F e b r u a r y
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Contents
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Through the Lens
Our four photographers showcase their take on AntiValentines Day/ Love Yourself theme.
At Home With...
Blair Lockhearst inspires with her home & garden feature themed as “Delicate Flaw.”
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Designer Highlight
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Designer Highlight
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The Art Perspective
Featuring some of E.V.E.’s creations plus their exclusive item for the World of Magic.
Proust Spotlight
Teaming up with the Blogger & Vlogger Network, we shine the spotlight on the talented Chelsea Rae.
The World of Magic
Learn more about this enchanting event for witches and wizards. It opens on February 15!
The brand Nishi showcases it’s brand new items for the World of Magic.
Oema returns and reviews the art exhibit, “Drawn Town” by Cica Ghost.
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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 We Are Who We Are Cover Photographer Lessthen Zero
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Voices from the Grid
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Places to Go...
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The Wayfarer
Writer Cajsa Lilliehook
Each issue ECLIPSE Magazine asks residents a question, see what they have to say.
Late on a date idea? ECLIPSE Magazine has a few ideas that are sure to save the day.
Join the Wayfarer on a journey exploring the sim, Valium. ECLIPSE February 2019 | Page 9
executive team
Trouble dethly
cajsa lilliehook
Taylor Wassep
carley benazzi
Publisher
Copy Editor
Creative Director
Lead Stylist
jessyca teardrop Assistant Editor
the c
writers
photographers
Briony Writer Cajsa Lilliehook Grayden Foxe Novaleigh Freng Oema Taylor Wassep
Autumn Rose Blair Lockhearst Carley Benazzi June Fallon Lessthen Zero Taylor Wassep Tempest Rosca Wicca Merlin
stylists Blair Lockhearst June Fallon Taylor Wassep Tempest Rosca Wicca Merlin
guest stylist & photographer Cassie Middles, Taylor Wassep, Tempest Rosca & Trouble Dethly
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
Hello everyone! I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Valentines Day. I have the cutest girlfriend in the world, and I just wanted to share that. This is my fourth anniversary issue. Honestly, it’s hard for me to believe sometimes that we have been publishing ECLIPSE Magazine for so long. Unlike previous anniversaries, we unfortunately will not be having a party because… I didn’t have time to plan it. Will Corrigan and I have spent the last few months planning an enchanting event inspired by one of my favorite book/movie series. The World of Magic opens on February 15 at NOON SLT! With that shameless plug over, I struggled to get this issue together because I gave myself a deadline. One of the things that has made publishing a monthly magazine easy is that as long as I published at some point in the month it would be okay. One Billion Rising is a 24 hour event, and I had promised Kess that I would run the advertisement in support of this real life global campaign against violence against women. Incidentally, One Billion Rising in SL was my cover feature last year. Similarly to my previous anniversary cover features, this one is a far more harder topic than what one usually expects. Each issue we endeavor to tell the stories of a group or residents who have taken the Second Life concept of “your world, your imagination,” to such great heights that it has impacted the culture and lifestyle of the Second Life community. This issue, we proudly share the stories of six transgender residents, in the hopes that our readers will gain a fuller understanding of the way transgender residents find community and strength in Second Life. We have a total of eleven pieces this month. I do hope you enjoy it! Happy Readings!
letter from the publi
isher
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through the lens
styling & photography by CASSIE MIDDLES, TAYLOR WASSEP, TEMPEST ROSCA & TROUB
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Each issue, ECLIPSE Magazine invites one of the many talented photographers from Second Life to collaborate. With this piece, they style, create and share a glimpse through their lens. Is love overrated? These photographers show you their take on AntiValentines Day and loving yourself.
BLE DETHLY.
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Photograph by Lessthen Zero.
WE ARE WHO WE AR
written by cajsa l
RE
lilliehook.
John Lennon asked people to imagine no heaven, no hell below us, no countries, no religion, and nothing to kill or die for. It was easy when we tried. But he did not, could not imagine no gender. Can you? We think our understanding of gender comes from our biology and not from our culture, but research by Nigerian feminist scholar Oyèrónkẹ Oyèwùmí revealed that gender is a recent way of categorizing people in Yorùbá culture. Prior to colonization, they classified people in society by their seniority, their age, rather
than by gender. Their kinship connections were gender neutral. Colonialism has pushed gender constructions on their society, forcing them to adapt to European norms. Exceptions do not prove the rule in anything except the law. This exception to social organizing proves that gender is a social construct separate from biological sexual attributes. It’s hard to wrap our minds around that because gender is integral to our social identity, denoting our social power, economic power, and often our legal standing .
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It is not a choice. I did not choose to have to struggle with this internal conflict day after day. Seeing a member of opposing sex in the mirror staring back at me looks like a stranger to me and my body feels like there is something ‘wrong’ with it. Soanos
Gender reveal parties are such a common thing nowadays you can even purchase gender reveal lasagna sauce. The problem is, gender is not being revealed, it’s being programmed. The biological sex of the expected addition to the family is all that is revealed. Now family can get down to the business of programming that infant’s gender by buying pink rabbits for girls and blue bears for boys. They will get her a Dream Kitchen and buy him some Tonka Trucks. She will get dresses in lace, he will get overalls in denim. Soon she will learn math is hard and he will learn crying is for sissies. This is how we abuse our children generation after generation in a futile attempt to enforce gender conformity on behalf of the status quo. The thing is, it does not work. Page 48 | ECLIPSE February 2019
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Humanity is not as simple as the pink/blue dichotomy of the gender reveal party. There are people who are only blue on the outside but pink on the inside. There are also people pink on outside and blue on the inside. There are people who are more purple or white, who understand themselves best outside the entire gender spectrum. Really, we’re a big bag of gender Jordan Almonds. Biological sex may be binary (Not really, ask someone intersex!), but gender and sexual orientation are anything but. People use the word trans as a catchall label for all sorts of people whose selves are not congruent to the sex they were assigned at birth. The trans label is only about their self-identity, not their orientation which is about desire
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and attraction. A trans woman might be lesbian, but she might not be; she might be bi; she might be straight. Trying to make the complexity of gender and orientation squished into the binary biology is a futile and factless task. And if you are confused, just consider the acronym LGBTIQ. LGB is about orientation, T is about gender, I is about biology, and Q could be gender or orientation. So there’s potential for confusion before you even started. So if someone says they are nonbinary and you don’t know what they means, don’t worry. They do. They might even explain if you ask nicely. Thanks to binary gender programming, we have a hard time believing people whose gender is different from the body they were
born in. We dismiss the lived reality of trans people as a fad, a phase, or a fetish. Out of fear, fear of social change, fear of challenge, perhaps even fear of seeing ourselves, we define difference as deviance. This makes life harder for people who are trans. They face discrimination at work and school. Society twists itself into knots trying to think of ways to make their lives harder, such as leaving them no safe place to relieve themselves. And of course, they are bullied, mocked, beaten, raped, and even murdered because their existence threatens the binary status quo. The Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20th of each year remembers those who lost their lives to our inability to value the panoply of gender expression. In Second Life, there is a memorial honoring transgender people who have lost their lives to violence or suicide.
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Mine [My story] isn’t much different from most people. I can say that the most key thing to have is a network of support. Especially in the first year of HRT when I felt the most vulnerable and anxious. Now that I have seen a lot of changes I’m finding it easier and easier. Nep Faulkes
Sadly, the world works really hard to make people stay binary. There are oases of tolerance in large cities where many who are trans gather at trans-friendly clubs, bars, and community centers. But not all trans people can live in New York, London, or San Francisco, some live in countries where they may be imprisoned or executed if they tried to live an authentic life. They may live in Humboldt, Nebraska where Brandon Teena was murdered. They may be isolated by
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other factors such as religion, economics, disability, transphobic families, or a host of individual reasons that keep them more or less closeted. For many, Second Life® offers a respite where people can be who they are without the risks they may face in their first life. It also offers people who are questioning a safe place to explore their identity. They can discover themselves. ECLIPSE Magazine ECLIPSE February 2019 | Page 51
interviewed six people to gain a fuller understanding of the way trans residents find community and strength in Second Life. Their experiences are varied and SL has served as a refuge, a revelation, or a catalyst. They do not represent the full spectrum of trans experience, but they offer insight into a group of people who find succor and even joy in Second Life.
“I’ve known my whole life that i wanted to transition. I was repressed for a long time but, after a deep bout of depression, I decided to finally look into hormones. It was around this time I got reacquainted with an old friend who had already transitioned around the same age I was at the time. She gave me a lot of advice and help along with several trans friends I have met through SL.”
