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michellegarrette

michellegarrette
Date Joined: November 24, 2014
Last Online: February 25, 2024
Birthday: March 10
Country: United States
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About Me

Update: Life has been going through some crazy upheaval. Without going into details, swaps had to stop. I'm hoping to return to the swapping community in the future. We move from Hawaii to Oregon tomorrow and things are looking up. Thank you all for your understanding. Please know that I have missed this community dearly!

Update: I received a well-deserved 3 on a Zentangle swap (and will likely receive a second). Life got really in the way, ATCs were lost in my move, and I did not communicate appropriately. No excuses, I flubbed the swap. My partners did/will receive, but very late.

I'm a wife and mother of one toddler girl. I'm also a nurse and an avid cross stitcher. My family and I love hiking and travelling and planning our next adventure.

I was born and raised in Michigan (Go Blue!!) but when I was 28 I decided that the accumulated winters had just made me too cold. Hubby and I sold everything that wouldn't fit in a couple of suitcases, threw those in the back of our truck with our camping gear, drove across the country (amaaaaazing 17 days!), shipped our truck from California, and landed in Hawaii. We've been here 4+ years and I've pretty much thawed out.

I joined Postcrossing in March, then started swapping postcards on Instagram and one of my pen pals introduced me to ATCs. Aaaaaannnnnnndddd I'm obsessed. Totally obsessed.

Please check out my Instagram for ATCs that I've made. Or my Flickr album here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/126959785@N05/sets/72157649081247278/

Favorite Books

Where to begin?

My all time favorite book is Crystal Singer by Anne McCaffrey. I have also read her Dragonriders of Pern series 3569 times. At least.

image

I'm a sci-fi/fantasy (with the emphasis on fantasy) NUT! Lord of the Rings, Wheel of Time, Shannara, you name it, I love it.

I also started an attempt at the top 100 sci-fi novels of all time. I think I'm through 27 or 28. Hyperion by Dan Simmons blew. My. Mind.

But something about me, I WILL finish any book I start. If it hurts me and makes my eyes bleed it's so bad I'll finish it (I'm thinking of you "Undead and Unpopular".....)

I love to hang in bookstores and libraries (they are major destinations on every vacation I go on)

That's the University of Michigan Law Library; we took wedding photos there. And got shushed.

And I will often choose a book by the look and feel of the cover without cracking it open. Have I been burned that way? Yep. But I still do it.

Lately I love travel writing and anything that can evoke a certain place strongly, The Good Earth is on my nightstand right now.

And I'm 3/4 of the way through Lost In Translation on Audiobook. Love Audiobooks!

Favorite Movies

I love movies.

I could sit in one spot all day and have a marathon of: Harry Potter, LoTR, Star Wars, or Hunger Games.

I also love older movies: Casablanca is special to hubby and I. I will drop what I'm doing and watch anything with Esther Williams or Bette Davis. Those women, omg!

Random loves: The Princess Bride, Stardust, Red Sonja, the Conan movies, Bull Durham, What Dreams May Come, the Count of Monte Cristo.

Oh, and anything with Adrien Brody in it. =D

Favorite Television

First, Doctor Who! Hubby and I came to the show a bit late, so we're playing catch up on Netflix. Right now, we're watching the Eleventh Doctor's first season. I like him, but I don't know how he's going to beat Tennant. Just sayin.

image

We used to watch a lot of Grimm, which I still love, but we fell behind again, (we have a two year old) so Netflix, here we come!

And, Walking Dead! But, the baby will actually watch tv now (mostly in passing while she's tearing from one activity to the next, but still) so we don't watch it when she's awake. It's a bit scary.

Other than that, it's reality TV all the way: Face Off, Ink Masters, Project Runway, Master Chef, Chopped, Top Chef, pretty much any cooking competition show unless it has Bobby Fly on it, and Amazing Race. We want to be on Amazing Race someday.

Preferences

First, a little story to illustrate my philosophy on preferences: For my last tattoo, I pitched my artist an idea. A general concept. Wouldn't a can-can/Marie Antionette pin-up be fun? And she thought it would. And she asked me for specifics. And I had NONE. None. I sent her one pic that I liked to give her an idea of my style and that's it. She did the rest. And it turned out AMAZING. Why? Because: She. Is. The. Artist. And I've found than when I let an artist (even a would-be or a weekend artist) create something that they love and are excited about it is SOOOOOO much better than if I try to control every step of their process.

That being said, I know I like to look at a profile and be inspired. So...

I love:

-"lost places" (abandoned buildings, tumbling down old houses, castles, old cemetaries, urban ruins, anything that had a time in the sun that has now passed)

-Halloween, Dia de Los Muertos

-vintage/ephemera

-maps

-geisha

-cross stitch

-bumblebees

-peonies

-lilacs

-roses

-women

-books, book stores, people reading

-snow scenes

-pin ups

-tattoo flash

-multimedia

-things from the natural world

-collages

-Harry Potter. LoTR, Doctor Who, Star Wars

-yoga, Buddhism, eastern philosophies

-Paris, London, Athens, Prague, Budapest, St. Petersburg

-kawaii, Hello Kitty, My Little Pony

-sugar skulls

-pagan, elves, faeries, Renfaire

-steampunk

-Hawaiiana

I know that's a long list, but don't feel obligated to use it! If you get inspired by it then good. If not, then alright. I think anything from that list is just a bonus. I want you to create something that speaks to you.

I'm obsessed with Washi Tape, so if you like to use it, feel free to be liberal. I love seeing all of the different types and patterns.

My favorite color is grey. I enjoy all shades of grey or grey paired with brights. There really aren't any colors that I don't like, they all have their moments. I do tend to gravitate toward cool colors.

I love anything with bling or sparkle. I'm not afraid of glitter.

I like sad things. Sad messages and sayings. Sad places. Sad people. Sad is the new happy.

If you've read this far.... If you're also a Doctor Who fan, you can let me know by hiding a tiny TARDIS anywhere on any card. Doesn't match the theme? I don't care! It's the TARDIS!!

I don't care for: -A long list of dislikes. feel free to create and send it to me happily. If I REALLY don't like it, I'll keep it until I come across someone who would, and then I'll spread the creative love that way. =)

A Word on Swaps

I'm pretty new to Swap-Bot (joined 11/24/14), but I have been swapping on Postcrossing and Instagram for quite a while now. I can honestly say I have NEVER flaked on any swap ever. I did send a few late during my move in July/August and I am deeply sorry for that.

That being said, I do live on the island of Kauai in Hawaii in the middle of the Pacific. Sometimes, mail leaves here and arrives surprisingly quickly. Other times..... Well, let's just say that if you don't receive something from me and you think you should have, just shoot me a message and I'll re-send. USPS people are only human. (Even though sometimes they seem superhuman!)

I mostly swap ATCs and I love making them so much that I will HAPPILY make and send a replacement. I will be bummed out that you didn't get my first one, but I will be so happy to be creating again that it won't get me down for long.

Also, please be aware that I mark my swaps as sent when I drop them in the mailbox. So yea, some of my sent dates are on Sundays or holidays. And no, my sent date and my postmark might not always match. But I don't check postmarks on my incoming, I'm too focused on the art inside! And I hope we all trust each other enough to not keep such close tabs. :-)

Thank you.

Ratings

5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the journal.
CraftyCari rated for Prima Doll Tag #6 - Thanksgiving on Dec 30, 2015
5
rating
Comment: Sorry for being late at Rating. She's purttiful. Thanks so much.
1
rating
Comment: i sent you a message but it hasn't been read, if you get back to me i can change the rating
fabricfriend rated for Mini Handmade Art Journal R19 on Nov 14, 2015
5
rating
Comment: got it! happy swapping
fabricfriend rated for Mini Handmade Art Journal R20 on Nov 14, 2015
5
rating
Comment: thanks and happy swapping!
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the great backgrounds!
Response: You're welcome Janis! Have fun and thanks for the heart.
Cirsium rated for Pinterest Inspired Embroidery on Oct 12, 2015
5
rating
Comment: I love the adorable mermaid! Thank you so much!
Response: I'm so glad you like her! Thanks for the heart!
3
rating
Comment: I truly hate to rate you a 3, but under the circumstances, I feel 3 is justified. 1. This was sent out really late past the deadline of 30 August, on 23 September. In fact, it was already late when you marked it sent on 31 August. 2. No contact despite knowing it was already late. In future as the swap host for this series, I ask that you be sure to send on time and contact your partner/host if you encounter any issues. 3. Instructions were not followed. I would like to point out that this is a Zentangle inspired swap. Please refer to free, online resources to find out what Zentangle/tangles really are. If you had faced any issues you could have contacted me way before the timeline, like others have.
Response: I apologize. I deserve this three, it was well earned for the late send and I'm quite ashamed of myself. I should have contacted you and explained. I had so many other things going on in my life that I did not take time to attend to my Swap-Bot responsibilities as I should have. I also apologize for not Zentangling correctly? I did google Zentangles to find inspiration but they weren't official? Anyway, thank you for letting me know that it arrived and I apologize again for the late send and the lack of communication.
5
rating
Comment: This is a great journal.
Response: Isn't it? Have fun!
JypsyJenifer rated for PICK YOUR POISON ATC OR APC on Sep 8, 2015
5
rating
Comment: Love it Thank you so much!!!
Response: You're so very welcome Jenifer. Thanks for the heart and the understanding.
Kamishaja rated for Prima Doll Tag #4 - 4th of July on Sep 6, 2015
5
rating
Comment: Thanks for the tag! Sorry for the late rating.
Response: No worries! I'm glad you like her.
5
rating
Comment: I really like your whimsical background, I almost hate to add to it. :-) And the extra set should be fun to work on. Thank you! :-)
Response: I'm so glad you like it! Have fun.
Dakotaann rated for Pinterest Inspired Embroidery on Aug 3, 2015
5
rating
Comment: Eeee!!! I'm so excited I got the little Dia De Los Muertos girl! You did an amazing job!! All those fancy stitiches (all I know is back-stitch so far XD)! Thank you so very much! I can't wait to frame her! <3
Response: Whew! I'm so glad you love her. I TOTALLY wanted to keep her, haha! That's how I know I did a good job! The fancy stitches are not difficult. I just google embroidery stitches, lol!
dogkisses rated for ATC JAMS Bag #7 on Jul 30, 2015
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the extras. Our jam circle needs to be more than 3...lol
Response: Haha, for real! Thanks for the heart!
5
rating
Comment: Wow! Great work, thank you! I love them!
Response: Thanks! I'm glad you like them. Great idea for a swap thanks for hosting
Eponita rated for Mini Handmade Art Journal R18 on Jul 23, 2015
5
rating
Comment: It arrived safe and sound! I love your page. This journal is a hefty little one!
Response: It is, isn't it? So lovely but SO heavy!! Have fun with that little work of art. I did!
Mugsie rated for 200,000th Swap on Jul 16, 2015
5
rating
Comment: Hi Michelle, I am so sorry this rating is late. I wish I could give you more than one heart for the amazing postcard you made, it's awesome and I love it! Thank you so very much! XO Kelly :)
Response: Thanks for the rating Kelly!! No worries on being late, I definitely understand. Thanks for the heart (and the extra wish-I-could-give hearts)
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the wonderful potions cabinet. I am sure this took lots of work. I love it! If I could give you two hearts, I would.
Response: Yay! I'm so glad you like it. =) It was a LOT of fun to make! One heart is plenty!!
AussieCass rated for ZIA Swap #9.1: Borderlines II ATC on Jul 13, 2015
5
rating
Comment: Thankyou for these. I lookforward to adding the centre. I will try to remember to take a pic for you once they are complete. :)
Response: I'm glad you like them. After the ones j received (gorgeous!!) I'm afraid mine are a bit childish. I'm fairly new to tangling so I'm glad they're not too terrible. Thanks for the heart, can't wait to see the finished product!
Allegrae rated for ATC JAMS Bag #6 on Jul 10, 2015
5
rating
Comment: Fabulous assortment of jams! I look forward to working on them!
Response: Whew! It's my first JAMS bag so glad I did well! I can't wait to see it go round and round!!

Rating Overview

Overall Hearts Stars Hosted
4.9842 334 15 19
Completed Fives Threes Ones
307 377 1 1
Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Uncategorized
19 11 277 0
View all

Currently In

  • the user is not currently in any swaps :(

Currently Hosting

  • the user is not hosting any current swaps

Groups

    the user is not currently in any groups

Comments

lilymonmomma on Jun 26, 2015:

Hey I dropped you Usagi ATC in the mail today :)

BTim on Jun 21, 2015:

Happy Solstice!

bonfire

by Petritap, via Wikimedia Commons

solstice2015

from Anders Dahlberg’s Instagram

Stonehenge Midsummer Sunset

Stonehenge Midsummer Sunset by Stonehenge Stone Circle, on Flickr

druideye on Jun 20, 2015:

This is very active to me, it tells me that sitting back and just saying "Happy Solstice" is not enough for me. I need to actively find ways to celebrate it.

This reminds me of my garden - flowers, bees, fruit of the vine.

Sunflowers are one of my favorite flowers, and the dragon pleases my fantastical side!

APDG - Summer Solstice Blessings, Pamela (druideye)

anrtist on Jun 16, 2015:

June 21 is SUMMER SOLSTICE ;-)
This is our celebration with the
APDG ~ Summer Solstice Swap,
The Definition:
sum·mer sol·stice
noun
the solstice that marks the onset of summer, at the time of the longest day, about June 21 in the northern hemisphere and December 22 in the southern hemisphere.

PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK to 15 very interesting facts about SOLSTICE that I HOPE you will enjoy!
That article is so interesting and I was happy to find this graphic after reading the significance of Stonehenge. I have a friend named David who grew up there and says they climbed all over those stones growing up and played there, can you imagine that?

I like this sun ART so much! I collect sea shells and luv the beach so this one reaally caught my eye! I hope you enjoy it too ;-)

I like this art too.... I hope you like the "Variety" of SUN Graphics I tried to share ;-) Blessings, cc

jesslynne on Jun 14, 2015:

APDG ~ Harry Potter!

jesslynne on Jun 14, 2015:

Hey there! This is for the ** ** Swap! I hope you like the images I picked for you :)

Happy Swapping!

JessLynne

vlhafer54 on Jun 11, 2015:

Thank you for the yellow backgrouind ATC jam. It looks great!

JessRoussos on Jun 9, 2015:

Lizard
Just for fun : )

thriftymermaid on May 19, 2015:

Welcome to the Mermaid Lovers Unite Group! Please check out our forum for a WTA going on now, to give us your swap ideas and to share your birthday info. There are a couple of swaps up now and more coming soon. If you'd like to host swaps please PM me and I will promote you to officer to do so. We're very happy to have you aboard and look forward to swapping with you soon!

VaGrammy66 on May 4, 2015:

May The Fourth Be With You! Profile Decoration

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