tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12682961356691150602024-03-12T22:49:13.109-07:00Second SliceMahala Roviana's weekly slice of Second Life, where avatars roam a virtual world. Includes advice for newbies, or noobs, opinions and recomendations on everything from cyber sex to shopping.Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-65651488420649506162013-03-04T11:05:00.002-08:002013-03-04T15:59:44.533-08:00Live Music With Bronze8020<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7907674@N03/8522404071/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Bronze8020 by Mahala Roviana, on Flickr"><img alt="Bronze8020" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8513/8522404071_1398a47006.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Please pardon the pic. My SL photo editing abilities have gone in to the virtual toilet.</span><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Due to a recent change in SL relationship status, I've suddenly realized that over the course of the past couple of years, I've distanced myself from friends to the point that I've become the lone wolf <i>(or kitty)</i> of the grid.</div>
<br />
Sitting in my treehouse alone, rearranging my inventory and contemplating the position of the couch leaves my second life looking depressingly like my first.<br />
<br />
We can't have that.<br />
<br />
So, I've been gingerly dipping my paws back in to the Second Life live music scene. Saturday night, I checked out Bronze8020 at <span style="background-color: #ffffd3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Kameleonz - Pub With No Beer, Alanya Bay (90, 138, 501</span><span style="line-height: 16px;">). Bronze's show wasn't the first I've checked out in the past week or so, but Mama always said if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. There are still lots of acts out there that will make your teeth itch, but I have to give them credit for having the cajones to get out there and belt it out.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Fortunately Bronze8020 is an act worth mentioning. His soothing voice paid homage to classic songs geared toward those of us with more "experienced" musical tastes. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">And his av is kinda hot too.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">The crowd was great, it seems this cat has quite the following. Loved this guy's style as well:</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7907674@N03/8523528844/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="VincentSantino by Mahala Roviana, on Flickr"><img alt="VincentSantino" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8106/8523528844_a89265e87e.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">VincentSantino</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">So if you find yourself sitting around the beach, counting your toenails or if you just can't stand the thoughts of going on one more excitement filled freebie hunt, look for Bronze8020 on the event calender. You won't be disappointed.</span>Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-43932160522863287492013-02-17T07:17:00.001-08:002013-02-17T07:17:44.484-08:00Butterfly Hollow: A Better View<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RTHQa7sXYUilg0LT0oWXUbj6MaTE36804jEevQobomd5sw1h8wMYWMw3mDk0SnvwHv1cEXKvEOJgo6pLe17gafk8JxvT-jMZIHEmz1RadE-gcBn0V4Z94uZ4aOoQVToDYOs442xYw38/s1600/Butterfly+Hollow+Better.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RTHQa7sXYUilg0LT0oWXUbj6MaTE36804jEevQobomd5sw1h8wMYWMw3mDk0SnvwHv1cEXKvEOJgo6pLe17gafk8JxvT-jMZIHEmz1RadE-gcBn0V4Z94uZ4aOoQVToDYOs442xYw38/s400/Butterfly+Hollow+Better.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-13622463244628060672013-02-14T17:26:00.002-08:002013-02-14T17:26:31.051-08:00Butterfly Hollow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWdVAgAygLOqsNWYGvVLAzDaieProeSslCNP8_t7pUvJpnt4dU2wTHYSWbDOZMR8mtsNVhfOmlymFkfTlRU5p3QONFMNmkPT13Vcvgzg1HoUgOdIxNEGIzCcSmEAylSFbG5pM0cBc6z4/s1600/Butterfly+Hollow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWdVAgAygLOqsNWYGvVLAzDaieProeSslCNP8_t7pUvJpnt4dU2wTHYSWbDOZMR8mtsNVhfOmlymFkfTlRU5p3QONFMNmkPT13Vcvgzg1HoUgOdIxNEGIzCcSmEAylSFbG5pM0cBc6z4/s320/Butterfly+Hollow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I've been shopping for new digs, we won't get in to the reasons why. Crap happens. Things change. Whatever. Cue Whitesnake... "Here I go again... " etc.<br />
<br />
I ditched my premium account a while ago, RL things being what the are, but I really wanted a tiny piece of land to park my Vardo on. <br />
<br />
It is nearly impossible to rent a parking spot. Land barons acted like I was cheap. It's called FRUGAL thankyouverymuch.<br />
<br />
Anywho, I found a little cottage treehouse on Butterfly Hollow. It's adorable, bordering on precious. For now, it's home.Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-82448538548774460302010-07-28T10:32:00.000-07:002010-07-28T10:32:16.709-07:00Sex and GamblingRemember my awesometastic boat? Remember how I went on and on about how much I loved it and the little pier I'd leased for it?<br />
<br />
Well.. the sim it was on is no more. Such is life in SL.<br />
<br />
This time, however, I won't be looking for a new home. Before I lost the pier, a friend offered me squatter's rights on some land they're not using and I promptly sprouted a great, big tree house smack dab in the middle of it. I built a pond for Alexandro, tossed some fireflies around and parked a nookie bed in the attic.<br />
<br />
What else do you need?<br />
<br />
Okay so, I'm planning to add more furniture and a few flowers. I'll take pictures for ya'll when I've got it all situated.<br />
<br />
In other news...<br />
<br />
The Second Slice Cafe has been redecorated. I added a "Yango" machine (like Zingo, but not) and a new stream to the jukebox, playing old timey radio shows. I'm hoping to plan some get-togethers around the radio schedule <i>(for you youngins, radios are what we had before iPods and MP3s)</i> where we can chat about the show or the price of gas or whatever tickles your pixels.<br />
<br />
Sound cool?<br />
<br />
I've also been kicking around the idea of adding a virtual world forum to Second Slice (because what the innerwebs needs is one more SL forum.. apparently.) I'd love your input on the idea. Let me know what you think in the comments!Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-9861315549559269822010-07-14T13:21:00.000-07:002010-07-14T13:21:53.880-07:00Legrand: Mixing Your Realities<center><br />
<object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kjIkFHZ1-OQ&hl=en_US&fs=1?color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kjIkFHZ1-OQ&hl=en_US&fs=1?color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br />
</center><br />
<br />
I found this via a Twitter post from @slhamlet that lead to his blog <a href="http://nwn.blogs.com/nwn/">New World Notes</a>. It's RL, SL, romance and hip-hop all rolled in to one, simmered until hot and oozing with awesome sauce.<br />
<br />
Enjoy.Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-19119005131525822742010-06-27T17:56:00.000-07:002010-06-27T17:56:17.365-07:00I've Been Naughty<center><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7907674@N03/4740711198/" title="Inworldz Mahala Roviana by Mahala Roviana, on Flickr"><img alt="Inworldz Mahala Roviana" height="265" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4740711198_7109bc0070.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Newbie Me on InWorldz</b><br />
</center><br />
I've been a naughty kitty. <br />
<br />