Soanos is a trans woman whose road to self-discovery was long. She never felt comfortable in her male body and suffered from low self-esteem and depressive personality disorder. She tried to explain her gender doubts to her then partner who was very transphobic and abusive, so she suppressed her identity as a woman for many years. She created a female avatar, and as she explained, “it felt so natural to me. More natural than anything in my whole life before.” Soanos is in the diagnostic stage of transitioning and has not begun HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy.)
Kayla is a trans woman who tried to transition nearly twenty years ago but faced such transphobia she went back in the closet only expressing her authentic self online. She has recently began transitioning in her first life and has been living as a woman full time for a few months. “When I found SL, it was like my other online experiences but was 10x better at making me feel valid in my gender. Not only could I be expressive of my gender, but also my real personality and visual styling. “
James is a trans man who began transitioning ten years ago and feels complete for the moment–until they improve bottom surgery. SL played a role in his coming out and was critical in helping James transition. “I lived in a very rural and honestly unsafe place and SL drastically helped me feel like I wasn’t alone.” In fact, his fondest SL memory is coming out and the acceptance he was met with. Nep Faulkes is a trans woman who has known her entire life that she was a woman trapped in the wrong body. She began taking hormones just over a year ago.
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Tiffany Parkin is a woman on her second year in transition. She has struggled with finding the right mix and dosage of hormones so she is only a few months into what she calls the “changes starting to happen” stage. Although she’s known she is a woman for years, she tried to live as a man. “I’ve known I was “different” since about the age of 5. It wasn’t until my teen years that I began to understand “how” I was different than my peers, but growing up in a conservative rural community and hearing how people like me were “freaks and deviants”, I felt as though I had to live the life others said I should live.” While she lived in the closet, forcing herself to conform to the patriarchal rural society she lived in, SL was an important refuge.
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Ishtar Angel is a MTF transgender person who presents as nonbinary in her first life. She is a volunteer at the Transgender Resource Center. She would say she is stuck in her transition by two factors, low self-esteem and the financial burden of transitioning. “Self esteem can be a hindrance or help when you’re transgender. In my case its something I still am working on to this day.” She continued, “It was SL that actually helped me realize I was trans. I did question myself for years but after running into the Transgender Resource Center randomly while grid hopping all the pieces started to fit. I may be stalled in my transition, but I would not give up knowing who I am and how I feel now to when I didn’t know.” The financial barrier to transitioning is a common experience. However, it is important to know that a trans woman or a trans man is just as much a woman or a man before making a physical transition as after. Gender is of the essence, not the body. Many feel more complete or more comfortable, though, if they can
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manage to transition physically through a combination of hormones and surgery. Some insurance companies do recognize gender reassignment as medically necessary and provide coverage. Many don’t. It also varies widely from country to country. Thailand and Iran are the countries that do the most gender reassignment surgeries. Yes, Iran, but only because they hate gay people so much that homosexuality is punishable by death. A gay person can escape that by accepting GRS, which then traps them in the wrong body. An ironic tragedy. Some South American and several European countries pay for GRS, but in the United States, only fifteen states prohibit excluding transgender medical coverage. Hormone replacement therapy is expensive, often requiring monthly doctor visits to ensure hormone levels are right. This can run from $130 to $500 per month. Gender reassignment surgery is really a series of surgeries that run into the tens of thousands. If you’re curious, here is an article detailing the costs.
Don’t fear asking questions. Just be delicate with your wording. An example I have is saying “You used to be a girl, right?” That isn’t what I used to be. It’s insensitive to approach it in that way. At least for me I was never a “girl” I was always a boy. My body was just a bit different than what my heart believed was right. James ECLIPSE February 2019 | Page 55
In fact, there are all sorts of health insurance and health care barriers that can be maddening. For example, my sister advocated for a trans woman who had prostate cancer when her state’s Medicaid program was baffled and argued that no women get prostate cancer. A friend of mine produced a film “Trans Dudes with Lady Cancer” about his and his roommate’s experiences. There are problems with delayed diagnosis of biological sex-specific illnesses like uterine or prostate cancer because biological sex is no longer evident and insurance may decline to cover it even though many trans men may need pap smears and be at risk of breast cancer and trans women many need prostate exams. Because Second Life is truly our world, our imagination, it can also be our world, our reality. For trans SL residents, their most authentic reality is their true gender, not the biological sex they often feel trapped in. When their avatar is a woman, it is because they are a woman at the most essential level. When their avatar is a man, it is because they are essentially a man. It is not catfishing; it is not deception. For cisgender, heteronormative people like me, it is common to misunderstand the transgender reality, to think of it as something in their heads, “feeling like a boy”
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rather than being a boy. Trans identity is not a feeling. It is a reality. We struggle, though, to identify what makes us human, don’t we? Is it our opposable thumb, our gift of language, our toolmaking, our big brains, or our creative impulse? No, no, no, no, and no. It is something ineffable that we sometimes call our soul, our essence, or élan vital. Yet, we never for a moment doubt we are human. Gender identity is like that, it is an ineffable element of a trans person’s identity, not a symptom, not a syndrome, not some neuron doing a happy dance. It is essential, of the soul, of the life force. This is not deception and Catfish’s Nev Shulman is a transphobic exploiter of the LGBTIQ community, making money by spreading the deadly “idea that gender non-conforming people are unnatural outsiders trying to snatch the place of “real” men or women.” Because nearly every week someone makes a transphobic secret denouncing this, that, or another resident as secretly of the opposite sex than their avatar, it seems important to press the point that trans residents are being authentic. People in SL must stop trying to force trans people back into the closet. James has a question for them, “how would playing as who you feel is right be catfishing?”
Honestly SL does do a pretty good job for trans folks by allowing the amount of free expression you have to create and be who you are. The one thing that could be better is when you run into trolls and the like who will do anything they can to make a person’s life hell. Ishtar Angel
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Soanos explained ably why trans residents are not catfishing. “We do not have similar motives to people who go about “catfishing”. Transgender people have chosen their avatars to match their gender identity and explore it, not to deceive other players. I personally tell people that I am a trans-woman if it turns out they want to know me better. After that it is up to them what they do. I just wish I didn’t have to. I feel like I have to apologize for existing and “wasting their time” every time.” Tiffany agreed, “SL allows us to be seen as the men or women we are inside. Because of this, I feel this is not catfishing and is incredibly different than people who “role play” a different gender. My interactions with anyone in SL, whether a romantic interest or friend, are much more genuine and real than how I interact with most people in RL because everyone in SL knows me as Tiffany...not the person I was born as.” Since Second Life allows us to be anyone or anything we can imagine, let’s imagine ourselves as kind and accepting.Isn’t there more capacity for love in all of us than the crabbed and confined limits we place on
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who and how we can love? Even when it’s not our thing, doesn’t our most universal moral precept to treat others as we would wish to be treated demand better of us? This is why Second Life has a vital role to play in the lives of transgender people. It is a relatively safe place for people who long for safety. Second Life’s Terms of Service provide explicit protections against harassment and intolerance.In its practice, Second Life has not fallen for the demand that we must “tolerate the intolerant.” Of course, tolerance is a pretty low bar to demand of people. Second Life is also structured to foster safety by allowing pseudonymous free accounts. People can create a secure email at sites like ProtonMail and need not provide identification or credit cards. This can allow people in oppressive countries relative freedom to explore their gender and for a few hours at a time be their real selves. Of course, privacy and internet don’t belong in the same sentence any longer, but SL does not make it easy for intrusive governments to use SL to find gender-nonconforming people.
When it came time to come out and transition I realized that I have a rolemodel for the kind of person that I want to be in RL. the girl who I had been in SL for 9 years was a perfect template for how I wanted to express my personality and my gender in the world. Kayla
Second Life does more. They foster an accepting and inclusive culture by promoting LGBT friendly communities in their Destination Guide. This is a corporate signal that the community is welcome and integral to Second Life, not an underground
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culture, but community embraced by the company. In search there are 694 places that identify themselves with trans in their keywords. There are also over 500 results for groups, though a few of them are unrelated to gender, such as the Trans-Siberian
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Orchestra. This indicates a lively, vibrant trans They also have a secure Discord group where community in Second Life. there are always people to talk to. I joined the group to reach out for people interested One of the groups is for the Transgender in being interviewed and found supportive Resource Center which has a in-world conversations unique to transgender issues gathering place where they have discussions such as changing documents to be gender on topics in the news and have call-boards congruent, where to find reliable information telling visitors who is online at the moment online, or humorous memes and comics of to offer help. Their Facebook page is topical trans humor. accessible whether you use Facebook or not.
