FA LA LA LA

 Hello again!

Today is December 13th! That means it's the 13th Day of 25 Days of Christmas Songs! One song I listened to a lot back in 2011 was Fa La La La by Jim Brickman & Olivia Jade Archbold. This wonderful song is as cute as can be. I always try to share it each Christmas season since it had a huge impact on me, especially with the loss of my Grandpa that year. This year I've had numerous impactful songs that I'll share starting next week. :) Until then, enjoy this awesome song!

Make It To Christmas

Hi there!

We're playing catch-up today! I missed December 12th. Lots of work and an appointment can cause that, but I won't forget to post the following day. I love Christmas too much to forget! Here's yesterday's song "Make It To Christmas" by Alessia Cara!

Please Santa Please

Hi there!

Happy December 11th! I was thinking a lot about our Santa Run events today. It was always such a great time hanging out with the community during the Christmas season. A few days ago, 11 years ago, we hosted our first Santa Run event. I look forward to hosting more in the upcoming years - God willing. Speaking of Santa... I also heard this awesome song from Pentatonix on the radio today that I wanted to share. "Please Santa Please" by Pentatonix!

Love Is In Your Heart

Hi there!

Happy December 10th. We're officially 2 weeks away from Christmas Eve. Today, I'm sharing "Love Is In Your Heart" from the Santa Paws (2010) soundtrack. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. 

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Hello there!

Happy December 9th! Can you believe we have nearly two weeks until Christmas Eve? Time is truly flying. Today, for 25 Days of Christmas Songs, I'm sharing another classic... "Baby, It's Cold Outside" by Dean Martin! Enjoy!! 

Last Christmas

Hello there!

Happy December 8th! It's the 8th Day of 25 Songs of Christmas. I hope you've had a great Friday. It seems like Christmas is quickly approaching. It should still be July, but you know, the 2020s don't play around when it comes to time flying by. Today, I am sharing my mom's favorite song from the 80s - "Last Christmas" by Wham! Plus, I kinda heard it on Spotify just now and remembered that I needed to post a song today. Oopsie! :P

Let Your Light Shine In The Darkness

Hello again!

Happy December 7th and Happy Hanukkah to all of my Jewish friends in the community. A lot has happened over the past few months, but I know many people, including myself, support you. Today, instead of a Christmas song, I've wanted to take a pause in Christmas music for Jewish people in our nation, around the world, and especially in Israel. We love you. 

All I Want For Christmas Is You

Hello there!

I apologize for missing yesterday's Christmas song. I recently caught COVID which has had me down for a bit. I've been resting and taking vitamin C, so hopefully I'll feel better soon. Other than that, I thought I'd go ahead and pretend today is December 6th (I'll post another song after this post.) Here is All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey!

The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)

Hi there!

Happy December 5th! It's the 5th Day of 25 Days of Christmas Music. Today, I wanted to share a classic - "The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole. I heard this in the store today and knew I'd be sharing it here. I hope you're all having a wonderful Holiday season so far. 

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Three Versions)

 Hello everyone!

Happy December 4th to you all. Today is the 4th Day out of 25 Days of Christmas. I was thinking about one of my favorite Christmas songs ever - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. There are so many amazing versions of this song. My top favorite is one made by the Pretenders I heard on Lois and Clark - a show made and released in the 1990s. Gosh, everything about the 90s was so Christmassy and nearly peaceful. We do need a decade like that again. There are also two other well-known versions by Frank Sinatra and Michael Buble that I enjoy. So I'll be sharing all three here! Enjoy!

Favorite Time Of Year

 Hello!

Happy December 3rd! Today I'm sharing an almost-new song by Carrie Underwood. "Favorite Time Of Year" became one of my favorite Christmas songs released in the 2020s. I'm not a huge fan of many music these days, but Christmas music always impresses me. It truly is the most wonderful time of year AND my favorite time of year. Merry Christmas! 🎄

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Hello there!

Happy December 2nd. Today I'm sharing a song my dad enjoyed - "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" by Andy Williams. He enjoyed this song, and especially the Hallmark Movie with Henry Winkler every year. I remember seeing him watch this movie at least three times this year. That's how much he was looking forward to Christmas. We're celebrating big time in his honor. Merry Christmas, Dad!

🎅 Christmas Is... 🎅

 Hello everyone!

It's officially the Christmas season! If you didn't know, in previous years, I'd post a song each day of December. I wanted to continue this tradition again in memory of my dad and Chrissy! I hope all of you tune in each day as I post my favorite Christmas songs of the year. Let's get started with Day 1 of 25 - "Christmas Is..." by Percy Faith!🎅

The Halloween Run Event - Sunday, October 29th

 Hello Wizards!

It's that time of year. Dressing up in your favorite Halloween costumes for one shell of an in-game event. I'm excited to announce that Around The Spiral will begin hosting an annual Halloween Run event starting this October. We'll have two primary contests at this event - a Screenshot Contest and a television-themed Song Contest. Before we talk about that, let's get the important details out of the way - the event's day, time, and area.

When
 Sunday, October 29 @ 3pm Central / 4pm Eastern

Where
Nightside, Vampire Realm (All Areas)

Stream

www.twitch.tv/AroundTheSpiral

 Rental Mounts Provided + Contests Announced on Twitch Stream

As I mentioned, we'll be hosting two contests. In order to participate in these contests, you must be in attendance at the event - and watching our live stream on our Twitch Channel above. Below, you'll see the rules of each contest. I hope you'll participate in these awesome contests! We'll also have more fun giveaways and contests throughout the event.

The Screenshot Contest                                    2 Winners: $20 W101 GS Card

1. Attend the Halloween Run Event

2. Take 1 Screenshot when the run begins using the keys CTRL+G & PRTSRC 

3. Email the Screenshot to edwardfrostgem@gmail.com with the subject "Screenshot Contest" and your wizard's name.

The two winners will be drawn using a random.org list randomizer. Since this is random, everyone will have an equal chance to win. 

The Television Theme Contest                     2 Winners: $20 W101 GS Card

1. Watch the Halloween Run Livestream - www.twitch.tv/AroundTheSpiral

2. Write a List of the 7 Television Theme Songs in Order played (Type them in the live stream chat as each song plays throughout the event to help others.)

3. Send the List to edwardfrostgem@gmail.com with the subject "Television Contest" and your wizard's name.

The two winners of this contest will also be drawn using a random.org list randomizer. Since this is random, everyone will have an equal chance to win.

Share this blog post with all of your friends so they know to attend the Halloween Run. Also, mark those calendars. Thank you all for your support. I hope to see you at the event. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me in the comments below OR on social media. Until next time, I'll see you around the Spiral. 

Where is Edward Lifegem?

 Hello Wizards!

I hope all of you have been doing well.  I have been rather quiet over the past few months. I'm making a new blog post today to let y'all know what I've been up to and my plans for the rest of the year.

In June, we hosted a Pride Run event. This event was such a blast; hanging out with everyone after so long was such an amazing experience. We had contests - of which I still have the codes and I haven't even judged contest entries or announced winners. I also planned to host a Christmas in July event which didn't take place. I also entered my 30s!

What has kept me so busy though? Well... In the early part of the year, my mom found out she had a mini-stroke and had another more significant one during the Summer. We were worried it was Cancer, but thank God - it wasn't. She may have to have surgery to prevent a major stroke - but this surgery will be rather simple. 

Shortly after our Pride Run event, we found out that my dad has prostate cancer (which is beatable with proper treatment) and would need 2 months of treatment - 5 days a week. With that, I've been watching my nephews for my parents and helping out with gas money since it is quite a drive out of town for them. I got a new job a few months back so that, in combination with family health issues has made this Summer very busy. My parents will get better! 

