Christmas Has Come Early To The Country!

Good Evening Everybody!

Yes, I know...It's scary!  I've been starting Christmas on the farm.  Why you ask?  Well, if I don't start now I will not get everything done. I'm determined to have a more relaxed Christmas this year.  Plus, I love Christmas.  Always have.  When I place... actually tie over 2000 ornaments on a tree, by gosh I want to sit down and enjoy it for more than a month!  That's just me.  We all have our own traditions.  LOL!

So, when I got a few winks of sleep Friday night, I was raring to get going Saturday morning.  First was getting the tree up....Which means replacing about 5 strands of lights that had gone out.  Did I ever tell y'all I used to decorate houses for Christmas professionally?  We used to light trees before you could buy them where all you had to do was plug them in!  This still comes in handy when you need to re-wrap lights on a tree. LOL!

Once the tree was up,  I started unwrapping the hoards of glass ornaments from their tissue and placed them in large tubs to easily grab them when the time came.

 

 

Next, for me, I think it's great to have some big silver balls toward the base of the tree to not only add some dimension, but for their reflective quality.  So reflective, that if you enlarge the picture, you can see me taking this shot with my cell phone. LOL!

 

 

 

Now it's time to start layering the ornaments onto the branches...The largest ornaments toward the back....

 

Once the ornaments were on the tree (By Sunday afternoon) it was time to do the top.  I placed the tree top into a plastic coffee canister and applied the ornaments.  Once decorated, I placed it on the top of the tree and plugged it in.

 

 

Done!  Thank God!  One big job out of the way!

 

 

 

 

Now, it's time to play in the studio before I start on another tree.  So much to do so little time...

 

Have an awesome night!

 

Jim

The Gentleman Crafter

 

 

Home Again Home Again!

Good Morning Everybody!

It is so good to be back home again.  It's funny however much fun you have while on vacation, how good it is to be home! 

We arrived home around 2:30 a.m. on Friday morning!  I immediately went to bed and woke at 8:30 to let out the dogs, went back to sleep and awoke again at 10:00 and then rolled over and slept until 12:30. I was exhausted.  I spent the rest of the day unpacking, washing clothes and going through some of the souvenirs.  Of course I had to had to have some Mexican food to get back into the Texas swing of things and then fell fast asleep at 9:30 p.m.

This morning I'm still trying to get into the hang of things.  Jet lag maybe, but I woke at 3:30 a.m. watched a couple of movies and then grabbed a shower at 7:00 a.m. and I was ready to roll.  I taped a video or two on my paper haul from Italy.  I simply fell in love with paper.  I guess we all did.  You get a bunch of paper crafters together in a paper store and we feed off each other buying hoards of the beautiful printed material!  The videos will be uploaded as YouTube and my country internet connection allows....So keep an eye out...Sometime this afternoon I would imagine.

Sorry I kind of left y'all hanging after my last post, but we were rolling everyday at the crack and went until late.  By the time I reached the room I had had a day.  I will however upload ALL of my pictures to an online site such as flickr if you want to take a gander at them later.  I will let you know tomorrow where they will be posted.

So the rest of the weekend will be dedicated to getting Christmas decorating going on over here.  I know, I know it's early, but if I don't start now it will never happen!  So weird, as I completely missed Halloween this year and going straight into Christmas.

Well, better get busy!  Thanks so much for following along on my Tim Holtz Tour of Italy!

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter

Italy: Montecarlo, Lucca

Hello Everybody!

Trying to catch up on my posts.  This ipad blogging is a bit of a challenge for me.  However, I'm determined between my phone and this to get 'er done!

We started out the day with a later wake up call.  Had some breakfast and this amazing orange juice that I consume more than my share of every morning.  Fresh squeezed and delicious!  Out the door, we headed to the most amazingly beautiful winery and five course meal.  We had the amazing Anatella (Have no idea whether I'm spelling her name right or not..Sorry Anatella!) show us  around the farm and then the vineyards.  She showed us the olive presses and explained First press and Cold Press to us.  Very interesting.

