Owl always love you art exhibit

Woot, Just in time for the new year to start, I created a new art exhibit at the Retreat Gallery.
I have always admired owls and I often draw and paint them. I collect owls and owl postcards in real life as well as in Second Life. 

I am grateful to all those creators who have handcrafted owls into Second Life. Thank you!!!

Throughout the Retreat, you will find an owl here and there. See if you can figure out how many there are.

You will find a selection of different media art in the gallery. I often draw and paint at work and sometimes it is not professional art supplies, but hey you can make beautiful art even with that. I teach the children how to paint and draw in simple steps.

Have a wonderful new beginning in 2022...

"An owl is the wisest of all birds because the more it sees, the less it talks."- Christie Watson.

Baby, it's cold outside.

 

People get so upset over things and especially this song. What is the big idea? Men, as well as women, have pursued each other forever they existed. If men would suddenly stop giving those little hints that they are interested women would scream and yell and call men cold and without feelings. So, chill!!! If you do not want to stay then simply leave or let him warm you up. Might as well.

Looking for a warm spot in second life? Come see us in the Basement Club. We have live DJs M-F from 6-8PM SLT with a variety of music. Anything from Underground 80s, punk, Indie, and eclectic rock.

We also have occasional themes and ask our patrons to come and share their interpretation, but you are always can come as you are.

We hope you come and check us out. We have been around for over 5 years now and we promise the music you hear here is the best kind. We try not to play the everyday pop and rock tunes that you can hear on the radio or at most clubs in Second Life. We thrive to be different and unique.

Happy Holiday Season!!!!

If you are celebrating the holidays or not or just enjoying the decorations, the food, the music, the love in the air we at The Retreat and Basement Club want to wish you a very peaceful holiday season. Be safe and do not eat too much and I love the way we can eat and eat in Second Life so much and never gain a pixel.

I forgot to mention shopping. This is a season full of shopping joy. I spend way too many lindens during this time of year and the inventory keeps growing and growing. Help!!!

But how can you resist the wonderful new creations from so many talented people in Second Life? You just can't. 

There are many Winter Wonderlands to discover as well. Second Life is so festive around the holidays, I just love how everybody gets into the mood of decorating their places, their stores, and even dress for the occasion.

Come visit the Retreat for picture opportunities for your holiday photos. No crowds, just peace, and quiet while you stroll through the snow. 

The Retreat is open to all residents and even my private home, feel free to visit it.

Enjoy this time of year and reflect on what is important, not the material things but friends and family. Make every day count!

Is Hanukkah the Jewish Christmas?

No, and no again. Hanukkah is a totally different holiday and has nothing to do with Christmas other than a miracle that had happened. Hanukkah follows the Hebrew Calendar so the days may vary and yes, there are times when it falls near or even on Christmas.

 

I see many places in Second Life that have a Christmas Tree and a Menorah, which is really not necessary. You do not have to be politically correct by putting up decorations for both holidays. Unless you are Jewish, just skip the decor. 

Did you know that latkes were not really part of Hanukkah? the Maccabees did not eat latkes; they only celebrated the miracle of the oil burning for eight days. Now, I love latkes (potato pancakes) all year round and I do not wait until Hanukkah. And, yes don't forget the jelly-filled donuts that are called sufganiyot.

Somebody asked me why are there no Hanukkah parties in Second Life? Hanukkah is basically celebrated at home, not at a party. You celebrate the festival of lights and the dedication of the tradition behind Hanukkah.

So, if you hear of a Hanukkah party it is probably a private event for Jews and their guest (which could be any religion). Feel honored if you are invited to a party like that.

There you go a little history about this holiday and whatever you celebrate remember the meaning behind it and why it is celebrated. Not because there are gifts or food involved which of course are great, but because it is the dedication we put into it.

Happy Hanukkah!!!

Why do we call it "Black" Friday?

Friendsgiving or also known as Thanksgiving in the USA is over and we begin the official holiday season starting with black friday.

Why do we call the Friday after Thanksgiving "black? One of the reasons that I found researching this was that merchants were finally out of the red financially and everything from that day would make a profit that was greatly needed. To entice people to come and do their Holiday shopping they would have many items on sale.

Another reason for the term "black" Friday was that many workers would use the day after Thanksgiving to call in sick which impacted retailers and other workforces, therefore it was referred to as Black Friday.

These are just a few of the reasons why we call it that now and the term has made international fame because other countries also kick off their holiday shopping with this day and call it the English term "Black Friday".

Most people also put out their Holiday decor the day after Thanksgiving. Kind of true for Second Life as well. The season has begun and you can see the stores all decorated and the sales started. If you are looking for some spectacular savings for Black Friday go check out this website that lists many of the stores in Second Life that have sales:  Seraphim

And off I go to snag some of the great deals out there. Happy Black Friday Shopping to you.!!!

Grey Magic Sim

As Winter is approaching, I prepared myself to visit some sims in Second Life to explore the wonders of this cold season.

Today my recommendation is the lovely sim called "Grey Magic Sim". It is such a beautiful setting as the snow falls quietly. It reminds me of a song by Sia called Snowman:

I want you to know that I'm never leaving
'Cause I'm Mrs. Snow, 'til death we'll be freezing
Yeah, you are my home, my home for all seasons
So come on, let's go
Let's go below zero and hide from the sun
I love you forever where we'll have some fun
Yes, let's hit the North Pole and live happily
Please don't cry no tears now, it's Christmas, baby.

The sim owners and creators of this lovely place Dan and Kimma Grey have an alluring photo contest going. All that is required is to take your favorite pictures at their sim. Find out more on their Flickr group page.

I believe you will find many opportunities to be creative and take some pictures. You will feel like you have entered a William Shakespeare sonnet and will love it.

"How like a winter hath my absence been from thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year! What freezings have I felt, what dark days seen! What old December’s bareness everywhere!"

I wish you lots of joy exploring here and good luck on the contest if you are entering it.

Hurray for Live Performers in Second Life!

Oblee did an outstanding performance in the Basement Club. If you have never heard of him, you will have to check out his website and listen in. His music is innovative and refreshing and always easy to the ears. We most definitely will ask him to return. 

I believe everybody had a great time. Thank you to Dandy for the Pre-Show and managing skills to book Oblee for the Basement Club. You are very much appreciated, even if I tell you in a German way how things are run.

I do want to also thank the wonderful people who came and listened in. You guys have great taste in music. Isn't it amazing how Second Life connects live performers with people all over? Yes, this is what Second Life is all about.

I always enjoy these kinds of things and feel that I am right there because I am and I was :)

Thank you Oblee for hosting you again. We loved it!!!!