Is it a drone or is it an alien invasion?

 As the real world is all crazy over the drones and UAPs one must wonder what is going on. Is it real or is it some kind of conspiracy?

Oh no, a drone over the Retreat.

As of right now, nobody knows, and it is a mystery. I know that we, the human species, love mysteries. I don't think we could be alone in this universe or ours, but that is just my opinion, like so many of you. 

Hey come back. "I have questions."

It comes back to the question of what do they look like and what do these aliens want? I would have a million more questions for them. Then on the other hand we may just have some testing going on the the skies of the real world. At least here in Second Life you can be whatever you want to be and you can pretend that they are aliens and it is real, because in a way it is.

Maybe I am an alien
Coming from a faraway galaxy
And maybe that is the reason
That I cannot fit in
That I sometimes feel like a stranger
And long for home
On a planet where houses are built on clouds
Where everything tastes like the rainbow
Where I’m completely free
There, on that planet
Maybe there are no wars
No lies, no hypocrisy
People don’t hurt one another
And they leave you be
On that planet
One can follow one’s dreams.
And being open-minded
Is not just eating or dressing a certain way
There, they don’t care about our personal life
Maybe that is my home

All that Krampus wants

 I am obsessed with Krampus at the moment and therefore I made a little video.
Enjoy!!!

Krampusnacht?

Krampusnacht, meaning Krampus Night, is celebrated annually on December 5. This is the night before the Feast of St Nicholas, the patron saint of children, sailors, and various groups. I have seen it slowly come to the US, even in Second Life.

You don't know who he is? 

He sure does not come via reindeer like Santa does. He is actually a goat-headed demon and punishes those who have been bad. Remember the song "You better watch out and be good for goodness sake." Yes, it is a warning that not only does St. Nicholaus come but also Krampus.

For a more peaceful place to visit why not try LeLoo's World Twinkling Trails? This is a Winter Wonderland with Santa and frolicking reindeer. No Krampus here.

Me and Santa's band

The air is crisp, snowflakes are falling and the pond is perfect for skating. Glide through the scenic landscape on one of the sleigh tours or just explore by foot or horse. Every turn reveals new delights and festive wonders!

You can take some nice pictures and try your luck singing with Santa and his band. That snowman was amazing on the piano. 

You can also visit the Retreat for some Winter Wonderland pictures and even Krampus, Santa, and many photo opportunities. See you there!!!

Come and see him or get on the naughty list!!!
The Retreat and Basement Club!!!

Krampus, Pampus, Schwarzgesicht 
Mich erschrickst du diesmal nicht! 
Denn ich war -kann ich dir sagen- 
Nur an 150 Tagen 
Mal ein bisschen ungezogen. 
Krampus das ist nicht gelogen 
Nächstes Jahr wird’s besser sein! 
Also steck die Rute ein.

This poem says, "Krampus, you will not scare me this time. I was bad for only 150 days, and that is no lie. Next year, I will be better, so put your stick away."

Thank you to all who supported the Retreat and Basement Club

It seems like yesterday we had the holidays, and here they are again. Time never stands still, yet when we are young, it slowly moves on.

At this point in time I want to thank all the visitors who stopped by the Retreat and Basement Club. About thirteen years ago I had this vision to create a wonderful place for all of the residents in Second Life and you came and supported my dreams. 

Life is so easy when you are young.
When kisses heal boo-boos and lullabies are sung.
It seemed that life could go on for years,
as long as the nightlight was there to quiet our fears.
Why does growing up have to be so hard?
When did the world become bigger than our own backyard?
There is no more recess to stop the stress of the school day.
There are no more falling stars that can take our worries away.
Decisions are more complicated now that we are grown,
why can’t we go back to when life was our own?

Let us celebrate and be thankful for this year, regardless of hardships, fears, and pains...we are just about there and I am wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Without you, this would not be happening.

 

Second Life Blogger Network

Since July 22, the Second Life Blogger Network has been silent. I understand that they are saying they are working on the next phase, but still for all of us who are writing blogs about Second Life and promoting the virtual world, I am disappointed.

I looked forward to the articles about different bloggers, their style of writing, and their perspective on certain things. Because of some of those blogs I visited places and checked them out, but I feel Second Life has taken that away the same as with gachas. I am not sure what is going on at Linden Labs, but I can tell you it looks grim for the future. 

Money is tight for everybody whether it is real money or Linden dollars, we are not spending as much anymore. This trickles down to the creators and then Linden Lab itself.

You have to do better, people have spent an enormous amount of time and money here to make Linden Lab what it is and the residents deserve something for their investments. This is just my opinion and many may not even care or give a hoot about this and that is ok too. 

Anymore updates on Firestorm and that whole nonsense of PBR just calls for more high-powered computers that some of us do not have the cash for. I feel eventually Second Life will be for the rich people and not the everyday Joes. Very Sad!!!

What does the fox say?

Here at the Retreat, the fox says "Come on over and visit before Winter comes." Red foxes even look similar to some of your favorite pets. They’re canines, which are relatives of dogs, wolves, and coyotes. But in some ways, they’re actually more like cats. They have long whiskers, retractable claws, and excellent night vision. Also like cats, red foxes hunt alone rather than in wolf-like packs. It is nice to have them close by in Second Life because in real life the fox avoids humans and hunts at night.

Red foxes even look similar to some of your favorite pets. They’re canines, which are relatives of dogs, wolves, and coyotes. But in some ways, they’re actually more like cats. They have long whiskers, retractable claws, and excellent night vision. Also like cats, red foxes hunt alone rather than in wolf-like packs. 

Here at the Retreat, there are some red foxes in the cemetery and near the plaza, see if you can find them. The Retreat is open to all residents of Second Life and you do not have to be a member of the group. So come on over and explore because soon Winter arrives here and all the beautiful colors of Autumn will turn white. 

 

Silent Melody ~ Special Concert

I landed by accident at Silent Melody's special concert and listened in to the live performers of Semina and Sʜᴀᴍʀᴏᴄᴋ & The Defibrillators.

I am unsure if this was a one-time deal or if this concert repeats. Normally, I don't like to be teleported to a spot I did not request. 

This was an automatic teleport when you tried to go to Silent Melody. It was a good thing to get as many people to this venue, but also something I did not ask for.

The place was packed at the end. I must say the performers were really good and I enjoyed the music. Both artists are very talented.

Silent Melody is owned by Celtic McDaniels and Semina and they do have a beautiful place that transforms for each season. At present it is Silent Melody Winter:

"In the heart of the whispering ocean lies Silent Melody. A picturesque winter island where each corner reveals a hidden nook, a tranquil spot to sit and savor the peace to silent melodies, as the world outside fades into a distant murmur."

That was the original place I wanted to visit for some Winter pictures, which I will have to do on another day. It was ok for now, but I think people should have the choice to teleport up into the venue and not be forced to do so.
Be sure to check it out soon.