Next, it was the thing I dreaded most and one of the main reasons Cesar came...The cooking class.  Papa, the chef showed us how to make pasta.  Bowls with flour and an egg were in front of me and I cringed and said just do it Jim!  You are on vacation! As my sister once said, try something new everyday...I can do this.  cracked the egg with shell in bowl...picked the shells out and stirred the four until I had what I thought was a disaster, but Papa ensured me with a nod of his white capped head. I kneaded the mess and added flour until I had a somewhat consistent mixture.  I had somehow managed to throw flour on Kay, give a nice coat of flour to my phone and decorate my apron with an assorted mixture of dough balls and more flour.  Don't ask me how it happens...It just does!

I cut my pasta with a pasta cutter and then looked around to show off what I thought were my most beautiful spaghetti noodles to Cesar and the gang.  Cesar, of course, had perfect noodles and was making ravioli, tortellini and all kinds of stuff...I was just pleased as punch to have made something that even resembled a flippin' noodle!  LOL!  We ended our class and again walked with Anatella for a more informative walk through the vineyards.

The time for the HUGE lunch was ahead.  We were seated and served the antipasti first.  Sun dried tomatoes, salami, prosciutto, olives, bread and more.  Then came the pasta...delicioso...the meats....and the biscotti for dessert.  fantastico!  We had a marvelous time in this beautiful area.

Once back to the albergo, we were so exhausted. I thought I would lay down for a precious hour and a half nap...I even set the alarm clock...I felt once I was down, it was going to be hard to get back up...Lawd have mercy on the weary!

Almost immediately, I fell quickly into a much needed afternoon siesta.  The phone rang 20 minutes later and Johnna whispered into the receiver..."We have found a store that we all need to go to.  It's only 10 kilometers away (in some city I would never be able to recall)..hurry and throw on your jeans and let's go."......I have no idea what 10 kilometers means, but Cesar, Johnna, Darcie and I were off on an adventura...and folks it was an adventure for sure.  

The sisters had talked with the front information desk and one of the clerks told them about this amazing store.  The clerk called to see if the store was open ( the shops close here after lunch and reopen around 4 or 4:30 and stay open until 7 or 8.)  We were good to go. They called a taxi and gave Johnna the number and address to the shop.

We were off...Y'all, there is no thrill ride at any amusement park that beats a 10 kilometer ride through the winding hillside roads of Italy in a speeding taxi!  I just learned to NEVER EVER WITH SUGAR ON TOP look out the front window when in an Italian taxi...look down into your lap...at the person next to you and maybe a quick peek out the passenger window, but never watch where you are going...and one other quick Italian tip...keep everything that you love and want inside the open taxi window...

I honestly do not know what the speed limit is on the roads here.  I have no idea if there is a speed limit...If there is...they wouldn't care...Our driver was hyped up on espresso and drove the auto thought narrow lanes at death defying speeds.  Thoughts of Grace Kelly  driving around the corners of Italy at high velocita came quickly to mind.  It was actually a blast.  

We were there in no time...as we drove up we saw all these amazing vintage items in the window.  The anticipation grew. We were ready. As the taxi was letting us out, we all noticed that the stores lights were out and they were closed for the day. Ahhhhh!  Disappointment and disbelief set in. We were so close to all the amazing eye candy that would be potential treasures to pass on for generations...ok, a bit thick, but the glance we had through the shop windows did give one goose bumps of excitement. 

We decided to call the store as the hotel clerk was kind enough to write it down for her.   I dialed the number and handed the phone to Johnna...as she was the Rosette Stone Queen.  She started talking and said things like..."Buono Sera...." which sounded so authentic...I was so glad to be on an adventura with someone who at least could communicate.   Next came, "Are you still open...yes you are...so you're not open...so does that mean you are open...do you speak English?"  Frustrated she handed the phone to Cesar who knows Spanish but broken Texas Mex Spanish.  Cesar spoke a few words that I was proud he knew and still no comprende..the phone was shoved to the taxi driver's ear who didn't speak one word of English, but knew somehow by magic what we were trying to relay..He said something beautiful in Italian to the person on the other end and hope was insight that we would be able to enter this amazing vintage store...He started laughing hysterically....we waited for some announcement. And he turned and said we had been calling and talking to the taxi service the whole time!  Not the store...Good Gravy!

