I updated these older question lists in Summer of 2013 for the new switch witch round. My list of questions from the 2011 H'ween round is here. My list of questions asking specifically in the Summer 2013 round is here.

 

Halloweenie 09 questions:

 

Families of SMA or the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation are my charities of choice, in honor of my niece Nora, which I mentioned in my questionnaire as well.

 

I think the following questions are pretty much everything I haven't answered in the forum or in previous SWs

 

PandaBite nickname? Cute idea but no. It just doesn't seem useful to me.

 

Dark Candles? Yes, any of their scents that are spicy, vanilla, not floral or foodie. Pretty much the same as my BPAL oil preferences, though I might like chocolate in a candle even though I don't like it on me. And I like "clean scents" in candles though I don't like them on me.

 

When you receive your sw packages...do you like receiving things that are individually wrapped inside? or unwrapped? or both? Either one is just fine.

 

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. Coffee. I hate coffee. Though my boyfriend likes French Roast coffee A LOT (only the unflavored stuff - the stuff with extra flavors like raspberry or hazelnut, he hates), so I would just give coffee to him and he'd probably be thrilled.

 

Do sounds make you happy? What ambient noises make you smile?

The sound of skateboard wheels over the seams in the sidewalk. Birds and chipmunks chattering. Someone humming quietly to themselves, unselfconsciously.

 

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? Pre-ground, I don't have a grinder for spices.

 

For the tea and coffee drinkers: Opinion on tea- and/or coffee-related accessories/etc? I have several tea balls and a fabulous tea strainer. Two teapots. A couple trivets. More mugs are always welcome or some tea accessory I have not listed here.

 

what's your favorite pain-relief remedy or ritual?

Excedrin and a nap. Or a guided meditation, imagining myself lying suspended in a babbling brook, perfectly warm water rushing over me, imagining all my stress and tension washing away in the brook.

 

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've really gotten into cooking and baking heavily lately, in a big push over the last few months to make more of my own food, etc. So, I'm open to nearly anything. We're got a red devil kitchen, so if you're looking for color inspiration, that would be it.

 

What's your favorite candy to stock up on at Halloween?

Reese's peanut butter cups in any variety

 

Are you an avid reader? What's your favorite book/series?

Very, very avid reader. Voracious even. The Gunslinger series by Stephen King. Or the Titan / Wizard / Demon trilogy by John Varley. Illusions by Richard Bach. The Hyperion series by Dan Simmons. Anything by Sheri Tepper. Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson.

 

What is your favourite flower (or plant)?

Lily of the Valley. Pretty much any lilies.

 

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? Wow, this is hard, since I'm really pushing on paying off bills. I might buy some clothes. Probably some boots. Plants for my yard.

 

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!)?

Road Warrior. Or Six String Samurai. (both movies) Or an EMP pulse - I read a book about that recently and it messed with my head badly.

 

Do you believe in magic (or magick, if you prefer)? What does it mean to you?

Absolutely. This is a very involved question for me. If you want to know more, I'd be glad to tell you - just ask via email.

 

What is your favourite historical period?

Egyptian pharoahs. Or the 1920s.

 

i know we're all scent sensitive here. what are your favorite non-perfume smells? day in the life stuff?

Fallen leaves. Smoke (in the distance, not in my face). Cigars. Baking bread. Nuts roasting in the oven. Sawdust. Barnyards (yes, really - I like the earthy smell)

 

Yule SW questions:

 

Question to all the knitters out there, what size knitting needles do you use the most?

I'm have tried learning how to crochet and have a variety of needles, but I really don't like it much.

 

How do you feel about winter-themed but not really holiday type decorations? Things like snowflakes and fake icicles and the like? Sure, that sounds nice.

 

What do you collect...besides BPAL? Gargoyles. Tea. I'm not much into the clutter of collections, but I like useful things.

 

Anyone a fan of Goddess art? I love images of women, in beautiful poses, strong women, powerful women (No- Not Hilary ROFL) Yes, I really like goddess art. I have several Susan Seddon Boulet pieces hung up. I've been moving away from the more fantasy style of her stuff, though, into pin-up art and more graphic styles.

Anyone else a Luis Royo fan? I looked him up, and I like it, but don't love it. I like stuff that's darker, more disturbing than that.

