Saru007

My former username here is Kkeiko.

I am a 35 year old Virgo Monkey! My artist name is Saru. (Japanese word for Monkey) I am very happily married to my soulmate. A new parent to my beautiful little bundle of wonder, I feel as if I'm seeing the world through new eyes, and it is a beautiful place.

I spent the first twelve years of my life in Pennyslvania; my cousins had a farm out in the country and I've always loved farms and the simple life. The concept of growing one's own food, of putting love into the earth and getting back nourishment, it amazes me. That's carried over to a love of gardening. Right now I have lavender, sage, and basil growing at a community plot. (The basil went to seed and is everywhere!!!)

At 13, my Dad was transfered for work and I moved to Phoenix Arizona. I hated it for the longest time, I've never been a fan of deserts. I love every other type of nature though; forests, mountains, Oceans, are all lovely. I still dislike the desert, but I strive everyday to be thankful that I am alive, regardless of where I find myself.

I've done a bit of traveling, though I'd love to do more. Pennsylvania, California, Washington State, New Jersey, and Minnesota are my favorite states. I spent a year as an exchange student in Germany, and was lucky enough to have a three week vacation in Italy. I like Europe a lot and would love to go back someday.

I study Shotokan Karate, have made it to the rank of green belt, though sadly it has taken a back seat to my other activities. Soon I hope to get back to official training, though I've been known to practice on the lawn in the middle of the night...

I am pagan. Running through the woods, dancing around the fire, all that. As such, the holidays I celebrate the most are Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltaine, Litha, Lughnasadh, Mabon and Samhaine. :)

My favorite things are: ATCs!!! Washi tape!!! Just found out, I'm in love with Washi tape!!! The 80s as a decade! Astrology, Camping in a tent, Canada, Dandelions, Disco!!, Fire, Gardening and Farming, Guitars (both electric and acoustic), Hex Signs from barns, Hiking in the woods, Japan, John Denver, Karate, Outer Space, Pagan stuff, Quidditch, Raindrops on Spiderwebs, Simon and Garfunkel , Star Trek (especially Voyager), Taiko Drumming, Tarot (I like to do readings for people), Travel, Violins, Water, Zebra print

Animals I like best are: Geckos, Meerkats, Foxes, Wolves, Cheetahs, Dragons, and Tigers

My favorite scents are: Rose, lavender, Pine, and white sage

Colors: Purple, Blue, Green, Black, Red... Really, anything but pastel and pale yellow

I absolutely adore Japanese culture. I listen to J-rock.. Favorite bands are X-Japan and Naitomea! Love love Yoshiki and Hitsugi!!!

I enjoy sushi as well as the occasional Sapporo beer. Samurai, Tatami, Shinkendo... I am a huge fan of older Japanese history, but I like trendy new stuff as well. Though I must say, I do not like kawaii stuff. (Go figure!)

I am particularly interested in Japanese architecture. The classic lines, the simplicity, the antiquated feel of the older style.. It makes me feel happy and peaceful, like I am part of a simpler time.

I love to write, if I had my way I'd be a not-so-famous (yet decently paid) novelist. I journal some every other day at least, and have kept it up since 1999 (15 volumes strong!)

I consider myself a bit of an artist; my favorite media is colored pencils, though I dabble in acrylic paint as well. I'm working on expanding my horizons in this.

I am into dollhouse miniatures, particularly making my own out of random objects I find. My 5" Ninja Turtle action figures love their four room house.

I'm into computer gaming, though I don't have much time for it these days. I am really into Sims 3, mostly because of the architectural possibilities. You can build a lot of different things.

I love photography, and am constantly looking at life from different angles.

I am currently watching the Happry Potter movies for the very first time! Super excited!

I love the medical thrillers of Robin Cook and the craziness of Stephen King.

I am constantly reading books on karate, to improve my technique and gain insight.

My favorite book of all time would have to be "Memoirs of a Geisha" by Arthur Golden.

As for TV, I love the shows: Reboot (animated), Warehouse 13, Jem and the Holograms, Star Trek (especially Voyager and old generation), Fraggle Rock

St. Patrick's Day (I am pagan after all), St. Valentines Day, Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, pretty much any "traditional holidays." If you're not sure, please ask.

Cutesy stuff makes me ill, also Disney and Barbie make me break out in hives.

I am violently allergic to the color yellow. I don't really appreciate the subtlety of pastel and soft colors. I think if a color is gonna be there, it should BE THERE! ;)

Not too into Country Kitchen and Shabby Chic. I'm sure it's lovely, just not my scene. Not too into flowers and lace and jewelry....

Please don't bother me with politics or religion... or zombies. Thank you! :)

Yes I love Japan, but oddly enough Kawaii items have been known to make me foam at the mouth, so let's avoid those if at all possible.

If there's something you'd like to know, don't hesitate to ask.

I hate cigarette smoke, and am very sensitive to it.

Oh and don't stress too much about my dislike list. I know how to hurl thins back into the swapiverse for others to use, so no worries!