So to make a long story short...the store was closed...we had an amazing ride and we ended up shopping and eating our way back to the hotel... I finally got to take a nap...

Have an awesome day!

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter

Italy: Siena

Good Evening or Morning!

Well, I've been trying to get my blog posts ready on the bus each day.  I went to paste yesterday's post tonight and selected all to copy and it didn't come with me.  Lost forever.  That's so frustrating right....

That's OK... I will start again....

We drove up to Siena which is about due (two) hours away.  We walked around the ancient red-brown walls into the city.  We met up with our tour guide and donned "whispers."  A little machine you place around your neck with an earpiece.  as the guide talks you can here what she says.

We walked into the Church of Santa Dominico.  Not a grand church with all the ornament, but a simple church that had the most beautiful 13 century frescos on the ceiling.  One thing that stand out clearly is the chapel of St. Catherine.  We walked over to view her remains...St. Catherine's skull and finger.  The skull is encased in a glass cabinet surrounded by beautiful painting.  It's a bit eerie, but I totally get the whole relic thing.

Next, was into the baptistery with all it's beautiful frescos.  Fantastico...Actually, the wood paneling in this room was outstanding.  We had a brief spin into the gift shop and proceeded outside again to meet the tour guide.  A look around from the steps of the church you see people everywhere from everywhere.  towers and mysterious lanes abound.  Simple beautiful and this total sense of old beauty, if you will.

We continued down the snaked streets to the Piazza Del Campo .  You guys, this is an amazing site to behold.  You are completely encircle by amazing architecture.  It seems like all the buildings are up higher on the hill and the middle of the piazza is down almost in a conical form.  Can't explain.  It is overwhelming to see.

Well, it was free time.  We found a paper store that was the size of an elevator.  However, we paper crafters were on a feeding frenzy and it didn't matter. Somehow we all fit into the shop and started buying up the place...hoards of hand marbled papers, block prints, glass calligraphy pens and seals with wax.   An amazing store.  Next, it was on to other shops that had wonderful prints, shops with ceramics, shops with puppets and so on.  Whatever your heart desires, Siena has it...

Then came lunch at Cafe Nannini.   I had the most amazing calzone that was chock full of ham, mushrooms and cheese.  It was the size of the spare tire I affectionately call my waist.  Huge!  So delicioso!  I actually had a Coke.  Hadn't had one of those for months.  Ohhhh it tasted even better in Siena on the Piazza...lucious! LOL!

After lunch, we met at the fountain and walked back to the bus.  And what a walk it was after the massive calzone lunch.  I kept saying to myself, this hill is going to take the calories from two mushrooms away...I hoped anyway.  We loaded the bus and found ourselves napping back to Montecatini Terme.. I was was spent.

We changed clothes and went to the dining room as a group for dinner.  It was delcious as all food here in Italy is.  Next up, was Tim's class and I really really had a blast learning to use the water brush and the markers for a watercolor effect on watercolor paper.  After class we gathered to work on our Tuscany Travel Journals in the lounge.  It's so fun to be with like minded crafters...everyone so kind and sharing Things Found during the days journey.

Then it was off to bed for an 7 a.m. Wake up call for the Fattoria il Poggio...

Pictures can be found on my Facebook page...

Have a wonderful night...

jim

Italy: San Gimignano

Good Morning from the bus.  Today we are off to San Gimignano. It was hard getting up as the rain hitting the shuttered walls to the pensionne sent me back to slumber land.


A beautiful breakfast was served. Eggs, barely cooked bacon...but oh so good...and a croissant and juice is my usual morning fare. The breakfast layout is amazing and filled with cheeses, fruits, pastries and just about anything you could wish for. Just beautiful. 


With stout coffee finally infused into my bloodstream, I was ready to explore Italy and spend a few Euros that have been eating a hole in my cut proof, thief proof, water proof super wallet. 


Off we go to San Gimignano...did I say it was raining earlier?  Well, it was pouring now. A stop at an autogrill for a pee break in a one holer had us lined up and giggling over mini tic tac case filled with about 5 candies. They were all sold off the shelf by departure. 


