I wonder what a potential witchee would think about being bombarded with PUMPKINS in various formats? Could work in the body care department. Or in the whole, unprocessed squash department (although probably really impractical unless you’re talking the little kind).

How do people feel about canned good (pickles, salsa, etc) and vegetal baked goods (squash bread, zucchini bread)? My questionnaire covers this. I’ve been (badly) burned in a foodie swap in a way that still grosses me out when I think of it. Not here, by the way, but elsewhere on the interwebz. I’m still too gun-shy to accept home-processed food. Whole, unprocessed stuff, however would be grand (assuming it can be safely shipped). And I’m the kind of weirdo that would love something like, say, a single apple.

How about y'alls coffee and tea preferences? I think I covered this pretty well in my questionnaire, but I’ll re-emphasize that I don’t like tart teas (rosehips, hibiscus, citric acid, citrus fruit) and that rooibos is repellant to me.

Trading Post wants? Always wanted to try the candles, but they’re pricey. I’d happily accept a used one, even. All of the following appeal: Black Rose, Bliss, Grave Moss & Upturned Soil, Khajuraho, Misk U, There Yet Shall Be Sorrows.

How do people feel about creative endeavours? Would you like to receive one? Or supplies to make your own? What do you like? Drawings, stories, poems? Creative stuff is awesome (not to mention touching). It's always among my favorite gifts. I prefer the useful to the purely decorative (unless it's for my Dia de los Muertos altar). As long as it’s not a terribly smelly and/or chemically, I’ll give most anything a whirl!

What culture or country (doesn’t have to be modern) do you feel an innate connection with? What about it makes it special to you? Ancient Mesoamerican peoples. And I have no idea why. No blood connection that I know of. Just always drawn to understanding them better. The various Celtic tribes hold almost equal sway. But there I’m at least Irish.

Is there any sort of art commission you would like: cartoony, pin-up, fantasy, realistic, etc? If so, what subject would you like drawn (a picture of you, a character, a loved one or pet)? I would absolutely love a pic of my dog Lana, in any style (well, maybe not pinup...that'd be...weird). I’d frame it and hang it forever. She’s an old gal (almost 11), so such mementos mean a lot to me.

What do you find yourself doing for fun in your free time? What are your main hobbies and interests? I think I outlined that pretty well in my questionnaire, but I also do a lot of “beer tourism” (going to beer fests, touring breweries, that sort of thing). I also recently joined a homebrew club, which is a little funny, given that I’ve been brewing for about 20 years.

Table-top gaming? If yes, what kind, edition, etc.? Gaming accessories you long for? I don't do most tabletop gaming, but I'd love a set of Cards Against Humanity. Doesn’t need to be the official set. The print-and-cut version would be great too. I just haven’t found the time for the printing and cutting.

DVD movies or games that you wish would magically appear in your hands? Can they be used, through Amazon? Used is always best for me. If you brag about how little it cost, I’ll consider that a sort of cherry on top. Sadly, I can't think of anything specific at the moment.

What kind of snacks or candy from other countries/states would you like to try? Weird-ass flavors of Kit Kats. Wasabi, Red Bean, etc. I look forward to sharing them with my horrified family. Otherwise, odd flavors are great. Flower candies, or things with traditionally "savory" seasonings.

What direct sellers do you not like and would prefer not to get things from? And also feel free to list any retail brands you really don't like. I don't use the products most of those companies make. As for companies I'd rather avoid, I mentioned Starbucks somewhere (questionnaire?), I can't readily think of any.

Do you have a favorite internet meme, character or pop culture fandom? I like (and find amusing) many, many memes. "Nailed it" jokes are usually funny. And Pun Husky still makes me laugh, almost in spite of myself.

Anybody interested in something from RCCC, whether it's con-exclusive merch or from a particular exhibitor or artist? Wouldn't even know what to ask for. Know zilch about comics or their related cons (except that BPAL is sometimes featured).

How important to you is regular contact / chatter with your witch? My questionnaire covers this pretty well. I prefer chatty Witches, but I understand if they don't feel the same. Only complete radio silence bums me out.

Do you like puzzles/riddles/treasure hunts and that sort of thing? Sure! I can't promise I'll be any good at them, though.

If you were to receive music, would you want a physical CD or digital versions? Digital, if possible. But CDs are okay too.

