FrannyDJ's Memorial Parade

 

 By Gemma Cleanslate

It was a busy Sunday for me attending two gathering but ending with a shock. For the VWBPE and the Burn2 events I turned off all my notifications from groups. I started to restore some during the week but evidently got distracted and forgot to finish. Sunday afternoon while over at the Bellisseria Hammie’s party I had an im from my friend, Melvin Starbrook, ”Come to the parade.” My answer,” what parade? .
I was shocked when she answered “the memorial for Frannydj” and passed a notecard.

“It is with great sadness to inform everyone that FrannyDj Dean transitioned from this world on February 21st. 2023. She contracted covid while in the hospital.”

You recall I always covered Frannydj’s marvelous parades and Woodstock. I did cover the 22 Macy’s parade and the Christmas on tour. We talked at the Christmas parade and I tried to reach her at the end of January to ask about Mardi Gras but had no answer and now I know why.

I missed most of the Celebration of Life but did get over to the parade as soon as I heard from Melvin.
Thanks to her dear friends who held the memorial for her. They are hoping to continue the parades into the future.

In real life she was an artist and musician. In her profile she says,
“I am Every woman… My world is filled with love, passion and friendship. Life is not about skirting around the storms, it is about learning to dance in the rain..If you can not love and forgive me at my worst then you don't deserve me at my best..…” and “SOMETIMES....we need to stop analyzing the past, stop planning the future, stop figuring out how we feel, stop deciding with our minds what we want our hearts to feel, and just go with "whatever happens, happens". Just enjoy the ride and count your blessings ♥♥ ”
and she did.

She and her parades and parties on the steamship will be sorely missed. I actually changed to the outfit I wore at the first Woodstock I attended back in 2018 to end the evening on the steamship after the parade.

There are many who will hold you in their rl and sl memories. I will remember hopping on those wonderful floats and dancing down 5th avenue by Macy’s and running in to see Santa , or arriving on Bourbon St in New Orleans. I hopped on many of the 100 floats or balloons or stopped by the circus nearby or walked the quiet streets of stately homes and enjoyed it all every year.

 

Here's the video of FrannyDJ's service (click here if it does not play)

 

I would also find this video of when FrannyDJ was interviewed on Feb 11 2016, seven years ago.

Rest in that knowledge Franny. We won’t forget. You can see her Memorial here for the next two weeks. 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Odira/216/62/25

 

Gemma Cleanslate

Jessicabelle Dayafter's Memorial Service

 
By Bixyl Shuftan

With the announcement of the passing of Jessicabelle Dayafter in real life from Covid, word soon spread around Second Life. There were numerous reactions of sadness, and in Sunweaver Eclipse there was a permanent memorial flame to her set up. In New Bastogne were Jessicabelle had once been an officer as part of it's combat roleplay, there would be a memorial service set up in her honor.

On Sunday night, September 26, I and some others would get a teleport to the Jagdgeschwader 52 building in New Fallout. There were a number of personnel from German, Japanese, and Allied groups. Vickster Khun, one of the moderators of the combat roleplay, was also there. In the building were a couple airplanes. There was also an open casket with pictures of Jessica. There were also a few cars, and a hearse.

"Beautiful arrangement here," one pilot would say, "Jessica so special and loved. It's an honor to be included." Vickster would say, "She is a fine officer and a good friend." It wasn't long before the region was full. Vickster would say, "We will be moving to the church. Should let the players know they should just go to the church since the region is full. ... We're asking everybody to descript as much as possible." "Honor Guard you're the exception," one added. A comment by one that she wasn't wearing underwear got chuckles.

"Thank you all for coming," Draco Roux told everyone, "I'm going to be grouping you into cars and honor guard will be driving you in a procession. Thor you'll drive the first car of guests. Vickster if you can gather those in your car please." Vickster asked me and Nydia (who was also invited) to get in one particular German staff car. "Hang on to your hats ladies and gents," Thor would say, "though I'll be driving slowly, it's windy over the bridge." "That lamp post was already on the ground," mused one lady with me. Another mused, "A pilot is driving my car."

