mejulia

I have never not sent a swap and appreciate when someone tells me if a swap doesn't arrive. I have resent swaps with no problems, just am not psychic that something didn't arrive. I also rate all swaps the day they arrive. That said, some days I don't go get my mail so there is a possibility your great swap is patiently waiting in my post office box. I never go more than two days without checking my box.

I'm a Southern California native, married, mother of two and grandmother of three. I have two cats, both strays my adult children brought to me. I am retired! I retired a year ago and love every minute of my life. Still wondering when I had the time to work as I have so much I enjoy doing and not enough time to complete everything. I especially love writing pen pals and would love to hear from you. Just send me a note for my address. A visit from you would make my post office box happy and me esctatic. I love cooking, baking, reading, making cards and about anything else I am doing. I enjoy anything to do with Christmas. I always enjoy making at least one gift for each member of my family. This year there are lots of crocheted pot holders, some counted cross stitch magnets and a few counted cross stitch bookmarks. I have 19 family members and give each one 27 small gifts as Advent gifts. They are all wrapped in aluminum foil. I shop year round and often put items I receive in swaps in the boxes. I also love sending naked mail and my granddaughter's college roommates have learned not to be surprised at what arrives in the mail. I live close enough to the original Disneyland to see the nightly fireworks and remember when my father didn't understand why anyone would build an amusement park down in the middle of nowhere. Anaheim has grown since then.

Miracle on 34th Street, Polar Express

OK, I lack a lot in the talent department but not in the enjoy trying department so I keep having fun trying. I enjoy making envelopes, counted cross stitch, huck weaving, crocheting and want to get back to making note cards. I am just starting ATCs. Actually, haven't made one yet but have the supplies so want to try this coming week.

Surprises

something unique from your country or part of the U.S.

recipes or cookbooks put out by churches or clubs - used is fine

anything to do with cookies = recipes, cookie cutters, etc.

tote bags - including those with advertising

bookmarks

anything to do with Christmas (OK, I don't consider snowmen to have anything to do with Christmas)

Gingerbread men and anything with Gingerbread men on it

I am a desert rat and wish I could move back to the desert. I love tortoises, cactus, lizards, snakes and anything else that reminds me of the desert.

anything with the Pillsbury Dough Boy on it

favorite colors are any jewel tone.

small counted cross stitch projects, especially Christmas or bookmarks, or 14 count fabric in any color

Something that interests you and will expand my world and knowledge

something small I can give as Christmas gifts

surprises

Anything to do with prejudice or hate.

gum

I rarely like pastels though sometimes in paper pastels are OK

Kawaii or other cute things. I'm not a cute person.

then again, I love surprises so most everything is OK

I have joined a lot of post card swaps recently and just realized I never added any post card preferences. Part of the reason is I like most any post card. Preferences though include large letter cards, scenery, pictures of the area where you live or where you like to visit, wild animals, birds and reptiles, or wild flowers. I am not a great fan of art type cards but once in awhile they are good. I have had some great homemade cards however I also have had a few cards that were just stickers slapped on a piece of cardboard. If the latter is what you plan to send, don't waste your postage. I do prefer stamps on the cards. I also love notes on the cards, something about you and where you live or what is shown on the card. An interesting note always gets a heart.