user8157

Late on my swaps!

I'm way behind on my swaps. I've had a family disaster arise that's requiring a LOT of my time and energy to resolve. The worst of it is over but the situation is still iffy and I'm stretched very thin right now. I promise I will not leave anyone hanging, though -- I am getting things together and should have a bunch of swaps wrapped up very soon. This is a temporary problem. If you're waiting on something from me, thank you so very much for being patient!

About me

I'm a crafty, bookish girly girl living in Sacramento with my husband and our two teenaged sons. I've got two cats, Squeak and Misha (one of the prettiest cats alive; check my Flickr images if you don't believe me), and one chicken, Miss Fluff.

Why I'm here

I'm new to Swap Bot and am really looking forward to getting involved. I love making stuff and I love unusual and beautiful things, especially handmade things. I've come to the conclusion that no one appreciates a crafter's creations like another crafter. I love making things for other people; I love surprises -- how better to satisfy both of those loves than to get in on some good swaps?!

About my member name I picked the nickname Sacratomato because I live in Sacramento, which is often referred to as "Sacratomato." In late summer, you can see thousands of tomatoes on the side of the roads and especially on freeway exits, where they roll right off the tomato trucks. Sacramento has the perfect climate for growing tomatoes. I grow several kinds in my backyard garden every year, too.

More about me I've worked as a reporter, a Montessori teacher, a graphic artist, and an online community owner/coordinator (by far the hardest job, incidentally). Right now I'm not employed formally, as my husband's work schedule is insanely demanding. We are remodeling our house -- and by that I mean we're doing it ourselves, with help from a skilled family friend -- so I alternate almost daily between frustration at the disorder around me and delight at seeing my plans reaching aesthetic reality.

My husband and I are working toward a lifelong dream of circumnavigating the world on a sailboat. We're doing a lot of reading and early planning at this point, and looking forward to taking some sailing classes this summer.

Some of my favorite things: Colors I am loving the pink/brown combo lately -- funny how colors reach the collective aesthetic zeitgeist and are the latest hot thing, isn't it?

My favorite color is probably pink. I say "probably" because I'm fickle about color. I love browns and oranges, too. In Color Me Beautiful terms, I'm a Spring or an Autumn, depending on what I've done to my hair lately. I do love all of those earthy warm colors, though. I love blues, too. I love buttery yellow and spring greens.

Stuff I'm not crazy about Judeo-Christian religion-themed images (although ironic iconography is ok by me), dollar store junk, DISNEY, cartoon characters in general, ACRYLIC YARN (shudders), white chocolate (what's the point?), decaf (again, what's the point?), and melons make me nauseous.

I love music! My son has studied violin since he was four, Suzuki method, so that involves lots of my guidance.

Some of my favorite composers/artists/bands/what have you: BachElvis CostelloClaude BollingSqueezeMiles DavisAnnie LenoxJohnny CashBruce Springsteen Vivaldi R.E.M. They Might Be Giants Wierd Al Yankovich Billie Holiday and many more!

I don't like new country music and I really really dislike cheesy pop of the Celine Dion/Mariah Carey variety.

Shawshank RedemptionRaising ArizonaLittle Children My Neighbor Totoro Lost in Translation It's a Wonderful Life Amelie

and so on and so on. I love movies and I've got a lot I really like, but that's my short list of favorites. :-)

The WireVeronica Mars Deadwood Lost Big Love Project Runway Top Chef

Ha! Knitting, knitting, knitting, did I mention knitting? Also crochet, a little quilting, sewing, beading, paper stuff, you name it. Currently learning about flower arrangement. Japanese stuff -- I'm nutty for those beautiful and witty Japanese craft books.