Ferula's Fen

Best. Kit. EVER. Srsly!

2008-12-03T15:24:00.001-08:00

Elladora Madley is THE best spoiler of all time. All the way from China, I got the coolest package ever. I think the pics speak for themselves!

How cute is this?

So many goodies - lots of fun HP stuff, some pens/paper, and 5 (!) sets of needles!

This big hank below is Fleece Artist Merino in the "Fawkes" colorway:

The cushiest, most lovely wrap in house colors for the next big school event:

Little packages o' goodness:

More "Fawkes" - I'm in lurve:

The hank on the right is Araucania in the "Multy" colorway:

House Socks! Louet Gems in the "Burgundy" and "Mustard" colorways:

Elladora, you rock! I have no words to tell you how great you've made this swap for me! I am so bummed I'm too late for "best kit" submission because you'd surely win. (And shouldn't you get extra time for something coming from China?!)

Thanks so much - I love each and every little piece of it!

Flying Pickles?

2008-11-21T11:09:00.000-08:00

Why, yes! My owl, Pickles, is winging his way to the UK (lucky bird) with a special package for Arae! I do hope he makes it okay. Arae, his favorite thing in the world is peanut butter, so if you wouldn't mind putting some on a cracker for him when he arrives, I know he's be most grateful!

Also, I wanted to show you what else I've been working on (besides Arae's kit!):
Jaywalker Socks
Yarn: excellent Hufflepuff yarn from Ellie at crazy4dyeing.etsy.com that my spoiler, Elladora, sent as an early gift!
Needles: a sad, sad story...I was using lovely Sox Stix from Lantern Moon that I received in HSKS4, but alas - I snapped one right in half on the plane ride home from California last weekend so now I'm using half Sox Stix and half random size 1's from my stash.

Lovely yarn and I love this pattern - it's so not-fussy and relaxing!

Quidditch! Hope I make the deadline...

2008-11-16T05:28:00.000-08:00

It's 5:28AM and I'm at the Sacramento Airport - I seriously hope my post counts toward Quidditch this weekend! Sorry I won't be able to search for the Snitch, but I know my fellow Gryfs will come up victorious!! Here's my Quidditch Quiz - ROAR ROAR GRYFFINDOR!!!

1. Who was Tom Riddle Sr.'s girlfriend before Merope gave him the love potion?
a. Eleanor
b. Cecilia
c. Sally
d. Mandy

2. What does Luna say floated into Harry's ear when he was in the train car that supposedly caused him to lose focus?
a. Demiguise
b. Jobberknoll
c. Wrackspurt
d. Runespoor

3. How much do the primary Apparition lessons cost?
a. 10 galleons
b. 8 galleons
c. 15 galleons
d. 12 galleons

4. What is Professor Merrythought's first name?
a. Eileen
b. Galatea
c. Carol
d. Jocelyn

5. What Hogwarts club was Eileen Prince captain of?
a. Charms Club
b. Gobstones Club
c. The Slug Club
d. Occlumency Club

6. Who is head of the Goblin Liaison office?
a. Ambrosius Flume
b. Dirk Cresswell
c. Ciceron Harkiss
d. Barnabas Cuffe

7. Mrs. Weasley offers Fleur a goblin-made tiara for the wedding with Bill. What family member is currently in possession of the tiara?
a. Aunt Muriel
b. Aunt Ethel
c. Aunt Edna
d. Aunt Thelma

8. How many points does Snape take from Gryffindor for Harry's late arrival and muggle attire?
a. 30
b. 70
c. 50
d. 90

9. When Profressory Slughorn first meets Hermione, he asks her whether she is related to Hector Dagworth-Granger. What society did Dgworth-Granger found?
a. The Most Extraordinary Society of Charms
b. The Most Extraordinary Society of Herbology
c. The Most Extraordinary Society of the Defense Against the Dark Arts
d. The Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers

10. Which of these describes Golpalott's Third Law?
a. The antidote for blended poison will be equal to less than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separate components
b. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to less than the product of the antidotes for each of the separate compenents
c. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the product of the antidotes for each of the separate compenents
d. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separtea components

Saturday night...

2008-11-08T20:49:00.000-08:00

...and squeaking in with a last-minute post! I made great progress this weekend on my swappee's project and am so looking forward to putting her kit together. Pickles, my owl, should be winging his way across the Atlantic soon...but first, I have a muggle business trip to LA that I'm leaving for in the morning. So, no fun and interesting antics from the weekend at Hogwarts, because most of it was spent cleaning, doing laundry and packing.

Back next Sunday - everyone have a great week!

Better late than never...

2008-11-03T17:29:00.000-08:00

So, had a nutty, nutty weekend and just realized I forgot to do my homework! How awful!! Anyway, here it is, better late than never...

1. Favorite magical creature: I think centaurs are awesome. Mighty and proud, and so, so smart.

2. Favorite charm, spell or curse: Accio! Because who wants to get up from their cozy spot when they've dropped a knitting needle and it rolls under the couch?

3. Favorite holiday tradition: We do the Italian "Feast of the Seven Fishes" on Christmas Eve. I don't even eat half of them but the family gets all worked up for it, so it's a lot of fun.

4. Favorite fiber-based FO: I am still absolutely in love with the very first Baby Surprise Jacket that I ever made, you can see it in my Projects on Ravelry (I'm 'redheadknits'). I used two strands of sock yarn held together and it just gave it the coolest, textured look for my little buddy, Elliott. He looks adorable in it! I have another that needs starting ASAP for my new little homegirl, Evelyn, and I better get going - she was born last Wednesday!

New HBP trailer!

2008-10-28T07:08:00.001-07:00

A friend sent me this - love the ending!

http://www.cinemablend.com/new.php?id=10661

Gryf Homework

2008-10-24T07:21:00.000-07:00

A cypher! I love these things - used to do them in the paper every weekend. Here's the answer:

"Dumbledore says people find it far easier to forgive others for being wrong than for being right."
Hermione Granger

Bonus #1: Bill Weasley (after being bitten by Fenrir Grayback)
Bonus #2: Well, Slughorn had the antidote to the love potion and gave it to Ron, but then, he accidently poisoned him again, so Harry had to use the bezoar.

Have a great weekend, fellow Gryfs! I'll be working on my swappee's kit! ROAR!

Quidditch, Round 2!

