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Mod post: No wishlist posts in blogs

By Silvertree February 7, 2012

Please be aware that we do not permit swap-related content on profiles or in blogs. Please post this content only in the For Sale, Swaps, and Wanted forums, or in the Wishlists topic. ~from Swapping 101 Thanks!
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Autumn 2009 Switch Witch Questions

scotchgrrl, I think I have to hug you for your AWESOME list of questions, that is going to make this a lot easier! ******9/11***** There has been a lot of talk about chocolate, but none about Candy! What is your favorite Candy? What candy do you hate? I love hard butterscotch boiled sweets! Or sour sweets! Being a vegatarian, anything with gelatine is a no-no though. Do you have a Blu-Ray player? No Do you have any objections to receiving downloads? Is your internet connection fast enough for you to download large files like music easily? Are there any songs, albums, movies, or TV shows that you can't find/haven't been released that you want? I really would prefer NOT to receive downloads. SA's net connection can be dodgy at times and just browsing can sometimes cause chat to quit out. That's on a bad day. But knowing my luck, the net WOULD be having a super slow day if I got a download. As for songs, movies, albums, etc. I have most of what I am interested in, except for old 80s cartoons which I cannot get (My Little Pony and whatnot) and new music that I have not heard of - so I would not be able to tell you WHAT. ******9/10***** Are you interested in things like home remedies for ailments, cleaning solutions, etc.? Yip! I am. Though a "recipe" or instructions would probably get past customs more easily. If you do any kind of craft, could you use supplies? What kind? knitting needles, yarn, amazing fabric, pinking shears, cool thimbles or pincushins, jewelery making supplies, beads, etc.? I make teddy bears and am just a craft nut in general. In particular sewing supplies are awesome (I sew my teds by hand) as I tend to be a scatterbrain and lose pins, needles, etc. like a maniac. Any pretty ribbons or odds and ends that are interesting are also cool. What's your favorite pain-relief remedy or ritual? Reiki. If that does not work, a nap normally does. Do sounds make you happy? What ambient noises make you smile? Yes they do. Anything "tinkly" or water sounds. When you receive your SW packages...do you like receiving things that are individually wrapped inside? or unwrapped? or both? Never done SW before, but I would be happy with either. I know international posting can be a pain, so whatever my witch finds easiest is good - I will be super excited any "witch" way (sorry, I could not resist the pun). Of course, we're all going to be grateful no matter what our witches give us, but for the record, what is your anti-present? Tell us something that you think your future witch might give you that you absolutely, unequivocally DO. NOT. WANT. Anything to do with bananas or oranges. Or super preppy chic and barbie pink. o.0 What BPAL scent have you never tried but always wanted to? What scent have you tried and LOVED, and haven't been able to get more of and why? Ummm, I am relatively new and try not to "torture" myself with scents that I can not have. I am kicking myself for not getting any Falling Leaf Moon though, cos it sounded lovely - but time flew away from me. Scent I have tried and loved and cannot get more of? I was given an imp of Primavera by a lovely forumite and it smells really nice on me. Can't find anymore though, so am treating that imp like gold. I know we're all scent sensitive here. What are your favorite non-perfume smells? Day in the life stuff? Paper that is fresh from the printer/photocopier and still warm. Freshly tumbledried clothes. Hmmmmmm. Rain - before, during and after, the air smells different. Coffee drinkers, what types of beans to you like? Kona, Sumatra, Kenya..etc. How do you like them roasted? Do you like flavors, such as hazelnut, vanilla, etc. in your coffee? I HATE coffee. Please no coffee. Who has a birthday falling in this round? I do! 11 October! For those of us who like chocolate, do you like anything /in/ your chocolate, like fruit, nuts, or for the more daring among us, chilies? Chocolate with stiff inside sounds great! In fact all of the above sound great. Are there any childhood shows/movies/games/books/etc. that still hold a really special place in your heart? My Little Pony, The Velveteen Rabbit, Transformers, He-man, The Giraffe, the Pelly and me, Esiotrot, Omlette (a book about a chicken) ******9/9***** Super power? Telekinesis. The ability to move things with my minds and being able to affect things from a distance sounds AWESOME to me. If I send you whole spices or coffee beans, would you be able to grind them or would you prefer them preground for your convenience? Sadly, I don't have a way to grind them myself. So preground would be better even though I know that that affects quality. For the tea and coffee drinkers: Opinion on tea- and/or coffee-related accessories/etc? (Teaware, sugar crystals, infusers, tea chests, etc)How do you take your coffee (or tea)? Black or with cream and/or sugar? Accessories are awesome. And it depends on the tea. Normal tea = milk and sugar, rooibos = milk or lemon, most others = black. Restaurants you'd like a gift certificate to on Restaurant.com? Sadly, that site only caters to America and not South Africa. In your perfect world it is chocolate and...? Mint! How do you scent your home: tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles? Scented candles, incense, essential oil burners (have not tried any bpal oils in these o.0). What's your favorite dessert treat? Ice cream? Cake? Pie? Fudge brownie cake with pie flavored ice cream on top? Creme Brulee *crack* Do you believe we control our destiny, or does our destiny control us? Hmmm, tough one. I do believe that we all have a destiny and that certain things are meant to happen to us, BUT I also believe in free will and the fact that ultimately it is our choice to accept and work with our destinies or to rail against them. You do not have to accept a bad destiny. What one thing that is missing from your life would you like to have above all else? Right now? Cuddles. ******9/8***** What was your favouritest job ever, and why? Teaching in Japan. I FINALLY found a job that left me feeling fulfilled. A job that made me want to get up in the mornings when the rest of my life suddenly and unexpectedly fell apart. I now know what I am meant to do. Which three albums would you take to your apocalypse bolt hole and how would you power the generator? The Phantom of the Opera soundtrack, The De-Lovely soundtrack and Queen's Greatest Hits. If I was allowed to cheat a little bit, I would take the "What Dreams May Come" album, which was a make-believe album that my friends and I brainstormed about what my longest roleplaying campaign's soundtrack would be if it had one, instead of Queen. I would power the generator with hamster wheels, lots of hamster wheels - powered by rats. What GC scent have you been putting off getting since it'll "always be there"? All of them? Like I said, I am still new, at the moment I am putting off getting Miskatonic U and Shub-Niggurath until I have more funds to splurge on 2 GC bottles. Are you interested in things like home remedies for ailments, cleaning solutions, etc.? I'm sure I answered this already. Yes, I am. ******9/7***** Any cooks? Could you use anything cooking related? Aprons? Cookbooks? Measuring Cups? Recipes? Herb/Spice containers? Fancy Spices? Dish Towels? Cocktail napkins? Amazing Beaded Pot Holders? (like from our very own Pottersville! ) Something else? I cook for myself. Not much that I could really use that I don't have since I prefer just having basic equipment that it is OK if I mess up. An apron could be useful though, since I am messy! Are you an avid reader? What's your favorite book/series?What's your favorite candy to stock up on at Halloween? I love reading. My favourite book series is probably His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman. We don't really celebrate Halloween in SA, so we don't stock up on Halloween candy here, but I LOVED it when the American ALTS in Japan shared their Halloween stashes with me - especially peanut butter cups. What are your phobias? Spiders. But only real ones. I love drawn spiders, webs, stuffed spiders - but the real things send me squealing and running away. Heights. What is your favourite flower (or plant)? Dutch Iris. Duct tape purses and wallets and things are pretty darned cool. Who else thinks so? It depends on the design, but I don't like most of them. An anonymous benefactor gives you $500 (or an equivalent amount of money in your currency of choice) with the following stipulations. You must spend all of it within a week: any money left unspent must be returned. You must spend at least half of the money on yourself. You may not use it to pay off debts or bills of any kind. What do you do with the money? Paying for some custom clothing to be made for me, dinner with my friends, donate some to animal charities and some new roleplaying books/dice if there is a little left over. Who likes coloring books? I do in concept, but always forget about them. Do you have a Good Reads profile? If so, make with the link! If you don't have one, go make one! What is this Good Reads of which you speak? Ahhh, I see. I suck at keeping those up to date. If I have time, I will go make one. ******9/6***** You're in the kitchen at the end of a pay period and groceries are pretty scarce. Do you take the five ingredients you find first and make something fabulous, or do you order take out? It depends what the ingredients are! If it is stuff that does not go together, no - take out would be better than cooking. BUT I do tend to keep an emergency mac and cheese in the freezer for these situations. If you could decorate/redecorate any 1 room in your home, what would it be and how would you decorate it? My bedroom, since it is the only room that is MINE. I would go for cute/exotic trinketty. Actually, that would just require art for the walls and a good clean. Any room and I would SO tackle the living room and decorate it as a comfy, cozy den for chilling. Any rabid sports fans out there? What teams do you root for? Nopes. What's your favorite animal? (You can have more than one.) Cats, butterflies, killer whales This is how the world ends... zombie apocalypse, robot uprising, alien invasion, return of the elder gods... which doomsday scenario do you prefer (or make your own!)? I read a book called Flipside once, where all the animals start disappearing. Basically, human technology and man's belief in the power of electricity starts creating these invisible creatures from man's faith which start wreaking havoc across the globe and cause the downfall of this reality. Of course, there was an escape route for some. I quite like the idea of our own belief in our own clever technologies spawning something beyond our understanding that destroys us. In the year 2525... if man is still alive... what sort of future do you imagine? (apologies to anyone who gets that song stuck in their head!) So, in 16 years time? I imagine a future where we have finally realized how much harm we are doing to each other and the environment and have started working together to sort it out, a world where corporate profits are not as important as the well-being of your fellow man. Technologically, I see smaller and more integrated devices of today which seem even more second nature to people. Well, that is the positive version. I can also see the world having become xenophobic and everywhere having turned into nanny-states and being very Orwellian in a 1984 sense. I hope for the first. Do you believe in magic (or magick, if you prefer)? What does it mean to you? Yes I do. But it is the same thing as prayer, etc. It is very personal and a way of communicating with the powers that be. If you found the puzzle box from Hellraiser, what would you do with it? ( and would you be able to resist playing with it? ) Oh gawds. I would not be able to resist playing with it. And if I could not figure it out, I would be liable to turn it into a LARP prop and take it to a place where a whole group of people would be playing with it and trying to figure it out. DISASTER. *facepalms* O course, that ssumes that I don't recognize it from the movies. If I did it would be dropped into the ocean ASAP. ******9/5***** Do you like pinup art/images? Yes! What are your plans for Halloween? Have you made any yet? Do you have any traditions? Sadly, Soth Africa does not really do the Halloween thing. But for the last 2 years (in Japan) I took kids on a special trick-pr-treating route. It was AWESOME. Who are your BPAL forum buddies? You know, people I could conspire with to Witch you! Lilly is an old friend from high school and one of my best friends. She knows me darn well in RL. PurgatoriX, I know from ABJD. I met gingiemay once. Lilly is probably your best bet. What is your favorite color? Blue. Any other steampunk fans/lovers? *waves hand* Me! Why else would I be in the steampunk craft swap too? Describe your ideal picnic lunch. Where would you go? Who (if anyone, and yes there can be multiple people) would accompany you? What sort of food would you take? And, of course, if a picnic lunch sounds like a horrible idea, feel free to say so! Cranberry and apple Liquifruit juice; Pepperdew and feta foccacia bread, cheeses, avocado, dried fruit and chocolate mousse. Kirstenbosch gardens on the day of a Summer sunset concert. All my close SA and Japanese buddies if I could get them all there. ******9/4***** Any Gamers here? What kind? Board games? RPG? Miniature? MMORPG? ROFL! You have NO idea! I have just been sucked into Settlers of Cattan, play Munchkin and all its variations, Fluxx and LOVE the Chez games. I am also an avid roleplayer, and LOVE Call of Cthulhu, Castle Falkenstein and White Wolf in particular. I am also a LARPer (although South African LARPs seem to be different from American and European ones and are more like murder mysteries, but don't necessarily have murder and are far more complex). I also play computer games. Is anyone playing this round of SW into ABJ? (asian ball jointed dolls) Why yes, I am. What is your favorite Halloween icon? Spooks! Imagine that you're given a shoebox-sized time capsule, and you are asked to put any number of items in the box that symbolize who you are. The items can be may be anything you can imagine, and money is no object, but they must fit within the box. Which items do you choose? Copies of some of the farewell letters that my students gave me, A ipod with my current ipod's playlist, a small stuffed unicorn, a bag of roleplaying dice and copies of some character sheets/ campaign notes. A DVD with the Charity Shows from the past 2 years on it. Photos of me and my friends/family. A scarf and fuzzy socks. A voicerecording from me and my friends just chilling one day. Are you involved in any long-term, ambitious project? something like decorating your house or saving for a trip to the other end of the world, for example. Planning a move to the UK. Favorite kind or take out kinda burger? Whats your burger preference? Veggie,meat or ???? Veggie. Whats your favorite childhood toy? Hmmmmm... BlueTed! A blue teddy bear that had a pink and white ball that was on a string. He looked like he was holding it, but when you pulled it he started playing "Raindrops keep falling on my head". If you have a pet, what kind of gifts would be good for them? I have a cat, but she really has very little interest in anything other than her 1 brand of food. *facepalms* She is an ex-stray and has never quite understood the appeal of anywhere except the garden. Do you Tweet? What is your Twitter name? Have not tweeted in ages, but my Twittername is the same as here. Are you on Ravelry? What is your Ravelry name? Nopes. ******9/3***** What are everyone's favorite Halloween-y/Autumn-y/spooky movies? Are there any you don't own but would like to? I LOVE Death Becomes Her and don't have it, same goes for Idle Hands. Let me paw through my DVDs - other spooky movies I love are Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands (though that is more Christmassy), Nightmare Before Christmas, Corspe Bride, The Black Cauldron. I also love horrors (as long as they are not gore fests, I avoid SAW). Are roasted pumpkin seeds and home made chex mix the best fall snack foods, or what? Roasted pumokin seeds are awesome, but what is chex mix? Whats your favorite pie, my dear SW's? Spinach and feta! What kinda socks ar you wearing tonight? Fuzzy, striped ankle socks. Do you like socks? Blankets? Wrist warmers? Arm warmers? Headband? Shawl? Or what kind of knitted thing would you love the most? I love socks, blankets and gloves. Wrist and armwarmers and headbands are a bit odd. Shawls are cool, but I love scarves most of all. How do you feel about ghost stories? Do you like to tell the old tales around a campfire? Read true accounts on the web way past your bedtime? Do you like to pick up a good anthology of Poe stories on a blustery day? Or is all that too scary for you? I love ghost stories. All those mentioned gave me the warm fuzzies. Who here is LOVING Warehouse 13? I have not seen it yet, but have been told by friends who have that I will love it. Nother question! Coffee or Tea? Tea. No coffee please. Interested in locally produced products? Food, skincare or both?Olive oil? Lavender oils or soaps? Sure, why not? Does anyone in here wear a lot of dangly earrings or collect pendants of all kinds?? How about hair clips or pony tail band things? Not a huge fan of dangly earrings, I prefer studs. I love pendants. Hair clips are cute. I tend to lose hairbands and currently have my hair a bit sort for ponytails. What is your favourite historical period? Tough one. Toss up between Victorian, 1920s and 1950s. What other hot beverages everyone likes for fall? Horlicks, hot chocolate. I have LOVED hot apple juice when I had it once. Did you order anything from the most recent update? Not yet. Thinking of picking up something before it disappears though. I will update if I do. I know, I know, bad answer. Vampires or Werewolves? Or some other monster? Vampires! Unless we are talking roleplaying, in which case - Changelings! What sort of odd or regional foods do you crave? Mexican, Italian, Indian

