I am a (former) middle school art teacher, currently a substitute teacher, from the mid-west. I love all kinds of art and disliked those that taught it, needless to say, I had very little inspiration from art classes (and teachers) in the public school system.

I mention this more then once, here it is....

People that don't rate me has become my new "Pet Peeve". I spent the time and the money to do something at least acknowledge that I completed the swap! You don't have to write anything, it's not like you are writing a thank you note (which would be nice too:o)) Please acknowledge you recieved the package so I don't go to my post office and start questioning "Why?" I don't "flake" on people, I have been flaked ON, but I will always contact if I'm running late. I can't tell you how RUDE I think people that do NOT rate are. Thank you.

I really enjoy Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, reminds me of vacation. Also enjoying the playlists on Stephenie Meyers homepage, love the connection to her writing. Started listening to Blue October and Iron & Wine a lot recently.

Reading: Reading "Vampire Academy" by Richelle Meadt. I still obsess over Twilight series and I can't wait for the "Midnight Sun" book to be published!

Jodi Picoult is my favorite fiction writer. I also like Malcome Gladwell's books.

Two and a Half Men, The Office, My Name is Earl, Sponge Bob Square Pants, 30 days (Morgan Spurlock is AWESOME!) and Dog the Bounty Hunter, The Deadliest Catch (thanks to my hubby).

Cardmaking is my new obession!! Also like: Beading, Scrapbooking, Cross-stitching, felt applique, and crocheting.

My favorite colors are teal with a burnt orange/red, deep purple, golden yellow, and sage green. If I have to choose clothing or shoes that come in a variety of colors but the same style I almost always pick black. I like patterns and new projects, since I seem to acquire these items frequently. I like baking and usually find a way to "play" with the food and make something sculptural instead of flat, it's usually edible afterwards. I just had a little girl so I have been looking for fun things to make for her...still need to work on her cross-stitched birth announcement! I also love anything Hawaiian and the Iowa State Fair! I enjoy getting handmade items and appreciate the variety of artistic styles that people have.

Sea turtles, Seashells and beach sand, Miniature crocks, church cook books, Lapel pins and "fun" necklaces to wear to school, Hallmark ornaments (I got started by a family member when I was little), Handmade santas, Beads, Recipes, Pug dog items, Circus clown stuff, Pasanky dyed/hand painted eggs, Cross-stitch patterns, I think I just like going to the shop to see what's new! Craft projects, Fabric for Halloween, baby and, Christmas quilts (just another hobby I don't have time to pursue!) The occasional postage stamp...I used to belong to a club! Hawaiian stuff, mostly old travel pictures and brochures, everything is so "touristy" now! Dotee dolls, buttons, rubber stamps, pretty much anything related to arts and crafts!

White cake, Chocolate dipped strawberries, soft serve ice cream, coffee drinks, strawberry shortcake, fresh pineapple and caramel puffed corn!

Snakes, Apples (the collectable stuff, everyone thinks that you collect it if you are a teacher), Socks that are too small (I have huge feet, shoe size 12), Fruity teas and glitter (sorry, art teacher phobia-my friend Marcy loves the stuff) People that don't rate me has become my new "Pet Peeve". I spent the time and the money to do something at least acknowledge that I completed the swap!

Anything with Marilyn Monroe, Thirteen going on 30, The Princess Bride, Monsters, Inc., The Fifth Element, Harry Potter. Okay, I gave in and just HAD to see the Twilight movie since I continue to obsess about Edward Cullen. Can't say I loved the movie as much as I enjoyed looking at Robert Pattinson, he is absolutely beautiful as Edward! I also watched Finding Nemo twice today, my daughter is obsessed with Nemo, we start young don't we....Don't get to watch many movies as the 2-year-old rule the television and I rarely go out without her:o)