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Maps and Legends

A blog by Em-

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She just sings whatever she's seen

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Spring Cleaning Q&A

Updated 4-25-23 am Embroidery floss? No thanks. I want to say yes to this because I do like doing embroidery, but I know in my heart it is unlikely to happen. Seed beads? No thanks. Veggie seeds? No thanks.
Comic books? Absolutely! There is a lot about my preferences and what I have and don't in my swap info and Goodreads.
Poetry? Yes please!
PS1-4? No thanks. What size jigsaw puzzle would you like? 300, 500, 1000 pieces? Anything other than 300. Tarot cards? Yay or nay? No thanks. I have a couple of decks that I just never think to grab. Music? Digital? CDs? What genre? I mostly use Spotify these days, but will occasionally I listen to CDs in the car. I mostly listen to 80s alternative, goth and industrial (I'm old), but I am definitely interested in newer stuff and like just about anything other than serious dude country. How about DVDs? Anyone still watch any of those? I really don't. There's a handful of things I might be interested in - e.g. some Terry Pratchett adaptations or other things that are only available on DVD. Unused notebooks? Sure. I use these for notes when I'm doing mystery games. Do you like LUSH? Favorite scents? I haven't used Lush in years, but I do like their body wash and lip balms, but have no idea what I like of their current line. I do not care for their soap and don't have a bathtub. Do you bake? Would you be interested in sprinkles or any cake/cupcake decorating stuff? I do bake - I would use sprinkles for sure. Other decorating stuff maybe - I don't tend to do fancy stuff. Would you be interested in receiving a scarf? Any color preference? No thanks. Would you be interested in receiving a hat? Any style or color preference? Winter hats no, but funky vintage ones sure. purse? I have a million purses and bags that I need to donate because I’ll never use them again! I can always use a fun cross-body bag. OCYL - I think I covered this in my survey, but maybe not - I am pretty much BPAL only for perfumes, but I am up for just about anything in terms of scented body products. Incense - Please DO NOT send me incense. Or tarts, because I just won't use them, but incense is almost always a migraine trigger for me. Mystery/Escape Room Games - Absolutely, 100%. I have played a bunch of Deadbolt Mystery Society, Hunt a Killer and just started a sub to Finders Seekers. Moonshine and other booze? I will take all of your booze, decanted, infused, or otherwise. On a scale of 1-10, how "gothy/goth-adjacent" are you? A 10, I guess in that I used to be super in the scene in multiple cities, online, etc. While I haven't been super active in a long time, I definitely still feel very goth-adjacent in the sense that it's kinda always a dormant part of my identity. The Black No 1 will always flow in my veins (even if I was never actually raven haired). would you use a brand new sealed package of organic matcha powder that has a best buy date of 2/23/23? Unlikely. I suppose I might use it to try my hand at matcha shortbread, but likely not before the use by date started to worry me (since I still don't even know where my flour and sugar are from our kitchen remodel). Dustbin, how would you feel about hair products like leave in conditioner, shampoo bars, texturizing products, dyes, etc.? Maybe shampoo bars (if they can be used with dyed hair) or dry shampoo spray. Lightweight gel/goo that is good for short and/or wavy hair could be nice. Do you need any pantry things like flours, sweeteners, or spices? Always happy to take interesting spice blends or flavored sugars. Probably not flour. I could stash away any artificial sweetener that I could use in baking for the next time someone wants low-sugar friendly treats, but otherwise, I wouldn't use it personally. Dustpan, would you like a mug? If it is large, dishwasher safe and relevant to my interests, sure. I will also take all of your random vintage/inspired tea cups and saucers, bonus if they are singletons. Dustpan, what are your feelings on vintage toys, either just antique-type toys or things like Barbies, original MLP, etc.? (good condition, but no box) Mayyyyyyyyyybe if it's like a tin wind-up bat or something else directly relevant to my interests. There was a time when my youngest would have been all over original MLP, but they left that stage behind a while ago. Otherwise, I really need fewer collectables in my life. Dustpan, how do you feel about home decor? Seasonal/day-to-day things? This is an area where I seriously need to declutter unless it is something super relevant to my interests. That said, I will definitely find a home for vintagey Halloween or Christmas deco, or things that could be used as serving dishes/utensils for our annual Halloween open house.

