gooddog56

7/12/19 update: My husband had a stroke at the end of June...he's been released after a few days in the hospital, and then in intense rehab. He's doing quite well in most things, but will continue with physical, occupational and speech therapy at least into August...We were so fortunate that the stroke was small and fairly mild.

5/10/19 update: It's been a long long time... My mother's illness worsened a few years ago, her care requirements became more intense, and I had less time for swapping and other artistic pursuits...She passed away earlier this year, and after caring for her for 8+ years, I find I have a lot more time, suddenly...and I've started doing more art, and would like to get back into swapping.

7/21/16 Update:

My husband was diagnosed in early spring with a serious illness. After some painful trial and error, David is now on a medication regimen that seems to be working for now. He will need to continue this or a similar mediation for the rest of his life. We are hopeful that in late September his doctor will tell us he is "in treatment-induced remission". David has been off work since mid February, and will likely not be able to resume the high-stress, frequent travel work that he had been doing, but at present he is enjoying the summer and rebuilding strength and endurance.

My gratitude to all who have sent good thoughts and prayers for us.

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I work 4 days a week doing occupational therapy with adults who are mentally ill--and love my work. I get to spend 2 - 3 hours every workday teaching folks to make art...

I'm married, 38 years. We have no kids, but love Setters--at present we have a 7-year old Gordon Setter named Brenna who is sweet and delightful, and a 3 year old Gordon named Ruby who still has too much energy!

I love all colors, with a preference for cool colors. I collect sheep, whistles shaped like fish (yes, it's an odd thing to collect--my collection is rather small), wool, glass beads and penguins.

I enjoy reading and always have a book or two underway. I also enjoy audiobooks for my commute time

For exercise I walk or ride my bike.

Folk/eclectic--from Joni Mitchell's early stuff to Lucy Kaplansky to Martyn Joseph to Eliza Gilkyson.

I also like Brazilian bossa nova/samba music and some of the older mellow jazz for background music.

paper crafts -- needlepoint & embroidery -- art clay silver -- beading -- acrylic paint pouring

I make and sell books and greeting cards, and sell/gift some of my silver and beaded jewelry.

I do collage, mostly as art-as-therapy for myself, but will also do it on a smaller scale for swaps.

After a scary allergy response to 'something I ate' in June 2016, I had food sensitivity testing done, and score as very reactive to avocados, eggs, bananas, pineapple, almonds & sunflower seeds/oils. Please don't send me any of those items, and if you do send a food item, please check the ingredients, as I have found eggs and sunflower oil/sunflower lecithin to lurk in the most unexpected places!

I also do not use any artificial sweeteners, as the chemical ones upset my tummy, and Stevia is a relative of the sunflower...

I am interested in private swaps for various items, please PM me if you would like to discuss doing a swap with me!

(avatar by Tom Richardson)