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I would have to say if your new to SL or a vet of SL don’t stop experimenting.It is a safe environment that you can research, meet new people, and grow. If you have a RL situation where you can’t safely research transgender or non binary or any of the lgbt spectrum then to use this tool. There are no limits. Ishtar Angel
Ishtar who is a volunteer moderator of the Discord Group wants people to know “Besides a sense of community, we offer support groups for non-binary, trans people and their supporters. If someone new has a question we haven’t run into we can ask the group as a whole and usually we can get help or ideas to help that person out.” Like most people we interviewed, Ishtar values SL as a safe place and a place to find community. However, she does wish SL improved their search function and promoted organizations like the Transgender Resource Center better, she wants people “to know that resources such as the TRC exist in SL. The search tool to find groups and locations is not the best. I have been with the group for a long time and still run into new people who randomly stumbled into us.”
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For Tiffany, it’s less about what SL can do and more about what the outside world can do and specifically the LGBTIQ community. “The world as a whole, including SL, has spent a significant amount of time over the past 10-20 years focusing on sexual identity and increasing tolerance for lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals. While there has been a huge success with this, the “TQ” in LGBTQ has largely been left out of the equation and discussions. Part of this is because those of us struggling with gender identity or transitioning are such a small percentage of the population. The other reason, and I believe this is what hurts the transgender community the most, is that most of us struggling with Gender Dysphoria, transitioning or having completed transition to the stage we want to be at are so worried about the repercussions of disclosure, particularly as it relates to social and intimate
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acceptance, rejection and discrimination. We want to be known by our identified gender... male or female...not transgender. I know for me, I question when will I be just a woman and not a “trans-woman”? For James, it’s not the company but the people who are Second Life’s residents who make the difference. “The people in Second Life are the ones making the world of Second Life a better place. Many people have become
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aware and have become very accepting of trans individuals. I’ve seen stores embrace the trans community and individuals share content through social media and that has put us in a great space currently in the world of Second Life.” Nep is equally happy with SL, noting that aside from a few trolls, “SL is the one of the most trans friendly places online.” Still harassment sometimes happens, and Soanos wishes “LL would take a more public stance against discrimination.”
One of the greatest problems I have is when things aren’t going well or I am struggling with a fear, so many will tell me that it will all be fine, that I am so strong that it won’t be an issue or that I need to “get over” the problem. Listen to us. Help us talk through concerns and fears. Don’t minimize our emotions. While the specific issues we encounter are unique to transitioning individuals, the emotions are universal. We need people to listen to our stories and validate our emotions the same as anyone else does. Tiffany Parkin
What can those of us who are not trans do to support the trans community? I think a lot of it is summed up by the moral precept of treating others as we wish to be treated. If someone misgenders us, would we like it? Shel Silverstein wrote about the prevalence of bullying trans kids in a song called A Boy Named Sue, accepting as normal that someone whose name does not match their gender is going to face violence and “get
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tough or die.” This was not a kindness. But it does prompt questions about how to we change the world to make it safe for boys named Sue or make it easier for boys named Sue to change their name to “Bill or George! Anything but Sue!” James says we should show respect and use proper pronouns. Nep suggests that we don’t be intentionally disrespectful and claim it’s ironic or edgy. Soanas asks ECLIPSE February 2019 | Page 63
people to remember there is a human being underneath that trans label and be thoughtful and to simply apologize for hurting someone’s feelings rather than being defensive. Tiffany says listen. “One of the greatest problems I have is when things aren’t going well or I am struggling with a fear, so many will tell me that it will all be fine, that I am so strong that it won’t be an issue or that I need to “get over” the problem. Listen to us. Help us talk through concerns and fears. Don’t minimize our emotions. While the specific issues we encounter are unique to transitioning individuals, the emotions are universal. We need people to listen to our stories and validate our emotions the same as anyone else does.” Trans activism is beginning to work. Laws are being passed making it easier to change names and gender on official documents. Oregon allows people to choose X for gender on their driver’s license. People are experimenting with gender-neutral pronouns like xe and the dictionaries and grammar nitpickers have given official approval to the singular “they.” The trans spark that set off the Stonewall Riot that is marked by Pride celebrations every year is being acknowledged. Gay rights organizations are taking the T in LGBTIQ more seriously. Of course, that means backlash such as mean-spirited bathroom bills. Backlash is the product of progress. The defenders of the status quo don’t bother taking swipes at people who are not challenging and changing the status quo. The backlash is happening because trans people are winning. It may not feel like it in Pakistan or in Humboldt, Nebraska. Acceptance and respect, never mind the small change of
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tolerance, may still only exist in urban oases. For many, coming out as trans in their first life may be an impossible dream. Until the day the world is ready to accept people as they are in all their glorious diversity, there is Second Life, a lifeline of acceptance and hope. Notes on Language: It seems every article about people who are trans comes with a glossary of terms as though trans are some exotic fauna we must classify into the proper categories. I find this almost a form of othering. If people want more clarity, GLAAD has an excellent glossary. The thing about language is we all know how to be kind and respectful; we ask, we listen, and we call people what they ask us to call them. Misnaming someone and misgendering someone is an act of unkindness. There are more than a dozen religions in the world and every single one of them puts kindness to others at the top of their moral values. If you are unkind, you present yourself and your belief system in a bad light. No religion advocates bullying, harassment, or violence against marginalized people. If you are unkind and transphobic, it is not because you are shaped by your faith, it is because you shape your faith to conform to your biases. You may see people who are trans using words that you recognize as offensive. This does not give you license to use them if you are not part of that community. In-group and out-group language is everywhere and common sense tells us that in-group words are not available to out-group people who don’t want some serious side eye. You might be okay with your siblings calling you Fretnick but be terribly hurt if someone else did.
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I recently read “The Bold Wo three years old when he comes something people claim, it is w
Exhausted from playing wrang one-on-one time-out. I peeled h kids’ bedroom, shutting the doo
I pulled her down onto the carpet w
“What’s the matter, love?” I exhaled, s angry all the time?”
A pause, and then a flood of tears sp
“Because everyone thinks I’m a girl,
In the seconds that followed Penelop Mom Rolodex of go-to references, wor Mom read to Ramona and me when w of the 1970s. I told Penelope then that with her brothers, have short hair, an encouraged. “It’s what’s inside that c
“You’re perfect the way you are,” I s
But hearing this, Penelope’s face cru distance between us as she could.
We’d been he bathroom fl tiles. Me lyi met with re could finall disappointm enemy. And was the enem Picking her boy, Mama.
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orld” and was moved by this scene which, because Penelope is just s out to his mother as trans has an undeniable clarity that gender is not what they are.
gler and referee, I decided to give both Penelope and myself a rare her off the floor, scooped her up into my arms, and carried her into the or behind us.
with me and we sat face-to-face.
surrendering to whatever tirade was about to come. “Why are you so
prang from her eyes. And then came this:
, Mama—and I’m not.”
pe’s declaration, without hesitation, I pulled something from my rds, and phrases that might fit the dilemma. I remembered a book we were kids, Free to Be You and Me—the gender equality clarion call t she was free to act however she felt. She wanted to roughhouse nd be just like the boys? I was on board. “However you feel is fine,” I counts.”
said. “I love you—and everything about you,” I said.
umpled. She jerked her body away from me, straining to put as much
ere before—over and over and over. Penelope lying naked on the floor, her body in a tight coil while her tears made little pools on the ing next to her, trying to calm her. Every reassurance I gave was esistance and seemed to scratch her skin. Watching her in this room, I ly recognize her expression for what it was—it was the look of deep ment. I had betrayed her. For Penelope, clearly the body had been the if I didn’t understand that—if I were siding with the body—then I my, too. head up off the floor, Penelope tried again with me: “I don’t feel like a I am a boy.”
m: Jodie Patterson. “The Bold World.” ECLIPSE February 2019 | Page 67
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at home with...
STYLING BY blair lockhearst. photography by blair lo
Alternating each issue between the talents of Blair Lockhearst and June Fallon, 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 world creation. For this month’s feature, Blair Lockhearst inspires us with her styling of the theme “Delicate Flaw.”
ockhearst.