What are your favorite websites (i.e., the ones you visit every day, or almost every day)?

facebook.com, cuteoverload.com, Wil Wheaton's blog, gizmodo.com, lifehacker.com. Not many, since I work on the internet, I tend to avoid it as a leisure activity.

How do you feel about Lush? Anything you want to try? All of it.

How do you feel about home made lip balm, salt or sugar scrubs, soap, bath salts, etc? Hooray!

 

What is one REALLY expensive, completely outrageous thing you would LOVE to get but totally don't expect to ever get from anyone? Hmmm...dunno. A fence for my yard? An electric car - haha!

Do you like coffee mugs? Travel or stay at home? How big? Do you like ones from Starbucks?

If you mean tea mugs, yes, the bigger the better.

 

Do you like tea? What kinds of tea (green, red, white, black, decaf, herbal infusions)? Feel free to get specific on brands and tea types. Loose or bagged? Do you need any kind of tea accessories? Pots/cozys/presses/strainers?

I love tea, especially chai and black tea. I'm not a big fan of green and I haven't tried red or white. And decaf? What's the point? Though I do like herbal teas. I really like Republic of Tea. I'm good with strainers and pots.

 

What is your favorite hot chocolate or drinking chocolate? Do you need Vegan or no?

I don't have a particular favorite but I really like hot chocolate. The kind you have to mix milk with is kind of a pain, but often tastes better.

What's your favorite texture?

Hard question - no pun intended. I think I'd have to say microfleece or flannel. Love that stuff.

 

Do you prefer arm warmers to the wrist, to the base of the fingers, or half fingered?

Onto the palm with the thumb hole. I don't think I'd like the ones with half fingers, but I could be wrong.

 

Any favorite cartoon characters? Disney, Sanrio, etc?

Tasmanian Devil. Animal from the Muppets. Every single character from the Dark Crystal

 

Have you (or maybe the younguns in your family) been exposed to the Webkinz craze?

I have no idea what Webkinz are.

 

Are there any witchy type supplies you're in need of, or would like to try etc.? Herbs, smudge sticks, resins, tarot/oracle cards, incense burners, pretty tools, stuff like that?

I'm always up for witchy-type supplies. The only thing I don't care for is smudge sticks because they tend to give me a headache. Other than that, bring it on. I've specifically been looking for a new/different Tarot deck - something more basic than the ones I have, though I don't like the Rider-Waite. I could also really use a new wand, but that seems...greedy.

 

On nut intolerance - does it include things like almond/coconut oil bases and essential oils in perfume oils, skincare products, scented candles and the like?

I have absolutely no problem with nuts of any kind. I really like nuts.

 

If you are a fan, who were your favorite Buffy and Angel characters? Haven't watched much Buffy, but I think I'd have to say Giles. And Spike, before the whole Buffy angsty love affair crap.

 

Do you like Shakespeare? Which plays? I like Shakespeare. Can't think of particular favorites. There are several I haven't read that I should - like Macbeth. I like some of his sonnets too.

 

How do you like your chocolate? White, milk, bittersweet, as dark as possible? Plain, with flavoring, with chunks of stuff in?

I like milk, bittersweet and dark (though I had 70% cacao once, and that was a bit much). Chunks are okay, but dates squick me out, and I'd never want bacon and chocolate together. And this new thing of putting hot peppers in there - no thank you.

 

Favorite animals? Least favorite?

My favorite animal is a pelican - because they look clumsy and graceful, depending on what they're doing. My least favorite animal. Um...roaches and centipedes.

 

How do you feel about Heifer International? Or do you have other favorite charities not mentioned in your application?

I don't know what Heifer International is. Having worked for an animal shelter in the past, I think charities are great. My current charities of choices are Families of SMA and the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation.

 

So for all witches of the shimmying types- would you like tassel belts/jingle belts/ ect and if so, how big are your hips?

I don't shimmy much, but would like to. I'm too shy to have a belt that makes noise, though. My hips are in the low 40 inches.

 

What are 3 places that you'd like to visit, or re-visit?

Re-visit Ireland. I'd love to visit France & Italy & Egypt.

 

Literary erotica. Who doesn't love it? I'm not crazy about it.

Are you planning on buying anything off your BPAL wishlist during the round? Nope, this gal is broke.

Do you read graphic novels/comics? Which ones? Nope, not really. I don't really like comics and animated things.

