debris4spike | Entries tagged with snowflake challenge

Challenge #1

The Icebreaker Challenge: Introduce yourself. Tell us why you're doing the challenge, and what you hope to gain from it.

I will admit, I am only going to dip in and out this year. Previously I have done all the prompts, but this year I am fairly happy with where I am, however if there's a great challenge, then yes, I will be tempted.

Good luck to all the mods ... and to all those who will do each challenge.

Yes, I missed again yesterday, and it's only going to be brief today, sorry.

Work went well over the 2 days, but it's also nice to think that I have today & tomorrow off before I have to head back. I love the job, love most of the people I work with ... even get on with most of the casual people I am dealing with. However, it was nice having those 2 months off .... even though I was in pain etc, it was still nice to just be me. Maybe I need to think about part-time hours, so I get the best of both worlds.

Yesterday was not so good for one thing (& the reason I wasn't here), I woke up with a stinking cold (& toothache!). So it was a struggle, but again nice to prove to myself I could cope. But, it means today is a lazy day ... although I will stay up to see in the New Year tonight.

I won't do too much of the Snowflake Challenge this year. I have done it prvious years, but often the questions are repetative. So, I may do none/some/all .... it depends how I get tempted by the questions.

Snowflake Challenge: A mug of coffee or hot chocolate with a snowflake shaped gingerbread cookie perched on the rim sits nestled amidst a softly bunched blanket. A few dried orange slices sit next to it.

And, I must thank

kazzy_cee again for a great year of questions ... and here are the final couple for 2025 ...

30. It’s National Bacon Day! What’s your favourite way to eat bacon? Have you ever tried vegan ‘bacon’?
I love bacon, and often have it .... just fried as it's the easiest!
No, sorry, I am a meat eater, not vegan.

31. It’s New Year’s Eve – how would you sum up 2025 on a scale of one to ten? Let’s stay positive - what was the best thing that happened to you this year?
Wow, the last couple of months have probably brought the score down .... however the support I had from one of my friends and from those at work bring the score back up a bit!

So let me finish by wishing you all a Happy New Year ... and praying that whatever you have planned, will be even better than you hoped.

Challenge #6

Share your favourite piece of original canon. Post your answer to today’s challenge in your own space and leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

I do like a "what if" and most shows do it in one way or another.

However Star Trek, Voyager took it on a slightly different way in one of their episodes. In season 3 they did the episode "Before and After" (#21), with the story that one of the crew was travelling backwards. So you started getting snapshot's into Kes' life ... and the scenes didn't make sense. However as the show progressed you got to see how they got to that point.

So, although the first few moments were confusing, it was then interesting to see how the story had unfolded.

So it was great to see a "what if" from a different point of view.

Challenge #11

In your own space, share your love for a trope, cliché, kink, motif, or theme. Post your answer to today’s challenge in your own space and leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

Most of the fandoms that I re-watch over and over again have a similar theme ... unrequited, unrealised love.

In my top 4 shows with this theme, there are other pairings that do get together, and some even stay together.

But I am obviously a sucker for a love that doesn't work out, or maybe it's that the people I choose as my OTP are just not meant to be together. All I can say is thank goodness for Fan Fiction. I then realise that I am not the only person on the planet who wants those pairings to work.

My first fandom that got me involved with LJ (& DW) was Buffy the Vampire Slayer. And, look at my username. Yes, I wanted Buffy & Spike to get together. But we all know how the final episode finished ... and that's how I ended up in fandom, by writing a fix-it fic!

Some years later I watched Stargate SG1 ... and I so wanted Jack to end up with Sam. By the end of season 8, it suggested that they were together ... but there were 2 more seasons of the show to go!

I then got persuaded to watch Star Trek, Voyager and it was a similar story. Military rules not allowing for Kathryn to end up with Chakotay. However the writers decided that Chakotay needed someone, and he was taken down a completely different path in the last few episodes.

My friend nagged me until I watched Stargate Atlantis ... and I immediately wanted John & Elizabeth to get together. This time, although John was military, Elizabeth wasn't. However the writers decided other things for her ... and they were separated before there was any relationship openings.

So, yes, I love the shows ... but love the fan-fiction writers more. AO3 and I are good friends ... and the filters are set ... and there's plenty to cheer my fandom heart.

Still a bit behind with a few, but am going to try and do them all this year. Last year I only got less than half of them done.

Challenge #15

Talk about an unexpected joyous moment you experienced last year.

I had quite a few memorable and joyous moments last year. Hard to pick a favourite.