Em-

April 16, 2023

Seven Spooky Nights Questions

Updated 9-1-23 Would you like any of the following? (Maybe just remove the things you aren't interested in?): Consider them removed. I am SUPER interested in mead of all sorts. Catnip (organic, from our property. Dried in our dehydrator.) Canned food items Thick Huckleberry Syrup (or thin huckleberry jam -- it was kind of a fail for how thick/thin it is, but still tasty. Has sugar.) Bluebarb jam (blueberry/rhubarb) (has sugar.) Blackberry, Raspberry, or Strawberry Jam (they have sugar) Possibly peach or plum jam or butter (we can probably make it without ingredients you can't have - if allergies) Apple Crips (dried apples with nothing added, not sure what kind of apples we'll do this year. Usually honeycrisp.) Thunder Butter? (like icy hot but made with herbs, beeswax, menthol, wintergreen, cayenne. Spot test so it doesn't burn your skin.) Rose Petal liqueur sample (has sugar.) Lavender Vanilla Bean liqueur sample (has sugar.) Mead sample (flavor depends on what kind of mead my son has made lately. Can make it dry, semi-sweet, or sweet to your preference.) Would you like me to knit you a hat, shawlette, cowl, or fingerless mitts? I can do colorwork hats or cowls with skulls, bats, pumpkins, ghosts... Yarn preference? (merino wool, merino cashmere, merino silk, merino silk cashmere, acrylic, sparkles or no sparkles, etc. Shawlette and fingerless mitts would get the most use - not picky about yarn, so long as it's soft. Sparkly is a bonus. How about a soap bag (knitted), washcloths, or tarot card bag? (washcloths will be cotton. soap bags will probably be either cotton or non-superwash wool so they shrink around the soap. Tarot will be silk - I have limited colors in silk.) I can do the BPAL Brimstone logo, bats, skulls, cats, jack o lanterns, whatever on washcloths. Washcloths would be cool. My kiddo might want a tarot card back with a cat theme. Or maybe a gknitted Gnome? Or bat? Ghost? Black Cat? Voodoo doll? Monster? Or something else spooky? I have lots of patterns. Here is an example I did for the Gnome swap. I love my collection of handcrafted critters from my BPAListas, so YES. If you want any knitted things -- color preferences? I can do stripy mitts, cowls, or hats. Solid or gradient color shawlettes, cowls, mitts, hats. Colorwork hats or cowls (base color plus whatever color for your skull, ghost, bat, jack o lantern, spider, witch hat, moon, cat, or whatnot.) Solid one color for soap bag, washcloths, or tarot bag. (I think I only have purple silk for the tarot bag.) Pick three or four colors for Gnomes (one of those colors will be their beard, I usually use white.) Pretty much any of my favorite colors in my survey - I definitely prefer patterns to solids. Flamboyance is kinda a personality trait over here. My mom has an etsy shop with project bags for knitting/crochet or what ever you want to use them for. We could also make tote type bags, flat zipper cosmetic type bags, or boxy bags/dice bags. Are you interested in this type of item? I have all kinds of spooky fabric that isn't currently up on the shop if you look through the sold items. https://twinklentwilight.etsy.com I love the one I have, but I'm good! I mean, I'll ALWAYS take cool tote bags, though. LUSH's Halloween collection drops 8/31. I will be making an order. Can I pick up something for you? I am not a huge Lushy, but I do like their bath washes if there's something in my scent profile. I know there's a clovey one that I've liked in the past. Which Surprise Items that will be at Dragoncon might you be interested in? Most of them? Definitely Blackout Blinds and Unclenched. I need some time to digest the Halloweenies. Would you be interested in dangle earrings or pendants made of dried roses (and other beads)? Sure! How do you feel about stuffies that are sewn? Form or fabric preference? Sure! Bats, cats, spiders, corgis, gargoyles come to mind. Teeturtle, anything look fun? I love their Halloween shirts - especially the various cats and bats, but I should note that I have the Pumpkin Spice Unicorn and Candy Corn Bat already and I'm a hard no on the Hogwarts house inspired stuff. Haus of Gloi's first fall collection has dropped - anything you like? I am aways up for their pumpkin butter and bubbling scrubs in Apple Milk, Blood Orange Marshmallow, Cozy Pumpkin, Golden Corn Cakes, Hex, Kitchen Witch, Little Hedgehog, Pumpkin Eater, Pumpkin Queen, or Red Roan What about Paintbox Soapworks Fall scents? About the only thing that appeals to me this year is Pokeberry (jam, sorbetto, soap) and maybe Putney Road (sorbetto or soap). How do you feel about CBD as an ingredient in something? Like a pain relief lotion or lip balm? I'm not opposed to trying it. I'm getting into bookbinding! Is there a fanfic/book (I can try to get the text block in paperback and rebind it)/out-of-copyright book that you want hardbound all fancy? If you were somehow able to get your hands on Ray Bradbury's Dark Carnival, I would worship you forever (it's currently $750 on Amazon, so I am not holding my breath). Cellar Door's seasonal items are out. Anything you need? I would love to try most of these as soaps and would be happy to receive soap ends. The only ones that don't appeal are Haunted Woods, Michigan Moonglow, October Road and Zombie Repellant. Are you interested in anything from Grounds and Hounds? I'm more of a kittytowncoffee.com kinda sib, but I am always up for pumpkin spice (ground), and damn if the corgi butt and "I'm Spooky without coffee" mugs are not super cute. Anything from here? The Halloween Collection is adorable. Clothes That Fit - Snag US (snagtights.us) I've always been intrigued by their stuff, but I don't wear skirts and dresses much these days. The bats and the Grimoire and Lux Amethyst look lovely, though. I'd be an E, it looks like. Moonalisa? lip butter in Black Cat or Goblin Grog?