Which witches would want Bpal boxes? Or imp cases? This witch right heyeh!

How about a short - or longer - piece of fanfic? I've never read fanfic before. I'm not sure how I feel about it.

 

Would you like handmade piece of calligraphy as a gift? Sure!

What jewelry are you wearing now? What jewelry do you wear everyday-or do you change jewelry all the time? I wear the same rings all the time: 9 of them. And a turquoise and silver bracelet that clamps tightly to my wrist...not sure how to describe it. I change out my necklaces every day.

Chia Pet, do you need one? I'd be afraid it would get moldy.

Houseplants and/or things to put them in: thoughts? I have some houseplants already, and would like a couple more for the new place. I'm not great with houseplants but would really like to get better at them and/or growing herbs inside.

Do you like baskets, jars and other interesting containers? Filled or Empty? As long as they're big enough to be useful, you betcha. Filled or empty is fine!

What cartoons did you grow up watching? Any animated shows you still watch?

I really liked Bugs Bunny, and still appreciate it. I don't really like most animated things though.

 

Do you like honey? Will you like to try creamy honey with black sesame or with cinnamon powder?

I do like honey. I don't think I'd like it with black sesame, but cinnamon powder sounds interesting.

 

What is the biggest problem or sad thing in your life? Of course, I mean the saddest or worst thing you can confess here.

My niece and her struggle with SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) - and how little I get to see her because of how unpleasant my brother has become since she was diagnosed.

 

Do any of you like puzzle books? Yes, I like them. Pretty much all kinds.

I love Christmas music even though I'm pagany -- how about you?

The standard caroling fare and pop versions of same grates on my nerves, but really old stuff or, for instance, swing-inspired or minor-key dirge stuff as was mentioned on the forum sounds nice. My favorite old carol is The Holly and the Ivy.

 

It's cold outside - what are your favorite drinks to keep yourself warm and cozy?

Tea, of course, except for green tea (it tastes like dirt to me). Cocoa and cider are also both wonderful. But chai tea trumps them all FTW.

 

Would my potential Witchee be up for some stuff they'd never heard before if they couldn't understand the words?

I'd be okay with French lyrics, since I understand bits of French, but much of the joy of music for me is the lyrics and singing along. So, languages other than English in music mostly just irritate me. And, close-minded though this may be, I find most Asian pop really grating. Though I find most pop really grating. That said, I do like listening to people chant or vocalize without words (i.e. Bulgarian State Radio & Television Female Choir). I'm amending this to add that I think it's just Japanese and Chinese pop that I don't like, because I'm currently listening to Luaka Bop's 10th anniversary, which is mostly hispanic-inspired music, and I really like it.

 

What kind of candy/sweet treat would you like to receive?

I like dark chocolate, cookies, chocolate & peanut butter, cookies, nuts, cookies, caramel, cookies, coconut, those cookies they only sell at Christmas called Mexican wedding cakes, and cookies. Pretty much anything as long as its not licorice, mint & chocolate together, white chocolate, malted milk, has dates in it, those icky candies with the mysterious pastel colored paste in the center, or spicy (jalapenos=bad spicy, ginger and cloves=good spicy).

 

Would you personally rather get handmade jewelry or the beads to make something yourself?

I'd prefer handmade jewelry. I'm never happy with stuff I make myself.

 

To my Yule witch!

I forgot to answer the last 3 CDs played thru and last 2 movies watched on my questionnaire, so they are:

John Lee Hooker's Boom Boom

Soundtrack to Gangs of New York

INXS' Kick

 

Boondock Saints

Blood Simple

 

Following are the Fall 08 Switch Witch questions & answers

 

Miniature things? Please no miniature things. One of my cats is very clumsy and likes to plow into things. And my other cat sneezes on everything. The sum of these items is not good.

 

Favorite fairytale. Good question. I think I'd have to say The Twelve Dancing Princesses. Overall, as a former anthropology major, like Apple said on the forum, I find the symbolism particularly interesting. ETA, also: East of the Sun and West of the Moon and Where the Wild Things Are

Who likes pirates? I like pirates. I like dark and conflicted superheroes. And anti-heroes.

 

What do you think about the Nightmare Before Christmas? I like it. Not insane crazy about it, but I like it.