skylarkza

September 13, 2009

I am not obsessed

halloween switch witch ketchup 9/12/09

*There has been a lot of talk about chocolate, but none about Candy! What is your favorite Candy? What candy do you hate? - I hate candy corn. HE loves it. I love caramels. mmmmm. and omg have you tried those godiva peanut butter cups??? *Do you have a Blu-Ray player? - nope *Do you have any objections to receiving downloads? Is your internet connection fast enough for you to download large files like music easily? Are there any songs, albums, movies, or TV shows that you can't find/haven't been released that you want? - I am a download queen! fast connection too. I haven't seen The Colony yet, and I would love to find that. *Are you interested in things like home remedies for ailments, cleaning solutions, etc.? - I am afraid, my mom gave me some stuff once that I was really allergic too *If you do any kind of craft, could you use supplies? What kind? knitting needles, yarn, amazing fabric, pinking shears, cool thimbles or pincushins, jewelery making supplies, beads, etc.? -I love beads. I suck at using them, but I love them. I also covet clay and pencil colors *What's your favorite pain-relief remedy or ritual? - advil and a very hot bath *Do sounds make you happy? What ambient noises make you smile? - rain and thunderstorms, but I haven't found a recording yet that I enjoy *When you receive your SW packages...do you like receiving things that are individually wrapped inside? or unwrapped? or both? -whatever my witch wants to do *Of course, we're all going to be grateful no matter what our witches give us, but for the record, what is your anti-present? Tell us something that you think your future witch might give you that you absolutely, unequivocally DO. NOT. WANT. - licorice, blaaargh *What BPAL scent have you never tried but always wanted to? What scent have you tried and LOVED, and haven't been able to get more of and why? I have been dying to sniff the new orleans convergence scents for so long. *I know we're all scent sensitive here. What are your favorite non-perfume smells? Day in the life stuff? - ozone, my cat, grass, pine needles *Coffee drinkers, what types of beans to you like? Kona, Sumatra, Kenya..etc. How do you like them roasted? Do you like flavors, such as hazelnut, vanilla, etc. in your coffee? La Samuese, and you should try it, really, omg *Who has a birthday falling in this round? - not I *For those of us who like chocolate, do you like anything /in/ your chocolate, like fruit, nuts, or for the more daring among us, chilies? - I'm a daring kinda girl *Are there any childhood shows/movies/games/books/etc. that still hold a really special place in your heart? - Susan Cooper books, Conan books, and Scooby Doo *Super power? - super human strength! or setting things on fire with my mind *If I send you whole spices or coffee beans, would you be able to grind them or would you prefer them preground for your convenience? - grinding would be my pleasure *For the tea and coffee drinkers: Opinion on tea- and/or coffee-related accessories/etc? (Teaware, sugar crystals, infusers, tea chests, etc)How do you take your coffee (or tea)? Black or with cream and/or sugar? - I love anything tea or coffee related. I take my tea with a bit of sugar *Restaurants you'd like a gift certificate to on Restaurant.com? - Jay's Icecream . *In your perfect world it is chocolate and...? peanut butter *How do you scent your home: tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles? - candles, incense, ( nag champa) and my oil burner *What's your favorite dessert treat? Ice cream? Cake? Pie? Fudge brownie cake with pie flavored ice cream on top? - cheesecake or lemon meringue pie *What one thing that is missing from your life would you like to have above all else? - no headaches *What was your favouritest job ever, and why? - paranormal investigator, I love abandoned buildings *Which three albums would you take to your apocalypse bolt hole and how would you power the generator? - wind power!!! and Tool, any 3 Tool albums *What GC scent have you been putting off getting since it'll "always be there"? - ...ozymandius *Any cooks? Could you use anything cooking related? Aprons? Cookbooks? Measuring Cups? Recipes? Herb/Spice containers? Fancy Spices? Dish Towels? Cocktail napkins? Amazing Beaded Pot Holders? (like from our very own Pottersville! ) Something else? - I LOVE cooking paraphenalia! *Are you an avid reader? What's your favorite book/series? -right now I am reading the Thieves World set again *What's your favorite candy to stock up on at Halloween? - reese's peanut butter pumpkins *What are your phobias? - hurricanes, I seriously have post traumatic stress disorder now *What is your favourite flower (or plant)? -night jasmine and roses *Duct tape purses and wallets and things are pretty darned cool. Who else thinks so? - I like the concept, but no thanks *An anonymous benefactor gives you $500 (or an equivalent amount of money in your currency of choice) with the following stipulations. You must spend all of it within a week: any money left unspent must be returned. You must spend at least half of the money on yourself. You may not use it to pay off debts or bills of any kind. What do you do with the money? buy some more antiquities or art, always my mad money choice *Who likes coloring books? Me!!!! *Do you have a Good Reads profile? If so, make with the link! If you don't have one, go make one! - I don't, but I'll try to fit it in *You're in the kitchen at the end of a pay period and groceries are pretty scarce. Do you take the five ingredients you find first and make something fabulous, or do you order take out? - I prepare stuff from the pantry *If you could decorate/redecorate any 1 room in your home, what would it be and how would you decorate it? -the living room, I HATE the couches *Any rabid sports fans out there? What teams do you root for? - I love the Dallas Cowboys, but I don't really follow them right now *What's your favorite animal? (You can have more than one.) - frogs, cuttlefish, octopi, bats and kitties *This is how the world ends... zombie apocalypse, robot uprising, alien invasion, return of the elder gods... which doomsday scenario do you prefer (or make your own!)? - zombies! *In the year 2525... if man is still alive... what sort of future do you imagine? (apologies to anyone who gets that song stuck in their head!) - gattaca *Do you believe in magic (or magick, if you prefer)?yes, I was raised by a pagan priestess *If you found the puzzle box from Hellraiser, what would you do with it? ( and would you be able to resist playing with it? ) -I'd get into BIG trouble with it, of that I am certain *Do you like pinup art/images? - yes *What are your plans for Halloween? Have you made any yet? Do you have any traditions? - I do have one tradition that I can't really discuss in polite society. normally I go to a party, or prowl around cemeteries *Who are your BPAL forum buddies? they know who they are *What is your favorite color? - black *Any other steampunk fans/lovers? - I like the brassy antique medical equipment form of steampunk

krissstephens

September 13, 2009

tartchef's Blog

SW Random Questions 9/12

Could you use a 'travel' imp case? How many should it hold? What, people use something besides old film canisters? We don't travel much, but sure, something to hold 8-10 imps would be nice.... What fictional character do you most identify with and why? Count me in the hobbit brigade More Frodo than any of the rest - he always was considered a bit queer... Restaurants you'd like a gift certificate to on Restaurant.com? We are utter FAIL at using GCs before they expire, so no, thank you. What kind of socks? Oh yes. Long (to the knee or longer), natural fibers, deep jewel/earth tones. I fantasy shop at SockDreams all the time - I have a few pairs (incl 2 Dreamies) but covet more. Wish they had a wishlist feature... Pairs that routinely make it into my cart but never get purchased: Leg Warmers w/Brass Snaps in Black E.G. Smith Leg Therapy Solids tights in Moss & Burgundy Woolissimo Tights in Tall - Charcoal Uma Striped Over the Knee Diamond Rib Knee Highs in Charcoal, Black Currant As a witchee, would you prefer to have many little packages sent to you throughout the round with a not-so-big final package or fewer things throughout the round with one HUGE final package to seal the sweetness? I love delayed gratification, but a small something out of the blue would make my day - so, a bit of both What is your idea of the perfect evening at home? I really miss the long cozy nights we had before C was born - we'd cook dinner together, DH & I, and settle in afterwards to watch a long movie or play RISK or read together or just putz. Now it's me in the kitchen while DH entertains C, we eat & spend some time with him before the bedtime routine begins. By the time he's asleep, I'm beat & not good or more than 20 minutes of hanging out with DH Are you on any social networks (MySpace, Twitter, LJ, Facebook, Bebo, etc)? If so, make with the links! Are you open to new friends? I'm on facebook, and if you friend me, I'll respond in kind. Cute/kawaii? I'm kinda with yewberry on this - I love to look at it, and send it to friends, but really have limited use for it in my own life. A token sheet of stickers or a badge would be fine, but a whole box of Hello Kitty would make me How often do you update your wishlist? Fairly faithfully - once a week, or when I have a swap/sale arranged... May I help you fill out your costuming wardrobe (assuming you costume)? Are there articles you are seeking to enhance your a) Halloween costume, icon_cool.gif Renfest attire, c) Cosplay, d) Steampunk accouterment? Not much for dress-up anymore, thanks. I used to do costuming back in high school, so anything I need, I usually cobble together myself.

tartchef

September 12, 2009

loverstreet's Blog

SW ?s Day 8

Could you use a 'travel' imp case? How many should it hold? Fabulous question! Yes Yes Yes! Imp # for me would be 6 minimum, and oh, about 20 max. That's one of my favorite parts of going away, carefully selecting who will travel in my imp case (which is currently a sandwich baggie). What fictional character do you most identify with and why? Bilbo Baggins. I'm short, love to eat, enjoy an adventure once in a while, and have hairy toes (or is that TMI?). What is your idea of a perfect evening? Going OUT for dinner with the hubster, maybe dancing at a club, then home for a glass of wine and some hawt mano a wifo action. May I help you fill out your costuming wardrobe (assuming you costume)? Are there articles you are seeking to enhance your a) Halloween costume, Renfest attire, c) Cosplay, d) Steampunk accouterment? For moi, I'm always looking for any jewelry or knickknack that would go with my Renfest stuff. I do serving wench, pirate lady, scottish lass, and barbarian babe.

loverstreet

September 12, 2009

Ancilla's Blog

SW WEENIE '09 QUESTIONS PART II

Are you into 80s movies (like i am ) if so, which are your favorites and who are your favorite characters? all the Molly Ringwald ones! Do you like Villainess soaps? What are your favorite scents? Blush! though I am open to other fruity (or ambery) scents! Do you mind artificial colors in your food? kind of. only if I know they are there, hah. Who wants hair pretties?(headbands, barrettes, pony-o's, scrunchies, bobby pins, hair clips, etc) I really love those hair ties that are like cut up nylons, fabric with no elastic. If you were my witchee, would you like any of the scents/sizes that are available on clearance? I'm not sure which company you are talking about? I don't mind stuff that's on sale! I am on an origami crane kick recently, so I wonder if anyone will be interested in origami crane earrings, origami crane in a glass vial (~1.2cm wide) phone charm/pendant or just a container filled with cranes of different sizes. I love origami! I love ANYTHING Japanese, Kawaii etc. I would also love a phone charm/strap. How do you feel about clothing/accessories made from animals? Anti-fur, leather, shells, etc.? Does even faux wig you out? I love faux The only leather I have is in my Native American regalia, which has been ethically, erm... harvested according to traditions. How do you deal with stress? What's your favorite way to unwind? playing video games, hangin with the kitties or dog, reading, watching my favorite show. You're given the opportunity to apprentice at any trade (or craft) of your choosing for the period of one year. Your mentor may be any currently living person. Which field of study would you choose, and who would be your mentor? a Quilting Bee would be cool. I'm not quite sure otherwise though. I prefer learning crafts and doing them on my lonesome. Who is musically inclined? What instruments (voice counts) do you play? Would you enjoy sheet music? I'd love some easy piano sheet music! Favorite musicals? Hedwig and the Angry Inch! Which of the seven deadly sins is most likely to be your undoing? envy Anyone want a nickname and embroidered headband from PandaBite? no thanks. I have seen a lot of yankee candles haters..... personally i like yankee candle (some of them, anyway). do you or don't you, and if not, what candles do you like? this assumes you like candles. otherwise, what specific home fragrance do you use? Autumn Leaves!! best fall scent ever. Would a "gift" donation to one of the organizations/causes you support be a great gift, or a lame gift? Does anyone have any symbols they consider to be personally significant or talismanic? Are there any Gods, Goddess, or other mythological figures of whom you're particularly fond? Inanna and Bast Super villain or vigilante? Which would you like to be? Which would you like to receive? What mythical or fantastic race of creatures (dragons, unicorns, griffins, elves, dwarves, faeries, etc.) do you most identify with, and why? How do you feel about Dia de los Muertos? Are you interested in sugar skulls? Catrina (or other) skeleton figurines? Do you have a favorite poem or poet? For the crafty people out there: would you prefer something crafted or crafting supplies? Can you use pill boxes, a hard ID case, coin purse, etc? I would LOVE a cool pill box or coin purse! I love vintage-ey looking ones mostly. Any songs you are desperately into at the moment? What's autumn like in your neck of the woods? What do you love and/or hate about it? it is PERFECT here in Connecticut. If I ruled the world it would be Fall all year long. I love chilly walks through the woods, the cool smell of fallen leaves, my mom's irish potato stuffing on thanksgiving, warming up with hot apple cider or hot cocoa after a long day of work and school, AND best of all cuddling under blankets with the Boy. What's your favorite product(s) at Trader Joe's? oh god. where to start? I love their roasted chicken patties, their sausages, their tomato soups (in carton and in cans) I love their tea tree tingle shampoo (would love to try the conditioner!), their whey protein, their olive oil, most of their thai food, and their tiramisu cake was good on my bday. I haven't really ventured out of my 'safe zone' (I'm weird with food) so I haven't tried a lot of the so called amazing things yet, like the cookies and candy and pasta and falafel things. The sushi is just okay, not my favorite but decent when I want it. We get my dog her food their and also those little paw print peanut butter cookies, I get the cats treat there too but they refuse the food, I've tried it! I love Trader Joes because I am a poor college student that loves to eat healthy and natural, so its perfect for me because I can get so much on a very tight budget! If you're caught in front of the tv, what are you watching? Tim and Eric Awesome Show Great Job! The Mighty Boosh, or Ghost Hunters, occasionally Destination: Truth when I can stand the corniness, and I LOVE the Office. Any Amy Brown art fans? nah, its so hot topic corny. I can't stand it. I however LOVE Brian Froud so so much. How do you feel about Halloween music? (mix CDs, what have you) no thanks. unless its specifically ritual music for Samhain or something. Who else is reeeeeally looking forward to Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland? not really. I mean I'd watch it later on at someone's house but I'm tired of Tim Burton now and his conquest of already good fairy tales and stories. Corpse Bride was good at least because it was original. But Alice in Wonderland, even the creepy version, has been done done done. (I love Johnny Depp just like anyone else, too, but I am tired of him being typecasted in all these movies. There are plenty of other good actors to play these parts!) Is there a store that you love which does not have a location near you (but that has a physical presence somewhere, not just online? Why do you love it so much? IKEA! There's one in New Haven but that's so so far. Lolcats....yeah or nay? occasionally there is a pretty good one. but they're overdone. What is your favorite creepy folk story or legend? Sleepy Hollow. mostly ghost stories. I'd love a big book of New England hauntings or something! If your witch were to either write something for you or put together a collection of ghost stories, would you rather have it in writing, recorded as an oral telling, or both? in writing, I'd be afraid of losing a recording! If you had the funds to comission an original painting for yourself, what would it be of? What would it be like- colors, size, style? I'd paint it myself! though I do ADORE these prints http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=991&a...tion_id=5584013 and would kill for one of them. especially this one! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=v...ing_id=31048157 What's something you're really looking forward to in the semi-near future? The Loveliness of Fall. and Halloween. What fictional character do you most identify with and why? Jo March from Little Women. We are the same. Could you use a 'travel' imp case? How many should it hold? I'd love one! maybe 6 or 7 but it doesn't matter. As a witchee, would you prefer to have many little packages sent to you throughout the round with a not-so-big final package or fewer things throughout the round with one huge final package to seal the sweetness? What is your idea of the perfect evening at home? whatever my witch prefers! Are you on any social networks (MySpace, Twitter, LJ, Facebook, Bebo, etc)? If so, make with the links! Are you open to new friends? my LJ name is garnetmaire, I have a facebook but I try to keep it somewhat private as I'm paranoid. If you want to add me, my name on there is Rachel Marie Joslyn, and just let me know who you are on here and I'll add you ) What kind of socks? STRIPES STRIPES STRIPES in dark colors! I also adore the slouch socks from sock dreams! How often do you update your wishlist? whenever I have the energy to! usually whenever new stuff comes out. May I help you fill out your costuming wardrobe (assuming you costume)? Are there articles you are seeking to enhance your a) Halloween costume, Renfest attire, c) Cosplay, d) Steampunk accouterment? eh no thanks. Who are your favorite artists/illustrators/art periods? Victorian, Renaissance, Bosch, What's your stance on cranberries? yum! Do you mind receiving used (in good condition, of course) CDs or DVDs? (I know this question was on the questionnaire about books, but I didn't see one for DVDs or CDs.) of course! Do you have a crush on anyone famous? Do you have a crush on any literary characters? Would you like fanfiction or fan art based on this/these people? Christian Bale You're at home, or out, and you want a snack. Something that will get you through to the next meal, or through to the end of school or what ever. What do you grab? roasted and lightly salted soy nuts or chickpeas! Do you have a favorite bpal bottle art? I really liked the Yule 2007 art series, but I only received the art on some of the bottles, like Rose Red. Are there any decants from the Halloweenies, Literary Vampires, Gris Grimly, or Hellboy that you would be interested in receiving? ALL AND ANY! There has been a lot of talk about chocolate, but none about Candy! What is your favorite Candy? What candy do you hate? I hate Licorice, Butterscotch and violet candy. everything else is good. My absolute favorite are these: http://www.veryasia.com/meguch.html Do you have a Blu-Ray player? I think our PS3 plays Blu-Ray? Do you have any objections to receiving downloads? Is your internet connection fast enough for you to download large files like music easily? I think my computer can handle large files! I love getting downloads from people Are there any songs, albums, movies, or TV shows that you can't find/haven't been released that you want? I can't really think of any. I have been coveting the Six Feet Under series so so badly. for years. Are you interested in things like home remedies for ailments, cleaning solutions, etc.? yeah, sure! If you do any kind of craft, could you use supplies? What kind? knitting needles, yarn, amazing fabric, pinking shears, cool thimbles or pincushins, jewelery making supplies, beads, etc.? I love cool fabrics and animal prints, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE gemstone beads. What's your favorite pain-relief remedy or ritual? hot shower? I get most of my pain in my feet from work and running around campus everyday. Do sounds make you happy? What ambient noises make you smile? rain, definitely. The sound of my boyfriend's voice. When you receive your SW packages...do you like receiving things that are individually wrapped inside? or unwrapped? or both? It is always really fun to get a big package filled with individually wrapped pressies, but honestly it isn't exactly necessary. Of course, we're all going to be grateful no matter what our witches give us, but for the record, what is your anti-present? Tell us something that you think your future witch might give you that you absolutely, unequivocally DO. NOT. WANT. poop. Hey I had to be honest. What BPAL scent have you never tried but always wanted to? What scent have you tried and LOVED, and haven't been able to get more of and why? Red Moon '04, the best scent ever. I will hoard my 1/5666958 of a decant! I know we're all scent sensitive here. What are your favorite non-perfume smells? Day in the life stuff? summer rain, autumn leaves, forest scents on hikes in the middle of Autumn, the scent of my kitty's and my doggy's fur Coffee drinkers, what types of beans to you like? Kona, Sumatra, Kenya..etc. How do you like them roasted? Do you like flavors, such as hazelnut, vanilla, etc. in your coffee? I liked Hawaiian Kona when I tried it when I worked at Gloria Jeans. Though it sucks that its like 50 bucks a pound I definitely like the mild blends. Who has a birthday falling in this round? me. though its going to suck and I'd rather not have a birthday this year. For those of us who like chocolate, do you like anything /in/ your chocolate, like fruit, nuts, or for the more daring among us, chilies? no chilies thanks. I like my chocolate plain mostly. Are there any childhood shows/movies/games/books/etc. that still hold a really special place in your heart? Books: Liza Lou and the Yeller Belly Swamp

ancilla_morte

September 12, 2009

nekogrrl's Blog

Switch Witch Help!

