Flabbergasted

 "Flabbergasted" is another one of those English words that make me think about where it comes from. I immediately think of flatulence, the expulsion of gas, but I know that this is not the real meaning. 

It is one of those words that can be positive or negative depending on the connection of other words and events. In this case, I must say I am flabbergasted that Second Life is going to be twenty years old.

I suppose the equivalent of flabbergasted in the British version would be gobsmacked, which means astounded and full of surprise. I am gobsmacked that I will be in Second Life for 12 years this year. People in the real world ask me at times if I am still playing that game online. I asked in return what game? I tell them it is not a game, it is a world that is created by the users and anything is possible there. There are no winners or losers because that would be a game.

I use second Life for my art and my creativity at the Retreat. Who would have known I can have an art gallery with my collection that people from all over the world can view? I can have my own club for DJs to play music and we can dance and laugh. My favorite is to prepare a hunt during Halloween, which is not only educational but fun. I thrive for different and unique. I can be all this here. Yes, I am flabbergasted that I have so much accomplished here in Second Life and made friends that will last a lifetime. I am me. I am Anjelikka. 

Come visit my creations and meet me. The impossible becomes possible here and what other virtual world do you know that has been here for twenty years? Exactly: None.

Is it not an illusion, when the illusions look real?

I have realized that the past and future are real illusions, that they exist in the present, which is what there is and all there is.

The future is now and we are right in the middle of it.

Amaze yourself and be part of it all.

Love Valley

You don't have to be in love to visit Love Valley. Love Valley is a place for all those who appreciate the serene creation that brings you inner joy. Of course, you can bring a friend or lover here, but I am telling you, it is a gorgeous place to enjoy on your own as well. 

Do you like to take pictures? This is a wonderful place to get those perfect shots.

There are hidden caves you can discover and they are just beautiful and teleports you with your senses to another world. 

I had to return several times to this sim because of all the hidden places. I wanted to make sure I drink in all the beauty of it. After all the rain in California, I welcome this place that shines with Spring and new growth. It is just breathtaking.

Take your time here and drink it all in. I love this about Second Life that you can find places like this one as a reminder of how lucky we are to be able to enjoy such serene beauty. Thank you to the creators who did this sim. I know how much time and dedication it takes to bring something like this to life.

I hope you will check it out and please do tell me what you discovered there. I know there is so much more.

:::: Happy Spring ::::

Borkum

The island of Borkum is one of the seven East Frisian Islands off the coast of Eastern Friesland. It is not only the largest but also the westernmost one. Therefore, it’s geographically actually closer to the Netherlands than to the German mainland.

The seals have this tip of the sandbar to themselves – but they can be observed from the beach. Actually, they are only about one kilometer away and are easy to spot. Here in Second Life, you can be right next to them.

I am not sure if the creator of this sim had the island of the real-life Borkum in mind. This is a nice photogenic place to hang out at. Whether you come here alone or with someone you will find many opportunities to take pictures. This is the next best thing to the real place for sure.

The real-life Borkum is the perfect island for sunbathing, beach sports & leisure, and culture and excitement and you will find this here in Second Life as well. You don't have to take the ferryboat to get here, all you have to do is teleport right in. 

I recommend you give it a visit and relax in the fresh air and listen to the sound of the seagulls and the crashing waves. If you really use your imagination you can smell the salty air. 

It is springtime here and nothing could be more beautiful than the blooming fields of flowers contrasting with the sandy beaches.

Here are some more facts about the real Borkum: 

After the whaling came to an end in 1782, Borkum was impoverished. Consequently, many islanders left to look for work on the mainland.
In 1834, though, the first bathers came to the island. Ever since then, tourism has been Borkum’s most important economic sector. Therefore, during the high season, it attracts even seasonal workers from the mainland.
However, Borkum’s about 5,200 inhabitants owe their outcome almost completely to tourism.

I am off to the next adventure of places to explore. Happy teleporting!!!

I did find some information about the sim you can read about here: Borkum

RAPA NUI

Welcome to Club RAPA NUI. a place where one can relax with a drink, meet with friends,  browse our art gallery, or maybe dance to our eclectic musical selections.

This place is owned by the one and only Dr. Elvis H. Christ, who is also a DJ.

I recently asked Dr. Elvis where he got the name of his club. He told me he collects moai.
Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is famous for its rows of moai, towering figures of deified ancestors that were carved from volcanic tuff rock in quarries and then moved to a platform on the water's edge. Plaster casts were made from a mold secured during a 1934-1935 Museum expedition to Rapa Nui, 2,000 miles west of the Chilean coast.

"Fighting with sticks and stones we cannot, but fighting with our voices, with our Rapa Nui, we can achieve everything." ~Henriet Paoa Hucke

It is fascinating to find out more about these mysterious statues and Dr. Elvis told me he even collects them in real life, so no wonder he named this club after them. 