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Chair. Loft & Aria - Mason Armchair Sidetable. Loft & Aria - Tropical Glam Side Table Pineapple. Loft & Aria - Tropical Glam Pineapple Box. Loft & Aria - Tropical Glam Decorative Box Frame. Fancy Decor - Studded Frame Plants. Loft & Aria - Tennyson Planter With Fern Plants. Loft & Aria - Tennyson Planter With Heartleaf Philodendron Bulbs. Scarlet Apple - Hanging Bulbs Pendant Light Rug. The Loft - Tennyson Zebra Rug Wall panels. Fancy Decor - Ramses Wall Panel
Chair. ARIA & The Loft - Ambrose Dining Chair White Table. Fancy Decor - Eagan Table Rug. AF - Natural Weave Circular Rug (Grey) Vase. The Loft & ARIA - Marion Vase Light. Fancy Decor - Eagan Light
Chair. Soy - Velvet Lounge Chair Sideboard. The Loft - Tennyson Sideboard Books. Fancy Decor - Books and Trinkets Books. The Loft & ARIA - Abalone Decorative Books Gears. The Loft & Aria - Gear Mirrors Coral. Apple Fall - Coral Specimen Frame. Loft & Aria - Eir Print Plant. Loft & Aria - Juniper Potted Banana Plant Wall panel. Fancy Decor - Denes Wall Panel
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Sofa. The Loft - Highland Sofa Sidetable. Loft & Aria - Juniper Side Tables Light. Loft & Aria - Hedvig Pendant Light Books. Loft & Aria - Julian Decorative Books Vase. Loft & Aria - Callisto Vase With Anthuriums Kiwi. Loft & Aria - Callisto Standing Kiwi Frame. BAZAR - Berlin paintings
Sofa. Fancy Decor - Panel Sofa Table. Fancy Decor - Ramses Cocktail Table Pouf. ARIA - Sawyer Pouf Rug. ARIA - Ophelia rug Art. SAYO - Art Canvas Sidetables. Fancy Decor - Grantaire Nesting Tables Lamp. The Loft - Morgan Table Lamp Sculpture. The Loft - Chidi Sculpture
Chaise. The Loft & ARIA - Zoete Chaise Rug. AF Natural Weave Circular Rug Sidetable. Loft & Aria - Thurston Sidetable Tea. Loft & Aria - Thalassa Tea Cup Vase. dust bunny . tabletop plants . pink peony . silver Cart. dust bunny - happy hour tray Lamp. Fancy Decor - Russell Floorlamp Curtain. dust bunny - wood beaded curtain Plant. dust bunny - fiddle leaf tree Console. Fancy Decor - Jordan Cabinet Shelf. Fancy Decor: Prescott Shelf Cocoa. dust bunny - diy hot cocoa Mugs. dust bunny - mug tree Basket. dust bunny - peppermint treats Cake. dust bunny - doughnut cake ECLIPSE February 2019 | Page 89
the proust spotli
photography by ch
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 Chelsea Rae. She shares, “I have been blogging for almost 3 years. t first I blogged as a side hobby once or twice a week, I didn’t plan on gaining sponsors because at the time I didn’t know much about photography in Second Life. Before blogging I had helped with a charity called Team Fox, it is the grassroots community fundraising program at The Michael J. Fox Foundation and to date, members have raised over $70 million for Parkinson’s research and I loved being a part of that. Outside of Second Life I am a bookworm, I love horror books and I am a Netflix junkie.”
ght
helsea rae.
What is your ideal of perfect happiness? How I view happiness; it is finding joy from within yourself. To be content and happy with who you are and what you have. It is how we connect to ourself and our attitude to life. Being positive and kind to yourself as well as others. To not take life so seriously, to learn to laugh and brush off setbacks. All this I believe brings perfect happiness. What do you consider your greatest achievement? My greatest achievement on Second Life is gaining Truth Hair and Uber event as sponsors. They were some of my blogging goals from the beginning. And I am very grateful for the opportunities. What do you most value in your friends? I value honesty the most, that is where true friends are. The ones who can tell you the truth, even at times I think it’s hurtful, it’s just an honest perspective which can be an eye-opener. What is your greatest regret? Being too harsh on myself. Such as when I got asked for three photos that I wanted to be featured I panicked and went straight to my friends because I always criticize my photography. When I do sit back and compare my photography skills from a year ago to now there is a massive difference but when I take day to day photos for my blog or for my own creative outlet I judge my own work. How would you like to die? Well, I have always been into futuristic movies and TV shows and I always thought it would be great for our brain to be implanted into a robot to live on longer. But if that doesn’t happen in the next 50 years, I guess I’d say eating the biggest pizza of my life and passing in my sleep with a smile on my face and a half-eaten slice of pizza in my hand What is your motto? Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken. Connect with Chelsea Rae on her Blog and Flickr.
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The World of magic
WRITTEN BY taylor wassep. pHOTOGRAPHY by tayl
lor wassep.
Literature has the uncanny ability to create distant worlds unlike the world we have all come to know and tolerate. While you read, the world around is no longer exists and you are running along your favorite character in whatever misadventure they happen to find themself. In school, who didn’t catch up with their friends after binging several chapters of the hottest book of the moment? Who does not talk about theories about the book, where the next book might go, or who would play the characters if the book ever jumped to the silver screen? Books have this reaction with us, in that they bring people together through a singular means of storytelling and emotional rollercoasters.
“
Being able to maintain that sort of connection to an aspect of my youth is beautiful. – Trouble Dethly
”
No series of books have garnered the number of dedicated readers as Harry Potter, written by British author J. K. Rowling. For those who might be unfamiliar with Harry Potter, the books follow the misadventures of a young boy, Harry Potter, and his friends who all attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Believe it or not, the first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. was first published in the Summer of 1997. Nearly 22 years later, this simple fantasy novel has turned itself into a such a phenomenon that it’s quite hard to believe of a time we didn’t have Harry Potter in our lives.
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Several films have been created from the novel series as well as broadway productions, The series has inspired theme parks, social conventions, fan fiction, and even in Second Life® its impact can be found. With its constant popularity, several dedicated fans have found themselves enthralled with this story to the point of wanting to create an event dedicated to this magical world. Ladies and Gentleman, let me introduce you to the spellbinding event, World of Magic opening February 15th and running until March 3rd.
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I could tell [Trouble] was committed to working with me and was passionate about the idea. – Will Corrigan
”
Trouble Dethly and Will Corrigan came together and created this event to express their admiration of this world of witches and wizards. For those who may not know, Will is a brand owner of Fourth Wall, a store dedicated to home decor suited for minimalists. He also runs Builder’s Box, a monthly housing subscriptionbased business. But before all that, Will had to first discover Second Life, which he did roughly five years ago during the Summer of 2014. Bored and looking for some escapism, he came across Second Life. He found it similar to a game he played when he was younger called “Habbo”, a virtual hotel chat room with pixelated graphics. But once he found Second Life, his experience was definitely hot and cold, spending months away from the game at a time. It wasn’t until he meet some friends and become more social that Will found his niche here in Second Life. ECLIPSE February 2019 | Page 109
“
I hope wowe creat have the o the ev wanted its ow –
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Trouble is akin to his user name, the shenanigans this boy gets into is like nothing seen before. And that is exactly why his Second Life is packed full with as much excitement one could find. From his humble beginnings, coming across this platform through school, he found a space for himself on the Teen Grid. After the Teen Grid merged with Second Life, Trouble, like many of us, found himself in some jobs he wasn’t super proud of doing. But who here hasn’t started out like that? As the years melted by, he found himself walking down the runways as a fashion model. This, of course, turned into owning a fashion agency which lead to the creation of ECLIPSE; the very magazine you are reading.
e they’ll visit and be ed by the incredible ations our creators to offer, alongside overall aesthetic of vent build, we really d to make it a world of wn, hence the name. – Will Corrigan
”
The two young men bonded over their fascination with this world of magic. Sitting down with them to find out more about their motivations and what to expect from their first ever event was quite interesting. Will actually just recently got into Harry Potter, through the encouragement of a friend wanting him to share the world of Harry Potter. After reading the books and seeing some of the movies, Will quite enjoyed them overall. He was more inspired by what fantastical creations could be created in Second Life that were inspired by the books. This is a major reason why he agreed to be apart of the World of Magic. Though Will gives credit to Trouble for this idea of creating an event, the two of them worked together to bring it to life. Of course, there were a few other people who had key roles to play in bringing it all together. Aryiana Dethly is the main builder of the event, creating virtually everything you will
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see when you stroll down the Knockturn Alley-inspired venue. For those unfamiliar was Knockturn Alley, it’s a sub-street off of Diagon Alley in London. Beyond the stunning build, the seventy or so designers who make up this event have created items inspired by the world of Harry Potter or just the realms of magic and fantasy. An array of items will be at The World of Magic, things like backdrops, clothing items, accessories, poses and so other things that can’t simply be categorized. In addition to the usual shopping focus, there will be a theatrical performance during The World of Magic.. This production is portrays one of the most impactful and recognized stories to come from Harry Potter novels, The Tale of the Three Brothers. The performances will happen on February 23rd and 24th at noon SLT. So, if you’re curious as to what a stage production of The Tale of the Three Brothers might look like, make sure to clear your calendars for that weekend.