2008-10-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

1. What animal does the portrait in the Muggle Prime Minster’s office resemble?
a. Rat
b. Frog
c. Cat
d. Lion
2. What drink does Romilda Vane try to give Harry?
a. Gillywater
b. Butterbeer
c. Pumpkin Juice
d. Elf-Made Wine
3. What is the name of the person who heads the Holyhead Harpies?
a. Gwenog Smith
b. Gwenog Jones
c. Glen Jones
d. Glen Smith
4. How many ‘Exceeds Expectation’ grades does Harry receive in his O.W.L’s?
a. 6
b. 3
c. 5
d. 4
5. What is Professor Sughorn’s favorite candy?
a. Cockroach Clusters
b. Sherbet Lemon
c. Acid Pops
d. Crystallized Pineapple
6. What tattoo is Harry reported to have on his chest?
a. Mermaid
b. Blast Ended Skrewt
c. Hippogriff
d. Unicorn
7. What color robes do the staff at the Weasley’s shop wear?
a. Buttercup
b. Magenta
c. Royal Blue
d. Aqua
8. What is the man outside Flourish and Blotts selling?
a. Amulets
b. Cloaks
c. Wands
d. Hats
9. How much is the skull, which Hermione enquires about at Borgin and Burkes, worth?
a. 9 Galleons
b. 18 Galleons
c. 16 Galleons
d. 12 Galleons
10. What are Professor Slughorn’s initials?
a. H.F.G.
b. H.E.F.
c. H.A.L.
d. H.K.D.

PS: Just want to say, I don't miss posting the pictures!

Homework's done!

2008-10-10T07:09:00.000-07:00

Love these homework assignments (I know, I know - I'm a dork)!!
1. Venomous tentacula
2. A patronus
3. Horace Slughorn
4. An acromantula
5. Katie Bell
6. Horcruxes
7. Draught of the living death = wormwood, asphodel, valerian roots, and one sopophorus bean, crushed with the flat side of a silver dagger.
8. Wiggenweld

BONUS: Who is RAB? Regulus A. Black, Sirius' brother and an infamous Deatheater.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Holy cow...lucky me!

2008-10-09T05:39:00.001-07:00

I won! I won the first Gryf quiz of the term! Am I a lucky little witch, or what?! I came back after zooming around the country (Colorado, Nebraska, Illinois) on my broom to take care of some muggle business to find out I won!! YAY!

House Quiz! and a few pics of a great gift!!

2008-09-30T14:11:00.000-07:00

Gryffindor House Quiz #1!

What yarn shop did Henry Longstaff shop at for yarn? Mrs. Mac’s
Who is the HSKS6 SPEW coordinator? Clidonia Acromantula
Which Gryff student just returned from London? Lady Felula The Forgetful (lucky!)
Which Gryffindor has cats named after the muggle rock band, The Ramones? Dagmara Grindelwald
What is your favorite childhood television program (Magic or Muggle)? The Dukes of Hazard (yep, I'm a cheeseball, I learned it at a young age!)
What is your favorite adult television program (Magic or Muggle)? 24, The Office, and Lost
Which travel destination did you last visit? Just got back from Naples, FL.
What was your last finished object (FO)? Green Dream Swatch headwrap
How many project(s) planned for holiday gifts? None, really - I just see what's on the needles and what I think would be good for a gift. And maybe a hat for my husband.
Who is the mother of Half Blood Prince? Elieen Prince
Which Weasley became engaged in Book 6 (Half Blood Prince)? Bill
What is the result of a Sectumsempra curse? It cuts the target of the curse.
Who used a Bezoar to reverse poisoning? Harry used it on Ron.

Also, I wanted to share some pics of the awesome pre-package presents my wonderful spoiler, Elladora Madley, sent me - she is so great! The yellow and grey is 440 yards of Hufflepuff House Colors Slendersock from Ellie at crazy4dyeing.etsy.com and it included some lovely Snitch Wing stitch markers! And the lovely bluish-purplish-brownins-grayish yarn is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in dyelot 7386 (no color name that I can find printed on the label, sorry)

Thanks so much, Elladora! You are the best spoiler EVER!

Quidditch, Round 1!!

2008-09-25T10:02:00.000-07:00

1. At the beginning of the book, Cornelius Fudge is talking to the Muggle Prime Minister. Which member of the Order of the Phoenix has recently been found dead?
a. Hestia Jones
b. Elphais Doge
c. Emmeline Vance
d. Dedalus Diggle

2. What animal does Bellatrix Lestrange kill when she and her sister, Narcissa, are going to see Professor Snape?
a. Owl
b. Fox
c. Rabbit
d. Cat

3. What time does Professor Dumbledore collect Harry from Privet Drive?
a. Midnight
b. 11 p.m.
c. Noon
d. 11 a.m.

4. What did Professor Sluhorn transform into when he was trying to hide from Harry and Professor Dumbledore?
a. An armchair
b. A bed
c. A table
d. A wardrobe

5. What grade did Harry get for Herbology?
a. E – Exceeds Expectation
b. P – Poor
c. O – Outstanding
d. A – Acceptable

6. Herbert Chorley, the Prime Minister's Junior Minster, has been entertaining the public by impersonating which animal?
a. A hen
b. A duck
c. A lion
d. A squirrel

7. What is Professor Sprout's first name?
a. Pimmy
b. Pomony
c. Pommy
d. Pomona

8. What is Dumbledore's idea of 'a few words'?
a. nitwit, odder, blubber rand tweak
b. nitwit, odder, bubblegum and tweak
c. nitwit, oddment, bubblegum and tweak
d. nitwit, oddment, blubber and tweak

9. Who is Marcus Belby's famous uncle?
a. Bertie
b. Damocles
c. Tiberius
d. Savage

10. What is Snape's mother's name?
a. Helana Prince
b. Eileen Prince
c. Lily Prince
d. Elizabeth Prince

Narciss a
Snape
Bellatrix
Professor Sprout
Professor Dumbledore

Back from a loooong trip...

2008-09-25T09:58:00.001-07:00

...and came back to the most delicious little surprises from my swap partner! She's so awesome! Will post pics as soon as I dig out of 8 days of emails and housework!!

Five points for Gryffindor!

2008-09-15T05:26:00.000-07:00

Potter Name: Ferula Vector
Rav ID: redheadknits
I am allergic to: nothing
Pets that I have: two cats
My favorite yarn: don't have a favorite, i love it all, esp. natural fibers
If you are a Ravenclaw, do you prefer the film colors or the book colors? not this term
My favorite flavor: coffee, chocolate, mint, and potato chip :)
My favorite holiday: thanksgiving
I would like to receive a: (Sock kit, scarf kit or yarn dyeing kit) sock kit!
List your favorite brand of needles or hooks, including size and length: love knitpicks metal DPNs
Is there a brand that you are dying to try?: not really, would love some small circs (US0-3)
I've participated in HSKS: this is my third term - i was a ravie first, and last term, a 'puff
Do you have a birthday during this swap? If so which day? i can't recall when the swap ends, so maybe - it's January 27th

A new term, a new house!

2008-09-12T06:56:00.000-07:00

Well, the sorting hat has changed its mind yet again about the house I should be in, and now it says...Gryffindor! I'm excited for the next term (and for some new colors)! ROAR, ROAR GRYFFINDOR!!

Term 3!

2008-09-09T13:40:00.001-07:00

Just signed up...hope it's as fun as last term!

Owl's away!

2008-08-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

Sure hope my swappee likes the kit I sent -- the knitted gift I made was definitely hard to part with! I'll just have to make one for myself...

