pbcquiltlover

This past year has seen quite a switch in my employment: I used to teach elementary school kids creative writing through fairy tales and quilting on a sewing machine, but now I'm working with my husband mowing for his lawn service company. I burn really easily, so I have to wear long sleeve, jeans, gloves, hood over my face...you get the idea. He was shocked I could work like that in "sunny" south Florida!

We have also lost many of our kitties: Baby Girl and Teddy both crossed the rainbow bridge last year, and this year we've lost Honey and my sweetheart, Elvis. Baby Boy still lives next door, and we have Dotty, Luna Belle and Cuteness. They were all getting on in age (the eldest were over 16), so these passings weren't unexpected but they're still heartbreaking...

My favorite authors are Jennifer Chiaverini (quilting), Anne McCaffrey & Mercedes Lackey (fantasy), Philippa Gregory (Tudor historical novels) and John Grisham (legal novels) as well as other authors in those fields. I just recently "found" Nora Roberts - I go through a lot of books on cds while I travel to/from the different schools where I teach, so I'm always on the lookout for stuff to listen to while perusing thrift stores, yard sales, etc. I have no problem with "previously enjoyed" anything!

Netflix junkie: Bridgerton was incredible (I want to watch the entire series again!) Right now we're watching Anne With an E in between my hubby's random selections.

Decades ago I taught classes through Creative Circle, so I'm experienced in embroidery, both stamped and counted cross stitch, lace net darning, candlewicking, needlepoint and quilting, but by far quilting has become my obsession and deepest love, although fabric postcards, tote bags, insulated water totes and other sewing projects poke their ways in from time to time.

My grandmother also taught me how to crochet when I was little, but I don't know how to read patterns so I make up my own stuff.

I adore my kitties! I have 8 cats. In order of age they are Teddy, Baby Boy & Baby Girl; Elvis & Dotty: and Cuteness. My daughter and her ex boyfriend adopted two kitties a couple of years back that they couldn't keep within a few months so Luna Belle and Honey have joined the herd. Luna Belle is the only one that stays in the house full time by her own desire. Cuteness & Baby Girl come in and out, and the others primarily prefer the outdoors but will come in during bad weather or fireworks.

...keychains! They only "count" if they're sent by someone in that area, has visited that area or I have gone there myself. I have them from a number of states including Hawaii and Alaska as well as Hong Kong, England and Trinadad/Tobago. I have both an America map and a global map panel I plan on quilting and hanging up, attaching each key chain to the appropriate area. If you have my name in a swap and it's appropriate, I would love a cheap keychain with the name of your state/country/city...thanks!

Anything kitty, dragon, fairy, dragonfly or bright and colorful makes me happy!

I would love a keychain from your neck of the woods if it's appropriate for the swap.

I enjoy all sorts of crafty things. I also really enjoy newsy letters about anything, either typed or hand written.

Books on cd you've scored from a yard sale, dollar store, thrift store or clearance racks are heart-able and appreciated.

Washi tape is definitely appreciated. Stickers are always fun: if I don't use them personally, I can always use them for the kids when I'm teaching. Fairy-tale stickers are the best!