Sunday June 23/13

 

Is there a Quote that resonates with you, or that you particularly like a lot. Would this be something you would like artwork made of for your walls or a shirt/bag/scarf?

 

There are a couple "I settled for less and it's more than enough" from a Fair to Midland song, and "eyes that speak whispering words and more" from a Sculptured song.

 

I'd probably like wall art or a bag or something for either. I don't know about a shirt or scarf, but if my witch is feeling creative I'd love to see whatever s/he comes up with.

 

Also, STARBUCKS, Yay or Nay? Anything you particularly like?

 

Yay. I go there sometimes for beverages on work breaks or on the way if I'm too lazy to fire up my espresso machine. I LOVE the city mugs from other cities, though I have the Seattle ones along with a few others (Portland OR and San Diego come to mind).

 

Is there someone on the forums (within SW or not) who knows you really well and might be able to help with stalking?

 

There are a few people from the forums who know me (many of the Seattle folks) but TwilightEyes probably knows me best.

 

If you happen to find out who yours is, how much would it bother you?

 

It wouldn't bother me at all. If my witch wants to reveal on day one I'd be perfectly happy to go on chatting and witching without hiding identities. In the past all my witches have revealed at the end of the round, though I did guess one beforehand - I wasn't totally sure until she revealed.

 

Do you use waxmelts or tarts? If so, which ones do you prefer?

 

Nope

 

Do you enjoy drinking hot chocolate, and would you like stuff to make it with, or to add to it?

 

Sure, I do love hot chocolate, though not so much in the summer.

 

Have you ever tried Spoonfudge? Would you enjoy it if your Witch would send you some? Which of the flavors would you like?

 

I haven't tried it. I'd give it a go, maybe chocolate mint or salted caramel.

 

What's your opinion on Moonalisa? Any favorites or products you'd like to try?

 

I have no opinion, I've never tried it.

 

Are there any BPALs that you loved the idea of, the imagery - whether artwork or description - but which didn't work out for you? (I'm asking because if they did, you might mention them elsewhere, but if not, the imagery might be helpful)

 

I can't think of any.

 

Saturday June 22/13

 

Put your mp3 player/online music/itunes/etc on random and list the next 10 songs here:

 

1. Credence - Opeth

2. Green Man - Type O Negative

3. Naked - Goo Goo Dolls

4. Golden Parachutes - Fair to Midland

5. In the White - Katatonia

6. Easy Trigger - 27

7. Pull - One of Us

8. Bug Eyes - dredg

9. Sword - Ashes Divide

10. Burden In My Hand - Soundgarden

 

what is your favourite object, that you own, ignoring sentimental reasons for attachment? So I guess something you find beautiful, or fun, or incredibly useful.

 

Probably my iPhone, I use it all the time - to listen to music and audiobooks, play Bejeweled on the bus, look up important facts, talk with friends, read my knitting patterns, etc.

 

How big is too big...for something to hang on your walls? If I'm painting you a pretty picture, are there maximum dimensions that you have/prefer?

 

I'm so tempted to say "Nothing is too big!" but that's not really true. I think anything under 4 feet square would be fine.

 

Gift cards/vouchers - yay or nay? If you like them - which stores would you like one for?

 

I actually prefer that my witch picks something out for me, but if s/he prefers to send a gift card or can't figure out what I like I'm not opposed. I don't shop a lot other than groceries, so online stores are probably good.

 

Is there anything from Australia you would like? eg: snacks (yes, you can ask for Tim Tams!), books, magazines, memorabilia?

 

I do like Tim Tams!

 

Do you have any problems with swearing or particularly off-color humor?

 

Yes, I don't swear (though I don't mind if others do) but I wouldn't use or wear an item with a swear word on it. It's fine in books or music, but I'd prefer that it not be really prevalent. And I don't enjoy off-color humor.

 

What style is your sense of humour?

 

Dry and smart. I'm not a fan of slapstick or crude humor.

 

Opinions on table top games, from cards and board games, to dice and rpgs. What do you like? What don't you like? Favorites? Any classics you like? Do you collect any?

 

I play board games with some of my friends sometimes - Betrayal At the House On the Hill, Arkham Horror, etc. I personally like Clue and Monopoly.

 

What would you like from the most recent BPAL update? What are you planning on buying for yourself and what would you like to try?