Eventually, the cars started, "GO SLOW and follow, don't race please." One driver was saying, "Hang on to your hats ladies and gents, though I'll be driving slowly, it's windy over the bridge." After a ride that was a little bumpy, we soon arrived at the church, "Everyone please make your way into the church and have a seat." And we did, some slower than others due to the slight lag. Liam Steele (Liam3017 Resident) was the priest for the service, and we greeted him as we came in. We then sat in the pews, except for the honor guard whom marched in to position.

Liam had Voice on, which came church music. But he would deliver the service in text.

Liam Steele (Liam3017 Resident): In life Jessie cherished the Gospel of Christ.
May Christ now greet her with these words of eternal life:

(All): Come, blessed of my Father!

Liam Steele (Liam3017 Resident): In baptism Jessie received the sign of the Cross.

(All): May she now share in Christ's victory over sin and death.

Liam went on, "Welcome to Mass today here in New Bastogne. We offer Requiem Mass for Jessie Dayafter. Friends, let us acknowledge our sins and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries. I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and to you my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God. May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins and bring us to everlasting life. Amen!"

The people would go, "Amen. Lord have mercy."

Liam Steele (Liam3017 Resident): Christ, have mercy.

(All): Christ, have mercy.

"Almighty God and Father, it is our certain faith that your Son, who died on the Cross, was raised from the dead,the first-fruits of all who have fallen asleep. Grant that through this mystery your servant Name, who has gone to her rest in Christ, may share in the joy of his resurrection. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever."

(All) Amen.

"We sit now to listen to God's Word. A reading from the Book of Numbers. The Lord came down in the Cloud. He spoke with Moses, but took some of the spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. When the spirit came on them they prophesied, but not again. Two men had stayed back in the camp; one was called Eldad and the other Medad. The spirit came down on them; though they had not gone to the Tent, their names were enrolled among the rest. These began to prophesy in the camp. The young man ran to tell this to Moses, ‘Look,’ he said ‘Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.’ Then said Joshua the son of Nun, who had served Moses from his youth, ‘My Lord Moses, stop them!’ Moses answered him, ‘Are you jealous on my account? If only the whole people of the Lord were prophets, and the Lord gave his Spirit to them all!’ The Word of the Lord."

(All): Thanks be to God.

Liam Steele (Liam3017 Resident): All rise now to greet the Gospel. The Lord be with y ou.

(All) And with your spirit.

Liam Steele (Liam3017 Resident): A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark.

(All) Glory to you, O Lord.

"John said to Jesus, ‘Master, we saw a man who is not one of us casting out devils in your name; and because he was not one of us we tried to stop him.’ But Jesus said, ‘You must not stop him: no one who works a miracle in my name is likely to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us. ‘If anyone gives you a cup of water to drink just because you belong to Christ, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward. ‘But anyone who is an obstacle to bring down one of these little ones who have faith, would be better thrown into the sea with a great millstone round his neck. And if your hand should cause you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life crippled, than to have two hands and go to hell, into the fire that cannot be put out. And if your foot should cause you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life lame, than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye should cause you to sin, tear it out; it is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell where their worm does not die nor their fire go out.’ The Gospel of the Lord.

(All) Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

"You may sit. For Marxists, everything is over when you die. Death is never spoken about. We avoid the word death. It is a going forth from this world. In general, the body will corrupt. Heaven is a place of refreshment, light, and peace. These are the prayers we pray. The soul, in a sense, goes ahead.

"Christians weren't the only people to use catacombs. Cremation has become popular in the last few years. Hindus use cremation because they have a totally different understanding of death. 'The Christian understanding is wrong.' The preference is clearly for burial.

