More Halloween Shopping And Health Island In September

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

Autumn is coming

There is always a marvelous display of everything Halloween and autumn over at Wonderland Beach Not only that but there is a great hunt going on there. Many of your favorite creators have taken plots there.

Many of the shops and stalls and outside displays have a treasure chest somewhere on their plot. There is a whole section for Dinkies also some treasure chests there so it will take a while to see all the offerings. Plan time!

Another marvelous place to check out is Halloweentown . This exhibit of shops will also take some time. First there are loads of gachas to examine just full of décor. As I walked around there were all kinds of ghostly little critters walking around me. I love to see them at Halloween parties and on parcels too when I go by.

I loved the little decks and resting carpets with pillows that could be put on properties for a collected décor, a good selection.

I saw a really nice Happy Halloween sign in the air above me as I was walking along the brick path . As I passed under it however I was startled as it fell and became bunch of bones! Be careful what you touch. 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Halloweentown/175/171/26

Let me step away for a moment to remind you to visit the Virtual Ability sponsored Health Island again this month for informative displays of awareness. Every month as you know there are new exhibits to help one gain knowledge or be reminded of health issues that might affect you or a family member or friends and offer resources. One of them that we should all be worried about is addressed this time. Microplastics!!! It seems science is finding them everywhere including human bodies! Read about it!

One exhibit delves into Pain, a common issue affecting each of us at some times in our lives. Many live with this condition all the time. You will find resources again that will help you or others who mention having pain. There are several other exhibits including heat, whole grains, and fungal disease. You can pick up a notecard with the slurls at this point. Take a walk around also . 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Healthinfo%20Island/204/127/22
 

 Gemma Cleanslate

 

Home and Garden Shopping: Part One

 

By Gemma Cleanslate & Bixyl Shuftan

 It has been a wonderful experience roaming the Home and Garden grounds and shops. There is so many lovely items for the home and all I do is think, “How many prims?” and pass on by.

However I found a shop that has some lovely art pieces. Michiel Bechir has beautiful landscapes from various SL regions and other aspects of Second Life that attract anyone interested in collecting. His vendor offering is a subtle photo of a photographer getting ready to snap that picture.

I love the setup there where he has a photo of himself as photographer taking photos with an antique camera. Drop by and enjoy. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Hope%202/38/63/23

Gemma Cleanslate

*  *  *  *  *

There's plenty to shop for at the RFL Home and Garden. Among the things you can get is artwork, which Gemma found. But there's much more. At Terry Wardark's Warhorse store, I found a pottery fountain. 

The water flows from the jar on the top to three brass bowls, each pouring water to what's below it, in the case of the bottom one to the fountain base. The water is continually in motion, and you can hear the sounds of it pouring. In real life, this would be accomplished by a small pump moving water from the basin up to the jar.

The pottery fountain costs 450 Linden dollars, with 100% going to the Relay for Life, and has a land impact of 7.

You can find the Warhorse store at. Hope 2/(11/121/25). 

Stay tuned for more examples of items.
 
Bixyl Shuftan
 

Oasis for Parkinson’s

By Gemma Cleanslate

“I am thrilled to announce the opening of 'The Oasis Event and Hunt for Parkinson's' Come explore the mystery of ancient Egypt. Events For Parkinson’s and Miss Globe Universal Charity Foundation partnered up for this exciting new event. “ Barbie Alchemi announced last week and I am late in getting over there to see it all.

This is a partnership installation and is not to be missed. The build is fabulous. Every step has hints of ancient Egypt with all the art and hieroglyphics around.

Each shop is filled with beautiful offerings from your favorite creators. So many are participating and giving contributions from their sales, some 100 percent. The shopping is so enticing I did indulge.

In one shop there is an informational display about Parkinson's disease and the efforts to find a cure for it. Be sure to stop there and read,

There are also two hunts going on. In many shops you will find a small scale pyramid for sale for only 15L with great prizes in them. I peeked and also got quite a few.  The other hunt is in the large pyramid where there are gems scattered about and you must find those that contain a prize. These are more expensive but worth it since the proceeds also go to the great cause. There is fabulous fashion show planned for Saturday, the 20th, 10AM SLT at the temple near the pyramid.

