CinDLU

Understanding the time, energy, soul and financial resources that go into swaps. I am committed to preparing each and every swap to the very best of my ability; to mailing it before or on the due date; to willingly and promptly replace any swap that does not reach its intended destination; and to promptly rate those swaps I receive. If you do not receive a swap in which I am your partner, please let me know so that I can resend. I would rather a partner have two of whatever than none!!! The mail can take many mysterious routes and have unique adventures, as we all know!!!

I retired from the insurance industry about seven years ago, and about three years ago my husband and I completed construction on a house on a big hill in eastern Washington, where we live with our senior dog, Louise. I was very lucky to be able to include a large (about 30x40') studio space, where I do all kinds of multimedia art, hold art retreats, give classes (informally), and share creative time with friends and relatives. Being retired has given me the time to indulge my passion for art (although being on a fixed income has inhibited my spending for art classes, retreats, supplies, etc. :() One of the things I've enjoyed most about my studio is the encouragement it has given people to express their creativity. Even people who previously didn't think they were good at, interested in or inspired by art, find that they enjoy an afternoon in the studio creating.

I love multi-media art and find it challenging and exciting to come up with an idea and then see how that translates to the real world. Some things come out the way I imagine them, some don't. It's always a surprise! I have attended the Art and Soul Retreats, taken various classes, done art projects with creative, like-minded friends, and taught classes. I haven't tried to sell my art to any great extent, because I'm a little leery of being trapped into doing "what sells" vs. what I want to do. I enjoy my freedom to try whatever pops into my head. Maybe someday...... I have participated in exchanges through Yahoo Groups before (Altered Books, ATC's, etc.) but haven't done so for a long time as I got busy with the house. I always enjoyed the exchanges, seeing what one would get from people all over the world!

Another of my passions is Lord of the Rings. I also love reading, entertaining friends and family, doing computer Adventure Games (just with myself), and learning new things. And movies! And books! I belong to a local Book Club, and enjoy the exchange of ideas as well as the incentive to read things I may not read otherwise. I lite to watch TV a little bit, a night, but only things we've "saved" as I hate the ads on regular TV. I enjoy The Big Bang Theory, Unforgettable, The Mentalist, Rules of Engagement and NCIS.

There are many people on Swap-Bot and therefore many different views regarding swaps. Some people are very strict both in how they judge a swap and how they rate a swap. Some people are more relaxed. I find myself in the latter category. I don't want to sign up for more swaps than I can comfortably commit to, which entails putting maximum effort forth to create something I feel will delight the receiver. I won't always succeed, I know, but I certainly will TRY. I don't want to always do the same kind of swap, because trying something new, that I haven't done before, is how one grows and expands one's knowledge base. I don't want to get too picky about what I like and don't like. I feel it is sort of limiting to my partners, who may not have the same taste I do, but put effort forth and create something that they feel may delight me. I don't want to inhibit that creative spirit by putting too many limits on what I do or don't like. And who knows, I may be absolutely entranced with something I thought I wouldn't like! All I ask is that people put effort into what they create, or do, or send. I will rate accordingly.