"Death is an important moment in life. It's not that God will check your bank account. If life is only in production, there is no value in life. Our humanity doesn't have its root in value. This i the tragedy of sin. Christ shows us how we should be. How to whatever. Our intentions are different to how things actually turn out. Where is your heart tending. Man is not at the center.

"Purgatory is a waiting room for Heaven. The Last Judgement is at the end of time. Advent is to prepare us for death and for the end, the Second Coming. Faith is to say God exists. If someone tells you in London the streets are paved with gold, you might believe them but then you go to London and you see they are paved with gold, you lose faith because you see it to be true. The world doesn't end, its re-fashioned. God will give you a new and improved body. Our nature is, to a certain degree, damaged. Life isn't what it should be. This is because of original sin. The only way out of here is in a boc. It's not like a reality show. I am not on a stage before everyone, 'Oooh, is Liam going to Heaven or hell? Oooh! He's going to Heaven! A round of applause! Well done!' No, this is not the case. It wasn't that they installed new traffic lights. 'You can be nasty to people on Fridays.'

"If sin is self-harm, it needs healing. Christianity is often seen as centered on sin. You have to use it. If you just have it, it does nothing. God offers His strength to be better people. The best person we know probably has personality issues. Most people have rough edges. Any human image used will be wrong. We're given the preparation to be in a very good place. We are called to find life everlasting. We can have this hope to live not depressed. Time moves slow. We are stuck in this rut. 'They give you your own cloud.' This is not the Christian view of Heaven. We've lost live entertainment. This view of Heaven as a magnified experience of loving. You are the best version of yourself when you are loving. When we truly love, we are at our best. Love is not selfish. Love is deeper than this. 'Love is kind.'

"We stand now as we make our Prayers and Intercessions. God, the almighty Father, raised Christ his Son from the dead; with confidence we ask him to save all his people, living and dead: For Jessie who in baptism was given the pledge of eternal life, that she now be admitted to the company of the saints. We pray to the Lord."

(All) Lord, hear our prayer.

Liam Steele (Liam3017 Resident): For Jessie who was nourished at the table of the Saviour. That he/she may be welcome into the halls of the heavenly banquet. We pray to the Lord.

(All) Lord, hear our prayer.

Liam Steele (Liam3017 Resident): For the family and friends of Jessie that they may be consoled in their grief by the Lord who wept at the death of his friend Lazarus. We pray to the Lord.

(All) Lord, hear our prayer.

Liam Steele (Liam3017 Resident): For all of us assembled here to worship in faith, that we may be gathered together againin God's kingdom. We pray to the Lord.

(All) Lord, hear our prayer.

Liam Steele (Liam3017 Resident): For those who have fallen asleep in the hope of rising again, that they may see God face to face. We pray to the Lord.

(All) Lord, hear our prayer.

Liam Steele (Liam3017 Resident): God, our shelter and our strength, you listen in love to the cry of your people: hear the prayers we offer for our departed brothers and sisters. Cleanse them of their sins and grant
them the fullness of redemption. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

(All) Amen.

"Pater Noster, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum."
"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name."
"Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra."
"Thy will be done in heaven and on earth."
"Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie et dimitte nobis debita nostra."
"Our daily bread give us today and forgive us our debts"
"sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris."
"As we forgive our debtors."
"Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo."
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

"Amen," went the parishoners.

Liam3017 Resident: The Lord be with you.

(All) And with your spirit.

Liam3017 Resident: Lift up your hearts.

(All) We lift them up to the Lord.

Liam3017 Resident: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

(All) It is right and just.

"It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God. For it is at your summons that we come to birth, by your will that we are governed, and at your command that we return,on account of sin, to the earth from which we came. And when you give the sign, we who have been redeemed by the Death of your Son, shall be raised up to the glory of his Resurrection. And so, with the company of Angels and Saints, we sing the hymn of your praise, as without end we acclaim:

"Remember, Lord, your Church, spread throughout the world, and bring her to the fullness of charity, together with Francis our Pope and Philip our Bishop, and all the clergy. Remember also our brothers and sisters who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection, and all who have died in your mercy: welcome them into the light of your face.

