Swap-bot Time: March 21, 2023 7:14 am
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USAFwife

USAFwife
Date Joined: February 3, 2010
Last Online: March 20, 2023
Birthday: January 21
Country: United States

Likes & Dislikes, holidays

Updated & current as of Dec 27, 2022

Please no owls! I am very scared of owls in all forms, and wish to not receive owl images. If you send owls - I will not give a heart. Yeah, it's that big of a deal for me.

My name is spelled Cindi not 'Cindy' - just like on my address. If you spell my name wrong, no matter what you are sending, you will not get a heart. Yeah - it's that much of a thing for me and I don't think it's too much to ask.

I would rather not receive random 'extras' or tuck ins. If you would like to add something extra to a swap, feel free to recommend a book, podcast, or write a personal note. :) I'm a letter loving nerd, and always appreciate a personal note. :)

NO THANKS!

Yeah, I'm not Christian and I like spooky stuff, but I Don't care for images of blood and gore, I'm NOT a Satanist (not that there's anything wrong with that -) so please don't try to 'save' me. I Don't care for swear words, and I Don't drink alcohol, so skip the 'wine time' and other related stuff, please. And I'm not into insects, snakes and the like. Moths and butterflies are fine, but I'm really not a reptile person.

ABC's of my likes, interests & preferences

A - astronomy, Animaniacs, Addams Family (TV show esp and original cartoons), Agatha Christie, audiobooks, American history, (US) Air Force

B - Books, Buddhism, Buddhist Bootcamp, blue things, bullet journals, "Boredwalk" store (love their Grievance Journal!!)

C - COFFEE, cats, Charles Addams, cemeteries/grave yards, crystal balls, A Christmas Carol by Dickens (& all the movies - all of them), Caitlin Doughty (Ask a Mortician), comedy/comedians, cooking (most of the time!), Clue (movie & board game), The Craft (movie), calendars, celestial images

D - Disney (esp Aladdin, Emperor's New Groove, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Haunted Mansion, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Brother Bear, and the Villain's - esp Malcifient & Evil Queen/crone from Snow White, Hades.), David Tennant (actor), documentaries, Dark Shadows (esp the OLD 1960's soap opera), Dracula (the book)

E - Edward Gorey/Charles Addams/The Addams Family, ancient Egypt/pyramids

F - fall/autumn, Fairy Tales & Folklore (such as Grimm Brother's), Family history, Friendship Books, fountain pens, Faithfully Religionless,

G - Garfield!!, Ghosts/stories, giraffes, Golden Age Detectives (Agatha Christie), Golden Girls, Goddesses/Gods, Greek mythology, Grinch (How the Grinch Stole Christmas), GRIEVANCE JOURNAL

H - History (local, family, US/pioneer), handmade (willing to accept handmade cards even if the swap doesn't call for it), hamsters, haunted houses/abandoned buildings, holiday customs & traditions from other countries, History Goes Bump (podcast), The Haunting (book, movie and TV series), hamsters!!, History Goes Bump (podcast),

I - Iceland, Imagine Dragons (music group), Inspector Lynley (TV series), InCoWriMo

J - journals (buying, at least, if not actually using)

K - Keys! (decorative like skeleton keys or on washi, stickers, etc), Krampus, Knives Out (movie)

L - llamas, libraries, Lore (podcast, show, books), letters & challenges, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little Golden Books, Laurel Burch (artist), Luna/lunar anything (moon)

M - moon & stars, moon phases, Muppets/Sesame Street, Movies, Monstrum/Storied on PBS, The Monkees (since I was 3!!), mythology, Midsommer Murders (TV series), Murder She Wrote (TV series), The Mummy (1999), mysteries, Mildred D Taylor, Mental health awareness

N - Nightmare Before Christmas, Nathaniel Parker (actor & voice actor), National Geographic, Northern Exposure (TV series), NaNoWriMo (maybe one year I'll accomplish it!), (US) Navy

