Hallowe'en "13 Things" Tag!

Thanks to Natalie of Gothy Two Shoes for tagging me on this!  :-)

Questions:
 
1. Favorite Halloween song?

"Monster Mash"!!  I especially like the Groovie Ghoulies video version on YouTube.
 
2. Witch or Vampire?

Depends on the year, I tend to switch back and forth.  But the witch usually wins.

3. Favorite thing about Halloween?

Everything!

4. Halloween party or scary movie marathon?

A Hallowe'en party with a scary movie marathon running would be perfect!

5. Skeletons or Zombies?

Skeletons, every time!

6. Favorite Halloween candy?

If it's chocolate, it's my favorite.

7. Favorite Halloween movie?

"It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!"  When I was growing up, my mom and I watched it on TV every year.  After Stuart was born, we got the video and watched it every year.  And now I watch it every year on DVD, but I don't always wait until Hallowe'en!  ;-)

8. Favorite Halloween costume?

Believe it or not, my favorite costume was an angel.  My mom made it for me, and I had a 38" wingspan with the wings outlined in silver Christmas tree garland.  I had to take the bus to get to the church party, and it was hilarious getting on and off!  We had a spook alley, with tours led by a devil (of course!), and all the little kids stuck to me because they were scared.  (It was really too gruesome for the little ones.)  And the devil and I sniped at each other the whole time, it was totally fun!

9. Favorite Halloween store?

It used to be the Spirit Store, but they've gotten rather lame the past few years.  So now I don't have a favorite yet, still looking!

10. Jack-o-lanterns, yes or no?

I've never been a big fan, but the fancy-carved ones are killer!!  (Did you know the original Jack-o-lanterns were made with turnips???)

11. Bats or Black Cats? 

BOTH!!  I love them both, and we have 3.5 black cats at home.  So I've got cats and bats all over my home and office.

12. Is Halloween your favorite holiday?

Do you REALLY need me to answer this one???  Hmmmm???

13. Pumpkin spice latte or hot chocolate?

Absolutely, hot chocolate!  


I'm not going to tag anyone on this, as most people I read have already been tagged, but feel free to answer them if you want, and you can consider yourself tagged!

Third Liebster Nomination!!!

Thank you, Winter, for my third Liebster nomination!!  Keep it up, and I'll start thinking people like this blog and get a totally swelled head!  ;-)

I'm not going to do all the other stuff again, but I WILL answer Winter's questions because they are new (to me) and I like them. 

1. Who are some of your favorite goths that influence you? 

One that comes to mind is the musician, Voltaire, because he keeps the fun in funerals!  Seriously, he reminds me that I don't have to be serious all the time, and I love his style of humor, even when it's more than a bit grisly. 

2. How would you describe your style? 

Definitely eclectic, as it changes daily.  Right now, I'm favoring sheer net/lace skirts and my long velvet coat, definitely a Stevie Nicks style.  But next week I might be into spikes and leather pants.  I love being different and unexpected!!

3. What is your favorite horror or thriller film if you like those genres? 

Absolutely "The Crow" (original version with Brandon Lee).  And although it's technically considered an action/fantasy movie, I'd have to say the "The 13th Warrior" also fits this bill.  I'd say these two are tied for first place in my list of favorites.

4. What is your favorite food?  Chocolate!!! 

5. Where would you like to travel to that you haven't been yet?

Egypt, Crete, Malta and Scotland, in that order. 

6. What do you like to do for fun?

Gardening, dancing, reading, needlework, clothes shopping, cemetery walks and picnics (either by myself or with friends), traveling to neat places, fantasy and Renaissance faires, goth band concerts, writing poetry and short stories, hanging out with my friends.

7. Coffee or Tea?  Definitely TEA.  The only coffee I've ever tasted was in candy and ice cream.

8. Lace or Velvet?  Yes!  Wait, you can wear one without the other????  How mundane...  ;-)

9. For you what defines goth?

For me, goth is first and foremost a state of mind.  Clothing styles and music are important, but there are many different kinds of both that I consider to be within the realm of goth.  The most important things to me are these: Being able to accept my own and others' darkness, and being comfortable with death as both inevitable and a part of life to be acknowledged and even celebrated.  Being willing to accept myself and others for who we are AS we are, not as people who need to be changed in some way because we do not confirm to the status quo as defined by some anonymous "they" (excluding dangerous or illegal activities, of course). Then there are the other things, like music, clothes and accessories, decorations, etc.  But they're just the red icing on the black-and-white skeleton cake, so to speak. 

