1. I wonder what a potential witchee would think about being bombarded with PUMPKINS in various formats. Because my current obsession just may last long enough to be of use in spoiling.....but I know wouldn't be appreciated by everyone. Would you appreciate it?!?

Yes, I like pumpkins. Probably more as an unaltered vegetable shape rather than as a jack-o-lantern or such. I bought myself a blown-glass pumpkin last year, orange with a green stem, although other, less natural colors might also be interesting. And when I was in a Neiman Marcus store recently I was eyeing the velvet, beanbag pumpkins with natural pumpkin stems. Pumpkin-flavored stuff, perhaps. I don’t dislike pumpkin or pumpkin spice, but I’m not a huge fan, either.

 

2. I currently have a CSA and my significant other is perpetually out of town for work, so I've been doing a lot of canning and baking with my vegetables. How do people feel about canned good (pickles, salsa, etc.) and vegetal baked goods (squash bread, zucchini bread).

Generally favorable. Cucumber pickles or salsa would be a definite yes, pickled green beans probably less so. Breads & baked goods probably yes, provided it didn’t taste overwhelmingly of vegetable.

 

3. Trading Post wants?

None to speak of, although I haven’t really studied the website recently. The tissue tees and yoga pants are too small for me.

 

4. 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 think I’ll flip this question around. Probably the only direct seller stuff that I’m interested in at the moment would be Tupperware. I could use some nice, basic storage bowls for leftovers in sizes for about one to four servings (not teensy-tiny and not huge).

 

5. How about y'alls coffee and tea preferences?

Tea is fine – black, oolong, green, or white. Flavored ones, especially fruity, are fine. I’m not so sure about rooibos or herbal teas. This summer I rediscovered the joys of plain black or oolong tea with milk. I’ll drink coffee, but I don’t brew it for myself at home.

 

6. Do you cook? Would kitchen accessories make you happy?

I keep meaning to start *really* cooking again. There are a few kitchen gadgets I’d be glad to get, such as a strawberry huller, cherry pitter, or apple corer. (Believe it or not, I do already have a mango pitter. And a mandoline.)

 

7. 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?

I’d be delighted to get something creative/handcrafted from my witch. I don’t really need any supplies for my own endeavors.

 

8. 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?

I’m not sure I’d describe it as an “innate connection”, but I do have a liking for traditional Japanese culture, especially from the Heian period up to about Momoyama. The aesthetic tends to be so spare and elegant – although some of the textiles can be highly patterned. I’m also fond of classic French culture (no bande dessinee, please). Again, the elegance.

 

9. 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)?

No, not really.

 

10. What do you find yourself doing for fun in your free time? What are your main hobbies and interests?

I do a lot of reading. Most of my reading is non-fiction, especially history. I keep meaning to try my hand more at crafting, and occasionally I’ll take a class – I’ve done glassblowing and inkle weaving, for example. I also like to travel (as in visiting other places) but the actual travel (i.e., flying) is such a hassle anymore that I don’t do as much as I used to – plus I have a job that requires me to travel fairly frequently.

 

11. Table-top gaming? If yes, what kind, edition, etc? Gaming accessories you long for?

None. I’m not into gaming, either tabletop or on-line.

 

12. DVD movies or games that you wish would magically appear in your hands? Can they be used, through Amazon?

I tend not to watch movies. I have a large backlog of DVDs that I’ve purchased and never watched.

 

13. What kind of snacks or candy from other countries/states would you like to try?

If available, I’d like some more real Australian Tim-Tams. (I don’t like the Pepperidge Farm version.) Also some of the unusual flavors of Kit Kats that are available in Japan (passion fruit!).

 

14. Do you have a favorite internet meme, character or pop culture fandom?

No, not really. I don’t belong to any fandoms, although I like LOTR, GoT, and other literary-based things. I also appreciate classic Star Trek and Star Wars stuff. There are internet memes that I enjoy seeing when they cross my newsfeed, such as Doge, Moon Moon, and the like, but I don’t seek them out.

 

15. Do you have a Facebook profile (or other social media) that you are comfortable linking to aid your witch in stalking? Please note whether you are willing to add BPALers as friends.

If my Witch ends up being someone I’m already Facebook friends with, then of course she’s welcome to check my “Likes” to see what interests me. But I keep my Facebook profile locked down pretty tightly and tend not to post very much.

