FibreJunky

I am a culinary student on hiatus, working part time for Annapolis Biscotti and (insert huge sigh of relief) again working for DeLoache Chocolate, which has reopened, giving me much more responsibility, a promotion of sorts and a raise. I truly love what I do, even though it can be exhausting.

I have two teenaged boys (16 & almost 18 (July 9!)) and three daughters, ages 14, 11 and 9. I am usually busier than I like to be and it takes time from my handwork, but, not counting school, what I do get to do is still creative so I can't really complain. I'll be glad when I finally graduate, though.

I don't particularly like muddy colours such as pea-soup green or ochre. I'm much more fond of pinks, purples, jewel tones, natural colours and springy pastels (as opposed to baby pastels, if that makes any sense.)

I love dark chocolate. I think that white chocolate is, generally speaking, an abomination. For other sweets, I like jelly bellies, necco wafers, black licorice, red hots (just about anything cinnamon flavoured), and have a serious thing for wintergreen lifesavers. Oh, I almost forgot. I adore marzipan and maple sugar candy. Real maple anything, for that matter. I cannot digest sucralose, aka Splenda. I have no other food allergies or sensitivities.

I drink a fair amount of tea. I like almost every kind I've tried, except chamomile, which makes my nose itch. I like loose tea when I can get it, as I don't feel like I'm wasting any if I make smaller cups.

I collect tea cup themed items (note pads, stamps, etc). I like some things with ladybugs, but I've discovered that I'm kind of picky about them. Oh, and sheep! Being a spinner, it's sort of a requisite thing. Besides, they're cute.

I'm addicted to Red Bull and to Starbucks. Unfortunately, my favourite drink there is seasonal - the maple macchiato. I have to make do with caramel macchiatos until winter.

My cat, Aslan, is guarding over my loom. I should have him back in September. I also have an angora bunny named Hasenpfeffer.

I have a weird nickel allergy, so can't wear most costume jewelry, particularly for piercings. I have 2 tattoos and want another.

I'm a big geek and play Magic: the Gathering, not only with my kids, but occasionally at official events. Yes, I do collect the cards. I've also taken up Pirates, which is a constructible strategy game.

I like a very eclectic mix of music. I used to say everything but country and rap. Well, a couple years ago, my mother got me hooked on CMT. Darn her! I still don't really care for rap or hip hop, mostly, but there are exceptions.
My all time favourites would probably be the Monkees, Pink Floyd, the Eagles, Supertramp, Dream Theater, Nickel Creek, REM and the Chieftains. I love classic rock and 80s hair bands.

The Sound of Music, The Princess Bride. If I'm in a rotten mood 'Liar, Liar' or 'My Cousin Vinny' are practically guaranteed to make me laugh. Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Cold Mountain was marvelous and will turn me into a sobbing mass of goo.
I'm a complete sucker for Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers flicks and for musicals in general.

Grey's Anatomy, Heroes, House, Iron Chef, Charmed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Good Eats, Ace of Cakes, Miami Ink, Hell's Kitchen, Top Chef, the old Match Game, Two & a Half Men, Bones

Most of my "craft" time is spent spinning or knitting. I am also a weaver, though my floor loom is currently living in TX. My great-grandmother taught me how to hand quilt. I love all forms of needlework, from cross stitch and needlepoint to smocking.

I also like kumihimo, bobbin lace and tatting. I collect wooden lace bobbins when I can. My pillow went into semi-retirement while the children were smaller, but it's ready to come back out - as soon as I have room to put it up again. I'm still upset about a piece that was on the pillow which was damaged when we moved. Never trust military movers with lace bobbins. It's a bad idea. Even if you're chasing around a toddler, find a way to pack it yourself and make sure they pack nothing heavy on top! They broke 2 of my bone bobbins, not to mention many of the threads on the work in progress.

My favourite things to knit are lace and socks. I very much prefer to use natural fibres. I love bamboo needles. I can't knit with straight needles longer than 8" due to a shoulder problem, so I use either circulars or double points for everything. Occasionally I'll use dpns as if they were straight needles for something like a thin scarf.

I've been scrapbooking on and off since my 13yo was a baby. I am just beginning to branch out into ATCs. If you get one of mine, please be gentle. Constructive criticism always accepted.

I love to read. I am one of those people who will read the back of the cereal box if there is nothing else available. Seriously.

That said, I have favourite authors more than favourite books. I adore Piers Anthony. He's been at the top of my list since I first read a few pages of Nightmare when I was 12. A friend was reading it and laughing. She had me read it. It took me until the following summer to get a copy of my own, but I did and I still own that same copy. I've probably read it a dozen times. At least! Piers signed it for me in 1986.

I will read anything written by Harlan Ellison. That man is a genius. Perhaps a tad misanthropic at times, definitely opinionated and argumentative, but a genius nonetheless. If you've read nothing by him, go. Now. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Just do it. Oh gods, now I sound like a Nike commercial.

Katherine Kurtz is definitely up there. I've read everything of hers that I could get my hands on. Same with Mercedes Lackey. I haven't quite gotten to the last few of either of theirs, but I have them, and will get a round tuit soon. I hope!

In addition to SF&F, I like to read mystery novels. I like the serial type, such as the culinary mysteries by Diane Mott Davidson, as well as the more intense ones.

I admit to reading cheesy romance novels on occasion as well. Those are like potato chips. There isn't a bit of redeeming value, but they're definitely quick and fun.