10. What is your favorite season and why? 

 Autumn, because it's just beautiful, although the colors are even better in the eastern U.S. than here in California.  I actually enjoy all the seasons except summer, and I might enjoy that if it wasn't for the Evil Yellow Hurty Thing in the Sky.

11. Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself working in a museum with ancient artifacts, having a ball AND making more money than I do now.  I see myself debt free (except for student loans, they never go away!), and able to indulge my love of travel.  I see myself publishing short stories, and who knows, maybe even a book of them.  I see myself either renting or buying a house instead of an apartment, with a large garden to play in.  I see myself able to contribute more to causes that are important to me.  And I see myself surrounded by friends and family, enjoying myself thoroughly! 

 

A Second Nomination!

And a delighted "thank you" to Franny at The Curious Professor Z for a second nomination for this award!





Since her questions are the same as those I answered in my previous post, I won't answer them again but will just direct you to it here.

And I just want to say that if Franny didn't already have over 200 followers, I would have nominated her for this award as well.  Please check out her blog if you haven't already done so!

"You like me! You really like me!"

 Thank you, Sylvie at Little Corp Goth Girl, for nominating me for the Liebster Award!  :-)

The Liebster award is given to fellow bloggers who have less than 200 followers.

DA RULZ:

1. Post the award on your blog.

2. Thank the blogger who presented this award and link back to their blog.

3. Write 11 random facts about yourself.

4. Nominate 11 bloggers who you feel deserve this award and who have fewer than 200 followers.

5. Answer 11 questions posted by the presenter and ask your nominees 11 questions.


11 Random Facts about Me:

1.  I'm ambidextrous.

2.  My first pet was a turtle named TB, and my mom actually had to have it put in our lease as there was a "no pets" rule in our apartment building.

3.  I can remember the words and music to a HUGE number of old advertising jingles, some as far back as the 1960s.  (They take up waaaaayyyy too much space in my brain!)

4.  I've studied German, French and Modern Persian, but can't speak or read any of them well.

5.  I collect special edition Barbie dolls.

6.  My all-time favorite TV series was "Babylon Five".  When it ended, I felt like all my friends had died.

7.  My all-time favorite authors are Agatha Christie and Terry Pratchett, maytheyrestinpeace.

8. When I was growing up, I was allergic to Christmas trees, but the allergy mysteriously went away as an adult.

9.  I used to bite my nails.

10. I have a small pile of human teeth (from a dentist's office) on my Ancient Mothers/Ancestors altar.  I've had them for years, but they still weird me out if I have to pick them up for some reason.  They're "dead" but the people they originally belonged to are probably still alive!  Is that weird, or what???

11.  I want them to play "Dust in the Wind" at my funeral as people are standing at my grave site.


My Nominees (sorry, there are supposed to be 11 but I don't read a lot of blogs right now):

1.  Goth Gardening

2.  The Gothic Embrace

3.  Little Corp Goth Girl

4.  Eternal Wynter 

5.  Insomniac's Attic

6.  The Gods Are Bored (I'm not sure how many followers she actually has, as it's not listed on her blog, but she claims to have only three...)


 LCGG's Questions:

1.  When and why did you start blogging?

I started THIS blog in March 2013, but I had a LiveJournal blog for a few years before that.  I started that one because I wanted a "diary" and I always have trouble keeping up written ones.  I started this one because I thought it might be fun, and I was also hoping to meet other goths and maybe get more involved in the scene. Not only have all these things happened, but I've also met non-goths who are totally awesome as well! 

2.  With MP3s and internet streaming, do you still buy CDs or DVDs?

I buy both DVDs and CDs.  I'm a technosaurus, I don't even know HOW to get or use those other things!

3.  How would you describe your style of dress?

That changes daily, depending on my mood, but it's all variations on different goth or goth-related styles, from Monster High logos to studs and spikes to Stevie Nicks' long flowing gowns.  Except on the days when it's not...  ;-)

4.  What religion or philosophy do you ascribe to?

I think of myself as a goth pagan/shamanic practitioner, but it's more a spiritual path I'm creating for myself, not a religion/philosophy per se.


