what I pledged

Update 5-6-09: I am sorry about any swaps that I have not fulfilled, I am going to try to get everything finished up and mailed out no later than next Monday, the 11th of May. Although I prefer not to go into details here, I have had some personal tragedies recently that have taken precedence over crafting or creativity in general and honestly, SB was on a back burner and more or less forgotten about. For that, I apologize. I wish that my partners had not been made to wait on their items. I will fulfill my obligations and if things calm down, I would like to try to return to the SB community and enjoy it once again. If I owe you anything, please let me know so I can honor my commitments.

Thank you for your understanding.

Although I really love participating in Swap-Bot and the Swap-Bot community, I am going to be scaling down significantly. My quiet, ordered world has been turned on its end, and although I am loving the new challenges I've been facing, I just don't have the time to play with things that I used to have. Therefore, I will only be joining occasional swaps for awhile. I'd like to say thanks to all of my partners and hosts & hostesses for a rollicking good time, and I hope to be able to return a bit more fully later. Until then...

I am a happily divorced mom to 3 sons aged 19, 21, & 22, and their multitude of friends. Life in my house has been many things throughout my life, but never boring. I have always had critter-babies of some kind in my life and right now I share my space with a 2 year old rescued yellow lab, a 7ish year old, previously dumped cat and a newly rescued kitty named 4s (my son's doing). I also live with my middle son and a young man that has been friends with my kids from school. The family joke is that if there is a stray to be found (furry, human, or other), I will bring it home. Oh, and being short. I don't think I'm short, but with the shortest kid being 6' 2", they like to tell me I have T-Rex arms (even before Meet the Robinsons came out). I can think of worse things to be teased about.

My favorite crayon is probably cornflower blue. For colors, I like blues, greens & earthy tones, although there are very few I don't like. If I had to pick a least favorite color it would probably be yellow, mostly because I can't wear it (I look dead, not a pretty sight). But really, I like them all. I am fond of the teal/purple combo, purple/green and the chocolate & blue that's been so popular the last few years. I am not a "girlie" girl, but I don't have anything against pink, bling or curly-cues. I even have to admit to liking some of the retro colors that are coming back, just not too much avocado green. I lived through that once. :)

The only thing I really "collect" (besides books & music) is stress balls. I am trying to get as many "odd" shapes as I can. They like to live on my desk at work. My friend/co-worker and I have been known to throw them at each other. :) Since joining SB I have started a book of ATCs (I keep all that are sent to me) and a 4x6 brag book (or 4) of weathered postcards I've received.

Some of the other things I really like (in no particular order) are * dragons, * fairies & fey folk, * unicorns, * penguins, * Greek & Roman mythology, * buttons, * beads, * ribbons, * pretty papers, * PhotoShop brushes styles & textures, * owls, * frogs, * used colorful postage stamps, * blank notecards & stationary, * well-done graffiti, * silly animals or monsters, * mushrooms, * vintage magazines, * incense, * street art, * badly translated or humorous signs, * weathered postcards - especially handmade, * ATCs, * stickers, * colored rubber bands, * cute little memo pads, * magickal items, * hot apple cider, * witches (but not the scary-ugly ones), * all kinds of mythical beasts, * Godess themed items, * hydrangeas, * odd pieces of games or toys (like legos or monopoly pieces), * dinosaurs - especially T-Rex (you know, because they have little arms), * shiny things, * rocks, * the Unshelved web comic, * sticks, * mail, * colored sharpies, * Merlin & King Arthur, * b&w photos, * interesting photos, * bookmarks, * jewelry, * baskets, * interesting little bowls & holders, * wind chimes, * butterflies, * strange words or phrases, * marbles, * snakes, * card games, * balloons, * tattoos, * pin-up girls, * history, * smiley faces, * tiny rubbery aliens out of quarter machines, * centaurs (I'm Sagittarius), * candles, * word play, * hockey (Go Redwings!!!), * rubber duckies, * skeletons, * Renaissance Faires, * birds in general - especially in silhouette, * feathers, * fleur-de-lis, * little stuffies, * geeky stuff, * The Far Side, * cats, * spelling & word games, * poetry, * journals, * hot chocolate, * Nightmare Before Christmas, * material, * skateboards, * butterflies, * alphabets & letters (sticker, rub-on, fonts & stamps), * pins/buttons, * match boxes, * words, * tools, * Harry Potter stuff & * crows. I'm sure there is something I missed, but I can't think of anything else right now. I once received a large bolt found on the side of the road as a present. I was thrilled (it was really big and I cleaned it up and engraved stuff on the top). Seriously, I'm easy to please. I love getting gifts that had thought put in them. If it is handmade, even better -- I love that someone took time out of their day to make something for me. I believe it's the effort, not the results, that matter.