 

I haven't even looked.

 

Is there a literary character you identify with? Even if it's not spot-on, just someone you found yourself having that "I identify with this" feeling?

 

This is probably influenced mostly by the fact that I just read it, but I think Elinor in Sense and Sensibility. I'm very logical and don't show my feelings much, like her, and I also have two younger sisters.

 

What are the three books you most want to read right now, and which you don't already have?

 

I get most of my books from the library or paperbackswap.com - I usually only buy them after I read them. But I'd really like "Food for the Dead: On the Trail of New England's Vampires" by Michael J. Bielawa, which I haven't found anywhere but Amazon.

 

Would you like something from Empire Edibles? (http://www.etsy.com/...s?ref=top_trail)

 

Sure!

 

Is there anything small you try to collect from everywhere you visit?

 

It's not really small, but I love the Starbucks mugs for the different cities.

 

Witchee, I know that SW isn't about what you get... but could you name one thing you would be heartbroken not to get and one thing you would be a-ok if it didn't make it in your box? (i.e. do you REALLY want perfume oil of some sort, or would you be totally heartbroken if there was no Lush in your box, etc

 

I don't think there's anything I would be heartbroken without. I'd be fine without perfume oil, since I have a lot more than I use regularly, but I'm open to trying new things too so I'm fine either way. I guess the only thing I could really do without is knick-knack cluttery stuff. I am trying to keep my home less cluttered. But this does NOT include handmade stuff from my witch or his/her co-conspirators - that I want!

 

Do you like tarot cards, pendulums and rune stones etc? If so, what type?

 

Not particularly.

 

What fandoms do you belong to?

 

None really. I like many things that have fandoms, but I don't really consider myself a member of them.

 

What cheers you up?

 

Knitting with a cup of tea or my cats.

 

Who or where would you most want to haunt? Who would you least want to be haunted by?

 

Well, I always threaten to haunt my distant Morman relatives if they convert me after my death, but that probably wouldn't be very pleasant. Maybe I can be the ghost of a metal tour van or venue with lots of good concerts. I don't want to be haunted by anyone!

 

What question do you hate to answer?

 

"What's wrong?" Usually it's nothing or I'm just tired and my face looks kinda sad or angry if I don't have a facial expression. Then people don't believe me! If there actually is something wrong I probably don't want to talk about it!

 

What is the best compliment you have/could receive?

 

This one is hard. I guess seeing others knit my patterns is a pretty good compliment!

 

Would you like anything from an European country? Any particular food or goodies, magazines, books, whatever would be available to your witch in his/her country.

 

Sure! If my witch has access to YA novels in Norwegian that would be fantastic! I speak quite a bit, but I'm only up to a very easy adult reading level or YA. And I'm always excited to get things from my witch's home country regardless.

 

Do you like bags? If so, what type (rucksack, clutch, shopping bag) colour and would you like/need a new one?

 

Yep! I mostly carry messenger bags, but I have quite a few. Plastic shopping bags are outlawed where I live, so I can always use reuseable ones as long as they're small enough to stash in my (admittedly large) purse. And I also knit so project bags - drawstring or zipper but please no velcro! - are great for that.

 

What's your favourite comfort food(snack or candy etc) and/or drink?

 

I LOVE 3:15pm Coffee Milk Tea. No, you may not have heard of it, but it's my favorite comfort beverage. I also have an unholy love of kettle korn.

 

Would you be interested in someone writing out for you a favourite recipe, or finding or devising one which they think you'd like? If so, please provide your favourite ingredients, info on how you like to cook/store and use food, and any intolerances - unless all of these are in your questionnaire, or you don't like the idea. (I'm not saying I'd definitely do this, unless someone is keen, and it wouldn't be the only gift). I guess for other witches this might include something like a knitting pattern - not my thing but would you like that? Or indeed would you like a picture created for you (if so what kind) or a story written? (sorry if this feels a bit Spanish Inquisition!)

 

I would love a recipe. Other than being a vegetarian (no meat or fish, but milk & honey & some eggs ok) I don't like sun dried tomatoes, lima beans, or bok choy much. Also, I don't like the taste of eggs, so a recipe with egg as a binder is fine (like cookies or cake or something) but anything that tastes eggy (like a quiche or flan etc.) is not preferred.

