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] castalianspring.livejournal.com 2003-07-16 09:30 am (UTC)(link)
1. Have you ever visited any Civil War battlefields? That's where I've seen most of my cannons, and many of the parks are just gorgeous.
2. Maybe it'll come today! I'm up to Chapter 7 and am hooked already. I'm really having to fight to stop myself from looking ahead in the story :)
3. Pecan is the only type of pie I like, and even that's a recent thing. I used to be called a communist for not liking pie.
4. Ditto to that!
5. Not at all :)

Re:

[identity profile] viola-cesario.livejournal.com 2003-07-16 10:26 am (UTC)(link)
1. Yeah, I have and I've loved visiting them. Those, forts, and cemetaries are some of my favorite places to go on trips. I think my favorite was Fort Sumpter, although Gettysburg and Arlington are high on my list too.
2. It'd better of I'm going to have a fit! :D It'll be so much fun to chat about it! I have a feeling I'm going to read it nonstop when it does come.
3. Ah, i like all different kinds of pie. My favorite, though, would have to be French silk :) Yummmm

[identity profile] castalianspring.livejournal.com 2003-07-16 01:46 pm (UTC)(link)
1. Oh, Gettysburg is next on my list. I've never been, and it's the one I most want to see. We were going to go for the 4th this year, to see the reenactments, but they postponed it due to all the rain. I'm holding out hope for next month.

2. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down. Let's hope it gets here soon, or else your mailman might start feeling a bit uneasy *g*

3. Hm, for some reason I've just never liked pie. I tend to like more uncommon desserts - shortbread, carrot cake, gingersnaps. Yum.

Re:

[identity profile] viola-cesario.livejournal.com 2003-07-16 02:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Gettysburg is awesoem :)

*sigh* Not today either. He's going to die if he doesn't bring it tomorrow.

3. Mmm, shortbread and gingersnaps, yummm
Never been a big fan of carrot cake, tho

[identity profile] castalianspring.livejournal.com 2003-07-16 02:33 pm (UTC)(link)
Aw, damn that mailman! Coming between you and Jeeves like that, it's criminal.

My problem is that I'm not fond of milk chocolate. I prefer dark. And I'm game for almost anything with walnuts or coconut in it.

Re:

[identity profile] viola-cesario.livejournal.com 2003-07-16 02:34 pm (UTC)(link)
I know, I'm getting so mad! Argh! Damn USPS! Ah, I like all forms of chocolate, which is not good for my diet;)

[identity profile] castalianspring.livejournal.com 2003-07-16 08:56 pm (UTC)(link)
Hmm, did you pay online or did you send a money order? If you had to send payment via snail mail, that might be why it's taking so long. Either that or just one of those inexplicable delays.

Re:

[identity profile] viola-cesario.livejournal.com 2003-07-16 09:03 pm (UTC)(link)
It was through Amazon, so it went through online. It must just be one of those inexplicable delays, damn damn damn. Maybe tomorrow *sacrifices to the postal gods*