I've been cheating on SL. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://inworldz.com/">InWorldz</a> is a newish virtual world similar to SL but pretty tiny in comparison. They recently reached a milestone of 5000 accounts and I've never seen more than 100 users on at one time. Because of it's small size, there is a strong sense of community there. On day one, when you first log on, you're welcomed by a mentor and walked over to the nearest freebie store.<br />
<br />
I was surprised. It's a nice change.<br />
<br />
The newly formed grid isn't without it's glitches, bugs and occasional interruptions of service, but there's a spirit of creativity and a sense of everyone pulling together to create something special, so you don't really mind when everything isn't working 100%.<br />
<br />
It sort of reminds me of another virtual world I signed up for a long time ago, one that kinda got away from it's original mission...<br />
<br />
Anywho..<br />
<br />
<a href="http://inworldz.com/">InWorldz</a> isn't taking the place of SL for me, but it's a nice place to escape to when you want a slower pace, a quieter grid and some friendly faces.<br />
<br />
Oh and the picture? Don't worry, I've made some improvements since then.<br />
<br />
Maybe I'll see you there. Stop by and say hi, I'm usually in a sandbox somewhere making a mess.Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-16405269346479789862010-05-15T20:18:00.000-07:002010-05-15T20:18:04.911-07:00My New Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1164/4610720170_9c7a27647a_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1164/4610720170_9c7a27647a_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I want to thank all ya'll for the nice emails, ims and tweets regarding places available for lease. The sense of community is alive and well on the grid and I'm proud to be a part of it. But.. shortly after my last entry, I stumbled upon an ideal solution for my problem. I leased a spot in a marina for a deal like you wouldn't believe, bought a cool, old, junky lookin' boat with all sorts of bells and whistles and called it home. It can be copied, so I can leave one stuffed full of tackilicious neko accessories and whip out another when I want to go exploring.<br />
<br />
That's right, it's drivable! My new boat is under 30 prims, safe for sim crossings and comes with an explorer sub and some life rafts.<br />
<br />
I can't wait to take it out just so I can play with the horn.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1180/4610111011_7e5633b89a_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1180/4610111011_7e5633b89a_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I didn't waste any time dropping some lounge chairs on the top deck. Anyone who knows me understands that I need a place to park my butt. That's the extent of the furnishings so far. I think I need a globe.. and stuff. Maybe a telescope. I'll work on that.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1175/4610720016_27aa273485_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1175/4610720016_27aa273485_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I even made my own flag texture. I think it suits me.<br />
<br />
My new home definitely needs a name, being a boat and all. Leave your suggestions in the comments or drop me an email. I'd love to hear what everyone comes up with.<br />
<br />
As for now, I've got shopping to do.<br />
<br />
Tata for now!Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-60448938825094844062010-05-09T12:57:00.000-07:002010-05-09T12:57:06.673-07:00Homeless KittenI knew I wouldn't be able to stand being homeless forever. I was up last night wandering the SL grid until the wee-wee hours of the morning looking for a place to rent. I do miss my little Wando cabin, but I was unhappy with the changes that were happening around me, leading to my letting it go. After a few months of changing clothes on the roof of the cafe and drooling over new kitty themed furniture I've seen while out shopping, I've decided I need a home away from the cafe business.<br />
<br />
I'd like to find something on the water, but not tropical. The rent needs to be fairly cheap and it can come with or without a structure. I'd be perfectly happy sticking a Gypsy wagon under a tree, I'm not a big-flashy-house kinda girl. I'm pretty easy going when it comes to neighbors, they can be human, elf, tiny, fairy or furry. <br />
<br />
I'm not picky.<br />
<br />
Let me know if you hear of a place. Maybe we can be neighbors.Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-63224996471005509412010-04-22T05:58:00.000-07:002010-04-22T06:07:46.971-07:00Now With Moving Pictures!<object height="387" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.wegame.com/static/flash/player.swf?xmlrequest=http://www.wegame.com//player/video/noahs-ark-in-second-life"></param><param name="flashVars" value="xmlrequest=http://www.wegame.com/player/video/noahs-ark-in-second-life&embedPlayer=true"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.wegame.com/static/flash/player.swf?xmlrequest=http://www.wegame.com/player/video/noahs-ark-in-second-life&embedPlayer=true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="387"></embed></object><br />
<div style="display: block; font-size: 11px;">Learn more at the <a href="http://www.wegame.com/games/misc/" target="_blank">Gaming Wiki</a></div><br />
I've been tinkering around with video in SL using <a href="http://www.wegame.com/users/MahalaRoviana/">WeGame</a>. As you can see, I've not mastered the settings yet, It's a little jerky and the quality is sorta sucky.<br />
<br />
I'll sort it out, eventually.Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-22034632579884493452010-04-18T11:28:00.000-07:002010-04-18T11:37:21.703-07:00The King of the Freebies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4530579019_640cf8de0a_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4530579019_640cf8de0a_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Survivor: Second Life</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How to Get by on the Grid</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Part 2</span></span></span></div><br />
I spent a large chunk of my early days in SL with my butt parked on a brick wall at the Bear Dream Lodge Infohub. It was there that I first met the self-proclaimed "King of the Freebies." He was tall, thin, bald, wore a big trench coat and the glow from his bling could be seen for miles.<br />
<br />
The boy had more attachments than an Electrolux.<br />
<br />
The King prided himself on having everything anyone could need tucked safely away in his inventory. We eventually became good friends and he taught me all I needed to know about how to find the best freebies. Well, until he got involved with some psycho chick, bought her some stuff and sexed her up, sending her crying back to her ex boyfriend, telling him The King was stalking her and wouldn't leave her alone.. or something like that. The ex boyfriend formed a posse and he and his buddies tortured him mercilessly...<br />
<br />
That's when he disappeared.<br />
<br />
But don't despair! Before he left, The King shared his vast freebie gathering experience with yours truly.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>How to Find Freebies:</b></div><br />
<ul><li><b>Freebie stores:</b> If you're new and looking for some stuff to get you started, freebie stores<i> (like Free Dove or the Freebie Dungeon)</i> are a great place to begin. They usually have the basics like clothes, furniture, freebie scripts, etc. Once you start getting out and about however, you'll want to upgrade from the basic newbie free stuff.</li>