A large outdoor stage is set for music, theater, dancing and fun. I found a couple dressed for the event having a dance on the stage while I was there for the 4th time. Even if you don’t shop much you can make a donation at one of the lovely kiosks set up around the region. Be sure to make a visit before the 21st of April when it will close. Kudos to the creators of the sim for the beauty they brought to it.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Greenmist/110/25/3201

Gemma Cleanslate

 * * * * *

Editor's Note - I had a few words with Barbie Alchemi. She credited Rose Mikaelson (djroseathena) with the building of the Oasis, and mentioned Nola Hellershanks and Shelia Style as the co-cordinators.  One of the buildings she pointed out to me was the pyramid, which had a small maze inside. For more information, check out Creations for Parkinson's blog: https://creationspark.wordpress.com/2019/04/01/the-oasis-is-now-open/. 

LoveFest 2018

By Deaflegacy

LoveFest 2018 is an annual festival in Second Life for fans of American horror writer H.P. Lovecraft. Timed to take place around the time of his birthday, this year marks the 128th anniversary of Lovecraft's birth, August 20, 1890. People were coming from around all of Second Life, and from all around the world in real life, to experience it, in the Ravenheart sim.

There was plenty to do during Lovefest..  There was shopping, dancing, and music at places there. There were also readings of H.P. Lovecraft's stories.  I have been to some places at LoveFest 2018.  It was a good event, although at the same time, it was scary and frightening. While it is not recommended for people who get scared easily to go there, it is definitely recommended for people who love a good thrill, especially horror fans.  There is an asylum, and it is definitely a scary place to visit.

But there are also stores to go shopping at.  At one point, I was at a coffee shop.  It is a good cafe with plenty of desert and coffee.  I also took the tram.  It took me all across the sim

I went to the Arkam Asylum.  It was a spooky, scary place. I would definitely recommend it for anyone who would like to test their nerve to go there.  There is an adventure game called, “The Maze to Madness.” I went down to the Maze. And to be honest with you, it was not what I was expecting.  I checked it out and only saw a couple of rooms.  One is a cell with jail like feeling to it and another was a treatment room.  That was it.  I hate to tell you this but I did leave the place, feeling disappointed.  But the other areas were really good. 

I heard that there were readings in which someone would read out H.P. Lovecraft's stories.  I also know that there were plays happening at certain times.  Don't forget the tram.  One can always take the tram and enjoy the trip.  I would really recommend that people go to LoveFest. It is celebrating the birthday of a unique writer.  I think I will go buy a book that H.P. Lovecraft had written and give it a read.  Just by going to LoveFest had gotten me curious about his work.  I don't know about you, but I'm a horror fan and would love to read Lovecraft's stories.


https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ravenheart/128/128/53

Deaflegacy

Le Six: A New Event For Designers, Photographers and Shoppers

By Klaus Bereznyak

"Le Six" is a new event connecting designers with photographers and shoppers on the wonderfully photogenic sim of Le Sixieme Sens. The event is a little unusual in that there is no rent or fee for designers, and there is a maximum price of 160L$ on any items offered.

Additionally, every month, there is a photo contest. Photographers are invited to create imagery using items from the current round of Le Six and shot at Le Sixieme Sens. They will need to join a group to get rezz rights. Between the 5th and 22nd of each month entrants can add their picture to the Flickr group, sit tight and hope for the best when the round is judged on the 26th.

The shopping area is on a platform high above the sim, formally laid out with stone vendors, hedges and statues, very much in keeping with the feel of  Le Sixieme Sens. In the October round I noticed a variety of offerings, all of a very high quality. Not surprisingly, clothing and accessories were in abundance, along with some seasonal decor, furniture, sculptures and art works. There was plenty here to give a photographer some ideas for a set piece.

 

From the platform, there was a teleport to the ground, so it would be possible to grab some stuff and go down straight away and shoot a roll of film.

Le Sixieme Sens boasts rustic and Tuscan themes, with lots of charming nooks to sit in, and atmospheric scenery - some rugged, some soft - carpeted with flowers and foliage. It is easy to spend a pleasant hour, just wandering and exploring.

 

Information about sponsors and participants, and instructions for the photo competition are available from the landing point at Le Six. Best of luck to all the designers and photographers - power to your pixels!

