May I visit you

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5th corner

5th corner

CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
Joined
Aug 23, 2005
Posts
303
Location
Australia
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Hi All,

In the middle of planning a trip to the USA as a working holiday. I am interested in learning as much as I can while I am there and build on my existing skills in the framing trade.

I would love to maybe meet some of you (to say "G'day" which is Australian for Hello)and maybe visit some of your shops just to say hi and see how the otherside of the world does things as I travel around. I am also keen to stop around and help if the need arises.

I am laminating a map on Monday so if I get any responses of interest I will put a pin on your town and detour in your direction while on my "Walkabout" (Aboriginal for wandering around) in the USA.

Oh any ideas on cheap accomodation would be good too so I don't have to sleep under the pine trees.

Thanks in advance and bye for now.
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Anyone is welcome to stop in here. Just a warning ... I'm usually here by myself (except for customers), so when someone comes I talk a bit much. Come to think of it, I talk a bit much all the time. Hmmm, maybe that's why the reps always seem to have one foot out the door ... can't get away?

Accomodations are tougher. Depends a lot what time of year you show up.
 
Cliff can talk. There is no question about that. :D

If you do decide to come beautiful New England please feel welcome here as well. Just come visit me before you go see Cliff. Once you get into his place you can't get out.
 
Well, if you are in the Western New York area (gotta see Niagara Falls) you can come visit my shop - although I bet I could give Cliff a run for his money when it comes to talking (another lone framer here) - I follow people OUT the door to keep talking!

Accomodations could be arranged also.
 
Well, you could confirm or deny, once and for all, whether water goes down the drain clockwise or anti-clockwise in Australia. I can't get a certain New Zealand-er to confirm or deny. Up above the equator, it's clockwise.
 
It would be nice to know more about you. Your area of Australia, what kind of trees you sleep under now. Kidding about the trees.

What time of year? Our fall is close to becoming winter. Our shop is open to anyone who walks in. South Dakota has a lot of open spaces and car rental may be the mode of choice.
 
Visitors are always welcome here. We're near the middle of Ohio; 13 miles east of downtown Columbus, 1/2 mile off the I-70 interstate highway.

So, if you're driving east/west on I-70, our shop is about 1 minute off the highway. Call ahead and I'll take care of lunch.
 
After you're done visiting Jim, come on up I-71 for two hours to Cleveland for some big-city culture.

Plan it right and we can take in the Cleveland Orchestra, eat a big plate of fresh pasta in Little Italy and head on back to my house for some ice cream.

You are quite welcome to camp out in the backyard (it IS cheap) or crash on the futon with the cats. Bring some wool sweaters if it's wintertime up here, I don't turn the heat up past 58. (Can you do that conversion quickly?)

There is a nice AYH hostel outside of town, but it's a bit far from the activity.

edie the noworries goddess
 
Oh yeah, it'll probably take you longer than two hours to get here from Jim's because you'll have to stop and visit Jana in Mansfield and Creative Chicks in Akron. And Jim Cook, too.
 
g'day 5th,

before you start any trip, you really need to explain to these kind folks, a little bit about yourself, so they know what type of lodging you want or they might even show some American Hospitality.

Giving your location is Abroad, all they know is you live somewhere in OZ. you haven't given out that much information.. I mean you could be an axe murder disguising yourself as a framer (just joking)

I am from the states and recently traveled there, and found all the framers in the Pacific Northwest very nice and welcomed me.

Don't be shy, give them some information on where u are going, what you want to see and how long u are going to be there. You might be travelling in time to go to the Las Vegas Frame Show and see alot or the Decore Show in New York.

Have a nice day!

Marion
from the beautiful Sunshine Coast of Queensland
 
Thanks Marion, 5thCorner. You realy need to listen to this lady. She makes sense.

If you are just stopping by out shops to chat a bit, it's one thing [bring your business cards]. But when you start talking about hospitality....

Well if people know a lot more about you, they may just take you home for some tucker.

In 1974 I knocked about the US on my motorcycle a bit. I had my own role of "framer's tools". When I was getting low on cash, I would stop in to a frameshop and talk to the owner. As soon as the serious questions started, I just unrolled my "credentials" and the work began. I even had a few insist on my staying the week at their homes.

We are a friendly lot. So open up.
 
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G'day again,

Thanks all of you for being so friendly, I almost feel at home. This grumble is new to me and embaresingly our Aussie one is rather sick. They have just started another one though so see what happens. I wish people wouldn't post unless they want to be friendly and help others.

My name is Sam and i am 33years old. I have been framing for four years. I am currently managing a large shop and teaching others how to frame. The only new thing I am learning is how to manage higher and higher stress levels.
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So it seems timely to take a working holiday. If the industry improves after a very bad year in this country I would like to start my own business. If it doesn't I may find a little non thretening corner of the US and maybe help someone, like you have helped me.

I know that the standards of quality and service in the USA are very high and want to talk and work with people that have a passion for framing and framing well. I couldn't help noticing Baer's quote "Make your living by doing what you love, and you will never work a day in your life -- Peter Farquau, Magician--". Maybe someone could tell me how they get those at bottom of their posts. Love the one about bacteria.