Although I like Winnie-the-Pooh, Disney and Alice in Wonderland, I tend to pass those things on when I get them. Also, I do not like coffee, tea, beer, jalapenos or pizza and do not wear makeup or perfume. I was bitten by a gerbil as a child so now I do not like any rodents (unless they are really, really cute like kawaii). I do not like hateful, bigoted, or close-minded people. I try to respect the beliefs and values of everyone else and expect others to afford me the same courtesy. I am not easily offended, except by bigotry. Profanity, all religious symbology (as long as it is not meant to convert), nudity, different cultures or beliefs -- these are all fine by me and I always enjoy learning about things new to me.

My favorite flowers are lily of the valley, lilacs, and carnations . I much prefer a bouquet of carnations and balloons than roses.

Although I am drawn to silver jewelry, I have nothing against gold. My only allergy is to earrings that are base metals. I can wear SS, SP, GP & GF. All other jewelry is fine.

Candy: I like pretty much all candy, except coffee flavored and cognac flavored. I prefer milk chocolate, but my son loves dark chocolate, the darker the better. I love black licorice, teaberry or blackjack gum. I would love to try snacks or candy from countries other than the US. Only food allergy is green peppers.

I love looking at graffiti, the really colorful kind, even if I can't always read it. I sincerely wish that communities would harness the creativity and vision of these artists instead of trying to prosecute them. I also love looking at old art books, even if I don't know the artists.

My favorite holiday is Halloween, followed by Thanksgiving. I'm not a huge Christmas person, but I do like winter themed stuff and prefer any December decorations be in blue & silver instead of red & green.

One last thing - I live in a smoke-free house, but I do have pets and several family members smoke outside. I will do my best to make sure that anything I send you is allergen/smoke/odor/pet hair-free. If you have specific allergies or special needs on swaps you receive, please let me know & I will do everything I can to accommodate you. I understand it would be frustrating & disappointing to receive something that you cannot keep.

PS: I can be a bit long-winded at times. LOL

I work in my town’s public library and I love my job and (most of) my coworkers. The best thing about it is that it allows me to nurture my one true love (addiction?) – books. The worst things about my job is that almost everyday I find another 5, 10, 20 books that I have to read. I love books. I love how they feel, I love how they smell, I love the sound the spine makes the first time a new book is opened, I love where they can take me. I have always got a book with me and will read 2-3 a week on average. * Imajica by Clive Barker is my favorite all time book, but it is followed closely by * Watership Down by Richard Adams; * the wonderful humor of Christopher Moore; * Anything by J.R.R. Tolkein, * Ray Bradbury, and * Brian Jacques; * The Outsiders by S.E.Hinton; * the Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer. I also enjoy non-fiction & biographies. I have recently discovered the * 1000 Inspiration (jewelry, greetings, ATCs, & artist journal pages) books Although I really like the stories that Stephen King tells, I do not like reading his books - I have no idea why. I don’t really care for the stereotypical “bodice-ripper” romance books, although I have been known to read those as well. My friend once told me that if it was well written, I’d read a vegetable can. That pretty much sums it up. I have a librarything account (link at top) that I try to keep updated.

