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Vianna

Vianna
Date Joined: January 5, 2011
Last Online: December 9, 2018
Birthday: May 4, 1954
Country: United States
My Flickr Photos

THE LONG VERSION ...

Hello! I'm mainly a postcard collector, though I'd enjoy having a stimulating correspondence should the chance arise. I'm also interested in small fabric swatches that can be used for quilt appliques. I dont join many swaps, and when I do I read people's profiles and take pride in sending a something that the recipient would enjoy receiving. I also exchange postcards at Postcrossing and SendSomething.net (again, occasionally). Please message me if you have not received my swap, if you want to set up a private swap or if you think we share an interest.

I am a working professional, 49 years walking this planet, married for 21, living on the West coast of Florida since '86, no children. My husband and I share our lives with two 'fur-babies': one dog (King Charles Spaniel, 5 y.o) and one huge tomcat who joined us in 2003 and whose age remains a mystery. Here are some pictures:

My husband and fur-baby Mia "My husband and fur-baby Mia, Christmas 2010"

My husband and I "My husband and I"

"Our other fur-baby, Kitty Nolan Amongus"

I am also caregiver to my mother who, in her nineties, continues to live in her own home, just around the corner from ours. As you can imagine, working and being a caregiver (and trying to have some fun now and then) makes for some very busy days around here.

"My mother and then four-months old Mia, 2008"

I have a very large postcard collection. I've collected cards from all over the world for decades, although not always in an organized fashion. Only these last few years I began concentrating my efforts on WORLD CHURCHES, LIGHTHOUSES, MAPS OF ALL SORTS, and BRIDGES - but all postcards have a good home here, though some multi-views are too small to be properly appreciated. At some point I want to have all the cards categorized & in albums because too many are still languishing in shoe boxes ...

My music of choice is classical, but on occasion, depending on mood and activity, I enjoy jazz, blues, and bits and pieces from other styles and countries. (I like Rob Zombie, so go figure!) I'm told my music tastes are "eclectic" - they certainly cover a wide range).

When I was a child I took piano lessons for ten years. I occasionally still enjoy being in touch with the keys. Pieces by Chopin and John Field are my favorite, but mostly I play CD's now, MP3s or Pandora radio. I cant get much done without some background music ...

As time permits, I LOVE READING and have a large personal library. I could get lost with a book and Mozart for days ... I'm a member of two local book clubs and I enjoy hearing about new worth-while authors from around the world. I generally read two books each week, one fiction and one non-fiction, in addition to newspapers, magazines and a number of blogs. I also enjoy poetry. Yes, I'm a reincarnated bookworm, and we could talk books all day long!

The fact is, I've had a love affair with all things paper since childhood: end-table surfaces are always populated by magazines, walls by bookcases and my desk by writing paraphernalia: fountain pens, postcards, stamps and related what-not's. I even collect old books just for the way they look, smell and feel and I'm saddened when people "alter" these gems.

Occasionally I scrapbook or create funny cards in Photoshop for my friends - but I'm no artist. I'm left-brained (programmer, technical writer, MBA & all that) but I work hard at expressing myself creatively. I believe the world would be a better place if all of us nurtured our creative side.

I love beautiful handwriting, preferring snail-mail letters & cards to their electronic versions. Short notes, at short intervals, work best because my own handwriting leaves much to be desired and let's face it, neither my eyes, nor my span of concentration is what it once was ...

If I watch television (which isn't much), I hand embroider or quilt something at the same time. We watch episodes of Castle, Blacklist, Revenge, and anything Masterpiece Theater on PBS. I'm also a Doctor Who fan from waaay back ... and I enjoy all costume/period movies (that is, where the story takes place anytime before WW-II).
On occasion I also crochet or knit, but in Florida it's rather warm for woolly things, so I crochet edgings for pillow cases, curtains, for scarves or tee-shirts. As much as I like to craft/sew for the sake of art, I mostly work on projects that pay back with practicality, if not beauty ☺

I have an adventurous and inquisitive spirit, pursuing Beauty and Knowledge at every step.
I'd rather be outdoors than not and I dislike architectural styles stingy with windows. I'm interested in foreign cultures and their languages, their music and foods, history, and art. I traveled half the world, and though for now my mother's care only allows for overnight RV (camper) trips close to home, someday I plan to see the other half of the world. I 'm a hopeless Romantic born 200 years too late, who would have been very happy in a Jane Austen world. I have kept a "diary-cum-journal-scrapbook thingy" for over thirty years. The practice helps me organize my thoughts, sort thru my feelings, work thru various issues, but mostly, it's a great memory aid ( and one comes to really appreciate this as one ages). I live in harmony with the seasons, the time of day, with nature and all things. A sense of balance is paramount. Poetry soothes me, I love the Internet, I enjoy all performing & visual arts, and I work continuously on improving my photography skills. My camera goes everywhere with me (all hail Cannon!). I keep Photoshop on every computer. I enjoy my home, prefer warm weather, adore chocolate, love a good single-malt scotch and fine cooking; wine and desert with every meal is the motto in this house - and then, walk that extra mile at every opportunity. I'm no sports afficionado, but I live a fairly healthy life-style. I believe Life is good and there is hope for humanity. If there are a few things I'm not too fond of they probably are (in no particular order) politicians, telemarketing, noise, and ignorant, rude people. Photos of family and "stuff" can be viewed at Flickr and also on Facebook - if you're the visual type.