<li><b>Events:</b> If you browse the events listings, you'll find all kinds of freebie offers as a bribe to get you to stop by the event. Go for it. It's kind of a crap shoot, sometimes you end up with the same free junk you've got 100 copies of already, but you can also end up with some cool clothes and shoes. I've got a folder full of beautiful wedding gowns I picked up that way. I've never gotten to wear any of them, both my past partners were more the run-to-town-hall-and-get-hitched types. I'm still holding on to the dresses. You never know.</li>
<li><b>Hunts:</b> I've only done one or two hunts, but it's a great way to find free stuff. They usually have a theme and seem to be more popular around holidays. Take a friend with you, it's a<s> cheap</s> inexpensive date.</li>
<li><b>Group Gifts:</b> Most of the big retailers in SL have started giving out free gifts to residents who join their groups. Some offer a goodie when joining, others offer a monthly freebie to bring people into their stores. My favorite is Azul (<i>beautiful dresses and gowns.</i>) In my opinion, this is the best way to get high quality freebies and the stores involved increase their traffic by tempting you to visit. Everyone wins.</li>
</ul><br />
The King reappeared a few weeks after his disappearance with a new alt, hunting me down on the beach where I always seem to end up. He eventually became my first SL ex-partner after things started getting a little too weird. I'm sure he's still out there, somewhere, with a new name and a new face.<br />
<br />
I used to spend alot of time out looking for feebies. It becomes almost like a game, seeing what you can come up with. It's also a great way to discover SL.<br />
<br />
Where do you find your best freebies? Let me know in the comments.<br />
<br />
We'll talk again soon!Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-20660803170157025322010-04-10T18:40:00.000-07:002010-04-10T18:41:57.317-07:00Friendship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4509525466_65d4a5cce0_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4509525466_65d4a5cce0_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I received some bad news about a SL friend tonight, news that broke my heart in to a million pieces. I found myself back where I always go when I need to think or pout or have a good cry. I sat, watching the waves crash on the beach at CinCin and I thought about the friendships we form on the grid.<br />
<br />
Why do we feel the need to designate relationships we form here as "Second Life friends" or "virtual friends?" We care for each other with the same heart, shed the same tears, grow attached to the flesh and blood people on the other side of the screen.<br />
<br />
Friends are still friends, regardless of how you found them, aren't they?? Right?<br />
<br />
Take a moment today to tell your friends on the grid how much they mean to you. Give them a big, pixel squishing hug.<br />
<br />
Because you never know...Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-76183236746126285672010-04-09T19:14:00.000-07:002010-04-09T19:14:11.727-07:00Script Madness: When Scots Attack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4506193459_56d2ab3e2c_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4506193459_56d2ab3e2c_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Survivor: Second Life</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>How to Get by on the Grid</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Part 1</b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><br />
Wandering the infohubs in the wee hours of the morning is a good way to meet some.. well.. unusual people. It was around 3a.m. at Bear that I first met the Scot, who actually lived in England but couldn't go back to his home in Scotland because people were trying to kill him or some bullcrap.<br />
<br />
Anywho, for the purposes of this post, we'll just call him Scotty, kay? Kay.<br />
<br />
Scotty's plan was to live, virtually, in Second Life. He was logged on 24/7, his avatar slept when he slept. He had completely given up his first life in exchange for a virtual one. Part of his mission was to do this without spending a dime, which wasn't hard to do because he was unemployed and had no credit or bank account.<br />
<br />
I know how to pick 'em.<br />
<br />
Scotty planned to go into business in SL, writing scripts for people and doing other odd jobs. We frolicked around the grid together for a while, living like Gypsies, hanging out on park benches, infohub walls and dressing ourselves in handouts.<br />
<br />
Well <i>he</i> did. I used to wait until he passed out drunk and go shopping for the latest couture.<br />
<br />
Time zones <i>can</i> work to your advantage.<br />
<br />
I wasn't about to let him catch me in "bought" things. I had him convinced I was poor as a church mouse.<br />
<br />
It soon became crystal clear that Scotty's only talent for scripts was in passing off freebies as his own. All he really knew how to do was mooch. Which he did. He met an affluent SL real estate mogul and left me in the dust, doing "work" for her. The fact that she was, at the time, my only real female friend on SL didn't seem to matter, to either of them, NOT THAT I'M BITTER.<br />
<br />
*cough*<br />
<br />
Anywho...<br />
<br />
He eventually convinced his RL son to become a part of his SL family and Scotty, the Real Estate <s>backstabbing mother frickin bitch</s> Lady and some other random people formed a weird, free love kinda commune... thingy.<br />
<br />
Or something. It was just weird.<br />
<br />
When the love fest came crashing down on him and the real estate mogul kicked his skanky little pixelated butt to the curb, he did not handle it well. He went from a long haired biker type to a dark, angry..<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2043/4506830350_271eb12155_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2043/4506830350_271eb12155_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Yeah.. that. Pardon the crappy picture. It was taken before my graphics card transplant and before I learned just enough Photoshop to make a ginormous mess. The long staff he's carrying usually held the head of a blood soaked furry. He would stand on the telepad and shower particles on the extremely lagged region continuously until everyone crashed.<br />
<br />
He didn't take being dumped very well.<br />
<br />
From the Scot we learn that lying isn't going to get you very far in SL. It will catch up with you eventually. We also learn that mooching isn't a very reliable source of income. If you're unemployed, have no bank account and drink so much that you pass out on your keyboard, here's some free advice:<br />
<br />
STEP AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER. <a href="http://www.aa.org/?Media=PlayFlash">GO TO A.A.</a> FIND A DAMNED JOB.<br />
<br />
And you're welcome.<br />
<br />
Next time, rather than tell you what not to do, we'll meet another old friend of mine, the self proclaimed King of the Freebies and get some great advice for newbies and long time residents alike.<br />
<br />
See ya next time!Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-451268069052537602010-04-04T12:58:00.000-07:002010-04-04T13:01:41.001-07:00Survivor: Second LIfe<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4490819858_09b4c7a5f1_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" nt="true" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4490819858_09b4c7a5f1_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">*click to enlarge*<br />
<br />
<div align="left"><br />
</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</br><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We're all feeling the pinch of the struggling economy, even on the grid. It would make sense that when making the choice to cut back on expenses, our Second Lives will be one of the first things to suffer. This raises the question, can you still have a Second Life worth living without spending real dollars for your virtual existence?<br />
