butterflystampede

I'm a dabbler. I enjoy trying new arts and crafts.

Painting - In the past I've played with oils and acrylics, but I'm working with watercolor right now. I still find it a little tricky because it's the nature of the paint and paper to work their own magic. I'm also using classes on Skillshare to learn colored pencil art

Mixed media art - Collage and mixed media art are great fun and fit my eclectic style. I'll put ATCs, journal making, and other paper art into this fun category as well. My themes usually revolve around animals and nature, as well as Vintage motifs.

Needle arts - I so love embroidery, but I'm not particularly good at it. Too impatient I guess. To do it right, you've got to take your time. I like unusual yarn, but I don't knit or crochet. I use it for other things. Lately I've been making fabric snippet rolls. I always have a sewing project going, usually something I donate. Currently it's heart-shaped armpit pillows for women undergoing chemo for breast cancer. Before that it was "fidget quilts" for folks with dementia and alzheimer's dz. I believe in doing good wherever I can. Kindness matters.

Outdoors - In the spring and autumn, I'm out in the garden, playing in the dirt. No big gardens any more, but I do plant a few herbs each spring. My garden focus now is flowering shrubs for the birds, bees, and butterflies. I also have a workbench in my garage, where I like to re-purpose things. Like making a leaning mirror out of an old closet door.

Don't watch much TV anymore. Dropped cable and got a cheap antenna for the basic channels so I could get the local PBS channel. I'm partial to murder mysteries, BBC stuff, science fiction, and historical dramas (the kind with the great costumes and sets - lots of inspiration there!) Also enjoy some SciFi and vampires.

I'm an old hippie, so classic rock from the 60's and 70's is always a go-to. Also enjoy classical music, instrumentals, and meditation tracks. I'm all over the place with what I want to hear on any given day. Currently on a blues kick with Joe Bonamassa.
Some days, I just like to sit outdoors and listen to the music of nature doing its thing.

Retired. Practical Nurse. I served in the US Army for 20 years. Did some home health nursing after that, but got tremendously burned out by the whole health care system. I'm more of a believer in holistic health and integrative medicine. Eat good food, not crap; drink water; move your body; manage your stress. Meditate. Practice Gratitude.

Vegetarian for both ethical and health reasons. Love animals and nature.

Introvert to the max. Being in a crowd of people is my personal hell. It sucks the energy right out of me and I have to go home. Too much chaotic energy floating around out there.

Happiest when I'm being creative, whether it's in the kitchen, the garden, or my work spaces.

I am not religious, but I have been a spiritual seeker all my adult life. I believe in embracing all forms of spiritual wisdom.

Cats, bats, lizards, songbirds, little frogs, little dogs, owls, peacocks, ducks.

Butterflies Dragonflies Bumblebees

Things that make me laugh out loud

Anything vintage. I survived the 60's...twice. So I'm kind of vintage myself.

Fabric dolls and toys. Marionettes and puppets

Red-orange sunrises, purple-pink sunsets, seriously dark and moody storm clouds

Nature in all her glory...so many lovely shades of green

Fabric, lace, unusual yarns, beads and charms.

Flowers of all kinds, especially highly scented ones like roses, gardenias, lilies-of-the-valley, and lilacs.

Chocolate and mandarin oranges

Windchimes

gratefulness.org

wordsmith.org

DonorsChoose.org

theschooloflife.com

Glitter... Yes, it's pretty, but it gets everywhere and makes a mess.

Scented things... (Unless it's a real flower) I have a sensitivity problem with artificially scented lotions, soaps, candles, perfumes, oils, and air fresheners.

Smoke from cigarettes, cigars, fireplaces, campfires

At my age, I'm well-past any interest in anything Disney or other "cutsie" things. Not my vibe.