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I’m hoping that for those who get to visit and be part of it, they’ll remember this event for a long time and think back on it fondly. – Will Corrigan
”
With The World of Magic being only a two-week engagement, Will spoke about continuing this event after March 3rd. He said the idea of The World of Magic was to be a one-off single event. He wanting this event to be so magical that it had ablink, you’ll miss it kind of feeling. By offering a single unique event they hope it rarity will make it a can’t miss rarity. So, make sure to check your mailbox for your acceptance letter from Hogwarts and remember to bring your wand and books as we welcome to you, The World of Magic. Just kidding, everyone is welcome. Teleport to the World of Magic. Follow the World of Magic on Facebook. Page 112 | ECLIPSE February 2019
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Designer highligh photography by wic
ht ca merlin.
Outfit: E.V.E - Tears Suit E.V.E Morpheus Scarf Silver Set: E.V.E - Frozen in Time E.V.E - Poison Rain Synapses Fishes M01 E.V.E - Poison Rain Synapses Fishes M02 E.V.E -Pieces of Ice Cloud-Sea
Outfit: E.V.E - Broken Chains Connected Collar E.V.E - Ink Drops Suit E.V.E - Ink Flower Neck Ruff E.V.E - Shroud of Chains E.V.E - Swing Alma Hat “The Black Widow” E.V.E - Swing Black Widow Stars Bubbles Set: E.V.E - Cracked Ice Sheet E.V.E - Ivy with Bioluminescent Fungus
Outfit: E.V.E - Broken Chains: Scattered Roses E.V.E - Maleficent GW Horns E.V.E - Rapunzel Suit Glitter Set: E.V.E - Sunny Spells E.V.E - Dystopias Chained Roses E.V.E - Poison Rain Spikes Grass E.V.E - Koi Square Confetti Path
Outfit (Available at the World of Magic): E.V.E - Elf-2255 Gloves E.V.E - Elf-2255 Mask E.V.E - Elf-2255 Shoulders E.V.E - Etheral Neck Corset Branches Set: E.V.E - Poison Rain E.V.E - Poison Glitter
Outfit: E.V.E - Apocaliptica Cyber Snake Chains E.V.E - EtheralPearls & Ribbons Tiara Set: E.V.E - Dystopia Room Divider E.V.E - Eye of the Storm
Outfit: E.V.E - Noctiluca Stars Suit Glitter E.V.E - Asgard Wings E.V.E - Asgard Wings Headpiece Set: E.V.E Scatha Dragon E.V.E Dancing Stars Galaxy E.V.E Dancing Stars Ring
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designer highligh
FEATURING NISHI ITEMS AVAILABLE AT THE WORLD
ht
D OF MAGIC.
Nishi - Uniform (with Cloak)
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Nishi - Uniform (with Cloak) Nishi - Memvial
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Nishi - Variable Flask
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Nishi - Wand - Hedwig Nishi - Wand - Luna
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Nishi - Uniform (without Cloak) Nishi - Invisibility Cloak
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Nishi - Uniform (without Cloak)
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the art perspect 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 “Drawn Town” by Cica Ghost.
tive y by oema.
A reality made of cartoon inside a virtual world. Cica Ghost’s installation entitled “Drawn Town” allows visitors to immerse themselves in a black and white cartoon; a reality designed for children and created as if it were designed by a child. Cica Ghost is a Serbian artist known and appreciated in Second Life®. Cica Ghost creates cartoonstyle environments with a free 3D modeling program called Sculptris (by Pixologic, the same house as ZBrush). In this last installment, the environment presented is completely in black and white. The landing point looks like a tiny black-walled room where you can find some information about the artist: Cica usually distributes a notecard with the list of her previous art installations. A presence detector allows you to observe that, in these days of the exhibition’s opening, there was a significant influx of visitors. It is important to accept the “windlight settings” offered by the location to appreciate the details and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the sim. The vintage French music seems to be a perfect background to the proposed setting.
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The actual exhibition is under this tiny room and is accessible through the hole urging us with the word “jump”. Jumping through it, you find yourself immersed in that black and white cartoon setting. Those familiar with the art of Ghost will immediately recognize the style that, although the subjects and colors change in the various installations, is always the same, defined and unique. The installation “Drawn Town” (a title that suggests very well the theme of the exhibition) is mostly contemplative, not providing for particular forms of interaction. The only possible ones are to sit on the chairs and to visit
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the location using the machines made available to visitors: in both cases, these animations favor immersion in the virtual setting. I highly recommend all those who own a 3D mouse to use it to better appreciate the details of “Drawn Town”. Cica Ghost does not dispense much information about her installations: in the past, I’ve asked her if she had any information notes, but she replied that she prefers the visitor has his (personal) experience, without being influenced by an introduction by the artist. I will share, therefore, my interpretation, without any claim to approach the communicative intention of Cica Ghost.
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The cardboard world reflects a sensitive and childish soul who still has the desire to express itself within a context that seems to reject the spontaneity and authenticity typical of a child. Society rejects the idea of the adult-child because everything is in time: the age for being a child is different from the age of being an adult. Society, however, forgets that the soul has no age and that the need to express itself without filters, in an immediate and spontaneous way, cannot be only a prerogative of the child, but must be a normal mode of communication for the adult as well. In Cica Ghost’s installations, even in the most cheerful ones in terms of style and colors, I see this contrast, this bittersweet taste, between what “one would like to see” and “what is”. The world of Cica Ghost plunges us into idealism, allows our soul to breathe a sigh of relief for a moment, but at the same time reminds us that it is an ideal and not real. As long as society is based on the logic of work as a duty and not as a passion, on productivity and objectives, the young and creative vein will not find its expressive outlet.
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A phrase by Maureen O’Hara gives an interpretative clue to the viewer: ‘’In the beginning, it was all black and white.’’ This is a phrase that can be interpreted in various ways. One of the interpretations that I appreciate distinguishes between the way of seeing the world of the child (whose contours between good and evil, right and wrong are well defined, before society corrupts him with its rules), and the way of observing the reality of an adult (for which there are different shades of gray, and the events of life are almost never or completely right or completely wrong). Ghost’s installation is also perfect for taking very original photographs, exploiting all kinds of angles. The richness of the details will give each shot a touch of novelty and genuineness. Teleport to “Drawn Town.”
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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 asked resident, “Do you think you can be more authentically yourself in your real life or your Second Life? Why is that so?”
grid
Photograph provided by Vinore. Page 164 | ECLIPSE February 2019
vinore
V
inore Ismini Raven-Owle [Kiki Galewind] joined SL in 2010 in an effort to explore themselves and explore different interests. It was here that they learned different skill sets that helped to shape them to who they are today. Model, DJ, Business Owner, Photographer, Pose Creator... Vinore has done a lot and has no intention of stopping. I truly believe that you can be more authentic in both. But you can begin to explore your authentic self in Second Life and begin to understand who you are and what you are deep inside. Because of Second Life, I’ve been able to explore different aspects of myself, not just as a entrepreneur, but as a person. I feel that people on Second Life are more understanding and accepting of who we are, in all our weirdness. In finding that acceptance, we can begin to accept who we are as individuals and begin to import that to our real life. Thanks to Second Life, I now fully embrace my genderqueer/androgynous self and celebrate it in all aspects of my first and Second Life. Check out their Flickr and Marketplace.
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Photograph provided by Athena Artis.
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athena artis
A
thena Artis joined Second Life in the spring of 2010. She enjoys shopping, spending time with her friends and family and discovering new places in this vast user-made world. She is a girl with a big heart (too big sometimes) and with a huge passion for art and photography. Always looking through her rose colored glasses, she loves to make the people around her laugh and be uplifted. She began taking photos and posting them to flickr in 2015, and over the years developed a new eye for angles and lighting tricks. She began blogging in 2018, and she is still loving her time in world. I personally believe that people are never a hundred percent of who they actually are in either world. You see traits that come out in Second Life that don’t in the Real World and visa versa. The reason’s can span over so many areas of true ability to facilitation, or financial, or perhaps even the right person to bring out such a behavior. I do believe you get a true side of people in world though. Less worry and judgement, I suppose. I would guess that being in world would be easier to be more authentic because you have the ability to show the sides you may hide in the real world to people who don’t have a true impact on your ‘1st Life’, also including the ability to delete and block anyone that causes issues. However, I don’t really see a line that you can draw from one life to another with my personal journey in either world. Emotions and feelings flow through each world for me and I confide in my friends about both sides. Not saying there are not some people who can keep things separate, I am just not one who can. Roleplayers are a good example of the opposing argument, and each person plays the game however it makes them feel comfortable That’s really all you can ask. Check out her Flickr and Blog.
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Photograph provided by Kimlovely. Page 168 | ECLIPSE February 2019
kimlovely
K
imlovely dropped down onto the grid in 2012. She wanted to express her creativity and show her passion for fashion and that manifested into her creating her own blog on Flickr where she showcases her nicely put together looks. Recently she expanded to a instagram . Continuing with her creative nature, she decided to take it one step further and open up her own store “THE LOOK “ where she sells cosmetics and shapes to help enhance other avatars so they can look and feel their best while stomping around the grid that is Second life.