<br />
I've met bunches of people from all over the world during my time here with differing opinions on how to best support your life on the grid. I've decided to explore their theories with a series I'm going to call: <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Survivor: Second Life </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>How to Get by on the Grid</strong></span></div><br />
The first installment, coming soon, will be "Script Madness, When Scots Attack."<br />
<br />
Ya'll be sure and stay tuned.Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-25850666425838063012010-03-07T17:48:00.000-08:002010-03-07T17:48:34.911-08:00*Knock*Knock* Is This Thing On?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqD1uObc7EHtX57LUW2CDXrO4en5M7XPe549K8hyphenhyphens9kydSi8lUptGCLgKIeeBYj9fIW1DCkVC1uB83CpGMheAernrYdEbOxAHrG4bxOrh3bY4hActSjAzIB3MEbhHgOQBZVpioQ4UDmEc/s1600-h/Cafe_001%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqD1uObc7EHtX57LUW2CDXrO4en5M7XPe549K8hyphenhyphens9kydSi8lUptGCLgKIeeBYj9fIW1DCkVC1uB83CpGMheAernrYdEbOxAHrG4bxOrh3bY4hActSjAzIB3MEbhHgOQBZVpioQ4UDmEc/s400/Cafe_001%20copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This weekend at the cafe, I'd planned to talk about the different ways to finance your second life, be it working for others, running a business or simply buying $L. Instead, we ended up discussing deep topics like shopping, planning weddings and where to find a good male skin.<br />
<br />
I think the most avatars there at one time during the hour long event was four, so I didn't see any reason to try to stick to a topic.<br />
<br />
Where the crap is everyone? <br />
<br />
Whatever, we had fun anyway and that's all that matters. <br />
<br />
Yeah I know, I was gone for a while then I missed my<em> "comeback"</em> discussion. I'M SORRY OKAY???<br />
<br />
Around the grid I'm hearing that the world economy is having its effects on our virtual world. Performers say tips are down, club owners are cutting back and Linden Labs seem to be reaching out for new premium account holders by offering a free house to those who sign up.<br />
<br />
How about you? Is the monetary funk we're all experiencing in first life taking it's toll on your second? If it is, or isn't, I'd like to hear about it. Drop me an email or add a comment here. <br />
<br />
Until next time, I'll see ya on the grid!Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-67622152326345805662010-02-28T19:41:00.000-08:002010-02-28T19:42:39.667-08:00I'm Like the Terminator, but Cuter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmT-lBhAlMcw1X5pggESuq5_7zqrljfV_k6LE_3RzvuFFUM5TSHKe48PHbCJHduNQUZa5DN8pM-Vpt5V7sg2hd6h8PSlwiIv47hjulfPL4vQroOI-6HWW2iJ_3aKkxnRwl6UpmJdtDMU/s1600-h/She's%20Back_001%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmT-lBhAlMcw1X5pggESuq5_7zqrljfV_k6LE_3RzvuFFUM5TSHKe48PHbCJHduNQUZa5DN8pM-Vpt5V7sg2hd6h8PSlwiIv47hjulfPL4vQroOI-6HWW2iJ_3aKkxnRwl6UpmJdtDMU/s400/She's%20Back_001%20copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
OMG she's back!<br />
<br />
Okay so, sometimes that other life gets in the way of my second life, but hopefully that's over.. for now. I've not been away from the grid completely, but discussion groups and Second Slice have kinda been on the back burner for a few weeks. <br />
<br />
While I've been away.. sort of.. Some things have changed. I got rid of my little cabin, which makes me sad, but under new ownership, Wando just wasn't the same. The lovely view from my front door became cluttered with buildings and the distant neighbors kept creeping closer and closer. Soon, little comments blaming actions of the residents for the lag, not the added prims or increased population, changed the whole feel of the place. The lag was getting so bad I couldn't really enjoy it anyway.<br />
<br />
So I let it go.<br />
<br />
Now I'm kinda homeless, but not really. I still have the cafe, where I've made some changes and added a shiny new Intan couples dance ball, filled with a metric buttload of Bits and Bobs animations. I also added a fence, so people would stop falling off, planted a few flowers and updated the jukebox stations. As always, Second Slice Cafe is open to anyone who wants to use it, come on by. <br />
<br />
I hosted my first discussion group in a while this past Saturday. We had a decent turn out and it felt nice to see some familiar faces. I'm really stumped for topics, so please email me or drop me a message in world with any suggestions.<br />
<br />
Anywho...<br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. I'll see ya'll soon!Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-76833775643750475462009-12-09T15:31:00.000-08:002009-12-09T15:31:58.545-08:00Avatar Profiling?I've spent large chunks of my Second Life hanging around infohubs and, as a result, around griefers. Not just being on the receiving end of attacks, but in the company of friends who's only goal in this virtual life was to disrupt everyone else's experience as much as possible. <br />
<br />
Oh you know the type.. we accuse them all of being prepubescent, bed wetting, pimple faced little twerps who've hijacked mommy's computer while she's out banging the neighbor, but in reality they're usually sad little pudgy men with a dependence on Viagra or militant cat ladies who never get out of their apartment and who log on to the grid for no reason other than to show how obnoxious they can be. <br />
<br />
Last Saturday night's discussion at the Second Slice Café was supposed to be about holiday memories, but instead I ended up playing whack-a-mole with the ban hammer through about half of it. We had a great turnout, but about half of them were griefers and while griefers in themselves are a nuisance, what really pickles my pixels is that I KNOW why they're there as soon as I see their avatar or read their names.<br />
<br />
So just ban them, right?<br />
<br />
That would be the simple thing to do, but would it be the right thing? Wouldn't that be like.. profiling? What if it is? Should I even care?<br />
<br />
What do you think?<br />
<br />
Moving on..<br />
<br />
This week the topic will be: Using SL to live out your RL fantasies<br />
<br />
What do you do in SL that you can't do in RL? Changed genders? Explored an alternate sexual preference? Opened a business? Gotten married? Stayed single? How do you use Second Life to do all the things can't do in RL?<br />
<br />
This Saturday at the Second Slice Café at 5pm SLT. I hope to see you there!Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-17700430161209382282009-12-04T08:54:00.000-08:002009-12-04T09:18:43.220-08:00Mahala's Winter Romance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2660/4158379144_1f99ba9382_o.jpg" title="Santa by Mahala Roviana, on Flickr"><img alt="Santa" height="212" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2518/4157045738_2c1905082a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
While out Christmas shopping last weekend, I met the nicest man. We hit it off immediately, aside from the obvious age difference. I found myself wanting to spend every spare minute in his company. He dressed a little funny and had a weird laugh, but I thought I was in love. All he talked about was wanting to sneak in my house in the middle of the night, bringing me gifts.<br />
<br />
What more could a girl want?<br />
<br />
Nicky was secretive about his job, I thought he ran orphanage or something because he was always talking about the little people he surrounded himself with and making toys for all the children. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7907674@N03/4157045894/" title="Santas lap by Mahala Roviana, on Flickr"><img alt="Santas lap" height="212" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2713/4157045894_5cccb89b3b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
