traceyj

Our local mail carriers are still working harder than ever, but current mailing times vary--I'm finding that domestic mail usually takes only 2-5 days but occasionally it can take an extra week or two (or even three). As with everything else this year, a little patience is needed and much appreciated!

I mark my swaps as "sent" as soon as I put them in the outgoing collection mailbox slot--they are usually picked up and postmarked the same day, but I have no way of knowing for sure, as they are out of my hands. I like to send my swaps out the following morning after partners are assigned (post haste!), with maybe a day or so added if it is profile-based, to help ensure timely arrival, but if you are missing mail from me, please send me a message--I can always send you another. I also strongly recommend that US residents sign up for USPS Informed Delivery; this free service can be extremely helpful in tracking down missing or late mail.

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Because I know it can be a source of anxiety for some, I also like to be prompt when it comes to rating--generally I will do so within a day of receiving the mail. I have noticed a significant delay in my local mail service (anywhere from 3 days to over 3 weeks), so a little extra patience is appreciated and probably necessary during these strange and unfortunate times.

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I am still sending well wishes and virtual hugs to everyone out there, that they and their families are able to stay healthy and safe from fires, storms, and all other sources of distress. Thank you all for continuing to spread kindness!

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Hello, I'm Tracey (she, her, hers) and I live in California. I am a crafter, reader, knitter, sewist, negligent gardener, sender of postcards and friendly greetings. I also play the ukulele and dabble in watercolor. I am trying very hard to destash/not accumulate more clutter right now, but as many crafters know, this is an uphill battle. :)

I am unfortunately, despite my best/worst efforts, only fluent in English though I have managed to learn a little Spanish, and a little ASL.

I love plants, but have managed to kill a fair number of them, including so-called "foolproof" snake plants, pothos plants, ZZ plants and succulents.

I am a dog person (but don't have any pets at the moment) and am partial to animals and nature, though I don't get to go camping or hiking as much since many parks are currently closed (summer 2020).

We have a truck camper (similar to the one pictured above) and have driven all over the western states and parts of Canada, and have seen many black bears and grizzly bears, but are very careful to keep a safe distance--not as close as this! My roadtrip 'job' is to help navigate/read the maps, but also to watch out for bears, goats, deer, bison, bunnies, and other critters that might be approaching the roadway.

Some books I have enjoyed:

I read a varied mix of nonfiction and fiction, graphic formats and e-audiobooks. I used to read a lot of teen and children's titles, but don't read them quite as much now that I have retired from my job as a children's/teen librarian, except when I need to take a break from the heavier nonfiction, which is more often these days.

• The Daily Show with Trevor Noah--I miss watching the Colbert Report; most of the "late" shows are actually on too late for my bedtime
• The Amazing Race--so excited about the new season! Phil's newest show is fine too, but I haven't caught very many episodes.
• Bob's Burgers
• Jeopardy! (though it will never be the same without Alex 💜)
• PBS Nature / NOVA, depending on the subject, and my mood at the time. Generally, anything with David Attenborough is a good bet.

In case it helps you, here are some things I wouldn't mind finding in the mailbox:

• art that you made. If it is fan art, you'll want to also include an explanation in case it refers to something I am not hip enough to know about (extremely likely).
• a zine
• postcards, new or vintage - I don't mind handmade (see above: "art that you made"), and interesting ad cards are welcome if they fit the swap!
• unused USPS postage stamps, any denomination (1-cent, 5-cents, 29-cents etc. - forever stamps are fine too)
• a tried-and-true recipe that uses bananas, peaches or persimmons, OR your favorite gluten-free, vegan or Instant-Pot recipe.
• a home-sewn face mask (standard adult size)
• a vintage handkerchief
• book recommendations
• tea (black, green, white; caf or decaf)
• flattened origami
• vintage sewing notions (buttons, trims, etc.)
• a piece of ribbon that is at least 1" wide and 38"-45" long (I volunteer as a memory-bear crafter and sometimes I dress them up with a bow around the neck)
• comic strip that made you laugh
• funny pictures of animals (cut out from a magazine, etc.)
• little piece of sea glass

I'll do my best to pass on items that aren't my thing, but please do not send:

• religious items, unless called for in the swap. I do celebrate holidays, but I don't associate any spiritual significance to them.
• flyers from a sports equipment store
• reminder that I am WAY past due for a dental visit
• beetle larvae or smooshed spiders (unless called for in the swap!)
• anything that is moldy (fun fact: items returned to the library with visible water damage have to be discarded because they may develop a mildew which can then spread to the other books on the shelf!)
• things that are hateful or demeaning towards other people