Em-

September 1, 2023

Winter Holiday Swaps 2024 - Krampusnacht + Tacky Ornaments + Solstice

Rather than doing separate posts this year, I've decided to combine all of the Yule/Christmas/DecemberHolidayMadness swaps into a single post. Updated 11/12/24) Would you like something embroidered my elf? Absolutely! I would definitely be interested in embroidered ornaments or wearables. I don't have a whole lot of wall/shelf space for display, though. Would you, dearest elf, be interested in some handmade hair falls? I am not not interested, if that makes sense. My hair is dyed dark red and super short and I don't necessarily have a lot of places I would wear them. I do, however, have a teen who is into anime, manga, Hatsune Miku, and Genshin Impact, with related cosplay, who would inevitably appropriate anything of the kind that entered the house, especially if it were Miku aqua and more light weight than the long-ass wig we bought for Awesome Con last spring or rainbow or non-binary or aero/ace themed. They would probably prefer two, but one can't be picky when "borrowing" from other people. Would you be interested in homemade cocktail bitters? Absolutely - I want to try all of your infusions and syrups and bitters, etc. Would you be interested in infusing kits for your alcohol of choice? Could be for different liquors or wine, depending on your preferences. Sure! I love the ones from InBooze on etsy, which inspired this question and I would love to try others as well. I tend to grab gin and bourbon the most these days, but I have a well stocked liquor cabinet and any could work. I also tend to like mulled wine this time of year, so that's also an option. Is there anything that you would like to stock your liquor cabinet? I could use Compari and other things for interesting negronis. I have the gin and sweet vermouth...although I should check the latter as it's been around for a while. I am always happy to get candied citrus peel, fancy cherries, and other cocktail garnishes as well. Soooo I love the tea towels from Spoonflower AND they have a ton of Krampus type graphics. Would you be interested in a tea towel from there? (Bonus if you go look and give some links to your fav Krampus fabric.) I am always up for tea towels! I like a lot of the fabric, but the following especially jump out at me: https://www.spoonflower.com/en/fabric/13853869-krampus-creep-night-by-brittany_sherman https://www.spoonflower.com/en/fabric/10370178-merry-krampus-large-scale-blue-white-red-yellow-gray-brown-by-amy_g https://www.spoonflower.com/en/fabric/17802844-8-merry-christmas-krampus-demons-horns-monsters-snow-pitchfork-moon-night-w-by-raveneve https://www.spoonflower.com/en/fabric/18076610-16-merry-christmas-standing-krampus-demons-horns-monsters-pitchfork-snowfla-by-raveneve https://www.spoonflower.com/en/fabric/14684702-krampus-jolly-devil-by-brittany_sherman https://www.spoonflower.com/en/fabric/12420276-gingerdead-men-mini-scale-by-flowers_n_fiends https://www.spoonflower.com/en/fabric/18052282-14-merry-christmas-white-cats-bite-krampus-demons-horns-monsters-cute-folkl-by-raveneve https://www.spoonflower.com/en/fabric/13853866-krampus-merry-fright-on-green-by-brittany_sherman https://www.spoonflower.com/en/fabric/11084052-krampus-damask-gray-by-xoxotique Or I can order a fat quarter and make a bowl holder for you (works for hot OR cold, on the table, in your hands, microwavable) if you're interested. I use them a lot for hot bowls. That would also be very cool. Would you be interested in an Advent Calendar? Always. Anything from Haus of Gloi's site that you want? https://www.hausofgloi.com/blogs/haus-herald/yule-2024-info (yule collection part 1 should be up on Sunday.) Love love love their pumpkin butter and bubbling scrub - Mama's Porridge, Spruce Tip Shortbread, Winter Divinity. Ye Olde Cake of Fruit also sounds