The Gentleman Crafter

Collins Street Bakery, Corsicana, Texas!!!

Y'all stop what your doing and get on the phone or the internet and have some of the most delectable yummalicious goodies delivered!  

When headed to east Texas, we always stopped coming and going at Collins Street Bakery! Incredible.

I obviously couldn't resist myself Hahaha!

By The Way, a Big Happy Birthday to.my precious neice, Liya Kate Hull!  

Jim

The Gentleman Crafter

My Grandparents, Kilgore, TX

Ok, I'm trying to get off my melancholy jag. Such wonderful memories in these buildings.

My Grandmother, Arnice Irene lived in the house below for many years. She also owned the duplex next door. At that time both the houses were whiter than white the yard was immaculate, roses, phlox, ferns and elephant ears were abundant. My Grand knew how to grow a rose and was such an excellent gardener. It was a show stopper really! Sadly, the years have changed these beauties and things keep moving forward.

The picture of the school across the street brought many a fun time to my sisters and I. The now enclosed gym used to be a covered open air gym. We would bring our tennis rackets and endlessly hit the tennis balls against the back wall. Go swing on the swings...what fun.

The pictures of the trees are for me really. Some way they act as monument to what was. This was my grandfather Hankins "papaw's" house. He had several acres with a huge barn that had a huge green tractor in it, pig pen, chicken coop, the house with a pond out behind it with an amazingly huge azalea next to it. An ancient maple tree held the best swing! All gone...except for some if the older trees. On the left where Pap planted fields of potatoes and onions is now filled with houses and in the central part where his house was lay several of these pods for senior living. Across the street apartments have developed. Like I said, thing change don't they. Time moves on.

I'm so happy today to have been blessed with these amazing memories! That is one thing that will never change and something I can pass on to my family.

Thanks for looking!

Jim

The Gentleman Crafter

Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!

Homeward Bound!

Well, its the last leg of the trip. Made it to Shreveport, LA last night around midnight. Didn't take anything in just checked in and crashed. I was out as soon as I hit the pillow which is amazing for me. Why couldn't that always be the case. Slept all the was through too! Needless to say, I'm ready to do some jumping' jacks or cart wheels or something! Maybe I will just sit in the car seat and wave my arms around a little instead.

Just this second past the Texas State Line. Yahoooo Texas!!! Headed over Kilgore and Tyler to go down memory lane. Both sets of my Grandparents lived here and it is where Mom and Dad grew up. Can't wait to see their old houses. I'm sure at least one is still there. My grandfather Hankins place is probably a Big Lots or and apartment complex. Oh well, the memories are still there and that's what
will always make it magical.

Then down toward Austin and home!

Can't wait to see all my four legged babies! I sure have missed them!!

Jim

The Gentleman Crafter


Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!

For Lynn my Friend

I give you Bienville National Forest from the window of my car. Actually, almost had the phone blasted out of my hands by the wind. Good job with the Google maps Lynn!

We have a clearing right now from the storms. We have been in some pretty good white outs from.the heavy rain. However, looks like about the time we hit Louisiana, we will have another sucker punch.

It's 7:23 now and we were going to stop in Vicksburg, MS but decided to drive a bit longer to Shreveport, LA. Puts us there around 11:30 pm.

That's my update! Mom, we are fine! Don't worry! :)

Jim

The Gentleman Crafter

Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!

Who new? Oxford, Alabams

I had no idea that Alabama was so pretty! Wow the hills or mountains are beautiful!

We sure are enjoying this part of the country. Green and lush!

Jackson, Mississippi in about 4 hours. It's 3:16 pm now.

Jim

The Gentleman Crafter

Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!

Hello from Macon, Georgia!!

Heading home from a wonderful vacation! What fun it was to bring y'all with me.

Well, the two day trek back home has begun. For the first.time ever, I decided to try a different way! God help me! Hahaha!

We left HHI around 9 a.m. and headed to Savannah, then cut up to Pooler,GA to Macon, GA. This may be due to all the Chick-fil-a's along the way. Just Sayin! Next, Atlanta, GA then over to Birmingham, Al. This is the area where my Mom's side if the family comes from. Actually, Cullman. Then its off to Jackson, MS. for the night. I think!  

Thank you all for your kind comments yesterday. You know how to make someone so happy and proud. Thanks for taking the time to view my blog, Graphic 45's blog and my YouTube Channel!

See y'all in Atlanta!.

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter

Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!

Jack Of All Trades Master of None!