What are everyone's favorite Halloween-y/Autumn-y/spooky movies? Are there any you don't own but would like to? I’m not exactly a movie kind of person. (I have.. about 6 movies on my shelf I have yet to watch, including Pan’s Labyrinth. ) Although, I will have to say Goonies rocks. (and I don’t think I or my husband have it, either.) Are roasted pumpkin seeds and home made chex mix the best fall snack foods, or what? I would probably make all-natural trail mix with papayas and coconut and mangoes, along with the usual raw pumpkin seeds, cashews, almonds, and sunflower kernels. Whats your favorite pie, my dear SW's? Apple, then a tie between blueberry and cherry. NO PUMPKIN. What kinda socks ar you wearing tonight? It’s too freaking hot for socks. Do you like socks? Blankets? Wrist warmers? Arm warmers? Headband? Shawl? Or what kind of knitted thing would you love the most? Socks are cool. Wrist/arm warmers too. Probably wouldn’t wear a shawl, and my husband and I have enough blankets to open a B&B. How do you feel about ghost stories? Do you like to tell the old tales around a campfire? Read true accounts on the web way past your bedtime? Do you like to pick up a good anthology of Poe stories on a blustery day? Or is all that too scary for you? I love ghost stories.  Who here is LOVING Warehouse 13? I wouldn’t say loving, but if it’s on I don’t say no. Nother question! Coffee or Tea? *laughs* Reminds me of this one camp song the counselors did one year: “something about being a counselor, there’s nothing I’d rather be, but if I weren’t a counselor..” random person: ‘A flight attendant I’d be! Coffee, tea or me? Here’s your throw-up bag!’ Both, if I had a coffeemaker. I especially love Barnie’s Coffee & Tea Co. Cool Café Blues, Mocha Java, and Haitian Bleu. (I won’t say no to Hawaiian Kona or Jamaican Blue Mountain, either) As for tea products.. I love peppermint tea. And green tea. Interested in locally produced products? Food, skincare or both?Olive oil? Lavender oils or soaps? Locally produced anything is good.  Does anyone in here wear a lot of dangly earrings or collect pendants of all kinds?? How about hair clips or pony tail band things? I like dangly earrings, and pendants. Neat hair clips/pony tail things are /always/ appreciated. What is your favourite historical period? Don’t have one. What other hot beverages everyone likes for fall? Not a fan of hot beverages in general, due to being easily overheated and living in a warmer climate. That being said, I do like hot chocolate every now and then. Did you order anything from the most recent update? I picked up Summer’s Last Will and Samhain at the DSWC the other week. I want Suck It and the Fool. Still testing the Literary Vampires. Vampires or Werewolves? Or some other monster? Vampires. What sort of odd or regional foods do you crave? Hoagies/cheesesteaks from Leo’s in Sharon Hill, PA. Birch beer, TastyKakes, and Canada Dry vanilla cream soda. Any Gamers here? What kind? Board games? RPG? Miniature? MMORPG? Board games are fun. I also kind of hang around a MUSH, but don’t do much RPing anymore. Also did live-action RP for a while, but have kind of lost interest/money to play. Is anyone playing this round of SW into ABJ? (asian ball jointed dolls) Newp. What is your favorite Halloween icon? Imagine that you're given a shoebox-sized time capsule, and you are asked to put any number of items in the box that symbolize who you are. The items can be may be anything you can imagine, and money is no object, but they must fit within the box. Which items do you choose? Uhm. I am no good with questions like this. Are you involved in any long-term, ambitious project? something like decorating your house or saving for a trip to the other end of the world, for example. Right now am saving to move the household in storage to GA (and the husband, too.) Favorite kind or take out kinda burger? Whats your burger preference? Veggie,meat or ???? If I’m in the mood for it, nothing beats a well-done beef burger, topped with provolone or monty jack or cheddar cheese, tomatoes, onions, relish, and lettuce. Whats your favorite childhood toy? I have a few of them.. a stuffed purple bunny that was given to me when I was three, my ragged Barkley dog, Bunnyball (basically a soft ball with ears and a bunny face), and later on my cute wrinkled forehead stuffed puppy Cuddles. If you have a pet, what kind of gifts would be good for them? No pets. I live vicariously when I visit my sister and her boston terrier Olivia. Do you Tweet? What is your Twitter name? No, I haven’t drunk the Koolaid yet. Are you on Ravelry? What is your Ravelry name? I don’t knit/crochet, so no. Do you like pinup art/images? I love to look, but I’m not a collector. What are your plans for Halloween? Have you made any yet? Do you have any traditions? Dunno what I’m doing for Halloween. Tempted to help take my nephews around town. Who are your BPAL forum buddies? You know, people I could conspire with to Witch you! Previous witch was Sheyona, but I’m more of a lurker. What is your favorite color? Currently hunter green. I also likes purple and blue. Any other steampunk fans/lovers? I like the aesthetic, and will wear little touches like hair clips and pendants and earrings, but am not into the entire look, as I generally have no where to wear it. Describe your ideal picnic lunch. Where would you go? Who (if anyone, and yes there can be multiple people) would accompany you? What sort of food would you take? And, of course, if a picnic lunch sounds like a horrible idea, feel free to say so! As long as there is a blanket to spread upon the ground so I don’t break out from the grass, picnics are a wonderful idea. My ideal picnic place would be a nice grassy spot under a big tree for shade. Food would be typical picnic fare, or something like burgers generally fresh off the grill. If it were romantic, just my husband would be there. If it were friendly, I’d take the husband and my best friend and her husband and just have a nice day out. You're in the kitchen at the end of a pay period and groceries are pretty scarce. Do you take the five ingredients you find first and make something fabulous, or do you order take out? Depends on if I think the first five ingredients could be thrown together. (which is why I always have fixings for a recipe of chicken stir fry in the house) If I don’t, then takeout. If you could decorate/redecorate any 1 room in your home, what would it be and how would you decorate it? Meh. Happy (mostly, I need more counterspace in the kitchen, but that’s remodel, not redecorate) with the house. Any rabid sports fans out there? What teams do you root for? Not a sports fan. What's your favorite animal? (You can have more than one.) I have always liked giraffes. Ever since I can remember, I have had two little glass ones on my childhood jewelry box. Which is the extent of my collection. This is how the world ends... zombie apocalypse, robot uprising, alien invasion, return of the elder gods... which doomsday scenario do you prefer (or make your own!)? Some say the world ends in fire, some in ice. In the year 2525... if man is still alive... what sort of future do you imagine? (apologies to anyone who gets that song stuck in their head!) *returns fire with Talking Heads* Same as it ever was. Do you believe in magic (or magick, if you prefer)? What does it mean to you? Yes. Longer answer later. If you found the puzzle box from Hellraiser, what would you do with it? ( and would you be able to resist playing with it? ) Having never seen Hellraiser, I’d probably play with it. At least poke it with a stick. Any cooks? Could you use anything cooking related? Aprons? Cookbooks? Measuring Cups? Recipes? Herb/Spice containers? Fancy Spices? Dish Towels? Cocktail napkins? Amazing Beaded Pot Holders? (like from our very own Pottersville! ) Something else? Your favorite recipes would be nice. Also, cookbooks wouldn’t go amiss. Looking for Taste of Home Annual Recipes ’96 , ’98 – ’03. I also saw an interesting vegetarian cookbook in Whole Foods the other day, but don’t remember title/author. Nothing fancy or time consuming in the kitchen, please. I like to cook, but would rather read or watch TV. oh, and if there are any lunch idea cookbooks out there.. gimme! Are you an avid reader? What's your favorite book/series?What's your favorite candy to stock up on at Halloween? LOVE reading. Diana Gabaldon, George RR Martin are two authors whose books I do not have. No stocking up on candy, trying to lose weight. What are your phobias? I am TERRIFIED of spiders. Mild fear of heights. What is your favourite flower (or plant)? Daisies and roses are neat. Although please do not give me a plant to take care of, as I have a black thumb. (How my pachira tree is surviving is really beyond me.) I would be interested, however, in fake flower arrangements to prettify my dining room table. (Or, if you’re uber creative, it doesn’t necessarily have to be flowers.) Duct tape purses and wallets and things are pretty darned cool. Who else thinks so? Yes, but my husband the fashion whore would rather die than be seen with me with a duct tape purse. An anonymous benefactor gives you $500 (or an equivalent amount of money in your currency of choice) with the following stipulations. You must spend all of it within a week: any money left unspent must be returned. You must spend at least half of the money on yourself. You may not use it to pay off debts or bills of any kind. What do you do with the money? Go hogwild on reading material. (finish off collecting Preacher and Fables and jack of fables, and Hatter M for starters..) Buy actual copies of some of the harder to find albums in my mp3 collection (because they’re either Japanese or European). Uhm.. yeah. That’s it so far. Who likes coloring books? They’re neat. Dunno if I actually want one, with crayons (since I have none). Are you an avid reader? What's your favorite book/series? Uhm, yes. A million times yes. I would rather read than do almost anything. I can name favorite authors, which will give you a better idea of the type of books I read, rather than me trying to name all the books I read.. Neil Gaiman, Alan Moore, Grant Morrison, Jaime Delano, Jill Thompson, Charles DeLint, Diana Gabaldon, Nancy Madore, Jaqueline Carey, Emma Bull, Ellen Datlow, J. Michael Strazinsky, Joss whedon, and many others I’m not coming up with off the top of my head. Do you have a Good Reads profile? If so, make with the link! If you don't have one, go make one! No.

nekogrrl

September 11, 2009

tartchef's Blog

SW Random Questions 9/11

Who has a birthday falling in this round?just out of curiosity Not me, but my wedding anniversary's the 21st For those of us who like chocolate, do you like anything /in/ your chocolate, like fruit, nuts, or for the more daring among us, chilies? I'll take my chocolate just about any way you can make it, as long as it's real (no waxy crap). I am not, however, fond of whole peanuts - peanut butter is WIN, whole peanut chunks are feh. I freely admit to wanting to try chocolate-covered bacon Are there any childhood shows/movies/games/books/etc. that still hold a really special place in your heart? Who remembers the Wonderworks series on PBS? I watched it every week without fail... same with Reading Rainbow. In terms of books, I still have my childhood Flower Fairie books, my Famous Fives, Wrinkle in Time/Wind in the Door/Swiftly Tilting Planet & my LotR box set They are hideously out of print, but I pine for the Barbapapa books - esp the New House one... Barbaplastique! Do you have any objections to receiving downloads? Is your internet connection fast enough for you to download large files like music easily? Are there any songs, albums, movies, or TV shows that you can't find/haven't been released that you want? We have NetFlix, and DH is a music junkie, so there's not much out there that we can't find I don't download much of anything, and wouldn't want to do it illegally. Blue Ray? Nope - we're limping along on a cheap DVD player, and mourning the demise of our VHS player. Our TV is so old (How old is it?!) we can't have everything plugged in the back at once - we have a converter box & have to swap out the plugs if we want regular reception (all 3 channels), DVD or Wii. Claaaaaassy. What's something you're really looking forward to in the semi-near future? Oh baby. Three days & two nights at a swank B&B outside of Ithaca. Just me, the DH & an enormous bath tub. No endless toddler bed time shenanigans, no reading Thomas the Tank Engine ad nauseum, no tiny person squirming his ice cold feet into my crotch at 6 in the morning Good food, hiking the gorges, mooching around the Commons... I love my son, but we are in desperate need of a recharge.

tartchef

September 11, 2009

loverstreet's Blog

SW ?s Day 7

Are there any childhood shows/movies/games/books/etc. that still hold a really special place in your heart? Does live theater count? My parents took my sis and I to see "The Nutcracker" every year, in whatever city we were stationed - so its not Christmas until I've seen or heard it. But then, I love ballet as a whole. I read all the Narnia books in my 8th summer, while staying at my grandparent's house. That weekly trip to the library was my LIFE! We had a record collection (yes, old school) of all the Disney soundtracks - Cinderella, Snow White, Bambi, Sleeping Beauty, etc, and I still have them completely memorized. There has been a lot of talk about chocolate, but none about Candy! What is your favorite Candy? What candy do you hate? What is this "candy" of which you speak? I guess my favs must incorporate CHOCOLATE, so they'd be Cherry Cordials and Martha Washington Candy (which my grandma used to make - when I was six I ate so much of it I had an allergic reaction and had to go to the ER on Christmas. Ahhh, good times).

loverstreet

September 11, 2009

Arkham..

