MAM

Attention Swap Partners/Coordinators: In October 2009, life got in the way, big time. I fell off the virtual face of the earth (i.e. the internet) and out of contact with anyone not a part of my "real" life. At this point, being April 2012, I don't know when/if I'll be able to fulfill old swaps never sent. But maybe some day I will. Life has just been full of things that take higher priority. I apologize for not getting in touch with anyone or even just finding time to log in here and update my profile. And I apologize to those who never received something from me, and to the swap organizers who had to scramble to find angels to pick up my slack. To any of those angels who did swoop in, thank you for covering my behind.

30-something crafty gal in Arizona.

I work full time, volunteer full time (coordinator, dog foster)and craft/write whenever I can.

House full of critters (two dogs, two cats, a lizard, a bunch of fish, and one husband). I'm an animal person, I love cats and dogs (our wedding was cat and dog themed even). My avatar is of my Min Pin. Our other dog is a foster dog, and that changes every couple of months as they get adopted or go into our boarding facility. Currently, we're fostering a 1 year old male Chihuahua named Nicolas (who snorts like a pug). You can visit my dogs' blog, see the link above.

I am a true Aquariuan, through and through. And proud of it. (February birthday.)

I love reading novels, reading books about history and art (see more book info below).

I love a good cup of tea (especially Chai or Bergamot Earl Gray). But I love all teas and love to try new and different flavors. I really really love Twinnings brand flavored teas, and I can't find that brand around here often.(*Hint, if you're the type that likes to throw in an extra item or two with swaps, tea is always a safe bet with me, any type, I'll love it)

I've been known to collect frog/toad and dragonfly themed stuff. And recently, I've discovered I cannot resist fat, round stuffed critters. I don't know why, but I just love them.

I love all things handmade.

Purple is my favorite color, but I also like light bright shades of green (spring green, lime green).

I love antiques and items with a vintage look. I have a soft spot for cameos. I adore antique books (I love the way they smell).

I also enjoy the fragrances of lavendar, peach, lilac, fresh cut grass, citrus, freesia, jasmine, soft florals (no rose scents though please). I can't handle the scent of patchouli (gives me headaches).

I'm a big fan of tulips and irises.

I love maps, old or new (though I really adore old maps, do you see a pattern here?). In fact, my day job involves making maps.

I am a museum addict, I love museums. Especially historical museums (the smell of old stuff), but I also like to visit a good art museum. I also really like parks (city and state) and public gardens. And national monuments are great too.

Thrift stores, flea markets, and antique shops are some of my favorite haunts. I only wish I had more time (and more spare cash) to spend at them. If I could, I'd visit one or two every month. Suppose that goes for the museums too.

I love buttons, the kind you sew on clothes. All types, sizes, materials. They're all fun. And I'll never turn down beads, the more unique, the better. Any material, any color, any size. I will find a use for it.

I love chocolate, especially dark chocolate. And peanut butter, I won't turn that down either. Pretzels are my other indulgence. Pretzels covered in chocolate, we're talking heaven for me. I became addicted to Kinder Bueno in Europe, haven't been able to get it here, been craving it for years. Kind of dig Pocky, recently was introduced to it. Interesting stuff.

Magazines I subscribe to: Beadwork, Beadstyle, Bead & Button, Art Jewerly, Mental Floss, Smithsonian, Phoenix Magazine.

No allergies to foods, metals, or fragrances.

Everything (you should see my artists list on my mp3 player). Rock, pop, christian rock/alternative, main-stream alternative, R&B, the occasional hip hop tune, some dance/techno, country, Celtic, classical, blues, jazz, bagpipes (I'm weird, I know). Can't stand rap.

Goonies, Shawshank Redemption, Usual Suspects, Princess Bride (in no particular order) (have fun stormin' the castle). Usually, I love good comedy, but I'll take a drama or thriller any day, as long as it makes me think. Historical flix are great too.

CSI, NCIS, Survivor, Amazing Race, Mythbusters, Dirty Jobs, Hell's Kitchen, How I Met Your Mother, Heroes, Dexter, NCIS: LA (love me some LL), Flash Forward, True Blood

Beading and jewelry making (beads, clay, metals, repurposing old vintage and/or broken unloved jewelry), knitting, needle felting, tatting, sewing. I don't scrapbook but I do venture into some altered books/journals and ATCs and bookmarks. You can visit my blogs (see the URL links above) and read along in my adventures in in beading and crafting. I've hopped back on the writing train after many years and I'm loving it. Whether it be stories, poems (having fun with haiku), or just my thoughts, I'm writing again. All about the zines too (both reading and writing them). I've even become a NaNoWriMo participant.

I love books, old and new. I even like some antique books, just because they're old. Favorite genres include mystery, suspense, supernatural/thrillers, historical novels, books about archaeology and ancient cultures (including religion, mythology, places, etc), English poetry (not a fan of most American poetry), Arthurian stories and poetry (new and old), comedies (think Janet Evanvich type novels), cozy mysteries. Love travel books (esp. Bill Bryson books). I love any book about moutain-climbing expeditions, on any mountain, but especially on Everest. Not a fan of "bodice-ripper" romances or outer-space/alien themed sci-fi (but I dig a good dragon/wizard fantasy now and again). I've become a major urban fantasy fan. But I'm open to reading something new, surprise me, I might like it.

I have an obsession for using purple ink in my writing. I especially love the Uni-ball Signo Gel Ink pens (207) in purple and blue. I love the way they write. If you happen to have some, I'd be open to swapping for them.