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  • Silvertree

    Mod post: No wishlist posts in blogs

    By Silvertree

    Please be aware that we do not permit swap-related content on profiles or in blogs. Please post this content only in the For Sale, Swaps, and Wanted forums, or in the Wishlists topic. ~from Swapping 101  Thanks!
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2025 Switch Witch Questions

Switch witch 2025 questions   Interested in anything from Cellar Door's Halloween update? Once Bitten or Basic witch soap or candles look yummy, or any of the apple/cider scents.   Anything from Sock Dreams catch your eye? (https://sockdreams.com) I adore sock dreams, any of the knee high stripes, esp the pride flag, marled and harvest lines. I’d also love to try any of the thunder thighs thigh highs because they might actually fit and stay up for once.  I adore the sockwell compression knee highs and can never have enough, esp in colors other than black (m/l). The rainbow snail knee highs are cute, as are the rainbow crochet net tights   I live in France, and we have some great tea here! Most folks know about Mariage Freres but may I suggest Damman Freres? Here's the link- they're still in summer mode, but I assure you, autumnal teas will grace their pages soon! (https://www.dammann.fr/en/)   The oolong Caramel looks fantastic (i love caramel teas but they are hard to find the US. one of my favorite teas is just like a generic lipton caramel black tea from france that I was gifted by a friend and cannot find here at all).  fraise pistache, vanille almande, vanille, highlands breakfast, tea de poetes, 2nd flush assam, sencha tenu, gamnong   New Question   Do you see anything you need from Paintbox Soapworks Weenie Update? New & Limited Edition - 2025 Weenie Collection - Page 1 - Paintbox Soapworks Pumpkin daddy and jack of the woods look intriguing. Scrub or Soap.   New Questions!
Speaking of updates, anything from Haus of Gloi's Fall offerings speak to you? (https://www.hausofgloi.com/collections/fall-1) Apple milk or little hedgehog hair oil, scrub, or refresher spray. Pumpkin eater and spider silk also sound nice but not sure if I'd get much use out of them.  For GC scents coffee House and Satyr would also be lovely. 