 

Can melty things be shipped to you, or will they be in puddles by the time you open the package? Depends on the season. Wisconsin does get pretty warm in the summer.

 

Trinkets? I tend to prefer things that have a use.

If you could have dinner/drinks/coffee with any 3 living people that are not your family/friends already, who would they be?

Moby, preferably at his Teany restaurant. He just seems so interesting. Stephen King, because he's the root of much of my literary explorations. Preferably over beer and cheeseburgers, listening to the Ramones. Susan Sarandon because I really like her outspoken nature.

 

]Do you wear a watch? If so, what kind/style?

Every once in a while, though I tend to use my cell phone. I have two watches right now that I wear when the mood strikes. Once is a wide leather cuff/band from Fossil, though the batteries have died AGAIN, and it's tough to change. The other is a green beaded band with a small face.

 

How do you feel about having a donation made in your name to something? If you like that idea, what types of organizations/groups would you want the donation to go to?

Families of SMA or the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation

Does the weather change where you are, as in, does it get cold in the winter? Anyone need homegrown scarves, hats, mittens, etc?

Yes, the weather changes here. I've got 3 scarves I really like - one black and two in the orange family. I'm not much of a knit hat person - my hair is frizzy/poofy enough.

 

What is your favorite art movement and/or style? Definitely art nouveau, surrealist, and whatever style those Rosie the Riveter and Bolshevik posters were.

 

For tea drinkers, do you bag it or prefer loose? Tea bags, please. Loose tea is okay, and I use the leftover bits to put in my house plants as fertilizer. But, I'm kind of a klutz and it's messy.

 

Who are your forum buddies? People you know well enough online or IRL to help your Witch pick out stuff for you? Apple, Yewberry

 

My questionnaire is chock-a-block with ideas for Witching me on the cheap, and without sending "stuff for stuff's sake". And I just came up with another one--make me a Pandora, Finetune, or Last.fm station you think I might like! What manner of affordable Witchery might you covet?

Loves the Pandora and Spotify, though I work for their competition (murfie.com). Umm...information on eating locally, ideas for sustainable living, info on keeping houseplants alive.

Does your cell phone have a place to attach charms?

Nope, 'fraid not. I seldom carry a purse either... Though, I have several buttons and stickers on my laptop bag (it's a messenger bag).

 

If you drink coffee (and make it yourself) do you use a French Press, regular filter basket coffee maker, Espresso Machine, Percolator?

Eeew, coffee. I don't like coffee. The boyfriend does, and he uses a reusable Keurig cup.

 

What movie soundtracks (or scores) do you love?

Reservoir Dogs, The Full Monty, Harold & Maude, Ocean's Eleven, Shawshank Redemption, 300

 

How do you scent yourself? Do you layer soaps, moisturizers, etc. or do you go straight to slathering your bod with BPAL?

I don't do a lot of layers of scenting because strong scents give me a headache. I do like subtly scented body lotion, particularly vanilla-related scents. And I'm slowly growing my BPAL 'library'

 

Do you/how do you scent your world? Candles, incense, diffusers, potpourri? None of the above?

Incense, mostly. Occasionally candles. I don't use things that require an open flame to disperse smell (other than candles) because, though I love how incense smells, I can't be in the house when it's actually burning because it gives me a headache and I can taste the incense. Leaving open flame in a diffuser alone + cats = bad.

 

BPAL is such a scent-ual experience. What are your other tactile, aural, or olfactory pleasures?

The sound of skateboard wheels over the cracks in the sidewalk. The sound of birds and wind in the trees. The smell of baking bread, warm cookies. Tactile would be soft fleece or 'microfleece' blankets and jackets. I've been known to stick my face into fleece blankets at the store.

 

How do people feel about receiving baked goods/kits to make said goods? Or other cooking items? Would you enjoy oil or vinegar flavored with herbs grown at home? Strange and exotic spices with recipes to try? Cookies made with carnation petals?

Yes, yes, yes! I love baking, trying new herbs, unusual ingredients, etc. My only restriction is that I'm a complete wimp when it comes to spicy/hot things. Mild salsa is my limit before uncontrollable coughing sets in. I also don't care for fennel and anise. But, I do love to bake and cook A LOT.

 

What are your pet's names, and what are they named for?

