fifbrindacier Posted September 27, 2022 Share Posted September 27, 2022 Welcome to the Secret Santa Exchange 2022, the dreamcatcher. caldigger Never forgotten. Thanks, once again to my wonderful helpers and advisors, @Darktooth and @Tidgy's Dad and a special thanks to @sixgill pete and @Bobby Rico If you, or anyone else, has any suggestions or advice, i'll listen to it. Most of you know how to participate to the annual Secret Santa exchange, but for our new participants here is how it works : You enter your name into a pool and i match you with another player to send a gift, while another Santa sends you a surprise full of fossils and goodies ! We try to keep the gifts to close to a $35 value, so no one is sending too extravagant a gift nor a too minor one. This exchange is built on trust. All participants are putting in decent items that they have either found, purchased or been gifted in the hope that the other players have done the same. So please play fair, do not send a box of trash rocks. The better way is, while making your selection on what to send is to ask yourself if you would I be happy receiving this and your gift will reflect that. ALL ARE WELCOME TO PLAY AS LONG AS ADHERING TO THE FOLLOWING RULES : This is a Secret Santa Exchange. Your recipient won't know who is sending the gift or what it will be until it is received. Your name will in turn be chosen for a different Santa to send you a gift. It goes without saying that the real Santa will be watching and it is crucial that the identity of whom the gift is coming from be kept totally unknown, so that the real Santa gets all the thanks. So, please, don't post hints or contact who you are sending to ! If you have any doubts, contact me. One Item of Note - This exchange is for established members of the Forum. New members will have to wait until next year to participate. While it is rare, we have had a very few issues with new members not sending fossils, only receiving. As a result, you must have an established presence here on the Forum to participate. Any who may attempt to scam the system will be banned from the Forum, for life. Signing up for this fun annual event will begin immediately and entries will be accepted until the cut off for entry on the 30th of October at midnight your time. You will then be matched with your exchange partner and the names and addresses will be sent out in the following days. I'll have a little surgery on November the third so I'll try to match everybody before this date. Please PM me, @fifbrindacier with your full name, postal address and tell me from what area or state you are. There are three choices you can make for your exchange recipient. 1. US domestic only. (includes Canada) 2. European only. (includes Morocco) 3. International. (includes me or Matt Damon on Mars) Some countries may ship by sea only which will take a lot longer, so, please ship your parcels as soon as possible. For the international cut off, sending until the second week in November is ideal. Post as soon as you can even for US domestic or European postage because during this period, the postal services are overwhelmed. And in some countries, sending to other countries can give you headaches, like, for example sending from France to US ! International post can be cripplingly expensive, so please check before sending a heavy package. A few handy tips that we have learned from past exchanges that may help the shipping transactions run more smoothly and prevent any unnecessary hold-ups : 1. Make sure your items are cleared of dust and dirt as best as you can. Most foreign customs services frown upon having a load of foreign dirt entering their country. 2. Check the box on your customs form as "Gift." This gives a better indication that the contents are not being brought in for commercial resale. 3. In the past, when writing the description on the customs' declaration, it has been found that something very simple like "Geological Specimens for Educational Purposes." or "Study Grade Fossils for Educational Purposes - No Commercial Value." works well. You don't want your gift to incur taxes if the tax office thinks they're going to be sold on. 4. For the contents value box on the form, make sure you have a low valuation, say $10, no matter how high the value of the actual contents may be. Many customs departments will charge the recipient an additional charge based on the supposed value of the package's contents as declared on the form when entering the country. As it's a gift, we don't want any of our friends to have to pay to get it released from customs! 5. DO NOT PUT ZERO (0$) on the valuation section either. This automatically raises a red flag to customs. 