MAM

WRITING PROMPT CHALLENGE #3 WILL BE RETURNING AT THE END OF NOVEMBER. SO KEEP AN EYE OUT, IT WILL BE BACK, PROMISE!!

30-something crafty gal in Arizona.

I work full time, volunteer full time (coordinator, dog foster)and craft whenever I can.

House full of critters (two dogs, two cats, a lizard, a bunch of fish, and one husband). I'm an animal person, I love cats and dogs (our wedding was cat and dog themed even). My avatar is of my Min Pin. Our other dog is a foster dog, and that changes every couple of months as they get adopted or go into our boarding facility. Currently, we're fostering a 1 year old female Queensland Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog) named Diamond. You can visit my dogs' blog, see the link above.

I am a true Aquariuan, through and through. And proud of it. (February birthday.)

I love reading novels, reading books about history and art (see more book info below).

I love a good cup of tea (especially Chai or Bergamot Earl Gray). But I love all teas and love to try new and different flavors. I really really love Twinnings brand flavored teas, and I can't find that brand around here often.(*Hint, if you're the type that likes to throw in an extra item or two with swaps, tea is always a safe bet with me, any type, I'll love it)

I've been known to collect frog/toad and dragonfly themed stuff. And recently, I've discovered I cannot resist fat, round stuffed critters. I don't know why, but I just love them.

I love all things handmade.

Purple is my favorite color, but I also like light bright shades of green (spring green, lime green).

I love antiques and items with a vintage look. I have a soft spot for cameos. I adore antique books (I love the way they smell).

I also enjoy the fragrances of lavendar, peach, lilac, fresh cut grass, citrus, freesia, jasmine, soft florals (no rose scents though please). I can't handle the scent of patchouli (gives me headaches).

I'm a big fan of tulips and irises.

I love maps, old or new (though I really adore old maps, do you see a pattern here?). In fact, my day job involves making maps.

I am a museum addict, I love museums. Especially historical museums (the smell of old stuff), but I also like to visit a good art museum. I also really like parks (city and state) and public gardens. And national monuments are great too.

Thrift stores, flea markets, and antique shops are some of my favorite haunts. I only wish I had more time (and more spare cash) to spend at them. If I could, I'd visit one or two every month. Suppose that goes for the museums too.

I love buttons, the kind you sew on clothes. All types, sizes, materials. They're all fun. And I'll never turn down beads, the more unique, the better. Any material, any color, any size. I will find a use for it.

I love chocolate, especially dark chocolate. And peanut butter, I won't turn that down either. Pretzels are my other indulgence. Pretzels covered in chocolate, we're talking heaven for me. I became addicted to Kinder Bueno in Europe, haven't been able to get it here, been craving it for years. Kind of dig Pocky, recently was introduced to it. Interesting stuff.

Magazines I subscribe to: Beadwork, Beadstyle, Bead & Button, Art Jewerly, Mental Floss, Smithsonian, Phoenix Magazine.

No allergies to foods, metals, or fragrances.

Everything (you should see my artists list on my mp3 player). Rock, pop, christian rock/alternative, main-stream alternative, R&B, the occassional hip hop tune, some dance/techno, country, celtic, classical, blues, jazz, bagpipes (I'm weird, I know). Can't stand rap.

Goonies, Shawshank Redemption, Usual Suspects, Princess Bride (in no particular order) (have fun stormin' the castle). Usually, I love good comedy, but I'll take a drama or thriller any day, as long as it makes me think. Historical flix are great too.

CSI, NCIS, Survivor, Amazing Race, Mythbusters, Dirty Jobs, Hell's Kitchen, How I Met Your Mother, Heroes

Beading and jewelry making (beads, clay, metals, repurposing old vintage and/or broken unloved jewelry), knitting and crochet (in the process of teaching myself), sewing (still learning). I don't scrapbook but I'm venturing into some altered books/journals and have been trying my hand at ATCs and bookmarks. You can visit my blogs (see the URL links above) and read along in my adventures in in beading and crafting. I've hopped back on the writing train after many years and I'm loving it. Whether it be stories, poems (having fun with haiku), or just my thoughts, I'm writing again. Getting into zines too (both reading and writing them).

I love books, old and new. I even like some antique books, just because they're old. Favorite genres include mystery, suspense, supernatural/thrillers, historical novels, books about archaeology and ancient cultures (including religion, mythology, places, etc), English poetry (not a fan of most American poetry), Arthurian stories and poetry (new and old), comedies (think Janet Evanvich type novels), cozy mysteries. Love travel books (esp. Bill Bryson books). I love any book about moutain-climbing expeditions, on any mountain, but especially on Everest. Not a fan of bodice-ripper romances or outer-space/alien themed sci-fi (but I dig a good dragon/wizard fantasy now and again). I'm interested in reading more vampire fiction, if you suggestions, let me know. But I'm open to reading something new, surprise me, I might like it.

I have a recent obsession for using purple ink in my writing. I especially love the Uni-ball Signo Gel Ink pens (207) in purple. I love the way they write. If you happen to have some, I'd be open to swapping for them.