Club Etiquette

Even the most successful clubs have trolls who disturb the vibes of people having a good time. My recent visit to the famous Muddy's was disappointing because of how the trolls were handled. So I raised a question to the host that night. 

[18:14] Anjelikka: Hello...I have a question...why is pushing an avatar allowed? Jude and Mike Oxfat are doing that. 

The host then answered me with this: No behavior of that kind is never allowed. It even appears in the line where the URL of the club appears. Muddy's is a very PG sim, and we pride ourselves in making sure everyone feels welcome and safe.

Nothing was really done about and the person who was being harassed stated to me that these were just a couple of drunks and they did this. I don't know with a club that has won so many awards being the best club in Second Life, this did not sit well with me. I understand a person can just teleport out and go somewhere else.

If you have rules in a club, why not follow them? I can see you can warn someone and then if they continue by all means ban them. The host might have warned them but it kept going on even after I raised the question.

I know one thing I will not go back there because they obviously do not care about their people, they only care about the amount of people they get and the Lindens they collect. It is similar to a club I worked for before and they only cared about the amount of people that came to their club. The traffic of your club will put you on a more searchable level, but really, is it worth it? 

Maybe I am more sensitive to how people behave in Clubs because of my own Club. I just don't tolerate this in mine. 

I just recently banned a person from the Basement Club because of a rude chat they had and it upset the DJ and others. Via another person that person said they were never warned. To be honest, etiquette does not need a warning. As a German, I do not gave the tolerance of someone on my land that I pay for making others feel bad. 

Our Daughter?

Devon, Rachel (she was AFK and had no idea) and me

I see it often when someone introduces me and says this is my daughter, son, sister, etc. When I hear that I automatically think in real life. As a German, I take things literally.

It is all about role playing and perhaps a true family is missing in real life?  I really don't know. 

A family is a group of two or more persons related by birth, marriage, or adoption who live together; all such related persons are considered members of one family.

I would just feel it is odd to call someone my daughter in second life. I am not saying that it is wrong for anyone to do this kind of role-playing, it is just not for me. Of course, then there is the Basement Club family if we want to call us a family but I do not call any of the members sister or brother. (I do not think Devon would come here if I called him my brother.)

We are family!!!

For all I know he (Devon) was brought in by the Easter Bunny or was that his brother?

In a way, we are kind of a family in the virtual world. A group of people who do the same thing. 

In a family,
We laugh,
We cry,
We love,
We share.

We may not have it all,
But together we have everything.

I am trying to learn the concept that family does not have to be the real family you know in real life but it can mean a bunch of friends who come together here in Second Life and share the same interests or even discuss opposite opinions. A family is a group, that's there for you, through thick and thin. They see you through. They laugh with you and wipe your tears, they share your dreams and calm your fears.

And no Rachel is not really our daughter.

Thank you to all who helped create memories

One thing for sure is that memories will be all we have left as things in our lives fade away. As years pass and new beginnings start, the past is what it was. 

I have fond memories of great celebrations here in Second Life.

As the Basement Club celebrates 8 years of being here, I want to thank everyone who came to the plaza at the Retreat and danced with us. Without you, it would not be anything. Your time spent here is more than any donations that have been given.

I am considering new adventures and knowledge for future events here at the Retreat, Basement Club, and Gallery. I am not sure yet what it will be. I try to live each day as it comes and not to make too many plans that I never get to because that just leads me to believe I failed.

I have boxes of memories

Well-marked and stored

And I am adding new ones

So that there are many more

Though life is not a rainbow

Nor is there sunshine all the way

I can still laugh and smile

And box a memory every day

April Fool's Day (poisson d’avril)

People who were slow to get the news or failed to recognize that the start of the new year had moved to January 1 and continued to celebrate it during the last week of March through April 1 became the butt of jokes and hoaxes and were called “April fools.” These pranks included having paper fish placed on their backs and being referred to as “poisson d’avril” (April fish), said to symbolize a young, easily caught fish and a gullible person.