So ... I wish you, reading this (if you're still reading at this point) a rich & happy life, lots of fun swaps and only positive ratings. I'm always delighted to make contact with kindred spirits of all ages and from all planets. See you in the mail!

THE SHORT VERSION ...

Mostly I'm here to swap postcards.

And though all postcards have a good home in my large collection, I am currently working to enlarge my collection of world churches, maps, bridges, lighthouses and sports venues/stadiums. If any of these are available to you, I would be more than delighted - Thank you!

                                     * * * 

I'm also looking to make (one day) a FLAGS OF THE WORLD art quilt. If you dont live in the United States, and if you can send a small piece of fabric printed with your country's flag(s), please let me know and I'll swap for it if I have something you want. A piece as small as 6x6 inches (20cmx20cm) would quite suffice (though a bit larger would be better) and also, I could even incorporate one of those touristy fabric patches that is a flag from your country (they are generally sewn on jackets/hats and such). As I said, it's going to be an "art quilt", so there is a lot freedom in design and materials. Contact me if interest, and thank you. ♥

Ratings

Johanna51 rated for CREATE A POSTCARD FROM A PHOTO on Jun 17, 2014
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the beautiful postcard. I often use the photo's my husband makes. You can see them here: www.janfolkert.nl If possible write something in his guestboek (gastenboek) Thank you
5
rating
Comment: Thanks for re-sending, I got the second card :) Thanks for telling so much about the lighthouse in the card!
5
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Comment: Hi, Vianna Finally i received your PCs. Love it!Really beautiful view there. Thanks
audrey rated for A little sticker swap #2 on Oct 12, 2013
5
rating
Comment: Thanks for checking my profile. And a funny thing, I got the same set of cat stickers in another swap, Halloween card, on the same day! What are the odds???
ladybug rated for Simple Postcard Swap on Oct 3, 2013
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the beautiful PC. Have a super day! :)
tiathyme rated for Dog Postcard on Sep 26, 2013
5
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Comment: Thank you for resending!! I finally got your card today and I love it! Thank you so much. :D :D
Response: So glad you got it and like it ♥
micnny rated for 5 touristy postcards in an envie # 4 on Sep 23, 2013
5
rating
Comment: Thank you ur swap postcard is beautiful ..happy swapping ^_^!!!
5
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Comment: Vianna, Thank you soooo much for the Florida postcards!
widelo123 rated for Life's a Beach! Postcard Swap on Aug 6, 2013
5
rating
Comment: Thank you so much for the history and postcard of Clearwater. I truly enjoy the beaches and wished they didn't have to be so commercialized. Grew up spending summers at Hampton Beach, NH in the 40's up to the 90's. So, I really could see the vast change there. Shirley
Response: So glad you enjoyed the postcard! I'll write you again, it seems we have much in common. Best wishes ♥
Melyssa rated for NTG Receiver's Choice #9 on Jun 23, 2013
5
rating
Comment: We are a lot alike with books as I usually read a fiction and non-fiction at the same time, and also have hundreds if not thousands of books around my house. I made my formal dining room into a library and love it in there. I am especially interested in your recommended titles on happiness, a subject right now that I struggle with. I have read The Happiness Project and the one about happiness by the Dalai Lama but will look into these others as well. I am in the middle of a cross country move right now and won't be settled until the end of August right now so am on a swap-bot hiatus.
5
rating
Comment: What a wonderful envelope of goodies!!!! Thank you so much. I love that you included the history of the Cape Florida Lighthouse. Sorry you didn't have the winning ticket, bummer. I'm excited to write back, watch for it soon.
Response: So glad you enjoyed my mail. I look forward to hearing from you, when you can write. Best wishes ♥
Keelbird rated for NEWBIE : PoStCaRd SWAP on May 14, 2013
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the fantastic card (front and back!) of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge! And all the interesting facts!
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the lovely letter, the tea, and the beautiful card! I'm itching to write you back! I'm excited to have more letter exchanges and et to know you if you like! Thank you again!
Response: I'd be delighted to hear from you ... though I imagine finding time to write during the glorious Japanese springtime wont be easy ☺ Enjoy the tea. V.
StrictlyRudeGirl rated for Pretty Postcard Swap on May 4, 2013
5
rating
Comment: I love the postcard, thanks!!! :) I've been in love with the Sunshine Skyway Bridge ever since I was 12 and I got to ride in a vehicle over it :) I love bridges anyway but that one will always be a favorite!
Response: I aim to please - though it's not always easy when living in a small town with limited postcard selection ... I'm certainly glad it brought you joy. Cheers♥
5
rating
Comment: Lovely selection, lovely packaging - thx! Hugs, Terry (";)
Response: So glad you liked the notecards! I wanted to write you a note as well but time didn't permit that day ... another time perhaps. Enjoy sending them off to family and friends ♥
kirstyenarno rated for a Handfull of Notecards on Apr 24, 2013
5
rating
Comment: Multiple hearts!! :-) Thank you for the wonderful handmade card, and the selection of notecards. Thank you very much, they are wonderfull!! I'll swap with you anytime :-) I can read your handwriting perfectly well, noworries
Response: I'm happy you liked the selection. Enjoy sending them off to family and friends ♥ When yours arrive I will let you know. Enjoy the Spring days!
candigirl rated for A postcard from your town # 3 on Apr 23, 2013
5
rating
Comment: Oh, Vianna, you couldn't have picked a better postcard for me!! We just traveled over the bridge a few months back, we were visiting your side of the state for the day, and my dad was thrilled to be able to go over the "big bridge"....thanks so much!! (also, loved your long note to me!! Awesome...And I totally understand about the local postcard scene drought...our Walmart has one card with the name of my town on it, and it has a generic scene of three dolphins. Lame. hahaha..)
Response: It makes me happy to know you enjoyed the postcard. Give it to your dad ♥ And may we get paired one day once again - enjoy the spring weather!♥
5
rating
Comment: LOVED this card!! Thank you so much!
Response: I'm so glad you enjoyed the postcard ... I'm sorry it wasn't addressed to Bryce; somehow I totally forgot about that after I read your profile ... Thank you for the heart ♥
YankeeUnicorn rated for Wish Postcard #2 on Apr 12, 2013
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the nice postcard and history of that bridge. It was very interesting to read. Not really a wish though but I did enjoy it. Your dog is very cute:)
Response: I guess the wish might ask "wouldnt you love to be in Florida right now?" I'm glad you enjoyed the card.
Mierna rated for CAT postcard swap on Feb 12, 2013
5
rating
Comment: Thank you very much! I like simple cards with cute kittens, and special thanks for that long text and two stamps about space.
Response: I'm glad it arrived and you enjoy it. I aim to please as much as possible. Greetings from Florida.

