D e c e m b e r
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Contents 124. Dutchie
A special holiday feature showcasing the fantastic work of Froukje Hoorenbeek.
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Through the Lens
ECLIPSE Magazine invites a few friends to reenvision and showcase their interpretation of the “Twelve Days of Christmas.�
Proust Spotlight
Teaming up with the Blogger & Vlogger Network, we shine the spotlight on the talented NatG.
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At Home With...
Callie Hamelin lends her talents in this issue and inspires with her fantastic home & decor holiday themed spread.
Artist Highlight
This month we highlight an ECLIPSE Magazine favorite, the extraordinary live singer, Ry Anne.
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SL Gift Giving
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Art Perspective
Looking for a stocking stuffer? We list our favorite go to gifts on the grid.
Oema curates and reviews the Hannington Endowment for the Arts (HEA).
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ECLIPSE Magazine is dedicated to not only offering an aesthetically pleasing publication, but to also be considered a platform that offers rich and relevant content. Each month, we showcase residents and groups that have taken the concept of “your world, your imagination� to such great heights that they have impacted the culture and lifestyle of the Second Life community.
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Cover Story Sophia Harlow Cover Photographer Geena Carminucci
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Tour of Homes
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Voices from the Grid
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The Wayfarer
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Writer Cajsa Lilliehook
Residents have decorated their homes for the holidays and invite readers to tour!
Each issue ECLIPSE Magazine asks residents a question, see what they have to say.
Join the Wayfarer as they travel the grid, visiting Luanes World in the winter. ECLIPSE December 2019 | Page 11
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executive team
Trouble dethly Publisher
tiffany parkin
cajsa lilliehook
Assistant Editor
Copy Editor
sol may valor
Social Media Manager
the c
writers
photographers
Cajsa Lilliehook Grayden Foxe Miele Tarantal Novaleigh Freng Oema Taylor Wassep Tiffany Parkin
Cassie Middles Geena Carminucci June Fallon Minnie Dethly Novaleigh Freng Taylor Wassep Tempest Rosca Wicca Merlin
stylists June Fallon Taylor Wassep Tempest Rosca Tiffany Parkin Wicca Merlin
guest stylist & photographer Callie Hamelin, Jessa Casti, Luane Meo, Honey, Caiti Mirabella & Dash Bloodmoon
interested in advertising with eclipse? have an idea for a great story? looking to start a new career in second life? email trouble.dethlysl@gmail.com
contributors
I feel I’ve said this before. The first thing I’ll do is layout Voices from the Grid because it’s the most time consuming with all the hyperlinks. Typically, I’ll do it a few days before the rest of the magazine because I mentally need to unwind a bit. This go around — I made some fairly bad decisions and ended up laying out 90% of the magazine yesterday. I haven’t slept too much, although I’m lucky to get four hours a night as of late. Anyway, this is our last issue for 2019, and I feel almost obligated to reflect on this past year. Then I pause and decide I’m under no obligation to do such a thing. From a publication perspective, I am so incredibly grateful for my team they work with me each month to make this happen. We have shared some incredible stories, our cover plans are set for the next three issues, and I look forward to the new year. On the topic of covers, I am incredibly excited about this months. For the past three years, every four to six months I would ask Sophia if she would would consider it. It was always a no, but then she agreed. My favorite stories we tell are the ones that delve deeper than the surface. When the person is willing to share who they are beyond preconceived notions, and they take everything you thought you knew and flip it around. I know it is a lot to ask someone, especially in a world like SL, to share pieces of themselves they keep to themselves to protect. There’s a certain level of vulnerability there, but there is infinitely more strength and courage. This is one of my favorite stories. We have a total of eleven features this month. We had a bit of a collaborative effort for our “Through the Lens” this month, as I had to pick up a few photographer friends to help with the “Twelve Days of Christmas.” I am also so happy to have a special feature on Dutchie who has been a long time supporter of ECLIPSE Magazine. With that, thank you to everyone who has supported the magazine this year. It truly means a lot, and I hope you enjoy this issue! Happy Holidays!
letter from the PUBLI
ISHER
Is anyone else ready for 2019 to be over?
I had a huge family wedding to attend in real life this past weekend. What many of you ma know is that for over a year and a half, I have been estranged from most of my family. Not b choice but by theirs. There were a lot of conflicts within the family over me and I was told n attend several events. Most of my aunts, uncles and cousins...this wedding was the first tim had seen them in almost two years.
One of the first questions everyone asked me as we caught up was, of course, how was I do My answer to all of them was, “It’s been a hard year and I am ready for 2020 to get here
In reality, 2019 was not the worst year of my life by a long shot, but it was a difficult one n the less. I watched too many friends suffer pain and tragic losses. My real life job has just b brutal to me. And the absence of almost everyone I have called family for my entire life h left me feeling isolated, alone and, dare I say, rejected as a human being at times. So yeah been a long, hard year. But the year, thanks to this wedding, is ending on a strong note a reconnected with so much of family. I found love and acceptance that I didn’t know was th I found peace within my family that hasn’t been there for a very long time and for that, I a incredibly grateful.
Why do I share this bit of my real life with you this month? I share it because while I felt isolated from my biological family for the past 21 months, I have had another family that helped sustain me...all of you. One of the gifts of Second Life is that so long as we take the to try and connect with others, we are never alone. We make friends here who become fam We celebrate achievements and comfort each other in pain and loss. For many of us, Seco Life is the medium where we connect with people because of circumstances in our real live a gift to so many of us.
So with the holiday season upon us, and me doing such a miserable job being thankful November, I just want to thank all of you have supported ECLIPSE, me, Trouble or any oth member of this amazing team. Thank you for the relationships that we work so hard to sh and encourage here at ECLIPSE. Thank you, all of you, for helping make our Second Lives ri
And so with that, we bring you this month’s edition. We have some beautiful holiday pho with a special Christmas piece dedicated to Dutchie Furniture, our holiday Tour of Homes, visions of The 12 Days of Christmas and so much more. We hope you enjoy!
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through the lens
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Each issue, ECLIPSE Magazine invites the many talented photographers from Second Life to collaborate. With this piece, they style, create and share a glimpse through their lens. For this addition, we invited a few of our photographer friends to help us re-envision through their interpretation of the “Twelve Days of Christmas.�
Photographer: Cassie Middles With “A Partridge in a Pear Tree”
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Photographer: Jessa Casti With “Two Turtle Doves”
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Photographer: Tempest Rosca With “Three French Hens” ECLIPSE December 2019 | Page 43
Photographer: Luane Meo With “Four Calling Birds”
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Photographer: June Fallon With “Five Golden Rings” ECLIPSE December 2019 | Page 47
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Photographer: Honey (AdalineFaith) With “Six Geese-a-Laying” ECLIPSE December 2019 | Page 49
Photographer: Wicca Merlin With “Seven Swans-a-Swimming”
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Photographer: Minnie Fae Dethly With “Eight Maids-a-Milking”
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Photographer: Caiti Mirabella With “Nine Ladies Dancing” Page 54 | ECLIPSE December 2019
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Photographer: Taylor Wassep With “Ten Lords-a-Leaping” Page 56 | ECLIPSE December 2019
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Photographer: Dash Bloodmoon With “Eleven Pipers Piping”
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Photographer: Taylor Wassep With “Twelve Drummers Drumming”
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she thinks, there
photography by cassie middles & geena carminucci. written by cajsa l
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né Descartes’ most famous sentence is gito, ergo sum” which we translate into hink, therefore I am.” Metaphorically, this tures the reality of virtual reality. Our avatars be younger or older, taller or shorter, or even t like us. They can be animal, vegetable, or neral, human or cyborg. They can even be a eous cloud, but no matter their form, their mating force is how we think.
dental hygiene for pets, to medical equipment, and window/door manufacturing.” She worked as a return-to-work counselor for about eight years right out of school. For a long time, she worked in both SL and real life, so despite her ample SL work experience, it remains dwarfed by her first life experience.
From social media marketing, blogger management, customer service and creating phia Harlow is a fierce example of how and managing events, Sophia has created a hentically our avatars can express our true dynamic and successful working life in SL’s ves. She is who she is, she thinks what she fashion community. “My first job was my RL nks, and there is a congruence connecting husband’s assistant for a little photography studio first and her Second Life. Her virtuality is as we had. I say we but he was the only talent and I hentic as her reality. was the big mouth who would try to find us work.” He worked for Modavia Fashion Book, Stiletto phia joined Second Life in 2006, more as an Moody, Phoenix Rising, and many other brands. ulgence of her then-boyfriend’s SL fascination Eventually he tired of working in SL after a full n her own curiosity. “I lived with a boyfriend day of work, so he stopped logging in. “Not o worked for a magazine that had recently me though! For the first few years that I started erviewed Phillip Rosedale, the creator of Second working in SL, I was still working in RL. I loved . He came home super pumped and made an feeling busy, I always have. I can’t seem to sit still in ount that very night. I found it all very strange either life.” d would tease him about his doll and could not derstand why he would be online when we could The brands Sophia has worked for are a veritable out and about.” She felt resentful of the time Who’s Who of Second Life fashion. She believes spent in SL and after about six months, she her first formal job in SL was for Malt Clothing. ally created her own account. Since then, she has worked for SySy’s, Staged, Phoenix Rising, Lion Skins, Stiletto Moody, Truth ex operated a house/progressive music club Hair, Maitreya, Glam Affair, Tableau Vivant, Vinyl, t was very busy, but not profitable. “That is Reign and Just Because. Some jobs demanded at got me interested. I wanted to understand more time than talent. For example, at Lion w there could be a full club but nothing to ‘bring Skins she was paid to wear their skins and stand me.’ We eventually hired dancers and escorts, as around the store in three-hour shifts. l as some spots for creators with club themed ods, in addition to the DJs and hosts. Money It was not all roses and sunshine. She was even wly trickled in and it started to pay for itself.” She fired by Stiletto Moody. “I was let go because de a lot of friends during that time but lost I could not match their shoes to my skin well ch after taking a year-long hiatus about eight enough. I mean, who could! They even made me nths into her SL life. return the “uniform” which was a very short black dress but they let me keep the shoes. Not that it en she came back to Second Life, she drew mattered since I obviously could not match them to her wealth of first-life experience focusing her my legs.” rk on marketing and brand management. “I ve quite a bit of experience in real-life marketing, She worked for Second Style, the SL magazine ject management, public relations, and human for a while. She began marketing and blogging ources. I have worked in various fields from for their site when she wrote their monthly “Icon” ECLIPSE December 2019 | Page 67
article. “I loved interviewing residents and asking them questions. Learning more about them and trying to get a peek at what made them who they are.”