right up my alley, should it become available in the aforementioned products. I don't need any of the oils, though. Anything from Paintbox Soapworks? I love their hot process soap and scrubs - Black Twig, Comfort & Joy, Figlet, Winter Stories (in that order of preference) Do you want any goodies for your pets? (catnip, dog cookies, etc) The kittens, especially, love toys. If you grow your own catnip, that would be cool, but don't go buying them. For NAUGHTY things, what do you think about ... ummm... kinky toys or adult toys? No thank you. If you like coffee, do you prefer whole bean or ground? If ground, what fineness? For unflavored, whole bean. For flavors, ground please. I don't have any grind preference. If we’re discussing tea, how much of a purist are you? Not at all. I am set up for either loose leaf or bags and both are totally fine. Would you be interested in a small yule wreath if so what colors and theme would you fancy? Sure! Happy for a Krampusy theme or a more general Yule theme. Anything from Sock Dreams? I love seasonal socks. I may have a wishlist going there already. Anything from Moonalisa I'd happily try the shower gel or avocado butter. Lots of the wintery scents fit my gourmand desires. Anything you might like from my favorite little tea shop? https://www.fridaytea.com/ I see a lot that appeals to my fruity/spicy/chocolately side. It would be great to know what sizes my hibernator wears for socks, clothes, and jewelry. I am kind of between sizes now, but can do XL in fitted tees, probably an L or XL in more generous cuts. Socks are standard US adult (shoe size is 8 in womens/6 in mens). I'm currently a size 14 in pants. Jewelry, I like most lengths of necklaces, other than chokers. Message me if you need specific measurements for necklaces or bracelets. And do you have favorite types of jewelry/stones? I wear earrings - everything from fun studs to very dangly these days. Anything that is intended to be more professional, I prefer hooks or hoops in case I get dragged onto calls without earbuds, but realistically, unless something changes dramatically, I'm self employed these days, so professionalism is relative. Otherwise, I like bracelets - I prefer flexible chain/bead sort of bands to solid bangles and necklaces of various lengths. I have a small collection of fun pins and buttons, but they hang in my room, I don't really wear them. In terms of stones, I love anything sparkly, especially darker jewel tones - blues, reds, greens, and dark shimmery stones like marcacite or dark opals. Wishlists you want to share? My wishlists are in my meta swap post (also linked in my sig): How do you feel about boozy fruitcake? I love it and am happy to try any and all individual varieties. That said, don't go buy me a Collins Street one or anything. Shower steamers? Sure! I would mist like something citrusy and refreshing, eucalyptus, or alternatively, sweet vanilla lavender, as I have started showering more at night lately. Simmer pots? Definitely not opposed. In terms of intent, general wellness would be cool. Homemade jam? Yes, please! As long as it's not made with low calorie sweetener. I'm not familiar with coconut sugar, but some googling suggests it should be fine. Just no stevia or monk fruit, as both of those aggravate my migraines. I have a set of runes, never used, made from hand-carved (shed) antler. Would you like such an item? No thank you. If I were to knit for you, what colors would you like? Washcloths, scarves, hat, shawl……no promises but I have some knitting time!! Washcloths, mits, shawl, arm warmers would all be wonderful. talk to me about your drinkware preference; mugs, glasses, etc. colors, shapes, sizes…….seasonal? Fall or winter?? I like big ole bowl size mugs with large handles, the cuter, more seasonal the better. I also love vintage/vintage-style cocktail glasses.

