdad or David Mosul. They assured me they would not. :-)

So, needless to say - I think this is God's way of saying...."Barb...all is well!" And indeed it is!

Thanks for being there for me during the Highs and Lows....Barb

Tablescape Thursday!

Monday...Tuesday...Wednesday...Thursday!!!

Tablescape Thursday!!!

Tablescape Thursday is one of my favorite blogger events. This event is hosted by our friend Susan, at Between Naps on the Porch.

I realize that within Blogland, there are different genres of blogs.

For example, People Who Collect Chinchilla Dolls...People Who Eat With Their Toes....you get the idea.

Do they also have a favorite day of the week? Is it Chinchilla Thursday or Squishy Toe Foods Day for them? Do they get just as excited as I do on Thursdays? Me thinks so! :-) Okay, enough silly musing....

I am kinda cheating this week and going into my files for this Tablescape. I was going to post this Easter table in the next few weeks. But, since I may be away from Blogland for a few weeks after Mr. Grits' surgery...I decided to go ahead and post these pics now.

Besides, NOW is the time that all the beautiful Easter accessories are available. If you wait much longer...they will be displaying Halloween decor. (ggrrrr!)

I created this tablescape a few years back. It is actually before we added our Family Room and converted the "old" Living Room into our "new" Dining Room. (are you still with me here?) :-)

So technically, this room is now the Morning Room.

I found the "ruffled" edge plates and bowls at HomeGoods the previous Easter during an after-season sale. Have you noticed that buying dishes after the season is a love/hate thing? You LOVE the sale price, but you HATE that you have to wait until next year to use them.

They are so much prettier in person. The colors are very soft. I used my everyday, overly large white dinner plates as chargers. For placecards, I simply took a purple paint pen and wrote names on white, painted wooden eggs. These were nestled in some Easter grass in the bowl.

The tablescape was dome primarily in pinks with purple and yellow accents. I used my pink, frosted stemware which I love. I bought these in a small antique shop in Wales.

Because I could not find a tablecloth exactly as I was looking for - I decided to "create" my own. Using assorted ribbons and double-stick tape - I designed a layout with the ribbon - creating a plaid effect. I used wide ribbons, solid ribbons, plaid ribbons, and even laid ribbon on top of ribbon. The criss-cross design was at the ends of the table.

Assorted "shot-glass" candles were placed on upside-down crystal sorbet cups.

See the miniature chocolate cake? It's fake! :-) Somehow I have managed to collect fake food. Is there a blog genre for fake food? Fake Food Fridays? :-D

On the chandy, I draped garlands of Easter colored berries, french silk ribbon, and hung assorted Easter eggs with pink and white polka-dot bows.

I also decided to add a touch of whimsy to the wrought iron shelf that hung in the room. It already had a few pieces of my pink and white transferware displayed...so I added some fun egg plates, assorted feathers and some Easter grass.

So that's my "short and sweet" Tablescape for the week. I will be using these same dishes for this year's table - but I have a few different ideas up my sleeve.

Please make sure you visit

Susan at Between Naps on the Porch -

who is the Queen of Tablescapes. She will also have a full list of all Tablescape Thursday participants. It's a fun day that will keep you glued to your computer screen.

May All Your Days Be "Egg"-stra Special!...Barb

WOYWW...an Update...and MORE Drama!

It's that time again! Dust off your pictures, straighten up the mirrors, re-arrange your wall shelves...cause it's time for

What's On Your Wall Wednesday!

I'm sorry this is getting posted so late. Further down, I will update you on Mr. Grits and also share with you the "drama" that occurred overnight at the House of Grits.

So...I hope to see all the wonderful participants I have seen over the past few weeks during What's On Your Wall Wednesday.

Once you have your post up and running on your blog, please come back here and post your permalink on Mr linky. .

To get your permalink, simply right click on the "Subject Line" of your post, click on "Copy to Shortcut", then come back here and copy and paste that URL into Mr Linky. That's it. I look forward to another week of wonderful and inspirational posts.

This week, I am going to share with you one of the favorite spots in my home - the "left" side of my foyer. I have shared these pics on Micasastyle.com - but thought this would be a great time to share it here with all my blogger friends.

I happened upon this wonderful kitty painting on sale at, of all places, Hancock Fabrics. If I remember correctly, I paid $59. As you know, I am a kitty lover to the max! So I was drawn to this painting as it pulled on my heart strings.