For a fandom thing I suppose having one of my icons picked as an example of an on-going competition was pretty special. I see such amazing work, so was actually shocked to see one of mine on a description of the competition.

I was overjoyed to at last get to Egypt. It is a country that I have wanted to visit since I was a child. Dad was the same, and never got there. Back when I was 10, Tutankhamen's mask came to London and I never saw it - so that was amazing to at long last see that. The temples were stunning, as well. A great trip.

Over the years I inherited Mum's jewellery (as well as both grandmother's wedding rings). I wear Mum's stuff all the time. However I didn't know what to do with the 2 wedding rings. Then I spoke to a designer and she has made the 2 into a necklace, where the integrity of both rings survive. So to wear rings that are over 100 years old, and belong to those 2 ladies, is a pretty momentous event.

On a personal note - yes, I had an amazing event ... but it's personal (maybe one day)

Challenge #13

Interact with someone in fandom you haven't talked with before.

Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Let us know what you did, if you feel comfortable doing so.

Actually I did this last month!

Last year with the same challenge I started commenting, or leaving kudos on AO3, but last month I challenged myself to go to peoples LJ's/DW's to comment on icons that they make in competitions that I have entered. I have had people do this to me and I have always been pleased ... so I decided to do this (after remembering my AO3 challenge of last year)

Challenge #9

In your own space, create a fanwork. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

I have made a banner ... as ever I'm not 100% pleased with it, but at least it didn't stop me giving it a go.

This is a quote from Star Trek Voyager

Challenge #7

In your own space, create a list of at least three things you'd love to receive, something you've wanted but were afraid to ask for - a wishlist of sorts. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your wishlist if you feel comfortable doing so. Maybe someone will grant a wish. Check out other people's posts. Maybe you will grant a wish. If any wishes are granted, we'd love it if you link them to this post.

I am fairly satisfied with life, really.

However ...

1) I can't make animated icons, so would love one of Stargate Atlantis, with John (& preferably Elizabeth) as well. A couple of years ago I was gifted one of Kathryn & Chakotay from Star Trek Voyager, and still use that a lot.

2) If anyone fancies writing something, I would love a John/Elizabeth fic (SGA), or a Kathryn/Chakotay fic (ST:Voy)

3) I would like someone to read through by BtVS fic to see if it seems OK, which might inspire me to write some more of it.

Thanks very much x

Challenge #5

Talk about what has improved in your life thanks to fandom. Post your answer to today’s challenge in your own space and leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

When I was at school I was told that I was no good at writing, at all. However when I first watched BtVS it prompted me to think of a better ending ... and I discovered LJ, and fandom (again). And, I wrote my story It's All A Question Of Timing So, yes, I wrote that and have since written other stories. I will never be great at writing, but it's something that I do enjoy from time to time.

The other problem I had at school was from my art classes. My art teacher found it impossible to work with the fact I am colour-blind. But on LJ I found icons ... and started with basic cropping, and worked up. I have found that the art programmes don't worry too much as they have tools I use ... and I truly love icon making. I enter 4 or 5 competitions a month, and even though I rarely do well, I enjoy it.

So, thank you LJ and Fandom for helping me to prove 2 of my teachers wrong!!

.

Challenge #4

Since this is the start of a new year, this challenge will be e to set your own goals! Of course we can all make large or ambitious goals, remember that small and/or short goals are also good! Post your answer to today’s challenge in your own space and leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

The trouble is that all my personal wishes are the same as I have typed over the last couple of years.

For fandom -
I so want to really work on making better banners
With icons I want to work on combining different fonts in the same image.
I have a WIP (over a few years) that I want to finish
I do want to get back to writing, again.

For RL -
Spring cleaning ... in fact, any cleaning!!
My shed needs re-organising

Sadly most of those are similar to previous years ... maybe this year will be better!!

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Challenge #3

In your own space, talk about a fannish opinion you hold that has changed over time. Post your answer to today’s challenge in your own space and leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

What a great question - but it's taken me some time to think about!

One of the many things that draws me into a fandom is the OTP .... I listed them in challenge 1.

However, there are a few fandoms where I could see my pairs ending up with someone else. Maybe at the heart of me I can't see how they would be happy in a different pairing (!), but I could see it happening.

For example, in M*A*S*H (the series) I am a great fan of Margaret & Hawkeye .... but there again I think that either of them could have ended up with Trapper-John.

On Stargate Atlantis, I am a fan of John and Elizabeth, but do wonder if John could have ended up with Tayla.

But, I suppose that, even though I have written that, my heart still prefers my original pairings!