This term was great, Lav is a fabulous prefect and I've made some great connections. Not to mention, I was SPOILED! Thanks to everyone who made it fun -- I'm going to have to sit out next term because of some major things going on IRL, but I'll definitely be back in the hopefully-near future!

Green Dream Swatch is done!

2008-07-23T10:20:00.001-07:00

Dream Swatch is finally done! Love the green...thanks again, Fiera!

Nice squint, I know, but it's one of those weird bright/cloudy days:

I love it - will be a great accessory for a long time!

Quidditch, Round 3!

2008-07-18T05:39:00.000-07:00

1. When Hagrid returns to Hogwarts after being sent to see the giants with Madame Maxime, Professor Umbridge questions him on his late return to school. She suspects that Hagrid had been to the mountains, but where does he tell her he has been?
d. South of France
2. Professor Umbridge comes to Hagrid's Hut and searches his cabin one evening (as she believes Harry, Ron and Hermione are there visiting him at night when they are not supposed to). When she walks past the place where Harry, Ron and Hermione are hiding under the Invisibility Cloak, Harry holds his breath. True or false?
b. False
p 386 - "Harry actually pulled in his stomach as she walked by"
3. A stately-looking witch in an emerald green shawl is one of the members of the Advance Guard who rescues Harry from Privet Drive. What is her name?
a. Emmeline Vance
4. What is the name of the witch who was killed two weeks after the photo of the original Order of the Phoenix was taken?
b. Marlene McKinnon
5. Which two fifth year Ravenclaw students does Dumbledore choose to be prefects?
d. Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil
6. Which house was Rose Zeller sorted into?
d. Hufflepuff
7. What is the color of Murtlap's essence?
c. Yellow
8. Name the Ravenclaw girl who became prefect in Harry's fifth year.
b. Padma Patil
9. According to a healer's portrait at St. Mungo's hospital, which disease was Ron suffering from?
d. Spattergroit
10. Which book did Harry give Hermione for Christmas?
a. "New Theory of Numberology"

Picture Scavenger Hunt:

Hannah:

Cedric:

Dumbledore's Army:
Padma:
Percy:

Extra 5 pts - What movie will Robert Patterson star in this December?
TWILIGHT

Check this out!

2008-07-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

I'm seriously digging this colorway that Clidonia sent me in my prize for winning House Quiz 5. She rocks! It's the "Crookshanks" colorway - how cute is that?!

And Starbucks too! Wahoo!!

Dream Swatch II: A study in green

2008-07-10T11:59:00.001-07:00

Dudes, I love green so much, I should have been a Slytherin. Check out my second attempt at a Dream Swatch head wrap in the lovely green yarn that my spoiler, Fiera, sent me:

I think you can really see the stitches clearly using this yarn.

The yarn's a little thinner, so it's a little more narrow than the black version (which I'm keeping, by the way, and I'll finish some day) but I think it will look great with my hair.

Tell me what you think in the comments!

House Quiz #6!

2008-07-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

1) What is a Chimaera?
A chimaera is a creature with a lion’s head, a goat’s body, and a dragon’s tail. They are vicious and dangerous.
2) Name 3 of the 4 breeds of Winged Horses.
Abraxan, Aethonan, Granian
3) What are Yeti afraid of?
Fire
4) How does a wizard rid a farm of a Nogtail?
Nogtails can be chased off by a pure white dog.
5) Why are Fwoopers sold with a silencing charm?
Its song will drive the listener insane.
6) Where are Erklings found?
Erklings are native to Germany.
7) Name the only spell known to repel a Lethifold.(Bonus if you can name the wizard who survived a Lethifold attack)
The Patronus Charm is the only known defense against a Lethifold. This was discovered by Flavius Belby, the only known survivor of a Lethifold attack.

Dream Swatch Knitalong

2008-07-06T06:40:00.000-07:00

And we're off! I started mine, but I'm not sure I'm in love with the yarn I chose - let me know what you think in the comments!
Materials:
Yarn: Reynolds Soft Sea Wool in Black.
Needles: US6

The yarn is lovely to work with, but doesn't really highlight the cool long stitches. What do you think?

Hufflepuff KAL

2008-07-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

So, I was chatting with Lav this afternoon and she mentioned there was a knitalong happening that I'd somehow missed while on the road - and it turns out it's for a pattern I looked at long ago and have been dying to try!! It starts tomorrow, so guess I'll be stash-diving tonight!! Check out the details here. Look for pics soon!

DUDES, I WON!

2008-07-02T16:59:00.000-07:00

I won the house quiz contest for Quiz 5!! How cool is that!? Thanks so much to Clidonia for donating the prize!!

Hoot!

2008-06-30T13:04:00.001-07:00

What Is Your Patronus Charm?
created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Owl Patronus

Although it took a bit of work, you managed to produce a wise Owl Patronus! Exceptionally intelligent and unbelievably clever, you are by far a genuine person with a mind filled with brilliance and the potential for great things. You generally keep to yourself, but you have a lot going on inside of your head. Any way, you are a wonderful and useful friend. Now go kick some dementor butt!

Owl Patronus

100%

Horse Patronus

90%

Rabbit Patronus

80%

Dog Patronus

70%

Fox Patronus

70%

Cat Patronus

60%

Swan Patronus

50%

Butterfly Patronus

50%

Kit of all KITS!

2008-06-29T11:53:00.001-07:00

A huge Hufflepuff HUZZAH and thank you to Fiera Firenze for an amazing package...she's outdone herself, no doubt, and surely this gets a spot in the Best Kit show!

I knew something was up when the package arrived because the cats simply wouldn't leave it's side...

Now I understand why! The first thing we (me and my cat Cleo) saw was a pack of catnip and two handknit "eggrolls" stuffed with the good stuff!!

She's a happy, happy girl...look, she's even smiling!

Check out this kit! UNREAL!!!

Awesome house scarf!!

Two skeins of black sock yarn, one of yellow (480 yds!), and one in my absolute favorite color in the world!!! Also, a great resource for me because she must telepathically know I am the worst lace knitter ever - First Book of Modern Lace Knitting by Marianne Kinzel. She also included some handmade soap and a little 'Puff yellow handmade felted bag with wooden handles!!!

Check out the greeny goodness...yum...

Let's see what's in this adorable little bag:

Awesome DPN needles in 2.5 mm and house stitch markers!! LOVE THESE!!!

(Finn's found the 'nip - he's oh-so grateful!!)

Plus, check out the book of spells she made me!! So many cool things in there!!!

Thank you so much, Fiera!! You really know how to spoil someone!!!

House Quiz #5!

2008-06-28T15:50:00.000-07:00

A Transfiguration:
Transfigure the following quote from Order of the Phoenix back into English and post it to your blog by noon (est) on Tuesday, July 1st.