5.  What are your favorite TV shows on the air right now?

I rarely watch TV these days, but when I do, it's usually either cartoons, "NCIS" or reruns of "The Simpsons".  I used to be a "Grimm" fan as well, but lost track a season or two ago.

6.  What other hobbies do you participate in, besides blogging?

Gardening, bellydance, reading, music, and participating in goth meetup events.


7.  If you participate in the arts, which ones do you participate in?  Are you a hobbyist or a professional?

I was a professional bellydancer for about 20 years, and also taught it out of my home.  Currently I write poetry and short stories; since I have been published in two different books (although not yet for pay, other than a free copy) and plan to continue publishing as often as possible, I guess I can call myself a professional.

8.  If a movie was being made about your life, which actor/actress would play you?

Just think of the most boring actress in the world, that would be her.  Seriously, I have NO idea.


9.  Choose one: Coffee or tea?

I've never drunk coffee (except for ice cream, not even just a taste), so definitely tea.

10.  What colors have you dyed your hair?

Just red so far, but I'm daring myself into trying purple, pink, and platinum white in the very near future.


11.  Introvert, extrovert, or ambivert?

YES.  All of the above.  They're just labels, but I'm not a jar.  ;-)


My 11 Questions for My Nominees:

1.  When and why did you start blogging?

2.  Do you have pets?  If so, how many and what are they?  (This does not include spouses or significant others.)

3.  If you were stranded for a year on a desert island, what band would you want to be stranded with you?

4.  What is the most important thing in your purse (or pockets, if you don't carry one)?

5.  What city do you consider to be "home", and why?

6.  Who is your favorite author?

7.  What item of clothing do you own the most of, and how many do you have?

8.  If you were a vehicle, what would you be?

9.  Can you name the person who originally said the (misquoted) title of this post, and the reason s/he said it?  (Yes, this is a silly trivia question!)

10.  What is your ideal social event?  (It does not have to be one already in existence, you can invent it.)

11.  If you could say/do whatever you wanted to people who make fun of or criticize you for being different from them, no holds barred, what would it be?


Have fun with it!!

Blogvember Challenge; or, I Got Tagged by The Curious Professor Z

Well, I was tagged by Professor Z for Little Corp Goth Girl's "Blogvember Challenge", but not until December, so perhaps I should rename my post the "Blogcember Challenge"???  Naahh...  ;-)

Oh, and I'm proud to say that Professor Z successfully defended her dissertation, and will soon be officially called Doctor Z!!  woo-HOOOO!!!

So, back to the Challenge: 

1.  What is the best thing about blogging?

For me, and I think for many others, the best part of blogging is 'meeting' all sorts of wonderful people, and knowing that they read what I write because they like what I have to say.  Sharing myself with others and having them respond with acceptance, understanding, and empathy is awesome!  And when I'm able to help someone else with my words, that's even better. 

2.  What makes my blog so special?

I'm sure this answer is different for each of my readers, but for me, it's special because it's all about ME!  Well, not just me, of course, but it's unique because it's done from my perspective, which is different from everyone else's; no one else will ever look at things in exactly the same way that I do.

3.  How will my blog look in a year?

I really have NO idea.  I'm a somewhat different person from who I was last year, and I'm sure I'll do more changing in the coming year, so it will be exciting to see what happens to my blog in the process!  :-)

4.  Which was my best post?

Errgggg... I'm not sure which is my absolute BEST post, but I've got two that I think are pretty much tied for first place.  One is "When I'm 64: Thoughts about Dressing Goth after 60".  The other one is "The 50+ Face: Skincare for Women and Men".  Both of these have so many hits that I figure they must be the "best" ones, at least to my readers!  Although my personal favorite is"The Goth Closet (as Opposed to the Closet Goth)".

5.  What other blogs or bloggers inspire me?

This one is easy!  Here's my "short list", in no particular order:

~Goth Gardening

~The Curious Professor Z

~Vampire Rose, the Aging Goth

~The Gothic Embrace

~Breaking the Angel

~Thoughts from an eclectic goth mind

~Little Corp Goth Girl

~Insomniac's Attic

~The Gods Are Bored

~GIY: Goth It Yourself

NOTE: If I read your blog but it's not on this list, please don't be offended!  I still love yours, or I wouldn't be reading it.  :-)  But these are blogs that have helped me through some difficult, sad or frustrating times, and I wanted to give them a small boost in return.