Next, we rolled just outside the walled city and disembarked the bus. The rain still pouring. A walk inside the city gates instantly brought you instantly back to ancient days. Narrow cobblestone roads snake up to the piazza.  The stores on each side of the "road" are filled with ceramics, clothing, leather bags, perfumes, lotions, all kinds of souvenirs, and even a meat shop selling pastrami and other sausage looking things.


I walked into a little shop and purchased some amazing little leather bound journals and ....CRACK!!!!! Thunder louder than any I had ever heard before.  I'm guessing ricocheting from the stone walls and ancient cobblestone roads....The clerk jumped in fear...actually we all did...and the electricity went out in San Gimiagno.  Not wanting to give up these amazingly fabulous leather albums, rain or thunder, we laid Euros down and told her to keep the change. 


The rain came down in torrents. For some insane reason, this dark rainy day made it just that much more fun, mysterious and adventurous. The rain was coming down so hard, water poured out of my shoes, pants were soaked, jacket drenched and cheap travel umbrella bent and tuned upside down.  But I still found myself having the best time of my life. 


We came down the hill, outside the gate and ran into the Super Mercado... the grocery...for Italian paper glue, my infamous Monster energy drink and some dry socks. Ahhhh. Now a quick que for the autobus and we were off to the winery. 


San Donato Winery...


This truly magical place is a photographer's dream.  What am I saying...it's a dream for anyone who is lucky enough to cross through it's rusted gates..


Lunch was served in Tuscano style...Good Gravy on Biscuits folks...This was just like a Thanksgiving spread...let me see...onions, cheeses, olives, prosciutto, salami, genoa, a wonderful salad made from spelt, olive oil drizzled brochette and so many more fantastic Tuscan delicacies. Lunch ended when Biscotti was served and I was out of that chair faster than lightning.  This was an amazing amazing place to explore and photograph. 


An hour and a half bus ride and we were back and ready for a warm shower and a change of clothes. 


Maybe a nap I thought??? But the sounds of the shops on the piazza beckoned me to release more Euros...I found a wonderful gallery store that sold amazing papers and such and felt like I scored. 


Dinner was next...we met 10 others from our group in the lobby and off we went for a truly romantic trek down the hill to Cibus. Trying to be Italian, I of course goofed and had an amazing piece of lasagna first and then for my main course ended up with a quite remarkable Salas with greens, black olives and slivers of Parmigiano cheese. Delicioso... 


We wobbled so over stuffed to the gelateria for a pistachio gelato....Bahahaha. But you have to eat right?  


A wonderful wonderful magical dark day.  So many cool memories. 

Sorry about not adding pictures. Please check out Facebook for the days pics..
CIAO...

Jim

The Gentleman Crafter

Italy: Pisa

Buona Sera!

Blogging from my phone....so it's tough.  Can't seem to get my photos to my I pad for some reason....same for the international calling plan that I have tried to do...purchased the plan, but no luck...oh well....I figure it out..LOL

So just want to say I'm having a total blast and share some pics..Tim's Class this morning and then on to Pisa.

Well, that was really slow...I guess I will share my pictures via Facebook...so check them out there.

Have an excellent night...

Jim

The Gentleman Crafter

Going on an ADVENTURE!

Good Afternoon Everyone!

As you know by now, we are off on an adventure of a lifetime.  Cool places to see, new friends to meet and just an exciting time.  Tim Holtz Tuscany 2013...

We got to New York yesterday and enjoyed the city with my friend Marjie Kemper who was kind enough to show us around.  Thank you Marjie...I have been to New York before, but it's so cool to see it through others eyes.  The subway...a new experience was clean and easy...We all had a blast seeing all the coolest sites..Statue of Liberty, St. Pat's Cathedral, the 9-11 Memorial and the list goes on.

The night was topped off with a MARVELOUS dinner at Sarabeth's...We were all so tired from our early morning alarm call to get here that we cackled and laughed all the way through dinner.  It was such fun and then a walk back to the hotel in the rain...hysterical...Great memories...

We are at the airport waiting for the next step of this adventure to begin and I thought I would take a second to say Ciao and see you in Italy...

Wish us a safe flight if you will....

Thanks for coming by!

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter