Noel

Hi, this is Noel and it's finally time to edit my profile. I'm now three years post divorce and doing much better! I live in a sweet cottage with my cute little black cat, Fuerta. I'm recently retired and spend time traveling in my camper, kayaking, gardening and enjoying friends, family and home.

I retired as project manager for a fresh water marsh.. water in the desert is very special. My team and I worked to enhance and restore this beautiful place called Las Lagunas de Anza which is home to more than 200 species of nesting and migrating birds. Local school children come often to learn about wildlife, birds and history... as this wetland is also the first campsite in the US of the Anza Trail. When time permits, I enjoy being at my art desk surrounded by papers, pastels, paints, old books and vintage music.. so inspiring. I especially enjoy working with mixed media and encaustic and have recently joined some local art centers so that I can learn more and be involved.

As i grew up in high school in the mid 70's I'm still a rocker girl.. I love southern rock, classic rock, and blues. Also partial to classical, some country, gospel ( although I'm not black, I grew up in an all black church in the inner city and sang for years in a group called the Shalom Singers), and ballads and I adore Spanish guitar!

you are. each of us.. unique and wonderful. I am a believer that no matter our race, color, choice of whom we choose to love, religion... or not.. that each of us is deserving of kindness, love, equality in every way.

I love an afternoon rain, morning coffee, hearing the ocean, an occasional glass of pino grigio, Mexican mole, Indian curry, Vietnamese spring rolls...most ethnic foods. I'm not so fond of cutsey things although I can appreciate anothers enjoyment of them.. I prefer natural and earthy with a splash of fun and sunshine.

dreamy colors.. like blues and sunsets, silvers and golds... sometimes sparkly and misty. I think art with layers and textures ... mixed media is wonderful. playful and fun bring a smile too. not so fond of cartooney, goth, somber, or skulls, etc. Vintage is high on my list and I love love love words, literature, poetry, song lyrics.. anything written especially if it has notes of wisdom, love, gratefulness, inclusiveness...

Years ago I had the good fortune to take classes from a master paper maker and have loved making and aquiring handmade paper ever since.. incorporating it into handmade books, cards, encaustic work, envelopes etc. Its hard as you know to find time but its so so so satisfying!

now that I have been on here for awhile, I realize that sometimes its helpful to be more specific.. so... I love cats, dogs, and bunnies. and really all animals. I'm in love with the beach, the sea and all things ocean/seaside related. I love nature, wild animals, flowers, ferns, leaves, trees. I garden both flowers and vegies and enjoy cooking and trying new recipes.

my crafty loves include washi tape, old books that I can use for collage, ribbons and ephemera, charms, nice stickers, brads, buttons, textiles, antiques papers, vintage postcards, handmade paper, note cards, handmade envies, .... everything is so much fun to discover and try.

But... all that said... I love to experience the fresh ideas of others!! so please share what is you. Looking forward to "getting to know you"!

I will never flake..just couldn't do that...if you don't receive my swap..please PM me so that I can make it right for you. This experience is such a gift and I am grateful to be here and meet you in this artistic and cultural way.

I love to give hearts.. after a busy day with your job, your children/family and all that is going on and you still make time to send something special to another.. such kindness is rare and it's fun for me to recognize that.

Regarding "extras" I think I'm with so many others when I say that I send them for fun.. a little gift.. I enjoy reading your profiles and if I have something on hand I think you might enjoy... I'll toss it in.