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?