.

Challenge #2

In your own space, talk about your fannish origin story. Post your answer to today’s challenge in your own space and leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

Most people who know me know how I got into fandom via the internet .... and that's through having my friend's teenage girls stay with me, and getting mesmerised by an actor's voice ... a season 7 episode of BtVS ... and the actor being James Marsters ... and,the rest is history.

However back in 1982 when a TV series finished I managed to spot a magazine advert for a fan club.

The TV show was called Blake's 7, and ran for 4 years, and has actually never been repeated (to my knowledge). It was a Sci Fi show, and the last episode saw most of the crew killed off, so no come-back.

Anyway, I sent away for details of "Horizon" and joined. About every 6 - 8 months we got a magazine with letters, articles, questions etc - it was written by fans for fans. About every 6 months we were also offered a short story book - so the first time of seeing fan-fics, although unlike AO3, you couldn't put a filter on the ones you wanted to see!

On a side note, I did actually write a letter to one of the magazines in the mid 90's and ended up meeting someone from the next town (I have an unusual surname) ... and Sharon & I are still friends.

And, yes, I still enjoy Blake's 7 ... occasionally making icons, and if there is a Cally/Avon fic on AO3, then I will read it.

.

I hadn't decided if I would do Snowflake Challenge this year, but think I will dip in and out as I fancy questions (or not!).

Snowflake Challenge promotional banner featuring feet in snuggly socks, a mug of hot chocolate, a notebook with 'dreams' written on the cover, and a guitar. Text: Snowflake Challenge January 1-31.

So -

Challenge #1

Update your fandom information. Post your answer to today’s challenge in your own space and leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

I haven't really updated my profile page, as things don't really change much in my life.

I still love making icons, and I suppose that is my main contribution to fandom.

I also love reading fan-fics, and use AO3 ... but try to leave Kudos or a comment on many of the works.

I have written, in the past, and keep aiming to get back to it.

My fandoms are -

Blakes 7 = Avon - Cally
BtVS = Buffy - Spike
Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman = Dr Mike - Sully
Dresden Files = Harry - Karrin
M*A*S*H (the series) = Hawkeye - Margaret
Stargate Atlantis = John - Elizabeth
Stargate SG1 = Jack - Sam
Star Trek Voyager = Katherine - Chakotay

There are a few other things I did into from time to time, but nothing has really grabbed me like those shows & pairings.

Snowflake Challenge #11

In your own space, create a fanwork.

As ever, I am not 100% happy with the work ... I say every year I want to work more on banners etc, and then don't do anything until I am challenged again ... but, at least with this Snowflake I have had to do some work ...

Snowflake Challenge #5

Search in your current space, whether brick-and-mortar or digital. Post a picture (a link to a picture will be fine!) or description of something that is or represents:

1. Something your favorite character would like
2. Something that makes you laugh
3. A fandom place you would like to visit
4. A fandom creator (pro or not) you'd like to meet
5. Something you find comforting
6. Something from a favorite TV series or movie from your childhood
7. A piece of clothing you love
8. A book or song with a color in the title
9. Something only someone in your fandom would understand

1. Something your favorite character would like

2. Something that makes you laugh
Sorry, it's an old, and well known limerick, but it still makes me chuckle
There once was a man of Bengal
Who was asked to a Fancy Dress Ball;
He murmured: "I'll risk it
And go as a biscuit!'
But the dog ate him up in the hall.

3. A fandom place you would like to visit
Atlantis ... the floating city from SGA ... that would be fascinating to see a city that could sink, or react to some of it's inhabitant's DNA

4. A fandom creator (pro or not) you'd like to meet
Jim Butcher - would love to know what is next for Harry; but also if the story to this point was organised in his mind when he first started writing the series.

slaymesoftly ... so I can say thank you for all the grea Spuffy fanfics.

5. Something you find comforting
My faith
I also love AO3 ... where my fandom couple will end up together ... yes, I check the tags first!

6. Something from a favorite TV series or movie from your childhood

Watch on YouTube

7. A piece of clothing you love
IActually I love most of the things in my wardrobe (I am not someone who goes shopping for the sake of shopping). As I type this I have red jeans and a baggy jumpre, but there again I love the formal styly of dresses that I wear to Church on a Sunday ... so nothing special to share (sorry)

8. A book or song with a color in the title

9. Something only someone in your fandom would understand
After seven years - why seven? We are home now. (Kathryn's thoughts)

Right, I think that is this set of questions done ... great selection, thank you.