What’s a current problem/annoyance you have that could be remedied but you haven’t had time to address it? That list is far too long to address here.

How do you feel about having some sort of trinket to carry around for good luck/wishes? i.e. a small figurine, symbol, card, coin… I probably wouldn't carry anything with me unless it was small and I could put it in my wallet or somewhere similarly out of the way.

Are you superstitious about anything? Any things you can't have in your house for that reason--bad associations? I'm situationally superstitious...spidey senses and the like. But not about any one specific thing.

How do you feel about things (say, marshmallows or gummy candy) made with vegan gelatin or other typically-animal-derived-but-not-in-this-instance products? Go for it.

Do you have any fabric or skin-contact aversions? Most 100% wool doesn't work for me around my neck, but as I never wear scarves (I have one cashmere one that I love, and that's plenty in this climate). I can wear superwash wool, especially if it's spun with a little nylon. I don't really like "fluffy" fiber like alpaca or mohair, mostly because of all the fiber that it sheds. I do prefer natural to synthetic for the most part (my love of wool/nylon notwithstanding). I don't mind (soft--as in, not Red Heart) acrylic for things like fingerless mitts.

How do you feel about the other fall classic – apples? Apples are great, but I prefer organic. Honeycrisps are my favorite! Not really interested in apple as a fragrance.

How do you feel about Christmas/Yule ornaments? Don't use 'em. If I do decorate for solstice, I just use lots of candles and natural greenery.

Do you enjoy poetry? Who are your favorite poets and what type of subject matter do you like? I'm very, very picky about my poetry. Mostly I hate free-verse. I dig meter and rhyme, but hate triteness. Philip Larkin is my favorite poet.

Would you enjoy receiving something related to a favorite Disney character? No, thanks.

How do you feel about cute things as decorations or accessories? (Example: Would you enjoy this stationary - or do you prefer elegant/creepy/neutral stuff?) About the only "cute" things I like are Dia de los Muertos folk art. And MisNopalesArt' stuff.

What is something you'd really like to receive from your witch? Please be as specific as possible - no, "Oh whatever she thinks is fine!" Everything on my wishlists (and things similar) is something I'd love to receive. I'm not really about receiving stuff from my wishlist. Thoughtfulness is so much more important.

If you had a week free where you could learn anything, with no financial restrictions, what would you want to study? Probably yeast cultivation and management at Siebel.

Go to your music source of choice - on random or shuffle setting if possible - & share with us the 10 most recent songs/artists:

1. Matthew Sweet - Does She Talk
2. Chairlift -
3. Grimes -
4. Old 97's -
5. Grimes -
6. Radical Face -
7. Balam Acab -
8. Ulrich Schnauss -
9. Ramona Lisa -
10. Fishboy -
    
    

Tarot cards, rune stones and/or other divination tools yay or nay? I'm good on runes. I'd love something different, like a black mirror or bowl for scrying.

Do you have a Celeb crush? or someone who you just can't get enough of....other than your SO There are plenty of musicians whose work obsesses me, but I don't really conflate the artist with the art.

Glitter? are you okay with it, or hate it like the plague? Mostly plague.

If there was another time period other than now that described your style/aesthetics, what would it be? I can't imagine how any other era would deal with me. This one is having enough trouble.

If you had to pick one or two quotes to live by, what would it be and why?



And why? Hello, hedonist!

Are there any GC scents that you know you love, but for whatever reason, keep putting off buying bottles of? On my wishlist.

Do you prefer physical books? CD books? eBooks? If eBooks do you have preferred format, kindle/nook/kobo/PDF/ePub/ect? eAudio? I like eBooks and paper books and some audiobooks (although sometimes narrators really annoy me).

Smut! Yes or no? If yes, what kink, er, kind? Probably not.

If you were to get a custom bottle from House of Gloi made for you what notes would create your perfect blend? Sandalwood, Beeswax and Honey, Dirt, Nag Champa.

What is your favorite Halloween animal or other symbol/decoration? I love jack o' lanterns. But really I love calaveras for Dia de los Muertos.

Makeup, especially of the indie variety. Nail polish, nail wraps, eyeshadow, lipstick/gloss, etc. Y/N? Specific preferences (color, finish, product, brand, etc.)? You, Madam or Sir, are not my Witch.

How do you feel about profanity and off-color humor? As long as it's not stupid, have at it.

