Gaelan

Hello everyone! I've been an avid letter-writer to pen-pals all over the world since I was about 12. I think it's an outlet for my paper/ stationary/sticker/pen fixation, which has been with me throughout my life. I have been with the same fellow for 20+ years now and although we don't have human children, we have a host of cats and dogs to keep us into or out of trouble, depending on how you look at it.

I prefer tea over coffee, dark chocolate over milk chocolate and sleeping in over getting up early. My favorite seasons are Spring and Autumn. I read lots and lots, mostly books of all kinds. My spiritual practices are mostly nature-based and are a big part of my self-expression. I often find other religions and spiritual paths illuminating, so as long as they aren't too dogmatic.

"Favorites" tend to fluxuate a bit. I do quite like rich colors, like emerald green, deep wine, cobalt blue, the kinds of colors you'd find in a Pre-Raphaelite painting. I like basic black teas and about the only flavored black tea I enjoy is Earl Grey of some sort or another. I have a preference for mints of most kinds- so feel free to send mint based teas! I love all kinds of flowers and trees. I have adored cats all my life, though I also think other animals are spiffy too. About the only thing I collect regularly is owl-related items and luck cats. I love learning about new places and to travel whenever possible. It's my dream is to travel to meet all my pen pals one day.

NOTE I am not fussy about swaps. I can't think of any reason I'd not give folk a "heart" because I really enjoy swapping. If I sign up for something, it's because I think it looks fun and interesting. I also understand that life is a complicated thing and sometimes details get missed, so I won't give folk a hard time if they forget something.**

Fantasy, travelogues, women's history, spirituality and religion, metaphysical and occult, gardening and herbology, folk and faery tales and poetry. I absolutely adore urban fantasy, including novels written by Neil Gaiman, Charles de Lint, Emma Bull, Kate Griffin and Simon Green.

We don't have cable, so any television is watched on YouTube or through our DVD membership. I really enjoy Castle and Warehouse 13, but most my other favorite shows are British. Such as Coupling, Sherlock, Doctor Who, Midsomer Murders, Jonathan Creek and Torchwood to name a few.

I like all kinds of music, including but not limited to Loreena McKennitt, Abney Park, Vivaldi, Patrick O'Hearn, Adam Hurst, 80's New Wave, world music (Faun, Corvus Corax, Zirp, LEAF, Garmarna), Steampunk (Abney Park, Professor Elemental), Suzanne Vega, Dead Can Dance, Sting, and movie soundtracks.

I've been a Sanrio addict for many years. I like Hello Kitty, especially the less "cute" styles, and adore Chococat. And I've loved Tarepanda for goodness knows how long.

My favorite artwork comes from the Pre-Raphaelite, Surrealist and Impressionist artists. I find the colors and detail to be breathtaking. I'm also a big fan of Maxfield Parrish and Mucha. I also enjoy going to museums and art galleries.

I love cemeteries and funerary art. Often when I travel to a new place, I will be sure to find the local cemetery to take pictures and pay my respects. I do a lot of reading about the ways different folk treat their beloved dead. I'm also fascinated by genealogy/ancestry and have done a lot of work on discovering the various limbs of our family tree.

I have also been a huge sci-fi/fantasy fan most of my life. I attend sci-fi conventions and have been integrating more Steampunk themes into my life- I love the Victorian era, so it makes sense that Steampunk would call to me.

I love inspirational quotes and poetry. Rumi has some of my favorites. Here is one I particularly like. Thanks for reading my profile!

Blessings, Angela

The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. Don't go back to sleep.

You must ask for what you really want. Don't go back to sleep.

People are going back and forth across the doorsill where the two worlds touch.

The door is round and open. Don't go back to sleep.

From Essential Rumi by Coleman Barks