mejulia

Hi, I am a definite snail mail addict. I love both sending and receiving mail. I have never not sent a swap and appreciate when someone tells me if a swap doesn't arrive. I have resent swaps with no problems, just am not psychic that something didn't arrive. I also rate all swaps the day they arrive.

I'm a Southern California native, married, mother of two, grandmother of three and great grandmother of one with a second great granddaughter on the way. I am retired! I retired twelve years ago and love every minute of my life. Still wondering when I had the time to work as I have so much I enjoy doing and not enough time to complete everything. I especially love writing pen pals and would love to hear from you. Just send me a note for my address. I love cooking, baking, reading, making cards and about anything else I am doing. I enjoy anything to do with Christmas. I always enjoy making at least one gift for each member of my family. This year there are lots of crocheted pot holders, some counted cross stitch magnets and a few counted cross stitch bookmarks. I have 21 family members and give each one 25 small gifts as Advent gifts. They are all wrapped in aluminum foil. I shop year round and often put items I receive in swaps in the boxes. I also love sending naked mail and my grandchildren have learned not to be surprised at what arrives in the mail. I live close enough to the original Disneyland to see the nightly fireworks

Miracle on 34th Street, Polar Express

OK, I lack a lot in the talent department but not in the enjoy trying department so I keep having fun trying. I enjoy making envelopes, counted cross stitch, huck weaving, crocheting and want to get back to making note cards. I am just starting ATCs. Actually, haven't made one yet but have the supplies.

Surprises

something unique from your country or part of the U.S.

recipes or cookbooks put out by churches or clubs - used is fine

anything to do with cookies = recipes, cookie cutters, etc.

anything to do with Christmas (OK, I don't consider snowmen to have anything to do with Christmas)

Gingerbread men and anything with Gingerbread men on it

I am a desert rat and wish I could move back to the desert. I love tortoises, cactus, lizards, snakes and anything else that reminds me of the desert.

anything with the Pillsbury Dough Boy on it

favorite colors are any jewel tone.

small counted cross stitch projects, especially Christmas or bookmarks, or 14 count fabric in any color

Something that interests you and will expand my world and knowledge

something small I can give as Christmas gifts

surprises

Anything to do with prejudice or hate.

anything to do with nudity

long dislike lists

gum

washi tape unless it is Christmas related.

memo pads

Kawaii or other cute things. I'm not a cute person.

then again, I love surprises so most everything is OK

I have joined a lot of post card swaps recently and just realized I never added any post card preferences. Part of the reason is I like most any post card. Preferences though include large letter cards, scenery, pictures of the area where you live or where you like to visit, wild animals, birds and reptiles, or wild flowers. I am not a great fan of art type cards but once in awhile they are good. I have had some great homemade cards however I also have had a few cards that were just stickers slapped on a piece of cardboard. If the latter is what you plan to send, don't waste your postage. I do prefer real stamps on the cards. I also love notes on the cards, something about you and where you live or what is shown on the card. An interesting note and a real stamp usually gets a heart. I prefer my cards to be naked but up to you.

I enjoy giving hearts and and am fairly liberal when i give them. That said, there are a couple of things that won't get you a heart.

First, if you don't spell my name oorrectly I most likely won't give you a heart. Come on, at least pay that much attention to the swap.

Second, if you don't put the swap name on the swap most likely I will be too tired to give you a heart by the time I search for the swap to rate it.

Adding junk. OK, it is fun to find an extra from my wish list in a package but so often I get things I don't want and I just have to throw them out. Please just give me what the swap requires. I have enough of my own junk I don't need yours.

I also love real stamps so they help me want to give hearts.

I llove to read and read most anything except sci-fi fantasy and poetry. Memoirs, historical fiction and memories are my favorite. Just now I'm reading. lot of WW11 books. I also love mysteries and love both Jonathon and Faye Kellerman.