 

16. Anybody interested in something from RCCC, whether it's con-exclusive merch or from a particular exhibitor or artist?

I’m not into cons or comic fandoms in general. Exceptions might be made for BPAL and BPTP con exclusives, of course.

 

17. How important to you is regular contact / chatter with your witch?

Not very. I like to get something near the beginning of the round so I at least know that I have a Witch, but I think that a high level of contact would be a bit overwhelming. Occasional e-cards, etc. are nice, but I’m not looking for high levels of contact.

 

18. Do you like puzzles/riddles/treasure hunts and that sort of thing?

Not particularly.

 

19. If you were to receive music, would you want a physical CD or digital versions?

Physical CDs, please.

 

20. What’s a current problem/annoyance you have that could be remedied but you haven’t had time to address it?

My messy, messy, messy, cluttered house.

 

21. 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…

As long as it was small and sturdy, fine. Something that survive pockets & my purse.

 

22. Are you superstitious about anything? Any things you can't have in your house for that reason--bad associations?

No, not really, although I wouldn’t want really sad-themed artwork, depictions of violence, etc. – bad feng shui, if nothing else.

 

23. For the vegetarians and vegans: 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?

N/A

 

24. OK, so we’ve covered pumpkin. How do you feel about the other fall classic – apples?

Very favorable.

 

25. Do you have any fabric or skin-contact aversions?

I prefer natural, non-scratchy fibers. And while I like good silks and satins, I tend to avoid other slinky, slippery fabrics (I think of them as “sleazy”).

 

26. How do you feel about Christmas/Yule ornaments?

Those would be fine!

 

27. How do you feel about Hello Kitty, and Hello Kitty accessories (including mugs, cups, etc)?

To be perfectly honest: No. No! NOOOOOOO! Get it out of here!

 

28. If you had a week free where you could learn anything, with no financial restrictions, what would you want to study?

Let’s go to Egypt and study hieroglyphics! Or more realistically, there are quite a few week-long courses at the John C. Campbell Folk School that I’m eyeing.

 

29. Do you enjoy poetry? Who are your favorite poets and what type of subject matter do you like?

I don’t read a lot of poetry, but I’m more inclined to do so now that I used to be. I tend to prefer narrative poems, although my very favorite is The Four Quartets by T. S. Eliot. I don’t particularly like poems that leave me feeling sad or upset.

 

30. Would you enjoy receiving something related to a favorite Disney character?

Not really; I don’t have a favorite Disney character. Anyway, I live only about 60 miles from Disney World.

 

31. How do you feel about cute things as decorations or accessories? (Example: Would you enjoy this stationery - or do you prefer elegant/creepy/neutral stuff?)

I prefer elegant stationery – classic Crane correspondence cards are about my speed. I tend to steer clear of cutesy anything.

 

32. 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!"

I’d love to get something that my Witch has made, if she’s the crafty type.

 

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

1) L’homme armee (Suspicious Cheese Lords)

2) Mein Voglein Schebte Mir Fort! from Siegfried by Richard Wagner (Solti & the Vienna Philharmonic)

3) O Heilige Gott! from Die Goetterdaemmerung by Richard Wagner (Solti & the Vienna Philharmonic)

4) La Douce Mille (Corvus Corax)

5) Anakrousis – Orestes Stasimo (from Musique de la Grece Antique)

6) Part 1/ IBM 1401 Processing Unit (Johann Johannson)

7) Symphony No. 3, Op. 55, “Eroica”, in E-flat/ Marche funebre: Adagio assai by Beethoven (Arturo Toscanini and the NBC Symphony Orchestra)

8) A Praga E Uma Praga (Xuxa)

9) Double Drums (Laura Chandler, Sacred Drums)

10) El Amor Brujo: II. Danze Ritual Del Fuego by De Falla (Angele Dubeau & La Pieta)

 

34. Tarot cards, rune stones, and/or other divination tools: yay or nay?

I already have a large collection of tarot decks, so probably nay on that one (because of the risk of duplicating one I already have, if nothing else). The same probably applies to oracle decks. I would be open to getting a set on rune stones since I don’t have one now. I might also be interested in a scrying mirror, but I’m not interested in pendulums.

 

35. Do you have a Celeb crush? or someone who you just can't get enough of....other than your SO.

Nope!

 

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

Glitter is OK if it is very firmly attached. I’d say that I prefer “sparkly”. Loose glitter is anathema since it can never, ever be firmly corralled again.

