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.” 😀
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
mbkatc230 says
Good grief Barb, you should have a reality show! Glad that no one was hurt and that helicopter woke you. You know our prayers are with you and Mr. Grits, and that his surgeons hand will be guided by God. Oh, and you know how much I love those kitty prints. $70.00 for two mats? You really need to call my DH lol. Hugs, Kathy
View CommentMary Ellen (megardengal) says
Oh my what a night you had. WE will be praying for you DH. So sorry to hear about all that you are going through right now!
I am so excited to be joining in my first Weds with you all! THanks for letting me !
blessings
mary
oh your kitty pictures are precious! I love the mattes you made- a great idea!
View CommentMelissa Miller says
Hi Barb,
I do love your kitty print.
How beautiful!
The bench is gorgeous as well.
I’m so glad you were all okay. How scary! I’m glad you get a new one though.
They all fly over here very close as well.
I’m not sure if I told you before that my husband is a 53′ helicopter pilot.
I hope Bill does well with his upcoming surgery. Keep us posted. I’m still praying for him.
Take care my friend.
View Comment~Melissa 🙂
REAL ME says
How neat. Those are so great! What a very cozy spot!
View CommentCandy says
And I thought my day was a little wild! Glad everyone is safe. Gives new meaning to HOT tub.
View CommentHappy shopping, Candy
Lynda says
What an awful thing to happen! Thank God for the helicopter alerting you, and the fire was contained before spreading further.
I am so sorry to read that your husband is ill. I hope all goes well with the surgery, and the spot on his lung proves to be just calcium from an old injury or infection.
Your arrangement over the bench is lovely! You have a wonderful talent for decorating. I really enjoy checking your blog to see what you come up with next!
View CommentBama Belle says
Goodness darlin that is crazy!! Such a sharp way to get pulled out of bed huh? Glad every one is OK and you are covered. We will be praying for Mr. Grits!
View Commentmarty39 says
Barb, I don’t know how in the world you cope. Thank goodness the insurance will cover it and I do so hope the drink boy comes with the new one, sounds like you need it. You and Mr. Grits are in my thoughts and prayers every minute. This just sounds so much more complicated than ever. I know the Lord is watching over him. Hugs to all, Marty
View CommentBarb @ GritsandGlamour says
Kathy – a producer would not know what to do if our life was made into a reality show. It would make the Osbourne’s look normal. LOL
Also – I will look into why past Mr Blinky’s do not show up. I had not realized that. I will email them and find out. That is very sad to me b/c I thought they were always there.
View CommentChandy says
I’m so glad no one was hurt! That must have been scary!
Great pics on the wall!
Carolyn of What Now? Tablescapes
View CommentKathysue says
Barb, I was just going to bed and read a message from Kat about the fire.Omgoodness,I can not imagine what was going thru your mind when you finally discovered it was YOUR fire.As with everything you always see the good side and humor in it. You are amazing.You know you and Mr Grits are being lifted up in prayer.Sending lots of hugs,Kathysue
View CommentChari says
Hello Barb…
Just wanted to let you know that I’m participating in your “What’s On Your Walls Wednesday”…for my very first time! I’m so exicted! Thank you so much for providing an opportunity for me to share some of my art and home decor projects!
I just love what you did to your foyer wall…the new prints are beautiful, in fact, I think I need that pretty little french girl print…hehe!!! I love the wall grouping…it makes for such a cozy corner! And…your bench is fabulous…I love the seat cushion you made for it and the pretty decorative pillows!
Oh my…after reading your entire post…my heart goes out to you! I’m so sorry to hear that your husband is having health problems. I believe in the power of prayer and have added him to my prayer list, my friend!!! I’m so sorry to hear about your hot tub too…ohh my, what a night you had! I’m so glad to hear that it was covered by insurance…and I’m rootin’ for you to get one that comes with the cabana boy! hehe!!!