SLURL:        http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Le%20Sixieme%20Sens/81/59/1501 

Website:     https://www.le-six-event.com/

Flickr Pool:  https://www.flickr.com/groups/3131319@N22/

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/Lesixevent/

 

Klaus Bereznyak

 

The KT Autism Festival

By Bixyl Shuftan

At the Rosemist Isle sim, the KT Autism Festival is taking place. At the event, there is music, shopping, and things to see. Raising money for the World Autism Organization, the benefit will go on to July 31st. The fundraiser is unusual as that it takes place underwater, with sea grasses, starfish, coral, and other things from the sea around the place.

I dropped by the day before the event started, and had a few words with Amythe Moonlight, the head of Made By Moonlight Rosemoon Designs, who was part of the staff of the fundraiser. "It got so big this year we had to take a whole sim," she told me after I arrived, "and make a map of the stalls. We have four hunts goin gon, one in the stalls, one to find a fifty Linden box of textures every day, one where things that shouldn't be under the water will give you a word when you click then so you can make a sentence, and a last one where you will find song reference in the decor round the sim."

But not everything was underwater Amythe pointing out, "Up on the water's surface we have a party boat with a bar and restaurant,and more dancing of course," later pointing out there was a teleport point up to it. She pointed to some vendors, "The gacha machines are held in place by crabs down this side. And most of the stalls are set up now. On the other side of the dance area we have one of a kind auctions."

Amythe then invited me to go on a ride. We walked over to a sea turtle and both got on, recomending I change the sun setting in my viewer to Midnight, "makes a huge difference. You don't see the lights without Midnight (smile). She joked that this was the first time she had tested it. The ride was very detailed, going into a cavern, then down into a whirlpool vortex in the middle and into another cave. The turtle sailed out into a larger cavern where there was a forest of kelp and some luminous plants that glowed, some fish darting around between them. Eventually, the turtle circled around, and we went back up the vortex from whence we came and back out of the first cave, "So that's the underwater ride."

Amythe then continued about the festival, "We have around 100 stalls this time. People have been offering help and items. It seems Autism is something many like to support." She personally had been helping out that day for over nine hours and would probably be around for several more. I asked how much of the items was going to charity. She answered, "We have several ways of donating from sales as well as the auctions and the exclusives and festival bargains set for 25L. Some of our merchants are giving 100% of sales.  If you walk round you will see the special vendors in the stalls. And those who don't have them have provided exclusive one off auction items or  donated in some other form. Several have given items to be used for raffles or hunts and/ or made exclusives items just for the festival. The merchants have been a lovely crowd.The Kushitales store is mine (giggle) with the 'Lizard of Oz' book and collectibles. ... The donation boards give gifts- different in each one and changed at milestones. ... We hope to make a really good amount for Autism. " She pointed out that the land had also been donated for use by the festival by "one lovely lady," Hanta.

Amythe introduced me to one merchant, KitKatPerrin Resident. When I asked how she found out about the festival, she answered, "Firestorm had an announcement that they were looking for designers. I ran the idea across my business partners and we decided that since it went towards a charity that touches us, we'd try it." Of her business, "Shadow Creationz is a group of three people, me, Ronin Furyo, and Luna. The products I myself have up are the lyrical tease outfit, what I'm wearing now, which is for sale for the 25 Linden sale price with all profits going to the charity." I noticed she had the Relay's UAC Medieval Faire in her profile and asked her about it. Smiling, she told me she had products on sale for charity then, "I was working under my Feline Fine Fashions name there." Switching back to the festival, "The other outfit we have for sale is 100% to chirty - it's the fancy top and skirt that Luna is wearing for 65 Linden. We also have two hunt items for 10 Lindens apiece."

Amythe pointed out the three mascots of the festival, "The Elephant the Rhino and the Holy Goat. ... When Kushi Mitch and I do an event, we put them out. But I put snorkels on them this time so they didnt drown." KitKatPerrin joked, "Ehh it's SL, they'll respawn." that was followed by more laughter.

Amythe emphasized, "I want to flag up the enthusiasm  and helpfulness of all the merchants. Without them there would be no Festival, and no money for Autism. They have all been so patient and nice." KitKatPerrin went on to say, "If anything I'm doing here at the festival spares one person the struggles I've dealt with in my life, then it's worth it."