So how does she do it? First she has a good discussion with the designer to get an understanding of how the designer sees their brand and why they are hiring her. She takes a deep dive into their social media accounts, Right now she is Brand Manager for Blueberry. blogs, and Flickr posts. She checks out their te Two of her longest store positions were with of bloggers, reading their posts. She searches Glam Affair and Tableau Vivant. “During the last six Google for mentions of their name, their bran to eight months of my time with GA and TV, I was looking for anything and everything. Then sh also working for Maitreya right before the release of makes a plan. She points out that every brand Lara mesh body. It was immensely challenging on has been different, requiring a unique approa several levels, mainly because I am not really a tech and personalized plan. She has never taken th type of person and when the body first came out, same approach twice. I had to figure it out and teach others at the same time.” She has only one rule that applies to every br “My biggest pet peeve is designers speaking poo Betwixt and between all the brands she worked in public about other brands, events, customers for, she helped organize and manage a few bloggers. Please just stop it. It is such a turn-off a charity events. One was Project Donate which it shows the worst kind of entitlement. Maybe I a benefited the Pakistan Flood Crisis. She also old school in that respect but I find it so ultra tac helped organize One Voice which helped to raise Be grateful you are able to work in an industry s funds for Gala Phoenix’s legal fees in a copyright as Second Life. While the grid may seem saturat legal struggle. She helped set up a shopping sim there are far fewer designers making a real livin called Project Truth. “Then there was Shoetopia than you think. Treat your customers with respe that I did a few years, first Anessa Stine and later Treat your peers with respect.” It is common sen on with Tinker Hax. We have not closed the door advice that is too often honored in the breach on Shoetopia yet but this year has been very busy for both of us. Tink started the event Anthem with Working in Second Life is still work and has its Mikel Monk and Blueberry keeps me incredibly busy, own struggles. While Sophia can work at hom but we are hopeful to return in 2020.” in casual clothes with her beloved pugs at he feet, she wonders if she is ever really not at w She co-owned Uber for about a year which she She might log out, but then checks her email enjoyed immensely despite the hard work. “I have on the phone and logs back in to help with a much respect for people who run monthly events request. “Sometimes it is when I should be sleep while also working another job either in RL or SL.” or doing something else. Second Life doesn’t ha She worked for Collabor88 for several years, work hours. People are logging in constantly an since its beginning and through a few ownership they need help.” On the other hand, she finds it v changes. She also worked as a manager for The rewarding. “One of the most rewarding parts of Arcade for two rounds before she was fired, that I am able to contribute to my family. Earnin though she holds no grudges. “They had someone a real salary for a job you (mostly) enjoy and tha already on staff that was much better suited for allows certain freedoms is wonderful.” the role. I remember it hit my ego a bit but also felt immensely relieved. I am not sure how it is run She continues to enthuse about her work. The now but back then, it was a huge production. Most friendship she has developed with Mishi, the of the jobs I take on in SL, I like to assess several owner of Blueberry feels like adding to her different things and then make a lot of changes, family. She loves they have the same goals an just flip it around a bit. With Arcade Gacha, it wasn’t feel the same way about not just the brand, b necessary and I struggled with that.” also the customers. She also loves working w Page 68 | ECLIPSE December 2019
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tomers. “I meet so many different people on a ular basis, they all have a story and sometimes en you are really lucky, they share it with you. In job when you work with the public, you have olden opportunity to change how someone eeling during those brief moments you have eraction with them. I think that is a big deal.”
the love of wisdom and sophisticated, being knowledgeable of the world or of fashion. Certainly in her work, Sophia has proven herself well-named, but it is tough name to live up to. No one is born wise. It is a name to grow into and that is something Sophia has been working on for the last decade.
wever, SL brings unique challenges. “Second has been eye-opening when it comes to rking with such a variety of individuals and heir various needs. I have never dealt with 18-year-old student looking for a position logging and then within minutes helped a year-old grandmother in Puerto Rico wanting end her SL daughter a new dress all the while ing attention to two groups chat rooms with a al of 100k people in them.” She also remarks on high level of multitasking required in SL.
As may happen in the pressure cooker of the everybody-knows-everybody Second Life fashion community, it is nearly guaranteed that in thirteen years someone in the public eye will make a misstep or two or three. If someone is hurting, they may lash out in unproductive ways. Sophia did, noting that she thinks she was at her worst when she was hurting the most emotionally. She experienced public blowback that might have sent another person running, either leaving SL or starting over with an alt. Sophia did not do that. She took stock of herself, worked through it, and made private and public apologies. In a way, it seemed as though she “rebranded” but that is a shallow understanding, erasing the personal self-interrogation and work she did.
eracting with people from around the world uires advanced mirroring skills. “You adjust w you reply to each individual by following their d, you pay close attention to their tone and ke sure you are connecting on the same level.”
d that is not all there is to the work. “There is stant brainstorming while closely following rything in regards to the brand, things like hat is being said on social media, checking blog posts, helping Blue with scheduling and ping track of several different things. It is a real company and a real life job. You can’t put things or think about them later, we are constantly ving, working and trying to grow.”
her, it feels as though her past work perience has meshed together into her SL job. th SL being my RL work, it is all the same thing. elcome every new interaction/challenge and ry single one is just as important as when I was roject manager for a new high rise being built Chicago. People are people, regardless of where are dealing with them. They just want to be ard and understood.”
Sophia does not like the metaphor, “Rebranded is the wrong word to use here. I am not a business that just slaps a new logo design and creates a brand new identity for others. I unequivocally refuse any label from someone who is not living in my skin. I don’t need to translate easily or be extendable. I am a very real human being and not trying to sell anything of myself to anyone. I have grown up. I have worked hard on finding what I need to not just make amends to loved and cherished ones but most importantly, I have worked damn hard to become someone I can be proud of.”
Perhaps the idea of epigenesis is a better metaphor. Epigenetics is the science that looks at the interplay of nature and nurture, how environment affects genetic expression. One genetics professor expressed it like this, “The DNA remains the same, but it is read a new e name Sophia is Greek and means intelligent, way.” After doing the hard work of facing your lful, clever, or wise. It is the root of philosophy, mistakes, working to better your mental health, ECLIPSE December 2019 | Page 71
and changing how you are in the world, you remain the same person with the same DNA, but now you move differently in the world. This is just a metaphor, but consider Sophia’s own words, “I have fought with my mental health for a very long time, I had to face that and deal with what was going on inside of me. It has not been an easy road nor do I see any exit signs coming up. I am okay with that. My reality is that I made mistakes due to a multitude of reasons, most of them personal and every single one is on me. My fault. I had to get to the place where I was okay with that. What makes us human is that we don’t just have one color. My character was built on a road of success, mistakes, lessons full of both pain and love.” Sophia understand her mistakes as part of an evolutionary process. “My mistakes and pain have built me up more than my accomplishments.I firmly believe that you need big mistakes and fuck ups to be the best version of yourself, you then are able to appreciate the wins. Big and small. I have made mistakes. I am sure I will make more mistakes in the future, tons of them. There is no rebrand here. I like to think that there is growth. I grew from the times that humbled me. I am still me, a little wiser, more medicated and forever a work in progress.” Some might call those hard-earned words of wisdom.
and refuse to make any. I made mistakes. Why would I quit and start over? I don’t ever see myse hiding under a rock, not my style. No disrespect meant to those who have started over. We all have our own list of priorities and reasons that not everyone has to be privy to. I was, and still am, committed to digging deep and fixing what wrong in my life. The people I love and may have hurt during that season in my SL and RL, are still my life and for that, I am so grateful.”
That evolution is centered on her real life. “My commitment is to me, not to an avatar account. Not to push aside my love for Second Life becaus that has always been there. I just feel like I had t make the real me healthy to help the SL me. Not other way around.”
This year has been particularly hard for her an she thinks she will not return to blogging. One of her sisters died in January. “It broke my hear feel like I no longer have it in me to take a medio blog pic and post some song lyrics and throw it o my blog. It would all be depressing, honestly. No that I am always depressed but maybe this year have been. I have hope that in 2020 I will feel les sad.”