We had many long, intimate discussions until the wee hours of the morning, yet he still refused to tell me his real age. I also had to talk to him about his personal hygene.. the dude NEVER changed clothes, yet oddly always smelled of gingerbread and eggnog.<br />
<br />
Maybe it was his aftershave.. I don't know.<br />
<br />
I started getting suspicious, with all the secrecy surrounding Nicky, my new found love, but it was hard to stay focused on finding the truth when I remembered what he could do with that fluffy, white beard when the nights are cold and a body needs warming. <br />
<br />
Nicky was a sex machine.<br />
<br />
In the throws of passion he did get a little down and dirty. I guess he's one of those guys who's into calling names. The first time we did the nasty <em>(he likes to call it "exchanging gifts")</em> I was a little taken aback when, on the verge of.. ya know.. completion.. he started screaming "HO! HO! HO!" <br />
<br />
I wasn't sure what to say, so I just answered with, "Dat's right, and you's my jolly old pimp daddy." <br />
<br />
He gave me a really strange look when I said it. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7907674@N03/4156284113/" title="Santas shop by Mahala Roviana, on Flickr"><img alt="Santas shop" height="212" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2493/4156284113_a8a6ab938a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Once the new wore off the relationship, I started taking all the secrecy more seriously. I channeled my inner Nancy Drew and began following him, leading me to a cute little house on a snow covered sim. I pushed the unlocked door open and walked inside, shocked by what I found. <br />
<br />
A sweatshop operation full of children with pointy ears and strange clothes. Obviously they were the children of immigrants, being forced to work in return for smuggling their families into the country. <br />
<br />
"Hellooo," I called, hellbent on wheels to rescue these poor babies from Nicky, who just the night before had rocked my world like no other. <br />
<br />
"No time to talk, very busy. The boss will be back soon and the toys aren't ready!" answered the little guy in the yellow hat. He seemed frightened "the boss" would come back early and he'd be in trouble. I wondered what Nicky did to them when they didn't perform to his liking.<br />
<br />
The wild eyed look in the little guy's eyes spoke volumes.<br />
<br />
I had to find a phone to call the authorities, but up there in the boonies, there wasn't a cell signal. I wandered up the stairs, past the poor children, who'd been worked so hard in their short lives, they had the faces of little old men. No one tried to stop me as I headed for the stairs, everyone was working so hard, they were oblivious to my movements.<br />
<br />
I climbed the old, creaky staircase, careful to be as quiet as I could. I could hear a fire crackling in the room ahead, meaning it was probably occupied. I rounded the corner and was nearly blinded by the green glow being cast by the walls. <br />
<br />
So much GREEN. It would have made Martha Stewart break out in hives. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7907674@N03/4156284293/" title="Santa and the Mrs by Mahala Roviana, on Flickr"><img alt="Santa and the Mrs" height="212" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2738/4156284293_29be80cdf4.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I stood, dumbfounded. Magic crayons were dancing over pages in the corner, the fire crackled and popped over the barely audible sound of Christmas caroles dancing on the breeze.<br />
<br />
And there he was, napping in the corner, snoring loudly. I suddenly forgot the sweatshop and the strange little Type A children with the weird accents downstairs when I spotted...<br />
<br />
HIS WIFE.<br />
<br />
And? Although she was snoozing too, I got the impression that she could TOTALLY kick my ass, so I contained my anger, turned around and quietly headed back down the steps.<br />
<br />
Sometimes in life you just gotta pick your battles and I wasn't about to tangle with that rough lookin' chick.<br />
<br />
I finally made it back to the cabin, put my feet up and shook my head over the whole thing. I eventually did call the authorities, but they just laughed at me. I needed to let it go, what I'd seen and more importantly how I'd fallen for old Nick. <br />
<br />
But I'll always be a little turned on when I hear someone say, "HO HO HO."Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-43329578392134322132009-12-02T06:42:00.000-08:002009-12-03T17:52:42.226-08:00Stuff I Ponder When I'm Bitchy McCrankypants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfPn9rDERGO81QWAysrQZaE3jumLu9AWDAux1gd_Ys6oM59gAVTxgMbw9IlATlE4Vax2Unnxmh0_XI_sGAEAhyCn9Bi7jI0bObImstLKOtZaINkdWyAzgU6wT2Iy4YGBXSKa4-tDvqM0/s1600/By%20the%20fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" er="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfPn9rDERGO81QWAysrQZaE3jumLu9AWDAux1gd_Ys6oM59gAVTxgMbw9IlATlE4Vax2Unnxmh0_XI_sGAEAhyCn9Bi7jI0bObImstLKOtZaINkdWyAzgU6wT2Iy4YGBXSKa4-tDvqM0/s400/By%20the%20fire.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Who the heck is Ashyne Demonista and why is everyone Googling them? That name is generating a lot of search traffic for me. </li>
<li>If your neighbor has their little parcel positioned 700 meters in the air, why would you stick your oddly shaped, plywood block RIGHT beside them when moving a few meters up or down would make everyone happy? Seriously, I'm tired of moving. </li>
<li>If you're having an event, is it really necessary to send out a group notice one hour before, then a half hour, then fifteen minutes and another one screaming that I'm missing the event of the century once it begins? Oh yeah.. and THEN post the slurl in group chat on top of that? You're just being annoying, not enticing me to join you.</li>
<li> If you are a merchant in Second Life and your income depends on people being interested in your product, stop bitching because you get alot of IMs with questions you don't think are worthy of your time. It's called <em><strong>CUSTOMER SERVICE</strong></em>. Look it up. When they STOP asking, then you can bitch.</li>
<li>Your competitor/customer/neighbor being unable to speak/write perfect English does not give you the right to be a big, flaming a-hole about it. I'm constantly amazed by the residents I meet from South America, Eastern Europe, Japan... all over the world.. who speak English as a second language and manage to do business in SL, where English dominates. Were the tables turned, I wouldn't last a day if I had to know Portuguese or Russian to get by. So stop being a snot. You're making the rest of us look bad.</li>
<li>Do you think Tinies are creepy? Child AVs are all perverts? Furries are kinky, sex starved deviants? Fairies and Elves all celebrate Pagan ritual and threaten your core belief systems? Well, you're wrong, but fine. If you insist on making assumptions about people based on what form they take as they walk the grid, just stay in your little red-lined, protected little parcel, hiding from everyone so you can be sure you won't be offended. My philosophy is: if you think it's wrong, don't do it. But stop passing judgement on everyone else. It's not your place.. or mine.</li>
<li>Maybe I shouldn't blog when I'm cranky.</li>
</ul>This week's topic at the Second Slice Cafe: Share your funniest holiday memory. Any holiday and/or family gathering qualifies. Did Uncle Bob shoot off his big toe while he cleaned his rifle on the Fourth of July? Did cousin Sue get too drunk at the Christmas Eve gathering and try to have her way with the garden gnome? We'll be telling our holiday stories at the Second Slice Cafe this Saturday, 12/5/09 at 5pm SLT. I hope to see you there.<br />