Em-

October 31

13 Nights 2024

Updated 9/14/24 Anything in Paintbox Soap Works Halloween release that you'd like? Weirdly, not much. I would be interested in trying Pokeberry in soap or sorbetto and maybe Fairytale or the Grey Hound in sorbetto. Anything hand knit or embroidered you might like? Absolutely - I would particularly love arm warmers, shawls/scarves, fun hats, or a cozy lap blanket. I make shower steamers, salves, candles, soaps and other such. Are you interested in any such homemade goodies? Sure! All of those sound great, especially soaps, steamers and salves. Would you like a small watercolor painting? I'm talking 3×5". If so, would you like it based on your preferred Halloween motifs or something else? Something in my fave motifs would be lovely. I make light-weight hair falls ( I can do single or double, if you have a preference for pony tail or pig tails)- I make them out of things like soft yarns, up-cycled silk and bits of lace. Is this something you'd like? If so, tell me up to three colors and a length in inches you'd like. This isn't something I would likely use, but the cosplay loving teen would definitely be interested in shorter pony styles in aqua and/or rainbow. Anything from the Haus of Gloi Fall update? I would definitely be interested in bubbling scrub and/or pumpkin butter in Apple Milk, Blood Orange Marshmallow, Golden Corn Cakes, Kitchen Witch, or Pumpkin Eater. How about the Nocturne Alchemy Halloween update? No thank you. This is has been alluded to in other questions, but feelings about candles/wax tarts/incense and scent profiles? Please do not send me incense or wax tarts. I do like a good autumnal candle - I am particularly interested in spicy cider scents. Milk, Dark, and or white Chocolate? Yes please! Milk and white are my faves, but a nice dark with interesting bits in is definitely my speed. Would you like a gently-used tarot or Lenormand deck? No thank you.