There's a lot happening tomorrow!  So excited because tomorrow at 2 p.m. Central Time someone will be the lucky recipient of a My Favorite Tool, a Rotatrim Mastercut Cutter!  I hope whoever wins it covets it as much as I do!  Remember, it will be quite a while before the blade needs to be changed as it is self-sharpening!  Ohhhh Can't wait!

Also, remember it's Jane Tregenza re-introduction and my introduction as a DT Member for Graphic 45 Tomorrow!  For my sweet Mom and to make it easier for you all, here is the link you can follow to get to Graphic 45's Blog.  The Graphic 45 Blog Is Here.  Now a word to the wise.  DO NOT watch my Graphic 45 Finalist Projects YouTube video!!!!  It was literally one of the first times I have ever been in front a a camera!  Add to that my nervousness of showing off my creations!  I say I love G45 so many times you would think it was a harlequin romance!  Uggg!  There never was a truer statement but come on!  500 times!  Oh well, if you watch it, don't tell me about it!  Deal? LOL!

Ok,  now to Travel Tales...

Yes, I went to Savannah today!  NO, I didn't eat at Lady and Sons!  It was a little iffy today whether to get up at the crack to get there to put your name on the list NO LATER that 9:30 a.m. or to sleep a little later after a heavy night of crafting!  By The Way, that would be Paula Deen's Restaurant for those of you who may not know.  It's an awesome place to eat and the atmosphere is fun.  Get the Buffet!  Trust me!  However, I've been so many times and at this point in my vacation, I'm honestly sick of food!  Hahaha!  I can't even breathe!! so it was nixed for a later departure.  

Now Gang, how many times can you tell yourself to charge up your phone before leaving the house!  You guessed it, phone dead and no camera for pics.  But, I will give you a quick run down in case you ever make it out this way.  It was a pretty quick day here too as I needed to do some work for my friends.  (that story is coming...)

I always start at the North East side of Savannah and work West.  If you get to the Hyatt on Bay street you can take the elevator down to River street.  If you want to walk that's cool too.  Cobblestones and heel spurs don't mix for me so the elevator is a treat.  Tons of fun shops, restaurants and the glorious riverboats, The Georgia Queen and the Savannah River Queen.  OH DON'T FORGET the Riverstreet Sweets shop with the awesome pralines and the fascinating taffy machines!

Next, a walk up Bull Street which passes through all the incredibly beautiful tree lined squares!  A fantastic walk!  On the way you pass a lovely shop that I always have to poke in and see, Magnolia's! Great selection of merchandise.

By this time the humidity and the heat was really getting to me.  Worn out was more the word.  So in the car we went to where else? Michaels!  Hahahaha!  I was/am looking for some regular 12x12 sheets of plain Kraft cardstock!  I'm assuming no one carries it all the sudden!  Why?  This is such a staple in my world!  They did have the 8-1/2 x 11 but NO 12 x 12!  Do we need to start a petition?  Ok, back to Michaels...You never know if Michaels in other parts of the world  just might have something different than all the others! NO, jiust the same...So back in the car to A.C. Moore down the street!  Y'all I have never been in one of these before.  A most enjoyable experience!  I saw things I had never seen before.  Cool store.

Then it was time to start heading back...

Once I hit Bluffton, I ran into Lowes and bought a toilet!  Now that is something you can write home and tell everyone about.  Buying a toilet on Sunday Afternoon.  This is finally where the title of this post comes in....

You can laugh with me if you want.  I'm a jack of all trades and master of none!  From tightening nuts on toilets to tinkering with tutorials on tags!  I love to at least try anything!  Really I'm a pro at installing toilets!  I have no idea why!  LOL!  My friends needed a new toilet in their guest bathroom downstairs.  As a thank you present, you guessed it, they have a Brand New Spankin' White Toilet!  It works too! Hahahaha!  You know you want to see it right?  Ok, I now have my phone charged!  (Of course!  The beauty of Savannah to a toilet in Hilton Head Island!...Sheeesh!)

 

Me Taking out the old Toilet!!

The new bright and shiny one!  You know, where else can you get toilet pictures and craft tutorial in one blog!  Just Sayin! LOL!

Well, I hope that you will check the Graphic 45 Blog in the morning and don't forget to check my blog and see if you are the winner mid day tomorrow!

Thanks for following my foolishness and vacation memories!

Jim

The Gentleman Crafter

Happy Day To Ya!

Happy National Scrapbooking Day and Feliz Cinco De Mayo! Viva la Vida Loca!!!!!