Also, I know we have barely scratched the surface in knowing what the Lab will release for Weenies, but a wishlist couldn't hurt, so what'll it be? Punkie night is always a good choice and bobbing for smut is on my list (I have pumpkin smut & regular smut and love both). Any of the weenie versions of classics like snake oil would be good too.    How do you feel about the pastel Halloween offerings that are out? I actually like them. I am going to decorate my kitchen in pastel Halloween, my patio room with my Halloween tree, and the rest of my house with Vintage style Halloween. I love pastels! Cute pastel rainbow and spooky is my vibe, so definitely a yes for me.    I seem to remember that previous questionnaires asked if you will be away for part of the round. I will be visiting my Aunt in New York from October 22-Nov. 2, so my witch may want to time my packages a little early. If not, my husband will be home to safeguard any packages. Nope, I'll be around the whole time.    I'm one of those crafty sorts that make things. I make things by up cycling sweaters, for example - mittens, slippers, armwarmers (both solid or striped from multiple fabrics ). Could also make a tea cosy with a mat.I make bowls, mats & vessels from rope that I wrap with pretty cloth.So essentially, functional, useful fiberart. What might you like? Long striped armwarmers? A pair of slippers, decadently lined in cashmere?  Fingerless mitts are always wanted! I have chronically cold hands and work with them so having a warm pair of mitts to keep my fingers moving is essential. I live in a fairly warmish climate (my first winter here never dipped below 50, but last year we had snow). I also wouldn't mind leg warmers or a bowl/receptacle for knick-knacks.    Oh bonus question- do you have an amazon wishlist to be sure I don't duplicate a book? I do. I'll add a link in my sig but here it is for now:  https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/12DYTM8OTGJXQ?ref_=wl_share   New Questions Do you have a Halloween Tree?  Do you need ornaments?  I do have a Christmas tree that I decorate spookily for Xmas. It's white iridescent tinsel and I have a bunch of bats and regular ornaments I put on. I don't necessarily need anything for the tree but if you found any spooky themed Hanukah items I'd lose my mind.    Do you have an Etsy wishlist?   I do! I'm trying to update it a bit and remove stuff for old projects.so if you see 4 pages of similar craft items that's what that was about 😅 https://www.etsy.com/people/crescentwench?ref=hdr-fav&tab=items   QUESTIONS! As of this writing, Dragon Con Peach Pit scents have been revealed! Anything on your wishlist? Im not fiending for any of the peach scents. Peach chai hair oil, peach milk oil and peach rock candy linen spray sound pretty good. I'm more into the dragon scents - Bastard Amber Dragon and Capuut Mortem dragon are both right up my alley, and griege dragon has potential to be a winner for me if the sandalwood will behave.  Okay updating now the full dcon list is out, in a sort of vague preference rank-  Bastard Amber Dragon  Caput mortem dragon Griege dragon  Sang de beouf dragon Cerise dragon Tarantula flash Devil flash  Vintage kitty blow molds Hiss & hearse Headless hearseman Pumpkin root beer float Lime green hearse Pumpkin latte Samhain Peach rock candy Pink peach strawberry & candied amber  Peach chai Sugared Peach milk   I am a bit known for my extremely light-weight hand crafted hair falls (I typically make them out of a combination of yarns, batting, and bits of up cycled silks and lace). Would you like one (for a pony tail effect) or two (for a pigtail effect)? If so, name two or three colors and any allergies to fibers I should know about. I probably won't wear these much. I have some that haven't come out in years at this point.    New questions: Do you have use for witchy supplies? Herbs, oils, crystals, etc. If so, what types and for what purpose(s)? Not particularly. I wouldn't mind some tarot cards (I've been drooling over fyodor Pavlov's set for years) or some herbs and oils for kitchen witchery purposes (i.e. cooking) but I don't really do any rituals or formal practice.    Would you be interested in custom artwork, such as a painting? If so, what mood, theme, colors, style, etc. would you be excited to see? If there's a dream, a dnd character, a favorite fairy tale, deity, etc. you'd love it to capture, spill those deets - including anything you wouldn't want (nudity, size restrictions, whatnot). I love artwork!  Favorite styles: art nouveau, cartoon/graphic style (like anime or tattoo art, bright colors and lots of line work), soft & colorful (think impressionist, pastels) Favorite artists: Jiji Knight, John William Waterhouse, Mucha, Monet, malina dowling (voidbug), gawki Favorite subjects: gorgeous curvy ladies, plants & animals, spooky things like ghosts, bats, baba yaga, mythical creatures, pokemon, historical fashion esp 18th century.    1. I'm in Japan, anything specific you would want from here? I'm in love with several of the japan exclusive le creuset items, esp the soup spoons. I also adore Japanese stationary (gel pens, corrector tape, stamps, etc)  and j + k beauty products. I've also been pining for Vivienne Westwood (real or inspired by) jewelry which seems much more prevalent there.    2. I just got back from Mongolia and brought a bunch of small souvenirs, how do you feel about small things from random countries? I love random souvenirs and knicknacks from random countries    3. I make custom ita rosettes/cases (pics here to explain what I mean https://tinyurl.com/mwtwmvfm). Is that something you might be interested in? If so, what type/colors/size/ etcetc I like those! I don't have that type of pin so maybe a hair bow? Or a full rosette I could use for historical costumes would be awesome. My colors are pretty prevalently mentioned in above questions but greens, peaches, springy colors and rainbow/pastel rainbow   * I like making little flower arrangements with fake flowers; would you be interested in a mini bouquet? If so, any seasonal/color scheme requests? Probably not, I hate dusting fake flowers so probably not a great fit for me.    * Feelings on candles/wax melts? I don't mind candles but I only ever use them in the bathroom and never use wax melts.    * Feelings on crocheted wall art/mandalas? Color scheme requests? I'd be down with that. Pastel rainbow or green/peach/pink/yellow springy colors   NEW QUESTIONS!   1) Snorg tees has some hilarious and awesome new shirts. They are also reasonably priced. Please give me 3 of your fav designs and tee size/color if available for a color option. website is snorgtees.com I don't particularly need new t-shirts but I do like these designs.   visit Sark Chasm - green 2xl Fluent in fowl language -  navy 2xl cake or death - black 2xl  2) BloomChic has some pretty fun plus and smaller size halloween fashions. If you so desire, give me your top 3 favs with sizes! website is bloomchic.com not for me. I'm not really into fast fashion or non-natural fibers. \   Jumping in as *I think* the only Australian, is there anything specifically Australian you might like? I think Tim Tams are probably the most commonly coveted/procured goodie I could offer. 
I can't think of anything specific. I don't have strong feelings about tim tams having gone gluten free before having access to any. But if you have such a thing as gluten free jaffa cakes I'd be absolutely floored.    I also have a local tea blender just down the street from me if there is anything from there you might like to try https://teahouse-the-tea-specialty-shop.myshopify.com/?shpxid=5b923712-0d5e-474a-8d56-451b0c319c78 black - caramel cream , vanilla or any of the breakfast varieties   I have a wonderful coffee roaster near me, wood-roasted, small batch, regular and decaf, all roast types. It's so good, I won't buy coffee anywhere else, and I only drink dark roast decaf. IF this sounds good, whats your coffee desire, and beans or grind size?  They are also a FULLY geeked out space with every video and arcade game known. so I would also send a sticker from them, so also include your favorite old 70's-80's cartoons or fandoms. I need the caffeine (see above, adhd) but I prefer lighter roasts and I'd rather have whole bean since I don't drink coffee super often and prefer to grind it fresh. I also love flavored coffees like (i'm sure it's not a surprise at this point) vanilla or caramel.   As far as 70/80s cartoons/fandoms mainly the muppets, monty python, labyrinth, princess bride. I mostly watched PBS and wasn't allowed video games as a kid so I'm mostly familiar with newer stuff despite being born in '82.    I’m dying to knit my Witchee something lovely, as long as it would be appreciated. 
