Conni59

September 2024:
Life has been a series of losses lately…my biological father passed on August 21 which was sad however I did get to meet him. The most raw loss has occurred recently, after several weeks in CCU my stepson died. We have been planning his funeral. He leaves behind many to mourn, the saddest being his 12 year old son and 10 year old daughter. Words don’t come easy these days. I would ask if you are expecting a swap from me or a rating and it has hasn’t arrived or been done. A gentle reminder would greatly be appreciated.

April 14 2024 Update: My husband passed to spirit 12/21/23. I am still grief stricken, however need to immerse myself into my creative practice. I’m learning to navigate my days in a different way. I’ve yet to figure out how to shop and cook for one, so mostly I don’t…everything is step by step, moment by moment.

My husband died today and I am broken**** I have dropped out of current swaps. Everything has been sent and will have my daughter monitor so incoming can be rated.*** I pledge to always rate. I understand that life happens. If I forget something, a gentle reminder is greatly appreciated! I do get frustrated by those that do not rate or do not respond to messages. I give great care to my swaps and like to know items have reached their destination. It's never too late to make things right. I enjoy notes tucked in with swaps...interesting snippets from life.

I am married with children and grandchildren. We have three cats Merry, Melvin and Milo. Merry rules over the two boys. My husband and I love to travel whenever possible. Art and photography are a couple of my passions. I love exploring different avenues of creativity. I am a big believer in complimentary or alternative healing modalities, including but not limited to meditation, crystals, accupuncture, reiki; the list is endless.

I have been collecting postcards since childhood. I am a member of Postcrossing.

I enjoy being wrapped in a quilt, hot tea and book in hand. (especially on a rainy day) with a cat or two or three sprawled across me. I'm a very eclectic reader. Book suggestions are always welcome. I love most teas and am open to new flavors. I am not a fan of anything licorice or peppermint flavored.

I love the colors of the ocean, sky, and deep, rich colors. I see the shape of hearts everywhere in nature and photograph them. I have quite a collection of found heart shaped rocks, shells, and bits of wood.

I keep an ongoing mixed media art journal. I collect quotes and poetry. I sketch, paint and doodle. I enjoy making artist trading cards, postcards and artist trading coins. I make and repair jewelry. I knit and sew a bit. I enjoy trying ethnic recipes.

I am a work in progress...learning new things everyday.

Likes: Unusual, vintage, steampunk, adult themed, sassy, science fiction, horror, Christmas, Halloween, All Saints Day or Dia de los Muertos. I visited Oaxaca, Mexico during the Day of the Dead festivities and love how the ancestors are honored. I am fascinated by Gods and Godesses, saints and sinners, history of ritual, symbology.

I have plenty of stuff, yet I find delight in surprises. I don't need small stickers or reward stickers, will pass those on. I enjoy using painted papers, unusual papers, trims, buttons, bits and bobs, keys, Tim Holtz , bees or anything with wings except flies and roaches :)

Random things: I have somewhat of an aversion to bananas, jello and pudding. I use a lot of herbs and spices in cooking. I am sensitive to smells, certain sounds, textures and overall energy of a place or person. I rely on my intuition. Kindness matters. Doing better one day at a time.

Another thought shared by a friend: " Do not compare your beginning to someone else's middle or advanced level." I think this applies to art, writing, and all sorts of things.