Hope everyone is having an awesome day!  It is totally steamy and hot today, so in honor of National Scrapbook day...What am I doing?

Helping to Celebrate the occassion!

Savannah in the morning!  See Ya'll Then!

Jim

The Gentleman Crafter

 

My Awesome Day in Charleston, SC!

Hello All,

I didn't post any of my events yesterday as truly, I had none to share.  I stayed in and crafted the whole day!  It was WONDERFUL!  No pressure to go and do, it was great.  For dinner it was an incredible hamburger at one of my favorite restaurants on the island...Salty Dog in South Beach.  That would be the very living tip of this Island.  Gorgeous!  South Beach has a whole different feel to it.  It's more Northeastern to me.  Reminescent of Maine.  Very Cool!

Well let's see.  Totally sleepless night last night, caused for a groggy start this morning!!  The alarm that was set for 7 a.m...the one for that early start to Charleston, well....I didn't hear that sucker until 8:15!  Slept right through a buzzer that I know for a fact could be heard two doors down.  The late start caused me to feel a bit discombobulated as I ran for a Power Shower!  This is where I take a shower holding a Monster in one hand and soap up the business ends of my body with the other.  Got me!  LOL!  So, out the door to Charleston at 7 till 9:00 am.  Not bad huh?  It's a beautiful drive over to Charleston.  About a 2 hour drive from here.  though salt marshes and beautiful trees...Very Pretty.  

Had to make a stop at a country store in ASHEPOO, SC.  I'm sure this must be an Indian name, Just sounds like it...The store was set close to the banks of the Ashepoo River.  So pretty.  Now did I take a picture of the river?  Oh no... the store.  Bahahaha!  Oh well!

Oh by the way, in the comments, who ever said that they were starting a bet to see how much Jim weighs after his vacation...Not Nice! :)   Ok, I'm in! I bet at least 10 pounds!  LOL!  Seriously,  Ohhh, I dread having to take it off when I get home! Why does anyone think that 3 green beans,  a portion of meat the size of your fist  and a glass of water would be good for ya?  Why  is it when  you turn 40 (that was a couple of years ago...I think...Kinda!) everything turns with it!  BLAST! However, I sure am enjoying the sweet tea, biscuits and cheese grits!  Bring it on baby!  Bring IT!  I like to think of it as putting on my summer swimsuit!  If I were to be near water, I'll float!

 Ok back to the travelogue...

Upon arrival to Charleston, you guessed it, It was time to EAT!  Uh Huh! I found this restaurant last time I was here in October.   My new favorite!  It called Poogan's Porch!  In my most southern drawl I can conjur up...Y'all, It's PHENOMENAL!  Yes, Ma'am Mighty Good!  Poogan's Porch is set in a wonderful old Victorian house just off of King and Queen Street.  Since we were early, we got prime front porch seating.  A delightful breeze brought the incredible aromas from the kitchen!  A basket of buttermilk biscuits with sweet creamery butter was literally shoved in my face!  What is a gentleman to do except graciously eat what is presented.  After I downed the biscuits drenched in butter, the "Pimiento" cheese fritters with a green tomato chutney arrived. Lord help me!  Outstanding!  Timed to the very last bite LUNCH WAS SERVED!  Pan fried pork chop with Green Beans (more than three I might add!) and the most delectable pimento mac and cheese!  Y'all do you hear the ambulance sirens?  Just sayin!  Fantabulous Lunch!

 

 

Well it was time to waddle over to the Old City Market to look around a bit and then explore more of Charleston.  

 Above and below is the Old City Market.  Tons of booths filled with a myriad of temptations!

You really can't see very well, but on the left and right of the entry are the infamous Gullah women making their VERY VERY collectible and expensive Sweet Grass baskets!  Gorgeous works of art!  Fascinating to watch them create!

 

Now, if this wasn't enough excitement for the day, I had to go to another one of my most favorite haunts....

The Artist and Craftsman Supply!!!!  HEAVEN!  They have a WHOLE section of Chipboard Loveliness!  Some sheets bigger than me!  (No comment!)  I had to grab just a few!  Kinda!  I love me some chipboard!

Paints, book binding supplies, drafting supplies, handmade papers, velums, jewelry making supplies, canvases, charcoals, pens, pencils, dyes, inks, glues, origami papers...Aisles and aisles!  I'm still swooning!  Do men swoon?  Hahaha!  Who cares!  I'm a swoonin'!