O - ouija boards

P - Paranormal, Paganism, podcasts, Pepsi, pen pals, pens, purple ink pens, personal notes, Percy Jackson series, Poirot (TV series & book character series), printables (stationery, journal pages, etc.), playing cards**, Pink Panther, Peanuts/Snoopy

Q - quick mail?, quiche

R - rainbows, Rocky & Bullwinkle (original only), Robert Downey Jr (actor), recipes, Rose Red/Ellen Rimbauer (TV movie series), Rick Riordan (author, and Presents line), rubber stamps, reading, Ravens (the bird, not the sports team)

S - stars, sloths, Scooby Doo (esp from 1960's- 70's), Sesame Street, Simon's cat, Spiritualism, Salem Witch Trials, Stephen King, Shirley Jackson, stickers, stationery, silver anything, Sherlock, Sleepy Hollow (book, TV show & movies), Shedunit Show (podcast), (postage) stamps - new, Snoopy/Peanuts, anything spooky

T - Tarot cards (happy to receive stray tarot cards), trees/woods, Tiny Toons, Tim Holtz & similar, Tim Burton, Travel Channel (esp Josh Gates shows), 10 Things I Hate About You (movie), tarot readings (feel free to do one for me!), Timber Hawkeye,

U - Unicorns, used books

V - Vintage Social Media (snail mail!!)

W - Wicca customs and practices, Write On Challenge, washi tape

X - x-ray images, x-slips (exchange slips)

Y - Yule, Yule Cat, Yule Lads

Z - Ziggy

**playing cards - I'm no longer actively collecting for a 'frankendeck' - I've built a few now already - but I will accept any with a design you think I might like from my likes above. And, apparently my card is the Six of Diamonds so I will accept any nifty cards for that. :)

Dislikes

Anything with my name spelled wrong - It's CINDI, not Cindy. (This includes the envelope, please.) No matter what you send, I will not give a heart if you spell my name wrong.

Anything with cigarette smoke Or ANY smoke smell or other strong smells - it triggers migraines, and I throw it all in the trash.

Not a fan of 'God Bless America' themed items or flag items. Rather not receive items with scriptures or Christian themed items.

No need for planner items & stickers and would prefer not to receive extra stickers or washi

Please no alcohol related items such as 'wine time' stickers or alcoholic drink recipes, martini glass stickers, etc. (I'm an Adult Child of Alcoholics, and these things are actually offensive to me.)

About Me

I've been a letter writer and a snail mailer for all of my life! I started swapping by snail mail in the late 1980's, but I wrote to family members before that. Snail mail is one of the few constants in my life. I enjoy swap-bot, and am happy to receive a message from you, But give me a chance to reply - it might take a few days.

I'm 46 years old , married 27 years this year, a mom to 3 (18 & older now! - and they are finally all graduated from high school, though, 2 are still currently live at home.) and really am a USAF wife. (USAF = United States Air Force). And now, I'm a VERY proud momma of a US Navy Sailor!

I'm an Aquarius, don't really follow horoscopes, but I am a star gazer. I love most things sun/moon/star related.

I love to hear from people in other countries or with other customs or beliefs than mine, other lifestyles. I'm LGBTQ+ friendly, and am one of the 'you're safe with me' people who still wears a safety pin.

I'm not Christian, but am 'Faithfully Religionless'. (Click to link to see what I mean. This is a book title, one of my very favorites) :) I have read about and participated in Wiccan celebrations, and enjoy reading about Buddhism. I sometimes miss the old traditions of the Lutheran services I used to attend, but that's not where my beliefs are. I'm co-founder of the Pagan Community Centre - if you are Pagan minded, check it out! :)

I deal with anxiety, migraines and depression, and it sucks. I'm also an Adult Child of Alcoholics. My children have varying levels of "special needs", including anxiety, Autism spectrum, and TBI. I'm a 'caregiver' for those who need it, and it is exhausting most days. I'm not looking for drama, I have enough of it in my daily life, thanks.