<br />
I promise I won't be Bitchy McCrankyPants by then.Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-4137787094421856902009-11-18T16:57:00.000-08:002009-11-18T16:59:49.632-08:00Sarah Palin? Don't Ask MeLast Saturday night's discussion topic centered around the validity of Second Life relationships. We pondered the reality of avatar love and with the nice, big turnout, there were lots of opinions.<br />
<br />
The general consensus among those attending, including a SL couple, a few singles and some who were married in their first lives yet maintained relationships with others in their second life, was that feelings are real, be it first life or second life. There is always a human being behind that avatar and that person's emotions dictate their actions as they explore personal relationships with others. <br />
<br />
Trust was a big issue as we explored this topic. There were stories of long time relationships moving into first lives, only to discover some gender specific surprises when they did. While you always hear of this happening when approaching the subject of romance on the grid and I'm sure it does, I know of a few instances myself, I don't think it happens very often. <br />
<br />
After a while, we sort of meandered away from the "official" topic and ended up discussing Sarah Palin's turkey beheading interview from last year, the jokes started flowing, there was some man bashing, some blonde jokes and I think someone, who's name I won't mention, was sending around pictures of a ginormous pecker and claiming ownership.<br />
<br />
I laughed so hard I snorted.<br />
<br />
We ended up hanging out and chatting for nearly two hours about everything under the sun. It was awesome.<br />
<br />
Towards the end, the SLag got so bad I couldn't move, so I made the decision to do something I've thought about doing for a long time. I packed everything up and shot it skyward, where it's a little easier to avoid SLag freeze. Of course, that meant I had to redecorate.. and buy stuff. Like trees. Oh and with trees, you have to have a swing.<br />
<br />
It's like.. <em>a rule</em>.. and stuff.<br />
<br />
And? I've got this thing about fire and water, so I dug around in my <strike>massive and unorganized</strike> inventory and found a beautiful stone fountain I bought ages ago that I'd forgotten I had. <br />
<br />
I'm still working on the fire part. <br />
<br />
At the moment, I've got a killer snow storm going, but that's subject to change with my mood. <br />
<br />
Ya'll be sure to come by the Second Slice Cafe this Saturday at 5pm SLT for our next chitchat. I'm still trying to come up with a topic, I'm open to suggestions.Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-76064925025808149882009-11-11T19:07:00.000-08:002009-11-12T05:41:49.408-08:00The UnderworldI went shopping for the perfect survivor gear, complete with catnip, smokes and a bottle of milk. My search ended successfully and after grabbing what I came for, I wandered outside to take a look around, spotting an uncovered manhole in the center of the abandoned road. <br />
<br />
You find the COOLEST stuff underground. I could barely contain my excitement as sprinted to the unprotected opening and lept inside. <br />
<br />
A short stroll through the sewer line led to a soft glowing light, seeping in from the right. I turned a corner and after a short stroll I found this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2800/4078443050_87e246dd4c_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" sr="true" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2800/4078443050_87e246dd4c_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I took a moment to sit down and look around. The underground cavern was full of bright colors, tiny rooms, a purple river, crooked bridges and lots of "Alice" references. The fireplace felt warm and welcoming, it would be the perfect place to hide out with a friend.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2541/4077690033_90a69c1699_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" sr="true" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2541/4077690033_90a69c1699_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I little farther down the path, I found this little table set up with a carafe of wine <em>(okay so, I thought it sorta looked more like a spittoon, but what do I know?)</em> so I had a seat and helped myself. After my second cup, I started to feel a little woozy. I started to wonder if drinking from random <strike>spittoons</strike> cups of wine were such a good idea. Luckily I found a place to lie down inside the tent. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2749/4077690119_f776bf5d5e_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" sr="true" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2749/4077690119_f776bf5d5e_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I rested, I contemplated the safety of allowing myself to drift off to sleep there in unfamiliar territory, leaving myself vulnerable to Lord knows what, but my thoughts were interrupted by a very deep sleep. <em>(And aren't my boots just FABULOUS??) </em><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't know what was in that stuff I drank, but it made for some off the wall dreams. It reminded me of that time back in my early twenties when I unknowingly smoked some laced weed and later had to stop my car in the middle of the four lane to let Smurfette cross the road. Luckily it was like three a.m. so no one noticed. I can just see me trying to explain THAT to the judge. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I didn't see Smurfette this time, but I did have strange dreams about a giant purple cat with a wicked tongue wanting to have his way with me on the mushrooms. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/4078443376_6a25d9ebac_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" sr="true" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/4078443376_6a25d9ebac_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The next time you're out and about, take a moment to survey the ground. Is that manhole cover just for looks or is it the gateway to an underground adventure? There's only one way to find out.. hop in and go for it!Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-52572504735993265682009-11-03T07:22:00.000-08:002009-11-03T07:22:55.750-08:00Random Thoughts on ShoppingShopping seems to be a major recreational activity in Second Life and while I don't include myself in the ranks of the hardcore shopaholics, I do spend big chunks of grid time on maddening hunts for very specific products. When I get an idea of what I want, I'm like a <strike>old coonhound</strike> beautiful spaniel of aristocratic lineage, <strike>baying loudly at the base of every tree</strike> prancing lively through the lush, green forest, searching for the perfect pair of boots.<br />
<br />
Not that bird dogs find boots in the woods.. but anyway...<br />
<br />
Over the years, I've developed some strong opinions about finding what I want, the following is a collection of my opinions and observations about shopping in SL:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>I use SL search for everything. It works great for some stuff, like finding live music, but for shopping, it's not so great. To make it easier, it would be nice if the ads placed for your store actually show an image of your product. That cute little Neko cartoon character is feckin' adorable, but it's not worth a hill of beans at showing me what your design style is like. And? While your company logo is awesometastic, I'd rather know that you can make a boot look like a boot than see foggy vampiric images surrounded by dripping blood and myst.</li>
