OK - let's get this over with! Much repetition from previous years:

1. what is your age range? I'm hot on the heels of 54.

2. gender? still full blooded female. Sian is a female name; cope.

3. Do you have a favorite color? ummm ... sort of a sea-green blue. Also blues, black, most reds, real green but NOT pastels, oranges, browns, mossy greens etc.

4. favorite authors/ type of book? I love the more 'idiots guide' type of ethnomusicology books. I've recently read Sandy Ives' "Drive Dull Care Away" and Bill Malone's "Singing Cowboys and Musical Mountaineers" and Beverly Bush Patterson's "Sound of the Dove" ... so that kind of stuff. Also cook books and hymn books.

5. what books have you really been wanting? "Really" nothing.

6. what type of music do you like? traditional folk, archival recordings.

7. what cds have you really been wanting? I tend to buy them as I desire them!

8. What movies have you been wanting? Ummm - can't think of any ... although ... is Songcatcher on DVD? Also been thinking of getting The Russians Are Coming The Russians Are Coming on DVD if it's available.

9. what is your t-shirt size? I don't wear T-shirts except in bed.

10. do you collect anything? if so, what? GADGETS! (I like gadgets!) cook books, utensils, hymn books, folk song books, dust, antique textiles/clothes

11. what are some of your other hobbies? various crafts including embroidery and crochet; garden a bit; play a number of instruments incredibly badly (in the privacy of my own home only!)

12. do you prefer gold-tone or silver-tone jewelry? silver, but don't wear rings or bracelets ... or anything pierced below the neck!

13. please include anything else you feel is important that would help your secret santa know what you would like

Remember that "negative hints" such as allergies might also be helpful.

Some smelly things (perfumes, powders, etc) don't agree with me so best avoided. I also tend to get a LOT of calendars at Christmas for some reason.

I would have no objections to a 'previously owned' gift. My Santa for the last two years (yep - I've been blessed with the samer person twice) has sent me great hymn books, riddle books, cook books, etc from her own collection - read, loved and passed on. Suits me just fine.

sian