 

I would LOVE a picture or painting, I collect wall art from various people I know IRL or online. And I already design my own knitting patterns, but if my witch is so inclined that would be lovely. And a story or poem or song would be nice too. I'm happy to experience the output of my witch's crafty talents.

 

If you knew you were going to live comfortably for say 800 years, what profession, calling or project might you pursue with some of your extra years, which you imagine you may not do in the life that you have?

 

I've always thought that if I got tired of genetic research (unlikely!) I'd go into genetic counseling. That's still a possibility I guess. I would definitely travel to Australia and dive at the Great Barrier Reef, which I would love to do in real life but might not get to. I'd read a lot of books!

 

Is there any thing - an object, a donation on your behalf, some research done for you, whatever - that your witch could do about this that you would like? And if you can't think of a present, would you rather she/he (I!) didn't either and confined themselves to things you are already involved in?

 

Not particularly, I have plenty of interests and I'd be happy if my witch focused on those.

 

What colors/style is your kitchen decor? And do you entertain in your home?

 

Heh! You mean it's supposed to have a style or color? How about old beige appliance? I don't entertain much.

 

Are your ears pierced?

 

Yep! I have the bottom holes gauged to 12, and I don't wear dangly stuff in the higher ones cuz it interferes. I do wear studs, usually star shaped.

 

Do you like stuffies/stuffed animals/art doll type thingies? If so, any particular type you'd love to get?

 

I have some, but I'm not a collector. If they're handmade or otherwise very special then I'd like them, but I don't need random stuffed animals. I don't really like dolls and I hate clowns.

 

Switch Witch is, of course, all about you.....but if your Witch was so inclined, are there wee little ones in your home that will get jealous and are just too young to understand why you won't share the love, who maybe need a touch of Witchee love all their own, to distract them while you hide all your lovelies?!?

 

Just the cats, and they don't expect anything.

 

Thursday June 20/13

 

Do you read literature/culture blogs or websites of any kind? I'm thinking about anything that would help a putative witch to get a sense of what your current tastes in books, movies, games, genres, approaches to culture and literature and so forth are

 

Nope

 

How do you feel about traditional picnics (namely the intimate table for two variety)? Old-fashioned basket or something more utilitarian (cooler/insulated bag)?

 

They sound like a good idea in theory, but I rarely have one. I did once last summer, but we didn't have a basket and it was just me and a female friend.

 

If you were put in a room with 100 random other people the same age and sex as you, from your country, in what way do you think you would be different from the average?

 

I'm pretty different I think, though aren't we all?

 

On the one hand, I'm a bit of a goodie-two-shoes or prude according to some - I don't use swear words, and I'm scandalized by off-color humor. I've never smoked a cigarette or drank underage or done any illegal drug. I don't even drink now that I'm of age. I am very law-abiding. I like to keep my private life private. On the other hand, I listen to melodic death metal & doom metal, have tattoos, and dress in band shirts and jeans pretty much every day.

 

I'm a vegetarian. I knit - but not like the occasional scarf, I've knit over 200 pairs of socks and have published designs. I'm also a scientist, and people like to tell me how smart I am. (I guess it is probably true.) Oh, and I sang in a commercial as a child and am currently in an all-female choir that sings songs by Metallica, Muse, Guns 'N Roses, Heart etc. I don't wear makeup, and I don't dress in a very feminine way. A lot of people read me as gay, but I'm not. I have a driver's license, but I don't drive and haven't ever owned a car aside from an old beater I had for 2 weeks before it broke down, but that was when I didn't have a license yet. Overall, I think I'm just confusing.

 

Haus of Gloi did a Reverie update! Do any of them interest you? (Or anything else up currently?)

 

I don't know what they are, and I'm too lazy to look.

 

Witchee, do you cook? Do you do all the cooking? Is it a chore or a pleasure?

 

I do cook, and since the cats haven't figured it out yet I do all the cooking. It is sometimes a chore and sometimes a pleasure. I like to cook, but I also don't have a lot of time and it's hard when you get home and are hungry. But when I went on vacation in April my friend and I spent a large portion of the time cooking and had a blast!

 

Which reading level do you prefer to read in YA or Adult? Or even both?

 

Both! I will read pretty much anything with vampires - it need not be very good. I also like classics and newer well written things, though. And non-fiction about interesting things, especially science.

