mariejessie

I'm 49 (in 2012), and yes, for the first time! I'm married for 12+ years to the nicest guy, who I met on the internet of all places. I worked for ~20 years as an engineer with a degree in Mechanical engineering. I loved the intellectual challenge of it, but never loved the male-centered environment.

Almost 10 years ago I became ill. Chronic migraines, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. It got to the point where I simply couldn't work though I really wanted to. I'd been hoping I would eventually get well, or at least well enough to go back to work in some form, but after nearly 10 years of trying and worsening illnesses, I don't have much hope.

In an effort to not become entirely crazy at home alone, my husband and I decided to get a few purebred Maine coons. Soon enough, I decided to show them; that led to wanting to have a 'litter or two'. Now, 7 years later, we have a full fledged cattery. We breed and show pedigree Maine Coons, mostly through TICA. I love cats, and this keeps me as busy as I can manage.

I've always crafted all my life - and couldn't live without it. It has been my creative outlet and a balance to my analytic side. I've worked in lots of craft mediums and will stick with one for a few years and move on to another. At the moment I'm rediscovering knitting and crocheting after a 20 year hiatus. I've also just started a quilt based on my grandmother's design, using the quilt stash inherited from my mom for my cousin's great grand daughter.

My husband and I don't have any kids (well, not the human kind). Neither of us wanted them, so we didn't go there.

When I was healthy I loved to travel. I've been to 48 of 50 states and 13 countries. I lived in Sweden for 2 years as an exchange student; one in high school, the other in college. I loved every minute of it, and am now happy I did do a lot of travelling before I became sick.

I have one sibling - a younger sister - who lives in Europe with her German/Austrian husband.

I am not religious and don't believe in god. Chaos theory coupled with evolution make a lot more sense to me. I respect that other have their feelings and opinions about this subject so please respect mine.

My political view are very liberal. If that isn't something you agree with, then it is probably better we not discuss it.

I like authenticity and practicality. I like people and things that are real. I'm not one for much gossip nor drama. Life is too short for that in my book.

80s pop, Steve Winwood, Hem, Sting, The Police, U2, 80s New Wave, synth-pop.

Revenge, Warehouse 13, The Voice, Star Trek (origional, NG and spin offs), True Blood, Boardwalk Empire, Survivor

Due to fibromyalgia 'brain fog' and CFS, I don't read much anymore, though I once did.

I appreciate quality and don't often shop in dollar stores. I love flea markets, antique and second hand stores. Many things made in the past are better quality, and I love the hunt for something new and unexpected.

Home made things – I believe something made by one’s hands shows a bit of who they are.

Things I like:

White Chocolate
Milk Chocolate (preferably European or European-style)
Home made cookies, pies, cakes
Vintage ephemera for crafting Homemade amigurumi (small softies)
Coins with a hole in them (for beadwork)
Fat Quarters Old linens (clean, little or no damage)
Old Jewelry
Art Deco
Flea markets & tag sales
Vintage Fabrics (20s through 70s)
Toys for my cats

Other's favorite recipies, esp. if they are family recipies!

Yarn:

I have to admit I’ve become a yarn snob. I love Madeline Tosh, Verdant Gryphon, Malabrigo, quince & co., Noro, and just about anything mohair.

Colors:

Jewel tones,
Hot pink, Deep Raspberry, Chartreuse, Bright lime green, Teal, Pinks,

Knitting * Crochet * Tatting * Polymer clay * Raising & showing Maine Coon cats * Making Lampwork beads * Beadwork * Bead crochet * Jewelry making * Quilting * Sewing

Artificial Sweeteners: Asulfame K, Aspartame, neotame, cyclamate, etc. Unless the artificial sweetener is sucralose (US - Spelnda) or saccharin (US - Sweet-n-low) I'm most likely allergic to it. --> In general, I'll take a real sugar, honey or natural sweetener product any day over the possibility of a reaction to an artificial sweetener.

Other food and food-based allergies: MSG & Nitrates & Nitrites
Garlic
Red Meat (beef, pork, lamb) Tropical fruits (mango, papaya, pineapples)
Strawberries
Red Wine

Non-Food: Fragranced soap, lotions, bath items, etc.
Strong chemical smells & items with that smell
Cigarette smoke and items that have been in cigarette smoke