We have 3 pets, all rescues that have traveled the country with us. 2 cats and a dog.

I've participated in the Write On Challenge since 2016, and have done the InCoWriMo challenge since 2019! Check out my group For the Love of Letters if you like letter writing and challenges.

I hate Facebook. I do have an account, and I remember to check it once in a while, when I have to. I use Instagram a tiny bit, but not very active. I'm fully anti-social media. I prefer "Vintage Social Media" (snail mail!)

Favorite Books

Favorite Book themes: haunted houses, ghosts, mysteries. memoirs, Audiobooks, mythology and folklore. Spiritualism/fortune telling. Early American history

Authors: Stephen King, Shirley Jackson, Timber Hawkeye, JL Bryan, Simone St James, Agatha Christie, Rick Riordan (& Rick Riordan Presents authors), Willa Cather, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Grimm Brother's fairy tales, mythology & folklore. Jennifer Weiner and Emily Henry.

SOME favorite books: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett; The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupรฉry; The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson; The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafรณn; The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie; Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry by Mildred D Taylor; Faithfully Religionless by Timber Hawkeye Duma Key by Stephen King; A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens; The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters; Mrs Everything by Jennifer Weiner; People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry; The Golden Compass (& series) by Phillip Pullman. The book that still 'haunts' me is Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee by Dee Brown.

I'm a member of Good Reads, and am founder of a SB group related to books & writing, Reading & Writing. I also have a group, For the Love of Letters for letter writing and letter challenges. I also love ghost stories and haunted house tales and am founder of a group, Ghosts! - check it out if you enjoy hauntings & cryptids.

With all of my groups, I ask that you follow the rules posted on the home page - if you request to join, be sure to follow those rules or you won't get approved!

Ratings, hearts & late

I rate as soon as I open the swap. If I can't rate right away, I hold off opening the mail until I can rate. I do believe in giving hearts, even for e-mail swaps. The amount of time you put in is what earns a heart, and am a believer that email swaps can earn hearts as well. All swaps are welcome for me. (for multi-partner email swaps, I usually wait to rate until I've received from all partners.) I'm not a postmark reader, especially with current mail issues, BUT - If you're going to be late, just tell me. It's ok. I am more annoyed with a lack of communication than I am about being a few days late (or whatever) in sending a swap. If you send late and don't communicate with me I WILL rate you down! And, no, I won't consider changing the rating! Just communicate! It makes everything easier!

holidays & cards

Holiday card swaps I'm not Christian and do not celebrate that aspect of a holiday, so I prefer seasonal images to holiday related ones.
I do like the retro/vintage re-prints of Victorian era holiday cards. They are so creepy, they're great! If they're not printed right, somehow it's even better! If you want to make a holiday card 'spooky' - go for it! Not really a fan of Santa, heart shapes (though anatomical hearts are fine!), crosses, etc ...

If you hand-make cards, I am very happy to receive those in place for a store bought card.