"It's going to be fun the next two weeks," Amythe told me, "I hope the merchants will come and spend time here too and mkeet some of the customers and do some networking and bring everyone they know."

Amythe would later tell me via a notecard it wasn't just a hundred stalls, but almost a hundred different merchants involved at the charity, with room for others should they wish to join during the event. "Many merchants have offered a percentage of their sales to the Charity. This varies from 25%-100%! Merchants have also donated one of a kind items for Auction which will be ongoing throughout the Festival and exclusives items with a minimum of 50% going to the Charity. Some have put out 25L Bargains or 10L hunt items others have simply offered a percentage of anything they sell during this time. We have so many different kinds of merchandise being sold. Clothes and Jewellry, art and photography, wedding items, furniture, things for home and garden, gifts, textures, full perm items even rollercoasters. Although the shopping is amazing and there are some wonderful bargains to be had we also have hunts going on, djs and live singers at set times in the day, a treasure chest with a different texture pack each day, a hunt with song title references to spot, an out of place hunt where you'll see things that wouldn't normally be on the sim, a restaurant and bar up on our party boat and a turtle ride that takes you down into underwater caves."

They were also keeping track of the money, "We have a banker alt to keep the donations seperate and are able to check all transactions to ensure we have  everything documented properly.two to three weeks after the event closes we'll be sending out a copy of the receipt for the donation to all merchants and anyone else is welcome to request a copy of it."

And when is the next festival? "Ah now we need a little time to  recover from this one first but I would not be at all surprised to find another festival sometime between October and December."

The KT Festival is at Rosemist Isle (126, 128, 21)

Bixyl Shuftan

The Furry Fashion Halloween Hunt for 2016

By Bixyl Shuftan

Like may of her customers, Amethyst Crystal, the owner of Furry Fashion, has a great love for Halloween. So for weeks she and her staff have been working on a special Halloween area: The 2016 Furry Fashion Halloween Hunt: The Drageth School of Magic."

"Our take on our own version of a magic school," Amethyst called the place, "I'm a big fan of fantasy and magic. I have the Harry Potter books on audio, I listen to (them) quite often."

Just the look of the place is enough to bring people, the overall spookiness, the erie-looking woods, the creepy creatures, the tentacled horrors, the tombstones, "R.I.P Skyler Glasswing: Lost in Teleport," and the haunted castle where the School of Magic is. The castle has numerous hallways, passages, and rooms. And you never really can know what's behind those spooky-looking doors until you open them.

But of course there's more. This being Furry Fashion, there's a number of stalls and vendors offering a variety of outfits and avatars. There's witch, convict, bat, spider, and more.  The majority are fitting for a Halloween event.  There are also textures for modders and builders.

And of course there is the hunt. Placed throughout the area are thirty magic books. Each contains a prize, such as shorts, dresses, jewelry, and more. To give those looking around an idea what to look for, there's a sample spellbook on the fireplace next to the arrival point. While they have the same shape, they do come in different colors and some are better hidden than others. They are both in and outside the castle.

Besides the Halloween area, Furry Fashion still has it's everyday avatars and outfits at ground level, as well as the Furry Fashion Lounge which has events every day except most Mondays. No doubt many of these parties will give shoppers a chance to wear their outfits before and after Halloween.

As for next year, "I've already got staff giving me suggestions to what to do for next year," Amethyst told me, "One of the staff is obsessed with skeletons so wants a undead ballroom. She loves anything to do with skeletons, bone mods,dancing skeletons, etc. Another suggested Alice in Wonderland."

To get to the Halloween area, those at ground level at Furry Fashion can teleport up there via a fireplace, "on the ground level of the sim between FF Main store and the Gacha Resell Shop. ... people can click the flames and it turns into a teleporter." Furry Fashion is also taking part in the "Quest Fur Cover" shopping hunt, so it's hunters will also receive the landmark to it. Or one can just head to Furry (198/167/2480).