6. Please, please, please package your items with lots of packaging material. Your parcel will get tossed by strong arms, jumbled, have heavier parcels placed on top, get turned upside down, etc... You can never have too much padding, especially when you parcel is travelling halfway around the world. If you can feel the slightest movement in your box, assume it will break. Pad every item individually and the spaces that surround them. You may open your parcels whenever you wish but take photos or your goodies as soon as they are out of the box and share them with us on this thread. And there's a game to be played guessing who sent which parcel of fossils with points to be won! So, don't mention your Santa by name until it has been worked out by others. HAVE FUN ! ! ! ! Remember that this is for the 25th December Holiday ! And to begin with, guess who's dreamcatcher is this one and from who does it come from ? 2 7 "On ne voit bien que par le coeur, l'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux." (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry) "We only well see with the heart, the essential is invisible for the eyes." In memory of Doren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meganeura Posted September 27, 2022 Share Posted September 27, 2022 1 hour ago, fifbrindacier said: Signed myself up! And I'm gonna guess and say the dreamcatcher is european. No clue who made it/owns it, though. 2 Fossils? I dig it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fifbrindacier Posted September 27, 2022 Author Share Posted September 27, 2022 (edited) 1 hour ago, Meganeura said: Signed myself up! And I'm gonna guess and say the dreamcatcher is european. No clue who made it/owns it, though. Hmmm... Sorry, but no. First bad step You can try another Guess. Edited September 27, 2022 by fifbrindacier 2 "On ne voit bien que par le coeur, l'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux." (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry) "We only well see with the heart, the essential is invisible for the eyes." In memory of Doren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paleorunner Posted September 27, 2022 Share Posted September 27, 2022 (edited) Starting at the end. (The Dreamcatcher Question). I know you have hands, and good taste to make this type of objects, but I have no idea who is the lucky one, or lucky one who owns it. I do not know if it is correct but I will say that it has it @Coco and comes from @fifbrindacier With your permission I would like to participate in this edition of Santa Secreto 2022 ( I think you already know my shipping details, but if you can't find them, or need more information, ask me). I don't know if it's too much to ask, but I would like to receive only gifts from the EU. (I don't want to pay to receive, I have bad experiences receiving packages outside the EU and it doesn't matter if they are ragalos, they charge me the VAT they want, plus 5 euros to the post office for managing the VAT payment at customs). But I have no problem sending abroad, "in case it can help" And if it is not possible, you include me directly in the Europe area. Edited September 27, 2022 by Paleorunner 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fifbrindacier Posted September 27, 2022 Author Share Posted September 27, 2022 16 minutes ago, Paleorunner said: Starting at the end. (The Dreamcatcher Question). I know you have hands, and good taste to make this type of objects, but I have no idea who is the lucky one, or lucky one who owns it. I do not know if it is correct but I will say that it has it @Coco and comes from @fifbrindacier I dreamed soooo much time i would, one day, create such a beauty ! And i thank you for your compliments. Alas : You Can try another Guess. 1 "On ne voit bien que par le coeur, l'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux." (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry) "We only well see with the heart, the essential is invisible for the eyes." In memory of Doren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fifbrindacier Posted September 27, 2022 Author Share Posted September 27, 2022 27 minutes ago, Paleorunner said: I don't know if it's too much to ask, but I would like to receive only gifts from the EU. (I don't want to pay to receive, I have bad experiences receiving packages outside the EU and it doesn't matter if they are ragalos, they charge me the VAT they want, plus 5 euros to the post office for managing the VAT payment at customs). But I have no problem sending abroad, "in case it can help" And if it is not possible, you include me directly in the Europe area. I understand what you mean, i also had that kind of experience with a seller from USA. Though, while participating in this exchange i never had that kind of issue, precisely because the senders respected the rules i wrote at the beginning of the post. 1 "On ne voit bien que par le coeur, l'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux." (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry) "We only well see with the heart, the essential is invisible for the eyes." In memory of Doren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhiguita Posted September 27, 2022 Share Posted September 27, 2022 I would like to participate this year again, I have some fun goodies I hope to send to a lucky recipient, and thank you for the opportunity. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Top Trilo Posted September 27, 2022 Share Posted September 27, 2022 Its time for the Secret Santa 2022!!!!!!! I'll participate again this year, put me down for US only please. I'll send you a PM with my info. And to anyone unsure if they want to join in, you should! Its really a lot of fun, and these Secret Santa threads are some of my favorite on the entire forum. I also have no doubt @fifbrindacier will do a great job! 1 1 “If fossils are not "boggling" your mind then you are simply not doing it right” -Ken (digit) "No fossil is garbage, it´s just not completely preserved” -Franz (FranzBernhard) "With hammer in hand, the open horizon of time, and dear friends by my side, what can we not accomplish together?" -Kane (Kane) "We are in a way conquering time, reuniting members of a long lost family" -Quincy (Opabinia Blues) "I loved reading the trip reports, I loved the sharing, I loved the educational aspect, I loved the humor. It felt like home. It still does" -Mike (Pagurus) “The best deal I ever got was getting accepted as a member on The Fossil Forum. Not only got an invaluable pool of knowledge, but gained a loving family as well.” -Doren (caldigger) "it really is nice, to visit the oasis that is TFF" -Tim (fossildude19) "Life's Good! -Adam (Tidgy's Dad) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClearLake Posted September 28, 2022 Share Posted September 28, 2022 Fantastic! Count me in again this year. I’ll send you the appropriate info. Thanks for organizing @fifbrindacier 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paleorunner Posted September 28, 2022 Share Posted September 28, 2022 @fifbrindacier It is possible that the dream catcher is your property, and I give it to you Doren ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fifbrindacier Posted September 28, 2022 Author Share Posted September 28, 2022 7 hours ago, Top Trilo said: Its time for the Secret Santa 2022!!!!!!! I'll participate again this year, put me down for US only please. I'll send you a PM with my info. And to anyone unsure if they want to join in, you should! Its really a lot of fun, and these Secret Santa threads are some of my favorite on the entire forum. I also have no doubt @fifbrindacier will do a great job! 4 hours ago, ClearLake said: Fantastic! Count me in again this year. I’ll send you the appropriate info. Thanks for organizing @fifbrindacier 8 hours ago, Rhiguita said: I would like to participate this year again, I have some fun goodies I hope to send to a lucky recipient, and thank you for the opportunity. You're welcome ! "On ne voit bien que par le coeur, l'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux." (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry) "We only well see with the heart, the essential is invisible for the eyes." In memory of Doren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fifbrindacier Posted September 28, 2022 Author Share Posted September 28, 2022 (edited) 25 minutes ago, Paleorunner said: @fifbrindacier It is possible that the dream catcher is your property, and I give it to you Doren ? Ay ! I've PMed you man. Edited September 28, 2022 by fifbrindacier 1 "On ne voit bien que par le coeur, l'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux." (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry) "We only well see with the heart, the essential is invisible for the eyes." In memory of Doren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fifbrindacier Posted September 28, 2022 Author Share Posted September 28, 2022 Ok, let me give you a hint : the person who owns the dreamcatcher and the one who made it don't live in the same continent. "On ne voit bien que par le coeur, l'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux." (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry) "We only well see with the heart, the essential is invisible for the eyes." In memory of Doren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tidgy's Dad Posted September 29, 2022 Share Posted September 29, 2022 Yeah, the Secret Santa is back! Good luck Sophie. Was the Dreamcatcher fabricated by @Bobby Rico and sent to Ralph @Nimravis? 