I can’t commit to a big project in the time frame, but socks, a hat, a cowl, arm warmers, or a shawlette for your neck and shoulders could definitely be doable if that would be enjoyed. Just let me know colour preferences, or fibre preferences/allergies.  Oh I would adore handmade socks or arm warmers!! I won't repeat colors again but natural fibers please! Cotton or wool/animal fiber.    I work a 2nd job this time of year at the Michigan Ren Fest.  Is there any Renny thing you covet? I love rennie stuff! My favorite ear threads were from a faire. I could use some kind of cute belt pack/bag that isn't a fanny pack, maybe a leg harness type one? I also love the teacup holsters I've seen. Or just a leather harness I could use to style over street wear dresses.   What is your size in say Tshirts?  Pajamas? I usually wear a 2x tshirt, pjs a 2x or 3x is good. I'd rather have them looser since i can always tailor them to fit if needed.    Do you like Halloween socks?  Any particular style or image/character? I just love socks in general. Ghost or witches, headless horseman, hocus pocus. Anything is great! I definitely prefer knee highs over crew but have big calves so that's a hard ask sometimes. Most retailers don't fit my wide calves but see sockdreams response above for good options. I will wear crew socks but mostly around the house.    I was fortunate enough to be gifted an entire collection of the Flower Letters-Lily Clara series.  It's a story told through beautifully illustrated letters, pictures, diagrams, post cards etc. One snail mail letter at a time.   This one is a story of a entreprenurial woman during the silver rush in the West and a bit of a mystery.  The letters and details are gorgeous.  I've finished reading it, would you like me to pass it along to you, witchee?  Of course it would be in your last box, so I don't give my identity away.... This sounds pretty interesting! I haven't ready a book in ages but this sounds very inspiring artistically, and I've had creative block for a bit now.    I make junk journals and paper crafts.  I would probably have time to make a mini journal or a paper folio type thing.  It would come decorated but with space to write and add your own touch or I could make a folio complete with address labels, stationery, stamps etc. to organize your writing goods.  Would you like to receive one?  My style is generally vintage but I could also do a Halloween one, winter holiday one, shabby chic or something of your suggestion. My ADHD doesn't do well with journals, but some stationary or postcards would be nice.    Snag tights have released their Halloween lines. 
Is there anything there that tempts you? Most of it is sadly not in the us but perhaps you're abroad or have a nacho witch to help. Ones i love are: pumpkin pie and crimson shadow duos (the duos are my favorites, i get so many compliments), coven, nocturne, necropolis, weaver, grimoire, venom mock garters, and the death's head moth ones that are still available on the US site. There's really no wrong answer with snags. They're all fantastic. I usually wear a Short F.    Is there anything you'd like from Lush? I will link to their US site, but obviously different countries have different versions. https://www.lush.com/us/en_us?t=1756607960067 I have a hard time with lush because they often hide floral notes in their scents. Mango Lassi shower gel and Mango Kulfi body conditioner look scrummy,  The alien egg farm shower jelly looks nice, mr. pumpkinface mask, i'd also be interested to try their mascara and eyeliner, pineapple facial wash, turmeric latte lotion bar    almost forgot to answer my own questions 😅 I sew clothing and costume, if you could have any garment made just for you what would it be and what would it look like? You can include reference links/images or just describe it.  I have a few favorite makers listed in my questionnaire but things like DOWK dresses - bright, lots of colors/patterns, puff sleeves, big honkin pockets. I'd love some super comfortable pants I can wear to work that are also bright and fun   Do you enjoy stim toys or other fidgety items? I work near an amazing store called Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe that caters to neuroduvergents as well as employing entirely Neurodiverse staff and supporting lots of ND and disabled artists. I live buying stickers, patches, art fidgets and kicknacks. Would you be interested in anything? Website is here but there's way more in store: https://www.madamclutterbuckets.com/ I do! I have a big problem with skin picking and being fidgety in general. Favorite stim toys at the moment are a marble in a tube of crin that you can push around, and putty. I'd love one of those fidgets with the keyboard keys on them or just things that use resistance while playing to help keep my hand strength up.    I go to Disneyland Paris a few times a month as I have a pass- is there anything I can get for you? There are exclusive enamel Trader Pins, for instance. Of course, all the other types of goodies as well. I don't have anything specific in mind, I don't really collect pins. I can always use more plush, esp if there are harder find merch like stuff for Sword in the Stone or the fairies from Sleeping Beauty. Other disney fav movies include Winnie the pooh, brave, and tangled.    Question...  I have a Daiso opening near me next weekend.  I'm going to the Grand Opening.  Is there anything you want me to be on the lookout for? I've never been to one and they website doesn't give much idea for options but I'd love some new stationary items like gel pens, staple-less stapler, corrector tape, cute post it's. I'm also pretty short in washcloths and would love some cute sanrio or kawaii designs (fav sanrio characters are pompompurin, gudetama, and agrretsuko, but I also like many of the others). I'd also love some cute blind boxes if that's a thing they have.    I'll be placing a Nocturne Alchemy order asap, anything from the Halloween update catch your attention? Everything seems to be too foody or floral for me.    *Would you be interested in a handwritten book, filled with things about some of your favorite things, birthday lore, recipes, pretty pictures, stories, quotes, etc.? That sounds like it could be fun!    *Is there anything you absolutely DO NOT want, that hasn't come up elsewhere?  This could be anything from "please, no more plush unicorns, I am drowning!" to "I have tropophobia." I feel like I've been pretty clear about things I don't want, but I'm not sure if I've mentioned no floral foods. I prefer to keep my potpourri and my food separate (and the potpourri outside where it belongs). I don't technically have tryptophobia but I'm not a big fan either.    *If I were to send you a physical book, are there any genres/themes/authors you'd prefer not to encounter? Not really into the Outlander series, or ole JK Rowling and her nonsense. As for genres/themes just keep it light and entertaining. Nothing scary or really dark/intense.    Is there a charity you would like me to donate to in your name? Anything that supports trans and queer youth, especially in the south/midwest.     If I could make you my fudge (not currently selling it, btw, but willing to make for SW witching, nacho witching, etc!), which of these flavors makes you 🤤 : Chocolate & Peanut butter, white chocolate berry, plain chocolate with or without nuts, Old fashioned penuche with or without nuts, peanut butter fudge, Chocolate with montmorency cherries, pumpkin pie fudge. Also possibly taking special flavor requests. I'm weirdly not that into fudge, despite loving chocolate. It's always way too sweet for me. Montmorency cherries do sound tempting because dark chocolate and cherry or raspberry is a favorite combo of mine. Basically if you can make it dark, and not overly sweet I'd definitely eat it, I'm just hesitant because I've yet to find a fudge I like. But according to our other switch participants yours is amazing so maybe it's the magical one I'll adore.    anything from Dryad teas pique your interest? https://dryadtea.com/collections/all-tea I'd love a little bat tea pet, one of the ghost dangle steepers, or the little ginko cloud tea bag rest. I love their blends and have a huge list of want to trys - mainly black teas or green teas, esp their new matchas. Green eyed sue, Hymn to hyrne, persephone's pomegranate, rogue's blade, sunrise chai, xavier quinn, japanese gyokuro, scoundrel's mark,  for reference I currently have and like - awaken, bite me, stay safe/stay awake, dragonside tavern, assam.    Poesie Tea - what would you like? website is poesieperfume.com For smells Kindness & mischief lola like it was practically made for me. Persephone rising also looks interesting (Persephone is close to my heart), for tea Chestnut, lehevir degage, ooh la la, releve   I do canning and make lots of tasty condiments.  Would you like to try some? Give me some flavor ideas.  How do you feel about peach?  Rhubarb? Tomato? Spicy or sweet?  Spicy and sweet? Raspberry and strawberry are my favorite jams, followed by apricot or pineapple. I love sweet jams and garlicky dilly pickles but spice level is maximum slightly above zero white and people friendly sadly, maybe 3/10. I'm not big on salsa unless it's the avocado/tomatillo variety. No rhubarb please. I use a lot of Asian sauces/spices so some chutneys or homemade hoisin would be fantastic.    Would you enjoy overtly Australian things in your gift? Like indigenous spice blends, or Vegemite, I already mentioned Tim Tams, but there are lots of other fun things I could send.  Also, if I were to include chocolate in your gift, would it be milk, dark, or white? Or is all chocolate good chocolate? Indigenous spice blends sounds like fun, esp if you included a recipe to use them for. As far as Australian things the main Australian thing I'm obsessed with is Dame Edna. I saw her on PBS as a kid and no one here has any idea what I'm talking about when I mention her. I lucked into a 3 disc det of the Dame Edna experience at a thrift here but otherwise my collection is not existent. My car is named for her and I just adore everything about her.   For chocolate, dark is the absolute pinnacle of joy. Milk is allowable provided it is very good quality, and milk is only allowed if it's Cadbury's Dairy Milk otherwise it's an unforgiveable affront.    Is there anything here that appeals? https://www.erstwilder.com/ I adore Erstwilder and have zero pieces from them yet. It's come up in a few swaps that i've done and I always drool over everything. I'm not really into the enamel as much as the acrylic pieces. From the Halloween Collection: any of the Just Gourdeous pieces, warts and all brooch, macabre memento brooch, going batty brooch, cozy coffin brooch, captivating potion brooch, poison apple or pumpkin drop earrings.  From the other collections Strawflowers necklace, Ruby the stag beetle earrings, jane austen book club brooch, cal the giant squid necklace, ruby throated hummingbird earrings or necklace, rowdy rattlesnake, free kisses brooch, ticket to ride brooch, polka dot bow earrings, anything strawberry shortcake or lemon meringue, anything pride related, anything ocean related esp squid, sharks, rock lobster earrings, parrotfish earrings, jellyfish drops, seafarer brooch. Anything floral, the entire tea collection though i love the jammy dodger and fancy a cuppa earrings the most, with spill the tea and a biscuit or three following up. Honestly, I'd say skip any non-halloween holiday related items but otherwise I'd be absolutely thrilled to get any of their pieces.    