You all know someone who has no clue what is going on. People play pranks on them because they believe just about anything. Are you a prankster?

I told this guy I wanted to kiss the flowers on his hands and he ran as fast as his second-life legs could (he could have just flown out of there or teleported somewhere else).

"The First of April some do say

Is set apart for all Fool’s Day

But why the people call it so

Nor I nor they themselves do know "

April Fool's Day can be fun of course when you are playing those pranks or maybe you are at the end of one of the pranks, just remember it has centuries of tradition behind it. Better yet, don't believe everything you hear or read and that is vital in these days. I met these two pigeons and they said: 

Pigeon flying in the sky
But baby pigeon said, "I can't make it; I'll get too tired." His mother said, "Don't worry; I'll tie a piece of string to one of your legs and the other end to mine."
The baby started to cry.
"What's wrong?" said the mother.
"I don't want to be pigeon towed!"

So don't be a poisson d'avril and get caught in a joke. It reminds me of a story I used to read to my students in the classroom: Don't let the pigeon ride the bus and this book was full of fooling the audience into something they were not supposed to do.

Even Punxsutawney Phil tries to trick you into believing the weather will be warm and sunny when it is not and that is a whole other story for another day. 

Good News, here in Second Life you can make it spring, summer, winter, or fall anytime you want and you can fly and you can even be a pigeon...it is all possible and no this is not an April's Fool, it is all true.

Easter Egg Hunt

Some theorists have traced Easter egg hunts back to the Pennsylvania Dutch (Germany) of the 1700s who believed that a hare called 'Oschter Haws' (Osterhase) laid eggs in the grass. Therefore, kids would build nests (which many symbolize today with the fake green "grass" that is placed at the bottom of the Easter basket) and search for the eggs.

This tradition is not only still celebrated today by many families, but also by entire communities. Many local organizations hold annual Easter egg hunts as a way to bring the folks living in the area together while giving children the opportunity to fill their baskets as high as possible with eggs and other Easter candies found around the grounds.

This year we will have an Easter Egg Hunt at the Retreat for the 8th anniversary of the Basement Club. The Easter Egg Hunt is now open and the festivities for the anniversary start on April 1, 2024, at 6PM. 

 

8 years have passed by so quickly and it is hard to believe we are here now 8that long. The Retreat has been around for 11 years, always in the same spot.

Come and join us soon...There will be 8 eggs with gifts inside.

What's the craic?

In the middle of all the Irish festivities in Second Life, the Basement Club is always ready to have some craic (fun). We don't really need a holiday for that. 

Fun can be described differently depending on the person. What might be fun to you, might not be fun to someone else. For example, when I show people pictures or videos about Second Life and tell them how much fun it can be, they look at me like I have lost my baloobas. 

Yes, that could be true, but only the real Second Lifers understand what we do here and why we keep logging in. I have been here for 12 and 1/2 years and that is a long time and now we are ready to celebrate the anniversary of the Basement Club.

Eight years ago, the Basement Club opened and went through many style and design changes. However, a few years ago, its final look was established. The Basement Club is relatively small, but it is a popular club for all who visit. You'll only know it if you've experienced it firsthand. This year, we're adding an Easter egg hunt, so you can also explore the Retreat. The Retreat has been around a little longer than the Basement Club, and we want to ensure that it's open to all Second Life residents. Therefore, come and explore the Retreat, take pictures, and have fun.s. Therefore, come and explore the Retreat, take pictures, and have fun.s. Therefore, come and explore the Retreat, take pictures, and have fun.

 

Happy St. Paddy's Day!!!

Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig ort 

Happy Leap Year Day!!!!

Leap year happens mostly every four years and it is because of some mathematical madness most of us never even think about it. It's a correction to counter the fact that Earth's orbit isn't precisely 365 days a year. The trip takes about six hours longer than that, NASA says. The reasoning behind it is a little complicated. For example, most people believe that leap year occurs once every four years, but that’s not always the case. If you are a mad scientist you can figure it out. 