In the above picture you can see Hirona Matsuda ringing my purchases.  She is holding a self healing mat that is truly as big as my work surface back home!  What a treasure!  By the way, Hirona is an incredible artist who works with mixed media and collage.  You simply must go to her site and view her incredible, awesome and inspiring works!   She can be found here...Worth it folks!

Thanks for all your help Hirona!!  You Rock!!  Don't you love her name!

It was getting late and time to head back to HH....Oh but wait!  One last stop...It wouldn't be vacation without a stop to the Carolina Cherry Company.  A real treat!  Chocked full of jams and jellies, garlic stuffed olives and ciders of all kinds!  My mom always gets a smattering of these delights when I return home.  They must be good if she asks for me to grab her a jar while I'm here! The peach butter is sinful!  

Last, I leave you with a picture of me!  Relaxed, and doing my FAVORITE THING, sitting in a rocker shoving fried peanuts (you eat the shell and all!) into my mouth and drinking an ice cold RC cola!  What is there not to love about that!  

Yours from the Old South...

Jim

The Gentleman Crafter

My Incredible Day In Beaufort, SC!

Well, You guys asked for pictures and you are going to get 'em!  So grab a mint Julep,  spray on some mosquito repellent, go out to the veranda, and drag up that old white wicker rocker because here they come!WOW!  Can I just say that?  Today was one of those WOW days!  So much fun and so relaxing.  

The scenic drive to the incredibly charming and terribly beautiful city of Beaufort, South Carolina is about 30 minutesish from Hilton Head.  Worth every second!  It has everything you could want from shops, recreation, history (second oldest city in SC!), antebellum homes and tons of fantastic galleries! Art gallore!  If I could ever become a an artist in live in this awesome city, I would surely be in heaven! Ok, enough with the dreams...:)

First off, it was a stop at  my favorite store around, the Carolina Stamper!! (http://www.facebook.com/CarolinaStamper)  Y'all this store will seriously make you want to hock your kids for more cash!  I so enjoy this place!  Let me mention the two ladies that run it, Janet and Sharon.  Oh my gosh, you talk about customer service...They totally put these words in the dictionary. Each and every time I walk in their door I am treated like family! And I honestly don't think it's because they get my car payment when I'm there!  Now what I mean? Just Sayin!  

The store is LOADED with the latest and greatest goodies and gadgets.  Papers, embellishments and MILES and MILES of stamps!  Some of the coolest are their Carolina Stamper stamps!  Couldn't get enough of these!  They had local architecture, fish, palm trees, dragonflies, crabs, birds, flipflops, gators, you name it they had it.  If you are doing a sea/ocean/beach inspired project call 'em and have them ship some of these jewels to ya!  I so appreciate their kindness, stories and demos!  Thanks Gals!

Next, I veered off the path of tradtion and did not go to Plums for lunch but to WREN.  Janet and Sharon said it was a must, so off we went!  OH MY GOSH!  My foodie friends...This place will ROCK YOUR WORLD!  Ok, I'm all about aesthetics.  This is the most visually apprealing restaurant I have seen!  Ok, back to the AWESOME FOOD!  I chose their FAMOUS chicken salad plate!! THEY WERE SO RIGHT!  Oh my gosh, seriously just thinking about it makes me want to jump back in the car and have it again tomorrow!  That good!  Can You tell I'm excited?  THE TEA!  LAND SAKES AMIGHTY!  Now, I've had Mango Tea!  I have just never had the right MANGO TEA!  Iced Ceylon Mango Tea! REFRESHING, Delightful, TOOLISCIOUS!  I mean they need to bottle this stuff!  Seriously, I'll be the first in line!  Like nothing I have ever tasted! Had four glasses!  No need to tell you how many stops on the way home either!  HAHAHA!

Next, it was off to Fordham Market to see all the locals art!  Fun and curious place.  From Fine art pieces to pots and pans!  It works!

Then over to the river to see the boats, and a most pleasant stroll along the riverside.  Beauford still has the coolest swing bridge that completly moves sideways to let big boats through!  This backs up cars for blocks but somehow that calls even more attention to this exquisite treasure!

For Kay...Some of the Antebellum Homes....

 

It was time to get back to Hilton Head and go for a bike ride around the island...Have I already said how much I love Hilton Head?  On a bike? In May? When the Jasmine is in bloom? with a cool seabreeze?  Hahahaha!

Here is the Jasmine BTW...

Now for some more shots of the island...

 

Then the perfect end to the perfect day...Sunset...

That was my day gang!  I so wish you all were here to enjoy it with me!

Thanks For Following My Vacation!!

Jim

The Gentleman Crafter