What's Your Spark? US/Can *NEWBIE FRIENDLY*

Edited to add: Newbies must have a well-filled out profile (especially if unrated).

A spark is something that makes you feel vital. Like when you're doing something you enjoy so much, time just evaporates. You don't have to be great at it, or a professional. It doesn't have to be "art." (It could be playing a sport, reading, watching a sport, cooking, taking hikes, coloring, gardening. Think broadly!) You're just happy when you do it! And you can have more than one spark in your life. Some people will have many sparks they like to dabble with; others may have a deep, abiding interest in one thing.

You will have two partners (and can send the same thing to each).

In this swap, you will do three things:

First, you will write a letter to your partner about your sparks. Describe what they are, how you became interested in doing them, how long you've been at it. You may handwrite or type. Make an effort to tell the stories; this is about you sharing a piece of yourself to maybe inspire another.

Second, choose one of your sparks and tell your partner what she can do to learn more if she is interested. If you were the teacher, tell them what supplies they would need. Provide names of books or websites that can teach. Be a mentor. Don't worry whether your recipient already does this spark of yours; you might have information previously unknown to her.

Third, (and this might be the most challenging or most fun part), come up with something small related to that spark to give your partner. If you're passionate about soccer, it could be stickers of soccer balls, an ATC with something soccer related, or interesting shoelaces. If you're a reader, it could be a quality bookmark or a list of recent books you've loved. If you sew, it might be a swatch of fabric. Travel? A postcard. Baking? A recipe. Movies? A ticket stub. Making art? Some paper or embellishments. Singing? A list of songs/bands to look up. You may also make an ATC that reflects the spark (of reading, sewing, traveling, baking, music, movies, etc.) There are many possibilities!

The key to this swap is to share your heart. Connect within yourself with what makes you feel alive and show this to your partner. Let them see you and feel the energy of your spark! Maybe they'll catch a new spark from you, or be revived to nurture an old one.

This is sender's choice, so you can get started on this now before partners are assigned.

I will allow unrated newbies in this swap. I will ban anyone with 1s or 3s from the past six months.

Most importantly, have fun!

(I will angel if need be.)