There are many traditions surrounding the day of leap day but however you want to celebrate

 Don't feed the big frog. 

you can come on down to the Basement Club and celebrate with us with some live music by our very own DJ Casey.

Jump to it! 

(This poem works once every 1,461 days)
 
Jump and prance!
Dance and sing!
Hop and caper!
Spring for spring!
 
Frolic and bound!
Vault and cheer!
It’s 29th February –
This leap year!

Sheeted Memories of the Past

 

By each spot the most unholy --
    In each nook most melancholy, --
    There the traveller meets aghast
    Sheeted Memories of the Past --
    Shrouded forms that start and sigh
    As they pass the wanderer by --
    White-robed forms of friends long given,
    In agony, to the Earth -- and Heaven. ~Edgar Allan Poe

Here at the Retreat, I like to keep things mostly the same except for changing seasons. There is a certain melancholy that I feel here and that keeps memories. The Retreat is an open place on the mainland that I purchased many years ago and expanded through the years. 

For me, it is a magical place I come and visit daily, a place of joy but also a place of sadness. All of it is a good thing, just like in real life. You must have both as a balance to experience life. 

I know Second Life is an escape from real life for many of us, but if you have been here long enough it is part of your life as well. Here at the Retreat, weddings have occurred, hunts and special events have happened, and where music is being celebrated at night. And yes, it is a place for art, whether you like to look at paintings or you like to indulge in digital photography, it is all here.

I am often amazed at how it all came about and how ideas came to life. I love the part where I can take pictures here and then reflect back and see the same tree standing at the same spot. The cemetery has been here for years with many memories of loved ones. It is a quiet place. 

The Retreat is a poem but created in the virtual world for all to enjoy. It inspires you to create something or to just sit back and take in the beauty. You do not have to be a poet or artist to enjoy it. 

Stop by and make some memories of your own. It is all here in the virtual world, in Second Life at the Retreat. If you see me there just say hello :)

Vanished into thin air

Many of us who have been in Second Life have some friends we have known for years, but we only know them in Second Life, not Real Life. We may not know their real names or where they live, which is very common because of anonymity.

What do you do if the person you know in Second Life all of a sudden does not show up anymore and you know they had some medical problems? How do you deal with this kind of grief?

I created a little cemetery to help cope with the losses of people who are no longer logging in here at my Retreat.

Maybe the person has passed on or something happened to them. You develop that connection to that avatar and it is real just like in the real world, but now they have vanished into thin air.

When grieving someone who you didn't really know in real life, you may feel abandoned or unloved by the person, regret not taking the time to get to know them better, cheated, and resentful that death stole your opportunity to have a relationship with the person, and so on. Then again you do not know the details why they are gone. 

Perhaps someone else knew the person and they found out that the person has passed on. How do you grieve over a person you never really knew?

To be honest you have to use the same steps for grieving as you would if it happened to a close person you knew in the physical world. This is still a loss and when something is gone it creates a certain pain. Grief is a very personal process, handled in a variety of ways. Some need time to themselves and turn inward while grieving. Others find comfort in surrounding themselves with friends and loved ones and talking about the person who has died.

Consider this a virtual hug from me to you. It will be ok. You were lucky to have met this avatar and they always will be part of your virtual experience just like in the real world, because the virtual world is also the real world.

Valentine's Day is over, now what?

 Maybe you did not have a Valentine this year and that is ok, but what to do now the day after or weeks after?

Valentine's Day at the Basement Club

There are many other parties you could go to that are out of this world, at least here in Second Life. You could educate yourself about space and learn about some of the planets and the galaxies close by. You are always young enough to learn new things and everything is possible.

Second Life has many out-of-this-world creatures

You may want to travel to other sims and look around, there are many to see just like the universe holds many stars and planets. Or say hello to a complete stranger you see who holds some interesting facts in their profile. You never know who you will meet this way and may secure a Valentine for next year.