I believe I can be my authentic self in SL as well as in my real life. Kim is simply an extension of my real life persona. I love clothing and styling my avatar is really my personal model, that I get to dress up and style and she doesn’t talk back haha. In my real life I want to be in the fashion industry and that is what I am pursuing a job in styling/modeling myself. It’s my day to day. so Kim is an extension of who I am. I never wanted or dreamed of being anybody other than myself. I didn’t create this avatar to be something I am not, I wanted it to be a virtual me in a sense, from the look, all the way to what it does day to day. I believe it;s part of my work on this earth to help people understand that they are enough just as they are. So I believe I am no more myself in RL than I am in SL, I’m equally who I am all the way around. I think you have to make sure to surround yourself with positive, supportive people who accept you for who you are, and who encourages you to be your authentic self in RL as well as SL. That truly makes a difference. Check out her Flickr, Instagram and Marketplace.
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Photograph provided by Carmilla Halasy. Page 170 | ECLIPSE February 2019
carmilla halasy
C
armilla Halasy joined SL in 2007, she’s a fashion addict and loves playing and experimenting with various styles of outfits. She particularly adores the dark-gothic theme. She started taking pictures and posting them on Flickr back in 2010.
Honestly, things in SL are not so much different then in RL for me and I think I have always been myself in SL. That is true for my relations with other people: as a matter of fact, my best SL friends are still the same that I had back in 2007 and I’ve met them in RL too a few times now. Concerning the look of the avatar, my taste in fashion follows precisely the same I have in RL. I particularly love dark-gothic looks and all vintage styles: from medieval and renaissance to baroque and victorian, and anything from the 20s to the 50s. Most of the times, if not always, you will see my avatar wearing extremely pale skins and red hair, that’s because I actually am like that in RL. It goes without saying that in SL it is much easier to go for extreme looks that, for a number of reasons, I wouldn’t be able to sport in RL, especially the horror/ vampire themed ones, that I often pick for my pictures! Of course in SL you can do anything you like and changing haircut, hair color, makeup etc is just a click away. I don’t do role playing, nor I am looking for relationships, but I like meeting new people and making friends. Sadly for my wallet, I am crazy for shopping and I never miss the most famous events, which is also true in RL! ;) All in all, to me SL is more like a game where I can play with my AV and a medium that I can use to reach my friends than anything more, so, I definitely am myself in SL as much as I am in RL. Check out her Flickr.
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Photograph provided by Dlehi Lykin. Page 172 | ECLIPSE February 2019
dlehi lykin
D
lehi Lykin started out Second Life in the late summer of 2007. And wouldn’t you know it, people had a little trouble pronouncing Dlehi (pronounced DuhLeeHigh). Somehow the nickname “Ralphie” emerged and stuck. Go figure. Gender doesn’t matter a lot to Ralphie, so he appears in whatever form that takes his fancy. His stories are told in pictures, sometimes with a little help from his friends. It lets him express the little monsters that reside inside. Ralphie might be a workaholic, and has had the blog “Sugar on Snails” since 2014 which is on Flickr as well. He also does some side projects, and occasionally DJs at Starfall. Music, Manga Art, and B-rated 80s Horror Films are some of his artistic influences, but he just really loves taking pictures. He can usually be found haunting a skybox studio, setting up for his next creation. ~Written by Dehrynn Shepard (Author of Sugar on Snails Short Stories) Where to begin?... I’m not sure. But, I like to think I’m always true to myself no matter RL or SL. The only difference is what part of myself is being addressed.. Whether it be my Physical Self of one single form limited by the scientific laws of nature and how I was raised; or my Inner Self of many forms that has dreams and ideas with no limitations that can explore anything and be anything. Which one is the “more authentic” True Self? That is hard to say so I guess I’ll have to leave the question with a...For me neither is more authentic since they are just parts of a Whole Self. The idea of “Self” is something that has been debated upon philosophically and psychologically since the times of Socrates and Plato so I’m by no means qualified to answer this on the level of the Greats so this is just my quick take upon the matter. Check out his Flickr and Blog.
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Photograph provided by Daimaju Clowes. Page 174 | ECLIPSE February 2019
daimaju clowes
D
aimaju Clowes or simply “Dai” made his first impact on the surface of Second Life in June 2008. He ran into many great people very quickly who made him the person he is today. One of them is his wonderful wife he wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. He spent his first years as vampire of Bloodlines and never stopped being attracted by darkness. For the past few years he is found in the circles of the SL erotic industry (or Porn if you will) He had little businesses such as building, landscaping, breeding and even clothing design, which all didn’t last. However one thing did last until today and that’s his photography. With no one to teach him he developed his own style and ways to work his photography until this very day and yet has more than enough room to improve. His pictures contents vary from humor to brutally dark....from classic elegance to explicitly erotic. I think I can definitely be more authentically myself in Second Life, rather than in real life. Second Life gives me the possibilities to be the person I feel to be inside my soul....rather than conform to the restraints of the real world. Physical appearances inherited from my parents for one. In RL I went bald right after my 20th birthday but I love hairstyles (the irony) so it’s obvious I developed an addiction for hairstyles my SL self can wear. The same goes for fashion. The styles I can wear in here I would never be possible to do in RL. I am 6.3” tall in RL and have the physique of a wall. Haute couture is not cut for men like me so I can’t express myself wearing the things I would like to wear....besides the styles I DO like to wear might receive weird looks from people on the streets too. As for family and friends...well I have to admit that my friends in SL, I made over the years, have been more a family to me than my actual family in RL. To my RL family I was always kind of the odd one out and my interests have always been looked at with amusement or confusion...in any case I’ve never really been accepted in my family. Whereas in Second Life I can be who I am...no filters...no false acting to be liked. I can show my true feelings and emotions. And my friends love me for that...as I love them the same way Check out his Flickr.
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Photograph provided by Sssoniccc.
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SSSONICCC
S
ssoniccc has been in SL since April 2015. She has been an enthusiastic shopper and explorer, but has found her true passion in this world as a photographer. Photography is both a creative and emotional outlet for her. She also enjoys spending time with her close friends and enjoys decorating her home. You can view her captures on her Flickr. I believe that I can be more authentically myself in my Second Life than in my real life. I believe this because in real life there are parts of me that I keep concealed in fear of judgement. There are also emotions I keep concealed out of fear of rejection or to appear stronger than I really am. In my Second Life I am able to express all sides and moods of myself in my pictures and experiences. It is a safe place of escape where I can let my guard down and be present in my current state of mind. In my pictures I love to explore all sides of myself such as anger, sensuality, sorrow, and hope and do not hold back any part of me. My Second Life pictures are a true reflection of myself at the present moment. It is a cathartic and healing experience for me. This is why i believe that I can be more authentically myself in my Second Life. What a true gift to be part of a world that you can express yourself so freely! Check out her Flickr.
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Photograph provided by Ragatxa Rippley. Page 178 | ECLIPSE February 2019
ragatxa rippley
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agatxa Rippley [Ragatxa Resident] or as most people call her, Raga, joined Second Life in January 2011. She started her experience as a dancer, then managed some clubs, until she learned how to spin music to be Dj Raga. Actually, she is s heavy metal DJ at V-Side Battery Row@Charleston, Appalachian and she is model and fashion blogger on her Flickr. I think you can be authentic here, there, and everywhere. Only because even If we tried to be fake or pretended to be who we are not, every person has their own essence. We have our personality and, over time, we can’t help but show it to the rest of the world. Of course, in Second Life you can be whoever you want. But part of that character is built by ourselves. So yes, I think we can be authentic in both of worlds. That depends on people. Some are more authentic in SL, because in RL people judge them, and they get frustrated. However, in SL we can set our mind free. In my own experience, I am authentic in both. But maybe a bit more in RL, If you talk about physical appearance, because we can’t hide our face and bodies in RL, and in SL you can have the appearance you wish for. I could go on about this, but my short answer gets to what my opinion is. Check out her Flickr and V-Side Battery Row.
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Photograph provided by Jadeon Crystal.
