Movin' on up...

I'm moving my blog to Wordpress.  You can now find my posts at my new site: Getting Inky

I'll be updating the Atlas Quest link today as well.

I've loved my time at Blogger but feel that Wordpress has the features I want as I grow as a blogger.  A neat, cleaner look with better control and accessibility on topics/categories/tags/labels.

Please come by and enjoy. Read my first post on my new blog here: It's Official...

What is it?

Was scanning letterboxing.org & found a letterbox that was listed in the park.  However the clue to the letterbox makes it sound like it's a geocach instead. So which is it?  Good question.  I may just go looking for it to figure it out.

UPDATE:
I went searching for it but couldn't find it. :-(  found the tree but not the X that marks the spot. 

Lately...

MMCBBE12 is coming up in August and the theme for stamps this year is: "Something you don't know about me/us." And we're supposed to decorate our camp site with something related to who we are. 

I'm having the HARDEST time with this. There's not much that people don't know about me. Where it’s not just me at the camp site, it could include my Mom & Daughter also.  But what do people not know about us?  I’m racking my brain to think of something.

New Name

I’ve been considering changing my blog’s title. I’m not really sure to what but I’m not really fond of the title, never have been.  True my trail/screen name is Infin-T but I’m sure there must be something else to call my blog besides Infin-T’s Letterboxing Adventures.  I mean after all don’t we all have letterboxing adventures?  And I don’t feel it’s only about my boxin’ adventures, but also tips on boxin’ & art around boxin’.

I always have such a hard time coming up with titles for blogs. Well not just blogs, but also screen names for myself.  My first “handle” was given to me by my ex-boyfriend who smushed a Twinkie in my face & called me Twinkie Face from then on… it ended up the CB radio & then on the BBS on line. Twink-E stuck around for a LONG time, about 7 years or so.  I used it spelt as above because of my real name, Tracie Eastman.  (TE) Somewhere in those 7 years I had also used Maggie Mae, Magenta, Mags, & other variations of the sort. Then I was being called The Ultimate Woman… something about me caring my own tools… *shrug* gay men make no sense some times. So how did I get Infin-T?  Well I had an infinity symbol tattooed on my arm that represents my kids. So I tweaked the word to make it more me after all the T is for Tracie. I’m not really married to the name per say so changing it would be ok.  I’m now trying out Mainer Chick.  I kind of like the sound of it. So you can see my situation, of indecisiveness on my names let alone my blog’s name.

I actually had this conversation in a blog somewhere before, but darn if I can find it now.

What is the story behind your names?

GS 100 Pathways

GS pathway stamps with the 100 year trefoil.

My Bag

Ok the title of this post is open to several smart remarks... I know.  But this post is about my letterboxing bag/pack.  I've been searching for something to replace what I have, but in reality I already have one of the best bags I think. At this point I may just try to find a way to organize it better.

	Here's the bag. It's an LL Bean Critter Pack I got at the Outlet in Freeport. It was embroidered with someone's initials (not mine - but close) and there's a little racoons on it. It's big enough for me to add both kid's books a small pocket book if needed.
It has a small front half mesh pocket, a larger pocket behind that to keep pens, pencils & stuff in, and a good size pocket between the raccoon and the initials.
	Both sides have pockets. You can see one here. This one has the extra mesh small watter bottle holder. Although I don't generally use it for water, because I cary 24 ounce bottles.
Here's most of the stuff I keep in this pack. Not pictured here are two pocket knives (one is lost in my living room right now), a clip board, hair ties, a flashlight, sunglasses, scissors, a single whole punch, zip ties of various lengths, a bottle of water (24 oz) and more often than not my kids' books & stamps. I still have room for more, and sometimes throw in my ipod, wallet/purse, and other such necessities. If we're going to a large event we have sketch books 8x10 that we use & I make the kids cary their own stuff in those ruck sacks with the draw strings. I throw a bunch of Crayola markers in each of them & set them loose.
	A set of Stamping Up mini ink pads (and always use the same sage green to usually stamp in with.), a little spray mister of water, bug spray, non-arisol. Gardining gloves for digging in messy places. (learnd my lesson there.) Any HH that need to be planted. A roll of duct tape (which ever I remember to throw in), bandanas for clean up or sweat bands, a compass, a sharpie, at least one pencil, blue pen, & black pen
A large gallon size bag, in it is an extra large baggie, a few different size baggies including; pint, quart, & snack size. A baggie with paper towels & another with clorox wipes (usually for really dirty hands or whatever). Also I have extra index cards. I had a single hole punch & zip ties in there at one time. (guess I should put them back in.) My stamping markers set of 24. Love the pouch they're in. The pouch has a hidden pocket where I keep my mini sig stamp for those wee little books. Extra batteries for my camera, & obviously my camera (i'm using it to take the picture now). My sig stamps, & my PT.

I've figured out that I should probably add a first aid kit, a small one. I usually have mine in the car anyways, but I'm not always using my car or close to it. There was something else I was thinking I should add but I forgot as I wrote this blog.
I'd be eager to see what you have in YOUR bag. :-)

Letterboxing in the news

Recently there's been discussion on the boards regarding an article done by a non-letterboxer about letterboxing.