 Now, I'm supposed to tag three more bloggers, but I know many people don't like doing these, so I will just say that IF anyone whose blog I read decided to accept the challenge, I would love to read their posts.  :-)

Happy Holidays, everyone!! 

Taking the Challenge Anyway

I just read this fun post at The Walrus Room.  Although she didn't tag me for her Liebster Award challenge, I feel like answering her questions just for fun, so here they are with my answers, for anyone interested:

Nominee Questions

1. Who is your biggest character crush from any TV show, film or book, and why?

Hmmm, I just can't decide between Han Solo (Harrison Ford) from "Star Wars" and Riddick (Vin Diesel) from "The Chronicles of Riddick".  As to why, it's the same answer for both... they're sexy and they kick ass!!!

2. Talk us through your everyday hair routine.  Are you a curler, straightener, or hairstyle kind of person?

(This won't take long.)  My hair is very fine and naturally wavy, with a frizzy cowlick in the front, but it will not hold a curl unless it is permed.  Every other day I wash my hair with an anti-frizz shampoo, comb it, and let it air dry, occasionally adding foam mousse.  Every OTHER day I just comb it.  That is all.

3. If you were any subset of Goth style, what would you be and why? 

As I've said in the past, I don't believe I fit into any single category here.  I see my current style as a sort of combination of Trad Goth and Corp Goth, with a touch of Stevie Nicks thrown in.  But that could change tomorrow.  ;-)

4. Continue the above question, within that style, what would be your holy grail outfit?

My"go to" outfit whenever I'm in a hurry is a black lace skirt, a shirt with a skull or skeletons on it, and either black fishnet tights with my stompy boots OR black leggings with black flats, depending on whether or not I'm driving.  I'm not sure if this could be considered a "holy grail" outfit or not, however.  I'm honestly not sure what my "ideal" outfit would be, there are just too many great combinations out there!

 5. Who are your top three favourite YouTubers?

 There is just one person on YouTube whose videos I enjoy watching, and that's Melissa Hunter as "Adult Wednesday Addams".  The only other non-musical things I watch on YouTube are episodes of the original "Dark Shadows" TV series and the always amusing "Simon's Cat" episodes.  

6. If you were to try and sell your all-time favourite beauty product, in three sentences what would you say?
 Probably:  "TRY this stuff!  It REALLY works!  If you don't, you're INSANE!!!"  
Or possibly:  "You will be assimilated.  Use this product.  Resistance is futile."

7. Can you name something that you enjoy eating, a meal or anything, that is actually vegan? (When I became a vegan I realised I was pretty much already eating that way.)  
Is chocolate vegan???

8. Your job is to write the most Gothiest (I can't believe I just wrote that as a word) novel possible, what would you title it and what would the blurb say?

 This reminds me of the time we were trying to rework our spiritual group with a more gothic tone, and joked about calling it the Darkest Coven of Dark Darkety Darkness!  Of course, now I can't get that out of my head, so I guess that would have to be the name and subject of the Gothiest novel ever!

9.  Name one thing that you wanted all through your childhood that your parent(s)/guardian(s) would never have let you get, even if you don't want it now?    

A HORSE (black, of course).  And no, I don't want one now.  You think CATS are expensive???

10. If you had to get one body modification of your choice (piercings, scarification, tongue splitting, implants, tattoos, etc) what would you get?

That would be another tattoo.  I've got enough piercings in my ears, I don't want them anywhere else, and I'm not into the other stuff.  But I love tattoos, so getting another one would not exactly be an imposition.  ;-)

Okay, this was fun!  Anyone else want to try?? 

Bat Fit 2014: January Post

  

Welcome to my first Bat Fit 2014 post!  In keeping with this year's theme, "DETOXIFY", and also in keeping with the holistic ideals of Bat Fit (being not just for weight loss any more), I've decided to divide my goals into four areas: Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual.