Lucy, my 10 year old gray, part Russian blue cat had that name when I adopted her. She is very klutzy and unintentionally naughty, just like Lucy on I Love Lucy. (Though I have always hated that show)

Odin, my 12 year old black cat, also had that name when I got him from a friend. He smites things a lot, like the litterbox, so it suits him. He's also fond of biting and purrs a lot when he's biting, which seems fitting.

Vera, my 3 year old 4-lb. chihuahua, is named for Jayne's gun in Firefly. She may only weigh 4 pounds, but she is mighty. And very excitable. And a petite flower.

Ruby is my 3 year old 5-lb. chihuahua. We originally picked it as a name that sounded in the same genre as Vera. But, she's just a Ruby-Doo. It just suits her.

Oscar is my 6 year old 9-lb. chihuahua. We wanted another "old person" type name, but he looks a bit like a bear, and Oscar is similar to Osso.

 

Who here is a complete, over the top, Alice In Wonderland fanatic?

I REALLY like Alice in Wonderland, and like the dark McGee (sp?) Alice game as well. Esp. the cheshire cat. And White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane.

 

Are you a Trekkie? If so, which series do you prefer? Do you have a favorite character?

TNG, though I don't consider myself a trekkie. Picard and Wesley are probably my favorites. Actually, Wesley was rather a dork, but I like Wil Wheaton. I really liked the sometimes character Vash.

 

Do you have phobias?

Yes, clowns, especially the Disney characters. And bodies of water that I can't see the bottom of. The unseen sight of large things....shiver...

 

How do you like your mix CDs? Random? Stuff you know you'll like?

Either one, as long as it's not country or rap or sugary pop.

 

Would you rather get food or jewellery?

Yes, both? Really, either would be fantabulous.

 

Do you like children's toys, such as jacks, those little things you tilt around to get the ball in the right hold (wtf are those called?), the aforementioned caplet dinosaurs, cap guns, etc?:

I love toys. Lego's especially. Things to play with while code is deploying at work.

 

English candy/tea/marmite or other stuff that you love and can't easily get outside of England?

I don't live in England and have no clue what marmite is. Though I had 'digestive biscuits' when I was in Ireland and I love the carmelized ones and haven't found them here.

 

Fanfic as a gift* - yay or nay? Your fandom? Slash preferences?*well, a virtual gift obviously. You know what I mean.

I don't really know what fanfic is. My fandoms are Firefly, Supernatural, X-Files, Fringe, Hannibal, Tales from the Crypt, Dollhouse, Carnivale.

 

Any beaders here? Need beading supplies?

I did some beading and have some beads. I'm not all that good at regular beading, but I like doing hemp work. Hemp work requires that the beads have much larger holes than standard beads. And, of course, hemp. I'd also like to try wire-wrapping.

 

Band-aids: do you like the fun and funky ones?

I do! I bought my ex-husband pirate and cowboy band-aids and I was the only one that used them.

 

What's the scariest thing that's ever happened to you?

A car accident, I think. I fell asleep and rolled my friend's car doing 80 mph with three friends in the car. Happily, no one was hurt.

 

What kind of music (genres, please) do you like?

Old blues, jazz, singer/songwriter, punk rock, 'coffee shop' vocalists, folk, trance (as long as it's not too rave-y repetitive), ambient, classical, some classic rock, funk, ska, swing, gypsy

 

What kinds of eye shadows do we all like?

I like natural colors, mostly browns and tints of brown. I don't have a particular brand, as long as they're not greasy. I use them so seldom.

 

Do you like lip balm? If so, do you like tinted, glossy, sparkly, pearly or just plain lip balm?

Ummm...I'm kind of low-key, so tinted and sparkly stuff seems a little too diva for me. But, I LOVE Burts' Bees and swear by it endlessly. I'm also starting to use a burnt orange lip pencil.

 

Are you a soap addict? Anything you like to avoid in soaps (goat's milk, lye, dyes, etc...) or any particular scents you like or brands you want to try?

I would like to be one and I'm totally open to suggestion and enabling. With soaps I've used in the past, I tend to like the more masculine scents - bay rum, sandalwood, etc.

 

By nature are you a morning lark or a night owl? It has shifted over my life. Currently...I think I'm a morning person, but I think I feel a shift to night owl coming on.

 

Where does everyone like shop for witching goodness?

Cost Plus World Market, the natural foods co-op, farmer's market, thrift stores.