Challenge #6

In your own space, share a favourite piece of original canon (a show, a specific TV episode, a storyline, a book or series, a scene from a movie, etc) and explain why you love it so much. . Post your answer to today’s challenge in your own space and leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

I suppose when I read this question I had a momentary panic, and then the first thing that came to mind was Spike’s speech to Buffy during “Touched” near the end of BtVS season 7 (from 2002 – 2003)

Watch on YouTube

This is what true love is … willing to just be there, help & support as needed. Not wanting (even if he hopes) for anything in return.

And, for those who don’t know it, I am single … so maybe this resonated when I first heard it as I am still waiting for my Spike (Knight on a White Charger) to arrive

Challenge #4

IceBreaker Challenge! Tell us about yourself. Post your answer to today’s challenge in your own space and leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

It wasn't until I saw another one posted just now I noticed I had forgotten to do this.

I think you all know everything, but there was a link to follow if you didn't know what to do ... so I clicked & followed the Random Questions Generator, and this is what I got ...

1) Do you have something special that picks you up when you feel down? What is it?
My faith

2) Is it better to read books in electronic form or actually hold the book?
I do have a couple of Kindles (one I take to work), but am also happy to pick up a book. In actual fact, if I am looking at history/geography I much prefer an actual book, rather than my Kindle

3) What do you wish you had learned five years before you did?
Horse-riding (although I hadn't met my teacher/best friend then, so that wouldn't have worked!!)

4) What was a past passion that you can't believe you were so passionate about?
Fencing - I really enjoyed it, but it is just such a random sport (and how I got involved, even more random)

5) Which of your past teachers would you like to sit down with and talk to today?
My art teacher - to tell him that I can do art, despite being colourblind
My chemistry teacher, to thank him for all his support
...... In fact quite a few of my teachers I would like to say Thank you, to ... and my Eglish teacher when I was 13/14 I would like to punch on the nose!!

Challenge #3

Create a wish list of fandom things (podfic, graphics, playlists, canon recs translations, research help, vids, sky's the limit!) that you'd like to receive. Post your answer to today’s challenge in your own space and leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

As ever I still haven't managed to work out how to make moving icons. The one I am using here was a gift last year ... so if anyone else wants to make me an animated icon that would be amazing ...

Spuffy ... BtVS
Janeway/Chakotay ... Star Trek Voyager
John/Elizabeth ... SGA

Challenge #2

In your own space, set yourself some goals for the coming year. They can be fannish or not, public or private. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

I am no good at sticking to plans ... so many of the things I could write were the things I wrote last year!

However a few years ago I did start a BtVS season 3 fic, that I did some work on last year ... I really, really want to get it finished this year.

I also want to re-vamp my front & back gardens. I have done bits over the last few years, but really want to get some order to it this year.

Challenge #1

Update your fandom information. Post your answer to today’s challenge in your own space and leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

My fandoms haven't really changed over the years so are the same as on my profile page, which I have copied here -

Andromeda, Being Human, Bible, Blakes 7, BtVS, Caprica, Captain John Hart, Cary Grant, Church, Clarinet, Dr Qinn, Dr Who, Dragonball, Farscape, God, Harry Dresden, James Marsters, M*A*S*H, Marx Brothers, Moonlight, Photography, Saxophone, Sharpe, Sixties Music, Spike, Spuffy, Star Trek Voyager, Stargate Atlantis, Stargate SG1, Survivors, The Champions, The Clangers, Thunderbirds, Torchwood, V, Vampire Diaries, Will Hay

I blog most days (not Sundays), and make icons & do write some fan-fic.

My icons can all be found here over at LJ
My fan-fics are here over at AO3

I ship -
BtVS - Spike & Buffy
Star Trek Voyager - Kathryn Janeway & Chakotay
Stargate SG1 - Jack O'Neill & Samantha Carter
Stargate Atlantis - John Sheppard & Elizabeth Weir
M*A*S*H - Hawkeye & Margaret

January 2026

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Eternal Refuge

Because Everyone Needs Dreams.

Entries tagged with snowflake challenge

Snowflake #1

Goodbye 2025

Snowflake Challenge #6

Snowflake Challenge #11

Snowflake Challenge #15

Snowflake Challenge #13

Snowflake Challenge #9

Snowflake Challenge # 7

Snowflake Challenge #5

Snowflake Challenge #4

Snowflake Challenge # 3

Snowflake Challenge #2

Snowflake #1

Janeway/Chakotay Banner

9 Assorted Questions

Snowflake Day 6

Snowflake Day 4

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Snowflake Day 1

January 2026

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