Physical:  In December, I decided that I need to get back to exercising at least every other day.  But I have to admit, I've gotten slightly bored with the tai chi and yoga DVDs I was using.  I'd used them so much I practically had them memorized, which is good to a point, but causes eventual boredom and then, of course, a stoppage of bothering to use them, which could be considered a form of toxicity, don't you think?  So I finally exercised my fingers by pushing the buttons on my computer, and ordered a new DVD, "The Industrial Strength Dance Workout with Shakra: Dance Fitness with an Industrial Edge".  It has arrived, so now I just have to figure out how to fit it into my schedule.

Mental:  In this area, I'm continuing my search for a new job/career, because I'm definitely experiencing the need to detoxify my work life!  Last Sunday I spent over two hours with a friend who has been job hunting for months now.  Because she was laid off, her old employer paid for her to take classes/seminars in job search skills from a company that specializes in helping people relocate to new jobs and/or careers.  She was kind enough to offer me access to her paperwork and the website, as well as looking over my resume and answering many questions.  So now I'll be better equipped to continue my quest!

Emotional:  I'm including this area with the Mental area (at least for the moment), because they are very closely connected for me right now. However, I'm also including my decision to begin being more honest in how I feel about things rather than suppressing my feelings to avoid controversy or argument.  I've gotten better at it over time, but it still needs improvement.

Spiritual:  I've really let this area slide for the past several months, partly because I'm going through such a period of upheaval that I'm questioning EVERYTHING.  However, I'm currently reading Thomas Moore's Dark Nights of the Soul, which is helping me accept that questioning is okay, even if you do it more than once in your lifetime, and even if it takes years.  So for now, my goal here is to finish reading the book in a thoughtful manner, absorbing as much as possible, and then seeing where my heart takes me from there.

For information on Bat Fit 2014 and how you can participate, click here!

My First Blogger Challenge :-)

Well, it happened...  I got tagged in a challenge!  Thank you, Katelynn at The Life of a Baby Bat, for this incredible honor.  ;-)

Hey, I got tagged TWICE!  A second "thank you" goes to Mary Rose at The Everyday Goth for HER tag!  (Does this mean I'm popular???)  ;-)

Rules:

1. Thank the person who tagged you in this challenge and post a link to their blog.
2. Tag 5 blogs with less than 200 followers
3. Wish them to tag more bloggers to keep this thing going!

5 Things I Need Every Day

1.  Chocolate (which I have been known to shamelessly beg for if I've run out)
2.  Music  (even more vital than chocolate, if that's possible)
3. Cuddles with my cats
4.  Makeup (definitely NOT optional)
5.  Private time, especially in the morning when I get up.  Fortunately, I have a private office at work AND a
     room of my own at home, both with doors, so it's rarely an issue.


5 Books I Recommend

1.  Too Many Curses! by A. Lee Martinez
2.  The Time of the Dark series (4 books) by Barbara Hambly  (I consider them to be a single book.)
3.  Sympathy for the Devil by Holly Lisle
4.  Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett
5.  The Elegant Witch by Robert Neill


5 Materialistic Wishes for Yule/Christmas Presents

1.  Candles, especially scented ones!  Tapers and tealights are my favorites, but I never look a gift horse (or
     candle!) in the mouth.  ;-)
2.  Jewelry and tops with skulls and/or skeletons on them; partial skeletons would also be acceptable.
3.  A one-year supply of cat crunchies for our nine furbabies.  (Yes, this would be a present for ME as well.)
4.  A $100+ gift certificate for the Victorian Trading Company.
5.  Prepaid airline tickets/hotel reservations for trips to any/all of the places listed below.


5 Places I Wish to Visit

1.  Egypt
2.  Scotland
3.  Ireland (again!)
4.  Delphi, Greece
5.  Crete


5 Adjectives that Describe Me

1.  Friendly
2.  Compassionate
3.  Moody
4.  Helpful
5.  Sensitive (not always in a good way, unfortunately)


Things I'd Say to People About Life

1.  When in doubt, toss some glitter on it!
2.  If you never ask, the answer will always be No.
3.  You ALWAYS have a choice; doing nothing is also a choice.
4.  You are not responsible for other people's emotional baggage; never allow them to make you believe
     that you are.
5.  Life is short, so eat dessert first... AND last!


Tag, You're It!

1.  Eternal Wynter
2.  Linnea Maria
3.  Vampire Rose
4.  Nightwind
5.  Underground for Tea


Okay, now make with the posts already!!  ;-)