Finding hidden treasure in MetroWest

I've mulled over the story and watched the video and tried to not let other's opinions sway me regarding it.  I think the author had good intent but poor follow through.  The video made me cringe when I watched it. 

I love to share my hobby with those interested.   I'm trying to find a good way to open others up to this especially business people who may benefit from some extra visits.  I'm also trying to find a way to ask an artist to help with a series I'd like to make based on their work.  

Stamps

So I have a lot of ideas for new stamps.
For the GS 100th: 100th Anniversary trefoil,  Pathways, membership star, world, new logo, & some cookies.
Portrait: My grandparents,

*more to be added as I think of them.

Letterboxer's Christmas

Unfortunately I'm missing another event I was going to go to.  I just cannot afford to drive down to Saco alone. It totally bums me out.

I think I'm going to take a break from postals for a while just to finish up the rings I'm in and to work on carving and putting together new boxes for the spring.

Maybe I'll add making LTCs to my winter list of things to do. 

Although in January I'll be starting a class at CMCC to finish my degree. So I don't know how much time I'll have once that starts. 

LTCs

Lack of boxing

I haven't been out boxing in a while.  Just haven't had the time or the gas to travel around to do it.  However I've been crazy busy with postals coming in & out of my place. I'm about at the end of my rings and should have a slow winter to work on LTCs.  I'm about fried on postals at the moment. I love them and enjoy them but not when they ALL arrive at the same time. It's $15 to send 6 to 8 packages out at a time.

Other than that I've been trying to finish the US Postal Stamp LTCs that I did 3 stamps for. Yeah I know stupid me.  I have no one to blame but my self. LOL I have 2 of the 3 done. Sort of. One to go. I still need to send my snowflake out.

I'm also doing NaNoWriMo, being 5 days in I should have about 10,000 words by now but I don't. I'm lucky I have characters. LOL

*12/22
I never got further along with my writing than I did when I posted this entry.

Sneaky Witch

The Sneaky Witch planted a unique letterbox strictly for one occasion. For Phazia's bachelorette party/trip/adventure. 
The clue:

...And Saint Attila raised the Stamp up on high, saying, "O LORD, bless this Thy Stamp that with it Thou mayest party until they vomit, in Thy mercy." And the LORD did grin and the people did feast upon the lambs and sloths and carp and anchovies and orangutans and breakfast cereals and green peppers and Jello-shots …” And the LORD directed the Saint to Shattuck Road in Andover, Mass and spake, saying:

“First shalt thou turn onto Tech Drive, Then shalt thou visit number four - no more, no less. Four shall be the number thou shalt visit, and the number of the visiting shall be four. Five shalt thou not count, neither count thou three, excepting that thou then proceed to four. Six is right out! Once the number four, being the fourth number, be reached, then searchest thou for thy Holy Stamp of Antioch by going to Ye Old’ Staybridge Suites.  Thou key shalt be at thee front desk, under the name of Bettie Monroe.  Then join thou thy Spectacular Witches of Antioch, who being thirsty in My sight, shall Party." Amen

It was presented to her in a stack with other letterboxes of the same style; witchy or Monty-esk. She could choose which she wanted to do and the Holy Stamp of Antioch was a MUST do.  The conversation regarding this clue was quite entertaining.  Phazia was hoping that Bettie Monroe would be working that day. 

I seriously almost busted out laughing.  I hadn't seen Monty Python in almost 20 years so I didn't get it at all. But she kept asking if I remembered this & that out of the movie. I'm like... "No...Nope... Oh really."  I seriously haven't seen it in forever so I wasn't lying. At one point she realized Bettie Monroe was the bride who got married in RHPS. Again I almost cracked up. 

Her face when we opened the hotel room door was priceless.  She was truly surprised. 

Irene's aftermath

I took a stroll to check on my first plant Great Falls to see if it was still there & if it were dry after the insane amount of water we had thrust upon us by this uninvited guest.

I am glad to report that Great Falls is still there & dry.  Here are some pictures I took while out on my jaunt.

Up the hill... *whew*

 My adventure with VTerinME & family.  We went hunting for a box series, up a hill. I look a little ragged because I am. It was a hot day & the hill was steep.  We didn't find the whole series but it was a nice walk up & down the "mountain".

No I'm not pissin'

VTerinME hanging out

Quips

So I'm going to take a day to make a bunch of quips for the LB postals or LTC trades I do.  (anything that gets mailed basically)

I've made my first one.  Maine Lobster. Haven't figured out my second yet. I'm probably not going to post pics of these because I want them to be a surprise for people.  Although I hardly have any followers or readers so it may  not make a difference.

As soon as those are done, I'll be gearing up to do some LTCs.  I need to carve 2 more state stamps (maybe just 1) and a few others for some rings I'm in.  And then I've got to get creative with my LTCs.  That's the biggest issue.  Who really wants a basic white card w/ a simple ol' stamp stamped on it?