I have a passion for framing and want to learn as much as I can from profesional friendly people like you guys, be that a chat over coffee for an hour or maybe offering my services for a week or so if required.

This may go a bit long but i don't know any other way to open up.

Jerome.........snow and ice ?? Well I don't know because we don't have it here. As Bilbo Baggins said, "Adventures are not always pony rides in the May sunshine!" It is not something I had given a lot of thought to but is part of the adventure, so bring it on!

I can relate to you lone framers as well........there have been times when I have had to run things by myself. Finally getting that chat that you hang out for keeps you sain.

I have much family all over the States and want to meet a lot of them as well. My brother lives near NY so will have to stop off by Niagera. I am going to put pins in all you guys towns that respond and will try and stop by and visit as many of you as I can. Any offers of places to stay and or advice on cheap accomodation would be good. I guess I will sort some of that out when I am moving around. I am currently on two weeks holiday trying to sort everything out. Will have a better idea in 2 weeks where stop points will be.

Charles water does go down the pipe anticlockwise here.

Sorry JPete, I am from Gold Coast Queensland. Gum trees.........just kidding..........currently paying off a house.

Don't worry Bill our casual does the vacuming once a week.

Gotta go and see Edie. I will bring a photo of my Rex and unless there is a big gumtree in the back yard I would prefer the futon. Not sure what 58 is but will worry about it when i get there part of the adventure right? Ice Cream in the middle of winter ???? mmmmmmmm........you mean fried ice cream?

Well Edie I had thought of getting a bicycle to get around. All depends on how much work I can find on my travels.

Marc the more of you that say hi will determin which areas I stay the longest. Will depend on where i dig up those long lost relies as well.

Sorry Marion I will change that I just had to be a bit careful untill I was more decided on coming. No I aint an axe murderer. I will have to dig up my old website and put a photo on it for u guys. Maybe that will help. I am thinking about a year but may be longer as I am a duel citizen. Please give me more info on the shows as I would love to go. Are you on the sunshine coast. My parents live near there and I would love to stop in when I visit my parents in the next 2 weeks.

Thanks Baer, What sort of motor cycle do you ride. My uncle from Utah collects Indians?

Anyway I have waffled on enough. Hope that sheds a little more light on me. Please ask any questions you want, I will answer them.......I will also look at my emails.

Thanks all those who responded and look forward to chatting with a few more that may have read but not responded.

From one Framer to Another
Thanks Sam
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I think I worked out the quote bit at the bottom all I need to figure out now is the little pic at the side. Wanted to see if details had changed as well.......ie web page and location.......thanks and talk with some more of you soon.
 
A one year vacation on a cycle across the US. Then that would definitly mean a trip across Sout Dakota on US HWY 14. We are in the East Central, Huron. Everyone says the bike rally first week in August in Sturgis is a must for youngins. I've never been, just not young anymore, but the Black Hills would be a must see.

So what year are you planning all of this?
I have family in Gympie.
 
an aussie has to visit Canada eh

If you are coming this way - I'd luv to see you at my shop! You can steal any ideas worth exporting - or would that be importing?!

Central Alberta - just don't come in the winter without long underwear - whatever that is - right?
 
sounds like there is a framing show in January.........if that is worth going to i might try and travel after the 15th........Dont know about a bike in the middle of winter and probably not fit enough for long distances.........was thinking more about just to get around whatever town I am in.........gympie cool.........i live about 3 or 4 hours from there
 
have heard canada is beautiful...... do I need special visa or will my US citizen ship get me up there?
 
5th,
we're in Canada too! we're in Manitoba if you happen to come around these parts We'd love to entertain you for an hour or a day! It's always fun to talk to new framers (especially those who aren't in our own town) and it would be interesting to find out some of the ways that you do things too.

If you have a passport I wouldn't think you'd have any trouble getting in.

I know, not likely you'd be coming up this far North, but if you do we'd love to have ya! Like someone else mentioned - better bring your long underwear and your earmuffs!! LOL!!

Handy
 
Your American Passport will get you good prices on a bottle or six at the border. :D

Had three indians over the years.. gave it up for rain.
 
Hey 5th

Just make sure you take both passports and a drivers license with you when you travel over the border.

I went thru Canada a few months back and I only have a US passport, but they also wanted to see my drivers license, which was Australian, and it was no problems.

Just always be prepared LOL

Hey JPete, I am 1 hour south of Gympie...
 
Sounds like a fun adventure. We have lots of pine trees here, but the futon in the spare room would be more comfortable--we also have mosquitos. We are a few minutes north of Montgomery (the capital city of Alabama). We are about 3 1/2 hours from the Coast of Florida (Gulf of Mexico). You will find no snow here, but warm hospitality & cold beer. :D

Hope you have a wonderful trip & you are truly welcome here.


P.S. As long as you don't bring your axe. ;)
 
Oh - and if ya like mall shopping, we're in the neighborhood of the biggest indoor shopping mall on earth - West Edmonton Mall.
 
G'day Mates,

Really do feel at home amongst all you friendly people.

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Thinking about this Vages Framing show that is on in January. Can anyone tell me more about it and are there any other expenses apart from the accomodation? Should I book one of those cheap rooms now? Sounds like there is a decor show in NY. What is that all about and is it after or before?

Also, where I am not able to come across any good old fashioned US hospitality from such friendly people like yourselves how much are the hostels/backpackers and or is staying in a TENT in a trailer park (we would call these caravan parks as trailers aren't so big in OZ) an option and if so how much??

I figure it will probably cost me $25 OZ dollars a day + PLUS accomodation that I have to find in work to support my stay. Can anyone see problems with this?

Oh and is it a crime if I get really desperate to say to someone I will be a "dish pig" for an hour in exchange for a meal.

See ya!
Sam
 
Sam,
Most campgrounds in the northern US and Canada are open only seasonally. Keep that in mind for the wintertime. I think they are about $20.00 US per night. Hostels are a bit more and are open year round- I think about $25.00 US per person. There have been many that have closed over the last few years, though, I would certainly check ahead of time.

There is always guerilla camping, risky but not terribly.

Sounds like you are planning quite the adventure. Lots of folks will tell you how dangerous it is here due to unsavory characters, but it's no worse here than anywhere else.

edie the havefun goddess
 
Maybe he should bring the axe then hey Iris?!
 
http://www.wcafshow.com/elist.asp site for the January Show. Good classes but they are not posted as yet.

Some cleaning for a meal may work here, working for pay may be a bit tougher, but we are a small community compared to most. Most trailer parks also have tent camping. Hooking up a trailer is $15 a nite, I'm sure the tent is less in our city park.

You may want a Credit Card with a dear amount for back up. Good luck as you plan this.
 
I'm just outside of St. Paul, MN. Come on in and I'll get you hooked up with some awesome food and a couple of drinks. We can talk about why the midwest needs to change it's perspective on framing.
 
Donna, is there something I'm missing? Because we're not the west or east coast is no reason to think we lack the abilities of other picture framers in those areas. I believe the midwest has excellent framers just like any other area of the country.

Sam, drop me a note if you are planning on heading this way. I would be happy to escort you around and show you some great shops and meet some great framers.
 
If you get tired of those areas...there is always the mid-atlantic area. Some nice beaches, and some fun places.
Patrick Leeland
 
If you make it to Oregon come see us too. We are in McMinnville, half way between Portland and the Pacific Ocean (about 45 minutes from each). We'd love to meet you.
 
G'day Guys,

Got my map laminated the other day and have finally started pinning all you guys in.

I am planning on going to the Vegas show so hopefully be leaving around January 15 if all goes well.

I am going to try and find relatives or family friends or a framer or a pine tree (hehehehe) in that area to stop off with and recover from the jet lag before the show.
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Is there anybody in that area that has good coffee to help me stay awake untill i get used to the time difference?
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Thanks Mates
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G'day Sam....if you get to Tampa/St Pete(FLA) area give me a jingle...we'll see what we can scare up for your viewing pleasure, and I'll throw in a tour of the gallery(takes all of 1.5 min)

Bill Ward
Alexandria Art Gallery
Land O'Lakes, FL
813-238-8078
 
G'day,

Bought my ticket this week. Have to spend 3 days in Tahiti (what a drag hehehe) (any ideas while I am there?)

Will be in LA on the 19th Jan ... scoot across to Ontario California ... then to Vegas show ... then to Pheonix ... the to NY. Will spend time with my brother there then maybe work my way back ... Look forward to meeting you all.

Kind Regards
Sam :)
 
Hey 5th!

Wanted to put in a plug for that Good Ole Southern Hospitality. We're down here just outside of Atlanta and would be delighted to have you come visit. If you time it right, and no relatives are visiting, we could put you up for a night or two.

Hope you can make it! It's much warmer here than Canada, especially in the Summer!
 
G'day from a small Australian pond fish now in a huge New York ocean,

Thankyou all of you who responded to my post before leaving Australia.

I have finally arrived in New York. It is certainly an interesting place. It is so big it is overwelming and somewhat scarey (Taxis that squeeze within one inch or is that 25mm between 2 cars - yeiks - oh and you can't take photos going over a bridge or in a tunnel - double yeiks) and a massive culture shock. I am not sure where to start. I found a little grass yesterday and hope to find a place where I can see the sun set. My sister-in-law who lives here laughed at me when I said i noticed the garbage hanging in the dead looking trees. I said hey, just take me to see some grass once a week and maybe I will be fine.

Anyway all said and done was wondering if there where any framers in the Willamsburg area to start with that I might say hello to. If there are not I did venture into the belly of the subway yesterday to go one station, even just that was an adventure. If there are no framers here, I am getting ready to explore the rest of New York so if there is anybody out there near the subway it would be good to say hello. If you are not near the subway maybe a bus or taxi would be the way to meet some of you guys (and gals - in Oz we just say guys - it is genderless term).

Don't know how long I am here for at this stage but just wanted to meet some of you guys that are locals here in the framing family.

Once again thanks to all of you fellow framers that said such a friendly hello in the above posts. I hope to meet all of you in the not to distant future.

Bye for now - Sam
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