I also got two illnesses - a bad cold and a virus - last month. With Wizard stuff, I told myself I'll do what I need to do and figure the rest out later. Well, I haven't figured everything out yet but I am in the process of doing so.  While I'm not ready just yet to properly judge the entries to the contests this past June, I will be adding an extra crowns code for each giveaway winner for your patience with me during this time. Now that we've discussed this; what will take place the rest of this year?

Plans for the Remainder of 2023

I am excited to announce that I will be hosting a Halloween Run event this October. In addition, we'll have a Santa Run this December. I am going to put a lot of work into both of these events - and make sure after the events, the codes are sent the very next day. I've already worked a bit on the Halloween Run - made the run guide in early February. I am hoping to work with Kingsisle to figure out what type of giveaways we can host for these events. If you like these events, do share your support for them on social media - so both the rest of the community and Kingsisle know about them. 

Another thing I'm hoping to do is either transfer guides over from my other website or combine both of my websites together. With this, I want to make new blog posts like I did in the old days. I know blogging isn't "popular" but it is something I enjoy. After all, I've made many memories from my old blogging days. I'll continue sharing my thoughts about the game(s) via writing! 

Overall, there is a lot I want to try going into 2024. Around the Spiral and Edward Lifegem isn't going anywhere. There may be breaks here and there - but rest assured, I'll always be back. Around the Spiral is the 3rd oldest still active Wizard101-themed website - coming only behind Wizard101 Central and Friendly Necromancer. I hope to be sharing my thoughts about the game in the 2030s (the far future LOL). 

Anyway, I hope all of you have had a great Summer. As we head into Fall, you'll see me being more active here on my blog and social media. Thank you so much for your support over the past 13 years! Until next time, I'll see you around the spiral.

Pride Run Recap

 Hello Wizards!

I hope all of you have had a wonderful weekend. I had a great weekend especially since I was able to host the Pride Run without any technical difficulties - thanks to my new computer. It was amazing to hang out with everyone once again for an event that brought the community together.

Pride Run 2023 Stream Video

https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1848810782

This event wasn't about me but about the community in general. This event was one of many examples around the community that shows that in the Wizard101 community - you are loved and supported. I'd like to thank everyone that supported this event whether you were able or unable to attend. Your support for the events this month is a sign for those that may be uncomfortable with their identity/sexuality that they are supported here.

I came out a few years ago to this wonderful community because of the support and love I've received for years - whether it was when my grandfather passed away or when I was going through a severe depression. I'm very thankful to have an online place to call my home away from home. Continuing to show this support, not just one month but year-round, will inspire many to be themselves.

Life can be hectic offline, but we can make our time in this community the best it can be. It can be an additional reminder that life is worth living. I'm very thankful that I can have moments like yesterday that truly renew my faith in humanity. Thank you all again for attending this year's Pride Run and reading this new blog post. Until next time, I'll see you around the spiral.

As a confirmation, we will host another Pride Run in 2024. 💙

Happy 13th Birthday, Around The Spiral!

 Hello Wizards!

You've read the title correctly.. Around the Spiral is officially a teenager! Now, don't worry I won't be going through the "teenage years" with a bad attitude. We all know that occurred several years ago! 🤣 Instead, I want to bring Around the Spiral to new heights and reach a wider audience than just here through my blog. Let's talk!

For years, I've made blog posts or created guides (my past project). I became burned out with blogging back in 2020. I took nearly a three year hiatus to focus on my mental health - which became a major problem from 2015 through the early 2020s. I've improved a lot, but still have work to do. One part of improving my mental health is doing things I enjoy - which is playing Wizard101 and Pirate101. 

These are hobbies. I don't look to be paid for it because I already have a career path that I'm enjoying. I'm happy for those that are able to work while playing these games or any games for that matter. That's a pretty cool job. What I'm hoping to do is build up Around the Spiral to get as many people to know that they are loved and respected in this community.

A true judgmental zone and safe space involves not judging people based on their sexuality, their race, their religion, who they vote for, etc. I'm not capable of changing the community on my own - it takes everyone to do that. I do hope this platform can be part of the change that shows everyone that no matter what they believe, they are welcome in this community. There are people that will agree to disagree. I'm not perfect, I've certainly had my moments - in the past. What I've always wanted, even during those imperfect moments was to make new friends that didn't judge me for who I am. I did judge others for judging me which was a major mistake on my end. 