I knew immediately that I would hang it above my foyer bench. I purchased this bench from my Flemish neighbor in Brussels. He was a 70-ish year old man who made benches from antique beds. Unfortunately, my precious kitty painting hung by its lonesome self for several months until I decided it was time to find it a mate...or two. So, I started looking to find the perfect companions.

I found two vintage prints on eBay. One is a Victorian reproduction of a little girl holding a kitty, the other was a page from an antique book. The latter was purchased from a dealer through eBay/UK.

I priced mats...and was given a quote of over $70 for the two mats. I just did not want to spend that kind of money at the time. So, I decided to use a fabric remnant to temporarily mount the the pictures upon. I chose this lovely paisley-like fabric. I attached them using picture mounting tape on the back. When these pictures were "framed" several months ago, it was my intention to get mats after the Holidays. I loved the look of my "temp" mats so much that I have since decided to keep it them this way.

Here is the kitty print in a recycled frame from a print that was not suiting my purpose any more. I love the ornate design.


The two vintage prints were the perfect size for the side wall. I added two brown and white transferware plates, as well as, two wall shelves. I searched the house for something to place on the shelves. I tried more plates...not right....I tried some vases...nope, not right either. I spied two birds...and giggled. Could it work?

The birds were too "colorless," so I watered down some dark, brown craft paint and did a simple rub. It was just enough color to make them stand out. I decided to name them.

They are aptly named "Lunch" and "Dinner." :-D

I also added a plump cushion covered in a red, leopard print fabric. That was also supposed to be a future project - having my seamstress make a tailored style cushion with piping and whatnot...but I actually came to like the old-fashioned stuffed-looking cushion. It reminded me of my Granny's feather bed - minus the leopard print. LOL

So that is what the "left" side of my foyer looks like. I will be "Spring-i-fying" the right side of my foyer over the next few days. I look forward to sharing that with you, as well.

An Update on Mr Grits....

We spent all day at Chapel Hill yesterday. We met with the surgeon, and he wanted to run more tests. The surgery is planned for this coming Monday.

It appears that his diaphragm has ruptured and his liver has protruded up and through it, putting pressure on his heart and esophagus. But during the testing, they also discovered a large spot on his lung. This worries me the most. The surgeon will address this issue and run all necessary tests. So... we wait, and I worry...and pray and pray and pray. I thank you for all your kind words and thoughts and for keeping us in your prayers. It means more than you know.

That said....there was MORE Drama

...after getting the baby settled down late after we got home, I finally fell asleep about 1am. The baby was sleeping in our bed, and Bill was sleeping in his recliner as the position is more comfortable. He finally was able to sleep, after I gave him his pain pills and hooked him up to his oxygen.

It felt like I had just fallen asleep when the sound of a helicopter approaching awakened me. Living within a military town, I am used to helicopters and jets flying over - but this one seemed to be awfully close. I laid there thinking "good grief is it gonna land on my roof?

It seemed to be hovering overhead, when it finally moved on. I tried to fall back to sleep, when the faint smell of something burning caught my attention. My husband says I have the nose of a bloodhound, and because I was so utterly exhausted - I tried to go back to sleep. I opened my eyes to look to see what time it was - and my bathroom and bedroom were aglow with an eerie orange, dancing color. There was no doubt there was a fire. But where? I started screaming and grabbed my cell phone to call 911.

I ran into the bathroom and was able to see the flames were outside, right near the bedroom. I ran to the window...and stood in utter amazement as I saw what was on fire. Our hot tub.

Our beloved hot tub was totally engulfed in flames. I managed to call 911, and woke Bill up as calmly as possible. Cole was crying, so I kinda threw him in Bill's lap and said to watch him. I ran out and threw the breaker, and pulled away some of my flower pots. Why did I think it was so important to save some silly flower pots?

We are convinced the helicopter pilot saw the flames flying by, and "buzzed' our home to wake us.

Our wonderful Volunteer Fire Department showed up and it only took a few minutes to extinguish the flames.

This morning - we discovered a crispy shell. An electrical fire within the tub was suspected of being the culprit. Good news! Our homeowner's insurance will cover it - so we are going shopping for a new hot tub tomorrow. I want one with a pop-up TV, an iPod docking station, a masseuse, a manicurist, a drink "boy" - and...

oh okay okay... I will simply take another new 8-seater hot tub. And if the drink boy is included that's okay, too.

May Your Day be Drama-less!...Barb

Met Monday!

It's a new week! A new week means Metamorphosis Monday (Met Monday).

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

Please visit Susan's blog to see her lovely home....and also - you can get a full list of all

Met Monday participants.

This week - I am going to give you a small glimpse at my almost-complete kitchen. This project started in July. Last July! All that remains is two side countertops of either marble or granite - I just cannot decide. But - back to this post....

My kitchen started out as a nightmare. The previous owner had "crackled" the cabinets, as well as, all the mouldings throughout the kitchen and breakfast area. It was horrid. The crackle was not applied correctly and there were gobs of crackle medium, thereby causing gobs of paint. Ick! Double Ick! I lived with it for several years while we were trying to decide if we wanted to gut the kitchen - or just work with what we had.

This decision was pretty much taken from our hands when our dear Nephew, who was getting married, asked if we would host some of the smaller wedding events at our home. I quickly agreed. Why? Because I knew that I could get about anything I wanted out of Mr Grits - and with less grumbling and complaining. LOL (Yea, Evil is my middle name.) But, time was a factor and so - we decided to work with what we had.

The above pics show my paint samples and my experiments with deciding what to do with the cabs. We also decided to add width and length onto the existing island - but that's another post. :-)

I knew I wanted a display shelf. Mr. Grits thought I was nuts to give away precious storage space. Now he did have a point there....giving up space which could be filled with more dishes was a sacrifice. But, I wanted a display area, and it just made sense to convert the middle set of cabinets.

The above pic shows where the beadboard was installed. The shelf was placed back in while I was deciding if I wanted it to stay or be one large, open space.

I decided on one large open space. You can also see where I glazed the beadboard using the cabinet paint. I love this area. I have plans to have a small light added eventually.


This is the most recent pic. (sorry its blurry) I found this lovely, wire topiary form and knew it would give the added height I needed to balance the rooster topiary.

I have had the rooster moss and ivy topiary for sometime. The oil painting is from eBay, and depicts a still life of fruits and veggies.

So that's my Before and After this week. Hopefully, I will be able to share with you the complete Before and After of my kitchen re-do in a few weeks....when I make up my mind about the countertops. :-)

I have one more thing to share.....

Evidently, in the House of Grits....watching cartoons has become a dangerous contact sport requiring the use of a safety helmet. LOL

If you think that's bad - you should see things around here when we watch the NC State (yay!) vs. UNC Chapel Hill (boo!) basketball games. ;-D

Make sure you hop over to Susan's blog to see all the other Met Monday posts.

May You Have a Blessed Monday...Barb

Updated Celadon Tablescape - Daylight!

My Celadon Tablescape Presented in Daylight!

I woke up this morning after a really bad thunder and hail storm last night, and the sun was shining into the breakfast room window so bright and beautifully - that I just had to take a few shots of this tablescape in the daylight hours. I love candle lit photos, but sometimes good ole' simple daylight can be just as pretty.

These pictures really give you an idea of the true color. The green is even "green-ier." :-)

I know you saw these same shots in my previous post , but I couldn't resist sharing these, too.

(If you are just visiting, there is a whole other post of this Tablescape below for Tablescape Thursday)

Here's another shot of my corn meal filled candleholders. The soft yellow was perfect!

Also...

I have gotten some emails asking about some of the comments made by fellow bloggers concerning Mr Grits, so I decided to mention what is going on here.

My beloved is going through a major health crisis at the moment. We just found out a few days ago that he has a torn diaphragm. This has developed a very large hernia which has wrapped around his heart and is pushing into his esophagus. It has also pusjed many of his organs into his chest cavity, and one lung is pushed to the size of a fist. He is in pain and his breathing is labored. The docs think the "flu" he got in Colorado was a result of diminshed lung capacity in a high altitude area. Although not seriously life threatening, it is critical enough that it needs to be addressed quickly.

The operation is extensive and will require a procedure similar to open-heart surgery. I am asking you to, please, keep him in your thoughts and prayers over the next few weeks. We do not have a definite time for surgery, as of yet. He is being sent to Duke University to a top-notch thoracic surgeon. We should know more in the next few days. So, if you find I am suddenly gone for a few days - you will know we rushed to Durham for the operation.

I promise to update you as I can. Until then, I am gonna stay positive and know he is in God's hands...and I have the faith he will come through like the trooper he is.

Thank you for caring and being such a large part of my life....Barb

Tablescape Thursday!

Oh What a Dream...Black, White and Celadon Green!

When I started pulling out the glasses and other tablescaping accoutrements, Mr Grits automatically said "it's that time again, huh?"

I replied with a giddy grin.