Readers may notice that Sophia does not hold back and speaks with confidence about issues that most people will try to hide, forget, or de She also makes clear that the issues were not Perhaps that is because she comes from a big due to Second Life and its unique pressures. family with seven siblings. In a large family, yo She is not blaming SL at all. “The only struggle is have to speak up to be heard. “You couldn’t I had to work hard on myself and continue to. The be an introvert and survive in a loud Spanish struggle wasn’t in SL. I struggled in RL. Changing an family in NJ.” Of course, it’s all relative, she avatar in SL would not fix what needed fixing. My would describe herself as quiet relative to her father used to always tell me if there is an easy road siblings and loud and outgoing compared to and a hard road, you will always take the hard one. her husband’s siblings. She also believes she is He wasn’t wrong.” more quiet in SL than in real life. “I find it easier express myself in person, I love interacting with t For many it would have been so much easier to people I am having a conversation with.’ start over with an alt. She laughs and says “Who says I don’t have an alt?” But then she continues, While Sophia stresses that the changes she pointing out that giving up is not her style. She is making are centered on her real life, she is evolving, not hiding. “Unfortunately, I wasn’t also notes that “Second Life has completely always respectful, truthful or a good person. That changed my life. My entire world.” For example, doesn’t make me less than. I also have zero excuses eight months after joining SL, she ended her Page 72 | ECLIPSE December 2019
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ationship with the man who introduced her Second Life. “I told him that I was no longer in e with him and wanted to explore a relationship h someone that I might have feelings for and eded to see what was there. Within a month elling him and moving out, I was rl married to meone I met in SL. That was in 2007 and we are married.” Not only did she get married, she ved from a big city to living in a small town he Pacific Northwest. She also claims her sband is a saint. Sophia chooses to focus on good things while working as best she can dealing with the bad things.
her, the wealth of Second Life is measured people, the husband she adores, the friends relies on, and who rely on her. Many of her ndships developed on Plurk, the Taiwanese ial media platform that highlights and comes Second Life residents. “Friends that I forever have in my life and heart. Friends that more like family and I don’t mean in an RP way.” also measured in the excitement of working d meeting people from all over the world. She ds, ”Not many people can say that when they down for a day of work in their home, they will n be surrounded by people from all over the ire world.”
ond Life has also developed qualities that phia lacked in the past. For example, she has rned patience. “It is so rare that something L genuinely ticks me off, I don’t know where endless well of patience sprang from but I am teful for it. So is my husband.” However, there tain words pluck her last nerve. The nerveckers are: smexy, hawt, rawwwrrr, giggles, ks ears, huggies, thankies, etc. “I don’t know y they make me nuts but they do! I would 100% her someone call me hon vs giggles at me. WHY Y WHY! Other than that, not too much annoys Second Life is different for every single person d I just roll with it.”
e many long-term residents, Sophia has seen ond Life change and her experience in SL changed. Like many, she spends less time ploring and more time working. “I wish I still
had that exploratory zeal from the first days. I think that is on me though, once you get caught up in certain things or busy working, you tend to forget how amazing Second Life can be. Along with it being work for some, rp for others, etc etc, the sheer fact of how magical it is, is mind-blowing.” She told a story recently on plurk about visiting Governor Linden’s mansion for the first time. She also explored some of builds made be Stellar Sunshine, the first resident in SL. “It is so unreal to me that SL was started by people putting prims together, building bean stocks, floating chair bubbles and here we are. Seventeen years later and that is all still there. Steller’s profile says ‘I once lived in the land of prim eating snakes. Oh where oh where has that land gone that I’ve but for a moment forgotten.’ I don’t want to forget. I don’t think I ever could, really.” Clearly first and Second Life Sophia have the same worldview, values, and personality. But what of real life? Anyone who follows Sophia on social media knows she loves dogs. She also loves to read with a predilection for women’s contemporary suspense as well as some old classics. “You know how people say certain scents bring them back to times in their life? That is how I feel about books. I remember reading Little Women around the time my father died. I read Where the Red Fern Grows when I was moving from NJ to California. I was reading Angela’s Ashes during my first real heartbreak. I was re-reading Gone With the Wind when my birth father died.” She is also very physical. She loves to dance, especially salsa dancing. This is a trait nurtured by all the women in her family. She loves to run. ”It is a passion in my life. I don’t run as much as I used to or would like to, but each time I get to hit the trails or even on our treadmill, it instantly relaxes me. I am able to just forget everything and just listen to my feet hitting the ground and it is like the best anti-anxiety medication.” In terms of her worldview, she strives to be open-minded, combining deep personal faith in God with ecumenical respect for everyone ECLIPSE December 2019 | Page 75
else’s right to believe or not. She is a bit of an Aristotlian, “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” When she began blogging years ago, she wrote in her About Me section, “I’m convinced for every bad person, there are 1000 good ones, love the odds. There is someone out there that can save the world. I hope that someone is a woman. I am not the person I was six months ago, I hope you aren’t either. I live for the next A-HA moment in my life.” While she still believes this is more true than false, she has added a new A-HA moment. “I still hope for women to take a bigger role in our world but I now realize it isn’t just one person who can save it. It is going to take every single one of us.” Asked how she sees herself in the world, she expressed her desire to be a good person, someone who can see beyond her own needs. “I want to be a good mother to my dogs, a good daughter, a good wife and friend to my husband, a good sister, work hard, and cherish my friends... I just want to always find purpose.” Isn’t having a purpose the way wisdom is expressed? We are all unique, but what sets us apart from other people. For Sophia, it’s never giving up on herself. She has the grit and endurance to work through her pain, sometimes publically and more often privately. She defines the problem and comes up with a plan, able to think outside the proverbial box and coming up with a list of solutions. “Growing up and into my adult years, my older sister would always ask me the same question after each time I was upset over something. The question was, “And now what? What is your next step?” I used to think it was a mean question. Just let me be sad! Just let me cry or complain! Don’t make me think about what I should do now, let me be! I eventually realized she was teaching me a valuable lesson all those times. Once you are at your lowest, your back is against the wall - what are you going to do? What is your plan to get yourself back up. It gives you the capacity to realize there is going to be a next step. You have the power.” Page 76 | ECLIPSE December 2019
For her, sometimes that means taking time for herself, sometimes withdrawing so she can reset. While she doesn’t hibernate, she does disconnect as much as possible. “I just kind of g off the grid when I need to clear my head. I try to respectful about it to not worry anyone but mos people are used to it. I wish I wasn’t that way but think it is also okay to say - I need some me time I have to reset.” Aristotle said knowing yourself is the beginning of wisdom. Knowing that she will face a lifelong struggle with depression an anxiety she is learning to focus on her need fo rest. “Both are these wicked monsters that are forever lying to you, telling you horrible untruths Monsters in your closet, under your bed, sometim in every single corner. I am grateful to be living in an age where it is okay to discuss mental health. It is okay to say I need help. As a society we need to keep working on that until there is no stigma attached to trying to get the help we need.” Wise words, indeed.
With all she has on her plate, it is astonishing that she has a new project in mind for 2020. She is planning to start a podcast about Secon Life. She is thinking of hosting round table discussions on various topics like roleplay gen and other things she knows nothing about. Sh wants to go outside her community and get to know what else is out there. “There is so much don’t know about SL. So many stories that I wou love to hear. I want to do one on ones, group talk anything! All of it. I want to go deeper into the niches of SL that I am curious about, I think a lot us feel the same - there is a whole SL universe ou there that we know so little about. I want to talk about real issues, not the same typical things or stories about people in SL that everyone already knows. I want to hear from anyone willing to sha a story. I want to get in there and see what is goi on in SL. I hope there is an audience for it. Who knows? Maybe no one will listen but I want to try want to hear from people who might have a qui voice but an interesting story.” Sophia Harlow Social Media Facebook - Flickr - Blog
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the proust spotli
photograph
The Proust Spotlight is our monthly feature where we highlight one of the many creative residents of Second Life®. Utilizing the Proust Questionnaire, whose namesake comes from the late 19th century French writer, we will offer a glimpse into what makes them tick. ECLIPSE Magazine has teamed up with the Blogger & Vlogger Network, so each month the blogger we showcase on the Proust Spotlight is a group member. The group member we feature this month is the talented Nat G. She shares, “Hello I’m Nat! I always loved taking pictures in SL and changing the decor of my house. With the years the circle of friends had become small but very special. In August 2 years ago I started a blog as a way to keep myself productive. I always try to tell a story with my pictures, specially when blogging decor, I love creating spaces that are lived. Blogging has also given me the opportunity to learn so much about photography and decor, but I’ve also gotten to know wonderful people that I can call friends now.”
ght
hy by natg.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? I think happiness is a matter of attitude and is within ourselves. Life can be hard and put us through pain and difficulties, a positive attitude and focus on the good, to be grateful for what we have and our loved ones, and treasure the joy in everyday’s simple things, the sunrise/sunset, dance and sing to our favourite song, a good meal, a smile, a hug of a loved one… so many things can brighten up our days. even the darker ones. What words or phrases do you most overuse? Indeed, exactly, I’m sorry I was AFK, What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? After a personal crisis, was to reinvent myself and start from 0 when I moved from my beloved Canary Islands to London 7 years ago. I has been very hard and it’s still hard, but I’m not that afraid of changes anymore. In SL I would say the long lasting friendships and joining the blogging teams of some of my bucket list shops. What do you value most in friends? Honesty, humor, sense of family and support. Mostly honesty to build a friendship on a solid base, trusting and supporting each other like a big family, nevertheless friends, real good close friends, are your chosen family. What is your greatest regret? To not have traveled more in my life and to worry too much about work in RL and being sensible, trying to save for the future. But as we all know, too very often things do not happen as planned! Hahaha What is your most marked characteristic? Personally, that would be my positive attitude, I choose to be nice to people and I smile a lot and even if in SL we are not face to face, I think people can still feel it through what you say and how you say it. As a blogger my tanned skin and brunette avatar, and my work with light. Connect with NatG on her Facebook, Flickr and Blog.
