SPOILER ALERT: I am now uploading pictures of my projects onto Flickr. I often post them as I complete them -- which is before my partners receive and rate them - so please don't look if you want to be surprised.

I live outside of Columbus, OH with a DH and two terribly rowdy cats (Galen and Cody aka Riot and Chaos). I am a stay-at-home graphic designer and spend much of my time caring for a mother with failing health (and trying to keep up with my out-of-control acre of yard/gardens). Former jobs include bartender in a poolhall, graphic artist in an offset printshop, a stained glass artisian, a high school freshman science/biology teacher, and a raptor rehabilitator/field researcher and zookeeper.

I like all kinds of music (except for most rap). My tastes are eclectic. I like obscure artists like Townes Van Zandt, Keb 'Mo, Leon Redbone, and Hazmat Modine. Adore Stevie Ray Vaughn, Bonnie Raitt, and most all rhythm and blues. Other favorites that spring to mind are The Beatles, Peter Gabriel, Ani DiFranco, The Blasters, Offspring, Stained, Bad Religion, Jimmy Buffett, Beethoven, Bob Dylan, Green Day, and everything from the late 60s.

I read mostly forensic novels, mystery novels, crime novels. With a scattering of other things thrown in there. Favorite character is Lucas Davenport from the "Prey" series by John Sanford. Like Tom Robbins (esp. "Jitterbug Perfume"). Reread "Shogun" and "The Drifters" about every five years. Used to read a lot of Piers Anthony fantasy (now that would make for a fun swap series!)

Waaaaay to many to list fully. Like most movies by Walter Hill, John Carpenter, and the Cohen Brothers. Movies I see over and over include Immortal Beloved, Continental Divide, Streets of Fire, The Hunt for Red October, Fargo, Braveheart, Excalibur, The Birdcage, Breaking Away, Thelma and Louise, and Point Break.

Mostly watch forensic/drama stuff. Favorite show of all time -- Law and Order Criminal Intent with Vincent D'Onofrio. Also like Criminal Minds. Dexter is da bomb! Like obscure series like "Good Neighbors" (The Good Life) out of England and quirky stuff like Monk. Love to hate Dr. House. Rewatch the Firefly/Serenity series often. And DH is a HUGE Star Trek and Simpsons fan so I absorb that whether I want to or not! :) Newer shows that I am enjoying include Glee, Modern Family, Person of Interest, Elementary, and Castle. And, unfortunately, they cancelled Lie to Me -- major bummer! New fan of The Big Bang Theory! It is too funny!

Have tried them all -- knitting, crocheting, weaving, pottery, stained glass, beading, sewing, cross-stitch, painting, silkscreening, and numerous paper crafts. I have moderate arthritis in my hands, so presently I concentrate on paper and fabric designs, and some beading. I really miss stained glass as I used to design huge pieces for churches and restaurants. And 30 years of cross-stitch has wrecked my left thumb, so I don't do much stitching anymore (but still appreciate the medium).

I am presently concentrating on ATCs and Inchies while swapping on Swap-bot. I also want to try to do some block printing (which I did ages ago while in college) and I am a novice at zentangles (but am enjoying the learning process!) I am pushing myself to improve my average illustrating skills.

I do mostly mixed media -- watercolor pencils, gel pens, sharpie markers, chalks, alcohol inks, and distress inks. I use intricate original design paper-piecings cut on my professional die-cutter. I often embellish with fabric, fibers, buttons, or beads. Occasionally I use my own photography in projects. Sometimes I use scrapbooking techniques on my cards. I really like to mix it up and do different types and styles of artwork.

I have a few other favorite hobbies: bird-watching, gardening, cooking, photography, fishing, and travel. I have an advanced degree in biology (concentrated in ornithology) and all science fascinates me. I like all colors, but love purple! Also jewel colors -- teal, turquoise, ruby, emerald. I collect dragonflies mostly, but also frogs, hedgehogs, turtles, and puffins. I am also a big fan of mermaids, fairies, and Noah's ark. I love Art Nouveau designs.

