I live outside of Columbus, OH with a DH and two terribly rowdy cats (Galen and Cody aka Riot and Chaos). I am a stay-at-home graphic designer and spend much of my time caring for a retired husband and trying to keep up with my out-of-control acre of yard/gardens. Former jobs include bartender in a poolhall, graphic artist in an offset printshop, a stained glass artisian, a high school freshman science/biology teacher, and a raptor rehabilitator/field researcher and zookeeper.

Be the change you wish to see in the world.

I like all kinds of music (except for most rap). My tastes are eclectic. I like obscure artists like Townes Van Zandt, Keb 'Mo, Leon Redbone, and Hazmat Modine. Adore Stevie Ray Vaughn, Bonnie Raitt, and most all rhythm and blues. Other favorites that spring to mind are The Beatles, Peter Gabriel, Ani DiFranco, The Blasters, Offspring, Stained, Bad Religion, Jimmy Buffett, Beethoven, Bob Dylan, Green Day, and everything from the late 60s.

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.

I read mostly forensic novels, mystery novels, crime novels. With a scattering of other things thrown in there. Favorite character is Lucas Davenport from the "Prey" series by John Sanford. Like Tom Robbins (esp. "Jitterbug Perfume"). Reread "Shogun" and "The Drifters" about every five years. Used to read a lot of Piers Anthony fantasy (now that would make for a fun swap series!)

Fall down 7 times . . . get up 8!

Waaaaay to many to list fully. Like most movies by Walter Hill, John Carpenter, and the Cohen Brothers. Movies I see over and over include Immortal Beloved, Continental Divide, Streets of Fire, The Hunt for Red October, Fargo, Braveheart, Excalibur, A Lion in Winter, The Birdcage, Breaking Away, Thelma and Louise, and Point Break.

And the flowers bloom like madness in the spring

Mostly watch forensic/drama stuff. Favorite show of all time -- Law and Order Criminal Intent with Vincent D'Onofrio. Also like Criminal Minds. Dexter is da bomb! Like obscure series like "Good Neighbors" (The Good Life) out of England and quirky stuff like Monk. Love to hate Dr. House. Rewatch the Firefly/Serenity series often. And DH is a HUGE Star Trek and Simpsons fan so I absorb that whether I want to or not! :) Newer shows that I am enjoying include Vikings, Modern Family, Person of Interest, Elementary, and Castle. And, unfortunately, they cancelled Lie to Me -- major bummer! New fan of The Big Bang Theory! It is too funny!

T.H.I.N.K. before you speak. Is it True? Helpful? Inspiring? Necessary? Kind?

Have tried them all -- knitting, crocheting, weaving, pottery, stained glass, beading, sewing, cross-stitch, painting, silkscreening, and numerous paper crafts. I have moderate arthritis in my hands, so presently I concentrate on paper and fabric designs, and some beading. I really miss stained glass as I used to design huge pieces for churches and restaurants. And 30 years of cross-stitch has wrecked my left thumb, so I don't do much stitching anymore (but still appreciate the medium).

I am presently concentrating on ATCs and Inchies while swapping on Swap-bot. I also want to try to do some block printing (which I did ages ago while in college) and I am a novice at zentangles (but am enjoying the learning process!) I am pushing myself to improve my average illustrating skills. Recently I have been trying to teach myself to watercolor. I also like Gelli printing, marbling paper, making handmade papers, and doing eggshell mosaic work. I am also teaching myself bookbinding.

I do mostly mixed media -- watercolor pencils, gel pens, sharpie markers, chalks, alcohol inks, and distress inks. I use intricate original design paper-piecings cut on my professional die-cutter. I often embellish with fabric, fibers, buttons, or beads. Occasionally I use my own photography in projects. Sometimes I use scrapbooking techniques on my cards. I really like to mix it up and do different types and styles of artwork.

I have a few other favorite hobbies: bird-watching, gardening, cooking, photography, fishing, and travel. I have an advanced degree in biology (concentrated in ornithology) and all science fascinates me. I like all colors, but love purple! Also jewel colors -- teal, turquoise, ruby, emerald. I collect dragonflies mostly, but also frogs, hedgehogs, turtles, and puffins. I am also a big fan of mermaids, fairies, and Noah's ark. I love Art Nouveau designs. Charley Harper is my all-time favorite artist, but I am also quite fond of Sulamith Wulfing, John William Waterhouse, Alphonse Mucha, Susan Boulet, Gustav Klimt, Van Gogh, Robert Bateman, Glen Loates, Cicely Mary Barker's Flower Fairies, and photography by Ansel Adams, Annie Leibovitz, and Anne Geddes.