Me In Pictures

Salem

September 11, 2009

Ambitionless

Switch Witch Questions Continued Autumn 2009

Does anyone have any symbols they consider to be personally significant or talismanic? Unfortunately, no. I keep seeking one. Are there any Gods, Goddess, or other mythological figures of whom you're particularly fond? Nobody in particular. I sometimes think fondly of old Charon. Super villain or vigilante? Which would you like to be? Which would you like to receive? I'd like to be a vigilante and receive a super villain. I don't completely understand this question, I'll admit. What mythical or fantastic race of creatures (dragons, unicorns, griffins, elves, dwarves, faeries, etc.) do you most identify with, and why? Naiad, the type of nymph who presides over fountains, springs, wells, and brooks. Freshwater spirit. I'm a water baby, and I particularly like the clear smelling-of-stones water sources in the forest and the mountains. How do you feel about Dia de los Muertos? Are you interested in sugar skulls? Catrina (or other) skeleton figurines? I love Dia de los Muertos. I love sugar skulls. I am constantly trying to become comfortable with the reality of mortality. Do you have a favorite poem or poet? I don't like poetry much, but I do enjoy the occasional Theodore Roethke piece. My favourite by him would be either I Knew a Woman or The Sensualists (which I cannot find a direct link to). Can you use pill boxes, a hard ID case, coin purse, etc? Any of the above. I'm looking for a vintage-style ornate pill box like the one Uma Thurman carries in her role in Gattaca. Any songs you are desperately into at the moment? If You Want Me - Marketa Irglova (it haunts me) What's autumn like in your neck of the woods? What do you love and/or hate about it? Autumn here is lovely and colorful with mild sun and chill breezes. The leaves turn. I grew up in California where they just browned, so I'm still in awe of all the rich hues of burgundy and marigold and rainbow sherbert trees. What's your favorite product(s) at Trader Joe's? Healthy junk food brownie bites. If you're caught in front of the tv, what are you watching? M*A*S*H, House, other random things. Any Amy Brown art fans? Not I. How do you feel about Halloween music? (mix CDs, what have you) I am in favor of Halloween music. I have a weird 80s mix cd of punk bands performing familiar Halloween songs and I someday will get around to obtaining a copy of the soundtracks for Sleepy Hollow and the Nightmare Before Christmas. Who else is reeeeeally looking forward to Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland? Yes. He was born to do a version of this. I have higher hopes for it than for that Chocolate Factory debacle. Is there a store that you love which does not have a location near you (but that has a physical presence somewhere, not just online? Why do you love it so much? Probably LUSH. I have several in my state, but they are inconvenient to me. I love LUSH because I cannot help myself. I have some complaints about the company and customer service, but I am entranced by their products. Well, some of them. Lolcats....yeah or nay? I chortle at many of these. What is your favorite creepy folk story or legend? Hmm. I'm not certain. I have read many, but none sticks out as a particular favourite. I do like hitchiker ghost tales. If your witch were to either write something for you or put together a collection of ghost stories, would you rather have it in writing, recorded as an oral telling, or both? Wow. Either, if my witch wanted to go to the trouble. Whatever they preferred. That sounds cool. If you had the funds to comission an original painting for yourself, what would it be of? What would it be like- colors, size, style? All in shades of red. A forest. An ocean. The only painting I ever loved was a local artist in a local gallery. It was only $300. I was absolutely captivated by it. It was of a sea cove and it was all in varying shades of red, even the moon, though she was pale against the sky. The use of color was masterful. I miss that painting and never found out what happened to it. What's something you're really looking forward to in the semi-near future? The Renaissance Faire. What fictional character do you most identify with and why? It's never a general sensation of identifying with a character. Certain elements of their personality might mesh with me perfectly, or there will be a moment of sameness and familiarity, but it never extends through the entirety of the book/story/film, et cetera, and so I don't feel like I could name someone here. Could you use a 'travel' imp case? How many should it hold? Nah. I make do with others. As a witchee, would you prefer to have many little packages sent to you throughout the round with a not-so-big final package or fewer things throughout the round with one huge final package to seal the sweetness? Whatever my witch prefers suits me just fine. I like to open things, so you could spread it out, but I also worry when it seems my witch is spending a lot on shipping, so you could send it all in one box. Your call. What is your idea of the perfect evening at home? First, the apartment would be clean and organized. I would drink tea from a beautiful little cup and read from a tall pile of books while nuzzling fort-like sheets and blankets on the carpet. Are you on any social networks (MySpace, Twitter, LJ, Facebook, Bebo, etc)? If so, make with the links! Are you open to new friends? I am on almost all of those except LJ. But I only really use Facebook, and not too often. You can use the email that was in my survey to find me on Facebook, but then wouldn't it reveal your identity? What kind of socks? Mostly cotton, please! All kinds, long or short. Nothing super girly, please. How often do you update your wishlist? Rarely. But it rarely needs changing. May I help you fill out your costuming wardrobe (assuming you costume)? Are there articles you are seeking to enhance your a) Halloween costume, Renfest attire, c) Cosplay, d) Steampunk accouterment? Ooo. I am looking for maybe a set of spats to help with my Steampunky Brewster costume. Or a replica of Carmen Sandiego's ruby necklace. Or a cheap but functional black bodice for Ren Faire; the latter I will probably buy myself. So, who has a store or ETSY shop or knows of a shop of a fellow BPALer that everybody needs to check out? Many of these are already on my Etsy wishlist. Who are your favorite artists/illustrators/art periods? I have no favourite artist. I do like some Impressionist stuff, and I am not a fan of modern/abstract except in very specific cases. What's your stance on cranberries? I'm for them! Craisins are love. Do you mind receiving used (in good condition, of course) CDs or DVDs? (I know this question was on the questionnaire about books, but I didn't see one for DVDs or CDs.) That sounds lovely. Do you have a crush on anyone famous? Do you have a crush on any literary characters? Would you like fanfiction or fan art based on this/these people? I am now visualizing a fan fiction piece about me and Gambit. Rawr. You're at home, or out, and you want a snack. Something that will get you through to the next meal, or through to the end of school or what ever. What do you grab? Yogurt. Do you have a favorite bpal bottle art? The Smiling Spider. Are there any decants from the Halloweenies, Literary Vampires, Gris Grimly, or Hellboy that you would be interested in receiving? Anything with apple or cider! There has been a lot of talk about chocolate, but none about Candy! What is your favorite Candy? What candy do you hate? I do rather enjoy hard butterscotch candies, candy corn, and Sweetarts. Do you have a Blu-Ray player? Not yet, but soon. Do you have any objections to receiving downloads? Is your internet connection fast enough for you to download large files like music easily? Are there any songs, albums, movies, or TV shows that you can't find/haven't been released that you want? I think that all would be welcome. What BPAL scent have you never tried but always wanted to? What scent have you tried and LOVED, and haven't been able to get more of and why? I have always wanted to try TKO and see if it really helps with sleeping. The scent I tried and loved is Moana. I have one bottle that is somewhat full, but I am always looking for (and never finding) more. I know we're all scent sensitive here. What are your favorite non-perfume smells? Day in the life stuff? My cockatiel's feathers smell amazing. I call that smell sundust. Sharpies, gasoline, fresh hay/straw and playdoh are always on my top ten. Coffee drinkers, what types of beans to you like? Kona, Sumatra, Kenya..etc. How do you like them roasted? Do you like flavors, such as hazelnut, vanilla, etc. in your coffee? I'm not a big coffee fan. Although, someday I vow to obtain an espresso machine. I like making huge flavoured steamed milk drinks with just a dash of espresso. Who has a birthday falling in this round? I do! October 28th. Scorpios, sound off! For those of us who like chocolate, do you like anything /in/ your chocolate, like fruit, nuts, or for the more daring among us, chilies? I had the most amazing peppercorn dark chocolate once on the way to Will Call and never fully recovered from the wonderment! I love things in my chocolate, though not as much with the nuts, more like fruit or pepper or chai. Mmm. chai chocolate. Are there any childhood shows/movies/games/books/etc. that still hold a really special place in your heart? Where the Wild Things Are. This of course, was brought most recently back to my attention with trailers of the motion picture flitting about. Also the tried but true Neverending Story. Super power? Invisibility. Always. If I send you whole spices or coffee beans, would you be able to grind them or would you prefer them preground for your convenience? No coffee beans, please. All I would use them for is to clear my nose while smelling various BPAL. For the tea and coffee drinkers: Opinion on tea- and/or coffee-related accessories/etc? (Teaware, sugar crystals, infusers, tea chests, etc)How do you take your coffee (or tea)? Black or with cream and/or sugar? I have always wanted my own supply of German Rock sugar. I love small tea spoons. I take my tea usually with honey, but depending on the style, I add cream. For instance, I almost never drink black tea without some sort of creamer. And I use sugar as opposed to honey with black tea. Restaurants you'd like a gift certificate to on Restaurant.com? Use the zip code on my survey... - Bombay Grill - Cazabe Restaurant and Lounge - Frisco Grille & Cantina - Greystone Grill - Hickory Ridge Grill - Maruha Steakhouse In your perfect world it is chocolate and...? What? My world is chocolate? Mmmelty. How do you scent your home: tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles? Since reading heavy scents can harm pet birds, I haven't been doing much. I leave tarts out unheated in certain corners of the apartment to sweeten the air. What's your favorite dessert treat? Ice cream? Cake? Pie? Fudge brownie cake with pie flavored ice cream on top? CAKE. Storebought if it's chocolate cake with white and multi-color frosting. Otherwise, almost every type of cake. Gurgle. Do you believe we control our destiny, or does our destiny control us? I think it's all chaos that we can occasionally interfere with. What one thing that is missing from your life would you like to have above all else? Stability? What was your favouritest job ever, and why? Today my current job is my favourite. I was listening to old Toad the Wet Sprocket songs while reading traditional Russian Fairy Tales. And I was supposed to do this! And I was getting paid! Although, one time I got to house sit at a place with a beautifully lighted swimming pool. That was pretty sweet. Which three albums would you take to your apocalypse bolt hole and how would you power the generator? The soundtracks to Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Vanilla Sky, and Down by Law and I would power the generator on a human-sized hamster wheel. What GC scent have you been putting off getting since it'll "always be there"? Most of them. Too many to list here. Any cooks? Could you use anything cooking related? Aprons? Cookbooks? Measuring Cups? Recipes? Herb/Spice containers? Fancy Spices? Dish Towels? Cocktail napkins? Amazing Beaded Pot Holders? (like from our very own Pottersville! ) Something else? I do not cook and have only occasional interest in learning. I can always use more dish towels and pot holders though as I often destroy them! I also love spices and herbs in natural forms. Are you an avid reader? What's your favorite book/series? I am still an avid reader, though not as avid as I was before I had to work for a livin'. My favourite series is probably The Song of the Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce, because it was my gateway drug to literature. What's your favorite candy to stock up on at Halloween? Candy corn and those pumpkin-shaped candy corn things. Also miniature Mounds bars. What are your phobias? Very specific scenarios where loved ones or vulnerable ones are being hurt and I am helpless to come to their aid. What is your favourite flower (or plant)? I'm rather fond of Birds of Paradise and Aloe Vera plants. Duct tape purses and wallets and things are pretty darned cool. Who else thinks so? Oh hell yeah. An anonymous benefactor gives you $500 (or an equivalent amount of money in your currency of choice) with the following stipulations. You must spend all of it within a week: any money left unspent must be returned. You must spend at least half of the money on yourself. You may not use it to pay off debts or bills of any kind. What do you do with the money? I would spend it all on me if it were $500. If it were several thousand I would share. Hmm, I'd probably secure a hotel room for next year's DragonCon with that money. That or buy myself a full spa day. Who likes coloring books? Me, that's who. Do you have a Good Reads profile? If so, make with the link! If you don't have one, go make one! I do not. Perhaps I will go do that later. Not tonight, though. It's late. You're in the kitchen at the end of a pay period and groceries are pretty scarce. Do you take the five ingredients you find first and make something fabulous, or do you order take out? Take out or starve as I cannot cook. If you could decorate/redecorate any 1 room in your home, what would it be and how would you decorate it? I would completely redo the spare room and turn it into a Firefly/Serenity sanctuary. Any rabid sports fans out there? What teams do you root for? I always support Spain for soccer and Spain or the USA for Women's Water Polo. But I only really watch the Olympics. What's your favorite animal? (You can have more than one.) Peregrine falcon, fanged frogs, R.O.U.S.s (they do exist). This is how the world ends... zombie apocalypse, robot uprising, alien invasion, return of the elder gods... which doomsday scenario do you prefer (or make your own!)? Alien invasion! If hostile, it might be the only thing to unify all peoples in our world, if friendly, they may help us clean up our act and save the planet! In the year 2525... if man is still alive... what sort of future do you imagine? (apologies to anyone who gets that song stuck in their head!) I think we'll all be extinct and there will be a fantastic menagerie of creatures on the planet thrivign without us. Do you believe in magic (or magick, if you prefer)? What does it mean to you? I do believe in magic, but I don't know what that means or how to describe it. If you found the puzzle box from Hellraiser, what would you do with it? ( and would you be able to resist playing with it? ) I never saw Hellraiser! Though I met the pinhead at DragonCon! Do you like pinup art/images? Yes. What are your plans for Halloween? Have you made any yet? Do you have any traditions? I requested off work, so we'll see. I will try and find a party to join or a place where I can gift trick-or-treaters. Who are your BPAL forum buddies? You know, people I could conspire with to Witch you! I am grateful to have many I might use that term for, but here are a few: Greylen, Wildbriar, Eoywin, Schackjj, Aquazoo, Beneathglass (just kidding).... What is your favorite color? Usually red. Coca-cola can red. The past year, however, it's been deep green/blue turquoise. Any other steampunk fans/lovers? You know it! I was SteamPunky Brewster at DragonCon. Describe your ideal picnic lunch. Where would you go? Who (if anyone, and yes there can be multiple people) would accompany you? What sort of food would you take? And, of course, if a picnic lunch sounds like a horrible idea, feel free to say so! I'd take a picnic lunch to the Yuba River. I'd eat green seedless grapes, sharp cheddar cheese, extra sour sourdough bread, Martinelli's sparkling cider, and I would go alone to swim in the evening air! Any Gamers here? What kind? Board games? RPG? Miniature? MMORPG? I used to game in many platforms and ways, but I abstain now. I got addicted too easily. Is anyone playing this round of SW into ABJ? (asian ball jointed dolls) No, but that sounds interesting. What is your favorite Halloween icon? Stellans SwitchWitch ones for this round! Imagine that you're given a shoebox-sized time capsule, and you are asked to put any number of items in the box that symbolize who you are. The items can be may be anything you can imagine, and money is no object, but they must fit within the box. Which items do you choose? A silver acorn, a book of fairy tales, a costume sword, a wax seal complete with blood red sealing wax, a medieval gown, junk food, and the complete set of Firefly DVDs. Are you involved in any long-term, ambitious project? something like decorating your house or saving for a trip to the other end of the world, for example. Not really. Favorite kind or take out kinda burger? Whats your burger preference? Veggie,meat or ???? BK sourdough burger sans bacon and cheese. This is very hard to find, but apparently they sell it in Baltimore or DC. Whats your favorite childhood toy? Jacob's Ladder, Jenga, a repaintable doll house. If you have a pet, what kind of gifts would be good for them? Neon green, fluffy, cottony scraps of fabric, millet sprays, non-toxic ring-shaped objects. Do you Tweet? What is your Twitter name? I occasionally tweet. I'm Carmelonia on there. Are you on Ravelry? What is your Ravelry name? Nah. What are everyone's favorite Halloween-y/Autumn-y/spooky movies? Are there any you don't own but would like to? Nightmare Before Christmas, Sleepy Hollow, Halloween (orig), Lady in White, Hocus Pocus, The Bad Seed... Are roasted pumpkin seeds and home made chex mix the best fall snack foods, or what? I don't know if I've ever had roasted pumpkin seeds; sounds good. Chex mix is kind of meh to me. Whats your favorite pie, my dear SW's? Strawberry rhubarb. What kinda socks ar you wearing tonight? I am barefoot. Do you like socks? Blankets? Wrist warmers? Arm warmers? Headband? Shawl? Or what kind of knitted thing would you love the most? I like all those things! How do you feel about ghost stories? Do you like to tell the old tales around a campfire? Read true accounts on the web way past your bedtime? Do you like to pick up a good anthology of Poe stories on a blustery day? Or is all that too scary for you? I love all of that. Being scared makes real life seem less frightening. Who here is LOVING Warehouse 13? Bwah? Is that like District 9? Nother question! Coffee or Tea? Tea, naturally. Interested in locally produced products? Food, skincare or both?Olive oil? Lavender oils or soaps? All of the above. Does anyone in here wear a lot of dangly earrings or collect pendants of all kinds?? How about hair clips or pony tail band things? Yes, yes. Precisely. Those snap open and shut hair clips are fun too. I always wear dangly earrings and collect pendants like they're going out of style. What is your favourite historical period? I don't really know now. I like the romantic elements of portions of history more than the actuality of them. What other hot beverages everyone likes for fall? Spiced cider, tea, hot cocoa. Did you order anything from the most recent update? No! And I want almost all of it. I am broke. Vampires or Werewolves? Or some other monster? Psychic vamps. What sort of odd or regional foods do you crave? Black pepper, lemon juice, and salted butter on sourdough bread.

Carmencita

September 11, 2009

stariel's BPAL Blog

Fall SW Questions: 9/9

Super power? I always say teleportation - because it's a useful form of transportation, defense mechanism, and party trick. But thinking about it just now, I might have to change my answer to the non-traditional superpower of seeing myself the way others see me. Not physically - I guess "perceive" is a better word. It would be so helpful in establishing relationships of all varieties and knowing who to avoid and even changing the way you act around certain people if they're taking it wrong. Like, if I had known that my friend from high school had a secret crush on me and wasn't exactly kidding with all the joking flirting... I probably wouldn't have joke-flirted back. If I send you whole spices or coffee beans, would you be able to grind them or would you prefer them preground for your convenience? I do not have a grinder of any kind. For the tea and coffee drinkers: Opinion on tea- and/or coffee-related accessories/etc? (Teaware, sugar crystals, infusers, tea chests, etc) How do you take your coffee (or tea)? Black or with cream and/or sugar? I have a neat mesh thing for loose tea that is shaped like a cup and sits in the top. I don't have much else besides mugs, though. I don't drink coffee at home. I drink some tea with milk and sugar, some not. I drink my "coffee" in mocha form. Restaurants you'd like a gift certificate to on Restaurant.com? I looked at the Seattle ones a while back and don't remember seeing anything that thrilling. In your perfect world it is chocolate and...? Marzipan! Or nuts. How do you scent your home: tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles? I have scented candles and an oil burner that takes tealights. I don't use them all that often, though. I'm actually not sure how tarts work... What's your favorite dessert treat? Ice cream? Cake? Pie? Fudge brownie cake with pie flavored ice cream on top? Creme brulee! I also like cookie dough quite a bit. And kheer. Do you believe we control our destiny, or does our destiny control us? I believe we control our destiny somewhat through our choices, and the rest is up to chance. What one thing that is missing from your life would you like to have above all else? My own home. I mean, I have an apartment, but I'd like to own a home that I planned on staying in for a good while so I could feel truly settled and start a saltwater fish tank and such. That or possibly a significant other. I'm actually pretty happy being single, but at the moment there's the non-boyfriend and the whole undecided state of our non-relationship is more annoying than just being single. But I like him so I'm having trouble getting rid of him.

stariel

September 11, 2009

loverstreet's Blog

SW ?s Day 6

How do you take your tea? Black or with cream and/or sugar? Tea with honey. Coffee with Equal and a drop of cream. What GC scent have you been putting off getting since it'll "always be there"? March Hare Do you believe we control our destiny, or does our destiny control us? I believe we have freedom of choice within a given, broad plan for us. What one thing that is missing from your life would you like to have above all else? Money. It always gets in the way, that lack of it. If I send you whole spices or coffee beans, would you be able to grind them or would you prefer them preground for your convenience? We can grind them here. Favorite Dessert: Dark Chocolate ice cream. In your perfect world it is chocolate and...? Dark chocolate and more dark chocolate. How do you scent your home: tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles? I use as many candles (any type) as possible, to cover the wet dog smells. Do sounds make you happy? What ambient noises make you smile? The sound of my hubby's soprano sax - sexy and soothing. My sons laughing together. Especially at my jokes (rare). Harp music. You can't make harp music sound bad, even when the notes are wrong. THUNDERSTORMS!

