bjmonroe

Hi Everyone!

I found Swap Bot 13 months ago. I love being part of this community. I have learned so many things and been inspired to do art I had never even considered before. And I have met many, many wonderful and talented artists from all over the world. I am happy to call most of them my friends. I love mail in the mail box, but who doesn't?

I was born and lived my early life in the Chicago area. DH and I left our home near Atlanta a year ago and came here to Cape Coral Florida to care for his brother Dave who died on 10/16 last year. He died of prostrate cancer. It's a cancer that doesn't have to kill. Please ladies have your male loved ones get their PSA level tested. Early detection can save their life! Dave left the house to Ray so we are now going to be living in Florida. Our house is on a canal that goes out to the big water. We love to fish and just boat ride. I love going to the beach and collecting sea shells.

I am many things to many people: wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. We are the pround parents of 3 fur people, 2 dogs, Precious and Pearl and 1 cat, Lucy. Our wonderful sweet Precious passed away On 9/19. She passed quietly being held in her Daddy's arms. We had her for 16 years. I miss her horribly and the tears will not stop. I left this in my profile because she will always be in my heart and months later I still shed tears for her.

I need to mention that I use alot of tape on my envies and packages. You may find stray dog or cat hairs under a piece of tape. Their fur is everywhere. I try to keep it under control but please forgive me if you get this little extra swap goodie. I also try to reuse packaging and some of the swaps I send out look like they have been to hell. Don't judge a book by its cover or a swap by its package.

My need to create is almost as strong as my need for food and water. I have to have some piece of art in the works at all times. I don't limit it to one thing either. I am usually spread out all over the house. I am not a clean up and put it away kind of girl.

I am very good at some things but dabble in many. I am always curious and searching for new projects.

I am a potter and own my own wheel and kiln although it is currently in storage :)

Paper crafts, especially hand made cards and ATC's

Painting, all mediums

Mixed media and collage

Sewing small projects

Crochet

Jewelry making

My all time favorite is Avatar (in 3D of course). Also Benny and Joon, My Cousin Vinny, Mama Mia, Saving Private Ryan, Steel Magnolias. I am a big Johnny Depp fan, so any of the "Pirates" and now Dark Shadows. I like Kevin Klein, Tom Hanks, Colin Firth (he is the Mr. Darby to me) and Jodie Foster.

Most programs on HGTV, Bones, House (I miss it already), Criminal Minds, Body of Proof, The Voice, Smash, American idol, NCIS. I am also a sports fan, Nascar (go #11, Denny Hamlin), football and boxing (not mma or cage)

When I read my nose is mostly stuck in a magazine such as Cloth, Papers, Scissors; Card Maker, Soft Doll or any jewelry making magazine. I can also be found at the library sitting on the floor looking at books in the Arts/Crafts section.

I have been here for about 2 months now. Having a great time and made some wonderful friends. I have met people from all over the world. I love going to the mailbox every day to see what there for me.

I pledge not to be a flaker. I promise to strive to keep a high rating. I will always send by the due date unless you hear from me. (I don't intend to need to do this). Please let me know if somehow I disappoint you. I promise to rate fairly when a swap is rec'd.

I like all colors except for orange. Read further on the color orange. I love,love orange and hot pink together. I love reds, greens, deep hot pink and blues. I prefer jewel tones over pastels. I like floral and spice scents, also vanilla. Things I like in general are

Our Creator, nature, Mother Earth, wind, sun, water, all things great and small. Being at the beach is a favorite. So is camping in the mountains..

Animals of all kinds, especially dogs and cats.

Hearts and being in love. Warm fuzzies and hugs. I am blessed with a wonderful husband.

Surprises

Snail mail

Bling and more bling

gel pens, glitter pens

Hummingbirds, butterflies and dragonflies

Sea shells

Flowers

Wind chimes

My Cricut

Lace, yarn, ribbon, fibers

Little bits of eyelash yarn for embelishments

embossing powder

Buttons and beads

embellishments, bits of paper and fabric

craft magazines

Romantic and Victorian goodies

Hand made cards, tags, ATCs and etc

Stamps, rubber,clear and postage

Paints and inks

Red glass

Owls and birds in general

Big, chunky jewelry. Rings, necklaces, pierced ear rings, brackets, to rings and anklets. Silver, gold, copper and pewter tones. Doesn't have to be real. I can have more if it's not "fine" jewelry.

Thrift stores and treasure hunting (bargain hunting) Garage sales if I can get up early enough.

Dreams and new ideas

Anything handmade by you

I like exploring old graveyards but more for the history of them than scarry stuff. Not going there at night.

I like Civil War history and have walked the battlefield at Vicksburg, following the progress of the battle from both sides.

People who create and people who share. Kind people, people who have an open mind and do not judge. In just a few short weeks I have met so many great people here. Yippee.

Chocolate, coffee not tea. Must have Hazelnut creamer.

I don't really care for this category but I do understand the reasons for it. So here goes: I don't like cold weather or cold people, narrow minded people and people who judge. Venting can be good but there is never a reason to be petty.

Now that I have been swapping I do see the reason for this category although I know that some don't read our profiles.

Please no baby, kid's childish, wedding, Disney, cute-sie, religious and advertising items. No Kawaii. No Hello Kitty please. In about 2 months of swapping I have rec'd things on my dislikes list at least twice. Please don't send things from this list. The list of things I do like is a long one. Pick something from there.

@nosboh99 for Non Winning Lotter Ticket ATC. She was also the host