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adeon Crystal first ventured into the world of Second Life in April of 2009, nearly a decade ago. She didn’t discover her passion for photography until much later, in 2017 and since then she’s been promoting the Dead Sexy brand with style, flair and grace. Before that she partook upon the various vampire RP’s and performed several odd jobs throughout the grid. Now she enjoys crafting her own sets, sporting her favorite fashions and posting her photography to her Flickr and her blog. She enjoys working alongside her partner to spread the Dead Sexy brand across the Grid, one Darkling at a time. On the topic of whether or not one can be more authentic in Second Life versus real life, allow me to start by simply answering with an emphatic “Yes!” while proceeding to elaborate; due to the “Person Behind the Screen” syndrome, people are able to be whoever and whatever they want without fear of personal backlash in their lives, and therefore I believe they tend to show their true colors more often. I believe it evens the playing field in that regard – it doesn’t matter whether you’re rich or poor, a goth or a nerd, handicapped or fit as a horse – everybody is the same with the exception of who they are, the very essence of their personality. All we are in Second Life is who we say we are, and I think for a lot of people that allows their either lesser-seen or even hidden qualities to surface. I believe that the availability of Groups in Second Life, be they for anything from foliage enthusiasts to BDSM kinksters, allow us to communicate and connect on deeper levels than real life in some cases because people find things to connect with that they may not necessarily have the ability to connect with in real life. I do believe, however, that while it can be fantastic for people to be themselves on the deepest of levels in Second Life, it is a double-edged sword in the sense that, for example, a racist with some deep-seated hatred of some race or creed may make that side of themselves more prevalent. But I feel even those people answer this question with that emphatic “Yes!” with their disgraceful behavior, because deep down those people just want to be something akin to a jerk. I wish to convey that it was because of this freedom to be myself that I was able to find my creative side, and went from being a very numbers-orientated, analytical person to a photographer with a passion for creating my own looks, my own sets, really just bringing my visions to life! And I never would have known I had this love for snapping pics if not for some soul searching and encouraging support from friends and family along the way, namely in Second Life. So yes, yes I do feel we can be more authentic in Second Life, not limited by the impeding roadblocks of real life Check out her Flickr and Blog.
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Photograph provided by Wicca Merlin.
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wicca merlin
f you just know a little bit about her, you will not expect the, “Hi I am Wicca Merlin, a model and blogger since 2008“ and then her throwing tons of big names at you. What is more to the point is that she does what she loves in SL. She loves fashion, blogging and teaching, She loves being creative with styles and discovered her love for designing and sometimes making poses. With her RL/SL partner she owns the brand Wicca’s Originals (former Wicca’s Wardrobe), where they create Original Mesh designs for about 2 years now. She is proud of what she has achieved. Not because it tells her what a great person she is. It shows to her, that you can really succeed with doing what you love and how you think it is right. She worked hard, had fights and there have been people trying to tell her what to do – or what not to. She surely picked the harder way, but in her eyes it was worth it. She would rather have one person she admires saying WOW, than a thousand half-hearted OKs. The WOW is the benchmark in everything she does. She thinks she owes it to herself, to the people she represents as a designer, model, blogger, stylist, photographer or teacher and to her customers. I really think I can be authentic in both lifes, since I am just one single person in RL and in SL, even if that might happen in a different way since in SL you can be way more fantasy and “non human” sometimes than you can be RL. To me SL is an extension that gives me the possibility to follow my crazy mind beyond the limits of real life. I am a musician and teacher in real life and even if the musician can be a bit wilder than the teacher who stands in front of 20 kids to teach them some Music, English or Maths, there are limits how to dress. I can’t imagine myself wearing an avant garde, huge outfit while trying to explain algebraic equation to the kids, nor I see myself running across the stage - while playing bass - with 30 centimeter high plateau shoes and a huge headpiece that I would lose every time I try headbanging... my band would kick me out before I could even try to explain :p To me Second Life if the way how I can express my creative craziness in stylings or even in designs.I do enjoy the “only the sky is the limit” idea that Second Life gives us. (ok the LL Game Mechanics are - but I like the other quote more) I am free to create whatever I do imagine or what ever I would like to wear myself. I can change my hair color in a blink and edit my shape to whatever I would like my pixels to look like according to my actual mood. To me SL as well is like “holidays for my brain” where I can be after real life work and just relax with making pictures, talk with friends (especially those I can’t meet on a regular base in real life because of the hundred or thousand miles between us) without dragging my body out after an exhausting 10 hours work day. Don’t get me wrong... going out and meeting friends is very important to me as well, but I do reserve that for the weekends, where I have more free time if we have no gigs with the band ;) I never claimed to be someone else or more in Second Life than my true self. So I really do think I am authentically myself in both lives after all and after 12 years I would have to lie if I would deny that Second Life became somehow a part of me and my real life as well especially since we do have the store. I just would not want to lose myself in one of the two worlds and as long as I feel that I am having a healthy balance between real life and Second Life, I do enjoy my time here exploring my dreams and visions that I could not realize in real life due mentioned reasons :) Check out her Blog, Flickr and Store. ECLIPSE February 2019 | Page 183
Photograph provided by Adra Braeden.
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adra braeden
dra Braeden has been working and playing in Second Life since February 2007 but first explored digital art and photography in May 2015 when a friend suggested to begin blogging their many roleplay outfits. It began with experimenting, a personal search for tutorials and what style would become his. Adra has gained attention for his signature dark, action-oriented pictures, and photoshop wizardry but his highest aim is to suggest a story with his pictures and he praises Photoshop for its ability to unshackle the photographer from the limits of the real and the available. “I don’t focus much on SL locations”. With photoshop he can set his photostories in any location, in any setting. He can ignite his characters with magical luminous power, express their pain with twisted demonic forms, or send them flying through foggy alien warzones. One of the most known faces that are used by him is the demonic image that he calls ‘his Creeps’. He encourages other residents to follow their dreams and fantasy in Second Life, to believe in their skills with photography and take opportunities to learn new skills and explore new hobbies. A real Belgian, he is a devoted cat-daddy, kid-daddy, mack-daddy and digital artist. I’m very much of an open book kind of person. I’m an expressive person. People around me know what kind of person I am. They know my humor, my style, what tickles me in laughter and what makes me sad. I rarely hide things. In every world, you get to see -me. If people don’t like what they see, it’s too bad. I treat people as I like to be treated, but I won’t fake myself for popularity or try to be something that I’m not. Still, though, it’s hard to completely express everything there is to say about myself, even with intentions of being authentic and open. For example, I don’t know anyone locally who shares my interest in Second Life, virtual worlds, Flickr, or digital art. It can be very difficult for me to share my love for my work with friends and family when they don’t have the same interests or even an understanding of what makes digital communities interesting or appealing. I think knowing their confusion and disinterest makes me more shy and closed about SL when talking to non-SL friends and family. I’ve been able to reach my current accomplishments with Photoshop mostly due to my SL chum Lost Seattle, to my treasured friends and supporters on Flickr, and my real partner who tries so hard to encourage me in my dreams simply because those dreams matter to me. Second Life is like that too. I always approach my Second Life with the intention of being open and authentic. I am a blogger, but I won’t blog every item that designers offer. I’m a blogger but I’ll only create art with products that genuinely please and excite me. I refuse to force myself in creating an image that isn’t me because it just won’t work. But in SL, there are limits on how we can interact, and on what we can safely share about our lives. Ultimately, my art (rl and SL) is where I am most authentic. In my art I can let my fantasy go wild and wicked, I can role-play and write tales with my friends and work on my pictures without any limits. Even if I feel down in real life, then that sadness can inspire me. I can grab my headphones, snap a rough green screen picture in Second Life, and dive fully into my fantasy. It’s there where I feel most myself -- in creating the worlds of my imagination. My pictures are me. They’re inspired by my writing in Second Life and by the emotions I feel offline and online. They hold the BANG of inspiration I get from music and the slow joy of puzzling over each little detail of scene and character. In real life and Second Life, people might never see every side of me through conversation, but in my art, they’ll see what I love Check out his Flickr. ECLIPSE February 2019 | Page 185
Photograph provided by Lucia Brune. Page 186 | ECLIPSE February 2019
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lucia brune
ucia Brune started in SL, in 2009, She began in a help group and at the same time focused on learning different possibilities offered by SL. She focused on the world of fashion and decor. Today she advises in both areas. She has completed several fashion courses and taught in some academies. Today she dedicates herself to being a blogger. Authenticity results from doing and being what one feels. From a personal point of view, I consider myself as authentic in my real life as in my Second Life. I have maintained relationships for years, not many, it is also true, but it would be impossible for me“not to be me”with my friends. When friendships are maintained over the long term, it would be difficult for me to maintain a fictional character. Sooner or later reality trumps fiction. Authenticity for me is to strike a balance between honesty with oneself and the world around us. It is being natural and maintaining your essence. From a fashion point of view, I have always thought, that you wear what you wear, you keep your essence. It must also be said that sometimes you feel obliged to dress with styles that do not go with oneself. In those moments you have to figure out how to take it to your terrain, your style. It is not always easy. But I always try to “feel” what I’m wearing and get that there is some identification of my authenticity with what I show. Sometimes when I have time, I love looking at others’ photos, I have come to know who the photographers are, without looking at their names and all because they maintain a style, attitude, and behavior, both graphicly, visually, and in their styling. I am sure that we do not know to what extent we project a style and how others see or identify us, but in the same way that I identify others, others fit you into a style. Therefore, I think that authenticity is projected through an image, regardless of what you see. Being a blogger, is the way I have to express my personality and feel as I want. And an important aspect is “creativity” that is still a great tool. When in real life we wear clothes that are “special for us” we feel a different person, even a special one; It is like increasing abstract thinking and it is totally subjective, but it creates a “collateral effect” since we perceive how it influences the perception of others. I dare to say, that what we wear conforms to our personality. Through the image we maintain a “non-verbal communication” that leads us to “empathy and approach, even with people we do not know.” And I keep reflecting ... sometimes we use the term “It is very authentic” to say that someone is picturesque or charismatic and that they catch our attention, almost always branded as daring. People who leave the socially acceptable or what we call “not normal.” I have always thought that what we want to pretend, has nothing to do with authenticity Check out her Flickr and Blog. ECLIPSE February 2019 | Page 187
Photograph provided by Sei Han Skarsgard. Page 188 | ECLIPSE February 2019
sei han skarsgard
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ei Han Skarsgard [(justletitrain] was born on November 22 of 2012 but he was nothing like he is today. You would be surprised to see how much he changed along with Second Life. The first two years of his life were inactive until he returned and met a group of weird and unreplaceable people, his dearest friends the ones that had been with him for five years now.
