I can't believe I have been away from swap-bot for almost 4 years!! So much has happened. I initially took a break from swapping after my father passed away and then life got in the way. I fell into the boring routine of home, work, home, repeat... All that changed one evening when I came home and told my forever "boyfriend" that I didn't want to go back. His reply... then don't.. I was in shock! Could we make it? Could we financially keep up? Guess we were about to find out.. The next day I gave my two week notice. It has been a challenge but it was the best thing I had done in a long time.

After being lost unemployed for almost a year, I decided to return to school. I am currently taking refresher courses and will be starting graduate school in the fall..

All that being explained, I have been feeling like something is missing... creativity and connection. I love my children (20 and 15) and my boyfriend (we have been together for over 10 years), it just isn't the same. I need my own friends and activities, something that got put to the side in all the change. I can't wait to get this back.

I absolutely loved when I was swapping happy mail with people around the world. Whether it was a holiday card, a destach package, or kawaii goodies it was exciting to see the mailbox full of positivity.

My all time favorite group is Mumford and Sons. I fell in love with their music years before they hit it big and continue to listen to their music almost daily.

Other favs include Ed Sheeran, Alabama Shakes, Imagine Dragons... mostly listen to folk music and other random artists no one knows about.

Top Ten in no particular order

• Harry Potter
• Twilight
• Goonies
• Memoirs of a Geisha
• Can't Buy Me Love
• Dream a Little Dream
• Shag
• Lord of the Ring trilogy
• Martian
• Star Trek

There are many more as we are a movie family.

I can say that I DO NOT LIKE horror movies. I never have, and I probably never will. I do not generally watch, go to, or buy horror movies. Growing up I did not watch scary movies, and I would even less now that they appear more and more real everyday.

Favorite TV Shows

• The Walking Dead
• Criminal Minds
• Vikings
• Chopped / Iron Chef
• Suits
• Tudors

This is the good stuff...

I have an entire room in my house devoted to my crafting. I make everything from scrapbooks to scarves. I love working with paper and making things.

I love making custom scrapbooks, junk journals, drawing, and zentangles. More recently I finally gave in and joined the planner movement. I'll know soon enough if I can keep up with all the planer gurus out there.

• I love smash books and junk journals! I love making these and using them!!!

• If anyone wants to do a private trade for art journals, or ephemera, let me know...

• MAIL ART ROCKS!!! I love receiving and sending creative mail.

Cooking

I love to cook and bake! I have always been in love with being in the kitchen. I started cooking at a young age, and never stopped.

I also make candy, and bake.

Christmas time is my favorite time of the year, and I take time every year to make treats and crafts for everyone I know, literally. My girls and I have an annual tradition of baking cookies, and making candies to hand out.

and More

Favorite colors - green, pink, and aqua blue

Snowmen!!! I adore snowmen..

Washi and decorative tape - where was this stuff years ago, it looks good everywhere.

Anything Tim Holtz style - Does not have to be name brand, it's the grungy style that is cool.

I am also able to sew, knit, crochet, and cross stitch.

• washi/deco tape
• scrapbook stuff - can be odds and ends
• rubber stamps - can be ones you don't use anymore or stamped images on paper
• newspapers/magazines from other countrys
• coffee/candy/snacks from other countrys
• currency from other countrys
• maps/ticket stubs/or other ephemera for collage
• handmade mini journals/smash book stuff
• MAILART!
• snowmen... snowmen... snowmen - I would love to get some from other places.
• Christmas ornaments/decorations
• ATC materials

• Kawaii

• I love TEA! ... Earl Grey, Tazo Awake, Oolong - I would love to try your favorite!

• I am loving Graphic 45, Tim Holtz, and 7 Gypsies products.

I have 2 beautiful and talented daughters.

My oldest daughter is 20 and no longer lives at home. My younger daughter is 16 and in high school. My daughter is very busy between dance and school. She keeps me busy.

I also have 2 beloved fur babies - a bichon named Kaiser and a doxiepoo named Ruby. We lost our other bichon a few months ago, she lived a happy long life after being rescued from a puppy mill many years ago.

@maleedawl .. for Newbies - 3 Wishes International Swap -- This was the first swap I did on Swap-Bot.

@kiaurakaylee .. for Children's Swap Package -- Double Whammy - not only did she flake on my daughter, she was the host!

@emcdownald ... for Happy Mail Day is Back

@kittygoth ... for January Monthly Theme - Cold & Snowy

@NurseKelly ... for USA Big Fat Stuffed Envelope #15 .... ANGEL - @WOLFEAGLE

@Maelou .... Decorate a Journal

Send me a message if you have any questions or want to know more about me.

I expect this list to grow as my collection grows and I learn more.