 

37. If there was another time period other than now that described your style/aesthetics, what would it be?

Traditional Japanese culture, especially from the Heian period up to about Momoyama. The aesthetic tends to be so spare and elegant – although some of the textiles can be highly patterned. Of course, in real life, I tend to have more clutter and padding – the traditional Japanese didn’t have much in the way of upholstered sofas, fluffy pillows, and the like.

 

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

First and foremost: be careful what you ask for; you might get it.

Second: what goes around, comes around.

 

39. Do you prefer physical books? CD books? eBooks? If eBooks do you have preferred format, kindle/nook/kobo/PDF/ePub/etc? eAudio?

Physical books, please. I never listen to audiobooks; my attention wanders too easily. I have the Kindle reader on my iPad, but I’ve noticed that the e-books I have tend to go unread.

 

40. Smut! Yes or no? If yes, what kink, er, kind?

No, thank you.

 

41. Ebooks! Yes or no?

I prefer physical books. The stuff in the Kindle app on my iPad tends to go unread. I really don’t like reading books on a screen.

 

42. If you were to get a custom bottle from House of Gloi made for you what notes would create your perfect blend?

I’m not at all sure, and I haven’t looked at their site recently to see what’s available. I suppose that it should have at least one each of the classic bottom, middle, and top notes. I like citrus and linden blossom. Tuberose tends to come on too strong for my tastes.

 

43. If your witch were to take a photograph (or paint or whatever) of something just for you, what would it be? Landscape? Flower? Critter? Something to illustrate a favorite quote?

Landscapes, especially seascapes or shorelines. Wild animals, probably yes.

 

44. What is your favorite Halloween animal or other symbol/decoration?

Pumpkins (not jack-o-lanterns). Cats, owls, and crows/ravens. Bare trees.

 

45. Makeup, especially of the indie variety. Nail polish, nail wraps, eyeshadow, lipstick/gloss, etc. Y/N? Specific preferences (color, finish, product, brand, etc.)?

I tend not to wear make-up and am especially bad about using the large amounts of nail polish that I already have on hand. I don’t use nail wraps, I don’t wear eye shadow because of the high humidity in Florida (it would all end up in my eyelid crease in about 3 minutes flat), and I seldom wear lipstick. Some of the smaller companies I’ve purchased from include butterLondon and Portland Black Lipstick.

 

46. How do you feel about profanity and off-color humor?

Profanity, not really. I also don’t really care for off-color humor, although if it’s a good joke that just happens to be off-color (usually some type of word play) I’ve been known to laugh. But I dislike “humor” where the only joke is that it’s obscene.

 

47. I make hairsticks...would you like/use them?

Nope. I think hairsticks are pretty, but I have short, fine hair that spits out any kind of ornament I try to wear.

 

48. Does anyone here LARP? If so, what kind of LARP? And what kind of character do you play?

Not a LARP’er.

 

49. Would you completely freak out if I sent you a chocolate covered scorpion or some other food oddity? This includes things like 'bacon powder' from thinkgeek.com.

No insects, please. That doesn’t rule out everything – Lilliebelle Farms has some awesome chocolate-covered bacon that I adore (it’s just a little pricey, though).

 

50. This has kind of been covered, but, are you ok with receiving canned jam (from a veteran jammer!) and if so, what flavors would you like and not like?

Probably. I would be concerned not so much about the flavors as about seeds. I’m slightly paranoid since shattering a molar on a raspberry seed years ago. But I like strawberry, raspberry, and blackberry flavors. I also like guava jam/jelly.

 

51. Let's talk nail polish. What colors do you love? Hate? Which brands are you dying to try? Have you ever used indies? Do you like glitter? Any textures to avoid (glitter, sand, etc)? I already have a ton of nail polish that I never use. I think I don’t really like any textures other than smooth and glossy.

 

52. How do you feel about getting a special Halloween plushie?

Kind of meh.

 

53. I'm in Japan, anything specific you might want from the land of the rising sun?

I have a small collection of kimonos (mostly Uchikake, some Furisode, Tomesode, and Iro Muji, and a few haori) and obis (mostly fukuro obi and a couple of maru obi). Furoshiki. Netsuke. Woodblock prints, especially Shin-hanga – I have a small collection of Kawase Hasui prints and one by Hajime Namiki. More realistically, some of the unusual Kit Kat flavors available in Japan – I loved the passion fruit flavor.