Ratings

Maddashin rated for FLL: InCoWriMo 2023 #5 on Mar 10, 2023
5
rating
Comment: Thanks ๐Ÿ™ Hearts ๐Ÿ’• Good to hearvfrom you.
honeyblossom rated for FLL: InCoWriMo 2023 #4 on Mar 3, 2023
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for your letter. You should find mine in the mail in the next few days โ˜บ๏ธ
Fuchsi rated for G: February cryptids on Mar 3, 2023
5
rating
Comment: Dear Cindi, thank you very much for these wonderful goodies and the story if the frogman. - It's fascinating and disturbing at the same time and as someone not being the biggest fan of frogs and toads, you could probablby hear my scream over miles, when meeting one. XD I love this creepy feeling. *g* Thanky a lot for this story and have a wonderful weekend! ^^ Yours, Maxi
shinyserra rated for FLL: InCoWriMo 2023 #3 on Feb 21, 2023
5
rating
Comment: Yay! A letter from you! Haha. I missed hearing from you in the mail. I may just send a letter back instead of waiting to see if we are paired bc my memory is short!!
Karen07 rated for FLL Kids form letter - letter on Feb 17, 2023
5
rating
Comment: Thanks for the letter and the Valentine. Silly, yes, but fun nonetheless. I enjoyed it!
theshyone rated for FLL: InCoWriMo 2023 #1 on Feb 13, 2023
5
rating
Comment: I got your charming letter and truly enjoyed getting to know a bit about your letter writing/penpal journey :D I loved your relating to my profile information also! It looks like I am partnered with you for this same swap coming up and will be able to answer the thoughtful questions you asked then! Thank you for giving me good reply letter material (โ€แ—ขโ€)
Fuchsi rated for G: January cryptids on Jan 29, 2023
5
rating
Comment: Dear Cindi, you are truly spoiling me rotten! The goodies you`ve send are so cute, that I will use them for my personal diary only and the letter was so, so fascinating! I`ve never heard of manshaped dragons and only know of dragons (besides the usual fantasy novels) from the traditional German lore "Siegfried vs. the dragon", where the hero bathed in the dragons blood, so his body hardened and he was secured against any mortal weapon. Except for a small point at his back, were a leave felt and so no blood reached it. And he told this secret his wife and his wife somebody else... and in the end he was literally backstabbed. Than his wife goes on a rampage to avange him... it`s a strange story and in the end the dragon only played a minor role, while almost everyone in this legend dies anyways. Have a great week and thanks a lot for the swap! Maxi
krspellman rated for R & W: Read a Christmas Story on Jan 22, 2023
5
rating
Comment: wow thank you! such a fun swap!! I have been collecting seasonal books to keep with my Christmas items so this will be super helpful, I am going to look into some of these, so fun that you have mystery christmas books too, I love it!!
5
rating
Comment: Thank you!
5
rating
Comment: Interesting list! Thank you for sharing. Thanks also for the stickers!
tendersores rated for R&W: Any holiday card exchange on Jan 5, 2023
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the card & stickers!
5
rating
Comment: Thanks for another fun letter with unique stationery! I really enjoyed it! : ) Happy New Year!
mermaidery rated for QTCCS #1 on Dec 30, 2022
5
rating
Comment: If I could give you more hearts, I would. This card was gorgeous! The ornaments will go right into the yearly decoration boxafter we take them down. We love them. Also thanks for the NYE cards. I really love the idea of sending out new years cards so I think Ill keep my eye out for more and add that to my New Year. :] Have a wonderful 2023!
Ettoad rated for FLL: December Holidays on Dec 20, 2022
5
rating
Comment: LOVE the Creepy Christmas stationery!! You remember correctly that I am a baker, and I especially look forward to trying the Celtic Cakes and Wassail I too love sending New Years cards - I am never able to send out as many Hanukkah and Christmas cards during the actual seasons as I intend to, and I think New Years cards are a little less expected when thinking of sending/receiving for winter holidays I hope yours are well enjoyed!!
gothbarbie rated for FLL: National Letter Writing Day on Dec 15, 2022
5
rating
Comment: WOW! You totally win the prize for best Xmas themed stationery! EVER! I just love the designs on that letter set! Thanks for taking the time to find perfect-for-me stationery! And the stickers are super fun too! Thanks also for the washi, the little envies you made from those page-a-day calendar papers were very cute indeed!
Fuchsi rated for FLL: December Holidays on Dec 11, 2022
5
rating
Comment: Dear Cindi, I'm so, so happy about your solstice card! Thank you very much for it, I never got one before in my life and it will have a special spot in my heart! ^-^ Yes, I swapped less than usual the last months, as I started a new history course and learned for example to write "Kurrentschrift", an old German system. It's interssting and I'm sure I will use it to decorate some swaps XD Have a wonderful december! Yours, Maxi
circularlogic rated for FLL: December Holidays on Dec 5, 2022
5
rating
Comment: I love the card and your memories and traditions of winter and. Christmas!
monsbrick rated for FLL: December Holidays on Dec 2, 2022
5
rating
Comment: Hi Cindi, thank you for your letter. I enjoy hearing from you and now am doubly inspired to write more to you. We celebrate solstice with my dance community. We have fire under the sky of stars โ€ฆ or more often fog even rain around here! And dance. My dance community is specifically a non religious but spiritual or open to all or no religion as in atheists or agnostics. And I love them. But I have so many practices it would take books or volumes to write to you about them all! So I write here and there about this and that. Growing bulbs is always spiritual to me! And any seed. I love to make sproutsโ€ฆ such a quick turnaround. The mystery of life never ceases to amaze me.
Karen07 rated for FLL: December Holidays on Dec 2, 2022
5
rating
Comment: Enjoyed your card and letter Cindi! I will use the New Year's postcard and stickers for sure.
Duamutef rated for Samhain postcard - International on Nov 30, 2022
5
rating
 