There are several crafts that I enjoy doing. I like to make beaded and wire jewelry, although I have been more drawn to paper crafts lately. I also enjoy * sewing, * macrame, * cross stitch, * embroidery, * knitting, * crocheting, and recently discovered * the joys of paper and mixed media artwork. I started out making bookmarks and quickly fell head over heels in love with all the lovely paper, stickers, embellishments doodads & whatnots this new diversion plays with. So far I've tried my hand at making * bookmarks, * inchies, * shrinky dink charms, * ATCs, * mini journals, * postcards, * mail art, * digital collage, * making mini-journals, * whimsey jars, * photography & * button fairies. I've also tinkered with * acrylic painting, * shrines, * street art stickers, * altered tags & * wind chimes. I have a thousand ideas running around in my head, now if only I could find the time and catch one or two of them....

As for what I would like to receive, I think if it is handmade with love, I will probably like it. There are so many beautiful, artistic things out there that people make that it boggles my mind. I really like the personal feel you get from something that has not been mass-produced, the individuality of each item. I recently received my first stuffie (thanks Drachenfrau).

Some of the things I would like to try are * drawing & painting, * dotees, * altered match boxes, * altered book or journal, * amigurami, * stuffies, * bottle cap magnets, * paper-making, * knitting something more difficult than a scarf, * learning to read crochet patterns and * quilling.

No such thing as "favorite" music...I can and do listen to almost anything. I have a huge musical crush on Chris Cornell. I liked Soundgarden, but I think Audioslave is better at showcasing his amazing vocals. My music directory includes (not a complete listing) Smashing Pumpkins, NIN, Aerosmith, Buckcherry, 2Pac, Led Zeppelin, Scissor Sisters, Alanis Morissette, N.E.R.D., Beastie Boys, Ludicris, Cee-Lo, Jim Croce, Meredith Brooks, The Partridge Family, CCR, Three Dog Knight, Drive-by Truckers, Bay City Rollers, Ray Stevens, Eagles, Elvis, Feist, Godsmack, Bob Marley, White Stripes, Jill Scott, Charlie Rich, Rob Zombie, Jimi Hendrix, Kiss, Carol King, Madonna, Korn, Pedro the Lion, The Carpenters, Slipknot, Lenny Kravitz, Aqua, Sugar Hill Gang, Velvet Revolver, Alabama, Helen Reddy, Beethoven, Lynard Skynyrd, Modest Mouse, The French Kicks, Murs, Eminem, Nirvana, The Offspring, Patsy Cline, Frank Sinatra, Benny Carter, Pearl Jam, Elton John, Sting & the Police, Dido, Powerman 5000, Queen, Buddy Holly, RATM, Metallica, Ray Stevens, GNR, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Salt-N-Pepa, Blondie, The Cranberries, Sneaker Pimps, Bob Dylan, Sublime, System of a Down, Ella Fitzgerald, Tanya Tucker, Norah Jones, Tenacious D, Aretha Franklin, AC/DC, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Billie Holiday, Ethel Merman, Jack Johnson, CKY, Tori Amos, Garth Brooks, U2, Snoop, Evanescence, Willie Nelson, Xzibit, Sheryl Crow, & The Black Crows. I also have soundtracks, classical, indie, oldies & compilation CDs. I know, a bit eclectic.

Some of my favorite movies are * The Replacements (I watch this over and over); * The Wizard of Oz; * The Little Mermaid by Disney; * The Sound of Music; * Miracle on 34th Street - the OIRGINAL ONLY, * Guess Who's Coming to Dinner; * Lords of Dogtown; *The Crow, * The King & I; * all of the movies with Jay & Silent Bob, especially Dogma; * Sin City; and * The 6th Sense.

I have gradually stopped watching TV over the last couple of years, and I haven't watched more than 3 or 4 hours since April 08. Some of the shows that I'll watch if they are on somewhere are House M.D. (OK, I really like this one), The Simpsons, Southpark, Top Gear & Mythbusters.