 

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

No, not really. There are some I think I’d like to try, but I’m terrible about testing the imps that I already have and I almost never buy GC bottles.

 

55. I know not everyone likes Lush products, but if you do, which Lush items would you like to get from your Witch?

I don’t care that much for Lush products. It’s not that I definitely dislike them, but whenever I go into a Lush store I wander around, sniffing the products, perhaps sampling a lotion or cream, and then leave without buying anything. Their products just don’t grab me.

 

56. 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? If so, go look at the Southwest sale for routes and dates and times.

I’d like to go back to the Oregon coast. I’m trying to figure out when I can fit in another trip or two before the end of the year so I can hang on to my United Airlines Premier status. I don’t really need a Southwest ticket at the moment.

 

57. If you are ok with receiving t-shirts, what size are you, do you prefer tissue tees, normal crew tees, babydoll etc?

I already have so many t-shirts on hand that I fear I could wear a different t-shirt every day for a month without repeating or having to do laundry. I normally get a men’s/unisex L or XL (whichever is 24 inches across [48 inch bust]). I women’s I can sometimes wear a 2XL. I don’t like my t-shirts to fit tightly, and most women’s t-shirts are just flat-out too small for me. I prefer crewneck, sleeved shirts, not tissue tees or babydolls (or v-necks).

 

58. 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 like Think Geek’s products, but I do not have a wishlist there. I haven’t allowed myself to browse the site recently.

 

59. Zombies, yes or no?

I’ll go with MeiLin on this one: not only no, but HELL NO!

 

60. Would you like arm warmers/fingerless gloves? If so, what length? just beyond the wrist, almost to the elbow, full sleeves?

I like arm warmers, but am wary of the being too tight on my fairly large-circumference arms. For that reason, just above the write is probably safest, although I would also like almost to the elbow if they are large enough / have sufficient stretch.

 

61. Do you feel a particular affinity for a specific animal/s?

Orcas! (Killer whales.) Also tigers and the smaller wild cats, e.g. bobcats, lynxes, Scottish wild cats, Pallas cats, and cougars/mountain lions – yeah, that last one is not too small.

 

62. Anyone have any Paintbox Soapworks loves?

I like Tarty’s soaps, but already have a large soap stash on hand.

 

63. 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?

Probably completely creeped out with some annoyance. I’m not home that much anyway, between some long work days and a fair amount of work travel taking me out of town. And I’d be very embarrassed if someone came by at 4:00 pm on Saturday and caught me still in my nightgown (although I probably would just not answer the door in that case!).

 

64. Do you have a Ravelry account? Tell me about your yarn obsessions.

No Ravelry account. I have a weakness for things like hand-spun alpaca yarn hand-dyed with botanical dyes, but since I don’t crochet or knit I don’t use it for anything.

 

65. Sock Dreams, yay or nay?

Yes. I buy from Sock Dreams occasionally, but usually stick to crew socks because of my large calves (although they do have some knee socks that can supposedly accommodate my 16.5-inch calves. I also prefer natural blends – I realize that some nylon is usually necessary in socks, but don’t much like 100% acrylic. Also, non-scratchy/itchy. And the Uma arm warmers! (But I have to be careful there that they’re large enough – some of them work, some don’t.)

 

66. Knitted items like scarves, shawls, dishclothes....yay or nay? Favorite fibers? Favorite colors?

Yes. For stuff that I wear, natural fibers & non-scratchy (no acrylic, please). I’m not sure what fibers are appropriate for dishcloths.

 

67. If you have an Amazon list, please make sure it's updated!!!

My Amazon wishlist is not up-to-date, and I’ve made it private, anyway. I don’t like Google bots scoping out my wishlists.

 

68. If you were to receive handmade caramels, would it matter if they were made with raw cream (unpasteurized)?

I love caramels! (Provided the consistency is not such as to pull out my numerous fillings.) As long as the cow, goat, or other dairy critter is healthy and the milk handled in a hygienic manner, I wouldn’t have a problem with raw milk.

 

69. Would you enjoy getting a sampling of quality incense taken from various sources? Would you want a burner for loose incense and a few charcoals to get you started with that, or would you rather stick to simpler types?

That might be nice. I already have an incense burner and some charcoal tablets somewhere . . . . .

 

70. I know we already had a question about needed kitchen accessories, but what about spices?

Sure! High-quality spices would be good. I think it’s about time to throw out some of my older spices, so even some common ones would be useful.

