Monday, June 8, 2009

From my hometown...

I signed up to participate in Shannon's My hometown Swap. The idea being that you would be matched with someone from an area of the country that you had never been to - or that you would want to visit. And then you would send things that represent your hometown.

Who knew that this would be such a challenge?! I live in the suburbs. And the only thing that distinguishes us is our traffic, mcmansions, and good schools. And those are rather difficult to package. So, I broadened my hometown. For about five seconds I thought that Emory University hospital might qualify. Then I moved on to Atlanta as a whole. Dismissing the idea of sending a bottle of Coke and a peach. So...what did I send? It's a surprise! But if you know anything about me...you know that books were included.

And then what should I receive in the mail on Saturday? But my very own package! The part of the country where I have never been is the Pacific Northwest. And I was matched with Rachael - from Bellingham, Washington. Let me tell you...I am one very lucky receipent. First, she sent this whole guide that explains what she included and why.

Why didn't I think to do that? And look at that handwriting. I am getting envious.

She even sent chocolate. And you can't really see it in the picture, but they are shaped like salmon. If chocolate is fish shaped...it has less WW points, right?

I got a very cute re-usable bag. That can go into this tiny bag. So I can throw it in my purse for all the times I forget to get out one of the other 25 reusable bags that we have. Do you all do this? Have a collection of them...and then never remember to grab them?

A very cute Washington Apple box. I wonder if I can hide my earrings in here so that the kitties might stop stealing them.

A pottery flower. Isn't it gorgeous? I have my iced tea spoon resting in it right now. I think I have turned it Southern.

A water color of the old court house.

And this very cool Ski to Sea t-shirt. I am still mesmerized by the possibility of snow skiing. On Memorial Day weekend.

And let me tell you. By the time I had pulled all of this out of my box. And thought about just how wonderful Rachael is...I was slapping myself on the head as I thought about all the things that I could have included from here. But never even thought about. So...many, many thanks to Rachael. You sent some amazing things. And have just made me wish even more to get to see your side of the world for myself!

So...what about you? Is there a part of the country that you would like to visit or live? What things would you send from your hometown?

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21 comments:

Marla said...

this looks like it was a great swap... bummed i missed out... She picked some good ones from Bellingham... i lived there many moons ago and recognized where she was from the pictures before i read the words...

The Joye of Teaching said...

Cool package! Memphis-- you know Elvis, Blues, BBQ, Beale St. But that chocolate looks yummy! Enjoy.

Elena said...

So fun, so fun! I was just thinking the other day that I needed to find another swap to participate in. Those things are great. What fun things you got!

DiPaola Momma said...

I've actually been pondering this one! See I'm going BACK to my hometown next week and wanted to bring along some things from my NEW hometown.. and I can't think of a darn thing!!! I'm in Maryland and the only thing I can think of that is truly Maryland is Blue Crab which isn't likely to travel well. Can you just see them breaking free in the over head luggage bin and storming the isles?! IF I had to send things from my orginal hometown, a small blip on the california/mexico border I'd have a LIST!

Shannon said...

Oooo... Rachael did send some good stuff! I really like the watercolor. And how fitting that the reusable bag is from a bookstore!

Mr. Linky is down (and looks like it's been down for a few days)...so I think I may end up just doing a post and do the linking myself...

Brandy said...

Neat stuff! Especially the chocolates...I've heard if you don't buy them, then they don't have any points. LOL!

I can't wait to see what I get, but I'm with you, it was hard to think of things to send.

American Homemaker said...

This was a really fun swap :)

Jennifer said...

Great stuff. I can't wait to get mine! I sent my partners off Saturday and I can't wait for her to get it.

RedCurlGirl said...

what a neat idea! if i had to send anything from my hometown, it would be something from an antique store (because they're everywhere), and corn...because there's corn everywhere too lol

sassy stephanie said...

Fun! I'm loving the flower! Anxiously awaiting my goodies! I too had a hard time trying to decided what said "swealtering city of Houston". It was fun though.

Anonymous said...

I loved the Washington apple! Visiting from Shannon's blog.

Susie said...

That is so cool:-)

Anonymous said...

I would be green with envy if I hadn't gotten my own awesome swap-she did a great job!! :-)

Rhea said...

You got some neat stuff!

I almost completely forgot about this swap (sorry, Shannon), but I sent mine out today. So, it's a little late going to my person...and not as imaginative as I could have been...but working 12 hour days and somehow scraping my body off the pavement to get home...just doesn't leave much time for anything else.

Michelle said...

Yeah... I'd like to visit the part of the country were it's possible to wear shorts and t-shirts in June. Know anything like that? *sigh*

WAY cool package. And those bag? Yeah... they now live in my car. In fact, I have five in the console and one tucked between my seat and the console. And I still forget every once in awhile, but I'm SO much better now!

Unknown said...

Oh that sounds like a very fun swap! I'm keeping an eye out if she does another one. You got some great stuff. And as a Washington girl you can't go wrong with the apple ;)

MsTypo said...

Wow what a great idea! How fun!! Was teh fish chocolate yummy? I'd want to swap with someone who lived in Orlando since i've never been to Disney. :)

Lula! said...

UM...
amazing. She really outdid herself!

glenna said...

Lovely. All of it!

LadyStyx said...

I think I'd end up picking the same area you did, simply because I haven't been thru there yet. I hit several states back in 2003 on my trip visiting family ( I went by Greyhound ). As for my hometown, it all depends on how you define your hometown. Is it where you grew up or where you're living presently. See, I may LIVE in Manassas Virginia, but I certainly do NOT call it my hometown. That would be Syracuse NY.

MaryRC said...

i love that flower, such a great package.