1 Life's Good! Tortoise Friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr.cheese Posted September 29, 2022 Share Posted September 29, 2022 I also am up for a go of this please @fifbrindacier , put me down for anywhere, even Mars! I think @RJB made it for @Tidgy's Dad (for Tidgy) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fifbrindacier Posted September 29, 2022 Author Share Posted September 29, 2022 21 minutes ago, Tidgy's Dad said: Yeah, the Secret Santa is back! Good luck Sophie. Was the Dreamcatcher fabricated by @Bobby Rico and sent to Ralph @Nimravis? No man, one Bad step more. 1 "On ne voit bien que par le coeur, l'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux." (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry) "We only well see with the heart, the essential is invisible for the eyes." In memory of Doren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tidgy's Dad Posted September 29, 2022 Share Posted September 29, 2022 1 hour ago, mr.cheese said: I also am up for a go of this please @fifbrindacier , put me down for anywhere, even Mars! I think @RJB made it for @Tidgy's Dad (for Tidgy) What's the last posting date for Mars from North Devon? 1 Life's Good! Tortoise Friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr.cheese Posted September 29, 2022 Share Posted September 29, 2022 Just now, Tidgy's Dad said: What's the last posting date for Mars from North Devon? Its isn't the posting date you need to worry about it's the $500 million customs fee! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fifbrindacier Posted September 29, 2022 Author Share Posted September 29, 2022 3 minutes ago, mr.cheese said: I also am up for a go of this please @fifbrindacier , put me down for anywhere, even Mars! I think @RJB made it for @Tidgy's Dad (for Tidgy) Yeppee, DadDad.have one half of the answer, it was made for @Tidgy's DadDadDadDad. 1 1 "On ne voit bien que par le coeur, l'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux." (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry) "We only well see with the heart, the essential is invisible for the eyes." In memory of Doren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fifbrindacier Posted September 29, 2022 Author Share Posted September 29, 2022 4 minutes ago, Tidgy's Dad said: What's the last posting date for Mars from North Devon? Today for a receivingl in two years. 1 "On ne voit bien que par le coeur, l'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux." (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry) "We only well see with the heart, the essential is invisible for the eyes." In memory of Doren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tidgy's Dad Posted September 29, 2022 Share Posted September 29, 2022 Made for wifey, to be precise, but sent to me. 1 Life's Good! Tortoise Friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr.cheese Posted September 29, 2022 Share Posted September 29, 2022 7 minutes ago, fifbrindacier said: Yeppee, DadDad.have one half of the answer, it was made for @Tidgy's DadDadDadDad. Well I wasn't expecting that! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tidgy's Dad Posted September 29, 2022 Share Posted September 29, 2022 1 hour ago, mr.cheese said: Well I wasn't expecting that! Me neither. 1 Life's Good! Tortoise Friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fifbrindacier Posted September 29, 2022 Author Share Posted September 29, 2022 Hi @Macrophyseter @Jesuslover340 @Fossil-Hound @Bone Daddy @daves64 @Abstraktum @Randyw @Pemphix @David in Japan @GallinaPinta @KompsFossilsNMinerals @Crusty_Crab @I_gotta_rock @LiamL @IsaacTheFossilMan @Agent_Zigzag @RobFallen @bthemoose @DanKurek @LabRatKing @Nanosaurus @BellamyBlake @JohnJ @IonRocks @Clint08 @ziggycardon @ChristineR @TOM BUCKLEY @Vieira @Haravex @historianmichael @westcoast @Herb @badeend @connorp @PFOOLEY @PaleoNoel @Scylla @sharkdoctor @MSirmon @MrR @hokietech96 @Max-fossils @Dimitris @Malcolmt @Thecosmilia Trichitoma @PalmaShell @RandyB @fossilsonwheels @jeannie55 @OwlEyes @yardrockpaleo @JamieLynn @Ptychodus04 your Secret Santa is waiting for you ! 4 "On ne voit bien que par le coeur, l'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux." (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry) "We only well see with the heart, the essential is invisible for the eyes." In memory of Doren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fifbrindacier Posted September 29, 2022 Author Share Posted September 29, 2022 Wake up @Kasia @Ludwigia @Pagurus @nala @snolly50 @Andy @thelivingdead531 @marguy @MeisTravis @Adam86cucv @fishguy @Brett Breakin' Rocks @Captcrunch227 @kirkjeremiah23 @Praefectus @Calli99 @Monica @VTinNorthAB @BLT @JohnBrewer @Darktooth @sixgill pete @Sjfriend @grandpa @Darbi @Fossilis Willis @Misha @fossilhunter21 @FranzBernhard @Jasperfossils @Nimravis @RJB @Troodon @Welsh Wizard @Bobby Rico @piranha @DPS Ammonite @ricardo Secret Santa is back ! 1 3 "On ne voit bien que par le coeur, l'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux." (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry) "We only well see with the heart, the essential is invisible for the eyes." In memory of Doren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts