Season of The Crystal Globe

Brisk, violent winds batter the bricks that shelter us from the outside elements. River banks burst at the seams and the risk of rain-induced floods increase with each fresh, crisp, dawn. Roads ice over, thick air freezes our lungs, and fields lie baron in wait of the thaw. But with each new day the sun hangs low and prominent, an orange promise of what’s to come. A beautiful refraction in the crystallised dew drops, a bright reminder of the hope we hold in our hearts for brighter days and warmer nights.

It is the season of the crystal globe, the season of dread and hope, of rest before the bustle; of warm fires and early nights wrapped in fluffy throws.

Through your letter box an ivory coloured envelope is posted. You collect it and take it to the hearth, where you brush your thumb over its thick wax seal. Pressed into the blueish circle is the impression of a snowflake. Written upon the envelope in a deep black ink is a singular, mysterious phrase: “The Frosted Primrose.”

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Your challenge this season, fellow Vocal Hunters, (should you choose to take it up), will net you an awesome badge and the following titles: The Frosted Primrose & The Crystal Primrose (gilded).

If you haven’t joined the Vocal Trophy Hunters group yet, go do that now! And if you have no idea what the hell I’m talking about, go read this post that explains it all: The Gamification of Vocal. As for the rest of you, welcome to the season of the frosted globe! Here are your ten tasks and record book. Happy hunting!

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Season: 22nd December 2023 — 20th March 2024

Achievable Title: The Frosted Primrose

Achievable Title (Gilded): The Crystal Primrose

Tasks:

• Storm In A Teapot: Publish a story (personal or fiction) featuring a steaming cup of tea on a winter morning.
• Safety In Numbers: Publish a post featuring five stories from five different Vocal creators you’ve enjoyed during the season.
• Community First: Leave a thoughtful comment on ten different stories across Vocal.
• Little Snowflake: Write and publish a poem inspired by a snowflake.
• Raise Me Up: Choose somebody from the Vocal community and interview them about their experience throughout winter.
• Cozy Winter Nights: Read a book (from start to finish) with a blue cover, then publish a review, rant, or recommendation.
• Evergreen: Publish a story, factual, fictional, poetic or otherwise, featuring evergreen trees as a central theme.
• Winter Warmer: Publish a recipe for one (or more) of your winter favourites. Be it a mulled wine, a cocktail, a simmering potpourri, or a stew. Let us experience your favourite tastes of the season.
• Cold, Bitter Truths: Write a letter to yourself exploring the ups, downs, achievements, and missed opportunities of 2023. Put the year up for review, and publish your story in the ‘Journal’ community.
• The Frosted Primrose: Publish your record book using the template below (roughly) upon completion, linking to all the corresponding stories and creators mentioned, and claim your title of The Frosted (or Crystal) Primrose with a personal reflection of the season.

Gilded Taks:

• Earn a Top Story between 22nd December and the 20th March
• Publish 15 stories between 22nd December and the 20th March

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Your Record Book Template

Introduction: Start by explaining the challenge and linking back to this post to offer a little perspective into what your record book is all about.

1. Storm In A Teapot: (link to story)
2. Safety In Numbers: (link to story)
3. Community First: (link to ten stories you commented on)
4. Little Snowflake: (link to story)
5. Raise Me Up: (link to story)
6. Cozy Winter Nights: (link to story)
7. Evergreen: (link to story)
8. Winter Warmer: (link to story)
9. Cold, Bitter Truths: (link to story)
10. The Frosted Primrose: (link to story)

Review & Reflect: How did you find this season's challenges? Did you enjoy them, are you excited for the following season? What did you learn, what did you achieve? What insights or unique perspective do you have to share with the Vocal community as a result of completing this season.

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Badges

Congratulations on completing this seasonal record book. You showed dedication and prowess throughout the twelve week period, and have been awarded the title: The Frosted Primrose for your outstanding efforts across the community. For those select few among you that pushed for excellence and achieved the title: The Crystal Primrose, we commend you. Your badges of commendation are below. Display them with pride wherever you see fit.

(BADGES COMING SOON- Here is a lazy 2 minute mock-up)

(A printable A4 certificate of completion will be issued upon request. Just post your completed record book story in the Facebook group, or DM me on Facebook with a link if I miss you.)

Happy writing, hunters!