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.