We all know our world is crazy and a whole lot of bad is occurring. We don't have to ignore the bad, but we can share kindness because I'm a firm believer one kind action can go a long way. One thing I'm very excited about is a new program that I (and anyone) was able to join - Wizard101 Extra Credits. This program doesn't restrict us to only praise the game/team. I believe its purpose is to unite us to also share our love for the game. We can still share our thoughts on what we want changed. That's awesome!

In addition to posting about various topics each month for Extra Credits, I am also going to expand Around the Spiral to new platforms. I know about the leadership talks, but... for now, I'm excited to announce that Around the Spiral is officially on TikTok! It took me years to finally decide to start sharing content there. Anywhere from 0 to 1 million people may watch whatever videos I post on there. LOL. I'm acting silly ab out it, but I think it'll be fun to make different types of videos there. I've had many ideas in the past but never got to share them since I didn't have a TikTok. Now that I do, I hope you'll join me on there for a lot of fun stuff. It'll be slow postings at first, but as we progress through Summer - there will be many new uploads. I've embedded my first video at the bottom of this post if you'd like to check it out.

Overall, I want to try my best to make fun videos, posts, events, and more to help guide a focus on more fun stuff. Life is short. We should always make the best of it - which I hope to do during the teenage years of Around the Spiral. We WILL make it to 20. Imagine that... 20 years old... Goodness. 2033 better not rush here too fast. Anyway, I want to thank each and everyone of you from the bottom of my heart for all of the support you've shown me and this website over the past 13 years. I'm so thankful to call each and everyone of you my friends. Thank you for reading and here's to 13 more years of Around the Spiral. 

@aroundthespiral101 My FAVORITE Wizard101 Pet! #Wizard101ExtraCredits #Wizard101 #W101 ♬ original sound - aroundthespiral101

I'm Looking Forward To The Halloween Run

Hello Wizards!

Yeah, it's still May. I've had this obsession with Halloween as of late. I've seen flowers that are "Fall" colors and I keep thinking about this year's Halloween Run. I already plan to announce the event next month after the Pride Run. I've never announced an event so far in advance but I want to go all out for this event. 

My plans are to promote to parts of the community the event hasn't been promoted. My main goal is to let everyone know there are people that love hanging out in game to make new friends and have fun together. The Halloween Run has always been one of my favorite types of events to attend - despite hosting it. You may have recently read that we're planning on hosting events first and activities second. This is the outline for the events here on out. I'll give everyone a reason to stay for the activities - adding new ones and bringing old loved & popular ones back. 

The main reason I'm looking forward to the Halloween Run is because we've missed at least three years of them in a row due to many different reasons. We will NOT miss this one. I want to make up for all of the lost time. If you're new to attending these events - I welcome you to join us in a year of fun. I hope to add more events throughout the year, but not so many that we get burnt out. 

I tweeted out that I wish we could host the Halloween Run now. Gosh, if I could, you know I would. It wouldn't be strange - I've hosted a Santa Run event back in 2020 when COVID was just being announced. It was a way to get everyone's mind off of the awfulness of the world at that time. However, I will wait for the Halloween Run. October will be here before we know it... We just have to... wait. Plus we have other great events coming up. If you see any time wizards - tell them we'd like it to be October about now. Thanks! Until next time, I'll see you around the Spiral.

It's Not About Me, It's About You

 Hello Wizards!

I hope all of you had an amazing weekend. It was quite a weekend with Fansite Festival. I wanted to thank the main hosts - Sheldon and also Iridian Willow for putting this event together despite being very busy! They managed to set up the times, send out all of the codes, and promote & also host their own events. Thank you for all of your hard work!