Bixyl Shuftan

Final Trip to the 2016 Fantasy Faire

By Grey Lupindo

I couldn’t resist one more stop at the Relay for Life’s Fantasy Faire.  Before it ended, I wanted to quickly check out a few more places. I started at Echtra, which was sponsored by the Lost Unicorn Gallery, and located at Echtra (197, 60, 75).  It was a dark, mysterious village.  A convenient kiosk offered a way to experience Echtra by relinquishing control and enjoying the freebies through a tour.  If I would have had more time, this would have been the best way to view the site. Instead, I snooped around on my own.  I scared a small flock of sheep but otherwise I avoided trouble. 

       In addition to the village, a Second Life mermaid site was located at Echtra (176,31,76).  My neighbor Celtic Infinity is a Mer and had given me a landmark to the spot at the beginning of the Faire.  When I popped in on Friday, she and Kmac Yardley were there to greet visitors and support the Relay for Life.   Information about tours and about the Safe Waters Foundation lined the walls.  There were mer tails, sea plants, and other items available. Lots of residents stopped by to say hello, pick up a few items, and help the Relay for Life while I was there. 

     “We've had a lot of very nice people stopping in and checking out what underwater in SL has to offer,” Celtic said.  As we chatted, Booster Terl Spice (terl.luckstone) came in to ask about a unique Second Life avatar.  When they began discussing sea horses, I asked about sea wolves.  To my surprise I was informed there was a whole merfur community.  Another item for my list of things to check out in SL. 

    I made a brief stop at Sapphire Mirror Lake (66, 203, 50) where I heard the end of a musical performance. This location was the Arts and Entertainment spot for the Faire.  Judging from the reaction of the crowd, I had missed a great show.

     My final stop was at Twilight Illusion, which was sponsored by Merchants of Dreams, and located at Twilight Illusion (81, 124, 88).  This site was a beautifully eerie place filled with mist and fog.  One of the stone buildings, Silent Sanctuary, was lit by candlelight and filled with tapestries.  Along the walls were beautiful items available for sale for your own castle, with the proceeds supporting the RFL. 

      Bam Pu Legacies were located in another building. These items were created by Bambi Chicque (bambichicque) and included statues, art, builds and more.  

      I left the Faire knowing there was so much more that I was going to miss.  This year’s Faire had magical fairylands, great entertainment events, extraordinary shopping, and a role-play quest.  Best of all, it raised millions of Lindens to help in the quest to find a cure for cancer. 

Grey Lupindo

Fantasy Faire 2016: Bright Haven

By Grey Lupindo

      The Fairylands are ablaze with shops, art, music and even a Quest, all in support of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.  With 13 Fairylands and a wide variety of activities available, there’s a way for everyone to support and participate in this event. I had a difficult choice to make in deciding where to begin.  Finally I chose to start in Bright Haven (194/127/49).   

      Bright Haven is sponsored by Callie Cline’s KittyCatS!  I’ve been a longtime fan of these little cuties, and I love to shop.  There are 18 stores in Bright Haven-- perfect for me.

 

      I arrived in front of the signature KittyCatS! shop and went inside for a quick look at the kittens.  There’s a huge variety inside ranging from tiny kittens to a large, friendly tiger. There’s accessories and food, too.   I was greeted by Cinnamon Tortie, one of the customer support staff who was working that day.   She was friendly and helpful as we chatted about the Faire.   She told me that Callie Cline created some new items for the Faire, including the fairy cat statue, a multi-color flower scratching post, and a shoulder size kitty for the Quest.  Exclusive items, like the statue, will only be available during the Faire.

        After getting a couple of scratching post flowers, I hurried off to the other shops in the village.  I noticed a lot of visitors that morning, including Ąķį (aki.kira), Zane (julienbrimstone), Nacho (nacholibra), Mystik Blackhawk, and Piccione Verino.  One of them, daviid815, spoke to me as we walked along the cobbled street. “Any cool place you recommend me to go?” he asked, explaining that he was new to this exciting, huge world.  It was great to meet a new, friendly resident.  I gave him a few suggestions and watched as he hurried off to explore Bright Haven. 

           I made a quick stop in the KittyCats’ Creations, a tavern where I found some fun Gotcha’s and tasty treats.  The Seamstress Shop, found at Bright Haven (142,41,50), was one of my favorites.  Owned by Geryn Sloane, it featured lots of special items for the ladies.  The shop is charming and filled with bolts of cloth, a spinning wheel, looms, and even a sleeping kitty.  

