castalia: (Jeeves/Wooster)
Castalia ([personal profile] castalia) wrote2003-07-16 12:08 am

Questions from [livejournal.com profile] viola_cesario

I got a bit verbose, so answers behind the cut.



1. What spurred your interest in weaponry and cannons?

Most of my interest in weapons stems from my interest in history. I like swords and various medieval weaponry, and early firearms as well. The Old West is one of my pet historical periods, especially during the Civil War, so I'm rather fond of the firearms from that time. My other historical focus is maritime history, specifically the Royal Navy during the time around the Napoleonic Wars. Cannons are a relatively recent interest that stemmed from my studies of both these time periods. It was just one of those things that jumped out at me and grabbed my fancy. I'm interested in naval cannons and field artillery the most, and plan to write my master's thesis on some aspect of the naval ordnance of the British Royal Navy. I'm also looking into joining a Civil War reenactment group as part of an artillery unit.

2. What is it to you that is so appealing about Jeeves? Is there a way it affects you in particular?

I don't think there's anything about the Jeeves novels that isn't appealing to me. Character wise, I fell in love with Bertie from the start. His sweet nature and generous spirit took me in completely. The writing is also superb; Wodehouse has such a unique style and a wonderful way with words and phrases. I love the convoluted plots and how even in the midst of chaos, Jeeves finds a way to save the day. Also appealing is the world Wodehouse created - a very innocent atmosphere, in a way. No violence, no wars, no divorces, no sex, no deaths. These books are a true escape, and they never fail to cheer me up.

3. What is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?

The obvious answer is read :) I love to stay indoors with a good book, a satisfying movie, or the computer, perhaps accompanied by some comfort food (black bean soup is a favorite, or maybe a cup of cocoa or my mum's homemade pecan pie). Most times I like to be alone, but sometimes it's nice to be with friends and just talk.

4. What do you consider the most important quality in a friend? In a significant other? And why, for both.

Usually, someone has to share my sense of humor for them to be a good friend. I can be blunt and direct and just plain odd to people on first meeting, so it takes a while to get used to me and they have to get past that. That really applies to significant others too, although I don't have much experience in that area. Intelligence is also a must, because I have to be able to talk to friends and discuss things like literature, history, music, and science. It sometimes comes off as snobbish, but if a person isn't well-read I often won't bother with them.

5. If you could only tell one more person that you loved them, who would you tell and why?

This was a difficult question, because I'm not good with emotional things at all. I honestly can't remember the last time I told someone I loved them; it must have been as a child. So, if I could only tell one more person, it would probably be my mother. She's been through a lot of hard times emotion-wise recently and we've become closer for it. Of anyone, she likely needs to hear it the most.

I've got questions from [livejournal.com profile] sensefille to answer, and I'm open for questions from anyone else who's interested.

Finally snagged a copy of Gods & Generals, after going to 4 places. I had no idea they would sell out that quickly!

Off to read more Thank You, Jeeves...

[identity profile] sensefille.livejournal.com 2003-07-15 10:01 pm (UTC)(link)
2. I completely agree with everything you said about Jeeves. If ever I need to cheer myself up, I run to those.

4. I'm also guilty of not bothering with people who aren't well-read. I'd like to think that it's not quite that snobbish, though. You have to choose your friends somehow, right? Plus, I'd have very little to talk about with someone who didn't read. *After I'd ascertained his or her views on nature and romantic attachments, there'd be nothing left to talk about and the relationship would be over.* (I know S&S way too well for my own good) ;) I forgot to mention this in my other response, but yes, I do think that you'll like the book since you enjoyed the film. Mr. Palmer's a hoot, of course!

[identity profile] castalianspring.livejournal.com 2003-07-16 09:25 am (UTC)(link)
Good point! Considering some of the reasons people shun others, ours isn't so bad :) Lovely use of the S&S quote! I think I'll head over to the used book store and see if I can pick up a good copy. I'm sure I'll have a special place in my affections for Mr. Palmer, for obvious reasons ;)

[identity profile] sensefille.livejournal.com 2003-07-16 10:02 am (UTC)(link)
I hope you're successful in finding a nice copy. Yes, it's impossible not to love Mr. Palmer, considering.