<li>I don't like spending large portions of my life, first or second, flying around ginormous malls that sell everything from super realistic lizard eyeballs to outdoor fountains. If I'm looking for sneakers, I'll be shopping at shoe stores. I don't do malls.</li>
<li>If your tag list has 500 items, including furniture, animations, clothing, skins, hair and shoes.. all from the same designer, I'll probably skip that store too. While there may be a handful of people who can design absolutely anything and do it with excellence, most people have one or two things they're really good at. If you don't design anything but formal gowns, chances are you've spent alot of time perfecting the shapes of the attachments, the amount of flexified magic to apply to them for just the right flow and hours manipulating textures and colors to create a dress that will make every woman feel like she's going to prom all over again. </li>
<li>Are doors really necessary? Do you know how many windows I've walked into, face first, because it looked JUST like the glass door beside it? Do you really need a door that opens and closes? Please, make the entrance obvious. Oh yeah and.. that six mile hike from the tp point is a royal pain.</li>
<li>Spiral staircases look nice, but do me a favor and put a nice little tp point beside it. Three years in SL and I'm still falling off spiral staircases. It ticks me off. I WANT to see what you have upstairs. I don't want to make three attempts to get up there.</li>
<li>If you list items in your seach tags that you don't actually sell, just to get people in the door, and I waste my time covering every inch of your establishment trying to find that item, I'm not going to be happy camper. Chances are, I'll never buy anything in your store. Ever. </li>
<li>Live (sorta) models displaying clothing in your store? BEST IDEA EVER!</li>
<li>Those auto greeter things popping up on my screen the moment I land at your store, demanding that I join your group so that I can get updates, special offers, marry rich, be showered with jewels and never want for everything again for as long as I live? Discard. Ignore. Mute. I haven't even made it inside. I don't know if I'm gonna care if you've updated or not before I've even seen your products. </li>
<li>An offer of a monthly free gift from a store/designer that I adore, as long as I'm wearing their group tag to grab it, positioned next to a polite sign suggesting I join their group? Heck yeah I'll join. </li>
</ul>I'm sure some will disagree with my list, but what the hey.. it's my blog. What drives you mad while shopping in SL? Drop me a comment!Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-35628249281905375302009-10-28T15:22:00.001-07:002009-10-28T17:14:35.608-07:00The Cornfield<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/4054182962_ec30b74c77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/4054182962_ec30b74c77.jpg" vr="true" width="400" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks ago at the Saturday night discussion, I'd mentioned that residents used to be banished to a mysterious cornfield when they'd been naughty in the eyes of Linden Labs. It gave them a place to wander around and think about what they'd done along with the other bad apples. The cornfield eventually disapeared and was rumored to be no more than a SLurban myth, but long time residents swore of it's existence. <br />
<br />
Earlier today, when I learned that the cornfield had been made available to the residents of Second Life just for Halloween 2009, I nearly squeed with glee. I couldn't wait to log on during my lunch break to go check it out. <br />
<br />
I was greeted by Trick or Treat Linden when I tped in <em>(pictured above.)</em> He was like.. the Santa-O-Lantern.. with pressies and everything. A really good reporter would have opened the gift box before doing her story, but I'm not, so I didn't. I have no idea if I got candy, the 100th freebie witch's broom so far this week or glow-in-the-dark condoms. Besides, what fun would it be for ya'll if I told you what was in the box?<br />
<br />
The cornfield was ginormous! I had lots of ground to cover, so I ran without ryme nor reason all kittywampus in every direction, looking for cool stuff. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2610/4053440845_afe89a1eb0_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2610/4053440845_afe89a1eb0_o.jpg" vr="true" width="400" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I ran into this dude staggering around amongst a pile of empty beer bottles. It kinda ticked me off that he had such little regard for cleanliness and upkeep of our beloved grid, so I gave him a firm talking to. I don't think he cared though, he just stood there looking stupid, even after I used my angry voice. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2421/4053533509_99fd6e186d_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2421/4053533509_99fd6e186d_o.jpg" vr="true" width="400" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'll have to admit, there were spots along the way that sorta creeped me out. There were times when I just had this uneasy feeling, like I was being watched. I tried to shrug it off, but I was convinced I was being followed. It turns out I was right. The culprits?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2763/4054183540_f8916fc14b_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2763/4054183540_f8916fc14b_o.jpg" vr="true" width="400" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Butt sniffin' Hell Hounds. The stupid things are everywhere. Why don't we have a dog catcher on SL? I know, let's set up a Griefer Pound where we can toss all the trouble makers in with the wandering Hell Hounds. That way, the griefers are out of our hair and the unmannered hounds will have plenty of tushies to bury their inquisitive little faces in.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2650/4054183660_4626536259_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2650/4054183660_4626536259_o.jpg" vr="true" width="400" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Granted, there were lots of things to see, but there were also endless rows of.. well.. corn, which made it all the sweeter when I met a real life, honest to goodness ZOMBIE!!! Better yet, this particular zombie wasn't just some prop or a n00b trying out his freebie av.. no.. he was a real undead LINDEN! Blondin Linden to be exact. And? HE SPOKE TO ME! <em>(I'm assuming it's a he, it IS topless and there seems to be an absence of any Emerald induced bewbie jigglage.. AND this wasn't on a mature sim.) </em><br />
<br />
Actual conversation between myself and Blondin Linden:<br />
<br />
Me: <em>"Oh.. hai!"</em><br />
<br />
Blondin: <em>"Brains."</em><br />
<br />
Me: <em>"Depends who you ask, I guess."</em><br />
<br />
Then? He poofed. <br />
<br />
After I came down from my excited giddiness.. I mean it's not everyday you have a brush with greatness.. I realized that I was going to be late getting back to work, so I stole a tractor I found sitting in a pumpkin patch and hurried back as fast as it would go.. which wasn't very.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/4054183102_9a0dcfa4e6_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/4054183102_9a0dcfa4e6_o.jpg" vr="true" width="400" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I may have dozed off at the wheel, but I still made it back to work on time. I don't know how long the infamous cornfield will be open to the public so you'd better get down there before Halloween is over. There's no tellin' what you might find.<br />
<br />