If you have nothing to do on a Wednesday Night between 5-7PM SLT, come on over to the Club Rapa Nui and enjoy some of the eclectic music selected by Dr. Elvis himself. Trust me it is worth a listen to and the club has a very relaxing atmosphere as well. Check out the art as well. There are many clubs in Second Life but this one stands out and you will like it. I did :)

For more info about Easter Island: 

THE EASTER ISLAND FOUNDATION

The 7th Anniversary of the Basement Club

It is hard to believe that the Basement Club has been around for seven "lucky" years. This year like last year and some years before I build a special set for that week's event. Right now you can preview the set, but before you do, you have to find the seven tickets in the Basement Club.

The theme comes right out of the movie "Back to the Future" and the prom night "Enchantment under the sea", but with a little twist of aliens we all love so much here at the Basement Club. The entertainment will be the fabulous DJs we have. The music of course will be unique and different as always spiced with that Indie style flavor. 

Some people ask me why do you do this, the Basement Club and the Retreat hunts? For what reason? My answer is simple because I like doing it and I can. I don't care if people come (of course it is always more fun to see them enjoy the art of second-life creations) or if they fill the place up. Either way, it brings me joy and that is what life is all about in real life and in second life.

So, I hope you go and look for the special tickets in the Basement and get a gift for each one and also the landmark to the special set.

You know it will be fun to do this little mini-hunt. The anniversary is from April 3-7, 2023. The mini-hunt is open NOW, so enjoy :)

Currently, we have DJs M-F starting at 6PM and if you would like to DJ here and play your favorite music, please feel free to apply. An application can be found at the door entry.

"The luck of the Irish"

I don't think you have to be Irish to be lucky. In fact, everybody can be lucky and is actually lucky. By reading this blog you are lucky because you have eyes and a brain.

“Wherever you go, whatever you do, may the luck of the Irish be there with you!”“May the luck of the Irish lead to the happiest heights and the highway you travel be lined with green lights.”

I consider myself lucky when I listen to the DJs here at the Basement Club. Those patrons who come and join us, also are lucky, because they will hear music that no other club plays. We know this, we have been to other clubs. We are not saying that music from the top charts is bad, not at all, we are saying we are different and always unique. 

We encourage people to go to the club of their choice and listen to the music, but if you really want to give your ears some new pleasures you come and check us out. The beauty of Second Life is that you have music and entertainment for everybody, which makes us lucky as well. I always say make your own luck and you will be happy. You don't have to wait for chances to occur. Leprechauns are famous for hiding their pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The treasure is right here in Second Life. Find your style, find your fun and by all means, check us out. We are not a pick-up-a-date place, we are here for the love of music.

We wish you the best in what you pick and may you smile every day and feel how lucky you are every day. Because you are.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!

 

Old Lives Matter

You may ask why? Why do they matter? You see throughout history it was the old and wise that foretold the outcomes of what is about to happen and that has not changed. 

The same thing happens here in Second Life. If you listen to those who have been here for many years you will see the picture and you can avoid many frustrations and headaches.

I remember when I was still new and had no idea how things work and I was lucky someone showed me how to make a safe spot like your "home". Even here avatars take advantage of those who are new, but of course, not all of them are like that. There are still many good people around.

I have met many people in Second Life that are over 60 and even 70. Yes, you would think these seniors are in a rocking chair knitting, but they are not. They come here to listen to music, create, and make friends. They are Baby Boomers or short just Boomers.

One thing that makes this group so interesting is their confidence in the future. After such long battles, this group is known for its positive, confident attitude that the future looked comfortable and prosperous. And, they were accurate for many reasons. During their lifetimes, they watched businesses grow and become profitable. They watched labor unions help to improve working conditions for people. And, they saw wages rise. They also saw schools become more accessible.

I think it is wise to listen to them and continue to care for them in RL and SL because they are a generation with so much knowledge. The old traditions will all come back one day and yes the virtual world is here to stay, but here we will learn what boomers have left behind. It is an everlasting flow of wisdom. 

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine yourself as an old person and your life still matters because you are a vessel of knowledge.

Spread the world with love and acceptance towards all beings that share our planet and the best invention ever the Internet that allows us to be connected via virtual worlds and especially here in Second Life.

Old Lives Matter because we all get there one day and for those who are here already, we are forever young in Second Life.

Yo Ho (A pirate’s life for me)

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me.

We pillage, we plunder, we rifle and loot.
Drink up me ‘earties, yo ho.
We kidnap and ravage and don’t give a hoot.
Drink up me ‘earties, yo ho.

Well, maybe not quite like that, but if you desire to be a pirate in second life you can just do that, maybe without the plundering. Whatever you decide to do the quality of time you spend here should be pleasant and it should bring joy and laughter. Second Life has so much to offer, so take advantage of it. I often go and visit different sims and I am amazed at how beautiful and peaceful it all looks. It can do wonders for your mental health.

Like most places, you will come upon some people who do not treasure this place at all, and the great thing about it you can just block them. You do not need to have to surround yourself with negative people at all. It is much easier to take care of here in Second Life than in the real world.

Quality time does not always involve others, so why not spend that quality time on yourself. It does not mean you are selfish but it means you have that respect for yourself and make yourself feel good and in the long run that helps those people who are around you. 

Enjoy what you do!!!