vigdisblom

Update May 31 Long story short: I had a terrible fall and winter. I lost a friend to suicide, we moved, I lost a job, etc. It sucked. A lot. I ended up walking away from Swap-Bot and other things to focus on my health. I'm back, but in a different way.

I've made a decision to live my life more intentionally, and not to take so much on. I'm focusing on my writing, crafting, and family. In the past I kept myself busy as a way to avoid dealing with life, now I'm weaving my interests into my everyday.

I'm focusing on what gives me joy. We moved last fall and I've worked on creating a home that gives me joy. I want to share and develop my passions. I don't think I'll ever be a big Swapper again - I suspect I'll keep to letters mostly.

Jazz, classical, '90s country, '90s alternative.

Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Beethoven, Oasis

I am very much into jazz, especially cool jazz. I also love swing - Louis Amstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone.

Other artstis that I love: Lyle Lovett, George Ezra, George Gershwin, classical piano music, classic hymns, Ray Charles, Otis Redding...

• Bookmarks. I love making these
• Envelopes
• Collages
• Dot to Dot

I'm using this as a creative outlet. Previously I used it as a distraction, anything so I didn't have to focus on the 'real world ' Now I'm going to use it as way to reach out to people and express my creativity

I read just about everything but I especially love science fiction and fantasy. My favorite books are Brideshead Revisited, East of Eden, Uprooted by Naomi Novak, and the Morrigan Crow series.

I read for a variety of reasons - to escape, to learn, to expand my horizons. I read an incredible amount to my daughter. Anything related to books is always appreciated.

Note: Don't worry if you're not into fantasy. As I said I read everything.

I love the written word. I love art, especially functional art. Quilts, embroidered towels, braided rugs. I love rescuing handmade pieces at garage sales and estate sales. I dislike how often people minimize the beauty and work that goes into those pieces.

I love the ocean, summer thunderstorms, sitting in the shade on a hot summer day. Working in the garden, watching my daughter cover herself in mud. I love puddle jumping, snow ball fights, the cold of winter.

I'm very much an introvert, surrounding myself with a close-knit group of friends. I love tea, board games, podcasts, old radio shows. I love working in long-term care and listening to my residents' stories.

Estate sales, garage sales, curb shopping, repurposing items. Purring cats, family snuggles, laughter, growth.

Less is always more. Earl Gray isn't my thing. I'm not particularly religious.