Rating Overview

Overall Hearts Stars Hosted
5.0000 2275 785 829
Completed Fives Threes Ones
1638 2666 0 0
Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Uncategorized
252 1090 296 0
View all

Comments

sebastian122 on Feb 3, 2023:

Happy Swapbotiversary!!

Happy Dance!!

Changeling on Jan 22, 2023:

Thank you for the envelope of stickers and the washi in response to the admin business! Wow, I had not expected such a surprise of customized sticker, even some Lumpy Space Princess and Year of the Rabbit ones! You rock!

supersquirrel on Jan 21, 2023:

๐ŸŽˆ๐ŸŽˆ๐ŸŽˆ Happy Birthday ๐ŸŽˆ๐ŸŽˆ๐ŸŽˆ

QuillCottage on Jan 21, 2023:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CINDI! I hope you're having a wonderful weekend to celebrate another successful trip around the sun.

susieq11 on Jan 21, 2023:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for the second set of wishes - how kind of you!! I just LOVE the Lunar New Year and Snoopy stickers - they are too too cute!!! I love stickers of ANY kind and these are wonderful to seal envelopes and decorate them - yay!!! Hope you enjoy the weekend! WW January

theshyone on Jan 20, 2023:

Oh my goodness Cindi! You said "some" postcards and stickers, along with the Valentine washi (Valentine washi RAK/trade). "Some." You spoiled me so much with your generosity. I was "sqweeing" with delight, going through everything you sent. You got my taste perfectly, there was nothing that I did not love. Also, the collection of postcards (again, "some") was so wonderfully varied (and plentiful). I also spied some washi in there other than Valentine (totally no complaint here!) Plus the stickers are so precious. I am in heaven (sighs in contentment). Hopefully it will not take too long for you to get mine also (although, this holiday season has seemed especially bad, poor over-worked postal workers!) I am hoping you love/enjoy what I sent as well :D

Fuchsi on Jan 17, 2023:

Dear Cindi, thanks for this wonderful little surprise in my mailbos for replying. Aww, it's all so cute and awesome looking... I wont use it in swaps and instead on my diary! XD Thanks a lot and I hope you have a wonderful week! Yours, Maxi

kiddomerriweather on Jan 11, 2023:

Thank you for the beautiful New Years card, kawaii letter set, stickers, and note cards for my January WW! I really appreciate you. =D

sebastian122 on Jan 11, 2023:

Thank you for the New Year postcard! Made my day. =D

susieq11 on Jan 11, 2023:

Hi Cindi! Thank you so much for everything for WW January! Let me start by saying how beautiful the card is - that will stay on my desk ALL year! I just love the little sticker book of vintage Valentine's Day images - so sweet! Thanks for the book recommendations too. I LOVE Jamie Ford and I need to read his newest book! Love Agatha Christie too - her books are fabulous. I have Shadow of the Wind and several Stephen King books on my bookshelf. I will definitely look to you for more recs!!! Thank you very much, your mail made me smile! : ) Have a great day!

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