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at home with...
styling and photography by calli
ECLIPSE Magazine explores the long underappreciated and overlooked world of home and garden design. The flourishing diversity and abundance of choice since the mesh revolution has led to a bold new world of creation. For this month’s feature, Callie Hamelin showcases the best of holiday home and decor with her inspired photography spread. Check out more of her work on her Flickr.
e hamelin.
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Exterior Ayla at Tannenbaum - Christmas Corner - Wood Stove, Old Suitcase w/Treats, Chair w/Blankets & Paper Tree
Apple Fall - Magnolia Leaf Wreath dust bunny - christmas presents . type b, present pile, toy horse & vintage sleigh with gifts hive - holly’s home RARE & fir trees
Nutmeg - Rustic Firewood Basket 8f8 - Granny’s Winter Cottage - Fire Wood Floorplan at Tannenbaum - wooden board / noel
Bedroom Nutmeg - Chaise Lounge Cream w/Knitted Throw, Countryside Dream Bed Beige&White, Countryside Dream Books, Countryside Dream Knitting, Countryside Dream Open Lattice Wardrobe / 3, Countryside Dream Painting Countryside Dream Rug / 3, Countryside Dream Stool / 1, Countryside Dream Wooden Candlesticks, Countryside Dream Wooden Chest, Disarray Old Pitcher Lamp Linen,
Forgotten Library Book Pile, Old Oriental Carpet, Old Purse Bag, Pencil Sketches & Summer’s End Chair w/ Blankets Nutmeg’s December Eve Set at The Epiphany - December Eve Baubles, December Eve Books, December Eve Candles, December Eve Lace, December Eve Lace Ornaments v2, December Eve Mirror, December Eve Table & December Eve Vase Rare
Apple Fall - Clifton Cast Iron Fireplace (White), Large Present - Mistletoe w/ Cream Ribbon, Milton Curtains & Vintage Camera w/ Tripod dust bunny - mini christmas tree & christmas presents . type b, e & f hive - and to all a goodnight sign , fir trees, holiday garland spiral . flocked & holly’s home RARE
Piano Room Nutmeg - Brass Candlesticks, Dark Piano Chair Beige, Disarray Old Jar Plant, Distressed Grand Piano Dark w/ Beige Drape & Old Music Sheets. Floor &
Standing hive - snowflake sign & holly’s home RARE Apple Fall - Althea Rug - Antique Floral, Happy Santa Fancy Decor - Wooden Snowflakes Figure (Berry) & Original Artwork: Hillside Manor junk - boho curtains Sketch
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Kitchen Nutmeg - Antique Dinnerware Table, Bowls, Casserole Black, Chest of Drawers Set w/Décor, Cook Stove White, Countryside Dream Wooden, Candlesticks, Handmade Shelf w/Bag, Mug Gzhel V1, Mug White, Old Frying Pans, Old Round Chair Linen w/Vine V1, Tea Kettle 2, Winter Brunch Accent Stool w/Packages, Winter Brunch Chair, Winter Brunch Crockery Set v1 & Winter Brunch Rug Nutmeg’s December Eve Set at The Epiphany December Eve Baubles, December Eve Black Plates, December Eve Chair, December Eve Chair w/Blanket
Decor, December Eve Lace, December Eve Ladles & December Eve Plate Stack v2 Apple Fall - Althea Rug - Antique Light, Fig & Blackberry Cake, Neva’s Antique Scales, Patchwork Rug, Recipe Books, Snowdrops in Cloche, Storybook Woven Table Runner, Tea Time Tins, Tea Tins & Tea Books, Willow Plates Apple Fall Christmas Illustration Collection at The Liaison Collaborative - Original Artwork - Christmas Tree dust bunny - kitchen clutter . canisters . white & gingerbread carousel (at Kustom9)
hive - baking bundle B, cozy slippers, holiday bow, holly’s home RARE, kitchen canisters, practical kitchen . sink side & secret ingredient sign Madras Santa Claus Décor Set at Tannenbaum Gospel Décor, My Santa Claus Book Decor, Santa Claus Doll, Santa Lantern & Santa Table Décor YS&YS - Holborn Hanging Ivy junk - fresh eggs sign {vespertine} - gilded arrow mirror / gold {vespertine} - gilded sunburst mirror / gold
Living Room Nutmeg - Dacha Old Oriental Rug, Disarray Wicker Basket Light, Forgotten Library Candlesticks, Holiday Clutter Books, Holiday Clutter Stool / 1, Holiday Clutter Wooden Angel Bonus Item, Holiday Wreath, Laundry Day Slippers, Noel Table & Romanov’s Wooden Armchair (w/throw) Red Nutmeg’s December Eve Set at The Epiphany December Eve Chest Rare, Vase Rare, Baubles, Books, Lace, Lace Ornaments v2, Eve Rope Ornaments v2, Eve Lace Ornaments v1, Eve Rope Ornaments v1, Eve Rope Ornaments v3 & December Eve Lace Ornaments v3 Apple Fall - Antique Coffee Table, Arts & Crafts Books, Clifton Cast Iron Fireplace (White), Joyeaux
Noel, Large Candy Cane - Red, Large Present Hearts w/ Red Ribbon, Large Present - Holly w/ Gold Ribbon, Old Windsor Chair, Stacked Books, Happy Santa Hot Cocoa Station (Mainstore for Cocoa Crawl) & Christmas Illustration Collection (The Liaison Collaborative) Original Artwork - Christmas Mistletoe & Christmas Wreath dust bunny - christmas presents . type b, present pile, toy horse & vintage sleigh . with gifts hive - holiday bow, holiday quilt rack [chevron], holly’s home RARE & noel tin train THOR Christmas DIY Ornaments Set at Tannenbaum - Clay Tag – Believe, Christmas, Faith, Family, Jingle, Love & Noel, Musical Star Tree Top – RARE, Paper Pop-Up Star, Tree, Reindeer & Wings
and Reindeer Wood Tag - Comet, Cupid, Prancer & Rudolph & Simple Lights Kalopsia - Wood Sign – Noel & Joyeux and Bunny Foofoo Schultz Bros. Knob Christmas Ornaments at Tannenbaum - Knob Ornament 3, 4, 5 & 7 Serenity Style Callie Aged Ornaments at Tannenbaum - Bow Bell, Holly Bell & Waves Bell 8f8 - Granny’s Winter Cottage – Curtain & Hanger +Half Deer+ at Tannenbaum - Christmas Stockings Fancy Décor at Tannenbaum - Tree Beads (RARE) DaD at Anthem - Pile of Christmas presents Botanical at Tannenbaum - Green Douglas Fir Christmas Tree ECLIPSE December 2019 | Page 111
artist highlight
photography by taylor wassep. Written by tiffa
Artistry and creativity are at the foundation of everything we see and do in Second Life. The same is true for all we hear in Second Life. In showcasing residents and groups who embody the concept of “your world, your imagination,” Eclipse Magazine is honored to showcase Second Life’s amazing musical talent. In this month’s “Artist Highlight,” we shine the spotlight on the incredibly talented live singer, Ry Anne.
any parkin.
For many performers in Second Life, real life circumstances often lead them to perform in world. Then, for some, real life circumstances lead them to stop performing completely. This was the case for live performer Ry Anne. Ry Anne was an avid singer for many years, loving music and what it meant not just to her, but others as well. Her father was one of her biggest supporters, always encouraging her to sing and improve. When she lost him ten years ago, she lost her biggest cheerleader. Then, she was asked to do one of the hardest things in her life... sing at his funeral. Without her father there to encourage her and with the heartbreaking memories of singing for him that day, she stopped performing and “hung up [her] mic and started singing in the shower.� That was until March of this past year. While Ry Anne struggled to believe the Second Life community would want to hear her music, her close friend Luis knew better. After pressing her for six months to sing without success, he took the bold step in scheduling a show for her and basically told her when and where to be. It turned out that was the type encouragement Ry Anne needed. She showed up at the show that day, sang her set and her music career in Second Life took off, growing faster than she ever could have imagined. Page 116 | ECLIPSE December 2019
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Ry Anne’s musical style is as diverse as her musical influences, which has certainly been a driving force in her growing popularity as a performer in Second Life. “I grew up listening to Celine Dion, Sarah Brightman, The Beatles and all the way down to bands like Nirvana, No Doubt and Sublime. They’ve all influenced me in some way,” she says. This has lead to her having a sound that is eclectic and board based. She shared with us that “a lot of people describe it as being sexy and almost haunting, yet powerful.” And with words like “powerful” being used to describe her sound, it’s no surprise that one of the most meaningful songs Ry Anne sings is “Run” by Leona Lewis. A song which Ry Anne says reminds her “that we can get through anything.” While Ry Anne spends the majority of her time on the grid singing, she does try to make time to visit the many other venues around the grid to support her fellow live performers and DJ’s. She has a firm belief in support all of her fellow artists in the Second Life music industry, the same as others have supported her. This support extends to others considering a music career in Second Life. Her advice to others considering a music career in Second Life? “Just go for it!” she says. “I wish I would have done it sooner but I was so consumed with whether or not people would like hearing me I held back. DON’T!” Click here for booking information. Listen to Ryanne here.
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DUTCHIE: home for the h
words, styling & photography by tiffa
This Christmas, ECLIPSE decided to do a special piece dedicated to Dutchie, who has been a long time supporter of ECLIPSE Magazine. When I was asked to take on this shoot, little did I know what a personal piece it would become for me. Sure, it was personal because Dutchie has been so supportive of ECLIPSE and a supporter of me personally as a blogger for their store. As the scenes came together, they were very much inspired by the Christmas celebrations with my own family growing up, particular in my grandparents’ farmhouse. As someone who hasn’t been home for Christmas in a few years, I tried to add a sense of my own family’s holiday celebrations. Ironically, on the day I finished shooting, I also found out that I would be able to go home and spend Christmas with my family. I would like to think working on this project was something meant to happen, to remind me of what is important this holiday season...family...and spark the holiday magic that will allow me to celebrate Christmas with my own family this year.
holidays
any parkin.