'PSX JBST TRHF?' YSB WXYWXYZE, CSSJDBV SGZY HF FRZ QHY TDFR ZBFRXIDHIW. 'TZ MSXCE SYEZY HBPFRDBV TZ CDJZE DB RZYZ. D QZF FRHF QCSJZ TSXCE IZCC XI HBPFRDBV, RZ TSXCEB'F MHYZ. D'GZ HCTHPI THBFZE FS FYP KDYZTRDIJP.'

'YOU KNOW WHAT?' RON MURMURED, LOOKING OVER AT THE BAR WITH ENTHUSIASM. 'WE COULD ORDER ANYTHING WE LIKED IN HERE. I BET THAT BLOKE WOULD SELL US ANYTHING, HE WOULDN'T CARE. I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO TRY FIREWHISKY.' (p. 337)

And as if the house quiz wasn't exciting and fun enough, I got a note from my spoiler that her owl is winging his (her? not sure) to me with my kit!!! What a nice treat after yet another week of muggle work-based travelling to the other coast - will post pics as soon as I get it!!!

Huzzah! Quidditch, Round 2!

2008-06-19T10:24:00.000-07:00

1. At the beginning of the year feast, who is the only person who rudely interrupts Dumbledore during his speech?
b. Professor Umbridge

2. Off what street is the alley where Harry first met Sirius?
c. Magnolia Crescent

3. Tonks’ mother had two sisters, both pure-bloods, and both left on the Black Family Tree. What are their names?
c. Narcissa and Bellatrix

4. What spell are the students studying in McGonalgall’s class when Umbrdige is doing her inspection?
d. The Vanishing Spell

5. Who comes to warn Harry and the rest of Dumbledore’s Army that Umbridge and her group of followers are coming to break up their meeting?
Answer: Dobby

6. Who are the members of the Order that met Harry Potter in the Dursely’s house during the summer before his fifth year?
c. Alastor Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Elphias Doge, Dedalus Diggle, Remus Lupin, Emmeline Vance, Sturgis Podmore, Hestia Jones

7. Moody used the Disillusionment Charm on Harry.
a. Yes

8. Which of these Death Eaters is Sirius related to?
d. All of these

9. At what age did Sirius leave his home?
Answer: 16

10. How many of the original Order members were killed (don’t include those who disappeared)?
b. 8

Kingsley Shacklebolt

Bellatrix Lestrange

Nymphadora Tonks

Remus Lupin

Spot on!

2008-06-16T15:02:00.001-07:00

Harry Potter Personality Quiz by Pirate Monkeys Inc.

House Quiz #4

2008-06-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

How to make snakes disappear? Follow's St. Patrick's lead! You'll need:

-15 shamrocks (four-leaf clovers count as 3)
-3 irish coffees (2 for the potion, 1 to enjoy while stirring)
-1 sprinkle of good Irish earth
-the skins of 5 potatoes
-a dash of holy water

Before the sun goes down on St. Patrick's day, combine all the ingredients and stir exactly 317 times while repeating the incantation, "As good as Guiness!"

Those snakes will be heading for the sea in no time...

Worst 'Puff ever??

2008-06-09T12:34:00.000-07:00

Could be me...

Forgot to post last week, got caught up in work and worked pretty much non-stop from Friday night until Sunday, when it was too, too late.

Boo on me. Big, big apologies to my housemates. I assure you no one feels worse about this than I.

It's ON!

2008-05-31T08:12:00.000-07:00

Huzzah Hufflepuff!! Fear the Badger!!!

A Stolen Meme...

2008-05-30T05:18:00.000-07:00

From Ursula's blog:
1. What was I doing 10 years ago…

I was graduating from Grad School out in California and getting ready to move back East because I was out of cash!

2. What are 5 things on my to-do list today?

Tons of work stuff, run to the post office, run to Whole Foods, find something to wear to a baby shower tomorrow and clean the apartment.

3. Snacks I enjoy:

I love those honey mustard and onion pretzel bite thingies (you know, the ones that give you dragon breath? Yep, them.), popcorn, chips. I'll take salty over sweet anytime. Unless you combine the two. Then, yes. :)

4. Things I would do if I was a billionaire:

Pay off all our debt, make sure the family was taken care of, buy a big beach house where everyone could come and not have to sleep on the floor, and travel, travel, travel. Oh, and I'd try to find a way to make gas cheaper and cars run cleaner. And feed hungry people. Hey, with money comes power, no?

5. Places I’ve lived:

New Jersey, California, Maryland, New Jersey again, and (at the end of summer), New York.

6. Jobs I’ve had:

Shoe store clerk, summer camp aide, retail store jobs, coffee shop barista, worked in the library in grad school, taught SAT prep, tutored countless kids, ran a tutoring center, then ran several tutoring centers, then was a corporate trainer, then an instructional designer, and now a project manager.

7. People I want to know more about:

I'm naturally curious. I want to know more about everyone.

Quidditch!! Round 1!

2008-05-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

1. Which of Arabella Figg's cats ran out from under the car?

Tibbles

2.Which of the following is NOT one of Albus Dumbledore's middle names?

a. Ignatius

3. Which educational decree introduced a High Inquisitor to Hogwarts?

d. 23

4. Apart from Harry, Ron and Hermione, who was the first person to enter the Hog's Head that showed an interest in Harry's Defence Against the Dark Arts classes?

b. Neville Longbottom

5. In the first Quidditch match of the year which player attempted to score first?

a. Angelina Johnson

6. What kind of bush does Harry hide behind to listen to the news?

b. A hydrangea bush

7. Why is Mundungus Fletcher disguised as a woman when he witnesses the DA (Dumbledore's Army) meeting in the Hog's Head pub?

b. He was banned from the Hog’s Head pub 20 years ago.

8. When Harry and Cho go on their first date to Madam Puddifoot's in Hogsmeade, what is it decorated with for Valentine's Day?

c. Golden cherubs and pink confetti

9. How old is Sturgis Podmore and where does he live?

a. 38 and number 2 Laburnum Gardens, Clapham

10. What did Fred and George Weasley do to Montague?

a. Forced him head-first into a Vanishing Cabinet on the first floor.

Picture Scavenger Hunt!

Fred and George

Hog's Head

Sirius Black

Draco

Mr. Weasley and Harry

House Quiz #2!

2008-05-21T08:15:00.000-07:00

1. colimamhe
chamomile
2. hianeaecc
echinacea
3. lgveoa
lovage
4. nsaie
anise
5. itlhhawcez (2 words)
witch hazel
6. ladeevrn
lavender
7. oynranlype
pennyroyal
8. iwelnrepki
periwinkle
9. aavvakka (2 words)
kava kava
10. waoalhmlsrm (2 words)
marsh mallow
11. gseginn
ginseng
12. uwgtrmo
mugwort
13. What is your favorite thing to do besides knit and crochet?
nru, ppyhhootgra, drea, eelps
14. Do you collect anything? (yes and no are invalid answers)
nyra!
15. What is your favorite flower?
allic, weloly orse, georna losombs

House Quiz #1!