loverstreet

September 10, 2009

tartchef's Blog

SW Random Questions 9/10

What's your favorite pain-relief remedy or ritual? Depends on the kind of pain.... I don't mess around with headaches - left alone they blossom into migraines - so it's 2 ibuprofen & a huge glass of water at the first hint. If I'm going to bed, I slather Grr or Pain on my hands, too. I've had deep leg aches since I was wee, and my DH has the most fabulous treatment. I lie on my back on the bed, and he takes the feather duvet & mummifies me He wraps each leg up nice & tight, & wedges the rest of the duvet tight around my hips & torso. Within 2 minutes, the heat build-up is amazing, like a good dry sauna. I stay like that for about 20 minutes, and the pain just melts away. DH, he is the genius Do sounds make you happy? What ambient noises make you smile? I am reminded of Amelie's friend who likes the sound of her cat's bowl on the tile floor... I adore sounds, and briefly used my mP3 player to record snippets of ambient sounds when I lived in Chicago. My favorites: the rain on the roof outside my bedroom window, the slap of Swiss buttercream coming together in the mixer, my bench scraper scraping across my butcher block counter, the blurp of a good sponge fermenting, the tiny chip-chips of the baby cardinals, the raspy rattle of the wrens, the wind in the huge maple tree next door, the bass thump of ocean waves... When you receive your SW packages...do you like receiving things that are individually wrapped inside? or unwrapped? or both? In general, I like prolonging the excitement, so individual wrapping is awesome That said, there's something to be said for minimizing packaging - I think ideally, a few wrapped things & just some reusable fabric/tissue tucked around the rest... Of course, we're all going to be grateful no matter what our witches give us, but for the record, what is your anti-present? Tell us something that you think your future witch might give you that you absolutely, unequivocally DO. NOT. WANT. A big, showy, gaudy, glue-gunned, totally impractical thing that in no way takes into account the likes & dislikes I've so carefully documented here For me, personally, there are few things worse than getting a gift that looks like it was meant for someone else. I received so many of these as an adolescent, when friends & family were obviously trying to nudge me back into the realm of conventional young-woman-hood. I would happily go without a gift completely rather than relive that heartache. Oh Witchy, I sound like such a bitch. What BPAL scent have you never tried but always wanted to? What scent have you tried and LOVED, and haven't been able to get more of and why? Actually, I've been really, really lucky in terms of BPAL rares. The few I've tried & fallen in love with have been reasonably easy to come by or have been lavishly gifted to me by some truly amazing forumites The only one I'm really wibbling for more of is Hermes Trimegistus. I've been wanting to try Sagittarius '07 for ages, and it keeps evading me... a sniffie would do it, really! Found it! I know we're all scent sensitive here. What are your favorite non-perfume smells? Day in the life stuff? The cool morning air this time of year, fresh-cut grass, wet sidewalks, the top of my son's head (it smells like hay in the sunshine - how does he DO that?!), baking bread, coffee brewing, clean cotton sheets, my wool jumpers that I keep packed in a cabinet scented with Templum Victoriae, the ocean... Coffee drinkers, what types of beans to you like? Kona, Sumatra, Kenya..etc. How do you like them roasted? Do you like flavors, such as hazelnut, vanilla, etc. in your coffee? Nonononono flavored beans, please! I'm partial to medium-dark roasts - deep but the beans should still be oily brown, not burned black. Recent favorites: Kenya, Ethiopia, SE Asia blends... We get Peace Coffee at the farmer's market every week (usually Yeti Cold Press or Blue Ox, but the Mexican Bird Mountain was surprisingly good), and treat ourselves to a Metropolis order once or twice a year (their Kenya is incredible, even for a light roast, and we stalk the site for Samba & Dulce blends...). I've always wanted to try roasting our own, Ethiopian style, so good green beans would be welcome, too! There has been a lot of talk about chocolate, but none about Candy! What is your favorite Candy? What candy do you hate? Caramels & toffee top the list - any kind, anywhere, esp Goetze's bulls eyes!

tartchef

September 10, 2009

mimosa's Blog

Switch Witch Questions Fall 2009

Do you have a Good Reads profile? http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2723125 (work in progress) ******9/3***** Nother question! Coffee or Tea? Both, love coffee, hate flavoured coffee, love black tea(many cups a day) like to try spicy and herbal teas Interested in locally produced products? Food, skincare or both?Olive oil? Lavender oils or soaps? Everything, love to try new things, home made, small suppliers etc. What other hot beverages everyone likes for fall? Norfolk Punch, a rich fruit and herbs drink we heat up and drink in small glasses in autumn and winter, Did you order anything from the most recent update? I joined 2 circles, waiting impatiently for my decants, ordered 2 birthday specials(cake smash and fortune teller) and the lunacy. Vampires or Werewolves? Or some other monster? Vampires What sort of odd or regional foods do you crave? Nothing I really crave, but I always love to try local specialities when I travel. I buy Marsipan in Spain, Chocolates in Belgium, Hagel and cheese in Holland, Little violet candies, olive oil and cheese in Italy. I could go on for some time!