I am pleased to offer another Tablescape for Tablescape Thursday.

This event is graciously hosted by my friend,

Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch.

If you want a wonderful treat, visit Susan's blog and experience one of her tablescapes...

and while you're there - get a full list and links to all Tablescape Thursday participants.

So here we go....

I have always loved the combination of Black, White (or cream) and Celadon. For a long time I have envisioned my guest room decorated in these colors. Strangely, it is a far different avenue than the rest of my very traditionally decorated home...but maybe that is part of the allure.

So for this week's event...I present to you...

Oh, What a Dream!...Black and White and Celadon Green!

It all started with a set of four dessert-size plates. I recently decided that if my dish obsession, ...um, I mean collecting - was going to continue - I would need to keep things small, i.e salad and dessert plates. (also, smaller dishes are easier to sneak into the home if you carry a really large purse.) :-D

There were two designs...one featuring a "Riesling" design....and another (and one of my fave wines) a "Pinot Grigio" design.

I was immediately drawn to the colors, but knew instantly how wonderful they would look with my recently acquired black and white damask plates. Recently while at Marshall's, I happened upon an almost identical black and white damask tablecloth. My head starting spinning...

I knew the tablecloth and the plates would get lost if placed one on top of the other. A simple placemat would be okay, but then I found some clearance rack polka-dot fabric that just screamed to me.

It said something like..."Giiirrrl, you best get yo'self over here and scoop me up. You know you want me." Giggle! Was that fabric reading my mind? I also scooped up a remnant piece of the coordinating opposite print for napkins.

I added two widths of fabric down on each side of the table....over the black and white tablecloth.

Next, I added a silver charger and the two plates. But it needed something. So, I whipped out my plastic bin of ribbons and found a short length of black and white polka dot ribbon I had used once to tie napkins. I placed a length between the two plates. Perfect!!! Just the little bit of drama that was needed to distinguish the two very separate designs.

(I had planned on going into my dissertation about why these patterns work, but remembered the 4 second blog rule. I am already 6.8 minutes over time. eek!)

My latest find at Marshall's is this darling handmade set of forks, knives and spoons. You also see a close-up of the polka dot fabric.

I love the curly ends. Sooo cute!

Here is a view of the coordinating print I used for napkins.

Next, I needed to work on the centerpiece. Again, I head up to the attic and pulled out my floral bin. (or I should say binS). I found a bushy stem of lilacs, but knew that alone would be too plain. I had three single cala lily's and four gerbera daisies. Yep, that would work. While I was at it...I grabbed two bunches of faux grapes.

(yes, I should use real - but its pouring rain outside and while I do think very highly of all my blogger friends...I ain't heading out there to get you real grapes.)

A plain vase and a french wired bow later...I was in biz. I tucked the bunches of grapes at the edge of the vase so they would cascade down. Next I added one of my favorite touches to a centerpiece...ribbon loops.

Just a few loops was all that was needed, and I loved how it tied in with the ribbon under the plates.

Now, I needed something which stayed within grape and wine "earthy" theme, but something which also melded with the celadon color scheme. I found a box 'o rocks at Marshall's the same day I found my wine plates.

But oh no - not just any ole' box 'o rocks...but moss covered rocks.

Debbie at Confessions of a Plate Addict once featured rock candles on one of her recent tablescapes. So something clicked in my freaky head...."yes, oh crafty one - you can have your own rock candles." So, I grabbed a Wolfgang Puck paring knife (sorry Wolf) and went to work.

I carved out a circle just large enough for a tealight candle. It worked beautifully. My Cordon Bleu instructor would be impressed with my knife skills.

It was time for the special fillers....the "details."

...such as this $1 clearance bin mini, silver frame used as a namecard holder.

I also added my wonderfully, versatile pair of crystal candleholders on each side of the floral centerpiece. I like to use "fillers" in the bottom of these candleholders. Remember how I used sugar in a recent tablescape?

I looked around the kitchen, and my eye went straight to the perfect filler...can you guess what it is? I'll tell you at the end! :-)

Since this tablescape is set for an intimate two-couple dinner with a wine-themed menu...I couldn't leave out the decanter. I love this piece and use it often when I entertain.

I hope you have enjoyed my "Dreamscape" table in Celadon. It was a pleasure to create this for you. Thanks, Susan, for hosting this event. Please make sure you head over to her site to check out the other Tablescaper's in all their glory.

May All Your Dreams (Celadon or any color) Come True...Barb

corn meal

What's On Your Wall Wednesday!