"We remember Jessie Dayafter whose Requiem Mass we celebrate today here in New Bastogne. Have mercy on us all, we pray,that with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God,with blessed Joseph, her spouse with the blessed Apostles, and all the Saints who have pleased you throughout the ages, we may merit to be coheirs to eternal life, and may praise and glorify you through your Son, Jesus Christ."

Liam would then say, "I now invite Vickster forward to say a few words." Vickster, still in her black dress, got up and walked up to near the casket in front of most of the crowd, "Hello everyone. I'm very honored to get to say a few words about my friend Jesse. Thanks everybody. I know Jesse would blush if she could see us now, making such a fuss. I met her when she joined the Luftwaffe back in 2010. She wanted Luftwaffe mostly because we were the only branch that allowed furries. That was our old squadron. Over the course of five years she rose in rank, and proved a competent leader and pilot. But she also brought a lot of life with her. Everyone loved her energy. She was never formal or demanding on lesser ranked people. She helped everybody, she gave a lot of things away. I was very surprised when she started building planes.

"We  went through a lot over that time. She eventually rose to command JG 52. And she held that for nearly two years before she retired from the Luftwaffe. But she never quit. She always showed up for events and ceremonies. She loved Bastogne and the players. When I was really down she held me up and kept me going. I could ask nothing more from a friend and sister. I can't wait to meet her again in our Father's house. I had more to say but I think I will close with this, she is my friend and sister and I love her. Thank you." She then walked back to the pews.

"I thank Vickster for her heartfelt words," Liam told, "And I now invite Nydia forward to say a few words." Nydia Tungsten then walked over from the pews to where Vickster had been. "We are all here to honor and Remember our good friend Jessicabelle Dayafter," she began, "I met her when I was still relatively new to Second Life.  She helped me through some rough spots in my life both real-life and SL.  She always was there for anyone that knew her and needed help. Many of you already know that.

"She introduced me to the WWII Roleplay.  She taught me how to fly here, how to RP, because I had never done it before. She made me passionate about it and we loved it. We loved hanging out with each other no matter what we were doing. Her attitude was infectious.  She was very passionate about modeling and acting.  Always ready to participate in the calendars and videos being made: even coming up with an idea for a video that she fit the lead role for, perfectly. If you haven't seen her creation please take a look here, she was very proud of it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8CsVLdiDbs&t=1s

"In a world where so many try to blend in, it's people like Jessica that choses to stand out, and by that action alone she will be remembered in all she did, Fair skies my high flying Angel, until we meet again. I am sorry if I am rambling, it is getting hard to type because of the tears  I just... miss her,  and I always will."

Treva Morgan would comment, "My love and respect to Jessica Belle ... *smiles quietly, wishing her a journey filled with beauty and love. *" Sheba Lethecus (ShebaLethecus Resident) would say, "Jess was a friend and associate to all of us. Let's appreciate her friendship and her works. Let's remember her always."

Liam continued, "I thank Nydia for her wonderful memories of Jessie. Shall we stand? Trusting in God, we have prayed together for Jessie and now we come to the last farewell. There is sadness in parting, but we take comfort in the hope that one day we shall see Jessie again and enjoy her friendship. Although we will disperse in sorrow, the mercy of God will gather us together again in the joy of his kingdom. Therefore let us console one another in the faith of Jesus Christ. And I will now honour Jessie's coffin with incense as a reminder that her body was a Temple of the Holy Spirit, and we believe in the resurrection of the body.

"To you, O Lord, we commend the soul of Jessie your servant; in the sight of this world she is now dead; in your sight may she live for ever. Forgive whatever sins she committed through human weakness and in your goodness grant her everlasting peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord."

(All): Amen.

"May choirs of angels welcome you and lead you to the bosom of Abraham; and where Lazarus is poor no longer may you find eternal rest."

It was at this point Liam finished. The honor guard was then dismissed from their positions, followed by, "Everyon there is one last part a 21 cannon salute and flyover to honor Jessie it will be out to your right if you wish to remain it wont be much longer." Unfortunately, getting up from the pews and exiting the church, my computer chose that moment to crash. I would get one picture of a cannon going off. By the time I got back on and stayed, it was over. Fortunately, Nydia and Cynthia Farshore sent me a few pictures.

I did have a few more minutes with Vickster, "I hope we don't have to do this again soon. I did a flyover for another memorial earlier today ... in the Gulf. (The) Second Life Coast Guard lost an officer. ... We're getting  a little too good at the missing man formation."

 Kitty Fyre Morrison (KittyKatKait Resident) would have this to say, "I thought it was a wonderful tribute to a close friend." And this is how everyone thought of the event.

Jessica was popular in many circles. And no doubt more will be written about her in the future. But It was at New Bastogne where her inworld funeral was, with freinds from around taking part.

Bixyl Shuftan
 

The Flight 93 Memorial Show, And Other September 11 Events

As America goes through a Pandemic that has killed thousands, on September 11 it looked back at another historic crisis nineteen years ago when the country suffered it's deadliest terrorist attack.  There were events large and small across Second Life. A small one was held at the Happy Vixen, a Patriot Day tribute, the night before on September 10. People were reminded about the Homes For Our Troops kiosk, and over a thousand Linden dollars went into it that night.

On September 11 itself, there was a show at the Bob Hope Theater at 6PM SL time.

Including the performers, over 80 people were packed into the sim.

The show got a standing ovation.

 On Saturday September 12 was a double event at the Flight 93 Memorial at the same sim.

 At 4 PM, JustinElias Anatara would sing live over the radio stream.

At 5PM, people got away from the tower.

And the light show would start.

It was quite an impressive light show, and a reminder than even in times of darkness, light will soon be around to show the way.

Bixyl Shuftan

Autopilotpatty Poppy Memorial Dance

By Bixyl Shuftan

Earlier this month, word had gotten around Caledon and other communities that Autopilotpatty Poppy had passed away. During her time in Second Life, she had accomplished much such as having set up several art galleries and was a sucessful DJ and photographer, as well as the co-captain of Caledon's Relay for Life team. She had been knighted by Caledon's governor and was given the title Dame.

On Saturday July 18, a memorial dance was held in Autopilot's honor. It was held in Roshaven Laudanum. It was stated while the ceremony would be a respectful one, the tone would be an upbeat one and not somber.

This is a celebratory dance hosted by the Duchies of Carntalgh and Trikassl to honor Poppy's love of a festive occasion. It is a time to share fond memories in a joyful setting. Attire: formal, festive uniforms. 

Dropping in at 2PM, a crowd of friends, neighbors, and others that wanted to pay their respects came by. The sunlight was somewhat dim, but not dark. The music was classical, such as Mozart Conchertos. "Welcome to the many of you that arrived while I was on air!" Gabrielle Riel told the crowd, "This is a celebratory dance, so please feel free to start dancing! The dance machines are behind me. Next to the cherry tree. We'll take some time to allow more people to arrive and then Liz will lead us into some memory-sharing."

There were a number of noted personalities from the Steamlands, Relay, and others. Among them were Bain and Panza Finch (Panza Eilde), Vic Mornington, Andrea Jones, Stereo Nacht, Holocluck Henly, Oldesoul Eldemar, Baron Klaus Wulfenbach (KlausWulfenbach Outlander), and others. "It is like the old days," the Baron commented, "I wish it were under lighter circumstances. Guten abend, all." When he made an observation about one duchess, another commented, "Herr Baron, you know there are too many duchesses in this one space to count. Be specific, bitte?" "Excellent point, Duchess Magda," he responded.