Show Your Support By Following Them On Twitter

@SheldonCentral

@Iridian_Willow

In addition, I wanted to thank you all again for your support on Saturday. Your feedback always helps me improve what needs to be improved. You are the reason that these events take place and it's only fair to make the events fit your expectations. I'm looking forward to seeing you all again throughout the year. I hope to host some mini events in addition to our main run events. I'll keep you updated on that. Anyway, I'm glad I was able to make this post this morning because I was thinking about y'all. Thank YOU for making these events happen. 

Updating The Events

 Hello Wizards,

I would like to thank all of you that were able to attend this year's Bunny Run event! I had a lot of fun hanging out with y'all. I was also able to test out streaming for the first time in well over a year. With that, I've decided from popular demand to change things up with our events.

For nearly seven years, we've had activities first and the final Run Event towards the end. Well, I've decided that we'll host the Run First and then activities afterwards so everyone has a chance to do what they want to do. Activities have always been a part of the Run events so I hope you'll enjoy those each time we host in-game events.

Our next event will take place in June. Starting there, we'll host the Run within 10 minutes after we start the stream and then we'll do activities such as Hide & Seek after the run. I'd like to thank all that provided constructive criticism today because I do love listening to the community and will change what needs to be changed. If you have any other suggestions for the future, I'd appreciate them. You are always welcome to comment here on my blog, message me on social media, or even message me in game with your suggestions.

The future is looking bright! I look forward to hosting new events throughout the year for the community. Whether you're new or old to the events - thank you so much for your support. I'm always thankful for everyone that takes time out of their day to attend these events. I hope you'll join us for the Pride Run in June! There's plenty of time for me to work on implementing your suggestions for these events. Without you, there are no events - you make these occur. Anyway, thank you for reading and I hope you have a wonderful rest of your weekend. Don't forget to enjoy the rest of the Fansite Festival events! Until next time, I'll see you around the spiral.

The Wizard101 Pride Run - Saturday, June 17th

Hello Wizards!

I am so excited to announce that we will be hosting a Pride Run event in Wizard101 for Pride Month! Everyone, no matter their sexuality, is welcome to attend this in-game event. As we do in the majority of our events - rental mounts will be provided and you don't need a membership to participate! This will mark our first event where we Run First, Participate in Activities Secondly! 

When: June 17 @ 2pm Central / 3pm Eastern

Where: The Commons, Wu Realm

Stream: www.twitch.tv/AroundTheSpiral

We will have contests and giveaways - which will be announced during the stream! On top of that, we'll have fun activities after the Pride Run. You may also watch the Run Path by clicking the play button on the video above. If you haven't attended our events before and want more information about them, visit the Events page on the tab just below our "Around The Spiral" graphic. If you have any questions about this event, please leave a comment down below. Mark your calendars with the date & time and do invite your friends. We hope to see you there! Happy Pride!

A Return To My Roots

 Hello Wizards!

Can you believe it? I spent three years building up a website I had no interest in continuing! I did, however, learn so much about the game compared to early 2021. Most of my wizards are now at max level! Edward Lifegem was far behind in previous years, but he's max; I'm working on making my pets the best they can be for the upcoming world, Wallaru.

I'm excited to quest in the new world; there are things I've missed in making blog posts. Guides aren't everything - I'll eventually move all of the guides I made on Around The Spiral to this blog. I want to interact with all of you as I did for over a decade through blog posts. There are many things I have planned for the community: the return of in-game events, streams, YouTube videos, and new blog posts! 

Blogs are pretty old-fashioned. It's about time they make a comeback! I'm not setting a schedule for when I'll make new blog posts. I hope you'll join me on my return to Around The Spiral. There are many life updates I'd love to share with you as the year progresses. Also, Around The Spiral turns into a teenager in a few weeks. 13 Years Old. I mean, how is time flying by so quickly?!

Anyway, Thank you all for your support over the past 13 years. I look forward to meeting with everyone here and throughout the community! Keep checking back for more updates. Also - don't forget to join us for Fansite Festival this week. It'll be a blast! Thank you for reading. Until next time, I'll see you around the spiral.