 

71. Would you like handmade stationary or cards? How about a quill pen?

Perhaps. See my comments elsewhere about stationery. I’m not sure I’d ever use a quill pen. I sort of like the *idea* of quill pens, but the poor thing would probably end up sadly neglected.

72. Heat tolerance! (as in spicy food): 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?

About a 6 or 7. I have actually nibbled on a ghost pepper and survived, but I don’t feel a need to prove how macho I am by consuming capsaicin just because. But if it’s hot and also tasty, great! (And Theo’s ghost chile salted caramels were very good. The ghost peppers weren’t overly strong; I could tell they were ghost peppers mainly because of the delayed reaction.)

 

73. What is your favorite type of Halloween candy?

I don’t really have a favorite Halloween candy.

 

74. Do you need or want any cozy footwear, like fluffy slippers, or slipper socks etc?

I already have a sufficient supply for Florida – I almost never use them here.

 

75. What do you most look forward to each Fall?

Lower temperatures. Although I sometimes have to wait until Thanksgiving for that.

 

76. What gadgets do you use in your everyday life and would you like a cool case for them - with your favourite fandom or artwork or saying?

My iPad already has an extensive wardrobe. My laptop has a sufficient set of cases for the rare occasions I take it out of the house. My BlackBerry is employer-supplied and just about due for a refresh, anyway. So no, I don’t think I need any cases or carrying bags.

 

77. Are there any beauty accessories you need or would like? For example make-up brushes, facial brushes or eyelash curlers.

Although I almost never wear make-up, I like to have an assortment of eyeshadow brushes on hand so I can use a fresh brush for each color. Plus there are different sizes & shapes of eyeshadow brushes!

 

78. Would you be disappointed to get one big box, or would you prefer a bunch of little ones? And would you be disappointed if your witch actually had it together early and sent it to you sooner than later?

Whatever works best for my Witch. I do not have a preference one way or the other (early vs end of round, single vs multiple).

 

79. Stores are putting out their Halloween PJs and undies! Would you be happy to get any in a package? And if so, what size? For PJ pants, do you like cotton or flannel?

I’m very particular about my nightclothes and underwear, and have a sufficient supply of both. So no, thank you.

80. Do you like M&Ms?

Yes, pretty much all the flavors.

 

81. I know your feelings about scented candles, but how about wax melts?

I’m in favor of either one, but I almost never get around to using them.

 

82. I'm not sure if they gift streaming subscriptions, but would you like one? Would it even be useful for you or do you prefer having real music in your hands?

I don’t do streaming anything. I’m an old-fashioned, hard copy, CD type and rarely even do downloads.

 

83. What scents from the Lilith update would you like to try?

Nearly all of them look good, but I plan on placing an order.

 

84. Would you be interested in receiving a box of sugar cube skulls?

They’re kind of cute, but I’m not terribly fond of the skull motif and I don’t use sugar cubes, anyway.

 

85. Skin care routine? Fave cleanser? Toner? Moisturizer? What about body lotions? Any particular brand or scent? Lip balms? Yay or nay?

I’m pretty well set for the stuff that’s part of my skin care routine (cleanser, toner, moisturizer). I do seem to be running low on body lotions. I like the formula base that Conjure Oils uses & I tend to like fruity scents. I am also adequately supplied with lip balms at the moment.

 

86. Has anyone mentioned Jamberry nail wraps yet?

This is something I would not use.

 

87. If your witch was going to Salem Massachusetts, would you want anything from there? I was thinking mugs, keychains, postcards, etc. But what about witchy supplies like incense, candles, books, etc?

I might be interested in something in the way of a souvenir. I don’t really need any witchy supplies.

 

88. If you happen to be my witchee, would you be interested in any of the items in my etsy shop?

The mini witch hat might be cute: https://www.etsy.com/listing/203833930/witch-hat-mini-hand-knit?ref=shop_home_active_4

 

89. Spiders (as in cute knit kind) yes or no?

Nooooooooo!!!!! (It would have to be truly adorable, but even then, probably not.)

 

90. Pillows (the mostly decorative type)?

I have a weakness for pillows. So even though I don’t need any, yes.

 

91. Any kind of bags - big, small, medium, purse, grocery, etc?

I have too many purses already, But totes and shopping bag types are another weakness of mine.

 

92. Is there anything special coming up in your life?

Just my birthday.