2008-05-16T16:37:00.000-07:00

1. Is from a muggle family and the first to attend Hogwarts?

Perenelle Ballycastle

2. When knitting socks you use dpn’s, 2 circ, 1 circ 1 sock, 1 circ 2 socks?

I LOVE DPNs - 5 of 'em, to be specific.

3. Their owls name is Owlbert?

Eleanor Wigworthy

4. Beat Agatey Mirrofold in a contest?

Lily Clearwater

5. Your favorite non ‘puff color?

Green

6. They learned to knit for a school play?

Emma Kettleburn

7. They got engaged last week?

Selena Starfire

8. One sentence/statement you would use to describe your stash?

So, it's not normal to have yarn in every room?

9. Their best class is Divination?

Daisy Chang

10. Last term everyone thought you were your sibling?

Antonio de la Weasley

11. When not going to Hogwarts your favorite thing to do is?

Reading, knitting (but of course!), taking pictures.

12. You have read the books, watched the movie or both?

Both. Repeatedly.

13. Your family includes?

Me, my husband, 2 cats

14. They have frogs in their room?

Clidonia Acromantula

15. Has a dog named Kluane?

Ursula Longbottom

16. My favorite thing to knit is?

Socks and lace.

My favorite HP character is:

Exciting news!

2008-05-11T19:02:00.000-07:00

An owl came yesterday from my friend Wisteria Lovegood to let me know I've been matched with some most excellent folk! My spoilee is a third (?)-term Ravenclaw who I was a housemate with last year, Emma Lovegoods. I'm glad to work with the Blue and Bronze this term! (Or maybe Blue and Silver, I'll have to check and see what she prefers...) And, my spoiler is a first-year Gryf, Fiera Firenze (how great is THAT name?!) who I've already heard from and who seems lovely! I'm so looking forward to making new friends and getting to know these two girls even better over this term.

So, now that I know who my spoilee is, I'll have to get working on planning her bag...should I knit it? Sew it, felt it? Or maybe she'd prefer a scarf? Or something else!? So many options, so little time! Off to knit in the common room - look for me there, drinking my favorite tea (Irish Breakfast!) and sketching out a pattern. HUZZAH HUFFLEPUFF!!

A Ravie no more...

2008-05-04T17:36:00.000-07:00

...I've a new house for my second term!! HUZZAH HUFFLEPUFF!!

I'll miss all my Ravenclaw pals (especially our prefect) but I'm SO looking forward to my second term! Good luck everyone - hope we can all keep up with the mountains of homework!

My Kit's here! MY KIT'S HERE!!

2008-04-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

A great big THANK YOU TO the best spoiler EVER...Perenelle Ballycastle! I got home late last night, cursing my travel schedule and dreading laundry and having to repack for Monday morning, and voila! My mood changed instantly!! Here's what I saw when I opened the box!

Then, inside all those wonderful packages:

How great is that handmade, felted, lovely bag of goodness?
Three (count'em, three!) hanks of Koigu in the coolest colorway ever!
Lantern Moon Sox Stix! My first pair, size 1's!!!
Beautiful stitch markers, lots of goodies (candy (jelly slugs!!) and lovely smell-good lotion!)!!
Not one sock pattern, but a whole mess of them: More Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch!
And an oh-so-cool toy: a Harry Potter Golden Snitch question-answering ball!!

Sorry the pics are so wobbly - I was so excited I couldn't really stand still!!! Thanks so much, Perenelle! You're the best swap partner ever!!!

Pickles made it!

2008-03-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

My spoilee received the package that Pickles left for her and I think she likes it! YAY! She deserves - do you know she just finished up running a muggle Marathon? IN ITALY? Amazing... anyway, I'm so glad it was there waiting for her when she got home and that it made her smile! Click here to see what I was working on for these past weeks!

Last House Quiz

2008-03-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

Waah! I can't believe my first year at Hogwarts is winding down - and that this is our last house quiz! I've loved participating this year, and I hope I get to do it again. I'm looking forward to continuing talking with all the new friends I've made. Here's some info about them:

1. Who loves containers of all sorts? Esmie Beanswallow
2. Who dyed her fingers blue? Lavender Ackerly
3. Who is related to William Shakespeare? Celestina Cadogan
4. Who wants to own an alpaca farm? Victoria Black
5. Who hates carrots? Selina Starfire
6. Who is from the Muggle town of Bagshot in Surrey? Patonga Pinkstone
7. Who was searching for radishes in the winter? Madam Ferula McGonagall
8. Who got a gift certificate to a LYS from a Slytherin boy for Valentine's Day? Cecilia Kettleburn
9. Who discovered ghosts and house elves drinking tea in the Great Hall at midnight? Ophelia Hopkirk
10. Who took an extra credit class called Muggle Fantasy Literature? Selina Starflame
11. Who attended a Muggle music convention? Patonga Pinkstone
12. Who taught herself to purl backwards? Sera Starfire
13. Who sports Ravenclaw Spirit socks? Minee Kwikspell
14. Who would like to work in Muggle Relations after graduation? Allitrya Spelling
15. Whose Mum is named Henrietta? Avada Finch-Fletchley

Owl's away!!

2008-03-14T10:51:00.001-07:00

My owl Pickles is off for a westward journey to San Francisco!! Hope he has good weather and finds his way quickly...

Quidditch Round 3

2008-03-14T09:20:00.000-07:00

Quidditch Round 3

SOAR RAVENCLAW!

1. When Rita Skeeter prints a bad article about Hagrid in the Daily Prophet, which Professor teaches Hagrid’s Care of Magical Creatures class while he is away?
c. Professor Grubbly-Plank

2. What was the article Rita Skeeter wrote about Hagrid called?
c. Dumbledore’s Giant Mistake

3. When the school champions were being chosen from the Goblet of Fire, whose name came out first?
b. Viktor Krum

4. What is the spell Ludo bagman says to magically magnify his voice when he commentates?
a. Sonorus

5. What kind of dragon did Cedric have to face in the first task?
b. A Swedish Short-Snout

6. Who raised the trophy after winning the World Cup?
b. Troy and Quigley

7. How many bedrooms did Mundungus Fletcher claim to have?
d. 12

8. For what did Moody mistake his birthday gift of a carriage clock?
b. A basilisk egg

9. What did Mr. Ollivander produce for the end of Cedric’s wand?
d. Silver smoke rings

10. The dark mark is on Snape’s left arm.
a. Yes

Picture Scavenger Hunt!

Karkaroff

A Basilisk
Mundungus Fletcher
Amos Diggory
Snape

F is for Ferula!

2008-03-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

Got this from Allityra Spelling's blog, who got it from Emma Wigworthy, who got it from... it doesn't really matter, I guess, it's just fun!