After a two week hiatus...I am very happy to be able to host

What's On Your Wall Wednesday

once again.

I have included two sizes of logos for you to use. Choose whichever size you wish. Please link back to Grits and Glamour so everyone can see all the WOYWW participants.

Also, please post your link after you have published your blog posting. It's called a "permalink."

To get your permalink, you simply right click on the subject line of your WOYWW posting, then come back here and copy and paste that saved link into Mr. Linky.

This week, I am going to share with you some of my favorite plates. I have been an avid plate collector for years. It was a passion I did not even know existed until just before I married Bill. His father passed away soon after we married and his parent's estate was split. Bill's father was a Rear Admiral and the Chief of Chaplain's for the Navy. His parent's traveled extensively, and one of their tours was 3 years in England. His dear Mother, Jean, whom I sadly never had the pleasure of meeting - was also an avid dish lover. I could tell this from not only what was hanging in her home, but what was stored in their basement. Luckily, the other members of Bill's family were not able to see the treasures I discovered, covered in a layer of dust. I found several pieces of pink and white Staffordshire, and several pieces of blue and white transferware. My love story began. I say "love story" because it sounds so much healthier than "obsession." :-D

I have shared with you several collections already. I won't bore you again with my pink and white collection, probably my favorite. And I have already done a post about my blue and white collection. Let's not forget my collection of green Bordallo majolica pieces.

So this week...its gonna be some random pics of some of the other plates in my home which hold a special meaning to me.

Let's start in the Family Room. I call this area my English Art Gallery Wall. It features some of my fave prints and artwork. It also features 3 of my fave plates.

They are handpainted kitty plates. I found four of them, and have yet to be able to find anything else like them - or more of them for that matter.

Sadly - one is broken, and waiting to get repaired.

Here is a close-up of the plates. They are hand painted and quite heavy. I love that they are dressed in Tudor style clothes, one of my favorite periods of of British history.

And now a formal introduction...

Meet Sir Thomas of Frisky, Lord of Whiskers

I would like to introduce you to Lady Anne Bo-Kitty, daughter of the Duke of Litter

Finally....meet Henry the 9th, Prince of Hairball

Next, I have two plates which are, also, treasured. This is the bar area of my Family Room.

(this is the hardest area of this room to photograph. The walls are not painted grey! ugh!)

I would love to know if there were others in this series of plates. I managed to find one on ebay/Netherlands but it was one I already had.

The two top plates feature Napoleon Bonaparte. The two bottom plates are black and white transferware.

Here is a close-up of one side...

Close-up of one Napoleon Plate...

...and the other plate. I love the "N's" and the details.

Now, let's head into my kitchen. I found these rooster plates a few years ago at Ross. I loved the fact that the hens and roosters are sitting on chairs, and also the harlequin pattern around the edge. I have "de-roosterfied" my kitchen somewhat, but I just couldn't part with these pretties.

There are a set of four...I will show you where the fourth is.

The fourth plate is used as part of a wreath which hangs above my copper farmhouse sink.

During the holidays, I have three, fresh balsam wreaths with these plates in the centers, hanging in my three-window breakfast area. A plate hanger and floral wire is all that's needed to attach them to any wreath.

*(note: this is so much prettier than this pic depicts.)

Now, let's head into my formal Dining Room...

The miniature, square plate above is officially my smallest plate. On one of our flea market trips in Tongeren, Belgium - my son and Mr Grits bought this for me while they were off exploring on their own. I love it!

Ooh-la-la...so romantic!

That's the end of my plate tour...but there is one more thing I would like to share. It's not "on my wall"...but it's "in my home" and I love it. It arrived while we were in Colorado, and greeted me when I got home.

I ordered a "B" frame from Kristen at Kristen's Creation . She has a wonderful etsy shop. I know people generally collect the initial of their last name...but Mr Grits and I both have first names which start with "B", and for some reason - that is what I started collecting. I have a "B" hanging over each side of our bed. I tell people its to help us remember whose side of the bed belongs to who. :-D

I love the red croc background and all the luscious ribbon. Isn't the small gold charm in the center of the bow the perfect touch?

Thank you Kristen!! I love it and will treasure it always.

If you want your own "B" frame....okay just kidding - she can make one with your own initial - visit Kristen at her blog and follow her link to her etsy shop.

I hope you enjoy the second edition of What's On Your Wall Wednesday. I look forward to seeing everyone's posts.

May Your "Plates" Always be Full...Barb