Are you interested in having some of this year's homemade peach jam? Peach isn't a top flavor for me but I'm sure homemade would be much better than i've ever had before and i do love jam on toast.    Do you like bracelets?   Can you wear soft stretchy polyester ones, like zox?  (zox.co)   If so, what size would you prefer?   (s / m / l) I like bracelets but rarely end up wearing them. I wear my smart watch and that's about all the sensory input I can handle on my wrists.    Do you need any supplies or notions for any of your hobbies? Need, not particularly. I could use some more sewing thread - I had a big collection of inherited thread that was starting to dry rot so I pitched it when I moved but I haven't got round to ordering some more from WAWAK yet. I could also use some more silamide hand sewing thread. As far as wants, I'm always on the look out for pretty vintage laces and trims, vintage embroidered table linens and linen materials in general.    Do you like plushies, like Squishables? I absolutely do. I might have a small squishmallow/plush problem 😅 I collect ocean themes, forest/cottage core, and I've been adding in pokemon and sanrio items.   Do you like caramels?   We have a local caramel maker who vends at our farmers markets.  Any of these flavors sound good?  https://jonboycaramels.com/collections/buy I do! my favorite are apple cider caramels, but of those options probably Whisky or Fleur de sel.    My son makes mead, would you like to try a sample? I don't drink much but I'd enjoy a little taster.    We made rose petal liqueur and lavender vanilla liqueur; are you interested in having a sample of either? No thank you, see aforementioned feelings on flowers in my food.    Is there anything specifically Pacific Northwest or Seattle themed that you would like?   I can't think of anything off hand. I do love a good lighter roast coffee. The only other thing I could think of would be some local lox but I can't imagine those would ship well. 🤔   Maeve Chocolate (formerly Seattle Chocolates) has "seconds" bags; are you interested in some imperfect chocolates?  Which flavors?   https://maevechocolate.com/collections/truffle-chocolate-bars? I'd love some, these look amazing. Ranier Cherry, Sip Sip Hooray, Hungry Blackberry, Salted Toffee crackle. honorable mentions to block party brownie, pike place espresso and nuts for fruit.    Trader Joes is getting their seasonal things in.  If you don't have a TJ's by you, is there anything you want?  https://www.traderjoes.com/home/discover/stories/fall-products-2025 I work like 1/2 a mile from TJs but haven't managed to get there lately, the parking is a disaster and it's really stressful. That said, I really love their GF madeleines and Everything bagels. I usually buy a lot of frozen foods, and snack foods like the little rice mochi stars and bombas. As for fall stuff, I'm more of an apple person than pumpkin these days.    Wyrding Studios just posted a new update. Do any of these appeal to you, witchee? https://wyrdingstudios.com/collections/in-the-waiting-woods I really like the leaf and star earrings, and the dainty leaf and vine necklace.    Tis the season for planner people. Are you one? If so what is your planner poison of choice and do you need/want supplies and if so, what type do you want? I wish I was but realistically everything just goes on my phone calendar because I always have my phone. Planners have a way of going missing or getting left places or I just forget to put things in them all together. The only one to tempt me recently is the hobinici but I know i won't end up using it.     Do you feel like you need some leggings, dearest witchee? https://shopnatopia.com/collections/halloween-25
I like the batty design, but I find it doesn't get cold enough here for me to wear tights most of the time let alone leggings under my dresses, so i fear these would sit on my shelf.    Dearest Witchee, I'll be in London shortly- anything specifically British you'd enjoy? This could be marmalade or tea or Marmite or gothy clothing or a Union Jack something or other. Literally anything- name it! Oh gosh. So many things!! Any gf British treats like shortbread or biscuits, tea, maybe a jelly cat or taskmaster memorabilia? Honestly anything would be lovely   question, relevant to the above note: Do you prefer things to be individually wrapped so you can open them when you need a boost, or is putting them in one box unwrapped okay? I've only done the 13 nights-type swaps before, where that was a given, and I find it fun. I'm happy with either! It's fun to do several packages with instructions or just a free for all. It's up to you dear Witch.    Dearest witchee, is there anything here that catches your eye? https://ateliercoco-store.com/en-au ugh, another one where I love everything. Brain skull and halloween cupcake designs are great, I'd probably wear earrings the most. I also love the candy hearts, eating eyeballs, the jellyfish earrings (esp the pink ribbons),  and the popsicle hair clips   Interested in any of these? Halloween 2025 – Witch Baby Soap ghost girl soap, pistachio and pumpkin hand salve   or here? MoonaLisa: A Supernatural Clean – MooScents Hmm...Dusting powder or hydrating mister, I would also love detangler but it looks sold out. Scents that appeal are brazilian mango lime smoothie, coconut pudding with grilled pineapple, earth, lemon sugar, tikki room paradise   There are artists that sell tattoo passes, so that you can legitimately have their work tattooed. Is there anyone that you would potentially like such a pass for? I probably sound like a broken record but Jiji Knight, hands down. https://jijidraws.com/ Ive had my eye on getting one of her sassy mermaids (too cute for your shit or fuck your diets) on my arm, but I also love the boba girls, and some of the more goth designs.    Obvious question of whether you would like anything from the new Lunacy update (Black Butterfly Moon, etc.)?  on talking, burning light, maraschino cherry perhaps? This is a very floral heavy release so it's slim pickings for me.    Dearest Witchee, I asked a question about Erstwilder before, but they’ve just expanded their Halloween collection, so if you wanted to have a second look that might be fun.  I love the sandworm design   Witchee, would you be interested in a kit to make something yourself?  Like a kit to dye your own scarf, or make beeswax candles, or make a small embroidered ornament, etc.?  Would you like to receive such a kit, or do you not have the time/inclination for it? I do not need any new hobbies 😅😅 I have too many project already, even though i love to learn new techniques I think this is probably not a good thing for me.    I love baking but due to my allergies, I only work with gluten and dairy free ingredients these days. While you may not have these issues, is there a baked good you would love receiving even if it is gluten and dairy free? I also only use honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar, but I'm happy to use monk fruit if you'd prefer/need. I have to eat gluten free so that's much appreciated but i can still eat butter and sugar and prefer my gluten free goods with those things most of the time because I have diet food trauma and a sensitive palate i.e. I can tell if you use monkfruit or coconut sugar or coconut oil. If i'm eating gluten free shortbread I want it to taste as much like real shortbread as possible, so I don't fee like i'm being punished. To give you an idea my mom used to give us carob and gaslight us that it was actually chocolate, and that was one of the less awful ones.    I grow a wide variety of herbs, are there any you need for your pantry? I have mugwort (which I can prepare for tea/spice use, bath use or smudge), thyme, winter savory, sage, various mints, rosemary, fennel (leaf and seed), and I'm certain I am forgetting somethings so feel free to ask. Thyme, rosemary or sage would be lovely. I've never used winter savory but I'd be interested in trying it out.    I do basic embroidery. Is there a simple design or motif you might like? Like bats, spiders, spooky flowers, pumpkins or other such? This will come either in a hoop frame or on a finished hoop (the back is gathered and covered with cardboard) unless you have other needs like an embroidered ribbon or handkerchief.  Bats, leaves, mushrooms are good, anything cute and spooky - I'd love a pair of embroidered ribbons to use for 18th century garters (you can google search to see ideas, there are infinite variations) , or a hankie.    and another tea question, is there anything here you might like https://www.fridaytea.com/ ? french cookie, badger's burrow, irish breakfast, pirate king, tulsi di leche,    for coffee, whole bean or ground and any particular flavor notes you like? Any roasting preferences? Yes I live in coffee snob land and these are real questions. light roast, ground (i don't own a grinder) and typically do pour over, flavor notes the same I like for tea, caramel, vanilla, toffee, warm sweet notes.    Would you be interested in Halloween playing cards (bicycle brand) or a large Halloween puzzle? If i had more space for such things but I'm at capacity for now.    I am also paring down a huge Halloween decor collection is there anything you'd like to inherit?  I'm good thank you.    Would you like some organic catnip from my parents garden? I have no cats, so need no catnip.    Would you be interested in receiving cocoa butter or bentonite clay?  Sure! Both are good for natural skincare ☺️    So of course, new question since the Weenies just dropped - what has caught your nose from the full list? Definitely Batty lace and batty snake oil!  The hag Creeping by daylight  Shadowed veil hairgloss Type AB beard oil Yipe linen spray The witches hairgloss Porcelain bat Headless hearseman Brand ied pumpkin 

