Professor Alopex

Snowflake Challenge 13: Community

We spend a lot of time in fandom talking about community, and we mean a lot of different things by it. And that’s okay! I’m always interested in what other people think about community in fandom, and especially – considering the online nature of so much of fandom -- what are the places and groups that create/allow/encourage that community. These could be flashfic or challenge communities that encourage fanwork creation, discords for talking about the latest episode of your favorite show, exchanges, promptfests, watch-alongs, live streams… whatever promotes community for you.

Today’s challenge:

TALK ABOUT A COMMUNITY SPACE YOU LIKE. It doesn’t need to be your favorite, or the one where you spend the most time (although it certainly can be). Maybe it’s even one that you’ve barely visited. But talk about that space and how it helps support fannish community.




( Read more... )

It snowed yesterday, probably about 4 inches.  The ground is covered.  The trees still have a little sticking to them, but this is light fluffy snow so most has already fallen off.  The temperature is frigid.

I haven't been out to feed the birds yet, but they're active.  I've seen a flock of sparrows, a flock of mourning doves, two starlings, and a downy woodpecker.

EDIT 1/25/26 -- I fed the birds.  I've seen a male and a female cardinal.

I put out water for the birds.

It's snowing slightly again.

EDIT 1/25/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.

Snow is sifting down off and on, but the wind has picked up so it's drifting more in places.  Surprisingly the snowplow has already passed by at least once.  That usually doesn't happen until the day after the snow stops, because we're out in the country.

EDIT 1/25/26 -- I did more work around the patio.

EDIT 1/25/26 -- I did more work around the patio.

I am done for the night.

The January 6, 2026 Poetry Fishbowl has made its $200 goal, so you get a free epic. Everyone is eligible to vote in this poll. I will keep it open at least until Sunday night. If there's a clear answer then, I'll close it; otherwise I may leave it open a little while longer. Here are your options...


"A Fountain of Energy"
Johan practices with his abilities.
70 lines

"Once the Avalanche Has Begun"
A foolish choice in a neighboring town makes life challenging for Shaeth's followers.
70 lines

Warming spices have hot, aromatic qualities. They encourage body heat; they go well with other thermogenic foods. Their scent evokes warmth and comfort. That makes them ideal for cold days. Browse a list of warming spices; you probably have some in your cabinet already. Here is a FAQ list. Screw winter, make something redolent.

( Read more... )

Today is cloudy and frigid.  The first fine snowflakes are beginning to fall.  Much snow is predicted for the weekend.

I fed the birds.  I've seen several sparrows, a pair of cardinals plus an extra male, and a starling.

I put out water for the birds.

EDIT 1/25/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.

I also put  more seed in the hopper feeder, so that's full in case snow covers the ground.  I've seen one female and four male cardinals.

Snow is still dusting down, just enough to leave a white film over flat things and pockets in the grassl.

EDIT 1/25/26 -- I did more work around the patio.

The birds have disappeared, likely holed up somewhere sheltered.

EDIT 1/25/26 -- I brought in more firewood for the woodstove.

I've seen birds off and on, plus a fox squirrel.

EDIT 1/25/26 -- I did more work around the patio.

Snow has made a light layer of frosting over everything.

As it is getting dark, I am done for the night.

Here are the content notes for "The Bones of Chihuly."

( Read more... )

Today I made apple topping. A slight tactical error: all we have to pour it over is vanilla ice cream, and the weather is currently subzero. 0_o Perhaps tomorrow I'll make something else to go with it.

( Read more... )

Cities Must Fix Inspections

Think permitting and inspections reform don't matter? Listen to this hellish account.

( Read more... )

Today's theme is Libraries and Librarians.

( Read more... )