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Home exterior: Dutchie curtains Dutchie firepit Dutchie mesh park bench Dutchie snow add/on park bench Dutchie snow add-on Villa Utrecht Dutchie Villa Utrecht 8f8 - Granny’s Winter Cottage - Mailbox 8f8 - Granny’s Winter Cottage - Fire Wood Astralia - Christmas Tree (stringlights) green Botanical - Douglas Fir 1 Botanical - Douglas Fir 3
Botanical - Douglas Fir 4 CHEZ MOI Wall Curtain DISORDERLY. / Pastel Holiday / Pots DISORDERLY. / Pastel Holiday / Step Ladder DISORDERLY. / Pastel Holiday / Urn +Half-Deer+ Fawn - Prance (Natural) Heart - Forest Module 1 Heart - Snow Base 1 - Undecorated Heart - Snow Base 3 - Undecorated Heart Snowy Drift 1 Heart - Snowy Ground Twigs Heart - Snowy Path - Straight
hive // holiday garland bottom arc . flocked hive // lighted holiday wreath . flocked hive // spiral boxwood topiary . lighted HPMD* Cliff Hill - snow A HPMD* Cliff Hill - snow B LB_JapaneseMaple{Animated}5Seasons LB_RedBudTree{Animated}4Seasons LB_WhiteAshTree{Animated}4Seasons Reindeer Looking - Mesh - Full Perm Reindeer Walking - Mesh - Full Perm Soy. A Snow Covered Rock
Living Room: Dutchie 2 winebottles Dutchie antique copper bedside lamp Dutchie art deco coffee table Dutchie beer Dutchie books left cupboard Dutchie books right cupboard Dutchie book with glasses Dutchie Biedermeier sofa pg Dutchie Bourbon whiskey Dutchie cheese platter with nuts Dutchie Cocktail set: Shaker, jigger and spoon Dutchie gift: newspaper Dutchie In the cafe by Jac van Looij Dutchie martini Dutchie mesh leather poof chocolat Dutchie moustache club chair Dutchie Queen Emma by Jan Veth Dutchie painting easel with paint, brushes and stool Dutchie Persian rug Dutchie plate with cookies Dutchie Portrait of Comedian Caudieux by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec Dutchie Portret of Isaac de Bruijn by Jan Veth
Dutchie Rum Dutchie Scotch whiskey Dutchie side table Dutchie side table with book Dutchie small study lamp Dutchie stone fireplace Dutchie Vermouth Dutchie Villa Utrecht Dutchie Vodka Dutchie wine glass empty clean Dutchie wine glass red Dutchie wine glass white 8f8 - Granny’s Winter Cottage - Granny’s Messy Present RARE 8f8 - Granny’s Winter Cottage - Horsey Toy ACORN Snowy Christmas Paw Stocking VIP Apple Fall L’Air Frais Apple Fall Magnolia Leaf Wreath Astralia - Getting ready for Xmas gift box (red) DaD “Pile of Christmas presents” c/m V.1.0 DaD “Santa Claus cozy sack” Group Gift 12/19 c/m dust bunny . harvest feast . pumpkin slice Fancy Decor: Jordan Hammered Cups Fancy Decor: Jordan Punch Bowl
Fancy Decor: Melted Snowman Cookies Fancy Decor: Snowman Cakepops Glorious Wicked Fireplace Tools hive // holiday wreath Kalopsia - Candy Canes Gift Box - Green Kalopsia - Elise’s Christmas DollHouse (White) Kalopsia - Elise’s Christmas Metal Rocket (Red) Kalopsia - Elise’s Christmas Scooter (Blue) Kalopsia - Elise’s Christmas Teddy Bear (Brown) Kalopsia - Elise’s Christmas Wooden Car Kalopsia - Elise’s Christmas Xylophone (Metal) Kalopsia - Starry & Pines Gift Box - Drawing KraftWork Christmas Poem Night . Chess {moss&mink} Baubles - Swirl Navy {moss&mink} Baubles - Swirl Red {moss&mink} Baubles - Gloss Silver {moss&mink} Baubles - Snowflake Navy {moss&mink} Christmas Tree {moss&mink} Silk Skirt Base - Red Snowflake {moss&mink} Star - topper - Silver {moss&mink} Stars - Glitter White taikou / slice of cake Tuesdays Sofa Table - Fatpack Weimaraner Dog Lying - Mesh - Full Perm
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Dining Room: Dutchie blue and green rug Dutchie cast iron fireplace Dutchie china right cupboard Dutchie copper candleholder Dutchie curtains Dutchie dining/meeting table Dutchie Ein Windstoss by Emil Orlik Dutchie Extra table dressing main course Dutchie Falling Snow by Kamisaka Sekka Dutchie meeting chair right Dutchie The sketch by Gertrude Kasebier
Dutchie Villa Utrecht Apple Fall Apple Sprig w/ Branch Apple Fall Apples w/ Ornamental Stand - Silver Apple Fall Hydrangea Bunch - Wine Apple Fall Pinecones & Hazelnuts Apple Fall Stephanie Buffet [ARIA] Arlette decorative apple pie Ariskea[Kay Cakes] Pear Glaze Cakes CHEZ MOI Wall Curtain DISORDERLY. / Strawberry Cake dust bunny . harvest feast . cranberry sauce dust bunny . harvest feast . dinner rolls
dust bunny . harvest feast . filling dust bunny . harvest feast . gravy boat dust bunny . harvest feast . green beans dust bunny . harvest feast . mashed potatoes dust bunny . harvest feast . pumpkin pie dust bunny . harvest feast . sweet potato casserole dust bunny . harvest feast . turkey Elm. Classic Chandelier hive // holiday wreath JIAN Christmas Tree 2017 Decorated Raindale - Sweetbourne cake {vespertine} - gilded arrow mirror / gold
Kitchen: Dutchie 2 enamel pans Dutchie 3 bottles of olive oil Dutchie cheese platter with nuts Dutchie color change vintage coffee machine Dutchie complete kitchen cabinets Dutchie kitchen island pg Dutchie kitchen trash Dutchie knife Dutchie making bread dough with animation Dutchie mesh cooker Dutchie peper and salt mills Dutchie plate with cookies Dutchie pot with utensils Dutchie stacked pans
Dutchie two cutting boards Dutchie Villa Utrecht Dutchie winebottle Dutchie wine glass dirty red Dutchie wine glass red Apple Fall Bags of Flour Apple Fall Mixer - Tomato Apple Fall Pan Rack dust bunny . homemade soup . bag of groceries . pattern a & b dust bunny . homemade soup . bowls holder dust bunny . homemade soup . pot of soup . copper dust bunny . homemade soup . prep board hive // holiday garland bottom arc Labrador Sitting
[Merak] - Love Wreath Nutmeg. Rug Creme, Group Gift [PM]Pixel Mode THB - Flour Bowl SAYO - Evergreen Collection - Sage Wreath taikou / baking cake pan taikou / bowl of sugar taikou / bowl of butter taikou / bowl of egg yolk taikou / bowl of strawberries taikou / bowl of sugar taikou / egg carton taikou / strawberry shortcake layering SAYO - Evergreen Collection - Sage Wreath taikou / baking cake pan taikou / bowl of sugar ECLIPSE December 2019 | Page 143
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SECOND LIFE GIFT GIVIN
photography by taylor wassep. written by tayl
NG
lor wassep.
