Marata

I was born in San Francisco and moved away to the foothills of California in my 20's. I lived off the grid for 8 years, glad to be back where I am able to turn on the lights with just a flip of the switch. I listen to the birds in the trees. I love pumpkins in my garden and eating homegrown tomatoes and wild blackberries. I like to hang out with my friends. I love my book group and ATC group. My husband and I take care of my mom (Alzheimers) and we are greatful everyday that she shares our life with us.

I don't like black licorice or people that are not truthful or people that are violent. My husband of 34 years is allergic to smelly things like oils and scented candles. I do like mildly scented soaps. I reach out my hand helping those I can hoping love will ease the way. (part of a poem I wrote years ago) I love the smell of the earth after a rain and I love the change of seasons. All colors are my favorites and I like goth to classical art. I enjoy sitting down with a cup of tea and a great book. I taught art in kindergarten to 8th grade for 20 years and I taught a Native Americans' studies program for 6 years, I have used most art mediums. I collect Frida Kahlo, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Day of The Dead and advertising yard sticks.

Some favorites as of today: Wicked... Mirror Mirror... Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister... Sepulchre... Labyrinth... Dante's Club... 3 Cups of Tea... John Henry Days... Lemon Tree... The Help... Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie.... My book group the Book Hags is having a party soon and we are wearing Steampunk costumes... Fun stuff. I keep a book journal where each book is done as a collage page and I also include the tea quotes from the books onto the page.

*The Darjeeling Limited was wonderful fun. Great scenery and characters.... Star Wars was a great breakthrough event.... Movies from books: * Twilight,,, Pride and Prejudice,,,, James Bond,,, Harry Potter,,,, all of the Jane Austen and Merchant -Ivory films and LOTR. One all time favorite is Out of Africa. I enjoy fairytale fantasy things. I am collecting all the PBS murder mysteries I can get my hands on.

Amazing Race, Bones, Ultimate Cake-off,Extreme Makeover Homes, Number one Detective Agency, PBS mysteries, Project Runway,

I love creating ATCs and homemade cards. I do some scrapbooking but without kids I was wondering what is going to happen to all my scrapbooks. Now I personalize them to certain events I am in such as tea with friends or day trips and vacations. My husband and I love to go birdwatching. I collect tea stuff and delicious recipes. I love ethnic creations and handmade things. I also collect postage stamps and garden things. My Christmas tree is filled with tea party things and this year I am adding ATC's. My book group the Book Hags is one of my favorite things in life. We exchange little gifts all year long that are appropriate to the holidays. I also like Pagan earth things. I hope this helps you understand me alittle.

Lemon anything... Chai tea.... Starbucks decaf coffee... Dark Chocolate... Mexican food... Italian food... Pizza... olives... Shortbread cookies... Peanutbutter cookies... Bit o Honey candy... Pistachios... Cashews... all Nuts... Decaffinated Teas.... soups... especially French onion..... Pie...

I feel funny writing a wish list but I was told to for one of the swaps I'm doing. So here goes... Pieces of Ribbon........... Anything Celtic......... Stamps........ Crow Die cuts or rubber stamp..... Holiday rubber stamps....... little velvet boxes...... Pieces of broken Rhinestone jewelry..... Lace pieces....... double sided tape..... Birds, birds, birds..... Daffodils.... Old lacy hankies.... Arty postcards....