I'm in Japan, anything specific you might want from the land of the rising sun? Weird candy, por favor.

I know we already had a question about needed kitchen accessories, but what about spices? Absolutely. I love dried chilies, especially powdered (I have a good collection of whole ones, but it would be nice to have some in a handier form). Smoked chiles are my absolute favorite. I also love Indian and Thai spices for curries. Whole seeds to grind are ideal (caraway, cumin, coriander, cardamom, chilies, dried turmeric/galangal/ginger chunks, white/green/pink peppercorns, bay leaves, makrut lime leaves...the list goes on and on!

Would you enjoy getting a sampling of quality incense taken from various sources? Absolutely! I don't really have a use for stick incense, but powders and resins, sure!

Would you want a burner for loose incense and a few charcoals. I prefer burners with a grate to burn charcoal.

Knitted items like scarves, shawls, dishclothes....yay or nay? Favorite fibers? Favorite colors? It doesn't get cold enough here to really need scarves or shawls, and I'm no fashionista, so they wouldn't see a lot of use. Dishcloths, however, are used hereabouts daily (no dishwasher). I've gotten into dishcloths densely knit/crocheted from crochet cotton (the thin stuff), mostly because they scrub nicely and dry quickly, especially in our wet winter climate. I'll gladly accept the regular "dishcloth cotton" kind, though. I'll use 'em all! I'd prefer lighter colors, and the design can be anything your heart desires, dear Witch!

Is there anywhere (in the US) that you are dying to get away to? Also when would you be able to get away. Would this even be something you were interested in? I try very earnestly to avoid flying. The whole experience leaves me cold (and frequently sick to boot).

If you are ok with receiving t-shirts, what size are you, do you prefer tissue tees, normal crew tees, babydoll etc? I'm never sure about these definitions. Do babydoll tees have cap sleeves? Then nawp. Do they have longer sleeves but are more fitted (like this)? Yawp. I prefer round-neck to v-neck (but as long as the v-neck's not too wide/plunging, that's cool). I also prefer slightly longer shirts due to big boobages.

THINKGEEK! Who loves it - do you have a wishlist on there?? What are some things you are jonesing for on there for under $20? I think it's all cool, but there's rarely anything useful enough. Maybe the Swedish Fire Steel?

Zombies, yes or no? Mostly I don't get the long-term appeal. I enjoy the less-shambolic variety (28 Days Later, World War Z) and the hysterical (Shaun of the Dead), but really there's not much more to say.

Would you like arm warmers/fingerless gloves? If so, what length? just beyond the wrist, almost to the elbow, full sleeves? I like scrunchable elbow length (my wrists are 7.5 inches around, and my elbows are 12) or to-the-wrist. I also love fitted sleeves without thumb holes so I can cover as much of my hands as I want and easily wear gloves underneath. In this climate, adaptable/convertible is key.

Do you feel a particular affinity for a specific animal/s? Not really. I love 'em, and am endlessly fascinated by them, but there's nothing particularly totemic about any particular species. Well, maybe seals (not sea lions). It's a selkie thing.

Anyone have any Paintbox Soapworks loves? "What Smells?" has everything you need.

How would you feel if your witch or a minion of your witch showed up in person at your house with goodies? Thrilled? Annoyed? Completely creeped out? I'd be totally cool with it if I had, say, about a week's notice. My schedule is such that I'm not home a lot except on weekends, which are kind of sacrosanct (in that I hate putting on a bra). But given that my house is in bumfuck nowhere, it might be better to meet somewhere. Maybe Seattle? Bellingham? Maybe somewhere that serves beer?

Do you have a ravelry account? Tell me about your yarn obsessions. I'm a Raveler. I'm not really obsessed with a particular yarn, but I love superwash wool/nylon (especially merino and BFL). A little silk is nice too, or tencel, for drape (just not too much--I find yarns high in them "cold"). I love spinning fibers.

Would you like handmade stationary or cards? How about a quill pen? Awesome in concept, dust-collector in reality. I'm a typist. I type.

On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being "gimme that ghost pepper!" and 1 being "oh, that's a bit too much black pepper for me" Where is your heat tolerance? I'm smack in the middle. I like a little heat, but I care a lot more about flavor than mouth-scorching.

Would you be interested in receiving a box of sugar cube skulls. So awesome! I'd love a small package to decorate for my Dia de los Muertos altar.