What is your name: Ferula
4 Letter Word: um...can't use the first one that comes to mind...so, I'll go with...Fast
Vehicle: Ford
City: Francisco, as in San
Boy Name: Fred
Girl Name: Farah
Alcoholic Drink: Foster's Lager (Australian for bee-yah)
Occupation: Fireman
Something you wear: Footwear
Celebrity: Frank Sinatra
Food: Falafel
Something found in a bathroom: Fingernail clipper
Reason for Being Late: Friggin' traffic
Cartoon Character: Foghorn Leghorn (of course!)
Something You Shout: Fiddlesticks!
Animal: Frog
Body part: Frontal Lobe

It's elemental!

2008-03-09T11:48:00.001-07:00

I don't usually agree with these silly quiz dealies but this one is spot on...

Your Element Is Air

You dislike conflict, and you've been able to rise above the angst of the world.

And when things don't go your way, you know they'll blow over quickly.

Easygoing, you tend to find joy from the simple things in life.

You roll with the punches, and as a result, your life is light and cheerful.

You find it easy to adapt to most situations, and you're an open person.

With you, what you see is what you get... and people love that!

What's Your Element?

One more thing...

2008-03-08T07:47:00.000-08:00

I nearly forgot - thanks to all for various snippets I stole from your sites as well as the Lexicon site:

Fleur

Fleur Isabelle Delacour is part Veela with blue eyes, long silvery-blonde hair, and very white even teeth. Her voice is "throaty." Fleur Delacour was the Beauxbatons champion for the 1994 - 1995 Triwizard Tournament. Fleur took a part-time job at Gringotts in London (summer 1995) to improve her English. She dated Bill Weasley (OP4) for about a year before they became engaged during the summer of 1996. Her father, although unnamed, is described as being round and having a short black beard. Her mother, Apolline, is 1/2 Veela making Fleur 1/4 Veela. Fleur is, therefore, fully magical but not a pure-blood. Fleur and her sister Gabriella inherited their mother's silvery-blonde hair, pale eyes, good looks and ability to entrance men. Fleur's wand is 9-1/2" long, inflexible, and made of rosewood. It contains one of her Veela grandmother's hairs.

Veela

The veela are based on a number of sources that describe Eastern European nature spirits of legend: "Vily" are Slovic fairies who can take the form of birds. "Vilas," as they appear in Serbian legends, are "mountain nymphs, young and beautiful, clad in white, with long flowing hair. Their voices are said to resemble those of woodpeckers. They shoot, according to popular belief, deadly arrows at men, and sometimes carry off children..." (The Fairy Mythology by Thomas Keightley, 1878.) The book A Field Guide to the Little People describes the Vily (singular: Vila) in detail. They are nature guardians, caring for the trees, streams, and flowers in their domains. They are extremely jealous of beautiful women. Their moods are as changeable as the weather and they can both cause and cure illnesses. Veelas are semi-human, semi-magical. Their dance is magically seductive to all males. However, when angry they transform into something more like Harpies ~ their faces turn into cruel-beaked bird heads and long scaly wings burst from their shoulders. They can launch fireballs from their hands. A human who tarries too long in their territory may be shot dead with arrows or die suddenly from heart attack, lumbago, or by being buried under an avalanche. Vily have fair complexions and curly, reddish-brown hair which falls to their feet. They wear shimmering white clothing or coverings of green leaves. Interestingly, those born on Tuesday or Sunday can most easily see Vily.

Beauxbatons Academy of Magic

Headmistress: Olympe Maxime

Location: France

Uniforms: robes of fine silk; attendants of the carriage wear pale blue

Coat of Arms: two crossed golden wands on a powder-blue field, each emitting three stars

The Academy's building is called the Palace of Beauxbatons, and unlike Hogwarts Castle it does not contain suits of armour. Rather than a Great Hall as at Hogwarts, the Palace contains a Dining Chamber, which is elaborately decorated at Christmastime but in a different style than that used at Hogwarts (GF23). The scholastic system at the Academy is also arranged differently than that at Hogwarts; instead of sitting Ordinary Wizarding Levels or their equivalent at the end of five years, Academy students sit exams after six years (HBP5).

House Quiz #5

2008-03-08T07:25:00.000-08:00

Whew! What a week!! Last week, I had to head way, way west out to San Diego, only to find out I had come home to NJ on Friday, repack, and fly BACK west to San Francisco on this past Monday - my poor broom needs a BREAK! Needless to say, I'm way far behind on homework and blogging, but I'm back and ready for Quidditch, no doubt!

House Quiz #5
1. Do my homework for me. Bribe-us Chocolaticus.
2. Tidy up my bedroom. Expecto Vacuumus!
3. Make a delicious chocolate cake. Spatula Whippica.
4. Make my professor stay in bed today. Hangum Overum!
5. I would like breakfast in bed, please. Snapcracklepopicus!
6. Stick all my Quidditch opponents' feet to the floor. Flypaperium!
7. Give everyone the giggles. Wingardium laughiosa.
8. Dye some yarn in my favorite color. Greenificus Totalus!
9. Unravel the mess I've made with my yarn. Reparo Knottium.
10. Knit my Prefect the perfect bag! Satchelneila!

House Quiz #4

2008-02-28T15:29:00.000-08:00

1. What colorless and odorless potion forces the drinker to tell the truth?

Veritaserum

2. If the spell to Apparate goes wrong and leaves half of you behind, you have been what?

Splinched

3. Who wrote the Standard Books of Spells Grades 1 and 2?

Miranda Goshawk

4. What is it called when brother wands meet?

Priori Incantatem, or the Reverse Spell effect

5. Name the charm used by Ludo at the World Cup to amplify his voice.

Sonorus

6. For what is the charm Aparecium used?

To make invisible ink appear/become visible

7. What charm requires the use of a Secret-Keeper?

Fidelius

8. What color should the Strengthening Potion be?

Clear Turquoise (OoP, Chapter 15)

9. What plants are used in preparing a confusing potion?

Confusing and Beffudlement Draught? Scurvy-grass, lovage, and sneezewort

10. What condition is cured by Glumbumble?

Hysteria caused by eating Alihotsy

11. What potion makes a werewolf safe so he can keep his mind when he transforms, and what substance makes it useless?

Wolfsbane Potion, negated by Sugar

12. When does Fluxweed, an ingredient used in making Polyjuice Potion, have to be picked?

At the full moon

13. What color should a Shrinking Solution be?

Bright acid green

14. What potion is made from asphodel and wormwood?

Draught of Living Death

15. For what are Jobberknoll feathers used?

Memory Potions and Truth Serums

This was SOME week...whew!

2008-02-22T19:30:00.000-08:00

I am so happy that it's Friday! I have about a zillion pages to read this weekend, but I'm taking some time out to do some checking in with my spoilee's box o' surprises:

Bag? Check!
Yarn? Check!
Stitch Markers? Check!
Pattern? Um, almost decided, just down to final deliberations.
Needles? I was hoping for a hint (a hint, Lily, a HINT!) but I can always fall back on my own favorites to send.
And some extra goodies? Check!

I'm getting excited!