I'll have to hang up the ones people have sent to get good inspiration.

Soccer Mini Series

Finally got around to making "inchies" stamps.  This is the Soccer Mini Series that is a traveling series for youth soccer.  Currently my boss at work has it at home for her daughter for soccer season.She's setting them up as night boxes in her field.  She bought little containers & stick on reflectors.

1. mouth guard
2. jersey
3. shorts
4. socks
5. cleats
6. shin guards
7. goalie gloves
8. ball
9. goal
10. bag

I'm going to take them over to my brother's house for my nephew. 

TPB.... Here we come.... There we were... LOL

Heading down to the low key Maine Camping event....  :-)

Not so low key... lots of boxes & lots of peeps.

Jummpin Jee.  It was crazy boxers all over the place.

I got to meet some AWESOME people this weekend.  I tried to not overwhelm my self with having to get EVERY single box.

Thank you everyone for being so nice & open and accommodating. 

Thanks Mr. Toadstool. Shout outs to the following people for face to face meets:  Aiphid & Adventure Crafter, Tri Colored Paws, Mudfliningfools, AscendingHeart & her crew, and so many more.  Truly a great diverse & awesome bunch of people.

Finally... the VTers

So I finally got to get out to box with my friends from VT who live here in ME for now.  I took them to a couple of series that Dream Seeker planted recently. First one I had already done with MissMae & Phazia. I let VTerinME do it on her own (mostly). She did well.

They dropped me off & went to do the turtles & grabbed another one of mine & have supper. I went to pick up MissMae.

Next after supper they came back in to town and picked MissMae & I up to go hit up the other series.  These are the pictures from that adventure. We didn't realize that #2 was Unavailable. Which drove DD crazy trying to find it.

VTerinME & MissMae

VTerinME & MissMae

MissMae & VTersMom

So far he has no LB name so we'll call him DirtyD for now.

The girls again. :-)

Totally adorable stamps...

Check out these totally adorable stamps at Getting Hooked.

And check out her Etsy store too. I've yet to narrow down my favorites... :-)

Some day I hope to carve something in her caliber of skill. I keep practicing.

Maine Camping - You Know Its Where You Want to Be

In a little over a week I'll be camping for the second time this summer.  Amazing in it's self that I'm actually going camping. I'm VERY excited for this camping trip to Thomas Point Beach for the Maine Camping letterboxing event.

Every time I check there seems to be more people signed up to attend this event.  I have a feeling it's going to be a tad overwhelming at moments, with lots of people.  Lots of stamps at each site and personal travelers to exchange.  As well as some LTC swaps. Thinking about it makes my head swim.  I don't know how to even record these; a new log book for this event or index cards, or what? Oh My!

I'm taking Mom and the kids (MissMae & JPizzle) to this event.  This will be Mom's (La2lip) first letterboxing experience.

We arrive on Thursday afternoon. Our plan is to set up the site. Do a little meet & greeting. Then go out for supper for sushi & gelato.

Friday is our day out on the town(s) for some local boxes. Hopefully catching up to KK&T on Friday at some point. Pack some sandwiches for the adventure. Lobster dinner that night with clams/muscles & corn. Meet & greet more boxing pals.

Saturday lots of boxing adventures ensue with new boxing pals. Group photo and night boxing.

Sunday we say goodbye to our new boxing pals and go our separate ways. With lots of photos and ink and memories to hold us over til the next LB event.

#16   AscendingHeart, Winger, DreamSeeker, TrailRunna, MaxMan, KodaBear
#18 - CraigInCT
#20 - BfloAnonChick, Celtic Quinn, GodMommy, Buffalo PHISHerman
#22 - Lundy & Vickster
#31 - Phazia & fiance (Shawn)
#30 - IrishInks, Minowa, & Hanami
#33 - Mud
#33 1/2 - Teacup
#34 - The V's, Karate Queen, Backwards rexoB
#35-  Nittany
#35 1/2 - Happydaze
#36 - Buxton Boxers
#37 - Team Safari
#38 - Team Chopper
#39 - Wildcats
#41 - Mojo612
#42-  Infin-T & family
#43-  Event Central
#43a - More Great Fun
#44 - Seagull & Downeast Cowboy
#45 - tigermama
#46-  juliebean18. kimmywtrvl & crafty lobster
#47 - SchmedlyO & Hopefulheart
#48 - Early Rizer
#49 - StarWarsChicck, Littlmoon, & gollygee
#51 - JESS
#52 - Stardawn & greenmountainhiker
#53 - Rocklun & HarmonyMA
#54 - automan & dolphinwanderer
#55 - Aiphid & Adventure Crafter
#56 - 3 Foragers
#57 - Gargoyle Girl & family
#58 - Spooky Group
#59 - Robin's Nest & Explore Len
#60 - Jiffy, ATVRacer & Angel Treads
#61 - Choi
#63 - Mainekokopellian and Guest ?
#101 -  Mr. Big Foot to you!