Last-minute Christmas shopping is the bane of so many people’s lives. Especially nowadays when children want the latest toys and adults wants some of the best technology. Thanks to online shopping, many of the headaches of traveling during a brutal winter storm to get little Tommy his Baby Yoda are partly in the past. Simply using e-commerce sites allow shoppers to easily purchase what they want and not have to mess with the realworld impact of shopping. When it comes to Second Life™ though, what would our “last minute shopping” experience be like. Where would we go to find some of the latest and greatest items for our loved ones? Have no fear, I am here (my manga/anime friends will understand that quote). Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve researched some festive events that have opened just in time for those who like to shop at the last minute orneed a little help with their gifting items this year. One event that is quite popular would have to be The Arcade Gacha Event. Whose sponsors you might just recognize. This round’s collection of items have a pretty substantial range; especially for those who aren’t sure what they might be looking for. Just browsing around the showroom of The Arcade, I was able to find home and garden items, clothing, skins, hair and other decor items and accessories. Besides being decked out for the holidays, The Arcade Gacha Event featuresa lot of well-known designers along with some uber-talented up-and-coming designers, too. Since all items are No Copy, everything can be gifted. Another event that is opening its door just in time of the bustling holiday season is The Epiphany. For those unfamiliar with it this event allows its patrons to redeem prizes Page 148 | ECLIPSE December 2019
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after earninga certain number of “points”. To obtain those points, whoever rezzes the item onto the group will be given a prompt. Either to get the point or receive the prize. The points will allow you to purchase an exclusive item fromthat round’s designer pool. This time around, the designers brought their Christmas cheer with a lot of holiday fun. So many interesting interpretations of the holiday season, from casual clothing to folkloric inspirations— right down to bakingf the delicious Christmas cookies. So stop by if you are looking for some last-minute holiday gifts. This next event I found has an interesting gifting service that I have not seen before in Second Life. Santa Inc. is an event done by Novel Events. The same people who ran Cupid Inc. Event early in the year. For Santa Inc. this year, they have created a gifting service that allows people to give a gift as a Secret Santa. What you would do is search for an item you might want to give as a gift to someone. Then click on the pop-up and click “Gift”. Next, you would type in the recipient’s name; only using the user name of the resident you want to send the gift too. Lastly, you have the option to send it as a Secret Santa. Your identity would revealed when the person redeems the item, but the build-up is quite exciting. To redeem a gift you have received from the Santa Inc. event, you will need to add the box to yourself and click on it. Then click to open your favorite web browsers and redeem your gift. This is where you would be able to see who your Secret Santa is. What makes the anonymous nature of Secret Santa so entertaining? Beyond shopping events, an exciting experience that you may have already heard about is the “Murder on the Madpea Express” game by Madpea Productions. They took the idea of an Advent Calendar and put a clever twist on it. To start, ECLIPSE December 2019 | Page 151
you would obviously need to purchase the calendar at Mad City for 500$L Each day, you would need to wear the HUD that comes with the Calendar. Then click on the corresponding day’s drawer to get a SLurl. This SLurl will take you to a random location of one of their sponsors for this Advent Calendar. You can go to their website to see who is participating in this Madpea experience this year. Once you teleport to the location, you will then need to use your radar to find a “block”. Then simply inspect the block using your arrow keys or WASD keys. To redeem you daily prize, you will need to open the block to get the prize. Following that, you will receive a clue to the Murder Mystery that’s given to you as an item. MadPea recommends creating a folder for all the clues so it is easier to view them later on. The plot of this Murder Mystery happens each day, so you really shouldn’t miss it, if possible. You can click on past days draws and catchup. Once the experience is done, you will need to use the 24 clues to figure out the mystery of the Murder on the Madpea Express. Then, on the 25th day of the experience, you will take your blocks and collect 24 more prizes from the main prize area of the experience. If events or experiences are not your thing, nothing has been more entwined with the holiday gift-giving than purchasing gift cards for your loved one’s favorite stores. Right now, many stores are having sales on their gift cards. Maybe you’re having a difficult time deciding what to get someone and you just know of a handful of their favorites stores,then gift cards will always be a great gift to give… Have an amazing and safe holiday season. If you celebrate something or not, the core value shared amongst everyone is togetherness. So enjoy these next couple of week, tell those you love how much they mean to you and enjoy this festive time of year! Page 152 | ECLIPSE December 2019
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art perspective
written by oema. photograph
Oema curates the ECLIPSE Magazine art column. Each piece, she discovers, reviews and highlights the work of some of the most creative and talented artists on the grid. She offers a fresh perspective in the vibrant and vast world of the arts. For this month’s feature, Oema showcases the Hannington Endowment For The Arts and it’s exhibits.
y by oema.
After the closure of the LEA Project (born from the collaboration between some residents and the Linden Lab), the Second Life community rolled up its sleeves. They did everything possible to create alternative solutions. Last month we talked about “The Sim Quarterly”, a project similar to LEA in organization and content, carried out by Electric Monday. This month we’re talking about Hannington Endowment For The Arts, a project made possible by the contribution of Hannington Xeltentat and artistically curated by Tansee Trillium. The aim of HEA (Hannington Endowment for The Arts) is “to promote The ARTS and the artist by offering cost-free assistance. All “to provide an opportunity to both established and new artists, creators, and locations for the mutual benefit of all.” The structure is hive-like: it is not only an aesthetic choice, but it has strong symbolism. It focuses on the importance that the artist
works for the group, for the artistic community, to help enrich it and make it fertile in creation. The artist does not exhibit for selfish reasons or exhibitionism, in short. This one is an aspect that I appreciate. Some might say that, in the end, it is only a decorative aspect, and the symbolism could be insignificant (those who exhibit for exhibitionist reasons would continue to do so, in short). However, I believe that symbolism is essential imprinting because it gives the guidelines, it points the way forward in a project, where no one emerges. Still, all contribute to the success of the common goal — a way of working typical of hard-working bees. For them, indeed, the group, or the hive, come first of all, even of themselves, if the sacrifice becomes necessary. Returning to the description of the HEA project, it allows artists to exhibit without incurring costs. As far as the exhibition spaces and the exhibition modalities are concerned, the introductory notecard clarifies the exhibition modalities:
“We are pleased to be able to offer the following grants at no cost to artists supporting the growth and development of The Arts in Second Life. The Arts include LITERATURES (drama, poetry, prose) PERFORMING ARTS (dance, music, theater) and VISUAL ARTS (drawing, painting, filmmaking, architecture, ceramics, sculpting, photography). 1, 2, 3 or 6 month Grants awarded based on the concept, originality, ability, and space available. There are a total of 6 Artist Hive Cells. Each Cell has a floor area of approx 7200 sq m, a floor to ceiling height of 26 m, and there is an allocation of 1000 prims per Gallery. The Gallery size, shape, and prim allowance are not negotiable.” Page 158 | ECLIPSE December 2019
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As for the artists who are currently exhibiting at HEA, they are Cica Ghost, Thoth Jantzen, Elicio Ember, who contributes with his constructions to the sound artist Lorine Tone, and Betty Tureaud. The artists Patrick Moya and Bryn Oh will soon be exhibiting their creations (in particular Bryn Oh will occupy the space that currently houses The Garage Gallery of Happy Stuff, curated by Harry Cover). For an optimal view of the art exhibitions, I suggest having Advanced Lighting Model activated and to accept the local parcel media, especially to appreciate the work of Thoth Jantzens. Each of the exhibiting artists uses the space available to create a synthesis of their vision, their own “mood.” So Cica Ghost, with her “Drawn Town Small,” creates a miniature version of her Drawn Town exhibited in February 2019. Betty Tureaud creates a human chessboard called “Art of the Game” and characterized by a mix of colors. Colour is one of the primary forms of expression in Betty’s art. I admit that I am not familiar with the art of Thoth Jantzen, who exhibits his “Tj’s mess.” At first glance, it is shapes, combined
with the lights and colors that represent the “heart” of Thoth’s art. On the occasion of this installation, he presents three elements. Lorin Tone is also unfamiliar to the art scene, so it is a pleasant surprise for me. Lorin Tone is a sound artist and presents “The Aurora Project”, an enchanting combination of sounds and harmonies beautifully combined with the works of Elicio Ember. I recommend that you sit in the middle of Ember’s structure and enjoy the mixture of sounds and room decoration. Finally, Harry Cover’s The Garage Gallery of Happy Stuff is, as its name suggests, a garage for works on display without a precise layout. In short, an artistic site. Harry’s space will soon be devoted to Bryn Oh. I, therefore, recommend visiting Harry’s work before it is gone. The display of the eggs, at the end of the garage, gives some reflections of the artist expressed in notecards that are given to the visitor by tapping on the “?” (question mark). Tansee recently informed me that next spring HEA would host Cherry Manga and Gem Priez. Teleport to HEA.
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the tour of home
The Tour of Homes is a semi-regular ECLIPSE Magazine feature dedicated to showcasing the homes of residents. ECLIPSE Magazine readers are invited from now until December 31 to explore the featured homes, so dress warm, gather some friends and begin your tour!
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Teleport to Ho Page 168 | ECLIPSE December 2019
oney’s Home. ECLIPSE December 2019 | Page 169
Teleport to Han Page 170 | ECLIPSE December 2019
nstrid’s Home. ECLIPSE December 2019 | Page 171
Teleport to Eve Page 172 | ECLIPSE December 2019
erlylou’s Home. ECLIPSE December 2019 | Page 173
Teleport to Prince Page 174 | ECLIPSE December 2019
essaRoxi’s Home. ECLIPSE December 2019 | Page 175
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Voices from the g
Voices From the Grid is a monthly survey of opinions and ideas of Second Life® residents on the salient issues of the day. For this issue, ECLIPSE Magazine we asked residents to share “Thinking of the many things you have done in Second Life, what makes you most proud?” or “What is your favorite holiday destination?”
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Photograph provided by Kellytopaz Firehawk. Page 182 | ECLIPSE December 2019
kellytopaz firehawk
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ellytopaz Firehawk joined SL in November 2010. Up until now, she has filled her time in SL with exploring, shopping, dancing, meeting new people, breeding horses, and finally found her niche as a home and garden decorator. Decorating turned into blogging which fills her time in SL. She has met some amazing new friends as a blogger and looks forward to what the future holds. You will most likely find her at an event or on her land decorating. If you see her, be sure to say hi! Kelly won’t bite! My favorite holiday/seasonal destination in SL besides my cozy home, is Nevgilde Gaard. It’s very difficult to pick one location as so many places have something special to offer. Nevgilde Gaard is in smaller setting, but its configured in a way that makes you feel like you’ve landed at home. Neaira decorates the land according to the season. Right now it’s filled with snow, ice, trees and the cutest farmhouse made by Neaira herself. A stroll around the property will give you the feeling that it was decorated with heart. Snow gently falls, and if you look in the sky you can get a glimpse of Aurora Borealis. All throughout, there are little corners of coziness that guests can enjoy. Many times you will find a photographer or two taking advantage of the beautiful seasonal set up she’s made. It’s such a relaxing and peaceful place to visit and a beautiful place to go and enjoy the winter season. Check out her Flickr.
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Photograph by Wicca Merlin. Page 184 | ECLIPSE December 2019
bia keng fenwitch
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ia Keng Fenwitch [Biatch Fenwitch] joined SL in 2009, had aother older account on which she came, saw and conquered Bloodlines Vampire game on SL. then she created Bia, continued with Bloodlines but also found interest in making pictures. She hopes to become a blogger someday.
