RetroJane

I have always loved mail. (I think that stems from having moved a bit as a child and living away from extended family.) I like to brighten others' day when sending it and love coming up with creative ways to package things. I put forth effort in what I mail out and hope others do the same. I already get enough junk mail as it is. (And, I bet you do, too!)

I am a doula, helping expectant and laboring women and their partners have the birth they desire. I have always loved health and wellness, the incredible ability of the human body and this is something that I feel led to do to help women.

I am also a photographer, building up my business locally. I just love being behind a camera and capturing those special moments.

I do have allergies, so anything with a strong floral scent is probably going to be bothersome. Please refrain from sending ANYthing that smells like smoke. I do not want such in my home. I can smell it on paper, packaging, and greatly dislike receiving things that reek of smoke. Thank you in advance for being considerate.

I do prefer postcards that have a note on them and are stamped, not in an envelope. I may not know you, but still put a little effort and a tiny bit of yourself into what you send. (I try to do such for all that I send out.)

Coffee and tea! They are a part of my daily world. And, I love it when they are organic. I enjoy black teas, hot or iced. Herbal and incredibly fruity teas are not usually something I enjoy.

I read a good bit of doula-related materials. But, I have studied and fell in love with children's literature several years ago. The motifs, symbolism, lessons to be learned: I love how it is applicable to almost everyone's world, regardless one's age.

I enjoy time in the kitchen - baking, cooking, cake decorating. My other half just gave me a Kitchen Aid mixer, and let me tell you - I'm in heaven!

I enjoy sewing, too. My grandmother taught me one summer when I was a kid. And, it's just something in the family genes, from my great grandmother to grandmother to mother and on down to me.

I like fabric flowers or hair clips (which I make for myself,) fun buttons or neat ribbon. I have not done much embellishing with sewing projects, as I usually just make clothing/costumes or plain totes. But, I would like to get into adding some funky decorative things that jazz up a piece. I know HOW to do it, just have not....yet. I am hoping to delve into hand embroidery this fall. I think that will be a craft/art that I'm going to love.

I love the green/organic lifestyle, recycling, and repurposing. I have adapted some things into my daily world and I am trying to completely phase into an organic pantry/kitchen.

I adore vintage or classic papers, photographs, prints, and so on. Elvgren pinup art (and some Vargas) are absolute favorites.

I thoroughly enjoy classic films and film stars. If my job was to watch movies all day, my television would be on Turner Classic Movies. Thinking about my favorite stars, they are Ingrid Bergman, Audrey Hepburn, Rita Hayworth, Gene Kelly, Ginger Rogers, and Fred Astaire. Some of my favorite films are "The Shop Around The Corner," "Anchors Aweigh," "Swing Time," and "Singing In The Rain."

I also enjoy foreign films with French cinematography being at the top. Audrey Tautou is one of my favorite actresses. (She is the star of "Amélie de Montmartre.")

There is also a great international film festival where I live. I love catching documentaries or other noteworthy independent films.