Warmest wishes,
View CommentChari
Nancy M. says
My, that is a lot of drama! I hope your husband will be okay. I can’t believe your hot tub caught on fire. I’m glad it will be replaced!
View Commentmishebe says
Oh MY god. Barb. Thank god it was just the Hot Tub. And i am saying a prayer for the hubs. As u sit in the Drs office with your husband, remember we are all there next to you holding your hand. Ok we will leave when your hubs changes into the Gown. lol. I hope i gave u a chuckle in this serious time.. mishelle
View CommentLdyDy Loves Cake says
Well…don’t know where to start first. Yes I do…I am glad no one was hurt… what an ordeal was that! How did little Cole handle it seeing the tub all burned up? Next…my prayers are with you and Mr. Grits and with the surgeon performing the operation.
View CommentAlso, your kitty frame makeovers are very creative and work perfectly where you have placed them! Now…sit down and have a cup of tea…Huggy Hugs!
Linda says
Bless your heart, Barb, your plate is full and overflowing. Hope today is a better, more peaceful, relaxing day. Will pray for Mr. Grits, I know that is very stressful waiting on the surgery, but at least it will be soon.
View CommentOh, your left side of the entry is so very pretty! I love that you used fabric to mat the picture – clever and thrifty! Linda
Tammy518 says
Wow, that was some drama! Thank goodness you discovered the fire and no one was hurt. I’m sorry to hear about Mr. Grits’ health problems. I will keep you both in my prayers.
View Commentcarolinajewel says
Oh my gosh Barb!Your prints are lovely, but a fire! So scary – thank God for that pilot and your fire dept. It would take a lot to make us notice planes or helicopters too living in a Air Force town. I will keep praying for Mr. Grits. 😀 Jewel
View CommentCandy says
Forgot to tell you how wonderful that wall looks. Love the cute kitten. What a warm welcome your visitors receive.
View CommentBlessings, Candy
KD says
Oh barb I shouldn’t be but I am laughing so hard right now. Me and my sick sense of humor. But I can so picture it all and you trying to get your flower pots out of there! So happy that heli came by!
Now you know already that y’all are in my prayers daily, hourly (I talk to myself and God a lot what can I say?) and will continue to be. Mr. Whimsy is having his ummm butt video on Monday so I can’t be with you physically on that day but I will come on Tuesday to keep you company GF! Lastly another thing we have in common ……..evidentially we were both bloddhounds in our former lives! (((HUGS)))
ps I am not coming to do the wave with you in your hot tub unless you get the drink boy!
View CommentSuzanne says
Barb: Thank God you’re okay after that fire. Glad to see you back and that you still have your sense of humor about it all. Especially during all you’re going through.
Continued prayers for you and Bill.
Best,
View CommentSuze
Rose Haven says
PTL that HE sent that helicopter, to make sure you were awake!! It’s a miracle that nothing more serious happened…and that your home is OK and everyone in it is OK.
As for Mr. Grits, he’s been added to our Prayer List…and we’ll be praying. (I’m sorry I haven’t been around much lately – I’m taking a mini-break – or I would have known about this sooner.) Please keep us posted.
The kitty prints are so cute!! Great idea with the fabric backing for them…they look wonderful!
😉 Jan
View CommentKBeau says
You really have some drama going on. Don’t know how you have time to blog. Prayers for Mr. Grits.
View Commentsoutherninspiration says
Barb, you have such great style…love your decorating. I smiled as I read you pulled the pot plants away from the fire….oh, so sorry about that fire, but how cool is it that the helicopter alerted you???????? God was watching over ya’ll!!
Suzanne
View CommentCami @ Creating Myself says
I’ll be praying for Mr Grits Barb. Love the wya you “matted” your kitty pictures.
Glad noone was hurt in the hot tub fire…I bet that was scary.