This week I'm off to a field trip to observe muggles at the beach for my Muggle Studies class -- I'm heading west, to San Diego, one of my favorite places on the planet, muggle-populated or not! Leaving early Tuesday, back late, late Friday night. How I'll ever catch up on my homework I'll never figure out...

Wizardcat sez...

2008-02-19T06:25:00.001-08:00

GO RAVENCLAW!! BEAT GRYFFINDOR!!

Quidditch! Match #2

2008-02-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

1. With whom does Ginny go to the Yule Ball?
a. Neville
b. Dean
c. Seamus
d. Harry

2. When Harry arrives at the Burrow and Mrs. Weasley makes them all dinner the night before they leave for the Quidditch World Cup, what does her wand turn into?
a. rubber mouse
b. rubber chicken
c. rubber duck
d. rubber cat

3. Since some of the sixth-year girls didn't have any quills on them, what did they think Krum might sign their hats in?
a. nail polish
b. eyeliner
c. lipstick
d. lipliner

4. How old does the Quick Quotes Quill say that Rita Skeeter is?
a. 43
b. 44
c. 34
d. 33

5. What color cloak is wormtail wearing in the Riddle house?
a. Grey (Gray)
b. Black
c. Gold
d. Silver

6. What color is "Mad Eye" Moody's magical eye?
a. Green
b. Hazel
c. Brown
d. Blue

7. What color are the robes that Rita Skeeter was wearing when Harry meets her at the Weighing of the Wands ceremony?
a. Lilac
b. Magenta
c. Mauve
d. Cerise

8. What does Sirius Black tell Harry, Ron and Hermione to call him when speaking around anyone else?
a. Tibbles
b. Snuffles
c. Scruffy
d. Padfoot

9. Which team beat Wales, disqualifying them from competing for the Quidditch World Cup?
a. Hungary
b. Romania
c. Uganda
d. Luxembourg

10. What does Madame Maxime say is the only thing her steeds will drink?
a. cabernet sauvignon
b. bourbon
c. single-malt whiskey
d. gin and tonics

Picture Hunt!

Goblet of Fire

Madam Maxime Dragon from first challenge

Viktor Krum

Madam Pomfrey

House Quiz!

2008-02-13T14:55:00.001-08:00

Loved flipping through the archives for these -- added some links to the HP lexicon for some great reading!

1. What is Professor McGonnagall's first name?
Minerva

2. Who is the librarian of Hogwarts?
Irma Pince

3. What is Madam Rosmerta's job?
Proprietress of the Three Broomsticks tavern in Hogsmeade

4. What is Rita Skeeter's secret?
She's an animagus - a beetle

5. Madam Hooch is instructor of what subject?
Madame Hooch teaches Flying and is quidditch coach, of course.

6. Who is Parvati Patil's best friend?
Lavender Brown
:::sticking out tongue because clearly she needs to leave Ron alone!:::

7. What Quidditch position does Cho Chang play?
Our Ravenclaw sister is the Seeker - GO RAVENCLAW!

8. What is the name of Fleur Delacour's little sister?
Gabrielle

9. Who is professor of Divination?
Firenze and Professor Trelawny (extra credit for two answers?? no??...)

10. Who wrote "A History of Magic"?
Bathilda Bagshot

Who's a tease?

2008-02-08T08:58:00.000-08:00

Not me, I don't care what those Gryffindor boys say! Heehee...just kidding!!

A little preview of the bag I'm working on for my spoilee - I don't think I'm giving away too much, it will look dramatically different when it's ready to send!

It's not really that orangy-red in real life, I think it just looks that way because it's on that orangy-red table. It's much more crimson or cranberry-ish. Lily, dahling, are you excited!?

So fitting!

2008-02-06T06:28:00.000-08:00

Hermione's always been my favorite HP character - smart, resourceful, and very, very caring. I take this as the highest form of compliment!

Your Harry Potter Alter Ego Is...?
created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Hermione Granger

You're one intelligent witch, but you have a hard time believing it and require constant reassurance. You are a very supportive friend who would do anything and everything to help her friends out.

Hermione Granger

90%

Albus Dumbledore

85%

Ron Weasley

75%

Harry Potter

75%

Remus Lupin

75%

Severus Snape

50%

Draco Malfoy

45%

Sirius Black

45%

Ginny Weasley

40%

Lord Voldemort

15%

Scavenger Hunt!

2008-01-31T13:03:00.000-08:00

The Dark Mark

World Cup Tournament!

How freakin' cute is Cedric?

Mr. Ollivander

Mad-Eye

Quidditch, Round 1!

2008-01-31T12:43:00.000-08:00

1. What was Harry dreaming about the first time he woke up with his scar on fire?
a. Voldemort and Wormtail plotting to kill Dumbledore
b. Voldemort and Wormtail plotting to kill him
c. Voldemort and Wormtail plotting to kill Sirius
d. Voldemort and Wormtail plotting to kill Cornelius Fudge

2. What is the problem with leprechaun gold?
a. It vanishes after a few hours
b. It vanishes after a few weeks
c. It's only good in Ireland
d. It enchants you and makes you forget everything else

3. Why did Mad-Eye Moody turn Malfoy into a ferret?
a. Malfoy had said something rude about Mad-Eye
b. He was teaching him 'constant vigilance'
c. Malfoy attached Harry when Harry's back was turned
d. He hated Malfoy's father

4. Sirius warns Harry to be careful around Karkaroff because he had been a Death Eater. Which one of the professors at Hogwarts, who also used to be a Death Eater, is frequently bothered by Karkaroff? (Answer is One Word, Last Name Only)

Snape

5. Voldemort could have used the blood from any foe to make the potion that revived him work, but he held out for Harry's blood. Why?
a. To show that Dumbledore could not protect Harry
b. To prove that Harry could not apparate
c. The special protection Harry received from his mother would also pass to Voldemort
d. Simply because he hated Harry that much

6. How old would Frank have been on his next birthday?
a. 76
b. 73
c. 70
d. 77

7. Amos Diggory works for?
a. The Department of Mysteries
b. The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures
c. The Goblin Liaison Office
d. The Committee of Experimental Charms

8. Who shared a carriage with the three friends on the way from the train to Hogwarts? Answer: (One Word)

Neville

9. What date in October did the delegates from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang arrive?
a. 30th
b. 31st
c. 1st
d. 2nd

10. What color were Percy's dress robes at the Yule Ball?
a. Navy Blue
b. Maroon
c. Emerald Green
d. Claret

Almost time for Quidditch!

2008-01-29T13:07:00.000-08:00

So, I finally tried this little game, and I love it!

Happy Birthday...

2008-01-27T06:59:00.000-08:00

...to ME! Got an owl with a birthday card and a few silver galleons from my mom, so I'm sneaking out to go to the yarn shop in Hogsmeade...meet me in the common room at 2 if you want to come!