What do you most look forward to each Fall? So many things. Fallen leaves (and their associated fragrance), wood smoke, PRODUCE (squash, cabbages, Honeycrisp apples, root veggies for roasting...), the first frost (usually not until well into November here), walking to the bus stop on cool/clear mornings, Dia de los Muertos with friends.

Skin care routine? Fave cleanser? Toner? Moisturizer? What about body lotions? Any particular brand or scent? I wash my face with unscented bar soap or just rub unscented shampoo on my face in the shower. For moisturizer, I usually use an unscented lotion I buy in bulk at the co-op. My skin's pretty sensitive, so I try to stay away from most (smelly) commercial brands.

Lip balms? Yay or nay? Absotively! See my "What Smells?" list.

Liliths Bday Scents? Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha is the only one that jumps out as Really Very Want. Otherwise it's a cavalcade of death notes.

M&Ms: Meh&Meh.

Spiders (as in cute knit kind) yes or no? I love all spiders, and I prefer them realistic over cute.

Pillows (the mostly decorative type)? Nope.

Any kind of bags - big, small, medium, purse, grocery, etc? Can always use more sturdy, washable canvas shopping bags, yes! Bright colors are ideal (I forget them less if I notice them).

Salem Massachusetts--would you want anything from there? Can't think of anything, but something witchy and useful (Coffee mug? Dish or bath towels?) would be cool.

Is there anything special coming up in your life? Depends on how you define "special". I've got Elysian's Great Pumpkin on 10/4 (husband and I make kind of a date weekend out of it and stay the night in West Seattle). Then it's Dia de los Muertos on 11/1 (biggest party I throw next to our summer shindig). My Witch is, naturally, invited.

If you were my witchee would you like a custom chocolate bar? What would you choose?
http://www.chocolatc...e-your-own-bar/: Guuuhyeah! A 55% Dark with anise, candied rose petals, and pink peppercorns would be the most intriguing thing evah.

Stores are putting out their halloween PJs and undies! Would you be happy to get any in a package? In all honesty, I don't like floppy-legged lounge pants, and I definitely couldn't wear them to bed (I'm night-runner, so they end up bunched around my knees uncomfortably). I lounge and sleep in sweat pants when it's cold. The kind with elastic around the ankles, not stretchy cuffs (which I hate). And I (not surprisingly) wear granny panties.

Would you like a subscription for Spotify? Probably not.

If you imbibe at all ... preference between: wine/beer/cocktails and then glassware and/or bar-ware? cocktail gadgetry? Books on the subject/recipes? would you want sample bottles of local/regional/small batch craft spirits if they were home decanted and labeled? Not too terribly into cocktails, though non-frou stuff (like pre-prohibition recipes). Flavored waters (rose, orange blossom, spices/herbs) and bitters would be awesome, as would the fixins for 'em (like if you had a source of gentian root, f'ex). I wouldn't mind them homemade, even. And I also wouldn't mind decanted spirits if you think it's something I'll like.

Would you like some chai, lemon, rose water or other flavored sugar cubes? Not too terribly interested.

If you had to choose one currently available book (used-but-obtainable counts if you do used) costing $20 or under for your Witch to buy for you, what would it be? Any of the books on my wishlist would qualify. And I don't care much about condition, as long as the pages are all there.

If you could only pick one note that you love (e.g. Vanilla, Orange, Lavender, Rose) & you could only wear/have perfume, etc in that note, what would it be? Probably sandalwood. No, definitely sandalwood.

Do you want anything from the Fatherhood update at the Post? Fortuately none. Too girlie and flowery for me.

Street art! Into it? Not into it? Meh? Some of it's really amazing, some of it's crap (just like all art). They can't all be Banksy.

Weenies update? Stupid freaking Weenies. Yes. Practically all of it. The list of what I don't want is shorter. But I'd especially like to try: Visions of Autumn VII & IV (in that order), Bonfire SN, Pile of Fallen Leaves SN, Pumpkin III, IV, & I (in that order).

Caffeine or no? And is this a health or preference? I love coffee and tea, but I do limit my intake of caffeine for health reasons (assuming "GAH!! MY HEART'S COMIN' OUTTA MY CHEST!!" is a health reason). There's not enough caffeine in tea to bother me unless I drink a ton of it, but one cuppa fully-leaded coffee is about my limit.