I do like watching the X-games on TV and video, especially the skateboarding. My 2 oldest sons skate and it fascinates me to see what they can accomplish with determination and a 7-ply board.

Note - I am fine with receiving gently used, vintage or recycled items. Yes, new is nice, but I'm good with keeping things out of the landfills too.

I'm going to try to keep this list short as I don't like asking for specific things, but there are a few items I haven't had a chance to get for myself yet.

• an awareness ribbon rubber stamp.

• ANY mixed CD - I love finding music new to me.

• reusable bags/totes - a girl can never have too many.

• Gold stamp pad

• 1' square paper punch (for inchies) -- got one at Michaels on clearance - Yeah!

• Any color of distressing ink, I have the walnut and use it constantly.

• A heat gun

• a brayer -- received from crayzscrapper 1-5-09 (Thanks!)

• Embossing supplies - I've never tried them, but I like the embossing on things I have received.

• White pen (gel?) for writing on dark backgrounds.

• Non-USA foods, drinks or candy. I'm always willing to try something new.

• Non-USA based magazines, especially in languages other than English.

• Swap cards or address labels are always appreciated.

• Deco tape, Amigurami anything, FB, FQ, chunky book, tea bag foldings, glue book, altered rolodex or similar card, or zines. These are items I have never seen in person and would like to at least once.

• Wicca/Magick/Goddess themed items.

• UTEE

• Profile surprise (I think I filled it out well enough LOL)

Things I can't use at this time:

• Anything religious that is "preachy". Celebrating your beliefs (whatever they may be) is fine as long as you do not request that I share them.

• I will ALWAYS rate on every swap I receive. If you believe I should have received something & I haven't rated you yet, please contact me. I will ALWAYS contact you, more than once, before giving a low rating.

• I will ALWAYS honor my commitment to send a swap. I try my very best to be on time, but unexpected things can (and do) happen. If I cannot send out by the send date, I will ALWAYS contact you and let you know. I will contact the coordinator as well so they are kept informed. I also try to add a little profile surprise as an apology for being late, not as a bribe for a 5 or a heart. Although I'd obviously prefer to get a 5, I completely understand receiving a 3 if I do not fulfill the swap requirements.

• If I have sent something out and haven't received a rating, I will contact you to make sure you have received it. I would prefer if you rated me, but more important to me is that you don't think I flaked on you.

• I package my swaps as securely as I can and I use recycled packing whenever possible. There are a lot of mailers that are thrown out by my workplace, so most of what I use is salvaged from there. I also keep mailers and packing that I receive and reuse it.

• I like to add a delivery confirmation to packages sent to US addresses whenever possible. Unfortunately I can't do that with international mail. And if you have not received your package in a reasonable time frame, I will always re-send.

• I enjoy swapping with others. I do it because I like getting things in the mail, but also because I like to think I made someone, somewhere smile when they receive my package. I also like to think that most of my fellow swap-botters feel the same way.

• If you have any questions or comments for me, please feel free to PM me any time. I check on my SB account at least once a day and will respond to any & all communications received.

Hopefully this list will stay small, it's no fun to be flaked on.

cmhatcstamper for the Shrinky Dink Charms

coinchantel for the First Timers for ATCs INTERNATIONAL

Karotype for the Your "Kind-of-Book" Mark

wolfsbayne - no longer a SB member - for the 12 Months of Music CD Swap

cjdill for the Musical Scavenger Hunt 5 -- This has been angelled by rebower2000

trickypink for the Guerilla Style Ransom Acts of Kindness

LittleMissTrouble - no longer a SB member - for the A to Z Whimsey Jar - This has been angelled by the wonderful rainbowdaze

dessyQ for the New & Old to Inchies Swap #2

staczal (fully suspended) for the 100's of stickers

trickypink for the Guerrilla Style Random Acts of Kindness

Shebadger (fully suspended) for the A-Z Creature Postcard Swap - Letter O

last edited 5-6-09