crescentwench

crescentwench

 

Timey-Wimey

On my latest “Looking Back on Genre History” segment on the StarShipSofa podcast (Episode 762), I talk about Doctor Who, history, time travel, and the new Who novel Shirley Jackson and the Chaos Box by Kalynn Bayron. StarShipSofa 762 Gustavo Bondini
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eldritchhobbit

eldritchhobbit

 

“Exploring Star Trek” in Fall 2025

“Exploring Star Trek” in Fall 2025 I’m excited to say that in Fall 2025 I will be offering the 12-week online class “Exploring Star Trek” for M.A. students and non-degree-seeking auditors alike at Signum University. I’m delighted to be teaching this course once again! Exploring Star Trek - Signum University
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eldritchhobbit

eldritchhobbit

 

Join me in Panem starting in September 2025!

Signum University — Blackberry Join me in SPACE (Signum Portals for Adult Continuing Education) online via Signum University! What lessons do the Capitol and Districts have to teach us? What warnings should we heed? What road leads from here to Panem? Over the course of five months, participants in these SPACE modules will read and discuss a modern classic of dystopian storytelling, The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. In this hybrid series, each week will include one lecture and one live discussion. The lectures will examine the inspirations behind, allusions in, and questions posed by that month’s novel. In live discussions, participants will share their insights on, interpretations of, and reactions to the story. Together we will consider why this series has spoken to so many readers and explore how its messages remain relevant today.
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eldritchhobbit

eldritchhobbit

 

On Edge!

StarShipSofa 760 Libby Cudmore On my latest “Looking Back on Genre History” segment on the StarShipSofa (Episode 760), I discuss Ashley Lawson’s new book On Edge: Gender and Genre in the Work of Shirley Jackson, Patricia Highsmith, and Leigh Brackett.
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eldritchhobbit

eldritchhobbit

 

Help launch Hangsaman!

My “Hangsaman by Shirley Jackson: Exploring a Gothic Campus Mystery” one-month module with SPACE (Signum Portals for Adult Continuing Education) online via Signum University is currently “on the launchpad” for potential launch in the autumn of 2025. Here is the official description: “Shirley Jackson is rightly celebrated as a master of Gothic storytelling thanks to her most well-known novels such as The Haunting of Hill House (1959) and We Have Always Lived in the Castle (1962). In recent years, however, her earlier novel Hangsaman (1951) has received new attention and critical appreciation from fans and scholars alike.

"Far ahead of its time when it was published, Jackson’s deeply personal Hangsaman is many things: a psychological study of a young woman’s coming of age; a haunting Gothic mystery; a pointed critique of gender roles, family dynamics, and higher education; a meditation on trauma and mental illness; and an ancestor of today’s dark academia storytelling. Shirley Jackson drew inspiration from a variety of sources to craft this remarkable campus novel, from folk ballads and the Tarot, myth and ritual, to a real college campus and an unsolved New England cold case of a missing sophomore student.

"In this module, we will unpack this gem of a Gothic story, following freshman Natalie Waite as she searches for her “essential self” and discussing why Hangsaman feels freshly relevant and important to many readers today.” Here is more information on the Hangsaman module. To help launch this module, please go here, log in, and put this module on your launchpad short-list. Thanks!
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eldritchhobbit

eldritchhobbit

 

Will you join me in Panem?

My “The Hunger Games” module with SPACE (Signum Portals for Adult Continuing Education) online via Signum University is currently a candidate for September 2025. This is a proposed first module of five, one for each of the five Hunger Games novels by Suzanne Collins. Each week will include one recorded lecture and one live discussion section. Voting runs through August 1. I hope you will join us as we explore the lessons we may learn from Panem. May the odds be ever in our favor! More information is here.
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eldritchhobbit

eldritchhobbit

 

Join me in June 2025!

June is almost here! Next month I will be offering my month-long “Meet The Last Man” module with SPACE (Signum Portals for Adult Continuing Education) online via Signum University. Mary Shelley’s novel is one of the most relevant books we can read right now, and I can’t wait to discuss it with students! Watch the teaser here: More information is available here. ALT
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eldritchhobbit

eldritchhobbit

 

“In particular, the researchers focused on a concept called ‘identification with all humanity.’ This…

Science fiction may help foster a sense of global solidarity by evoking awe, study finds “In particular, the researchers focused on a concept called ‘identification with all humanity.’ This refers to how much individuals feel connected to all people, regardless of nationality, race, or background. It reflects a broad, inclusive identity that supports concern for others around the globe. Previous studies have linked this identification to prosocial behaviors such as donating to international causes, supporting refugees, and caring about the environment. The authors theorized that science fiction, with its imaginative worlds and frequent focus on humanity’s shared future, might encourage people to adopt this global perspective.”
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eldritchhobbit

eldritchhobbit

 

The Dystopian Tradition

My graduate course on the Dystopian Tradition will be offered again this summer online at Signum University if there’s sufficient interest. I hope the class will make, because it seems more relevant than ever. ALT The Dystopian Tradition - Signum University
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eldritchhobbit

eldritchhobbit

 

Meet The Last Man!

