An Interview With Hank The Gnome

Hank may look just like the Travelocity roaming gnome from the ads, but they are certainly not the same gnome. 
Hank does love to travel, but Hank's adventures take him to more than just tourist traps. 
For those of you who have never met Hank, and for those who just want to learn a little more about him, here is my interview with him. 

Me: Hank, tell me a little about yourself.
Hank: Well, I'm married to my lovely wife, Willow, and we have two gnomies. Our daughter, Narnia Alice and our son, Tolkien. We live in a beautiful home, along with my brother, Hanni, my great uncle Hod and my father-in-law, Papa Birch. We have great neighbors, Mick & Min DisGnome, who we hang out with a lot. My life is fairly simple really. I travel as much as I can, I love to laugh, I have recently started a facebook page to share my adventures (check that out here) and I'm just a happy guy. 
Me: I've heard you've been seen at some rally events. Is this true?
Hank: Yes, it's true. I love cars, and all things car related. I attended my first rally event a few months ago, in South Carolina, and had a great time. So many fun people and so much fun. I'm now an official member of the rally scene.
Me: There is a great deal of fear and hatred for gnomes. How do you deal with that?
Hank: Well... I guess I just try to show people that not all gnomes are underwear and sock thieves, and just because we look a little different, doesn't mean we really are. We may be small, but we have big hearts, and we love people. Now trolls... that's who people should really be afraid of. They are nasty little buggers. 
Me: Why should people be afraid of trolls?
Hank: They are the real thieves. And they live under bridges and beds, and bite your feet when they hang off. Plus they have all that crazy hair that gets all over everything, and that's just unsanitary. Uncivilized beasts. 
Me: I'm sensing some animosity there, so I'm just going to move on. What are your goals for the future? Do you have any travel plans coming up?
Hank: No special travel plans. I just go where life takes me. Live in the moment. I'd like to expand my reach on facebook, maybe move into twitter, see how that goes. My fans are great, and if seeing me out there just living my life changes even one person's attitude about gnomes, or eliminates even a little of the fear, I've done my job. Someday, I'd like to see a gnome in every home. There are so many homeless gnomes out there, just looking for a family to love and a garden to guard. 
Me: Sounds like there's a bit of a philanthropist inside you. 
Hank: (blushes) Well yeah... probably a little. 
Me: Well Hank, that's all the time we have for today, but I am so glad you sat down to speak with us. I think a lot of people have some misconceptions about gnomes, and I think you've made great strides in opening some minds. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors and thank you for stopping by. 
Hank: Thank you for having me. I am a big fan of Berry Favorite Things and appreciate you taking the time to get to know me. With your help, I think we can definitely make a difference in people's attitudes towards the gnome community. 

                                                   On the road with Hank the Gnome.

My Gnomily

I thought it was time for an update on my gnome family (Gnomily) since they have been going through many changes as of late. Last we talked, Hank had been dating the lovely Willow and things were going great. So great in fact, that they decided to bring a new life into it. They were blessed with a precious little girl, and they couldn't be happier. Her name is Narnia Alice.

Isn't she adorable? Well things were going so well with the new baby, and life in general, Hank & Willow couldn't be happier. Then Hank got a surprise visit from his younger brother Hannibal (Hanni) who needed a place to stay for awhile.

Hanni is a true charcter. He is younger than Hank by a few years, and has always looked up to his big brother. But Hanni is a bit of a rebel. He loves to drink, smoke cigars, and party til the wee hours of the night. He has a big heart, and wouldn't hurt a flea, but he tends to get into mischief that he needs Hank to bail him out of. So, Hank & Willow decided it might be a good idea if he stayed with them for the time being, so they can keep an eye on him. So far so good... Things were going so well that Hank & Willow decided it was time to tie the knot. Being the modern couple that they are, it didn't matter to them that they had a baby first, but since they want to continue to add to their family, they thought it best to make it legal.

So they had a small, private ceremony and were hitched. It was a beautiful affair and the happy couple looked radiant. Of course, Willow was glowing for more reason than one. As it turned out, she was expecting gnomie #2. So shortly after the wedding, they welcomed a new little guy into their lives.

Meet Tolkien. A healthy, bouncing baby boy. The Gnomily was so excited to welcome its newest member. Hank, Willow & Narnia Alice were thrilled and Uncle Hanni couldn't wait to take his new nephew out to help him pick up chicks. The Gnomily was so happy, that Willow's father decided it was time to move in with his daughter and start relishing his role as a Grandpa.

 So Papa Birch came to stay. Willow is so glad her Dad is here, and loves to sit and watch him read to his grandgnomies. He is a very wise and peaceful old gnome, and the rest of the Gnomily is pleased to have him here as well. So after many changes and additions, my little Gnomily is all settled in and enjoying life. Things are going great, though living quarters are starting to get a bit snug, so a new home might be in the works very soon. But for now, they are all very content. Life in Gnomeville is just swell...

So as of now, you are all caught up. But you just never know what will happen...

Meet Hank

For those of you who may not follow me on facebook, there's someone I'd like you to meet. His name is Hank and he is a big part of our family.

Hank is the Travelocity Roaming Gnome (in case you didn't recognize him) and he's a bit famous. But, unlike most celebrities, Hank is very grounded. For the most part, he likes to hang out at home with us, but he has been known to get his party on from time to time...

He's a fun loving, witty guy and he has a huge fan following, but he rarely lets it go to his head. He loves to travel and road trips are his absolute favorite hobby. (see above photo) Just this past summer, Hank took a trip to Grand Haven for the Coast Guard Fest and spent some time at the beach.

He loves to sit and watch the sun set over the water, and never complains about the sand in his beard. He has a great sense of adventure and has been looking for the right gal to share his life with for some time now.

Sadly, not all the ladies he's met have been the "angels" they claim to be. Lesson learned there. But he trudges on. Never feeling sorry for himself and always staying positive. He is such a charmer though, and we knew it wouldn't take long for him to find the right woman. His patience finally paid off this week, when he met this lovely gal.

I'd like you to meet Willow. She is just what Hank needs. Her sassy personality are a perfect fit for him. The two of them are inseperable and I have a feeling there might be a gnome wedding in our future. (and hopefully, a few adorable little gnomies) But for now, it's just nice to see him happy. (and have another woman in the house) I'm sure there are plenty of new adventures in Hank & Willow's future this year and we can't wait to share them with you. So, keep checking in to see what these crazy kids are up to. Happy 2012, everyone! XOXO

***Disclaimer***
In case anyone is unsure, I am not insane, and I know that Hank isn't a real person. I just have a healthy imagination and love gnomes. When my hubby & I bought Hank, we knew we had to have some fun with him and we definitely have. And when I found Willow, I just knew she would be the perfect addition to our silly little game. :)