GingerChewRaccoon

I am a curious young womyn who recently made a big move to the midwest, still getting used to it out here! It's in my character to craft & scavenge, & I revel in teeming free boxes & dumpsters. I'm not religious but I do find nature to be intensely sacred. I watch trains and imagine the days when I could have been a gunslinging bandita, or maybe I still can. I believe that to read books, grow plants, ride bikes, create art, drink tea, & send mail is a life fully lived & embraced.

As for music, my first love was (always will be) Punk Rock! I especially love Riot Grrrl bands, old punk and acoustic/folk punk bands. I am also a fan of some- indie music- sounds like Neutral Milk Hotel, She & Him, & Two Gallants. Sometimes I listen to Blue Grass and (old) country. The only genres I really can't get into is techno and rap/hip hop.

I love delving deep into a good book! Think: Barbara Kingsolver, Annie Dillard, Starhawk, Farley Mowat, Anne Rice, John Steinbeck, J.R.R. Tolkien, Rachel Carson, Christopher Moore,Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Rita Mae Brown, J.K. Rowling, and Wendell Berry.

There are a number of crafts that enchant me,which include carving rubber stamps, embroidery, drawing (animals mostly), Cut & Paste- collages, stenciling, creating ATC's & mail art, and crafting feather earrings.

I am especially excited about trading handmade crafts! . Also, I think recycling/upcycling is so important- and I love to send/recieve mail that has been saved from the landfill!

• I love animals! Some favorites include raccoons,whales, owls, foxes, hedgehogs, & ravens (but all animals themes welcome!).

• Mythical creatures are very special to me- including (not limited to) mermaids, harpies, gnomes, elves, werewolves, Medusa, centaurs, all the ancient Goddess figures.

• Herbalism, Gardening, Permaculture, anything to do with growing plants is dear to my heart.

• Love art! Anything goes. (Hand-drawn animal pictures are the best!) Some favorite artists include Monica Canilao, Susan Seddon Boulet, Gustav Klimt, Christy Road, Frida Kahlo, and Eric Drooker.

-Traveling, by bicycle or train.

-Cooking (vegetarian) & baking sweets.

-TEA - all kinds (homemade mixes Most Definitely included!). Particular favorites currently include Chai blends and herbal teas (think mint, ginger, Dandelion, etc,)

• Exchanging Mail Art is my passion, so decorated envelopes/packages and stationery are a great joy. Storebought is nice, but handmade is special.

Please, I am not a fan of nationalism & therefore would rather not receive patriotic ephemera/propaganda. Also includes military & police force stuff (except in very satirical form).

-Also, I try not to support major corporations or mass consumerism. So maybe avoid Disney, Hallmark, Barbie, Hershey, Pepsi-type products- if you can.

-If swapping food or drink items, I sure prefer organics (if possible)

-I'm not opposed to receiving certain religious ephemera, particularly priestess/Goddess, or nature-based matter. Regarding Christianity- I'm ONLY interested in images of The Virgin of Guadalupe, the Black Madonna, or Dia de Los Muertos. Thanks!

-I"m difficult to offend when it comes to racy/naughty themes. I love vintage Parisian-style erotica.

MOST IMPORTANT: These are simply preferences. However, if it's all you have for the swap, please don't hesitate to send. :)

I always put a lot of effort into my swaps, and I always try to send on time- if I won't make the deadline I WILL send a message. If it's been a couple weeks and you haven't received anything, PLEASE message me and I will just re-send for a swap. I DO NOT FLAKE so please contact me before giving a poor rating.

I always rate, shortly after receiving swap items. I will ALWAYS send a message before assigning a One or a Three, since I hate having to do that.