I’m delighted to say that it’s back! My month-long “Meet The Last Man” module with SPACE (Signum Portals for Adult Continuing Education) online via Signum University is currently up for candidacy for June 2025. Voting is open through May 1. Those who sign up will have a voice in the scheduling of the live discussion sessions. Mary Shelley’s novel The Last Man is one of the most relevant books we can read right now, and I’m really looking forward to exploring it with students! Here is more information.
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eldritchhobbit

eldritchhobbit

 

Lupercalia 2025 breakdown

Might take a couple days to get through this!  There are lots of "maybes" this time.  Posting here because I want to come back and edit, probably multiple times.   Box of Chocolates 2025 
Choco-Goblin Perfume Oil        Coconut covered chocolate lumps, gnarly patchouli, and sweet benzoin. Pass - not usually a big chocolate fan (in my perfume), but I am interested in the white chocolate ones.  (Sometimes there are exceptions though).  I like Goblin but this combination doesn't sound great to me.
Choco-TKO Perfume Oil A soporific dessert: Hidcote lavender, golden hops, and vanilla bean dusted with cacao. Pass - have enough TKO in various forms.
Chocubus Perfume Oil  Frozen white chocolate and the heart-stopping chill of sheared mint, fanned by caramel-touched body heat, and the diabolical sensuality of black musk, nicotiana, and sage. Interested, decant?  I tried Incubus a long time ago and it's fine but I never wear it (I think it gave me nightmares or something), but this combination of notes has potential. 
Horreur Choco-Tique Perfume Oil   Dark chocolate, ruby cocoa, blood musk, golden honey, thick black wine, champagne grapes, tobacco flower, plum blossom, tonka bean, oakmoss, carnation, benzoin, opoponax, and sugar cane. Pass - mainly due to honey, we don't get along.  Although looking at this I wonder if it smells anything like Temple Viper?  It's a stretch but TV gives me grape + incense vibes, and they do share the sugar cane note.
Sea Foams Chocolate Perfume Oil  White chocolate froth and marshmallow fluff cresting on an ocean wave. Don’t drink it! Interested!  I really liked Supposed To Be A Pretzel, I know this isn't the same but still my mind is connecting them for some reason.  Decant.
The Dark Chocolate Rider Perfume Oil    Dark chocolate, leather, sweet myrrh, tobacco absolute, and black amber.
The Ruby Chocolate Rider Perfume Oil     Ruby chocolate, red leather, red musk, red berries, red mosses, balsam, and passion flower cordial.
The White Chocolate Rider Perfume Oil    White chocolate, frothed milk, sandalwood, and leather. Don't need any of the Riders, tried them when they first came out and they weren't for me.
White Chocolate Rabbit Perfume Oil     White chocolate filled with black tea and cream, splooged with white pepper, ginger, honey and vanilla. Interested, I like gc White Rabbit and also the snow one, and I'd like to try this one too.  Decant.   Girth of Venus Cake for Breakfast Perfume Oil         Peach silk, cherry fizz, pain au chocolat, and a cup of generously creamed black tea. Pass but it was close.
Erotes’ Valentine Perfume Oil     Pink buttercream roses, wingbeats of pearly suede, and whorls of dark musk. Pass - for now
Mars and Venus Perfume Oil     A stolen moment preserved for eternity in a gleaming amber jewel, entombed in malachite swirls of oakmoss and velvet. Pass, pretty confident on this one.
The Crimson Perfume Oil     Burnished rosewood, clove cigarette smoke, oozing apple slices, and plum cashmere cushions fouled with trickles of labdanum. Pass on this one. 
The Pearl Perfume Oil     A salt-encrusted cocoon overflowing with almond blossoms, sweet patchouli, and dried peony petals whipped into orris butter. I feel like I have more than one thing like this already but not sure.  Pass for now.    Lupercalia 2025
Amoretti LXXV Perfume Oil         A great and golden love: immortal, undying, infinite. A love brightly burned into the stone of eternity: golden amber and scarlet musk, black vanilla absolute, red apple, Siamese benzoin, and sweet fig. Pass, mostly because of apple, it tends to take over the whole scent on my skin and ends up smelling like shampoo.
Like the Very Gods Perfume Oil     Shuddering, sweat-warmed skin gleaming with sheer musk, honeyed olive blossoms, vanilla cedar, white sandalwood, and orris butter. Pass for sure because of the honeyed part, I know it would dominate on me.
Luperci Perfume Oil    This scent is for the Luperci, the Chosen of Faunus, the Brothers of the Wolf: raw, down and dirty patchouli, Gurjam balsam, and essence of Sampson Root sweetened with the heightened sexuality of beeswax, virile juniper, oakmoss, ambrette seed over honey and East African musk. Pass, tried before and didn't work for me.
Penetralia Perfume Oil    That heavenly spot where creamy, angel-pink hibiscus petals meet the pale, juicy-green pistil. Pass, for now but could change my mind.  I don't really know what hibiscus smells like.
Pink Fuzzy Handcuffs Perfume Oil     It’s not quite as fun when you lose the key. Pink cotton candy, candied rose, and vanilla sugar. Pass, pretty confidently.  I like some sweet scents but this sounds VERY sweet. 
Red Lantern Perfume Oil     A tribute to the opium den cum bawdyhouses of Shanghai in the 1930’s. Golden amber, blonde tobacco, Sudanese black coconut, rich caramel, black currant, white opium and delphinium laced with a sensual blend of Asian spice. I will pass for now. I think I tried this before and didn't get alomg with it.
Rose Milk Tea Perfume Oil     An impossibly sweet concoction of green tea and frothed almond milk poured over fresh rose petals and glistening tapioca pearls. Had to really think about it but I'm going to pass for now.  I'm not really in the mood for rose right now.   Smut Perfume Oil     We are the smuttiest. Three swaggering, smutty musks sweetened with sugar and woozy with dark booze notes. Like it, but my 1 bottle is enough.
Snake Skin Perfume Oil     A sinuous leather variant of BPALs Snake Oil. Have it and don't need more.
The Elephant is Slow to Mate Perfume Oil     A rolling, unhurried, volcanic passion sustained by a love that is slow, shy, patient, and wise – and expressed through a scent as warm, languorous, luxuriant, and comforting as a cloak of heavy, soft red velvet: deep burgundy musk, red labdanum, smoked rose petals, opoponax, 17-year aged patchouli, blackened vanilla bean, dried black cherries, blackberries, and tobacco absolute. Have it and don't need more, although I should try it again, it has been a while. 
The Serpent in the Carnations Perfume Oil     Snake Oil-soaked carnation petals, spiked with a dash of clove and allspice. I have a bottle and don't need more, even if it's different this year (not sure if it is).
The Serpent in the Lilacs Perfume Oil   Spring’s first lilac branches dunked in 3-year aged Snake Oil. I really just feel like I have enough SO variants. 
The Serpent in the Opium Poppies Perfume Oil    Snake Oil, opium tar, indigo poppy petals, plum cognac, and a dribble of laudanum. Pass but the hype is testing me. 
The Serpent in the Roses Perfume Oil     Snake Oil dribbling across a cluster of amber-flecked, blackened rose petals. Already have it and don't need more.
White Flowers, Red Ink, Black Paper Perfume Oil     If this year’s Lupercalia fragrance collection was a book, it would be printed in blood-red ink rolled across the soft, stubborn bodies of dream-pale flowers, and stamped onto heavy black paper. We’d pass it around before the letters had a chance to dry, staining fingers with the turn of every page, marking the curious as aspiring erotes, as fellow Lupercalians. The sanguine contents of this text were made to be devoured by the eyes, the skin, the heart, and then the story continued by its readers, passed along to others. Pass on this one, not really calling to me.  I'm not big on ink and paper scents, from my experience.
Womb Furie Perfume Oil  An itch that needs to be scratched: Snake Oil and three types of honey. No thank you!   On Lovers' Lips Coquette Red Perfume Oil         A flirty strawberry-tinged rose lipstick.
Dominatrix Red Perfume Oil     Latex, leather, and blood-red lipstick.
Egyptian Red Perfume Oil     Cleopatra’s vibrant carmine suffused with myrrh, blue lotus absolute, cinnamon bark, elemi resin, and cassia.
Elizabethan Red Perfume Oil     Orange blossom water, fig milk, clove bud, madder root, and gum arabic smeared on an ambergris-dabbed white leather glove.
Jiroft Red Perfume Oil     Ground hematite and manganite pounded into vegetable waxes and scented with dates, narcissus, rosewater, and oud.
Vixen Red Perfume Oil     Confidence, sensuality, glamour. Ripe black cherries, velvety red rose, and a flirtatious sparkle of pink pepper glide seamlessly through iris-touched vanilla bean wax. Don't need any of these - they just don't sound that appealing to me but I would sniff if any of them came my way (I guess that's true for just about any scent).   Raunchy Hearts 2025 Aces Wild Perfume Oil         A big, wet blue raspberry blown to the idea that asexual people never get off, don’t enjoy relationships, or are generally anti-sex.
Cuck Me Perfume Oil     A sticky-sweet love letter to the stranger (coworker? lifelong friend?) who’s been sleeping in your bed: candy cigarettes and root beer barrels.
Don’t Peek Perfume Oil     Lychee tears soaking through a blindfold of opium tar.
Findom Perfume Oil     An arrangement in which eros is expressed via liquid assets and cold, hard cash: shiny butterscotch and pale green vanilla mint.
U Tried Wild Perfume Oil     You sure did! Here’s your participation award: a bright, sweet lemon candy lightly dusted with sugar to soothe the sting of rejection.
UNF Perfume Oil    Hot, heavy slaps of dragon fruit punctuated with pink pepper whimpers and a grunt of patchouli.
