(Gads, I don't log in for a few days & looks what happens! I'm going to hit the highlights, dearest Witchy, but do let me know if there's a specific question you'd like me to answer...)

Are there any musicals you love?

I loathe musicals with nearly every fiber in my body. I am English. We do not burst into song willynilly. Notable exceptions: Tommy, Dancer in the Dark.

How broad are your musical tastes?

How deep is the ocean? How high is the sky? The only genres I avoid as a rule are the ones you're likely to hear on mainstream radio (candy pop, over-produced R&B, scream-O, New Country). Our extensive collection of vinyl & CDs ranges from hard-bop jazz to cello concertos to alt country to Brit rap to triphop to indie rock of all shapes & sizes...

Talismans/familiars?

Birds, of all shapes & sizes!

Would a "gift" donation to one of the organizations/causes you support be a great gift, or a lame gift?

It would be lovely - anything that supports sustainable agriculture, especially... (Heifer Project)

Yankee Candle? Dark Candles? Big Dipper Wax Works?

Honestly, I really like the smell of plain beeswax candles, and real bayberry candles. Scented ones don't get much action around here...

Which of the seven deadly sins is most likely to be your undoing?

Gluttony & sloth are neck & neck...

Who is musically inclined? What instruments (voice counts) do you play? Would you enjoy sheet music?

I barely play, but I adore the cello. I played the violin in school, because they said my hands were too small for the cello. When I grew up & moved to Chicago, I treated myself to a rental cello for 6 months, and taught myself a bit. I miss it, and hope to get back to it someday...

How do you feel about clothing/accessories made from animals? Anti-fur, leather, shells, etc.? Does even faux wig you out?

Leather, wool & shells are fine, but furry stuff squicks me out slightly...

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?

Oh crap. Too many to choose! I'm going to go with sheep dairying & shearing - something I really hope to do someday. We had sheep when I was little, and I did some husbandry in college, but it would be wonderful to apprentice with a farm up in Vermont/Maine/upstate NY & learn it fully...

How do you deal with stress? What's your favorite way to unwind?

When I'm completely fried, I go over to my folks' place & indulge in a stinking hot bath in their huge clawfoot. Holiday Stress Relief bath oil is requisite, as is a huge cup of tea & a new issue of Saveur/Donna Hay or a Bradbury book...

Do you like Villainess soaps? What are your favorite scents?

I loooove Pyromania soap, but I have 6 bars of it No more, please!

are you into 80s movies (like i am icon_biggrin.gif) if so, which are your favorites and who are your favorite characters?

Oh John Hughes! We named our son after Ferris Bueller's best friend.

What are your favorite fruits?

Raspberries, mangoes, litchees, blackberries, black currants, gooseberries... nyom!

What is one thing you constantly keep with you that you constantly loose?

Not mine, per se, but our son's water bottles are constantly wandering off. I want one of those cup holders for him that you stick in the window groove...

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?

YES! I don't do much anime, but Miyazaki gets me every time... My Neighbor Totoro is on heavy rotation, as is Ponyo. I am a sucker for the soot sprites from Spirited Away & Jiji, Kiki's cat...

Do you wear lip gloss/lip balm? If so, what flavors/scents?

I'm a plain Burt's Bees girl - no funny flavors, please! Just herby/minty...

What is your favorite cookie type?

Plain digestives! I rarely get them, but could eat them by the case...

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 are fabulous - if it's a big, important package, a DC number would be nice...

Do you drink alcohol? Wine, beer or liquor? What is your favorite wine/beer/mixed drink?

Yes - not often or in large amounts, but I know what I like: Maker's Mark bourbon, Hendrick's gin, Sauvignon/Fume Blanc, Viognier, New Glarus beers, London Pride, Red Stripe. Not much for mixed drinks - I like to taste the base liquor.

Beets?

Roasted? Oh yes. Pickled? Meh.

if i were your witch, and i wanted to make you a spell or mojo bag, would you be into that? and, if you were, would you want it for something like love, prosperity or luck? or would you want it for a certain element? or would you want it for something more personal- and what might that be?

Something akin to Beth's Absolution bag (TAL) would be wonderful - I still fret over things I did & said when I was twelve! Something for business success or to help me stay a grounded & compassionate mother would be lovely, too.

Would you object to annonomous postcards (real ones) from your witch before the big reveal???

This would MAKE MY DAY. I love intrigue & subterfuge!

Do you collect new/used stamps? Will you like to get stamps on your mails?

We've ended up with J's childhood collection, and are adding to it for our son - new, used, as longs as they're cool, we'll happily add them to the collection