Snowflake Challenge 5: Wishes and Wishes

[fleetsparrow]

I always feel like wishlists are so hard for me to create.  They feel a lot like asking for help, another thing I have a terribly hard time doing.  Yes, this is something I'm currently working on in therapy.  How is that going?  Haha, don't worry about it.

But, in the interest of Putting Myself Out There, here is a wishlist:

1. Top surgery
   1. Oh, we're starting in Hard Mode I see... fun!
2. A couple new multi-color packs of Pilot Varsity disposable fountain pens
3. A good region-free DVD player
4. Any kind of recommendations on how to learn written shorthand
5. Advice on how to do candle magic when you can't burn candles
   1. Or, alternatively I guess, what to substitute for candle magic when you can't burn candles
6. Recommendations for language learning apps that aren't Duolingo (or Rosetta Stone, only because I already have that)
7. A year of Boot.dev
8. Gift card(s) to Bookshop.org, Google Play Store, or BetterWorldBooks (the last of which might make me finally move my unending wishlist from Thriftbooks to BWB)
9. Best places to learn Linux and such
10. Obligatory newly-curated Amazon wishlist

please do not judge the fact that it took me 3 entire hours to post this single thing akdhgaolksdjflkhajd I sleep now before I break out in hives for Wanting Things and Letting People Know I Want Things

Comments

Wish Granted!

[ysabetwordsmith]

>> Advice on how to do candle magic when you can't burn candles <<

There are plenty of substitutes, including but not limited to:

* A wax candle may be used, simply unlit. You can tip the wick with tissue paper to make a "flame" for it.

* Electric candles are lovely now. Some have a clear bulb with a flickering filament. Others have a bulb coated in silicone to resemble a flame. You can dress the outside with oil similarly to a wax candle, or write on the shaft with a marker, although they don't suit carving. Note that these are better for technomagic than natural candles anyhow -- like if you're working to protect your car or your computer.

* A wooden candle can be carved or written upon, but oil dressing is not compatible with all finishes. Wicks may be tipped with a "flame" made of silk or paper. Alternatively, a hollow at the top may hold an electric candle.

* If you want something that will wear away, you can make a "candle" of ice. Fill a candle mold with water, freeze it, and dip the outside of the mold in hot water to release it. This will work for cases where you would use a candle to diminish something.

* A picture of a lit candle, or a video, may also be used.


>> Or, alternatively I guess, what to substitute for candle magic when you can't burn candles <<

Think about what the candle is for. They have many uses. If you want light, use a lamp or flashlight. If you want the fire aspect without a localized flame, items may be charged in sunlight. If you want to attract things, use magnets. If you're using color magic, anything will do -- cloth, melted marbles, semiprecious stones, whatever. If you want fragrance, an essential oil diffuser or simmer pot will work.