Rating Overview

Overall Hearts Stars Hosted
5.0000 83 4 7
Completed Fives Threes Ones
93 107 0 0
Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Uncategorized
1 87 5 0
View all

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Comments

ms0133 on Sep 3, 2011:

Thank you so much for the Florida postcards! They are* so beautiful!!!

mwquilt on Aug 6, 2011:

Vianna..thankyou for the great fabric and notecards, which really brightened my day when they arrived this morning. And thankyou also for the lovely letter you enclosed..I do appreciate it ..and all those "green" stamps on the envie...they are in my collection now :-) Marina.

mwquilt on Jun 28, 2011:

Thanks for the flamingoes in sunglasses postcard..it's amazing :-) Great selection of postage stamps on the card too. I can read your handwriting just fine, but I wouldn't mind if you preferred to type if you send to me in the future.

livvy on May 18, 2011:

Vianna!! Your little package of goodies arrived this morning! The envelope was so pretty I didn't want to open it! And I LOVE the stamps you sent me! I'm getting back into sorting out my collection after joining Swapbot and they make a great addition - so many unusual designs, I loved the Disney ones so so much!! And the stickers were really cute too! It was so kind of you to send them to me - I hope your 'goodies' arrive soon!
Have a lovely day!
Livvy xxx <3

mwquilt on Feb 1, 2011:

thanks for the lovely flamingo postcard. I loved the postage stamps on it too, and the sparkly flamingo motif :-) It was interesting to read what you wrote about the flamingos..wish I could give you a heart for this card.

badgerlore on Jan 22, 2011:

Read my profile and post a comment:

I, too, am an absolute fiend of anything that involves paper. It's good to find a fellow postcard addict; I don't have much organization either but I'm getting there! I'm jealous of your "personal library". Someday when I stop moving every year or so I will boast the same, I hope!

ArtisticExpression on Jan 21, 2011:

Hi Vianna! I received your wonderful postcard today! Thank you! Your city reminds me a lot of my hometown in Michigan! Beautiful! Thanks so much for the swap! Please do let me know if you wish to coordinate another sometime. :)

ArtisticExpression on Jan 9, 2011:

Greetings, Vianna! Welcome to Swapbot! I see you are quite new, but I know you will very much enjoy everything Swapbot has to offer! I am relatively new as well (11/2010), but have already completed many, many swaps and met so many fabulous people from the world over! I enjoyed reading your profile, especially the part about loving to read! My husband and I, too, have a large personal library filled with many different types of books. We are a reading family! :) I also noticed you enjoy receiving and collecting postcardsl. If interested, please feel free to send me a PM for a private postcard swap - I also collect postcards! Love them! I wish you a happy, book-filled 2011! Cheers!

ChristieAnn on Jan 9, 2011:

Hi...I just read your profile and have to totally agree with you that I also always feel like I am playing the catch up game. Life is so busy and unfortunately I find it harder and harder to do things that I love like crafting, reading and watching some TV! Todays economy is forcing me to work more hours leaving me less time overall!

Here's too a Happy New Year with more time for us!

:) ChristieAnn

PostMuse on Jan 6, 2011:

Welcome to Swap Bot AND Notecard to Go, Vianna! Thank you for joining!

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