One thing that you may want to do is to do some Spring cleaning in your inventory. You know those hundreds of items you pick up at the Shop and Hop events. In my case, I have tons and items I find items I never knew I had. That is like shopping for free things in your inventory. I also find lots of junk that gets deleted, because that inventory gets pretty heavy. Organize it before it gets out of hand. How many items do you have? Let me know in the comments or send me a message world.

If you do a little every day then before you know it the inventory is nice and clean. (well maybe).

Take a deep breath go outside for a while and then come back to Second Life, things look always better after you soaked up some sunshine.

Aw! True love (Eric and Jolie)

Alright, time to put all these Valentine's things away and get ready for the next holidays.

St. Patrick's Day coming next month and that is another story about how it is celebrated here in the USA compared to Ireland, a story for another blog entry.

Notice the pattern of holidays all start with St.? Like St.Nicholas, St. Valentine, and St. Patrick. There is also All Saints Day, which is followed by the Day of the Dead. And before we end the month of February there is President's Day which again means more shopping. Remember to keep that inventory clean and get rid of duplicate items. You could also get rid of things in your real-life home if you are bored. 

The year of the Dragon

Chinese New Year is another indication that Spring is coming and to leave the old behind. Since ancient times, Chinese people have used the Chinese Zodiac animals to represent the years. Each lunar year is related to a zodiac animal, beginning at Chinese New Year. The 12 zodiac animals recur on a 12-year cycle. The 12 animal signs in the order are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

If you have yet to figure out what Chinese Zodiac sign you are, you can easily search the internet with your birth year. This year we are celebrating the Year of the Dragon and it is supposed to bring luck to many of us.

Lucky here in Second Life I can stand next to a dragon and he will not hurt me. I love that you can interact with animals here.

Wishing you all the luckiest new year...
may all your dreams come true and come and see me
at my Retreat.
新年快乐

Chinese New Year
Dragons, lions,
Red and gold.
In with the New Year,
Out with the old.
Banners flying,
Bands playing.
Lions prancing,
Dragons swaying.
Fireworks crackling,
Lanterns swinging,
People laughing,
Dancing, singing.
Dragons, lions,
Red and gold.
In with the New Year,
Out with the old.
By Wendy Larmont

Weiberfastnacht (Karnival for women)

As Americans are starting to celebrate Mardi Gras (which is different than Karnival) in Germany, the Karnival (Fastnacht or Fasching) starts as Weiberfastnacht, a Karnival for women. I try to bring this into Second Life to educate people about this tradition. 

Weiberfastnacht takes place on February 08, 2024. Weiberfastnacht is a popular day for women in Germany during the Karnival season. Among other established customs, on that day women cut off the ties of men, which are seen as a symbol of men's status. The men wear the stumps of their ties and get a little kiss as compensation. Depending on the region, the day is also known as a "Fat Thursday", which refers to the consumption of fatty foods at Karnival. Weiberdonnnerstag marks the start of the street carnival and always takes place on Thursday before Ash Wednesday.

The men here at the Basement Club agreed to have their neckties cut in exchange for a little kiss. They said it was a fair trade.

But beware: If the tie wearer has not agreed to the cut, there may be an infringement of property. Only some people who wear a tie at Shrovetide are also immediately jeckisch and benevolent on the way.

The Basement will celebrate Mardi Gras and Fastnacht until Fat Tuesday and then we will go right into February 14, 2024, Valentine's Day on Wednesday. Wednesdays will be a special Blues Night starting at 4PM SLT. Come on over and wear your favorite costumes and they don't have to be the traditional Mardi Gras colored ones with feathers, they can be any costume.

All other DJ sets start at 6PM M, T Th, and F with a variety of music. No matter what traditions you celebrate or what language you speak, music is for everybody. Smile be happy and leave the worries behind. At least for a few hours.

Why do we celebrate Karnival? 