People would say their praises of her. Elfbiter Skysmith (elfbiter Resident) would say, "Patty was the first to welcome me to Caledon when I first came here. And pointed me towards the BlakOpal store what was in the Village at the time."

RockAndRoll AllNight (RockAndRoll Michigan) offered, "Patty was a gentle soul. A friendly presence, and a friend to me as well as most if not all of the people here and many other people who cannot be here. Her loss will leave a permanent hole in SL and our lives, but we will be all the better for having memories of our friend. Godspeed, Patty."

Jaz Beverly would add, "And she has remained one of my major Caledonian role models. Her kind warmth, her joy in life and creativity, her grace under the most intense moments of life's fires. She was organized, enthusiastic, and always at the center of something welcoming and fun. She was a spark that lit more than just her own prodigious creativity. And I will always be grateful to have known her even a little bit in this wonderous place to which she has contributed so much."

Magda Kamenev (Magdalena Kamenev) spoke, "One of the many things I liked about Patty is how she was ambitious but playful about it. I remember her photo exhibit of the 12 Days of Christmas. And all of those props and settings. And then someone took her photos of the various Lords and made them ammo in a temp gun. And it was the toy of the season in Caledon. ... Patty was wonderful at pouring oil over roiling waters. But every once in a while, she'd set fire to that oil."

Beth Ghostraven would say, "I met Poppy early on in my Second Life, wandering around Caledon exploring. I came upon people dancing around a bonfire on a hill, under a spectacular airship, and I learned to dance there listening to Poppy's music. I loved her themes, and cherished her friendship. I'm really going to miss her. Thank you all."

Wildstar Beaumont added, "In 2011, when we kicked off the Aether Chrononauts RFL Team, Patty was the Captain of Team Caledon. It was an important and experienced team and there was a lot of working together with us noobs. Also Patty organized my first exhibit outside my gallery. At her art place in Oxbridge village. And she did the music for some of the early editions of Christmas at Wild Castle and Privateers Ball. I will miss her."

Star (astarynite Resident) offered, "I remember when I was new I moved to Mayfair and Poppy was having a dance at the Rusty Garter and I rode my horse there.  Caledon was so big to me, I think it took me 1 1/2 hours to get there weaving back and forth through the same sims trying to find my way.  Eventually I moved to Caledon II because where Poppy was so was a lot of the action and events in Caledon."

Phrynne Resident told, "I met her at a concert up over the top of the Village, when it was a concert venue.  She made room for me to see better, and asked me how I was doing, and then invited me to Alley Cats in Morgaine.  And that's how I got to know most everyone early on."

Jan Stroikavskoi added, "I just wanted to add to Patty's many talents, back in 2011 The Black Moon Marauders of Caledon hosted their very first 'Walk the Plank Fashion Show'. Under Captain Tao Mistwalker's direction, Patty Poppy laid the foundations of what was to become a very successful show over the years, while raising funds for Relay For Life. We continued with our annual fashion up until a couple of years ago."

Gabrielle would say with a smile, "Patty did so many special photo shoots. She was so active with her photography. And my favorite piece she ever did was 'Moons Over Caledon,' which was 10 of us women sitting naked with our backs to the camera." Magda remarked, "Oh my ... I still have the male and female versions of 'Moon Over Caledon.'"

Then came a certain musical tune, "Marching With The Band Of The Army Air Corps." Then Oriella Charik announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, please look to the skies for a flying display!" A few planes were flying low in the sky overhead, leaving colored smoke trails.  "The NAS Aerbats Ladies and Gentlemen!" Liz added, "Patty was a huge part of their team. ... Patty would be pleased, at all of you here, airplanes in the sky, drinks handy, dancing all around."

I ended up crashing after the first hour, and logging back on I needed to be elsewhere and my system was having trouble with me having my alt on at the same time. But just half the event was quite a tribute to this woman of many talents.

Rest in peace, Autopilotpatty Poppy.

Bixyl Shuftan