I'm going to Disney World all next week!!! Can I get you something? (Maybe you have a favorite Disney / Star Wars / etc character or fandom? Maybe you're a Pin Trader? Maybe you like cute kitchen-wares / tea pots / nice English tea / pot holders tea towels?) I definitely like cute kitchen-wares and would love anything along those lines that is Haunted Mansion, Muppet, or NMBC themed. I also am a sucker for Star Wars critters - porgs and ewoks especially and Yoda or Leia for characters. are you interested in skincare, such as trying travel sizes of various types? (would be cruelty-free, cleaner options coming from over here, if that matters to you!) I have a skincare routine that I'm pretty happy with, but I would definitely be interested in cleansers (especially exfoliating for a few mornings a week), moisturizer with SPF, eye creams and masks. My skin is definitely aging, but still more oily than dry and very ruddy, to the extent that applies. And I am ALWAYS on the look for lip products with SPF and good cuticle creams. Let's talk earrings. Pierced? Stud, dangly, hoop? Any ear wire preferences? Large or small? Other preferences? I think I nattered on quite a bit about earrings in my original questions, but just in case, definitely pierced - I tend to wear large dangly ear wires or hoops professionally and smaller silly studs on the weekends. Generally speaking, I like anything flamboyant and weird. If there is something extravagant on your wish list, would you like one large gift and the rest of your gifts quite modest, or would you rather forego the lavish item in favor of more of a mix among your other gifts? I don't have a huge preference, to be honest. If you find something that just absolutely seems like I have to have it, but it means being more modest, that's fine. I don't actually expect anything off my Amazon wishlist or anything. The Trader Joe's Fearless Flyer is out with all of their autumn offerings. Is there anything you would like? Other than all of it? In terms of easily shipable things, I'd say the Maple Spiced Nut Mix, maybe Pumpkin Blonde Brownies, maple or pumpkin butter, pumpkin jo-jos, pumpkin spice mini sheetcake, pumpkin hand cream... I have in my possession a selection of real Bakelite bangle bracelets! Definitely from the 1940s-1960s era. Would this be an exciting gist for you to receive? Hells yes. Would you like anything from sock dreams? I haven't poked around there much lately, but I am always up for fun socks. Would you be interested in a spooky mini waffle maker or spooky playing cards? No thanks on both. Does anything from SnagTights strike your fancy? I don't really wear skirts or dresses much any more, but I could make exceptions for something fun. I've not really explored their wares before. What about from Michaels or JoAnnes? I always love fun decorations, but there's nothing I'm in specific need of. do you like Ren fairest? Might there be a fun little thing I should find for you there? I have not been to a ren faire in decades, but I always love jewelry and little spooky doodads. Weather permitting I'll be going to a witchy Florida themed night market next week! Is there anything you may want from it? Sorry, I think I was late on this one, but my answer is similar to the Ren Fair answer - there's nothing specifically witchy that I need, but if something catches your eye... Do you desire any Samhain ritual-type items, if so, what? No thank you. I don't have a ritual practice. Tell me, my ghoul-friend, would you love to see things from these places (and what?) as you unwrap your gifts? I will be going to the Pacific coast soon, and there are witchy stores (one with serious occult supplies, many handmade including inks, quills, books, etc), a HUGE gem & mineral store, a huge yarn shop, shells and way too much sasquatch stuff, also an amazingly diverse mercantile in Yachats, OR, and the Green Salmon, where unique PNW teas, coffees are sold I don't need any occult supplies. I do enjoy cool gems and minerals in my fave colors, geodes and the like, but just aesthetically, not for practice. Tea and coffee are always good (see my original questionnaire for bunches about these. No thank you to yarn, shells or sasquatch stuff. Would you like spooky-themed stationary supplies? What kinds if so? I could use a new multi-subject notebook that is in the ballpark of 5x7. I was gifted an Erin Condren one last year and it has become my lifeline for tracking different parts of my life. I am definitely not wedded to her specifically and would love something that has more of a subtle gothy vibe. I am always up for sticky notes, cool pens, clips, etc.

What about unanointed spell candles? No thanks. Could you use any clever storage boxes like these? Not really my thing, sorry. Interest in Cellar Door Halloween/Fall? They always have a bunch of stuff that looks good and I am happy to try soap ends. I haven't had time to go through the whole selection this year, but in past years, I've flagged the following as no thanks: Haunted Woods, Michigan Moonglow, October Road and Zombie Repellant - basically anything else that is more woodsy/incensey than foody. I tend very foody in my soap.

Em-

September 8