PS: Say it ain't so...Ravenclaws are last in the house cup contest?! How very...un-Raven-like! We've got to rectify this, so I say we get some Quidditch practice in before the game starts on Wednesday - who's with me?!

GO RAVENCLAWS!

Maybe I'm in the wrong house??

2008-01-25T09:16:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure how y'all feel, but I've been travelling and I just fired up the old computer to check out the past three days' worth of daily Ravenclaw quizzes. And, boy - could it be that, a la Elaine in my favorite Muggle TV show of all time, Seinfeld, that maybe I'm not as smart as I thought I was? Oh, I know, I could use my wand to send Google out to find the answers, but I have to chew on them a little bit more first, I think. I just can't give up on games of the mind! Wish me luck!

House Quiz #2

2008-01-22T10:27:00.000-08:00

Ok, here's what I came up with:
1. RWIDZTAIR UANONETRMT: Triwizard Tournament
2. NRNAGIHAU RAHNIOTL: Hungarian Horntail (this one nearly did me in!)
3. AEEMDY ONYOME: Mad-Eye Mooney
4. ARTI KEESTRE: Rita Skeeter
5. ELSAUAEPBNKS: Unspeakables
6. ULSFENFS: Snuffles
7. NEPSVEIE: Pensieve
8. RMUEIIPS: Imperius
9. TREUEEBTBR: Butterbeer
10. ROFELIBT: Firebolt
Hope I got them all! Now, I can focus on my classwork!

PS: I got an owl yesterday that was holding this:

Ooh, a new house quiz!

2008-01-22T05:59:00.000-08:00

I love a challenge! We have to unscramble these terms by Sunday night, 1/27 -- which just also happens to be my birthday!

1. RWIDZTAIR UANONETRMT
2. NRNAGIHAU RAHNIOTL
3. AEEMDY ONYOME
4. ARTI KEESTRE
5. ELSAUAEPBNKS
6. ULSFENFS
7. NEPSVEIE
8. RMUEIIPS
9. TREUEEBTBR
10. ROFELIBT

I'll be thinking about these while I'm in class today, for sure!

Whew! What a week!

2008-01-18T15:34:00.001-08:00

Well, friends, I don't know about you, but I am EXHAUSTED! I never imagined we'd have so much homework, I've been a studying fool! Potions is definitely emerging as my favorite class -- I know, I know, you're thinking I'm referring to Prof. Black and he IS an awfully...engaging teacher ;) -- but I am really loving all the work we're doing, and I think I have a real knack for it! Despite that one tiny error where I accidentally tipped that cauldron over and set my classmate's notes on fire (Sorry!!), I think I might get an Excellent in this course.
I haven't done much knitting at all, but I am hopefully going to be able to carve out some time this weekend to finish a few things up. My lucky spoilee is going to be so excited with what I was able to get to this week -- her stitch markers!! I never knew working with pliers could be so much fun! I know, I could have used my wand, but I wanted them to have a real "hand-made" kinda feel. I can't wait until she sees them, I hope she likes them!
I think it's time I took a study break - I've got the final toe on a pair of socks that I should finish - I lurve knitting socks and I think they'll look great with my robes. Have a great weekend, all.

GO RAVENCLAW!!

PS: What's with all the canaries around here lately?

PSPS: Our prefect said we should definitely check our secret emails every day -- I'm so excited! Something great must be awaiting us!!

The Ravenclaw Quiz: All About Our House

2008-01-15T07:23:00.000-08:00

1. Name 4 housemates who have revealed their Patronuses and list the form their Patronuses take.
Avada Finch-Fletchley: Phoenix
Cassandra Hopkirk: Eagle
Minerva Kwikspell: Eagle
Patonga Pinkstone: Tiger

2. Who attended the first meeting of the Ravenclaw Knitting Club?
Elanor Cadogan, Gabriella Clearwater, Fleur Lovegoods, Esmerelda Beanswallow, Cassandra Hopkirk, Serafina Starfire, Mafalda Ackerley, Allitrya Spelling, Millicent Brocklehurst, Minerva Kwikspell and Enid Black (and, sadly, not me).

3. Name the housemate who likes to knit with peacock feathers.
Ooh, ooh – I know this! Fleur!

4. Name the Ravenclaw who spent the New Year at Hogwart's Costume Ball.
Emma Diggory

5. Which Ravenclaw got the first howler?
Lavender Ackerley

6. Name 5 different types of wood used in the wands of Ravenclaws and name the housemate having that wand.
Birch – ME!
Maple – Esmerelda Beanswallow
Holly – Cassandra Hopkirk
Hawthorn – Elanor Cadogan
Oak – Selina Starflame

7. Who accidentally ate a toenail flavored Every Flavor Bean?
Poor Serafina Starfire!

8. Who cast a noise dampening spell before going to bed and then overslept?
Esmerelda Beanswallow

9. Besides the HSKS4 blog, on what blog will you find the Ravenclaw Anthem?
Minerva Kwikspell

10. Which housemate has a Muggle cellular phone?
Victoria Black

I got my wand!

2008-01-14T06:24:00.001-08:00

So, I finally had a chance to make it over to Ollivander's today, in between reading and arguing with the Portrait Lady about the password (hint: it's NOT cellulite and boy, does she get mad when you suggest it!). I got my wand!

Wood type: birch
Length: 11 inches
Core: Phoenix Feather

Click here if you need one!

It's so cold here...

2008-01-13T12:59:00.000-08:00

...and damp. The temperature is starting to drop and snow is in the forecast. I think I need thicker socks. I have so much homework, but am too excited to think about it because I'm starting to put my swap partner's kit together - so fun. I learned something, too:

"Your patronus is an Eagle. Eagles are thought to be the divine spirit, ruler of the skies. They symbolize power, courage and guidance. They are associated with prosperity, success, and wealth. Eagles are brave warriors who fight to the death. They are persistent and stubborn. With keen endurance, strength and valor, Eagles are tough adversaries."

So I've got that going for me. Could be worse, like a frog or a newt or something. Take the quiz here.

My owl arrived!

2008-01-12T17:33:00.000-08:00

I got my swap partner for HSKS4 - a first year Gryffindor! I have to lurk around to see what she's like and what I think might be best for her kit...planning to hit the yarn store in Diagon Alley tomorrow to pick up bag supplies!

Welcome to Ferula's Fen!

2008-01-12T08:17:00.000-08:00

Hi! I'm Ferula. I'm a first-year, and I'm excited but nervous about it! I've been sorted into Ravenclaw, just like my mother was, and I think our class this year is going to be the smartest ever. I should go - tons of homework already - I just hope I can find time for knitting!

The Harry Potter MeMe..... by 2dazednconfused4this
name
gender
age
house
your best friend	Harry Potter
your worst enemy	Seamus Finnigan
who secretly likes you	Greggory Goyle
best subject	Occlumency
job after school	Reporter for the Daily Prophet
quidditch position	Beater
potion you make best	Polyjuice Potion
who you will marry	Lee Jordan