My favorite seasonal/holiday destination in SL is : Old Town * Photogenic Sim * Karaoke * Winterland (discovered this land today). I discovered that place with looking for holiday season/winter-themed places in search and had found a few, but for me that place was the nicest of all I have been at so far. I have a lot of opportunities to take pictures or just visit with my partner or friends. Check out her Flickr and Bloodlines Clan.
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Photograph provided by Khloe.
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khloe
hloe [biteme stickfigure] As a result of too much vodka and a bad attitude, Khloe was hatched in September of 2010; although her time in SL extends back to 2009. She started off as a sort of joke avatar. She wanted her legacy name to put off anyone who would dare disturb her. However, the more time she spent with her new name and a new sense of wonder... she began to grow into something else entirely. Through laughs and tears with those closest to her,Khloe has finally found purpose. She has learned and is still learning about her passion, photography. Her enjoyment comes from exploring beautiful sims, capturing moments through pictures, great music and laughing with those who have earned a piece of her heart. For me this is like picking a favorite star in the sky. Something about the Fall/ Winter season that just brings people to life. I make it a point to visit as many sims as possible during this time of year. It truly is a beautiful feeling to see all the hard work and creativity that sim owners put into making us feel like we are part of their vision. So, I’m gonna go with one of my favorites for this season... Calas Galadhon. To me, this sim really is the epitome of SL living. It is chock-full of anything and everything to fit the changing seasons. Each section of this sim has something different, beautiful and worth the long trip exploring it.My husband and I usually visit a few times or more throughout the year just to enjoy what they offer. Especially at Christmas. You know it’s a good sim when you can go by yourself or with friends and simply sit. Take it all in and feel completely at home. Watching people ice skate, enjoying the Christmas music by a fire. Whether it’s a sleigh ride through the country or a balloon ride showcasing all the gorgeous Christmas lights, this one definitely has my vote. There are a lot of people in SL who don’t get much of a Christmas in real life. This is the kind of place that revitalizes the spirit and true meaning behind the holiday. We won’t mention how many times I fell off trying to ride through the sky on Rudolph’s back... it’s all part of the experience! Check out her Flickr.
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Photography provided by Delaney Canucci.
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DELANEY CANUCCI
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elaney Canucci joined Second Life in April 2008. Over the past decade, she has dabbled in photography, blogging, building, landscaping, and other miscellaneous content creation. She currently owns and operates blankCANVAS, where she provides custom landscaping and photography for all residents of SL. She also blogs for brands such as Trompe Loeil and peaches. My favorite seasonal escape in Second Life is The Getaway. The Getaway is one of the most calming, serene, and beautiful places in SL. Its creator, Neva Crystall, is one of the most incredible landscapers and designers on the grid. I draw so much inspiration from her creations, and I’m something of a fangirl. Everything has its place in her scenes, and it’s as close to real life as we can probably ever get in our little virtual world. The sim changes for seasons, which makes it a wonderful and ever-changing paradise. Check out her website, Flickr, Blog and Facebook.
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Photograph provided by Stella Mahogany.
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tella Mahogony has been in Second Life for eleven years and has been a catwalk & print model, photographer, blogger, landscaper. She is currently a blogger and model & also runs a very successful Flickr group ‘Exquisite Second Life Imagery’. She loves photography & landscaping equally & not only designs but builds seasonal themed sims that she opens to the public every fall & winter, her current being ‘Winter’s Hollow.’ Well, this is a difficult question to answer without sounding like I am selfpromoting because naturally as an owner and builder of a seasonal sim, I would have to include my own ‘WINTER’S HOLLOW’ as part of my answer, however, there’s nothing I love more than to explore Second Life when I have the time. Before I even knew how to take anything more than a very simple snapshot in Second Life, I spent a lot of my time exploring sims, collecting landmarks that I naively thought would always be there for me to visit later. It was a harsh reality to realize that sims come and go almost as quickly as I changed my wigs in Second Life so visiting them became something I tried to do every time I logged on. For me, one of the very first I discovered was the ‘Calas Galadhon’, a collection of many sims together that I am delighted to say, is still in existence, some eleven years later. Every year they do a dedicated Christmas theme and this year is no exception. Upon landing you will see lots of snow, some colorful lights in the sky and a few Polar Bears but it’s not until you venture through the labyrinth of tunnels and caves that this beautiful sim unveils it’s true magic! You will find Santa’s amazing workshop complete with elves working diligently among the countless gifts and toys already wrapped, sleigh rides, flying reindeer, Nordic animals and the most amazing Northern lights in SL. It’s an absolute Yuletide feast for the eyes and I hope you will visit it for yourself if you haven’t already. Check out her Flickr and Flickr Group.
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Photograph provided by Blue Blauvelt. Page 192 | ECLIPSE December 2019
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lue Blauvelt has been causing mayhem and mischief for nearly eleven years in SL. He’s a friendly approachable guy with a good sense of humour who always tries to make time for others. He can often be found hosting at The River Rock club, a genuinely friendly safe environment for all. Blue enjoys a spot of shopping, dancing with friends and has a keen interest in SL photography,which he started in December last year. He has been happily partnered to Belle Onedin for over a year and looks forward to their next year together. He is often used as the male model for Belle’s pose shop Heart Poses. This may sound clichéd, but my favourite place to spend Christmas in SL is at home on our land, or chilling with friends whether that’s dancing, doing Christmas hunts or just standing around chatting. There are some wonderfully themed SIMs out there, so even if someone doesn’t have that special Christmas place to call home, there are numerous options open to them. For me, Christmas is a time to spend with those who have been by your side over the past year, and I am lucky enough to have some dear friends who I care very much for. Meeting friends for a wiggle in a club and to chat and set the world to rights is always a fun way to relax, and I am partial to a Christmas song or two! Belle (my partner) has turned our home into a winter wonderland, and it truly is pretty – just the right ambience to chill out and relax after hosting or shopping. What could be better than playing dress up in the snow, with some cheesy Christmas songs on the stream and lots of laughter and possibly alcohol to pass the time! Christmas is often a hard time for some, who for many reasons rely on SL for a social escape at a time when RL may be difficult or lonely. I consider myself lucky to have friends and loved ones inworld and I hope we all have a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy 2020. Check out his Flickr and Home.
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Photography by Wicca Merlin.
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lena kiopak
ena Kiopak has called Second Life home for over 10 years, and has chased many adventures. Second Life has provided her with several creative outlets over the years, with photography being her favorite passion. The very nature of SL is transient, so she races to capture as many places as she can through her lens before they get lost to time and pixel-nothingness. Wow! Second Life is completely filled with numerous seasonal and holiday destinations, each unique in their own way. However, one destination stands out above the rest, and that is Mon Joli Cadeau. In my opinion, this Parisian sim, owned by Avalon Bouvier and Yoh Boa, offers the best of all aspects of Second Life entertainment in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Mon Joli Cadeau, or My Lovely Gift in English, is a romantic elegant garden within the streets of Paris. It is their desire to create a romantic destination for couples to enjoy SL art displays, music, dance and even a cappuccino in the open air En Plein Air setting. Second Life artists have always been a cornerstone of their vision, and numerous galleries are available for browsing. I feel very fortunate to have my gallery, Smiling Hearts Photography, there as a member of their growing artists’ community. The magnificent ballroom on Mon Joli Cadeau holds elegant space for couples to enjoy various DJ’s up to three times a week in both a romantic and casual setting. As an added romantic touch, couples can also participate in the Love Locks on the bridge. For a small fee, SL sweethearts can add a mesh lock to a portion of the Mon Joli Cadeau bridge to symbolize their love. The sweethearts’ names are then inscribed on the padlock, and its key is thrown away into the nearby river to symbolize unbreakable love. With the changing seasons, Mon Joli Cadeau also changes with them. From warm fall-colored leaves to striking white wintery decor, it’s always a pleasure to stroll through the Parisian streets, and enjoy the warm ambiance and a vibrant artist community. With small details like ice on the river, it really is my favorite seasonal destination in Second Life and I welcome you all to visit! Check out her Flickr and InterstellART.
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Photograph provided by Roxy River
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roxy river
oxy River [roxy9999] joined Second Life in 2015 and has spent the past 4 years exploring many wonderful places, admiring the talent and creativity of the sim designers. She would explore for adventure and to enjoy the places and activities. As she travelled, she would gather landmarks for return visits and take photographs of her adventures for her SL feed. But somewhere along the way, an interest in SL photography was fired up within her. She proceeded in seeking out ways to improve her photography and eventually started posting photos on Flickr in 2017. Many of her photographs were taken along the way while exploring and inspired by something that sparked her interest at the sim. Holidays such as Halloween and Christmas, also are her inspiration for themed photos. Season inspired photos are also among her collection. She enjoys capturing both portraits and landscapes. Roxy also has developed a strong interest in the live music scene on SL. She can often be found dancing in the crowd supporting one of the many very talented singers. During the Christmas season she enjoys attending the many Christmas themed productions on Second Life. Where her Second Life journey will lead her into the future is unknown but it is sure to be an adventure! My favorite Christmas holiday destination in Second Life is Jacksonville Island. I believe it has many of the important elements setting the scene for an amazing winter and Christmas experience. Jacksonville is a picturesque, snowy winter wonderland. The community’s town centre has many shops, homes decorated for Christmas, a church, and Santa’s Workshop. In Santa’s workshop is the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap for photos. Through the town runs along a frozen river that I believe is a wonderful place for both singles and couples to ice skate. Skating animations for a couple’s skating routine are provided. I feel ice skating is one of the key elements for a winter destination. Another key element is the opportunity to take a reindeer-led sleigh ride with Santa. I love the long, fourteenminute flight here at Jacksonville which takes you over the town and surrounding area with views of snow-covered mountains, the ocean, sparkling white frost-covered trees, snow-covered pine trees, and the snowy community decorated for Christmas. I believe another important element is a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Jacksonville’s nineminute ride through the community gives a good tour and is a wonderful experience. There are many places to dance outdoors with both couples and singles dancing animations provided, another very important feature I appreciate. I especially like the frozen pond, with a huge decorated Christmas tree in the centre, that is perfect for dancing and ice skating. I love places with scenes and activities perfect for romance. The couples ice skating, Santa sleigh ride, horse-drawn sleigh ride, and couples dancing all can be great choices for a romantic winter date. In addition, there are dining tables overlooking the frozen pond and many places throughout Jacksonville to cuddle both indoors and outdoors. If you look carefully you will find an indoor Christmas tree full of amazing couple’s animations to enjoy. The photographer in me loves the many picturesque photo opportunities throughout Jacksonville. You can even take photos of yourself or group standing within a gigantic snow globe. And of course, the final critical element for an amazing Christmas destination is the Christmas music filling the air. Check out her Flickr.