Quick List of Favorite Things:

♥ Autumn, sunsets, dewy mornings, snowflakes (one at a time LOL)

♥ Beaches, mountains, sparkling lakes

♥ Dragonflies, butterflies, bees

♥ Frogs and turtles

♥ Bizarre Animals: platypus, pangolin, okapi, coelacanth, jellyfish, sloth

♥ Seahorses, starfish, horseshoe crabs

♥ Cephlapods! (octopus, squid, cuttlefish, nautilus)

♥ Raptors (esp. owls), hummingbirds, ostrich, puffins, flamingos, peacocks

♥ Hedgehogs, tapirs, big cats, giraffes, polar bears

♥ Any and all type of family pet

♥ Violets, iris, columbines, morning glories, wildflowers

♥ Noah's Ark, mermaids, fairies, gnomes, griffins, phoenix

♥ PURPLE, jewel colors, silver

♥ Tiny charms, designs, ephemera, etc. for use on ATCs and inchies

Please no Disney, Kawaii, Girly girl / baby / kid's stuff. I just have no use or interest in them. Thanks!

They are beautiful little artworks. If you go to the trouble to use actual stamps on my envelopes (as opposed to metered mail) I will greatly appreciate it!

Thank you Thank you to these lovely ANGELS!

MonsterAlice for "Science Quote ATC" [Thanks for the wonderful ATC! Love it!]

JenHuff for "Design a . . . Cat . . . ATC" [Gorgeous zentangle design - THANKS!!]

yunasy for "History ATC - Middle Ages #1" [I have always dearly loved that unicorn tapestry - thanks so much!]

LauraAust for "MEGA SWAP!! (US only)" [Love the pretty colorful jellyfish -- he makes me happy!]

LauraAust for "Pink Christmas (half-MEGA) ATC Swap" [Pink and white snowflakes -- how appropriate LOL Very cute ATC!]

islandgirl for "ATC Addict's - March Sender's Choice" [Absolutely a magical delightful Make-me-laugh ATC -- thanks SO much!]

2012 ANGELS

OMG!! February 2012 Marryth angled me everything outstanding to date! She sent me "Design-A-Cat", "Steve Irwin", "Pink Christmas", "Science Quote", "Pastel Inchies" plus FIVE more ATCs for WTA flakes. Thank you thank you thank you!

KatarinaNavane for "ATC Mega Swap with a Catch" [Incredibly delicate and detailed etching/drawing -- absolutely beautiful!]

Fatherted for "Dragonfly ATC" [Beautiful summer-fire dragonfly -- a special addition to my collection!]

dardarbinx for "Dragonfly ATC" [Thank you so much for angeling your swap -- so sorry the flaker hit right before your vacation. I love the ATC you made when you returned home]

VivaLaDiane for "I Need Some More ATCs in My Collection!!!" [Very cool ghostly spooky vintage Halloween ATC -- it is hard to describe in words because it is just so dang perfect!]

FLAKERS: Shame on you for receiving cool ATCs and then sending nothing in return. Very bad Karma!

smallgirlafterall for "Science Quote ATC

Goggabos for "Design a (Cat) ATC"

Smilinthyme for "History ATC - Middle Ages #1

rajo04 for "MEGA SWAP!! (US only)"

Whiskey (host) for "Croc & Croc Hunter ATC or Bookmark"

scrappintwins for "Pink Christmas (half-MEGA) ATC Swap"

angelslater for "ATC Addict's - March Sender's Choice"

HusFrejaVirk for "Inchie Prism Series: Pastels"

I've also had flakers for WTA items!! The following flaked on sending me ATCs from the April ATC Addict's WTA game.
Bee1981, loriallen, Lois63.

2012 FLAKERS:

CreepyGirl for "ATC Mega Swap With a Catch"

lilpuddin for "Dragonfly ATC"

Bookslinger for "I Need Some More ATCs in My Collection!!!"

Popcornikimppu1 for "3 Techniques ATC - BAT"

2013 FLAKERS:

O2girl for "3 Techniques ATC - Sea Turtle"