heleng

September 10, 2009

Seismogenic's Blog

Fall 2009 Switch Witch questions

Do you like to find out there's a package on the way or to receive a tracking number to stalk, or do you prefer surprise packages? Both ways are fun! It is extremely exciting to receive unexpected mail, but it's also fun to obsessively hit refresh on the USPS website once one has received a tracking number. I'll leave this up to my Witch! If i were your witch, and I wanted to make you a spell or mojo bag, would you be into that? I honestly wouldn't know what to do with it. What are your favorite fruits? Berries of all sorts, mango, clementines (and citrus in general, really), apples (but not red delicious), pear, watermelon, banana...I like fruit in general. Just not cherries, white nectarines, or white plums. Screw you, allergies. What is one thing you constantly keep with you that you constantly lose? Pencils and pens! I always try to carry one of each, and I lose so very many. I do have this one pen that I've managed to hold onto for over a year, but it's noticeably heavier than the other pens I tend to carry, so I may be more aware of its presence. Lusting over anything from the Trading Post lately? I haven't really been looking, because I am trying to avoid spending more money. Are you a Miyazaki fan? Do you have all the films you like, or is your collection missing one? Is there any merchandise you want? The only Miyazaki thing with which I'm familiar is Nausicaä, which I like very much. I've seen the movie and have the books. I figure I'd like his other work, but I just haven't gotten around to seeing/reading it yet. Do you wear lip gloss/lip balm? If so, what flavors/scents? I'll wear unflavored or basic mint lip balm in the winter, because my lips get really chapped and bleed everywhere, which sucks. Definitely not gloss for fashion reasons, or anything with a color to it! Fetish? I assume this means fetish animal, and I honestly don't know. It's an interesting concept, but I haven't investigated it much, and so to say something about a particular animal in this thread would be pulling something out of very little consideration, which just doesn't work. So, nothing for now. Do you drink alcohol? Wine, beer or liquor? What is your favorite wine/beer/mixed drink? I do drink, though not very much and not particularly often. As an earth scientist, I am required to have an appreciation for beer; I tend to like amber ales, pale ales, and hefeweizens. In terms of wine, I know woefully little about specifics, but I do know that I have consistently liked pinot grigio and shiraz when I've had them. I don't really drink hard liquor, though Bailey's or Kahlua in coffee or cocoa is good. ******9/18***** If Beth made a perfume called "switch witch" what notes would be in it? Hrmm. Wrapping paper and/or shipping cardboard, tea, chocolate, the metal of handcrafted jewelry, the soft wood of hand-painted BPAL boxes, the sweet wax of candles, and a whiff of so many generously gifted imps at once that you can't tell them apart. This round might also have beets, but if we're going with a more general Switch Witch scent... What is your favorite cookie type? Oh jeez. You're making me pick one?! In general, cookies are awesome. Some particular favorites are white chocolate macadamia nut, things related in composition to Thin Mints, and snickerdoodles, but there's no way you could really screw up with sending me a cookie. Unless it had cherries - stupid allergies. ghost.gif******9/17***** Are you into 80s movies (like i am ) if so, which are your favorites and who are your favorite characters? I was born in 1984, so I probably know more '80s cartoons than anything else. Haha. I was kind of obsessed with "Oliver and Company" when I was little (I haven't seen it in ages - but I do remember the awesome soundtrack). Also, "Ghostbusters," though I preferred the animated spinoff at the time, and now I prefer the movie. Definitely "The Princess Bride" as well. Do you like Villainess soaps? What are your favorite scents? I have, thus far, only tried two Villainess soaps (Ginger Snapped and Smashing), and I liked them both quite a lot. They smell good and feel nice. In terms of ones I'd want to try, Quick Or Dead sounds awesome, but also appears to be sold out. As for others I might be interested in trying: Friction, Krakatoa (on principle, because it's a big volcano!), Grundy, Scintillating, Byzantium Do you mind artificial colors in your food? I don't mind. Who wants hair pretties?(headbands, barrettes, pony-o's, scrunchies, bobby pins, hair clips, etc) No thanks. My hair is not long enough for these things, even disregarding the fact that I'm a guy. If you were my witchee, would you like any of the scents/sizes that are available on clearance? No candles, please. Don't want to have the cats start yet another southern California fire. I am on an origami crane kick recently, so I wonder if anyone will be interested in origami crane earrings, origami crane in a glass vial (~1.2cm wide) phone charm/pendant or just a container filled with cranes of different sizes. I think origami cranes are cool, but I wouldn't have use for earrings or a phone charm, and I suspect that a really tiny one in a jar would get devoured by my desk somewhere. I should clean this thing, really. How do you feel about clothing/accessories made from animals? Anti-fur, leather, shells, etc.? Does even faux wig you out? I'm fine with leather, since it comes from an animal that people use for other things as well. Fur is a definite no, though, since the animal is killed specifically and only for its fur. I have no moral objection to faux fur, though things with faux fur do not necessarily fit into the vague thing that is my "style." No problems with shells, either. How do you deal with stress? What's your favorite way to unwind? I release my constant loading stress slowly and steadily in a process called aseismic creep, in which I move constantly and produce no earthqu--...wait, that's the Calaveras Fault, not me. Sorry. In all seriousness, though, I sometimes follow a more traditional stick-slip/elastic rebound fault behavior in my personal stress management. That is, stress builds up and I don't let it show so much, but at some yield point, I have a really bad day, whether it's bad-mood-discouraged/depressed or whether it's explosive. I'm trying to be less like this, since I always feel terrible about the bad outburst days later. The goal is to be more like aseismic creep - letting the stress slide, or releasing it so steadily that there are no bad mood problems. I tend to unwind by plunking down in front of the TV and drawing, or by petting my cats, or sometimes by playing music. Reading is less effective than it used to be, because it makes me feel guilty about reading fun stuff rather than reading all the stuff assigned to me. You're given the opportunity to apprentice at any trade (or craft) of your choosing for the period of one year. Your mentor may be any currently living person. Which field of study would you choose, and who would be your mentor? My initial thought was that I'd want to do fault geology with some of the best people out there, but then I realized that I should answer this question in a way not related to my actual research/job, and I also realize that I already know some of the best people out there in this field. So - actual crafts. Artistic things. Hrm. Wouldn't want to do a music thing, since I'm terrible at practicing and would just tick the person off. I'd also be hesitant to do visual art, for fear that formal study might make me feel less inclined to do it on my own (I'm currently completely self-taught.) At this point, I'd probably say I'd want to lean to cook from someone really good, since the only things I can cook now are boring and not very tasty. I don't know enough about chefs to know who I'd want to work with, though. ******9/16***** Who is musically inclined? What instruments (voice counts) do you play? Would you enjoy sheet music? Hooboy, this question. Vaguely in the order of when I learned them: piano, violin/fiddle, viola (I consider this my main instrument), voice, tenor viol, recorder (mostly alto), guitarrón, crumhorn (though I suck at it), and most of the instruments in a Javanese gamelan (with a particular focus on gendèr and bonang, if that means anything to any of you). I also compose (and, in fact, have two degrees in composition). And I'm contemplating learning mandolin next. But for all of that, I rarely practice outside of actual rehearsal. There just isn't time, since I'm not a music major/proper musician/what have you. I probably would not ever get a chance to learn any sheet music sent to me, at least not if it's solo stuff. If you were to send something like parts for string quartets, I would find people to sightread through them with me. Favorite musicals? Wicked, Into the Woods, Spamalot, The Secret Garden, Fiddler On The Roof, Ludwig II (which is a German musical, and which has really good music), Chicago, probably forgetting a few others... Which of the seven deadly sins is most likely to be your undoing? Hrmm. Possibly envy. I do get jealous when other people get awesome opportunities related to things that I also do. It's not a crippling thing, but if I were to let myself fixate on it, I would get sidetracked from working hard so that I can get my own awesome opportunities. Anyone want a nickname and embroidered headband from PandaBite? Not particularly. I have seen a lot of yankee candles haters..... personally i like yankee candle (some of them, anyway). do you or don't you, and if not, what candles do you like? this assumes you like candles. otherwise, what specific home fragrance do you use? I don't scent my apartment, since I hear doing so is bad for animals, and I have two cats. Even if I did scent my home, I think candles would be a terrible idea, because of the whole burning thing, and said two cats. Would a "gift" donation to one of the organizations/causes you support be a great gift, or a lame gift? That would be a good thing! cthulhu.gif******9/15***** Does anyone have any symbols they consider to be personally significant or talismanic? Not particularly. There are symbols that I like, but they are generally representative of my larger interests, rather than being talismans in and of themselves. Are there any Gods, Goddess, or other mythological figures of whom you're particularly fond? I enjoy myths and legends in general, though no particular named figures come to mind as being favorites. Lately, I've been particularly interested in myths that involve/explain natural disasters. Since my research is into some of the real mechanisms behind earthquakes in particular, it's really cool to hear how different groups of people explained these phenomena before there was such a thing as modern science. Super villain or vigilante? Which would you like to be? I'm not really the type for either of these, but I think I'd more likely be a vigilante than a supervillain. What mythical or fantastic race of creatures (dragons, unicorns, griffins, elves, dwarves, faeries, etc.) do you most identify with, and why? This is never something I've thought much about, but out of the list here, I think I'm going to have to go with gryphons. They're part one mundane creature, part another, and come together to be something weirder and, perhaps, greater overall. This makes sense given my academic background - scientist and musician at once. Though, perhaps, a phoenix might describe this switch of focus better. One field wasn't working for me - I felt totally burned out on it - so I let that one go and rose out of the frustration and mess and angst into a totally different field that I'm enjoying much better. How do you feel about Dia de los Muertos? Are you interested in sugar skulls? Catrina (or other) skeleton figurines? I know very little about this holiday, but I do know that the aesthetic of sugar skulls is appealing to me. I like all the little patterns and details that go into the designs. Do you have a favorite poem or poet? I know shamefully little about poetry. vampire-smiley-02.gif ******9/14***** For the crafty people out there: would you prefer something crafted or crafting supplies? I would be thrilled to receive a craft that my witch made! I would also be excited to receive supplies, particularly in the form of markers. Can you use pill boxes, a hard ID case, coin purse, etc? Not particularly. Though maybe I should get some cards, since I go to conferences a lot now and end up scrawling my email address on paper for people. Any songs you are desperately into at the moment? I am still totally hooked on the whole Nickel Creek compilation CD that Lizard Queen gave me in the last Switch Witch round. What's autumn like in your neck of the woods? What do you love and/or hate about it? We don't have proper autumn as most people think of it here in Riverside. It remains quite hot even into November, and humidity is pretty much nonexistent. The Santa Ana winds, which result from a high pressure system spilling already warm and pressurized winds from the desert over the mountains, thus heating and speeding the air up even more as it flows into the L.A. basin, generally start in October, making everything hotter and drier. This is also the time of year that fires are whipped into their worst conditions, due to the heat and dryness and wind. Given the recent drought and the severity of fire we've had already, even without Santa Anas, I'm expecting a bad year. So...I do love how the Santa Anas clear all the smog and crap out of the air, leading to some very clear views of the mountains, but I'm definitely not a fan of the fires. What's your favorite product(s) at Trader Joe's? Those dark chocolate and sea salt almonds are amazing, as are the dark chocolate chipotle hazelnuts. I'm also a big fan of their maple frosted wheat cereal, and of the microwavable Thai lunches they have. I actually do a lot of my regular shopping at Trader Joe's, since it's so close by. If you're caught in front of the tv, what are you watching? Mythbusters, Monk, House, or something on the Discovery Health Channel. Unless it's 3AM and I'm up drawing things, in which case it's probably Law and Order. Any Amy Brown art fans? I do not know who this is! How do you feel about Halloween music? (mix CDs, what have you) I generally find Halloween songs amusing, but not so much that I have sought out CDs/MP3s. But don't let this deter you, Witch - if you have found some musically interesting or particularly funny Halloween songs, they're welcome! Who else is reeeeeally looking forward to Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland? I am excited! Is there a store that you love which does not have a location near you (but that has a physical presence somewhere, not just online? Why do you love it so much? Nothing comes to mind. (I live within an hour's drive or so from the Lab, even.) Lolcats....yeah or nay? I can has! What is your favorite creepy folk story or legend? I don't have a favorite, since I know very few to begin with. If your witch were to either write something for you or put together a collection of ghost stories, would you rather have it in writing, recorded as an oral telling, or both? I'd probably rather have it in writing, but I certainly would not object to a recording if that was something my Witch wanted to do. If you had the funds to comission an original painting for yourself, what would it be of? What would it be like- colors, size, style? I have no idea. Seriously. I actually don't think it'd be something geological, though, since that's the kind of stuff I draw. werewolf2.gif******9/12-13***** What's something you're really looking forward to in the semi-near future? Volcanology class field trip to Hawaii! Also, continued work on the big earthquake outreach project I've been focused on for the past month and a half. What fictional character do you most identify with and why? I could think about this question for a long time and never come up with one in particular, so I won't. Could you use a 'travel' imp case? How many should it hold? It wouldn't hurt, though my use would be more as a way to keep the imps from getting squished in transit, than as a thing I'd carry around for the sake of refreshing the scent. I'd have no preference as to what it could hold. As a witchee, would you prefer to have many little packages sent to you throughout the round with a not-so-big final package or fewer things throughout the round with one huge final package to seal the sweetness? I would be thrilled with whatever modus operandi of gift giving my Witch chose to adopt. What is your idea of the perfect evening at home? Just me, petting the cats and relaxing, maybe reading or drawing. If I'm drawing, the TV might be on, and it'd be an actually interesting show. In this perfect evening, it is not stupidly hot in my apartment. Are you on any social networks (MySpace, Twitter, LJ, Facebook, Bebo, etc)? If so, make with the links! Are you open to new friends? I'm dsch on Livejournal and seismogenic on Twitter. I'm definitelt open for new friends. What kind of socks? Right now, my socks are all the plain nondescript white ones. How often do you update your wishlist? Generally, whenever I get s new thing and test it. May I help you fill out your costuming wardrobe (assuming you costume)? Are there articles you are seeking to enhance your a) Halloween costume, Renfest attire, c) Cosplay, d) Steampunk accouterment? Nothing immediately comes to mind here. I generally only do the costume thing around Halloween, though if I had more excuses to do so without being the only person in costume, I would. My Halloween costumes tend to either be somehow historical, or to be anthropomorphic personifications of things. So, who has a store or ETSY shop or knows of a shop of a fellow BPALer that everybody needs to check out? I have never actually poked around on Etsy. Who are your favorite artists/illustrators/art periods? In terms of periods, I tend to like my art rather like my music - stuff from the late 19th and early 20th centuries - Romanticism, if you will. I like art nouveau and jugendstil for all the patterned details, and I have an appreciation for art deco providing it has not been done as a simplification/modification of things that were prettier earlier (see: the Call Building/Central Tower, 3rd and Market, San Francisco. Grr.) As for artists...hm. I like Mucha, I like Klimt...I actually don't know that much about fine art. Haha. If we can include photographers, definitely Ansel Adams. An if we can include comics, P. Craig Russell. What's your stance on cranberries? Yum! Do you mind receiving used (in good condition, of course) CDs or DVDs? (I know this question was on the questionnaire about books, but I didn't see one for DVDs or CDs.) Used things are great by me! I tend to buy used CDs rather than new for myself, even, since they still work but cost less. Do you have a crush on anyone famous? Do you have a crush on any literary characters? Would you like fanfiction or fan art based on this/these people? I have no crushes. You're at home, or out, and you want a snack. Something that will get you through to the next meal, or through to the end of school or what ever. What do you grab? In reality, this is often determined by mood, and I may not make the best choices (read: Pop Tarts), but if I want to keep my blood sugar at a good height and not have a rumbling tummy, I go for things like almonds or other mixed nuts. Do you have a favorite bpal bottle art? I love looking at the bottle art for all the new scents that come out. This is actually one of the things I do first at Will Call, before even testing some of the new ones. As for favorites, hm. All of the Steamworks and Carnaval labels are amazing (the label art may have been partly responsible for my purchasing a bottle of Priala, even). All of the Lunacy labels lately have been wonderful, too, though I haven't actually purchased one since Windy Moon. I also found last year's Wind in the Willows labels to be particularly charming. So...after all that, I can't say I have a single favorite, but that I enjoy the bottle art in general. The artists must have such fun with these. Are there any decants from the Halloweenies, Literary Vampires, Gris Grimly, or Hellboy that you would be interested in receiving? I sniffed a bunch of these at Will Call, but didn't spring for decants due to money reasons. Things that I'd be glad to have decants of, though, would be Carlin, the Hell Gate of Ireland, and any/all of the Hellboy scents. With Hellboy, though, I figure I can also keep sniffing them at Will Call to figure out if/when I want bottles of any of them. ******9/11***** Do you have a Livejournal? I do! My username is dsch. I don't update horribly often, but when I do, the posts are long. There has been a lot of talk about chocolate, but none about Candy! What is your favorite Candy? What candy do you hate? I am a big fan of candy in general, it's true! Favorites entirely depend on my mood, though as before stated, you can never go wrong with chocolate for me. Ditto mints. Cinnamon things are also quite welcome. I like fruit candies in general, except for the grape ones. Please do not send me grape candy. It reminds me too much of the awful purple allergy medicine I took daily as a little kid. Do you have a Blu-Ray player? Nope. Do you have any objections to receiving downloads? Is your internet connection fast enough for you to download large files like music easily? Are there any songs, albums, movies, or TV shows that you can't find/haven't been released that you want? I have no objections! My connection is tolerably fast, though I've never really tried downloading more than individual songs at a time. Even if my home connection turns out to be slow, the connection at school is ridiculously fast. Nothing is coming to mind right this instant in terms of things I particularly want, but if I think of something, I'll post or blog. skull.gif ******9/10***** If you do any kind of craft, could you use supplies? What kind? knitting needles, yarn, amazing fabric, pinking shears, cool thimbles or pincushins, jewelery making supplies, beads, etc.? I could always use more art markers, specifically Copics or Prismacolors. I use them frequently, and I just burned through a bunch of them on a major project this summer. What's your favorite pain-relief remedy or ritual? Advil and a nap. Do sounds make you happy? What ambient noises make you smile? Like so many other people here, I love the sound of my cats purring. It's especially nice when I get them both purring at once. I also like the sound of wind through the trees, providing it is a nice sane gentle wind (as opposed to, say, Santa Anas). Also like other people here, I think distant train whistles sound cool. When you receive your SW packages...do you like receiving things that are individually wrapped inside? or unwrapped? or both? I have no particular preference - whatever my Witch wants to do! Of course, we're all going to be grateful no matter what our witches give us, but for the record, what is your anti-present? Tell us something that you think your future witch might give you that you absolutely, unequivocally DO. NOT. WANT. Nothing really comes to mind here. I think I was pretty clear about the kind of stuff I don't want in my questionnaire. Uh, I guess, no candles? Since things that involve fire are not a good idea around rambunctious cats. What BPAL scent have you never tried but always wanted to? What scent have you tried and LOVED, and haven't been able to get more of and why? I generally don't look at the older scents, since I know there's next to no chance of me getting to test them. In terms of recent things that there's no way I'll get to try, almost every single note in Sacrifice sounded amazing. The only one that didn't immediately appeal was the blood note, but everything else looked awesome. As for things I got to try once, Skadi is amazing. I am lucky enough to have a decant, and I'm sure I'll never come by more of it than that. I know we're all scent sensitive here. What are your favorite non-perfume smells? Day in the life stuff? Coffee, orange blossoms wafting over campus in the spring, the desert right after rain, woodsmoke (providing it is not a huge freaking wildfire), chai Coffee drinkers, what types of beans to you like? Kona, Sumatra, Kenya..etc. How do you like them roasted? Do you like flavors, such as hazelnut, vanilla, etc. in your coffee? I like trying different types of beans. Right now, I have some from Guatemala and some from Flores (Indonesia). They're pretty different from each other, and both are delicious. I like flavored coffee drinks sometimes, but not so much for my first cup in the morning. Who has a birthday falling in this round? Nope. It was in June. For those of us who like chocolate, do you like anything /in/ your chocolate, like fruit, nuts, or for the more daring among us, chilies? I like trying interesting things with my chocolate! I think I'd draw the line at that bacon bar that seems to get mentioned every round, though. But yeah, so long as it's not cherries (to which I'm allergic), I like trying things in chocolate. Are there any childhood shows/movies/games/books/etc. that still hold a really special place in your heart? I still adore the Redwall books. I also wish I could watch shows like Gargoyles again. ******9/9***** Super power? I would want to be able to teleport. I could visit all kinds of places at the snap of a finger, with no travel bills, no transit time, and no carbon footprint! If I had this power, I could also move to San Francisco now and just teleport-commute to school, rather than having to wait until I graduate in 2013. If I send you whole spices or coffee beans, would you be able to grind them or would you prefer them preground for your convenience? I have a coffee grinder. I do not know how grinding of spices works. For the tea and coffee drinkers: Opinion on tea- and/or coffee-related accessories/etc? (Teaware, sugar crystals, infusers, tea chests, etc) I don't particularly need fancy accessories to make coffee or tea turn out good. An infuser for loose leaf tea is the only one of those things I actually have, and I do use it regularly How do you take your coffee (or tea)? Black or with cream and/or sugar? I take my coffee black. As for tea, it depends on the type. Green and white tea, I don't add anything. Black tea, sometimes milk and sugar. Restaurants you'd like a gift certificate to on Restaurant.com? I can't get this website to looooad. In your perfect world it is chocolate and...? Oh jeez. I have to pick? I like trying different types of chocolate things. How do you scent your home: tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles? I don't scent my home. This is apparently a bad idea for people who have cats. What's your favorite dessert treat? Ice cream? Cake? Pie? Fudge brownie cake with pie flavored ice cream on top? This entirely depends on my mood. In the summer, though, it's generally ice cream, because it's so stupid hot here in the summer. Do you believe we control our destiny, or does our destiny control us? We control our destiny. What one thing that is missing from your life would you like to have above all else? Uh. Is "living in San Francisco NOW" a thing? ******9/8***** What was your favouritest job ever, and why? I'm enjoying this getting paid to do research thing I'm doing now. The docent position at the Smithsonian was also awesome, but that wasn't a paid thing, so it's not really a job. Which three albums would you take to your apocalypse bolt hole and how would you power the generator? The Beatles' Revolver, Gjallarhorn's Ranarop, and Great Big Sea's Rant and Roar What GC scent have you been putting off getting since it'll "always be there"? Tombstone and Kumari Kandam. I very nearly caved on Tombstone at the last Will Call, but I talked myself out of it in exactly this way. Are you interested in things like home remedies for ailments, cleaning solutions, etc.? I have no experience with such things, but if you have any magic cat-pee-smell-remover, that would rock. Also, allergy remedies are good things. ******9/7***** Any cooks? Could you use anything cooking related? Aprons? Cookbooks? Measuring Cups? Recipes? Herb/Spice containers? Fancy Spices? Dish Towels? Cocktail napkins? Amazing Beaded Pot Holders? (like from our very own Pottersville! ) Something else? When I cook, it generally ends in epic fail. I probably don't even deserve fancy supplies. Are you an avid reader? What's your favorite book/series? I love to read, but I almost never have time to read for pleasure anymore, since I'm in grad school. It's very sad. That said, I like Gaiman and Pratchett in general. I also confess that I still read the Redwall books, though more for nostalgia than for anything else. In terms of nonfiction, I've been on a bit of a John McPhee kick this summer. What's your favorite candy to stock up on at Halloween? Pumpkin spice Hershey's Kisses. I didn't hoard enough last year, I don't think. What are your phobias? Falling off the freeway (again). Though it is not enough of a fear to keep me from driving. I've put 15,000 miles on the new car since my falling-off-freeway incident in June of 2007. This was, perhaps oddly, a thing that still scared me even before it actually happened. What is your favourite flower (or plant)? A huge expansive field full of a variety of wildflowers is a gorgeous thing. I don't know if I have a favorite among them, though. As for other plants, I love Joshua trees. They're so weird. Duct tape purses and wallets and things are pretty darned cool. Who else thinks so? They are pretty cool. An anonymous benefactor gives you $500 (or an equivalent amount of money in your currency of choice) with the following stipulations. You must spend all of it within a week: any money left unspent must be returned. You must spend at least half of the money on yourself. You may not use it to pay off debts or bills of any kind. What do you do with the money? I'd go to San Francisco for a few days. Not that I'm fixating or anything. Who likes coloring books? I prefer to color my own line art. This was true even when I was very little. Do you have a Good Reads profile? If so, make with the link! If you don't have one, go make one! I don't have one. I guess I should make one. Hah. ******9/6***** You're in the kitchen at the end of a pay period and groceries are pretty scarce. Do you take the five ingredients you find first and make something fabulous, or do you order take out? This depends on how broke I am at the end of the pay period. I would be inclined to just eat out, since nothing I would cook would be very good, but if I'm broke, I will suffer through my own attempts at cuisine. If you could decorate/redecorate any 1 room in your home, what would it be and how would you decorate it? I would probably decorate my living room to look like a room that people might actually want to be in! As opposed to a room in which grad school threw up on the floor. There are SO many papers in that room. Any rabid sports fans out there? What teams do you root for? STEELERS, BABY. What's your favorite animal? (You can have more than one.) Domestic cats, cheetahs, cougars, domestic dogs, wolves, coyotes, foxes, pine martens, otters, genets...I could go on. This is how the world ends... zombie apocalypse, robot uprising, alien invasion, return of the elder gods... which doomsday scenario do you prefer (or make your own!)? A large earthquake on the northern San Andreas Fault levels northern California. It sets off several significant aftershocks in southern California, including one on the Puente Hills Fault under Los Angeles, flattening the city (because it's not a true doomsday scenario until L.A. is destroyed). While everyone is fighting the fires that have consumed the case, static stress changes in the crust twig the Cascadia Subduction Zone, which inflicts a 9.0 earthquake on the Pacific Northwest and sends a tsunami across the Pacific, which has effects as far away as Japan. These stress changes twig several of the faults within Japan, which rupture in sequence in a southernly fashion. With all of the seismic waves bouncing around, the magma chamber under Mt. Merapi in central Java gets particularly stirred up, and the gases within react, prompting a massive Krakatau-like eruption. The amount of ash shot into the air is so vast that the climate is drastically effective. Earlier in this process, hurricanes and tornadoes turn up in unusual places as air cooled by the ash in the atmosphere. As things progress, the Earth sinks into volcanic winter. Crops, which have already been struggling due to drought, die, and people and livestock starve. The particularly snowy and icy months don't help. And for those in climates that don't get snow and ice, everything is still such a wreck that nobody can get vaccination or care for standard winter diseases, so epidemics wipe out other large groups. Eventually, survivors become so few and far between that they can't reach each other to share resources or reproduce. And once everyone has died, Yellowstone erupts for good measure, and a meteor hits where Los Angeles used to be, just because it can. (Individually, these things might be able to happen, but they probably wouldn't be able to set each other off quite like that...) In the year 2525... if man is still alive... what sort of future do you imagine? (apologies to anyone who gets that song stuck in their head!) I HATE THAT SONG. AUUUGH. I suspect we will have a future that is blissfully free of that song! Unless some jerkface resurrects it for the occasion. Said jerkface might be punished by being vaporized with the push of a button. Do you believe in magic (or magick, if you prefer)? What does it mean to you? Nothing has happened to me to give me cause to believe in it. If you found the puzzle box from Hellraiser, what would you do with it? ( and would you be able to resist playing with it? ) I do not know what this thing is. ******9/5***** Do you like pinup art/images? I have no particular interest in them, though I have no problem with them, either. What are your plans for Halloween? Have you made any yet? Do you have any traditions? I don't know whether or not I'll be able to celebrate Halloween this year, because I might be on a class trip to Hawaii at the time (the exact date isn't set yet). This is, to me, a legitimate reason to skip Halloween, but I'd still be a little sad. If I do get to celebrate it, I'm thinking I'll either go as a victim/survivor (haven't decided which yet) of the 1906 earthquake, or perhaps as the anthropomorphic personification of San Francisco. Who are your BPAL forum buddies? You know, people I could conspire with to Witch you! Nali and septima_pica are people I know in person, and they'd have ideas. My previous Witches, Voodoocatwoman and Lizard Queen, were amazing and clearly know the kinds of things I like, so they could also be askable. What is your favorite color? Blue or green. Though I've been using a lot of gray in drawings lately, too. Any other steampunk fans/lovers? Steampunk is awesome, though thus far, I have only observed from the sidelines. Describe your ideal picnic lunch. Where would you go? Who (if anyone, and yes there can be multiple people) would accompany you? What sort of food would you take? And, of course, if a picnic lunch sounds like a horrible idea, feel free to say so! I would want to go somewhere with cool geology, though if you ask me to narrow this down right now, I don't know if I could. Accompanying me would be friends from the geology department, the music department, and people from back east that I almost never see anymore. It would be fun to do this as a potluck sort of picnic, with a wide variety of interesting food. ******9/4***** Any Gamers here? What kind? Board games? RPG? Miniature? MMORPG? I used to play a lot of MU*s, but I haven't in a while. Is anyone playing this round of SW into ABJ? (asian ball jointed dolls) Nope. What is your favorite Halloween icon? Icon, in what sense? Imagine that you're given a shoebox-sized time capsule, and you are asked to put any number of items in the box that symbolize who you are. The items can be may be anything you can imagine, and money is no object, but they must fit within the box. Which items do you choose? A CD containing image files of things I've drawn, a CD containing sound files of music I've written, and another CD containing sound files of all the different kinds of music I play. A nerdy t-shirt of some sort. A couple of small interesting rocks. Maybe a copy of a scientific paper I've written. A picture of my cats. Not a picture of me, however. Nobody wants to look at that. Are you involved in any long-term, ambitious project? something like decorating your house or saving for a trip to the other end of the world, for example. I just finished a big art project! It wasn't particularly long term though; if anything, it was rushed. Does a PhD count as a long-term ambitious project, because I am definitely working on that. I am also already contemplating ways that could land me permanently in San Francisco after I earn said PhD. Favorite kind or take out kinda burger? Whats your burger preference? Veggie,meat or ???? I rarely eat burgers, but when I do, In'N'Out trumps all, at least in terms of fast food. Whats your favorite childhood toy? I had a plush yellow lab named Shadow, like the dog in Homeward Bound. I couldn't have a real dog, so I had to make do with a toy. If you have a pet, what kind of gifts would be good for them? I have two cats, Andreas and Garlock. Yes, they're named after faults. They both like catnip, particularly Andreas. They also like toys, though the appeal of a new one tends to wear off on them after a few days. Unless it's the laser pointer. Do you Tweet? What is your Twitter name? I tweet. My username there is the same as here: seismogenic. Are you on Ravelry? What is your Ravelry name? Not on Ravelry. Me knitting would turn into a disaster of epic proportions. ******9/3***** What are everyone's favorite Halloween-y/Autumn-y/spooky movies? Are there any you don't own but would like to? Uh. I know very few of these. Gonna have to go with The Nightmare Before Christmas, since it's the only one that immediately comes to mind. Are roasted pumpkin seeds and home made chex mix the best fall snack foods, or what? I love roasted pumpkin seeds so much. I actually don't know if I've had homemade chex mix, as opposed to the kind that comes in a bag. Whats your favorite pie, my dear SW's? Piiiie. Probably a tossup between apple and pumpkin. What kinda socks ar you wearing tonight? I am in southern California, and it is early September. I am not wearing socks. I have not worn socks in several weeks. Shocking, I know! Do you like socks? Blankets? Wrist warmers? Arm warmers? Headband? Shawl? Or what kind of knitted thing would you love the most? I do, however, like socks when it is not summer! Ditto blankets. I like days when it's just chilly enough to make these things really nice. I wouldn't get much use out of things like arm warmers or shawls, both because winter here is not very potent, and also because that's rather more feminine than I choose to me. How do you feel about ghost stories? Do you like to tell the old tales around a campfire? Read true accounts on the web way past your bedtime? I know very few ghost stories, but I generally find them intriguing. Do you like to pick up a good anthology of Poe stories on a blustery day? Or is all that too scary for you? I have read shamefully little Poe, but I have enjoyed what I did read. Who here is LOVING Warehouse 13? I don't know what that is. Nother question! Coffee or Tea? Both! I tend to drink coffee in the morning and tea in the afternoon. Interested in locally produced products? Food, skincare or both?Olive oil? Lavender oils or soaps? Locally produced is cool! I'd be interested in seeing people's interesting and weird local stuff. I might lean more toward food, but stuff like soap is also good. Does anyone in here wear a lot of dangly earrings or collect pendants of all kinds?? How about hair clips or pony tail band things? Nope. What is your favourite historical period? Turn of the 20th century. So many different things I've been interested have ties to that period. (I mean, other than that certain big earthquake in a certain California city that I've already mentioned a zillion times in these questions.) What other hot beverages everyone likes for fall? Coffee, tea, spiced cider, chai. All are good. I wish the weather were already conducive to drinking these things. (But noooo, I'm going to a conference in Palm Springs this coming week, and it's going to be 107 out! I want autumn, dangit!) Did you order anything from the most recent update? No, though I'm kind of regretting that I didn't order Falling Leaf Moon, since I'm not sure if I'll be able to make it to Will Call in October. Vampires or Werewolves? Or some other monster? Werewolves. What sort of odd or regional foods do you crave? I love a lot of different kinds of regional foods. I think I get outright cravings for Japanese food more than for others, though. I wanted udon SO BADLY on Monday, but all the Japanese restaurants were closed for Labor Day. Woe!