Karneval ('Carnival') is a very old tradition in Germany, which was originally celebrated to scare away winter spirits. After many months of frost, the old Germans were tired of winter. To spook the winter spirits, people wore scary masks. They also sang and danced in the streets to welcome spring. This is much different than Mardi Gras, which is celebrated at the same time but based on religious beliefs.

Depending in what region you are in Germany you can either say "Alaaf" or "Helau" to wish people a happy beginning of Spring.

The butterfly flutter

 When you see a butterfly, it’s like watching a creature get a fresh start in life. 

I love how butterflies show up in Second Life just like in Real Life it means new beginnings. Are we all ready for Spring? The groundhog said it was coming and I hope he was right. If Winter is still bringing you down you can warm up right here in Second Life. 

“Of which those butterflies
Of Earth, who seek the skies,
And so come down again
(Never-contented things!)” Edgar Allan Poe

Butterflies have fluttered through stories and myths for a long time. They’re not just insects; they’re characters in tales that have been told for generations. I love to watch them. Many people believe butterflies have meanings and are some kind of symbol, either way, they are pretty and amazing.

So, when you are down and depressed and feel that you are worthless, stop right there and think of the amazing butterfly. Just like her, you can transform yourself into someone new. You can do it. It takes some work, yes. The butterfly had to do this in too. Never give up. Keep going.

If you need someone to talk to then come and see me at the Retreat. I am always there in the evening and I can be a listening ear. 

Have a wonderful day, night, or season. You are an amazing creature just like the butterfly.

“Butterflies can't see their wings. They can't see how truly beautiful they are, but everyone else can. People are like that as well.”
― Naya Rivera

Virtual love: is your Valentine an avatar?

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as possible. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

"Virtual communities, such as Second Life, recreate all aspects of the relationship cycle, including pregnancy and birth. In fact, there are now multiple guides on how to have sex in a virtual world, which perhaps suggests that physical skills are not necessarily transferable to our avatars. (Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic)"

These days it is no longer science fiction that people have a relationship with an avatar. Avatars may be able to offer emotional support and companionship to individuals who are isolated or who may have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships in the physical world. It is obviously something people talk about and do.

I cannot say that I never tried it because I have and when I told people about it that I have real love but only know him as an avatar, they quickly changed the subject. It is not something that the common person understands and they may often think that there is some mental dysfunction within yourself. 

Virtual dating can also reduce the level of conflict or fighting. Unlike dating people who often have meetings, there will be many things that trigger conflict. Of course, virtual dating also has several shortcomings, especially for those of you who love language and physical touch. You definitely don't feel at home and aren't comfortable having love relationships online all the time. There may also be an issue with truth and honesty. As an avatar, you could be anyone behind the screen and you could perhaps trick those who are vulnerable.

Don't give out personal information to anyone unless you have learned to trust them. You really don't know who is behind that screen. If they gave you their real name and you are serious about them then do some research to verify the information. Schnugglebun69 might not be the guy who is single with an office job at the bank, he may be a married man or even a woman in disguise. 

I am not saying it is all bad to have a virtual Valentine, there are many relationships of couples who have met in Second Life and those who have worked out in Real Life, and maybe an even bigger amount of relationships that didn't work out at all.

"Love not with your eyes but with your mind
Obvious really because true love is blind
Who cares what you see, it is what you feel
True love my friend is very hard to conceal"

Love can be truly blind so be careful out there, always protect your heart, and love yourself first. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend exhibit

 

Through the years Dani Durant ( longtime resident in SL) has sent me some of her creative Diamond Art Paintings. I know she says "I just do it because it is so much fun and people enjoy it, " but the time each piece requires makes them worth so much more.

What is Diamond Painting? Diamond painting (also known as crystal art) is the process of applying tiny resin rhinestones (known as "diamonds") to a pre-printed design, usually an adhesive board to create sparkling, vibrant, and uplifting pieces of mosaic-style art.