Yelp Perfume Oil     Make some noise if it feels good! Make some noise if it feels bad! A paper pouch of popping peach and sour cherry candy Don't need any of these.  I can't afford to try a whole lot so I'm kind of glad when I can pass on a whole section.  Happy for those who are getting them, though. Edit: Ok I might want to try the lemon candy one.   The Seven Veils The Fifth Veil Perfume Oil         Putrefaction, the veil of decay. A yellowing shroud of raw-edged Muga silk, banana-spotted with chunks of fermented fig and exuding rich, earthy puffs of mushroom dust. Pass for sure
The First Veil Perfume Oil     Calcination, the black veil. A densely-ruffled carapace of peppered ambergris, sandalwood smoke, and charred silk Doesn't sound like something I would like.
The Fourth Veil Perfume Oil     Conjunction, the veil of reunion. Ripples of sage-green silk covered in a mossy velvet-burnout pattern of wildflowers and slithering ivy. Probably pass, but there is some potential here.  On the fence about this one.
The Second Veil Perfume Oil     Dissolution, the flowing veil. A crystal-sequined torrent of lilac-wine organza soiled with trampled grapeskins, cinnabar smudges, and smears of liquid myrrh. Undecided - probably pass but I weirdly want to try it.
The Seventh Veil Perfume Oil     Coagulation, the veil that lays bare. Bare skin visible through a glittering web of blood-red garnet beads strung on threads spun from filaments of pure gold. I'd like to smell this just out of curiosity but overall I think I can skip it for now. 
The Sixth Veil Perfume Oil     Distillation, the veil of steam. Condensation gathering in clouds of tulle, white tea, aqua vitae, rosemary liqueur, and bourbon vanilla. Same as above except I might actually look for a decant of this one. 
The Third Veil Perfume Oil     Separation, the veil of distinction. A tumble of pearly pale-blue chiffon shot through with slashes of white ginger and lined with ivory satin rosettes. Not sure, this is another wild card, maybe a decant?   Shungas 2025 A Cluster of Red Chrysanthemums Perfume Oil         Red chrysanthemum petals, guava pulp, crimson-tipped peonies, and sandalwood incense. Ok now we're talking.  I can't help but think of Chrysanthemum Moon but "sandalwood incense" could turn on me.  Probably a decant. 
A Pause in One’s Studies Perfume Oil     Luminous amber, white tea, sweet heliotrope, golden lotus petals, toasted almond blossom cream, and a smear of ink. Sounds nice but I have to be selective and this doesn't stand out a lot.  I will watch reviews though.  Maybe decant down the road.
A Record Book of Ships Entering the Harbor Perfume Oil    Vanilla sandalwood and vanilla cream with a hint of tobacco absolute and blackcurrant bud. Sounds nice but again, does this stand out? I feel like I've smelled lots of things with these notes already.  Possible decant. 
Affair Between an Amorous Doctor and a Wanton Married Woman Perfume Oil     Gurjum balsam, lemon peel, ginger root, and clove. Sounds a little too zingy for what I've been in the mood for lately.  But I do love a good lemony scent.... have to think some more on this one
An Intriguing Observation Perfume Oil     Pomegranate milk, scarlet musk, red sandalwood, frankincense, and white almond. Passing for now, I feel like I have plenty of red musk scents and it can sometimes take over. 
Aroused Demon Perfume Oil     Red and black vegetal musks, pink peppercorn, lychee, wild plum, green tea, oakmoss, and matcha Not a combo I'm really interested in right now.   Battledore and Shuttlecock Perfume Oil     Calla lilies, green tea, peony milk, and blue lilac. Now this is something I want to try and actually have a bottle in my cart at the moment!  (Edit: I got a decant to try first)
Cascade of Tissues Perfume Oil     Marshmallow cream, red silk musk, pomegranate juice, and red currant. Interested in the marshmallow cream but not the red musk.  Possible decant. 
Celestial Beings Making Love Above the Sea Perfume Oil     Eucalyptus blossom, salty foam, ambergris accord, blue spruce, white mint, lotus root, and blue musk. Sounds nice but I'm passing for now.  I like aquatics but there are a couple iffy notes here.
Contest of Flowers: Iris Perfume Oil     Iris, peony, and carnation petals soaked in strawberry cream and lotus milk. Has potential but I need to be strict and this doesn't quite make the cut. 
Convivial Vulva Perfume Oil     Cherry blossom cream, blush marshmallow, white amber, and wild pink strawberries.  This has potential but I'm skipping it for now.
Couple Engaged in Intimate Acts as the Man Pours Tea Perfume Oil     Jasmine tea, yuzu rice, and smoked vanilla. Decant - potential, but I also feel I have some other scents like this. 
Discarded Weapons Perfume Oil    Toasted rice, almond cream, champaca resin, fig, and roasted coconut meat. Again this has potential but I'm skipping for now.  It sounds similar to some other things I have.  I am interested in the rice note though.  Possible decant at some point.
Enthusiastic Recreation Perfume Oil     Vanilla-soaked sugared pear, frankincense, osmanthus blossoms, and hazelnut. This is a wild card and I can't decide.
Festival Acrobatics Perfume Oil     Akebia, guava pulp, pink sandalwood, melon, green bergamot, Florentine iris, and sandalwood. Undecided, potential decant?
Gongsun Sheng Uses Magic to Cause Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Perfume Oil     Ebony musk shot through with scarlet, tobacco absolute, a crack of ozone, and sandalwood-dusted rosy skin musk. Not quite what I'm looking for at the moment.
Great Pleasures for Women and Their Treasure Boxes Perfume Oil     Amber incense, guava cream, almond milk, and sandalwood. Pass for now, not calling out to me.
Hazy Moon Cats Perfume Oil     Sandalwood incense, dusky violet petals, mauve orris root, sweet labdanum, jasmine sambac, frankincense, and ti leaf. Not totally sure but probably pass for now.  Orris can sometimes come across like baby oil on me, and it's not a deal breaker but sometimes it stomps on the other notes.   In the Hallway of a Brothel Perfume Oil     Lemon cream, incense smoke, and candle wax. I usually pass on waxy scents.  I love the sound of lemon cream, though.   Intimate Experiments During Household Activities Perfume Oil    Mango cream, black cherry cordial, blackcurrant, and neroli. I'm wary of mango cream because I think it went wrong on me in the past.  And cherry notes can be very sweet and strong.
Jealousy, Fingering, Masturbation Perfume Oil    Green tea with mint cream, jasmine petals, lotus root, and sugared violets. This is very much the kind of thing I'm interested in right now - except the jasmine, it could take over.  Maybe just a decant for now?
Lesbian Maidservants Cavorting with a Tortoiseshell Dildo Perfume Oil   Polished amber and honeyed teak draped in red silk brocade and soft mosses. Not calling to me at the moment 
Lingering Plum Scent in the Sleeping Chamber Perfume Oil     Ume blossom and ripe black plums, clove incense, mogra, and a gentle mist of lavender and white honey. I was somewhat interested until we got to white honey, not for me.
Lu Zhishen Pulls the Weeping Willow Upside Down Perfume Oil     Willow boughs tangled with strawflower, patchouli root, cypress, clary sage, vetiver, ho wood, and golden musk. Undecided, pass for now.
Michiyuki Koi No Futozao Perfume Oil    Brandy-soaked pears, plum incense, and honeyed amber. Pass, not my thing.  But I wish for a plum incense single note!
Onnagata Making Love at a Tea House as Mane’emon Watches While Holding a Kite Perfume Oil     Orange blossom caramel, yellow tobacco flower, and sugared patchouli. Hmmm....I'm wary of the caramel, but otherwise really interested I think.  Decant probably.
Playful Abalone Divers Perfume Oil  Lotus petals, jasmine sambac, orris root, coconut, clove, and honey. Probably pass, mostly because of honey.
Plume of Incense Perfume Oil     Tendrils of sandalwood, agarwood, and cypress incense, moss silk, calla lilies, and yellow amber. There was a time I would have jumped on this but now I feel like I have lots of incense scents already.  Might possibly want a decant but maybe pass?
Radiant Entanglement Perfume Oil     Dragonfruit, honeyed hibiscus, fuchsia orchid, and white tea. I'm just not sure, but it has potential.  Possible decant.  It sure sounds pretty and joyful..something I need right now!
Rapturous Spouses and Curious Cat Perfume Oil     Lemon blossom, neroli, white honey, Himalayan cedar, ylang ylang, white frankincense, and a fuzzy purr of musky amber. Probably pass because of white honey.
Scarlet Blossoms Perfume Oil    Beeswax, white tea, amber-warmed skin musk, cherry juice, wild plum, and a cascade of cherry and plum blossoms dipped in silky red musk. Several notes here can go wrong.  Safe pass for me.
The First Tea Ceremony of the Year Perfume Oil    Matcha tea and nerikiri. I think I just am not crazy about matcha in my perfume.  I already have the matcha cheesecake Beaver Moon and that is enough for me.
The Fox Spirit’s Jest Perfume Oil    Russet musk, red silk, rose chypre, wildflower honey, and patchouli root. Definitely a safe pass for me, too much red and I don't like honey notes for the most part.   Shunga HG 2025
Annual Events of the Vagina Hair Gloss         Pine needle, crushed grass, jasmine absolute, and juniper.
Chart of the Muscles of the Hand Hair Gloss     Toasted almond cream, white musk, and hazelnut sandalwood.
Diver Combing her Hair Hair Gloss     Salt-dusted lilac and lavender petals splashed by sea water.
Glowing Vulva at Ryogoku Bridge Hair Gloss   Cream accord, amber, teak, and lotus blossom.
The Harbor of Love on the Island of Women Hair Gloss     White tea, cherry rose petals, marshmallow, frothed cream, and amber.   Diver Combing is the only one I'm mildly interested in but I don't need any more Hair gloss.