View Commentprof en retraite says
Oh my, Barb! You have had a busy day! I’m glad you were able to get in at Chapel Hill. Certainly I will be praying for Bill and you and your family as well. Unbelievable about the fire! Thank goodness for insurance! You know I love you rfoyer with you r kitty prints. Have a peaceful day, my friend!!…hugs…Debbie
View CommentTracie says
dare i say thank you? here i was, feeling so sorry for myself.. and i should be smacked! my heart goes out to you and your mr.. and will continue to keep you both in my prayers. apparently you both have busy guardian angels! [one being a helicopter pilot!] 😀 hope you have a much deserving peaceful day.
blessings,
View CommentTracie
pammiejo says
That’s way too much drama for me! Sometimes you can’t help but think highter powers are involved in some situations! I love the wall – how much better it looks with all your additions. Thanks for hosting WOYWW, by the way! PAM
View CommentRaggedy Girl says
Barb:
My Goodness! Continuing to pray for your hubby and thank God you are all alright. I have never heard of that happening. Yikes! Also I have a question… Do you have four cats? Leave me a note about that please.
Roberta Anne
View CommentPattie says
Oh Lord! Barb, I’m doubling up on the prayers for you! So glad nobody (including your flowerpots-I would have done the exact same thing, for what it’s worth) was hurt. Please remember you can call any time while you’re here in Chapel Hill. And our house is set up for kids so if Cole needs a few buddies to play with, we can arrange that too.
View CommentAngie says
I love your walls 🙂
View CommentBarb @ GritsandGlamour says
Pattie – thanks so much for your kind offers. I am still trying to work out all the details w/ getting the kids home on Emergency leave, etc. But I appreciate your offer and will let you know.
Raggedy Girl – yes we have four cats who allow us to live in the same home as them. 🙂 They are spoiled rotten! Their pics are on the side of my blog.
View CommentJudyBug says
Oh my goodness. I’m so glad you weren’t USING the tub when it decided to short out. God was watching over you and family and a helicopter warning you of the danger.
I hope you hubby will be okay and you are in my prayers!
JudyBug
View CommentGlenda/MidSouth says
First of all – I will continue to have Mr. Grits in my thoughts and prayers. Glad you woke up before the flames had a chance to spread. Love your kitty pictures.
View CommentMiss Janice says
Goodness gracious, there is a lot going on at your house! First to say, my prayers are with your husband and YOU during the procedure! And…the hot tub…wow, that is drama! I will certainly be thinking of you and checking back in for updates.
View Commentjenjen says
Wow Barb! How scary!!! I will be praying for your husband! (hugs)
I love this What’s on your Wall Wednesdays!!! How fun! Thanks for letting me join!
I love your kitty pictures – so cute!!
XOXOXO
View CommentJen
Susan says
Where do I start…….I am so sorry about your hot tub, but you do get a new one. I would love to have one…… Your husband is in my prayers. And I love what you did with the prints! Great idea with the fabric!
View CommentTomarie says
I’m new to blogging and came over to see your WOYW post (I hope to joing in one day), and I sit here stunned! What an experience to go through! Thank the Lord you all are okay!
View CommentI love the idea of fabric matting…I’m going to have to remember that! 🙂 Laura
Jeanette says
Oh My Gosh! How fortunate that you didn’t have that hot tub sitting right next to the house or on a wooden deck attached to the house. I can’t imagine how scary it must have been waking up to that fire. I am keeping your husband in my prayers and hoping for good news about the spot on his lung. Thank goodness for your wonderful optimism and sense of humor.
View Commentdebbie says
DEAR BARB,
View CommentTHIS IS MY FIRST TIME TO VISIT YOUR BLOG…..I LOVE IT AND THE PICTURES…MY HEART BELONGS TO KITTIES…I HAVE 2 AND A DOG AND WE ALL GET ALONG
W***0***W!!!!!!!!!!
GOD’S HAND WAS CERTAINLY UPON YOUR HOME……A HOT TUB CAN BE SOOO EASILY REPLACED IN COMPARSION TO HOME AND LIFE.
I WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOUR HUSBANDS SURGERY… THAT JESUS WILL DIRECT THE HANDS OF THE SURGEON AND ALL STAFF THAT COMES IN CONTACT WITH HIM.
I WILL PRAY FOR YOUR BLESSED CHILDREN WHO ARE IN IRAQ.
BLESSINGS AND HUG
debbie
ann says
My goodness you do have it going on.You have your plate full.but by the grace of God the fire only got your hot tub.
View CommentANd I am praying for dear Mr.Grits and will continue to.
Now to your wall.I think it’s awesome.I would never change a thing.Well done…ann
Kristens Creations says
Hi Barb, I wish I had done WOYWW. I totally forgot and had already done a post. The week flew by! Love your cat picture with the birds. Too cute!!
I am praying for your hubby for the surgery to go well.
I can’t believe your hot tub caught on fire,thank goodness for that helicopter! I’m glad insurance is going to take care of it. Kristen
View CommentMrs. DD says
I don’t think you could have anymore drama in your life! I will certainly keep your family in my prayers.
View CommentDawn says
Barb, I’m so sorry! You guys need a break!!!
You and yours are in my thoughts!
-Dawn
View Commenthttp://www.lifeateventuallycottage.blogspot.com
Kim Chalfant says
Wow! Too much drama for one woman! Glad you caught the fire before it spread to the house. Could have been disastrous, we might have been able to have What’s on your wall Wednesday, lol. Glad to hear it wasn’t worse.
I love the prints matted on fabric, much better than a plain old mat. Everything looks much better since you added to the arrangement. That kitty was looking pretty lonely. And your bench is to die for. I love it!!!
We’ll keep your hubby in our prayers. Here’s to you having much less drama!!!
View CommentRobin says
Oh My GOODNESS!!! Thank goodness for Helicopter pilots, huh? Let me know how that pool boy thing turns out, OK?
I completely spaced out this week and forgot it was Wednesday!!! When I saw your post, I was like “why is she putting this up on Tuesday?” DUHHHH, it’s been Wednesday ALL DAY LONG!
I will continue to say extra prayers for Mr. Grits! Thanks for keeping us updated!!!
Many {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}} coming your way!!!
Robin
View Commentlaurie @ bargain hunting says
Oh I am SO glad you woke and smelled the smoke! We never think about something like this happening. And, of course, it couldn’t have happened at a worse time — you need your sleep right now. I’ll be praying for you and your husband, and those healthcare providers who will be treating him.
View CommentI love your wonderful wall decor AND your bench! What a delightful corner. laurie
Tracy says
Oh my goodness Barb! You have really got it going on…Praise the Good Lord that no damage was done to your house. (or anyone hurt)
View CommentMaybe you can get you an even better one.
Also and more important…I pray all is well with Mr. Grits.
Tracy
Our really empty nest says
Oh my God BArb, what a scary night! Wouldnt you love to find that pilot and thank him for waking you up?!? Thank God it didnt get to the deck and then to your beautiful home! I am so glad it went as well as it could, and let us know if you find that new hot tub complete with drink boy! I will keep your husband in my prayers, Sue
View CommentSusan (Between Naps on the Porch) says
Wow, I don’t visit your blog for a little while and look at all the trouble you get into!!! 🙂 That was realllly close to your house. I wonder if the helicopter guy reported your fire to anyone…to get help. I hope your DH is feeling a lot better. Prayers are with you and Mr. Grits!
View CommentKayC. says
This will be my first “what’s on your wall wednesday”. I want to thankyou for hosting this, it is great to see what others have on the walls of their homes. And your family is also in my prayers.
View CommentLaura says
I just happened on your blog and love it! Wow! You have had quite a time of things!! I am happy to see everything is working out for the positive and the hot tub fire did not spread to your house, your husband will be ok, and all will be right with the world again.
View Comment