Seismogenic

September 10, 2009

my scent ramblings

Holy Christmas, Batman!

I received no less than sixteens imps today. I'm speechless with the possibilities. In addition to the twelve I ordered, I got (of course) four unsolicited extras. Not one of the four sounds even remotely like anything I would consider getting for myself. Heavy on flowers, and one described outright as sweet. Still, I've said before that I welcome the boundary-pushing. That attitude will certainly be tested this time. No reviews yet, but after sniffing through way too many in one sitting (I know, bad!), here are my impressions: Embalming Fluid: tea with several slices of lemon. I like. The Antykythera Mechanism: Something sharp, then my sense of smell was blown completely out. Couldn't smell anything for several minutes. Too early to say. No. 93 Engine: Something faintly metallic and catch-in-throat (acrid). Seems more masculine than not, but maybe because of some wood (?) that I associate strongly with men's scents. Too early to say. Lightning: This reminds me very strongly of chapstick. Hm. Mary Read: Strong booziness, spice, something -- again -- acrid. I like, I think. The Apothecary: Herbs. More herbs. Interesting. Shub-niggurath: ??? Baked figs and holiday spices over dirt? What the hell??? I think smelling all the ones before must be messing with me. Dracul: Clove and fresh, clean skin over something musty? BTW, I have no idea if my descriptions are even remotely like what these scents are supposed to smell like. It's been too long since I read the descriptions and I'm overloading my olfactory system. Just, humor me. I'm sure I'll be embarrassed later. Centzon Totochtin: Yikes! Cocoa over booze with a hint of ... Hawaiian Punch? Perversion: This baffles me. It smells familiar one end to the other, but I can't pick anything out or come up with an association. Dunno. Dragon's Hide: Instant men's cologne. Very in-your-face wood (???) scent. Seems almost single-note to me. Les Infortunes de la Vertu: Another super-blended one (i.e. hard to pick anything out). Overall, I like. Very comforting scent. Ava Maria Gratia Plena: White floral with strong scent-associations of cleanliness. Doesn't smell soapy, just ... blindingly clean, if that makes any sense. Hairy Toad Lily: Astringent berry? My nose is really going downhill. The Reaper and the Flowers: Some very light floral and grass? Hay? Very, very light. Delicate. Queen of Hearts: Holy blown gaskets! My eyes started to water. Fruity, floral, in that order. I'm going to say "Not me", but I'll give it a more through assessment later. There's my initial run-through. Completely useless because I overwhelmed my sense of smell, but I couldn't resist. I mostly wanted to pick out the ones that seemed most promising so I know where to start.

Graphica

September 10, 2009

Sheyona's Blog

Fall SW question09 pt 3

Super power? Aimed EMP bursts. No more annoying blasting music from the cars around me. If I send you whole spices or coffee beans, would you be able to grind them or would you prefer them preground for your convenience? Well no coffee please and preground spiced. For the tea and coffee drinkers: Opinion on tea- and/or coffee-related accessories/etc? (Teaware, sugar crystals, infusers, tea chests, etc)How do you take your coffee (or tea)? Black or with cream and/or sugar? If someone can find me a 8-10 cup capacity teapot i would consider them the best witch ever. We drink tea in my house like it is going out of style and as it stands we have to brew a new pot at least every 1 1/2 hrs. (if not more often when it everyone gets thirsty at once) As for how i take my tea... pretty much plain. Chai of course has to have milk and sometimes i'll put honey in the tea if i am feeling less than well but normaly it's as pure as i can get it. Restaurants you'd like a gift certificate to on Restaurant.com? Well they only have one resturaunt listed for my city... but i do occasionally get up to portland and hey resturaunts are fun. In your perfect world it is chocolate and...? coconut. How do you scent your home: tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles? My husband is scent sensitive so we scent but rarely and weakly in the house. What's your favorite dessert treat? Ice cream? Cake? Pie? Fudge brownie cake with pie flavored ice cream on top? Creme brulee... but i shouldnt have it. Do you believe we control our destiny, or does our destiny control us? Yes What one thing that is missing from your life would you like to have above all else? A home i can alter to my will. What was your favouritest job ever, and why? My current one. It's in the line of what i want to do as a career and i have amusing co-workers and boss. Which three albums would you take to your apocalypse bolt hole and how would you power the generator? Honestly i couldnt choose because i don't really have albums to take. all my music is in electronic formats on ipods and computers. I'd take those because being wihtout music would suck and i'd power them by exercise. I'd have an entire room of exercise formats that could power batteries to draw off. What GC scent have you been putting off getting since it'll "always be there"? Snake Oil Are you interested in things like home remedies for ailments, cleaning solutions, etc.? Some but i'd want to make sure it didn't have anything that would agrivate sensitivies in my household. Craft supplies? Well... I can always use quilting cloth. especially at the moment because i need to start on a baby blanket for my kidlet-to-be. I'm almost tempted to put put a ISO for fat quarters so i don't have to choose the cloth involved. thread is nice too.

Sheyona

September 10, 2009

t0yb0xri0t's Blog

Things I Want, But Haven't Gotten Around to Buying

Black Canvas TOMS sneakers Black or Red TOMS Wrap Boot Spooky Tealite Holder Hanging Owl Lantern Amazon Wish List Etsy Favorites Great Glam Wish List Favorite Etailers: Aromaleigh I Touch Roses Jewelry Findings Online B&LU Mod Cloth (Love their Accessories) Perpetual Kid Sock Dreams Dragonfly Design How Cool Scent Addict idea2lifestyle Surly-Ramics

t0yb0xri0t

September 10, 2009

Crazy Random Happenstance

Switch Witch

In your perfect world it is chocolate and...? And video games? Calorie free chocolate, mind you. How do you scent your home Tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles? I use candled, tarts, oil diffusers, and bpal mixed w/ wax in a oil diffuser...I'd love a reed diffuser and an electric diffuser, NO INCENSE PLEASE (kitty tries to nom it). What was your favouritest job ever, and why? I haven't had a 'dream job' yet but I was happiest as a barista. In High School. Which three albums would you take to your apocalypse bolt hole and how would you power the generator? God that's unfair! Three?!? Ok, I would take...Full Moon Fever, Tom Petty, Grace, Jeff Buckley and...and...crap! I'd probably take The Beatles Remastered set! HA! I win. I'd power it with treadmill to force myself to work out. What GC scent have you been putting off getting since it'll "always be there"? Hah, I always have put it off because I don't ever do anything nice for myself I am dying for: sudha segara, sea of glass, morocco, snake oil, dorian, 51, velvet, dirty and probably a few more I'm forgetting. Are you interested in things like home remedies for ailments, cleaning solutions, etc.? Yes, especially if it's hypoallergenic! Any cooks? Could you use anything cooking related? Aprons? Cookbooks? Measuring Cups? Recipes? Herb/Spice containers? Fancy Spices? Dish Towels? Cocktail napkins? Amazing Beaded Pot Holders? (like from our very own Pottersville! ) Something else? Not a good cook...I need more crock pot recipes. Really. Are you an avid reader? What's your favorite book/series? Yes I am! I like fantasy, I'm currently rereading the Abhorsen series by Garth Nix. Also liked Black Jewel Trillogy and started the Discworld series in the sense that I've read 1/1000 of his books...I need to finish the Dark Tower series too..also...would like to finish Firefly/Serenity graphic novels and the Anita Blake graphic novels...and anything LKH What's your favorite candy to stock up on at Halloween? Sweet Tarts! All things chocolate... What are your phobias? Spiders (well most bugs...), PUPPETS. Tight spaces. What is your favourite flower (or plant)? Lavender, chamomile, herbs mostly...aloe plants Duct tape purses and wallets and things are pretty darned cool. Who else thinks so? Not so much, unless it was like a duct tape imp case? An anonymous benefactor gives you $500 (or an equivalent amount of money in your currency of choice) with the following stipulations. You must spend all of it within a week: any money left unspent must be returned. You must spend at least half of the money on yourself. You may not use it to pay off debts or bills of any kind. What do you do with the money? Color me selfish, but I'd spend it on myself. BPAL order, Soap Box order, Lush order, the rest going to my "New PC" fund. I never pamper myself though. Who likes coloring books? Me, me, me! *pats 92 crayon set* Do you have a Good Reads profile? If so, make with the link! If you don't have one, go make one! Hm, I will make one... You're in the kitchen at the end of a pay period and groceries are pretty scarce. Do you take the five ingredients you find first and make something fabulous, or do you order take out? I'd probably attempt to cook something, botch it, and order takeaway. If you could decorate/redecorate any 1 room in your home, what would it be and how would you decorate it? Bedroom. Art deco theme. Accentuate my lovely brass bed. Any rabid sports fans out there? What teams do you root for? Hubby is Cubs fan, so I too must be Cubs fan. What's your favorite animal? (You can have more than one.) Freshwater Cichlids, big cats, toads and frogs! This is how the world ends... zombie apocalypse, robot uprising, alien invasion, return of the elder gods... which doomsday scenario do you prefer (or make your own!)? Zombie Apocalypse! I think I could survive that one... In the year 2525... if man is still alive... what sort of future do you imagine? (apologies to anyone who gets that song stuck in their head!) Ok it wasn't stuck in my head until I forced myself to remember that song...I think things will be NOT GOOD if we are alive. Do you believe in magic (or magick, if you prefer)? What does it mean to you? Not in the same sense as some of you. I believe in angels and demons but not magic. I believe in good and bad energy. I believe in miracles. If you found the puzzle box from Hellraiser, what would you do with it? ( and would you be able to resist playing with it? ) I'm bad with puzzles, so no thanks! Do you like pinup art/images? Yes, I like it but no I would not want to be given anything with pinup art plastered all over it. Unless it was a book of art. What are your plans for Halloween? Have you made any yet? Do you have any traditions? I wish I had little cousins still to take trick-or-treating! We'll probably carve a pumpkin, have some caramel apples, cider and candy and watch bad horror movies. Who are your BPAL forum buddies? You know, people I could conspire with to Witch you! Hmm...well...I know Paperbacknovel in real life. Merveilleuse witched me last round. What is your favorite color? Purples, dark shades mostly. Shades of gray, jewel tones Any other steampunk fans/lovers? Admire it, yes. Intimidated by it, yes! Would love a pendant or a steampunked journal though. Describe your ideal picnic lunch. Where would you go? Who (if anyone, and yes there can be multiple people) would accompany you? What sort of food would you take? And, of course, if a picnic lunch sounds like a horrible idea, feel free to say so! Hm, I would go with my family and we would have lovely little croissants and fruit and wine and of course chocolate. It would be a sunny, breezy day of about 72 degrees. What are everyone's favorite Halloween-y/Autumn-y/spooky movies? Are there any you don't own but would like to? Hmm...I would like Shaun of the Dead. It's a favorite. Also Resident Evil. I love ZOMBIES. I own the new Dawn of the Dead. Good stuff. Nothing like 'Saw' or 'Hostel' though please... Are roasted pumpkin seeds and home made chex mix the best fall snack foods, or what? If you make me a savory (not sweet) Chex Mix I will love you forever. I live for Chex Mix. Really, I do. My mom gives me a tub of homemade chex mix for Christmas every year. It's always gone by New Years. LOVE IT. Also love roasted, salted pumpkin seeds. what kinda socks are you wearing tonight? Bleh, socks...I don't like socks! I am of the hot sweaty feet persuasion. Sorry! Whats your favorite pie, my dear SW's? Coconut cream, rhubarb, chocolate caramel pecan Do you like socks? Blankets? Wrist warmers? Arm warmers? Headband? Shawl? Or what kind of knitted thing would you love the most? Probably not socks but I'd love a shawl or fingerless hand warmers (for when I play WoW in the winter!) How do you feel about ghost stories? Do you like to tell the old tales around a campfire? Read true accounts on the web way past your bedtime? Do you like to pick up a good anthology of Poe stories on a blustery day? Or is all that too scary for you? I like ghost stories, love Poe, I also like Max Brooks zombie novels..would REALLY like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Who here is LOVING Warehouse 13? LOVE IT. Pete is so gosh darn adorable. Nother question! Coffee or Tea? Tea please! Herbal, fruity blends! Nothing too smokey. Interested in locally produced products? Food, skincare or both?Olive oil? Lavender oils or soaps? I would love some essential oils and LOVE lavender. I also love homemade/locally made skin care/bath products so long as they do not contain harsh chemicals. Does anyone in here wear a lot of dangly earrings or collect pendants of all kinds?? How about hair clips or pony tail band things? I would like some more pendants/necklaces or a scent locket. I don't do dangly earrings, mostly studs. What is your favourite historical period? I love ancient Rome and I'm also hooked on The Tudors so then too What other hot beverages everyone likes for fall? Hmm...chai (mostly iced), hot cocoa, hot cider, mulled wine Did you order anything from the most recent update? Me? Buy myself BPAL? *sighs* I am waiting for Carnival though...splurges WILL be made. Vampires or Werewolves? Or some other monster? Hmm...I love them both but...zombies are freaking awesome. (and easier to kill) What sort of odd or regional foods do you crave? Hmm...sweet tea. Shrimp po boys. Cherry everything from Northern MI Any Gamers here? What kind? Board games? RPG? Miniature? MMORPG? Oh yes. Card games (Euchre, hearts), RPGS (I play on a forum RPG called Zoanthrope Investigations), board games (Life, Risk) and MMORPGS! I play WoW! On Garrosh server, I am Alliance and play Xulii and Anaktoria. Is anyone playing this round of SW into ABJ? (asian ball jointed dolls) Not so much...sounds cool, but I can't even buy BPAL...soo...nope What is your favorite Halloween icon? I like warty toads, pumpkins and witches! Imagine that you're given a shoebox-sized time capsule, and you are asked to put any number of items in the box that symbolize who you are. The items can be may be anything you can imagine, and money is no object, but they must fit within the box. Which items do you choose? Hmm...mix CD of my songs I like, pictures of me and my family, Kitty toy, small handbook on cichlids, WoW figurine Are you involved in any long-term, ambitious project? something like decorating your house or saving for a trip to the other end of the world, for example. Considering going back for a Masters in Academic Counseling or Library Sciences. Favorite kind or take out kinda burger? Whats your burger preference? Veggie,meat or ???? I am a meat eater...I love Red Robin. It is crack. Really. I get their teriyaki chicken burger. I also love me some Arby's and Rally's... What's your favorite childhood toy? Ok, really, I loved Glowy the Glow Worm. And Barbies. If you have a pet, what kind of gifts would be good for them? PJ the kitty loves treats, but please be grain-free. He would also like jingly balls or a squeaky mouse or string-on-a-stick. He loves toys! Do you Tweet? What is your Twitter name? I have twitter, I forget to tweet--M_Dye Are you on Ravelry? What is your Ravelry name? Nope, sorry, I don't know how to sew even...but would like to learn.

writergal969

September 9, 2009

SW questions and such...

