The simple pleasures of home shine brighter
when the spirit of God intertwines our hearts
with His gentle Joy.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Mr. MacGregor's Garden. . .

Perhaps it's because I'm a child of the original Disney movie era. . .or my love of bunnies. . .or reading to children and making their stories come alive to bring them into the joy of reading; whatever. . . I fell head~over~heels in love with this bunny collection!!!




I must confess, Thumper, from Disney's movie Bambi, was my first Bunny Love. I had to have been eight or nine years old at the time, but I was smitten with him. His antics, laugh and smile captured my heart. I remember asking my parents for a real live bunny for my birthday that year. I got a quick, "No!"

Needless to say, five years ago, at a local TJ MAXX. . .I was mesmerised by this little fellow. My heart and head went right back to my childhood memories of Thumper. Only this little guy with his carrots and green overalls made me swoon! Without hesitation. . .I placed him in my cart. At $6.99, I felt I could splurge a bit that day!



Looking at him in my cart, the stories of Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail came to mind from Beatrix Potter's  The Tales of Peter Rabbit in Mr.  MacGregor's Garden. My favorite children's book during Eater and Spring is The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. So, already, I was trying to figure out how I would display my newest treasure On Crooked Creek. . .when I turned the corner and saw this!!!




Now ladies, being married to a once farm boy, the mother of sons and the combination of my Bunny Love. . .I was nearly paralyzed at this vision. I gently lifted him up and was terrified when I saw his original price tag. Even TJ MAXX price was out of my price range! I was heart broken.

Rounding yet another corner, I found this adorable couple! Reminded me of the love that "Mr. Ed" and I share. Country Boy and the City Girl combination for sure. Price tag only $7.99!!! Could it be that I would be able to leave with two new Bunny Loves on the same day?


These two separate bunny statutes combined were less the the one larger statue. Still sorrowful that I couldn't bring him home, I settled for these two to add to my all white collection already residing On Crooked Creek.



Confused? No need, I'll explain!

Wouldn't it be wonderful to tell you all that I was able to return shortly and make the purchase of my coveted bunny. It would, I agree; however when I returned, all the bunny statutes were sold. Discouraged, I had resolved to enjoy the statutes I already had.

So~o~o. . .for many years it's just been these two wonderful statues that add to the whimsical enjoyment On Crooked Creek during the Easter and Spring celebrations. When they aren't on display they sit atop the shelves in my art Studio.



This past winter, when "Mr. Ed" and I were out doing our Antique Mall and Flea Market shopping. . . I spotted this treasured find from the showcase window as we were pulling into the parking lot. I, literally, used all the restraint I had NOT to bolt for the door of the store.
Can you even imagine my joy when I picked him up, no flaws, . . .turned him over. . .and saw the $14.99 price tag? ? ?

AND. . .when I reached the check-out counter, I learned that this vendor was giving 20% OFF everything in her booth that day. Bunny Love rang for a grand total of  $11.99!  All three statutes are now proudly displayed on the entry hall table!



In my newest Bunny Love statute's cabbage bowl are a set of insulators made into carrot place card holders that I purchased @ Country Bumpkins in Wichita, Kansas. I love the grooved texture and the yarn tops. Such a cute accessory !

The watering cans are part of a collection. Many years ago, I was ill and had several surgeries. My co~workers sent flowers to our home. Being in the Spring of the year, their bouquets came in the watering cans. In keeping with the Mr. MacGregor theme, are the addition of faux carrots. Faux Spring daffodils and primrose add a lightness with a soft yellow hue. Last year, I ordered the squares of faux moss from The Country House catalog. It fits nicely under the statutes and adds the greenness we are all craving after this past dreary winter.


When Bunny Love isn't donning his striking appearance at the front entry On Crooked Creek, he resides in the art Studio on the lower level. There he must keep a watchful eye over the basket of faux pink tulips.



Oh, I do hope you've enjoyed visiting On Crooked Creek today. I've enjoyed sharing my Bunny Love collection with you. Are there more bunnies you ask? Time will tell, dear ones. Time will tell!


On Crooked Creek will be linking to Metamorphosis Monday  @ Between Naps On the Porch with our sweet hostess Susan. Susan is creating a wonderful home office space in what was once her son's bedroom. She's made amazing progress despite some huge hurdles in home remodeling! Be sure to visit and see all the amazing MM that blog land ladies have prepared for your viewing pleasure.






remember...
 to visit our sweet hostess Marty @ A Stroll Thru Life 
for Table Top Tuesday. Inspiration abounds with this weekly meme!


Until next time. . .

28 comments:

Unknown said...

What an adorable collection of bun-bun's .. love the acquisition memories to go with them.
Have a beautiful week ~
TTFN ~
Marydon

4/6 GIVEAWAY ENDS TODAY

Martha said...

Love your bunnies and so appropriate for this year. And I love the story of the big bunny -- it is amazing sometimes how things are meant to be, isn't it!!!!

We have some similar stories about the things that got away and then, alas, they were attainable after all!

Babs said...

Cute bunny love vignettes and story. It was just meant for you to have that bunny and at a price you liked. I love it when that happens.
Hugs,
Babs

The Decorating Diaries said...

I have bunny love,too. Yours are adorable.

Janet

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Pat, Your bunnies are adorable! I would have had a fit, too over those cuties. That little guy was meant to be yours...so glad you found him later. You showed tremendous restraint...not sure I could have been so good. They just make you smile to see them. :)

La Vie Quotidienne said...

These bunnies are adorable...I have a weakness for bunnies too. We were thinking the same way this week as my post is one including bunnies too. I really like the way you included moss in your vignette ~ very nice.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Pat, your bunnies are totally exquisite. They are fabulous and your vignettes are just stunning. Tons of beautiful inspiration. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Whew! I was starting to get worried there for a minute, Pat! : ) So glad you got your bunny after all. I guess it was meant to be! I am a huge bunny collector myself and I can see why these all appealed to you. I'm sure they would have hopped into my cart very quickly if I ever came across them. You've put together a lovely vignette for Easter and Spring. Like you, I'd probably have them out all year long.

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi Pat,
I am in love with all of your cute bunnies! My first bunny love was also Thumper and then Peter Cottontail. My favourite childhood story was The Velveteen Rabbit, in fact, I still love it! Thank you for sharing your cute bunnies with us and I see you are also a Christian! I'm very happy to 'meet' you!

Blessings,
Sandi

Kathleen said...

I love all your bunnies. You have a lovely collection and have them displayed so delightfully!
Happy Easter!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Pat...

My friend, you know that I have Bunny Love as well...so I just adored getting a peek at your new springtime vignette in your entryway! Your bunnies are just too cute and I can certainly see why you chose them to come home with you! I love the vignette that you created with them...the little carpets of moss is sooo pretty! I will have to look into finding some of that...I really like it and it's perfect for vignettes! Loved the little carrots in the Mr. Bunny's cabbage bowl! How unique...to make carrots out of insulators...I love that idea!!! Well my dear friend, I seen your beautiful bunny display and just had to "hop" on over to see it! wink! It's absolutely adorable...such a sweet treat! Thank you for sharing it with us!

Warmest spring wishes, sweet friend!
Chari

Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking said...

Your bunnies are so cute. You have decorated beautifully with them.

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Hi Pat! I just found you at Tabletop Tuesday and I am so happy to be here! I will be your newest follower, and I am a bunny lover too! Never too many (luckily), and I don't know how you resisted him! I think it was meant to be that he live with you! Linda

bj said...

ooo, these are all so so cute.
I see that you were featured over at Marty's...and rightfully so.
I only have a couple of bunnies..one is a lamp, and I doubt there will be any reproducing going on between the two. :)) *turning beet red...

I love your stories that you add to your photos, Pat.

Thank you for your kind words and prayers for my troubled time right now.
love, bj

Anonymous said...

What cute bunnies you have and this is just adorable.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Picket said...

Morning girl...love all your bunnies..so glad you got your treasure in the end and at a great price too...I know how hard it is to walk away from something that calls you! Hope you have a great week sweetie...Picket

Sharon said...

They are the cutest bunnies ever and I love the story of the expensive one! I can only imagine your excitement when you found it again!

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

OMGoodness, I just love your bunnies and the story of how you got them is wonderful!!!! Thanks so much for sharing that! I hope you and yours have a WONDERFUL, blessed Easter!!!!! XO, Pinky

Kelsie from Our Country Home and Studio Photography said...

Dearest Pat,
I am totally loving your bunnies also, how cute they all are and so pleased they are finally all able to call crooked creek home.

I have been thinking of you this week and wondered how things are going at your new job...We are keeping busy in the garden here and look forward to seeing some photos of your herb garden as it grows.

Stay safe, Blessings Kelsie

Designs on 47th Street said...

Your bunnies are precious. I love every single one of them. I know you are tickled you found them.

Anonymous said...

Loved seeing your bunny love collection Pat!! You make me sorry I didn't get my little Easter decor out this year! Yup I am decorless for the season! Just so busy and now it's too late so they will have to sleep for another year-

bee blessed
mary

bj said...

Hope all is well with you, dear heart.
xo bj

Jane said...

Your bunnies are so precious! How sweet. I am following your blog, you are welcome to follow mine as well. Blessings jane

podso said...

What a great story! I love your bunnies and the way they arrived at your house! Also enjoyed seeing all your pretties inside your cupboard! Have a blessed Easter, my friend!

dotsie

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Pat, thanks for your sweet comments on my yard! I don't drink coffee but DO ahve breakfast and any other meal that I can out on the deck. Tonight, Joe and I sat out there with a cold drink before dinner. I will be posting alot from outside I hope:):) XO, Pinky

bj said...

Hello......are u there? Hope things are ok....!!!
xo bj

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Pat, I have missed you! I hope all is well.
Your sweet "voice" in the blog world is so missed!
Yvonne

Babs said...

Pat, I hope things are fine with you and that you're doing lots of decorating and thrifting. You are missed in blogland. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement on my "going in circles". :) Good luck in finding what you want for your deck. I hope you have a lovely Mother's Day.
Hugs,
Babs