USAFwife

Un-identified swap! I received a swap with no name, no swapper ID and no swap title. I would like to rate you, but I don't have anything to go on - not even a name on the return address. The swap came in a handmade envelope from a calendar page with eagles on it, the return address and my address were written out (no name on return) and taped on. Return address is in Melvin, MI. If this is you, PLEASE tell me so I can rate you!! Thank you!!

I'm a married mom of 3 teenagers, native of Michigan, but living in Western Massachusetts now. All 3 kiddos are in high school and doing an online school currently. So far, we have moved 16 times,and lived in 11 different states. For me, "home" really is "where the heart is". Wedding anniversary is March 25, 1995. We are a military family, (since Oct 1st, 2002). I'm a long-time pen-paller, started writing letters back in 1988 or so, and prefer old fashioned pen and paper. We have 3 pets, all rescues that have traveled the country with us. Falcon is a Husky mix, about 8 years old; Ben is a Turkish Van (though no papers), almost 6 years old and Jack is a short hair tiger cat, almost 6 years old. (The dog, Falcon, has made 5 moves with us, and the cats 4 moves.) Really like to reuse envelopes, paper, do recycled paper crafts. I almost never buy brand new books, get most of mine from swap sites or Better World Books. If you get an envelope from me that looks like it's been around the world - it may have, indeed!

I get rather annoyed when people spell my name wrong.

I'm afraid of owls. If you could skip sending me owl images, stickers, washi tape and not decorate the envelope with owls I'd appreciate it. Sometimes I use envelopes and such with owls, but just to move them on - I seem to get sent a lot of owls. :(

My oldest son is physically disabled, and my younger son is on the Autism Spectrum. Getting through the day is sometimes more than challenging & emotionally draining. I was diagnosed with depressions a very long time ago and it's always a struggle. I tend to get rather annoyed with people who generalize disabilities - physical, mental, emotional - with a "just get over it" or "just think happy" type comment. It's really not that easy.

I have been a fan of The Monkees and Menudo for more than 30 years! For newer music, I like Imagine Dragons, Lady Gaga (yes, really), and some of Maroon 5. Kids are into Deadmau5 and Daft Punk, and that's grown on me some. Also enjoy John Mayer, Adele, Enigma, & Soul Asylum. Husband likes Matthew Sweet so I know way too much of his music, too. :)

I like the show *"Supernatural", Sherlock, Grimm and Sleepy Hollow. All time favorite show is Are You Being Served?" from the BBC in the 1970's - that show always makes me laugh! Kiddos are really into Dr Who, Bones, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Don't go for a lot of romance, sex, swearing, drinking, violence, etc. Not a 'goody two shoes', and not into 'inspirational' exactly, I just like entertainment. And I seriously dislike vampires - except the original Dracula. Ghosts, now - that's a different story. :)

Books: All time favorite story is "Legend of Sleepy Hollow" By Washington Irving. Have always just loved that story and all the movies - including the old Disney one - that have been made. :) Some very favorite and re-readables are: "Love Comes Softly" by Janette Oke, "Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson, "The Dark Tower" series, "Insomnia", "Diary of Rose Red" and others by Stephen King, "Faithfully Religionless" by Timber Hawkeye Also love the original Grimm Brother's Fairy Tales - those old superstitions and folk lore always grab my attention. :) Love listening to audio books! The BBC radio dramas of Agatha Christie are the best. :)
Movies Favorites are: Emperor's New Groove, The Haunting (both 1963 version and 1999), Sleepy Hollow, 10 Things I Hate About You, Far and Away, Clue, The Mummy,

I LOVE Garfield. I've loved Garfield all my life, and dearly enjoy getting anything related.

Likes & Dislikes I like cats, Garfield, sloths (animal), cats (just no big-eyed ones), Hamsters (animals), llamas (animals), giraffes (animals), coffee, LOVE Pepsi!!, bookmarks, book recommendations, stationery (single sheets are ok), ghosts, haunted houses (stories, not the Halloween sort), old buildings/architecture/abandoned buildings, Egyptian Gods/Goddesses (esp Bast), Greek mythology, word searches, Ziggy (cartoon character), Scooby Doo (original cartoon series), The Muppet Show (original ones), Colorado (state),The Dark Tower (book series by Stephen King - NOT looking forward to the movie!.), cooking/baking, recipes (my recipes are kept in 3-ring binders, so a full sized sheet is preferred to a recipe card), celestial things - sun/moon/stars design - esp moon, tree designs, earrings (no gold - allergic!)

Please don't send candy or food items. If we're in a tea swap, only sealed tea bags, please. (No tea with strawberry or pineapple - I'm allergic.) Dislikes: OWLS!!!!, North Dakota, anything with a strong smoke/cigarette smoke smell - very allergic.(If you're a smoker & we are partners, please message me before sending.) North Dakota, vampires, heart - shaped things, preachy religion, smoke smell, North Dakota, big-eyed creatures, Bible quotes and overly Christian items, hate-speak/racism & cruelty towards others, foul language, sex & violence in books/movies/songs, sexy vampires, and did I mention North Dakota? (it was a LONG 5 years!!)

Collections

Daughter collects Barbie dolls & Wonder Woman, loves cats - except the 'big eye' type, & the adult coloring books

Youngest son collects GI Joe (12 inch figures) items & equipment, loves older Superman comics, Mad Magazine

Oldest son likes Star Wars things, Harry Potter, the sport soccer (getting to know the New England Revolution), LEGO

I"m not a crafty person or an artistic person. I enjoy making my own envelopes and decorating with washi tape, but that's about as creative as I get.

I'd like to try Pocket Letters and Zentangling, but I'm a baby beginner - not sure if my stuff is "good enough". I like to make bookmarks as well.

THE COOLEST journals ever made: http://bookjournals.com/

I mark swaps 'sent' when I put them in the blue box. Sometimes I miss the drop-off time, so the postmark might not match up.
I am not a postmark reader. If I get the swap from you, thank you, and I will rate you according to the swap guidelines. But I don't check postmarks.

I rate when I open the swap. If you haven't gotten a rating from me, please contact me. I probably didn't get it. If you don't get a swap from me, please PM me and let me know. If you get something from me postage due, please let me know! I will reimburse you! I do not accept postage due mail, and don't expect you to, either.

I'm open to private swaps, newbie swaps.

I will do International swaps from time to time. It depends on the swap items and the cost. But please ask!

I am interested in swapping Pocket Letters, journal swaps, washi tape, stationery, book marks, books, recommendations. Other than that you'll have to teach me how to craft it. :) I don't use Pintrest and have no desire to start. Saying "just Google it" to me will loose my interest right a way. I hate that phrase (and "It'll probably be ok" or "I wouldn't worry about it" - grr!) - so for something new, I'm talking actual directions.

I'm open to private swaps for kids - letters, postcards, some crafts.

I like the challenge of doing a journal swap - the commitment - but I seem to get flaked on - a LOT - with journal swaps. Very disappointing.

I love to read, I love book recommendations too. I do have my favorite genres for books, but I'm always open to something new, as well.