             Even more lovely gowns could be found at Les Encantades, located across the street.  Many of them were only 250L, a great bargain for a great cause.   If you need furniture, there are stores selling it, too.  I saw dressers, tables, and even a chiminea for only $175L.   Mystic Sky, owned by Skyler John, has great outfits for both men and women.  Gifties, too!  At "Designs by Isaura” there were fairie dolls and Galactic Princess outfits.  Very stylish.

               The proceeds from Fantasy Faire are going to support the fight against cancer.  I spotted a notice that showed L$ 2,406,899 ($ 9,628 U.S. dollars) has already been raised as of April 23. It’s great to see the SL community coming together in such a creative way for such a great cause.  Fantasy Faire runs until May 1.  

Grey Lupindo

Scenes From the Relay For Life Fantasy Faire 2014

Earlier this month in Second Life, the Relay for Life's 2014 Fantasy Faire took place. Although the place was set up to sell items for charity, it also got attention for the sims great designs. There were a total of 11 sims, mostly in a circle, setup next to the permanent American Cancer Society sim. Each was an eyeful to see.

The Fairlands Junction was the official entrance to the Faire. One appeared in a small island in a shallow lake with shops around.

To the north was a wooden walkway over a river in a marsh, which led around the sim, leading one west, north, or east.

To the west of Fairlands Junction, and east of American Cancer Society, was the Palace of Tears.

This sim was the scene of some dance parties.

Some events were on a boat in the air.

Which was carried by a dragon.

To the north of Fairlands Junction was the Sanctum sim with a flying palace.

North of Sanctum was the Blackwater Glen.

It was a mix of marshy woods, with wooden walkways providing a path over the water, and clear areas, with shops all around.

North of Blackwater Glen was Mourningvale Thicket.

The place was the darkest of the sims of the Faire, a dark forest, the trees keeping most of the sunlight out.

There were some elements of a dark RP game about, such as this headless body.

East of Mourningvale Thicket was The Faery Court.

The sim had the appearance of a fantasy village, though the west had a touch of dark from being next to the forest.

The east was a brighter shade of green.

Going east from the Faery Court was the sim of Heavenslough.

At both the west and south sides, there was a "Survival Station," where one could pick up a few freebies.

My favorite among them was the backback, with critters in the back. The rat in the cage is waving a flag that says "help."

There were a few more walkways over water, but they also went up and down hills.

And one sometimes went across rock, looking down at waterfalls and trees.

South of Heavenslough was Hopes Horizon, the Dwarfins' sponsored sim.

One went down a stone path ...

To a city of carved stone.

South of Hopes Horizon was Medhir Woods.

The place was simpler, with shops along the stone roads. I noticed places that sold treehouses.

And a magic shopp owned by Zachh Barkley, Second Life's self-professed "King of Magic."

Asperatus started off at the foot of a misty, snow covered mountain.

One went up the slope, and some stairs ...

And into a Steampunkish city in the clouds.

The place seemed to be held up by a combination of balloons and propellers

And it looks like there had been some roleplay going on, " 'The Revenge of Professor Timmons.' In it, the professor has built a treacherous robot, which damages our town’s power center.  They then make their escape to Asperatus.  We townsfolk chase after these miscreants, so there will be lots of excitement, fighting in the streets, and general mayhem going on. In the end, we will capture the bad guys, and there will be a great big celebration on Friday, 9 May.  After which, we will return the evil doers to NeoVictoria to receive their just desserts.”

West of Asperatus was Wiggenstead Moorning, the Tiny-themed sim.

The place reminded me a bit of Mulgore in "World of Warcraft," though instead of on mesas, the shops were placed around floating islands.

But the scenery wasn't just above, but also underneath on the surface.

To the west of this sim was back to the beginning at Fairlands Junction. So this is where the journey in pictures ends. It was quite a well-designed and visually pleasing place.

There are a few other links for Fantasy Faire pics, such as Daniel Voyager, Ciaran Laval, Loverdag, and the Fantasy Faire Photography contest.

There will be other events in Second Life. As I was writing this, the "RelayStock" was taking place, but the memories, and screenshots, of the Fantasy Faire will go on.

Bixyl Shuftan