 

Wednesday June 19/13

 

If you could have one rare bpal which one would you choose?

 

Succubus! I love it and miss it so!

 

(Feel free not to answer, I know it's not a standard one!) Are you kinky?

 

Only the tiniest bit.

 

Do you enjoy scented candles? Certain sizes that you like? What kind of scents or brands?

 

I do enjoy them, but I don't burn them all that often because I'm afraid the cats will knock them over. I like citrus or foody / fruity scents.

 

Thoughts about South Africa? Have you been here, would you like to go? Would you like to receive anything South African?

 

I've never been there and don't know a lot about it. But I'd love to receive something neat from there!

 

Do you like Sockdreams? If so, what styles would you prefer? (You can also link your wishlist.)

 

Yep! I mostly wear ankle or regular length socks since my calves are HUGEMONGOUS and I can't fit in most knee highs. (I like the Sock It To Me Curvy ones, but I have pretty much all the colors already.) I love everything with stars.

 

Do you need hair accessories? If so, what kind or color?

 

I love little hair clips with the alligator teeth - I have a few from Claire's / The Icing. But I don't want any with big bows or flowers on them which is sadly the only ones they usually have. Other barrettes don't stay in my hair well. My hair is very fine and slippery and doesn't like to be styled.

 

What is your favorite shade of blue?

 

This is the perfect round because I ADORE blue. I like to say I've never met a blue I didn't like! That said, I lean towards teals or darker purpley-blues.

 

Do you have any kitchen gadgets (a SodaStream, a Kuerig/Tassimo) that you want mix things for?

 

Nope!

 

If you were to start learning something new (intellectual or craft or hobby), what would it be?

 

I've always wanted to do black and white photography and develop my own film. I keep telling myself I'll take a class someday when I have both time and money. I'm also really interested in metalsmithing (for jewelry).

 

What about candy? Do you have a sweet tooth?

 

Unfortunately I have many.

 

Do you have an e-reader? What kind? Would you like to get ebooks?

 

I do, I have an old Kindle I inherited from a friend. I have quite a few books for it, but I wouldn't mind getting a few more.

 

If your witch is an extremely crafty sort, and she were to send all kinds of homemade foody goodies and handmade crafty stuff - what are items you would NOT LOVE to receive. Please don't hedge on this one...some of us are serious crafters and will be making most of what we send!

 

If my witch is using fibers to craft with, I don't use silk (or other products that kill the animal like fur yarns or leather, etc.) And I'm vegetarian so that's something to watch out for with food. That said, I don't know that there's anything I wouldn't want to receive. I don't use blank books / journals much and keep getting them as gifts, but if it was handmade I would totally treasure it.

 

Witchee dear, do you like video games? Are there any you want to play? Do you have a large library?

 

I don't usually play video games, though I do have The Sims for my computer... I don't play it much, though.

 

Do you have something you do, without fail, as a personal daily habit/ritual? (Examples: pen-and-paper journal keeping, tea/coffee drinking, morning yoga, nightly bedtime reading. I'm kind of thinking on things that would be dear to you and might need small supplies or could use certain extras. )

 

Not really. I listen to music or an audiobook pretty much every day. I also sometimes read before bed, but not quite daily.

 

Do you wear nailpolish? What colors do you tend to go for? What are your favorite brands? Are you open to trying indie brands?

 

Only rarely, I wear gloves at work (in a lab) and they wreck nail polish almost instantly. The few I have are mostly Zoya and OPI.

 

Name three BPAL scents you have tried, but are dying to get more of.

 

I adore Succubus and was so sad that it was discontinued. I also love The Girl. I can't think of a third.

 

Do you still write real letters on nice stationary to people you like/love?

 

Yes I do! And I have a collection of slightly unusual or adorable stationery.

 

Have you ever tried anything from Paintbox Soapworks? Which products or scents would you prefer?

 

I've tried some of her sample size soaps - perfect for my guest bathroom but I have quite a few. I like her slip lotion, but I'd love to try one of the creams or body butters. Generally I like fruity or spicy scents.

 

Do you like/have space to garden? If so, what do you grow?

 

This is the first year I've had a little yard. So far I just have alpine strawberries, a dwarf Meyer Lemon, a hydrangea. a pansy, and a dahlia. Oh, and some mint. I got a box to make a little raised bed, but I haven't had time to set it up yet.