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Photograph provided by Natasha Derkach. Page 198 | ECLIPSE December 2019
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atasha Derkach started chasing sunsets in Second Life in September 2016 and soon after decided that she wanted to learn how to make them herself. Three years later and her greatest joy is soaring through the heavens, mixing clouds with light and shadow. You can see some of her Windlight creations on her Flickr page. I love to do ice skating, so of course my favorite holiday destination is Calas Galadhon’s Christmas. They have the most amazing Christmas lights and decorations I ever saw. The whole population on Second Life should visit because I know you will have a good time. I enjoy doing windlights, nature photography, and playing outdoor sports. Calas, Snow falls, Cherishville, and Crystal Ski Resort are awesome sims, especially during the winter. Doing a custom windlight before I take first my shot is a slow process. Often I visited these destinations over a few weeks. Sometimes I don’t have some good photos, maybe only mesh squirrel eating mesh nut. But other times Second Life presented me with once in lifetime moment that I feel so lucky to save. When I’m not shooting then most probably I’m at Oak Meadows. This is for 18+ adults however it is not sex sim, but a place where you can join Oak Academy Girls School and study real topics. For example msome classes are like “Creating Mesh,” and “Classics (Greek, Latin).” Also you can join clubs and study to ride horses, sailing, theater acting, practice ballet, go on field trips and so on. During winter there are often places to ride sleds and have snowball fights. This is very active and fun sim and I think the best-kept secret in Second Life. I hope to see you there and I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Check out her Flickr.
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Photograph provided by Eleon. Page 200 | ECLIPSE December 2019
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eleon
loen [Eloenmarie Resident] is a Portuguese SL blogger. Her SL life started back in 2007. She found blogging around 2014 and since then it’s been a great journey of learning and enjoying this creative side of SL. My blog, Eloen’s Other World describes my state of mind, what makes me love SL and where i give light to my creativity. First let me say that Christmas is my favorite holiday and I’m always looking forward for it in SL. I enjoy visiting new places and see all the Christmas decorations and how people enjoy this season in SL. I find it gives me an incredible Christmas spirit as I appreciate all the efforts placed into decorating such beautiful sims around the grid. Personally my favorite destination is Missing Melody. It’s a lovely and cozy place, created with so much love by its owner Bambi. Its been around for a while and each season it’s decorated with such a gorgeous style that is perfect for pictures. But around this holiday season it’s even more special, with so many details and small surprises around each corner. I decided to show you a bit of the new decor in my picture and i suggest a trip to this wonderful place, to relax or just feel that amazing Christmas spirit! I wish all Eclipse readers and staff a very Merry Christmas! Check out her Flickr and Facebook.
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Photograph provided by Esenia Cerinei. Page 202 | ECLIPSE December 2019
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Esenia Cerinei
senia Cerinei [DanayaRed Resident] joined SL in 2013 through a friend’s invitation. An innate explorer excited by the world itself she started to travel and learn the diversity of beauty and entertainment of Second Life. She’s been a model, a hostess, a party dancer, and a living monster. She has traveled in space and witnessed the Titanic tragedy, the Roman invasion, and life before fashion. She lived in the 50s, 60s and other **‘s till today’s, staying true to her shopaholic self through all. Her true love for adventures and keeping memories of it got her tons of photos! And that was just the beginning… of Her Sketchbook, the virtual witness of her courage and inspiration. Actually, it is pretty hard to pick one thing. Seems to me it is close to impossible to generalize experience. Now looking back to the beginning I can tell that you start Second Life as a baby. You learn to sit, stand, walk, talk, dress up, swim, drive a car, do relations, pay rent, make mistakes and get the RARE gacha item… And maybe that is a bit naive to be proud of those simple things but throughout different periods of my Second Life, I was proud of different milestones I achieved. I was first proud when I actually learned how to sit and get up. And wear my own shoes properly. Then I broke lots of things trying to get them modified the way I wanted. (Sorry guys I still love your items even if they are green). And now I build all the scenes for my pictures by myself. I am really proud of that. I learned to moderate the group chat but back in 2013, I was scared even to talk to a person. When I first started traveling through the worlds of Second Life I used to collect the pictures of things I’ve seen or what I’ve been doing. Documenting an unforgettable experience I wanted to remember! It was new, exciting, astonishing! I deeply enjoyed trying new things, getting new emotions and skills. I learned much about myself and other people. So first I was collecting my own memories. Sharing them was step two. I’ve always loved telling stories. As most different as they are in life. And knowing how much the stories I tell through my captures as photographer touch hearts of so many people in so many ways is what I feel the proudest about now. Sharing thoughts, memories, fun and adventures of my own Second Life and life of my dear friends is the most exciting for me for all these years. Also, one important thing for me is that it all started from having a good time and fun and this still stays the main priority. I found love, I found friendship and unforgettable beauty of the world showed by other people. That makes me happy. And I love to share that happiness Check out her Flickr and Blog.
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Photograph provided by Moni. Page 204 | ECLIPSE December 2019
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oni [Monica Querrien] joined Second Life in late 2009. Since 2011, Monica has been blogging Second Life fashion and other activities on her blog, “Moni’s World”. She has also been active in modeling since 2010 and received her certification in 2011. Currently, she is the CEO of The Fashion Loft, a group that since 2016 produces fun events for the fashion community. She is also an estate manager at The Manor Suites and works for the brands YoU by GeMyles and Virtual Diva. In her free time, Monica enjoys going on excursions with the Drivers of SL group and spending time with her friends. Over the years, Second Life has played a big role in my self-discovery and expansion of my skills. By working with various groups of people and organizations, I have made new friends and learned things about myself in the process. What makes me most proud is the opportunity to recapture the community spirit that I felt early on in SL through my fashion group. It has been both a rewarding and challenging experience.
moni
One of my first jobs in SL was managing a clothing store. The creator knew that she needed help, but was not sure what kind of help she needed. I was not sure if I could be of much help, but I wanted to learn. Learning about the management side of fashion in the same year I started blogging as well as walking in my first fashion show offered a unique view to SL fashion; it allowed me to experience fashion from multiple viewpoints. The biggest lesson I learned during that time was how much presentation can affect both value and people’s moods. it was a lesson that not only changed my shopping habits forever but something that I was able to apply to various situations. Jania was willing to take a chance on me, and gave me the confidence that I have trouble finding in myself at times. Not only did her business grow as a result, but our friendship blossomed. Some of my favorite times in SL were going out with the boss and the CSRs/models after work. We would go driving around the neighborhood, go to clubs, and brainstorm new ideas for the brand. Even though I technically worked for her, it felt like I was working with her to create something great. After the brand closed, I was a bit lost on what to do next. The store was like a second home to me, especially after having lost a real-life family member prior to joining the staff, it took me a while to adjust. I have had friends who have left Second Life in similar situations. I knew I didn’t want to leave SL, so eventually, I made new friends and continued to learn and engage in new things. Fast forward to 2019. One of my friends wanted to start up an initiative in Second Life to raise awareness for Huntington’s Disease. Instead of wondering whether or not I would be able to help her, I knew that through the fashion group that I currently run, she would be able to get the support that she needed - everything from hiring models for a fashion show to hosting a formal event. It was great seeing my friend realize one of her biggest dreams in SL - one she did not think would be possible for a long time. Through my group, I strive to host fun events that engage everyone who is interested in fashion. For instance, I noticed that in the blogging community, bloggers often have questions about various topics. This is why I started to host meetups again (first started in 2015) so that bloggers could have a place to be able to talk about issues that they face. I know that sometimes it can be hard to seek out advice when you need help. The biggest lesson that I have had to learn - and still am learning - is to have confidence in myself. It can be difficult to leave situations that are not conducive for self-growth due to having fear or being resistant to change. I had to think about what was the most important in both lives, especially after the real-life health scares and family losses. After nearly 10 years of being in Second Life, I am happy that I am starting to realize my own creative potential, have the confidence to unapologetically work towards it, and that I am building a strong community of people who are willing to create something special. Check out her Flickr and Blog.
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THE wayfarer...
photography by temp
“The Wayfarer” is a monthly feature showcasing some of the most aesthetic places in Second Life®. For this month’s journey, the Wayfarer stumbled slightly upon landing in a land where winter had certainly arrived. His footsteps tread sedately upon a weathered dirt path, as the falling flakes of snow flecked his raven colored hair. A quiet walk around the serene and tranquil lake in Luanes World offered him the peace and solace he so often sought in his journeys. Though his gaze would quickly avert at the couples he encountered, even the vision of love still pained his heart. Immerse yourself in Luanes World.
est rosca.
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