<em><strong><a href="http://slurl.com/secondlife/The%20Corn%20Field4/121/128/23">Here's the SLurl so you can visit for yourself</a>!</strong></em>Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-22839593131349474452009-10-26T16:49:00.000-07:002009-10-27T05:28:30.323-07:00Swinging On a StarThe turnout was a little light at the social media discussion at the Second Slice Cafe Saturday night, but it was still a great group and we met some new folks, so it's all good. I was excited to see one of my old Bear buddies there, I really miss those guys.<br />
<br />
Sunday he and I went exploring a bit at the Drill Factory. Now.. I'd never heard of the Drill Factory before then and I was a little nervous. Mental images of some weird, dental fetish sim or a violent, sexual fantasy sim involving power tools and oil rigs ran through my head, but it was none of that.<br />
<br />
Cool carousels, steampunk style carriages and glowing neon puzzle pieces, seemingly suspended in space are not what I expected.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSKLSgtUUmmLH1r4VgoglxGhk1DvdKmF74HvdLXvJGr_5En9-JO-r2L428lkX82enGUPUYHyUBfzmBvk4cr5ZKPvwwxjdxz0JwTCklf5R72IucKW-yInj6o3fqDlpXUUNymPv1AZBfic/s1600-h/Drill+factory_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSKLSgtUUmmLH1r4VgoglxGhk1DvdKmF74HvdLXvJGr_5En9-JO-r2L428lkX82enGUPUYHyUBfzmBvk4cr5ZKPvwwxjdxz0JwTCklf5R72IucKW-yInj6o3fqDlpXUUNymPv1AZBfic/s400/Drill+factory_001.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The scene pictured above was taken inside a snow globe. If you get a chance, you should really check it out.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the social media chat ended, a few of us headed over to the Longhorn for some country music. I'm not normally a big fan of country, simply because my RL is and always has been saturated with it, but I've said before that talent outweighs genre and I had some inside information that the performer that night was not to be missed.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had a great time showing the brand spankin' newbie we'd adopted <em>(it was his first day!)</em> the wonders of dance balls, couples dances and live music venues. While we were there, I met someone special. His soulful dark eyes attracted me immediately, his salt and pepper hair giving the impression of someone who'd really lived life and was now content to kick back and enjoy the ride. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh yeah.. I forgot to mention he's a real stud...<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVmRe2I1_tANmzO1ifuLMuks2GjOd1GvITxFT5iblu_tW7eJl_GJsXzkEGWrHcXLQYopMvWlSoBEAe1w42k47YS2JSWI46N26jgXTn2OpK02AEKmJjTefTTqnHy2eCUB3NqJm57jwa34/s1600-h/mahala+and+cow_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVmRe2I1_tANmzO1ifuLMuks2GjOd1GvITxFT5iblu_tW7eJl_GJsXzkEGWrHcXLQYopMvWlSoBEAe1w42k47YS2JSWI46N26jgXTn2OpK02AEKmJjTefTTqnHy2eCUB3NqJm57jwa34/s400/mahala+and+cow_001.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><br />
... and sorta horny.<br />
<br />
The constant mooing took a little getting used to.. but that means he likes me, right? I'm sure we'll be very happy together.Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-52827219065645429472009-10-22T14:43:00.000-07:002009-10-22T15:58:19.747-07:00Happiness Is..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOazeD5uygM0v2k8Tv1gyMwlM3hBoVRVdPHfICbTjbua4Gty1Ds9h6t2rs0ajLn_PRJdZ3GqvVSBFYSU82Rin-QSfuBL3BCrfBClT1SpWORvIu_vmApf0VVQ5sCvJMQ9i3NuYLQXsGJc/s1600-h/happy+home+on+wando_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOazeD5uygM0v2k8Tv1gyMwlM3hBoVRVdPHfICbTjbua4Gty1Ds9h6t2rs0ajLn_PRJdZ3GqvVSBFYSU82Rin-QSfuBL3BCrfBClT1SpWORvIu_vmApf0VVQ5sCvJMQ9i3NuYLQXsGJc/s400/happy+home+on+wando_001.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div>Tymmerie Thorne from <a href="http://www.girlwonderspeaks.com/">Girl Wonder Speaks</a> <em>(and also one of my Plurk buddies)</em> <strike>issued a proclamation</strike> suggested that today, everyone should either blog or plurk something that makes them happy. Normally, I'm not one to go along with the crowd, but she <strike>kinda scared me with her authoritative voice and the way she was waving that riding crop around</strike> inspired me with her search for happy thoughts on a day when everyone seemed to be in sort of a slump. <br />
<br />
And? RL is kicking my kiester this week and I was thankful for an idea to work with. My brain is limping along in safe mode.<br />
<br />
The above picture features a nice view of Wando, where my little magic cabin is located. It's been touch and go there for a couple of weeks. It looked like we might lose it, but after a change of ownership, I'm happy to announce that we all get to keep our homes. <br />
<br />
Weird how you can get attached to a virtual place, isn't it?<br />
<br />
By the way, a cute little Gypsy vardo was added just a skip or two from my front door. I'm excited that I'll have a neighbor to share my little corner with. If anyone's interested, give me a holla in-world and I'll send you a tp. I promise not to hang around outside naked.. when you're home. There's also a new, smaller pirate ship available for lease across the island.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVuTI6zZkl0MBzrFkMo-9SxS-qsu6XZqS6EqAw3G52x2IjSYxa8-fYOMQKo23I6yNFk6uaJ5WkaQD9NIIL1Joz-1QQOEueTKjA4oNK-NCRATm5Je24L9bo7IBygpfFo3ceGrjNkp0F-o/s1600-h/happy+dress+from+Azul2_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVuTI6zZkl0MBzrFkMo-9SxS-qsu6XZqS6EqAw3G52x2IjSYxa8-fYOMQKo23I6yNFk6uaJ5WkaQD9NIIL1Joz-1QQOEueTKjA4oNK-NCRATm5Je24L9bo7IBygpfFo3ceGrjNkp0F-o/s400/happy+dress+from+Azul2_001.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, this dress from Azul is my current favorite fashion.. and yes.. it makes me happy. I can wear it to those venues where Mr. Voice Crush is crooning which require formal attire, yet it's got just the right amout of skank factor to keep it interesting. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't care how high falootin' you think you are, every girl needs a little skank in her closet.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course, there's alot more about my second life that makes me happy, but I'm going to save those until the next time RL decides to turn my happy place into a mosh pit.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We'll talk again soon!<br />
</div>Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1268296135669115060.post-11912481896675216842009-10-20T09:45:00.000-07:002009-10-20T09:45:05.895-07:00Special Occasions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNvEvNHBLK6gVhu2oUOcJlq9Twx1onaNtXo-A15Uq_16OnlnLXjX4dFi2zVUQ_WLGnaePeKETz9OgDbSuPeLWXPXoViyst0hXo53KOqDaLDYYgtXqflVphzLRQrzi-H__YnlCx_EIQ2o/s1600-h/hot+head_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNvEvNHBLK6gVhu2oUOcJlq9Twx1onaNtXo-A15Uq_16OnlnLXjX4dFi2zVUQ_WLGnaePeKETz9OgDbSuPeLWXPXoViyst0hXo53KOqDaLDYYgtXqflVphzLRQrzi-H__YnlCx_EIQ2o/s320/hot+head_001.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div>I was hanging around Second Slice Cafe last night, waiting for some retro decorating inspiration, when an old friend stopped by. He looked alot different than the last time I saw him, much thinner and.. well.. HOT!<br />
<br />
Nye and I share the same rezday, even though we didn't realize it until we'd been friends for quite a long time. It's sort of a tradition for us to meet up around the anniversary of the first days of our Second Life to get caught up and see what the other had been up to. <br />
<br />
I love that we've been around long enough to have a yearly tradition. <br />
<br />
Do you mark any special events in SL? Engagements? Partnerships? Divorces? How do you celebrate? Drop me a comment and let me know. I'd love to hear how you mark special occasions in SL.Mahala Rovianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09681925755393138767noreply@blogger.com0