fignewton

Hi, I'm Alyssa! I grew up in a small town in California, where I still live. I'm a twenty-something taking some time away from my full-time grown-up job to work on some personal stuff--hence the extra time to dive into snail mail. I've always wanted a pen pal to connect with; I think there is something so beautiful and enticing in getting to know and share yourself with someone you would never get to otherwise.

I am lucky enough to call the sweetest thoroughbred alive mine: Fig is a 10 year old former racehorse and my right-hand-man. I've been riding and working with horses for about eight years and love spending days at the barn.

Three doggos, two rats, and some fishies round out the rest of my zoo.

I am also an avid reader, writer, crafter, and hockey fan. I am really interested in social justice, mental health, politics, and cultural studies. I am a strong supporter of intersectional feminism and hold that near to my heart.

Reading is one of my absolute favorite things to do! I love young adult fiction, fiction, and the occasional biography or memoir. Some of my favorite books include:

• I'll Give You the Sun - Jandy Nelson
• I am the Messenger - Markus Zusak
• The Martian - Andy Weir
• Body Counts - Sean Strub
• Hunger: A Memoir of My Body - Roxane Gay
• Crush - Richard Siken
• The Harry Potter Series

I also just recently finished:

• Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman - John Krakauer
• The Girl Who Smiled Beads: A Story of War and What Comes After - Clemantine Wamariya

and I loved both of them. I'm always thrilled to receive book recommendations!

I love an eclectic mix of music, but alternative, indie, and classic rock are my favorites. Some of favorite artists include:

• James Taylor
• Frightened Rabbit
• Ben Platt
• Hozier
• The Lumineers
• Taylor Swift
• Awkwafina
• Fall Out Boy
• Panic! at the Disco
• The Doobie Brothers

I'm not the most avid movie-goer, but I love everything Marvel and dramas. My top movies include:

• CA: The Winter Soldier
• Spiderman: Homecoming
• Spotlight
• Zodiac

I also really enjoy stand-up from John Mulaney, Trevor Noah, and Bo Burnham.

I don't watch a lot of live television, but I do put my Netflix account to good use. I've worked my way through:

• The Great British Bake-Off
• Daredevil
• Jessica Jones
• Parks & Rec
• Queer Eye
• The Twilight Zone

I am most certainly a jack of many trades and a master of none. I dabble in knitting, doodling/drawing, painting, art journaling, friendship bracelets, etc.

I'm currently spending a lot of time doodling/drawling in my journal.

• Whimsical themes
• Stripes and polka dots
• Postcards
• Doodles
• Postage Stamps
• Stickers
• Botanicals
• anything with passion, time, and energy in it