 

Do you like sample sized things? Think lipgloss, mascara, bodylotion, scrubs, mini candles, and so forth.

 

Yes, I do like to try things out, and I do a bit of traveling & housesitting so small sizes are good for that.

 

Have you tried Fortune Cookie Soap? What products or scents would you like?

 

Nope! I don't even know what I'd want to try. Not bar soap, but other stuff looks pretty cool.

 

Do you use solid soaps at all? If so, what kind do or don't you like?

 

I don't use them much and already have quite the supply.

 

Have you ever tried Cocoa Pink? If you are curious about it, what looks interesting to you?

 

Nope, I've only heard of it.

 

Do you like Lush? If so, what is your favorite product that is currently available, also, what is a product that you love but has been discontinued?

 

I do like Lush, especially I Love Juicy shampoo. I don't know about discontinued stuff.

 

Do witches prefer the answers posted here, but a more cherry-picked number of questions answered, or a more exhaustive list posted in the blog, which means posting here much less?

 

I usually post a few of my interesting answers, and keep the rest on the blog. I like having my witchee answer on their BPAL or other blog so they're all in one place.

 

Anyone a fan of Shiro Cosmetics? Any particular products? Eye shadow pigments in general?

 

Never heard of them, but I don't really wear makeup.

 

Are there any companies, products, or items you boycott?

 

I boycott Walmart because of their music censorship policies among about a million other reasons. I avoid any dead-animal products like leather, emu oil, etc. and also animal testing.

 

As I am in Japan, what sort of things would you like from there?

 

I love cute stationery, but other than that I don't know! I've heard good things about Japanese knitting books, though I've never owned one. Apparently they're all charted so you don't need to understand Japanese.

 

Since FB and the FB Gusp group (and the BPAL Sorority which is quiet) have become gathering places...what are some of your favorite Facebook pages you like?

 

I am not really a fan of Facebook and don't go on there much. But I do have a page for my knitting designs so that's my favorite I guess!

 

Monday June 17/13

 

Dr Who?

 

Yes! I've only watched the new series, though, and I'm not up to date yet.

 

How much do you like lipbalm? Flavored or unflavored? What are your favorite brands and flavors?

 

I adore it. I like flavors, and my favorite is Unpetroleum orange, but other citrus or mint flavors wouldn't go astray. Once I had a dream that Unpetroleum started coming in a coconut flavor and I saw it at Whole Foods with my friend Rachel. For some reason I didn't realize it was a dream so a few days later I was walking down the street thinking "I'm so glad they make a coconut flavor now!" when I realized that it didn't actually happen.

 

Do you like and wear lipgloss? If yes, what colours?

 

Not a lot, but when I do I like subtle colors like natural pinks or not-very-red reds. I like shiny and sheer.

 

For those of you whose wishlists contain only BPALs, are there any other perfume companies you like or would like to try out?

 

I haven't tried many other perfume companies, and to be honest I have my hands full just with BPAL.

 

Your feelings on Adagio teas: If you've never had anything from them, would you be open to trying them? If you HAVE had them and like them, name some favorites blends. And if you had them and dislike them, can you name a few *other* tea companies you're into?

 

I've tried Adagio years ago but can't name any favorite blends. Overall I like chai and love to try new and different varieties. I love Two Leaves and a Bud.

 

What about coffee? Would you like to get coffee send to you? Whole bean or ground? What are some varieties and/or flavors you enjoy

 

I only make espresso, and I'm pretty set on that.

 

Who is your favourite female of all time? Historical, literary, ANYTHING, and why?

 

Um... me? Actually I have no idea! This question is way too hard.

 

If you were a Disney princess you would be?:

 

Well, considering my name I suppose I would be the Little Mermaid. But personally I am more like Belle - I like reading and don't like annoying manly men who try to impress me.

 

Would you like a seashell from Florida?

 

Sure!

 

What craft project do you currently have on your docket or that you want to start? And that craft goodies would be welcome?

 

I'm always knitting lots of things - it seems that my in-progress items hover around 32 despite my efforts to cut down. I have tons of crafty supplies, so I don't really need any, but stitch markers are always appreciated! I also could use size 6 seed beads for knitted projects with beads.