forspecial_plate

forspecial_plate

 

2024 Wrap-Up: Talks

Some of the university and conference talks I gave this year are now online.
Why You Should Read The Last Man by Mary Shelley
Why You Should Read Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
“A Fortnight in the Wilderness” with Alexis de Tocqueville
“Missing Students & Their Fictional Afterlives: True Crime, Crime Fiction, and Dark Academia" (presented at the Popular Culture Research Network’s “Guilty Pleasures: Examining Crime in Popular Culture” conference). View this presentation here.
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eldritchhobbit

eldritchhobbit

 

2024 Wrap-Up: Podcasts

2024 Wrap-Up: Podcasts Thank you to all of the podcasts that invited me on this year! My “Looking Back on Genre History” science fiction segment ran each month on StarShipSofa. I talked to Potterversity about my book chapter “Dark Arts and Secret Histories: Investigating Dark Academia”; to Trash Compactor and New Books Network about my book Star Wars: Essays Exploring a Galaxy Far, Far Away; and to New Books Network about my book Star Trek: Essays Exploring the Final Frontier. I also talked about Alexis de Tocqueville with the Vital Remnants podcast and Mary Shelley (twice, once about The Last Man and once about Frankenstein) with The McConnell Center podcast. Links to all of these podcast episodes are here.
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eldritchhobbit

eldritchhobbit

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