Quick List of Favorite Things:

♥ Autumn, sunsets, dewy mornings, snowflakes (one at a time LOL)

♥ Beaches, mountains, sparkling lakes

♥ Dragonflies, butterflies, bees

♥ Frogs and turtles

♥ Bizarre Animals: platypus, pangolin, okapi, coelacanth, jellyfish, sloth, narwhal

♥ Seahorses, starfish, horseshoe crabs, sea turtles

♥ Cephlapods! (octopus, squid, cuttlefish, nautilus)

♥ Raptors (esp. owls), hummingbirds, ostrich, puffins, flamingos, peacocks

♥ Hedgehogs, tapirs, big cats, giraffes, polar bears

♥ Any and all type of family pet

♥ Violets, iris, columbines, morning glories, wildflowers

♥ Noah's Ark, mermaids, fairies, gnomes, griffins, phoenix

♥ Anything by Charlie Harper (nature artist)

♥ PURPLE, jewel colors, silver

♥ Tiny charms, designs, ephemera, etc. for use on ATCs and inchies

♥ Decorative buttons -- vintage or newer, to be used in jewelry design and bookmaking.

POSTCARDS

I have started collecting postcards again after a 50 year hiatus. Therefore, pretty much any kind of postcard is welcome. Especially ones that reflect my interests -- favorite artists, photography, nature, animals and flowers, quirky, unusual, travel (especially map cards), etc. I have recently discovered Vanity Fair postcards and I think they would be fun to collect.

POSTAGE STAMPS

They are beautiful little artworks. If you go to the trouble to use actual stamps on my envelopes (as opposed to metered mail) I will greatly appreciate it!

DISLIKES

Please no Disney, Kawaii, Girly girl / baby / kid's stuff. I just have no use or interest in them. Thanks!

I am finalizing my ATC collection and would love to fill in the following themes. Please let me know if you would like to do a private swap.

Heart (2), Fortune (1), Halloween (1), Snow (1), Reindeer (1), Bird (5), Moon (4), Dragonfly (1), Mermaid (1), Octopus (1), Seahorse/Starfish/Jellyfish (6), Turtle (1), Waterlily (1), Rainbow/Sunshine (1), Renaissance/Royalty (1), Mushroom/Toadstool (1)

Thank you Thank you to these lovely ANGELS!

MonsterAlice for "Science Quote ATC (smallgirlafterall)" [Thanks for the wonderful ATC! Love it!]

JenHuff for "Design a . . . Cat . . . ATC (Goggabos)" [Gorgeous zentangle design - THANKS!!]

yunasy for "History ATC - Middle Ages #1 (Smilinthyme)" [I have always dearly loved that unicorn tapestry - thanks so much!]

LauraAust for "MEGA SWAP!! (US only) (rajo04)" [Love the pretty colorful jellyfish -- he makes me happy!]

LauraAust for "Pink Christmas (half-MEGA) ATC Swap (scrappintwins)" [Pink and white snowflakes -- how appropriate LOL Very cute ATC!]

islandgirl for "ATC Addict's - March Sender's Choice (angelslater)" [Absolutely a magical delightful Make-me-laugh ATC -- thanks SO much!]

OMG!! February 2012 Marryth angled me everything outstanding to date! She sent me "Design-A-Cat", "Steve Irwin (Whiskey)", "Pink Christmas", "Science Quote", "Pastel Inchies (HusFrejaVirk)" plus FIVE more ATCs for WTA flakes. Thank you thank you thank you!

KatarinaNavane for "ATC Mega Swap with a Catch (CreepyGirl)" [Incredibly delicate and detailed etching/drawing -- absolutely beautiful!]

Fatherted for "Dragonfly ATC (lilpuddin)" [Beautiful summer-fire dragonfly -- a special addition to my collection!]

dardarbinx for "Dragonfly ATC" [Thank you so much for angeling your swap -- so sorry the flaker hit right before your vacation. I love the ATC you made when you returned home]

VivaLaDiane for "I Need Some More ATCs in My Collection!!!" [Very cool ghostly spooky vintage Halloween ATC -- it is hard to describe in words because it is just so dang perfect!]

Paige1900 for "3 Techniques ATC - Bat (Popcornikimppu1)" [One of the coolest ATCs ever -- the wings are just incredible. I absolutely love him!]

KatarineNavane for "3 Techniques ATC - Sea Turtle (O2girl)" [beautiful colors and intricate background design. Thanks for angeling this for me!]

zoev1975 for "TNW-ATC-Toadstool (NaughtyElf)" [Thank you for sending me some magical fairy mushrooms!]

Sternenfee for a RAK "Decipher this Code" postcard. I had to work but my reward was a delightful message and beautiful map postcard. Thanks!