SW Fall '09 questions part 3

again, emoticons pose a problem. In your perfect world it is chocolate and...? More chocolate? My favorite chocolate is Ghirardelli. Though I'd love to expand my chocolate experience. How do you scent your home Tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles? I usually use BPAL sprays to scent my room, but I like scented candles and oil in a burner. I burn incense on occasion. How do you take your coffee (or tea)? Black or with cream and/or sugar? Coffee with cream and sugar, plz! When I occasionally drink tea it's usually just straight tea, but sometimes with milk and sugar, depending on what tea it is. Do you believe we control our destiny, or does our destiny control us? I go back and forth on this issue, but usually my opinion is that our futures are determined through our actions and the circumstances surrounding us. What's your favorite dessert treat? Ice cream? Cake? Pie? Fudge brownie cake with pie flavored ice cream on top? Hmm... I can't choose just one. Pumpkin pie is quite delicious. Also, my sister makes some kickass brownies and they're amazing fresh out of the oven with vanilla ice cream. What one thing that is missing from your life would you like to have above all else? Friends. I don't have very many people I'm really close to. For the tea and coffee drinkers: Opinion on tea- and/or coffee-related accessories/etc? (Teaware, sugar crystals, infusers, tea chests, etc) I don't know what half those things are But I could always use coffee mugs (travel and normal) and I'd love a knitted/felted/crocheted/whatever coffee cup holder thing. (did that make any sense?) If I send you whole spices or coffee beans, would you be able to grind them or would you prefer them preground for your convenience? I don;t believe I have a working coffee grinder so pre-ground only for me. Ditto for spices. I don't usually cook but if I had some awesome spices on hand I might. Super power? To selectively read minds. when you receive your SW packages...do you like receiving things that are individually wrapped inside? or unwrapped? or both? Whatever my witch decides will make me a very happy witchee. Do sounds make you happy? What ambient noises make you smile? The thwock! noise that tennis balls make when people are volleying them, the rain on the trees outside my bedroom window, people talking or singing very quietly, so I just barely can't make out the words (especially if it's my boyfriend's voice ) what bpal scent have you never tried but always wanted to? what scent have you tried and loved, and haven't been able to get more of and why? tried and loved: Le Pere Fouttard (I have about 1/3 of a bottle made up from decants and a partial bottle my last witch sent me Nobody wants to give any up! ), Glowing Vulva, Haloes, Osiris v4. never tried but want to: Chrysanthemum Moon, Jingo-Kogo, Bah!, Storyville Of course, we're all going to be grateful no matter what our witches give us, but for the record, what is your anti-present? Tell us something that you think your future witch might give you that you absolutely, unequivocally DO. NOT. WANT. hmmm, Things containing crude or offensive humor. And on the same note I can't stand to watch people getting hurt or hurting themselves (Think Jackass.), it makes me feel sick to watch. Not that I think my witch would send that kind of thing to me, necessarily. Just another thing to know about me. I know we're all scent sensitive here. What are your favorite non-perfume smells? Day in the life stuff? I was just thinking about this today actually. My favorite (non perfume) smell ever is freshly mowed grass. Even better is freshly mowed grass smell floating on a warm spring breeze on a sunny day. *contented sigh* Ground coffee is another really good smell. Sometimes I'll open up the bag of coffee just to sniff. Also, books. Textbooks, old books and bookstore-new books all have distinct scents and I love them all. And we can't forget the bookstore smell. I love walking into Borders and taking a biiiiig sniff. Coffee drinkers, what types of beans to you like? Kona, Sumatra, Kenya..etc. How do you like them roasted? Do you like flavors, such as hazelnut, vanilla, etc. in your coffee? Type of beans doesn't matter to me. I haven't had enough experience with different kinds of coffee to have a preference on this matter. (though peaberry coffee is really, really good!) I usually like roasts that aren't too dark but it doesn't matter that much. I do like flavors. Pretty much any flavors are good. If you do any kind of craft, could you use supplies? What kind? knitting needles, yarn, amazing fabric, pinking shears, cool thimbles or pincushins, jewelery making supplies, beads, etc.? I bead jewelry, so some cool beads would be appreciated. What's your favorite pain-relief remedy or ritual? Depends on the pain. If it's a migraine, I really have no choice but to take prescription painkillers. But other kinds of pain (like muscle aches, etc.)require a massage and comforting BPAL and rest. There has been a lot of talk about chocolate, but none about Candy! What is your favorite Candy? What candy do you hate? I love tootsie rolls! Pixie stix are tasty too. However, I hate licorice. Do you have a Blu-Ray player? Nope Do you have any objections to receiving downloads? Is your internet connection fast enough for you to download large files like music easily? Are there any songs, albums, movies, or TV shows that you can't find/haven't been released that you want? I can download music and videos easily. Receiving downloads doesn't bother me. Who has a birthday falling in this round? Not me, I'm an April baby. For those of us who like chocolate, do you like anything /in/ your chocolate, like fruit, nuts, or for the more daring among us, chilies? I've been wanting to try chilie chocolate even though I don't like spicy food. Fruits, nuts, caramel, toffee, etc are all good in my chocolate. Are there any childhood shows/movies/games/books/etc. that still hold a really special place in your heart? The movies Little Nemo and The Brave Little Toaster. For books: The Diamond in the Window. I read my copy to shreds. I just found it recently and as soon as I picked it up, the cover fell off. , The Secret of Nimh. Another book I read over and over as a kid. I'm participating in an NIH study and I laughed out loud when a doctor walked by wearing a lab coat that said NIMH. who are your favorite artists/illustrators/art periods? dunno... May I help you fill out your costuming wardrobe (assuming you costume)? Are there articles you are seeking to enhance your a) Halloween costume, Renfest attire, c) Cosplay, d) Steampunk accoutrement? I don't really do costumes that much... as a witchee, would you prefer to have many little packages sent to you throughout the round with a not-so-big final package or fewer things throughout the round with one huge final package to seal the sweetness? last time, my witch sent a few small things during the round and another BIG package at the end. I liked that because I like getting things in the mail and opening packages and I LOVE contact with my witch. That said, any way my witch decides to do things is fine. What is your idea of the perfect evening at home? A good cup of coffee and watching a movie with my boyfriend with lots of snuggles. what's your stance on cranberries? eh... they're okay I guess Do you mind receiving used (in good condition, of course) CDs or DVDs? not a bit Imp travel case? Yes! I've been using a little Altoids tin but to have a better one would be great. Your one absolute favorite, BPAL: If I have to choose just one, I'd say War. Do you have a favorite BPAL bottle art? Hmmm, I really like the Arachnina bottle art. You're at home, or out, and you want a snack. Something that will get you through to the next meal, or through to the end of school or what ever. What do you grab? usually cereal or something like that.

unlaced

September 9, 2009

tartchef's Blog

SW Random Questions 9/9

How do you take your coffee (or tea)? Black or with cream and/or sugar? Coffee: 2 scoops of demarara sugar & a slosh of fat-free half & half Tea: skim milk, no sugar. Absolutely no cream, no half & half (that's not why they call it a cream tea, people!), but I'll take 2% in a pinch. Do you believe we control our destiny, or does our destiny control us? A bit of both. I firmly believe that we get back in life what we put out into the world, so in that respect we can shape our experiences. That said, I have no doubt that our paths are at times immovable - there are things that we are meant to do, places we are meant to go, and no amount of thrashing around will change that We might be able to put it off for a few days/weeks/years, but inevitably we will tread the path meant for us. We can fight it & be miserable, or embrace it & be at peace. There are times when both approaches are warranted. What one thing that is missing from your life would you like to have above all else? Ooof. Wow, Bard. This is hard. Really, really hard. I am generally an optimistic & happy soul, but for as long as I can remember, I have held a deep sense of loss. There is a small but howling hole that is wailing for... something. And I will be damned if I know what that something is. Sometimes I think it is tied to having been born outside the UK, where all of my family is from. It's that kind of unmoored, displaced, misunderstood ennui... I have yet to find a place that I really feel I belong. Yow. Who knew SW would double as therapy? What's your favorite dessert treat? Ice cream? Cake? Pie? Fudge brownie cake with pie flavored ice cream on top? Ha. You ask this of a pastry chef? If we're talking *Real Dessert* (as opposed to Sweet Thing I Could Snarf Down with a Cup of Tea, or A Slice of Something to Chase the Diner Dinner), I tend to go with tarts & composite desserts... I like a good balance between sweet & tart/bitter, creamy & crisp, & anything with really dark chocolate, rhubarb, elderflower, blackberries, dried fruit, ginger or cacao nibs catches my eye. One of my favorite desserts that I used to do was a warm pear & frangipane tart with a scoop of nutmeg gelato, a scattering of Sauternes gelee & a gilded pear chip - cakey, fruity, crumbly, creamy, crisp with bursts of boozey gelatine In your perfect world it is chocolate and...? Salt. Dark, milk, white chocolate, it's all thrown into high relief by just a few flakes of good sea salt. Runners-up include Vietnamese cinnamon, black pepper, roses, curry, lavender, and peanut butter for when I'm feeling particularly pre-menstrual How do you scent your home Tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles? We don't do much, due to DH's asthma, but I use an oil burner & BPTP sprays in my office. We do use copal & sage/cedar incense in the rest of the house when the weather's damp, just to chase away the Old House Funk. Secret power? My real one or my fantasy one? My real superpower is remembering faces & minute details about people. I am the one who recognizes all the bit actors in a given movie & what you were wearing last Thursday. Just don't ask me to remember names! My fantasy power would be superhuman strength - I wanna be like Mr Incredible! For the tea and coffee drinkers: Opinion on tea- and/or coffee-related accessories/etc? (Teaware, sugar crystals, infusers, tea chests, etc) I could use a nice over-the-cup strainer - mine is really utilitarian. A cool, retro modern sugar bowl might be nice, something like this, maybe. If I send you whole spices or coffee beans, would you be able to grind them or would you prefer them preground for your convenience? Whole bean coffee always! Most spices I use fast enough that ground is fine, but I am partial to whole nutmeg, cinnamon & cardamon... If you do any kind of craft, could you use supplies? What kind? knitting needles, yarn, amazing fabric, pinking shears, cool thimbles or pincushins, jewelery making supplies, beads, etc.? I am a Crazy Crafter - I do a bit of just about everything. I looooove Japanese fabrics, so fat quarters are always fun. I have a few craft books on my Amazon list that'd be swell.

tartchef

September 9, 2009

t0yb0xri0t's Blog

Survey/Questionnaire Thinger

What was your favouritest job ever, and why? My favorite job was working for a company called Great Arrow Graphics. I got to hand silk screen greeting cards all day. Just me, my headphones, some ink and paper making pretty things. Which three albums would you take to your apocalypse bolt hole and how would you power the generator? This is an evil question. Do boxed sets count? If I HAD to pick 3..... Walls of Jericho-With Devils Amongst Us All The Cure- Disintegration Slayer- Seasons in the Abyss As far as powering the generator.....I would go with an exercise bike so I wouldn't get out of shape. What GC scent have you been putting off getting since it'll "always be there"? Harlot Any cooks? Could you use anything cooking related? Aprons? Cookbooks? Measuring Cups? Recipes? Herb/Spice containers? Fancy Spices? Dish Towels? Cocktail napkins? Amazing Beaded Pot Holders? (like from our very own Pottersville! ) Something else? I have never owned an apron, but I have always wanted one. I'm always on the lookout for cookbooks and recipes. Are you an avid reader? What's your favorite book/series? I don't read as much as I used to. These days it's during spare time on the weekends or a little before bed time. I love just about anything Neil Gaiman. My favorite was the Sandman stuff. Anne Rice has always been a favorite. What's your favorite candy to stock up on at Halloween? Candy corn and those little pumkins are my favorite, and anything with a halloween shape or wrappers like bats and eyeballs. What are your phobias? The dark. Seriously.....I always have to go to bed watching a movie with a timer set on my TV so I have some sort of source of light long enough for me to pass out. In the pitch black I just get weirded out and can't sleep. What is your favourite flower (or plant)? Roses, poppies, violets, orchids, lilacs, and lady slippers that grow behind my house. Duct tape purses and wallets and things are pretty darned cool. Who else thinks so? Not so much these days. Back in my DIY punkfrigginrawk! days I totally had a duct tape wallet and purse that I made. An anonymous benefactor gives you $500 (or an equivalent amount of money in your currency of choice) with the following stipulations. You must spend all of it within a week: any money left unspent must be returned. You must spend at least half of the money on yourself. You may not use it to pay off debts or bills of any kind. What do you do with the money? I would buy some new clothes. I have lost 40 lbs since December and nothing fits me anymore. $90 of it would be to the Darjeeling dress from Pyramid collection. I LOVE that dress. Who likes coloring books? I LOVE coloring books. Especially when I'm stressed out. It's nice to curl up with one on a rainy day under a blanket fort. If I can find super cool ones with fairies in it, that's even better. Do you have a Good Reads profile? If so, make with the link! If you don't have one, go make one! I made one! Yay! http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2718081 You're in the kitchen at the end of a pay period and groceries are pretty scarce. Do you take the five ingredients you find first and make something fabulous, or do you order take out? I can always make something fab as long as I have some chicken, pasta or rice, diced tomatoes, some sort of produce and spice. If not....chinese it is! If you could decorate/redecorate any 1 room in your home, what would it be and how would you decorate it? My bedroom. I would love to get a 4 post canopy bed and drape lovely fabrics on it. New lighting and a new plushy feeling carpet would be nice too. Any rabid sports fans out there? What teams do you root for? I secretly watch and enjoy hockey. Sabres are my team. What's your favorite animal? (You can have more than one.) I love cats, and if I could afford one I would totally have a capybara. This is how the world ends... zombie apocalypse, robot uprising, alien invasion, return of the elder gods... which doomsday scenario do you prefer (or make your own!)? Elder gods! And they would bring us all winged unicorns! In the year 2525... if man is still alive... what sort of future do you imagine? (apologies to anyone who gets that song stuck in their head!) We all have evolved to speak psychically, hover boards are finally real, and now I have the song stuck in my head..... Do you believe in magic (or magick, if you prefer)? What does it mean to you? A little bit on a scientific level I suppose. I believe there are many things we do not understand about how this universe works. I believe how you focus your energies and thought can impact you and your life in a bigger way than people think it can. If you found the puzzle box from Hellraiser, what would you do with it? ( and would you be able to resist playing with it? ) If I didn't know it was the puzzle box from Hellraiser.....yes I would completely be playing with it. Do you like pinup art/images? Yes, I have pinup art all over my house. What are your plans for Halloween? Have you made any yet? Do you have any traditions? No plans right now. I do not have any kids, so my traditions right now consist of carving pumpkins, going to parties and dressing up. Maybe making some spiked cider. are you interested in things like home remedies for ailments, cleaning solutions, etc.? I very much am! I'm always trying to find more natural means for everything from my make up to the floor beneath my feet. how do you take your coffee (or tea)? black or with cream and/or sugar? 2 cream, 2 sugars. I love flavored creamer. do you believe we control our destiny, or does our destiny control us? Hmmmm....I would say a little of both. There are some things we do not have control over, and those are the toughest decisions we have to make. what one thing that is missing from your life would you like to have above all else? Finally get married and have a baby. I'm starting to have baby dreams/nightmares. In your perfect world it is chocolate and...? Peanut butter or pumpkin! How do you scent your home Tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles? Oils, candles and incense. What's your favorite dessert treat? Pumpkin cheesecake!!! Although....I spotted this recipe and I think it might take over... Craft supplies? Craft supplies are always welcome! I love playing with polymer clay and I recently got into painting raised cameos by hand and making little necklaces. I could always use chains or ribbons for necklaces, acrylic craft or modeling paint, loose cameos, VERY tiny paint brushes (Games Workshop carries good ones), beads, findings etc....

t0yb0xri0t

September 9, 2009

t0yb0xri0t's Blog

Non-Bpal Wish List

Wiggle Pumpkin Amber Black #1 Maya Buxom Querida Anjali Anabelle Penelope Little 5 Theda Martine Odessa Possets Madame X Indigo Queen of the Night Quinacridone Scarlet Scented Gloves Any of the Silver Flowers Strawberry Heart Gingerbread Crackhouse and Whorehouse The girls love Chai Chai Chai The Scent of Angels Arcana Skipping Vespers Eleanor of Aquitaine Lady Lamb Philtre #1: Amity Poison Candy Breakfast in Hollywood Frilly Underpinnings Ganesh Murder Ballad Blues Persephone’s Flowers Queen Crossbones The Huntress Straightjacket Sleepy Hollow Haint Haunt (in perfume or glossing oil) Sword and Lion Sweet Jane Lovehound Rasa Empire Gloaming Cinnamon Girl Shapeshifter Rowan Lip Lust -Bettie -Violet -Sweet Cream -Chocolate Strawberry -Pumpkin Cake Wylde Ivy Startling Sugar Rose Teak Ember Little Shop in Salem Muse Villainess Killswitch Ginger Snapped Datura Embargo Blood Bathory Xia Masala Super Bad Pulp Girls with Glasses Pumpkin Queen Devil's Snack Cakes Vanilla Cardamom Lip Balm The Goth Rosary Samhain Black Wings Fairy Wings Can't Wait Demeter

t0yb0xri0t

September 9, 2009

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