UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

Really? Is it really September already? Am I the only one that thinks this summer really flew by too quickly? Fall comes a bit early to us up here in the northland. The trees are already starting to change colors and the nights are getting much cooler. I had to turn on the electric heater the other night... hubby says it's too early to start up the furnace...lol.(not for me!)

Last month I had a nasty fall, thanks in part to wet grass and a dog on the other end of my leash taking off after some small critter. I ended up in the ER and after Xrays, found out I have a compressed disc. It was very painful, and I might still need physical therapy to help relieve some of the pain, as I wanted to limit the prescription paid meds to very minimal (as I DO take care of 2 kids all day), and could really only take them at night.

This is our final weekend of summer vacation. My oldest son started football already (his first year playing), and only has 1 game left after today. Fine with me, I really don't want to sit out on a cold field if I don't have to!  I don't envy hockey parents at ALL... wouldn't want to sit in a cold arena. I get enough cold weather as it is.  My youngest son just turned 6 (Aug. 31) and has now lost BOTH front teeth, and one bottom front tooth. I told him we should paint him orange for Halloween this year and he can be a Jack-O-Lantern :)  We had a nice family visit from my mom (AKA SuperGrandma) a few weekends this summer (Dad can't stay due to asthma) and now are gearing up for back to school. This means lots of medical forms for me (due to allergies, asthma, and my youngest son's Diabetes Type 1). New teachers, new classrooms, new friends, new schedule. It will take a couple weeks for us probably to get into the swing of things. In that time, please pray for my sanity and that I will have good enough health to get back into my craft room and also get my new business up and going (more on that later).

I want to keep doing Happy Mail videos on YouTube, but didn't get much Happy Mail this summer. I have joined 2 new groups on Facebook where we do contests and have fun little giveaways, and got some fun mail from those. I am on a wish group on Facebook (Wishes Galore) where we wish for small things and grant other peoples' wishes. I am still trying to get caught up on sending stuff out for that group, and have received some nice things from people on there.
I also buy/sell on a fun site called Listia (kind of like eBay but you use credits instead of money).

As for swapping and palling... I have quit swapping friendship books, but still swap everything else (label/sticker/goodie/memo bags, slams, decos, exchange slips, postcards, stickers, etc.). No new pals for me at this time. I just can't keep up with writing, and feel bad when it takes me months to get back to people. It's just easier for me to keep up with people on Facebook.  (Not on Facebook? Well why not? lol) 

Want to exchange happy mail? Find my info here.
http://createdbybarbi.blogspot.com/2016/01/mail-call-happy-mail-2016.html

Looking forward to getting back into the swing of things again this Fall :)

~Barbi

MARCH QUICK SWAP: CARD SWAP ~ My Birthday is in March (International)

Location: International
If you prefer USA only, please let me know that when you sign up.


Last day to signup/drop:  
March 7, 2014

Partners posted: 
March 8, 2014

Date items must be sent by:  
March 15, 2014

Number of swap partners: 2

DESCRIPTION:

Hello fellow swappers!
So, I guess the title of this swap is pretty self-explanatory. If your birthday is in the month of March, and you like getting fun mail, this is the PERFECT swap for you!!

You will have TWO partners to whom you will send a card (store-bought or nicely homemade).
The card should include at least 2 little items (sticker sheets, memo papers, etc.). 
It can be anything that you can stick into an envelope. 
It's up to the sender how much you can spend on this swap but no less than the stated numbers above.
Feel free to email your partner and ask what their likes/wishes/dislikes are. Make someone's birthday a happy one!

Please, no trashy items, send only new store bought, QUALITY handmade stuff, something you would like to receive yourself!

Swap requirements:

Please, no flakers, if you think you won't be able to send on time or meet the requirements, don't sign up.
Note that this is an INTERNATIONAL swap and shipping might take up to a month, this is why this is a quick swap.

It is preferred that you post a photo of your swap going out or use tracking, but not mandatory.

Post your photos on the Facebook Event page. PLEASE cover addresses on envelopes!

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SIGN UP FOR MONTHLY SWAPS HERE:

** MARCH SWAP SIGNUP SHEET **

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Hostess: Barb Tvrdik

Questions cheerfully answered 

(Use Comments section or for a faster response, send me a message on the Facebook Event page).

Happy swapping :)

PARTNERS WILL BE POSTED ON THE FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE, AND ALSO EMAILED TO EVERYONE.

MAY - Sender's Choice

Last day to signup/drop:         May 20, 2013 

Partners posted by:                May 25, 2013
Date items must be sent by:   May 31, 2013 

Swap Coordinator: Barbi
Swap categories: Artist Trading Cards (ATCs),  Card Making,  Postcards, Stickers 
Number of people in swap: (0, waiting for signups) 
Location: International 
Number of swap partners: 1

Description:

This will be a sender's choice swap.

Choose from this list. Please just pick one!
    4 ATC cards
    4 greeting cards (handmade or store bought blank inside)
    2 new stickers sheets or new sticker pack
    1 memo pad (any theme is fine) with pen
    4 new postcards (in envelope)
You can also include some extras. Just make sure you also send from this list.
You will have one partner. This is an international swap, so you might get a partner in a country other than your own (costing more postage).  By joining, you agree to send anywhere.

Please do not write in the cards or on the postcards. It's your choice to include envelopes or not with the cards.  Cards can be for any occasion -- you can post here in the comments if there is a certain occasion you are looking for, but it's not guaranteed.

It is a good idea to write your partner a note letting them know the swap name and your name and send it along.

I will angel this swap if necessary, only if you have contacted your partner, have not heard from them within a few days, or have not received your swap within a month (remember, sometimes it takes longer to get mail from around the world.)

To sign up for May swaps... click here:
** COMING SOON **

Click on "comments" below, and post when you send and receive your swaps!

THANKS for joining!

Have fun

MARCH. Misc. - Homemade Card: Theme = "GREEN"

UPDATE: NO SIGNUPS THIS MONTH




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Last day to signup/drop:         March 17, 2012 
Partners posted by:                  March 19, 2012 
Date items must be sent by:   March 31, 2012

Swap Coordinator:	Barbi
Swap categories:	Card Making
Number of people in swap:	(0, waiting for signups)
Location:	International
Number of swap partners:	1
Description:
For this swap you will create one handmade greeting card featuring the color Green. If you want to add an accent color other than green you can as long as it is not the dominant color. There are no set rules on what you can and cannot use for the card, use your imagination! You will have one partner. This is an international swap, so you might get a partner in a country other than your own (costing more postage).  By joining, you agree to send anywhere. Please do not write in the card as you are making it for your partner to use in the future. Please also include an envelope. It can be for any occasion -- you can post here in the comments if there is a certain occasion you are looking for, but it's not guaranteed. It is a good idea to write your partner a note letting them know the swap name and your name and send it along. Please take care when making this card and make something that you would want to receive yourself! I will angel this swap if necessary, only if you have contacted your partner, have not heard from them within a few days, or have not received your swap within a month (remember, sometimes it takes longer to get mail from around the world.) How to sign up: (I will set up a Google doc for this.... but for now, just email me... swappermania @ yahoo .com(take spaces out) Click on "comments" below, and post when you send and receive your swaps! THANKS for joining! Have fun