I have brought some of these pieces that she created into Second Life for its own exhibit. If it was not for Second Life I would have never met Dani and would never have these artworks in real life.

I named this special exhibit " Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" and is located at the beautiful Retreat.

Art happens to come in so many forms and Diamond Art Painting is a beautiful and unique art form that allows people of every age and ability to create dazzling works of art. From part-time hobbyists to full-time artists. 

The Grand Opening for the Exhibit is on January 30, 2024, at 6PM SLT with a live DJ. There will also be a free gift for all who attend. The exhibit will be open until February 29, 2024. We hope that you can join us for the event or stop by at your leisure.

Thank you Dani Durant you are like the paintings a true diamond.

No more winter here

 As the rest of the country in the USA in real life freezes and digs themselves out of the snow, why not stop by the Retreat.

I decided to let winter go early here this year, after all, that is what Second Life is all about to maybe escape the harsh winters in real life. I always have a little of my real life hidden in the Retreat mainly from my childhood in Germany. Whether it is the cemetery that holds my parents and beloved sister or the old ruins of Burg Gleiberg.

If you are ever in Giessen, Germany make sure you visit. The ruins of the Gleiberg Castle are located at a height of 308 meters (1010 feet) above sea level. Owned by the Gleiberg Association since 1879, the castle now houses a namesake tavern with a wonderful beer garden. The ruins also offer the ideal venue for an intimate wedding reception or local cultural festivities. I love that I can bring this into Second Life.

The fields around the old castle in spring are covered in yellow phlox and look so warm, perfect when you want to escape the winter. I found some similar flowers and you can see them all over the Retreat to add to the warmth that we all need just about now.

Don't forget to visit the Gallery of watercolor paintings I have done throughout the years. I am adding a new exhibit that will be ready in February that will feature a good friend of mine I met here in Second Life who had sent me numerous pieces of her diamond paintings, too good to keep for myself. Look for that event coming up :)

Stay warm and safe this winter and find some getaways, even if they are virtual they can warm up your mind and heart. 

Hippiestock

“Hippiestock The Watercolour Edition” is an art installation by Ceakay Ballyhoo and a month-long music event.

No, I am not tagging this car. The colors are amazing!

This is a beautiful colorful place. I love the watercolor art very much. The place also has some events with live DJs, so check out this schedule.

Hippiestock is a virtual festival celebrating its 13th year in Second Life. Running from January 1st to 31st, this watercolor-themed event recreates the Woodstock '69 area, curated by Ceakay Ballyhoo. With a diverse lineup of musicians and DJs, Hippiestock promises a soulful experience for all. Ceakay's interactive art installation adds a unique touch, inviting attendees into a living painting. Embrace your inner hippie, connect with the community, and join the festivities at the grand Hippiestock Festival.

" I remember hippies all those years ago
and a place called Woodstock where they used to go
spreading words of peace and an end to war
only flower power and be free again once more
they flocked in their thousands to the Woodstock ground
singing songs of love spreading love around
but that was years ago now the hippies have all gone
no one left to spread their peace or carry their love on "

Fifty shades of Pink

pictures taken at Cherry Blossom Cove

The delicate pale pink Japanese cherry blossom petals have for thousands of years symbolized spiritual rebirth when they fall each year. Pink was all over in 2023 from Christmas Trees, decor, and even Santa in a pink coat. 

Why Pink? 

Pink just makes you think of warm Spring days and childhood innocence and it is not just for girls anymore, in fact, it was considered a masculine color before it was turned into the "pink is for girls" thing.

You will either love pink or hate it, but either way, pink is a color of calm and relaxation, it can have positive physical effects on the body. It’s been known to reduce anger and aggression, as well as stress levels. We sure needed that in 2023.

Don't worry pink is not fading away in 2024 because the new color will be fuzzy peach. Is that another shade of pink? Of course it is, it is changing its shade. Hold on to your Second Life pink Christmas decor, it may be in again this next season. After all everything old is new again.