Winner of my Ravenclaw giveaway!!!

Sorry for the late posting ---- but the winner is:  VICKI!!!!   (comment #2)

I'll be emailing you shortly to get your address.  Thanks to everyone who entered!!!

The number was chosen using the generator at www.random.org  (I'm still trying to figure out how to get the widget to show correctly on this blog .... but it chose #2 from 1-17, which were the number of comments)

Ravenclaw House party -- Giveaway!!!

In celebration of the newest Harry Potter movie, there are some house parties goin' on!    Our main host, representing Hufflepuff, is the lovely Velvet over at vvb32 reads --- please stop over and visit her blog to learn more (and to see her cool blog!).    And she's not the only one having a party --- Kulsuma's got Gryffindor covered, and Rebecca has Slytherin covered (check out their blogs, too --- lots of good things to see!!)

I decided I'd do a little giveaway to celebrate, so here it is:  a brand-new copy of The Sorcerer's Companion: A guide to the magical world of Harry Potter (updated and complete), a brand-new copy of The Magicians by Lev Grossman (which is a bit like Harry Potter, but a little darker) and some sweets, too.   I'll most likely throw in a bookmark or two, too.....

So here are the rules:   Contest ends on Friday (11/19) at Midnight.   All you need to do is leave a comment --- and I'd prefer this giveaway to be followers, only (because I really appreciate the followers that I have).   And sorry --- giveaway is US only (sorry!)

Go Ravenclaw!!!!!!!

Thoughts on Muggle artifacts...

"Mr Weasley's shed of Muggle artifacts contains, among other things, two Remington Noiseless Portable Typewriters and an HP Laserjet 4"   I found this while poking around on IMDB, and it made me think about all of the things that we all have that might be considered quirky artifacts.  And things that I used to use quite commonly, that now would be thought of as artifacts.   Example: I learned to type on an electric typewriter with a manual carriage return.  I then graduated to an IBM Selectric (which had a ball - very cool at the time).  The Selectric weighed a ton and took up tons of desk space.  And had no correct tape.   Lest you think I am ancient, please keep in mind this was when I was 15 (and both of these were hand-me-downs).  I'm no teen, but I'm under 40.  I don't have either of these objects any more, but I'm sure Mr. Weasley would love them. 


Other things I have used which would now be artifacts:  5 1/4 inch floppy disks.  DOS programs like WordStar.  2400-baud modems.  I was exposed to a lot of technology (which was cutting edge at the time) when I was a pre-teen, and technology has grown in leaps and bounds.  I remember when a tape Walkman was the coolest thing and really expensive (and I remember my cousin crying at Christmas because she didn't get one. I didn't either, but didn't see the need for tears).

Things I have and love that are artifacts:  antique glass ink bottles, antique bottles (my new favorite is an embalming fluid bottle from the 1930s), wood card catalogs (I use them to store jewelry and other small things) and an antique ice chest.  I, like Mr. Weasley, find some fascination in old objects such as tins, bottles, and antique spool cabinets.  I find comfort in using or re-purposing something that has had a long life, and like imagining who had it before me.  I don't collect as much as Mr. Weasley, but I think he and I might have a good time comparing collections.

So -- anything of your own you think Mr. Weasley would like?  

Ravenclaw House Party

Well, here I was, all ambitious and ready to party .... and didn't post anything yesterday!  Sorry about that.

I got inspired, however, seeing this post over at vvb32 Reads -- she's got an amazing schedule up, so definitely pay her blog a visit over the next few days!!    I have nothing so ambitious... but I thought I'd do a few posts and put up a giveaway on the 17th (not sure what'll be in it yet, but I have some ideas.... books and chocolate, to start......).

So stay tuned for some fun!!!!      In the meantime, there's a great quiz to determine what kind of wand you are ---   this is what I came back with, and I already have some jinxes in mind.....

What Harry Potter Wand Are You? Your Result: 12.5" Yew, Dragon Heartstring Your wand is longer than average, with a flexible and long-lasting wood. Dragon Heartstring is a common Ollivander core. Your wand is ideal for jinxes and hexes.
9" Willow, Phoenix Feather
11.5" Yew, Unicorn Hair
11" Ash, Hippogriff Talon
10.5" Ash, Phoenix Feather
8.5" Mahogany, Dragon Heartstring
14" Holly, Veela Hair
11" Mahogany, Unicorn Hair
What Harry Potter Wand Are You? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Ravenclaw House Party

There seems to be a bit of anticipation in the air, a hint of something mysterious and magical.... and dark.

I don't care if he's Slytherin... I think he's cool.

 And my fellow blogger, vvb, had the most wonderful idea for a virtual countdown party --- to celebrate the upcoming Harry Potter release!!!   She has a whole post about it, inviting everyone to a HufflePuff House Party ---from November 13 - 18.   She's got butterbeer and garlic chips, and will have posts every evening at 9 p.m.


Well, I knew I had to join in on behalf of Ravenclaw (that's the house I was sorted in when I began my
Hogwarts Reading Challenge (which of course, I need to make sure I finish up my books for....).     I plan to at least watch the last movie, and re-read the last book --- so expect posts from me that week, along with a giveaway, too, for my Ravenclaw House Count-Down Party!   


And please stop by and visit The HufflePuff House Party to see what's going on (because actually, she's got a very cool blog...).     And join in the fun!!!!!