Those friends weren’t the only people he met during his years in Second Life, but they were the only ones that stayed. He began role-playing and tuning up his appearance little by little although he did not feel confident enough to show himself as he really is. A couple of years passed before he finally showed that being genderfluid is how he felt most comfortable. Luckily his dearest friends did not let him down and accepted him. Exploring sims, meeting new people and fooling around with his friends was all Sei Han was about until it became monotonous. By then his friends had already joined the world of photography and blogging and he wanted to try it too. With the help of his more experienced friends he began taking pictures not for blogging but for the love to art. He began learning from tutorials and his friends’ advices. It wasn’t long before he applied to blog for small stores and that’s how he turned into what he is today. He is not a professional photographer, but he sure loves to edit and try new things in his photos. “Can’t change, won’t change. If I don’t feel comfortable, I can’t keep on wearing a skin that wasn’t made for me and a shape I don’t fit in. I beg your pardon, but I won’t be wearing a feminine silhouette, not for you nor for anyone” — Sei Han. It’s hard to change your skin and shape in real life. It is not impossible to be in appearance what you feel you really are, but it’s difficult and for some people it’s impossible to change. There are many factors and risks to take into consideration. Not only when it comes to physical changes but also when it comes to your family members and your loved ones. Many questions come to mind as of what are they going to feel about it? Will they accept it? Or would they disown me? And, some other questions such as will I feel complete with those changes or will it feel like I am missing something? All that without mentioning the monetary costs and pain involved. Being authentically ourselves isn’t only about attitude but for some people like me it is also about gender. Each human is different and the way they feel can differ from mine. Also, they don’t feel what I feel, and I can’t possibly feel what they feel. Different ways of thinking and courage. Where some people are fearless to go, I fear. That’s why I can’t change my real life. I don’t want to change it anymore. After hard years of thinking and hurting about it I became resolute not to change. That doesn’t apply when it comes to Second Life because in Second Life you can be whatever you want to be and most of the people won’t judge you because as it’s named, it’s our Second Life. Although we can’t be sure people in virtual world won’t mind it. I’ve met some people that demand to hear a “voice” and I don’t deny it but as you can guess some of them did not accept that voice. Because it did not match my avatar. I accept them not accepting me. I just let them go for when one leave, two more can enter and I am glad they left. That way I remain only with those few who accept me as I am. It’s easier for me to be a genderfluid in Second Life than in real life and it’s also easier to be accepted. Without having anything to hide is how I can be more myself for I don’t have to hide my sexuality and way of thinking. It’s easier to find in Second Life people who think like you, people who feel like you do or are in a similar situation. Finding the right people to hang out is how you can be more yourself than in real life because in real life I can’t talk casually to someone about all that I’ve written here for I fear it will reach my loved ones’ ears or neighbors and being pointed out is not something easy to endure in real life. I do think I can be more authentically myself in Second Life than in real life. In Second Life if you want to be authentic you can, but also you can be fake if that’s what you desire, either way you would still be yourself. Check out his Flickr, Blog and Facebook. ECLIPSE February 2019 | Page 189
Photograph provided by Rosenrott Blackheart.
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ROSENROTT BLACKHEART
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osenrott Blackheart joined Second Life in January 2006. Since then he has wanted to discover this vast virtual world. Currently he is dedicated to photography, writing mini stories, blogging, and managing events for Sanarae and Nana stores. He will soon open a virtual store also and has opened a new page of his work on Facebook. In the past he was dedicated to moderating and helping other users in Spanish-speaking places and groups. He also taught modeling, construction and photography. His personality defines him as shy, strange, funny, a dreamer, open-minded, respectful of others, and a lover of the arts. His style is Androgynous and he uses avatars of a man and a woman. His photographs try to convey to the viewer all kinds of feelings and transport them to a world of fantasy and magic. I am of the kind of person who likes to be like I am in real life, I think it is important to accept ourselves as we are and to make ourselves known without masks, so that people are not surprised and take away an idea that is not real. Sincerity is important to me and I think we all deserve to be met with sincerity. That’s why I do not like lies. In Second Life I can also be much more than I am in real life, from the simplest as the dream of flying, traveling, seeing new places, meeting people from all over the world, which has also helped me learn more languages ​​and cultures. I have been able to live fascinating adventures in my avatar. Interacting with a joint story with more users in a role place, I could be what I wanted in this platform. I could be of the elf race. I always liked Tolkien a lot. I am a person without prejudices and I like to have the experience of using a masculine and feminine avatar, I think we can be who we want in this platform. I always try to learn things and be the best for others, offering kindness and help in any questions or doubts they may have. I also like to make people laugh in hopes they do not end their day without having smiled at least once in that day. I fulfills me to offer a hand to someone who is a bit lost at the beginning of entering this great world. When I started there in 2006, I did not know anyone and I know that at the beginning you can feel very lost, but it is always good to find help in someone who is happy to offer it. I can live many beautiful experiences in Second Life. I can open my imagination and create a world of possibilities by building, decorating and photographing. I like to try to make known the small magical things that life gives us with my photographs and illustrations.So many beautiful things are there waiting for us to see if only we observe a little around us. Life is full of wonderful little miracles that you can enjoy, in both worlds. I want to thank this opportunity to appear in your magazine and be able to share a little of my art to the world. Check out his Flickr, Blog, Facebook, Instagram, Story Page and Tumblr. ECLIPSE February 2019 | Page 191
Photograph provided by Shi Bumi. Page 192 | ECLIPSE February 2019
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shi bumi
hi Bumi (Halenia resident) was born in SL in 2014 and was immediately fascinated by this fantastic and multiform world. The meeting with the photographer Sergio Jiadom marked an important turning point: from that moment he became her teacher and she was thrilled by the possibilities that photography could offer in SL. Thus she began a journey in which she studied the effect of light and the possibility of portraying avatars in the most expressive and realistic way possible, trying to express intensity of feelings and emotions. This is a really interesting subject.
In general I believe that Second Life is an extension of Real Life and therefore, in some way, its completion. Second Life is a world populated by dreamers, who try to express themselves in an entirely mental context, free from taboos or conventions and constraints. As for real life, I feel very accomplished in my work, an irreplaceable part of my life, in which I feel fully myself. At the same time, however, I could never give up the mental openness that the Second Life world offers: a secret and private space in which you can chat with friends from all over the world and meet people close to you but so distant in life everyday, even geographically. Substantially Second Life is a “dialogue between related souls” more authentic than we believe, because inside the shell of the avatar we ourselves are free from any conventions. For this reason I am convinced that even in Second Life there is a part of me that is very authentic and important. Someone is convinced that the avatar is a mask to hide behind? Yes, and I agree with Oscar Wilde who said: “Give the man a mask and he will tell you the truth”. Check out her Flickr.
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Photograph by Tempest Rosca.
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achel Acoustic joined SL in 2010. She was inspired to become a successful blogger. Her success comes from her self-motivation, her willingness to learn how to edit photos and listen to advice and tips from a friend who was an experienced blogger. She had already developed some good art skills during her old IMVU days and brought them to SL. She tries to give the very best of herself and values the recognition she receives for her hard work. She recently was nominated for “Trending SL blogger of the Year”. Rachel loves sharing her passion for blogging with her followers on her social media. She also has a passion for exploring with her family and travels across SL sims with them. They enjoy those special bonding moments. Rachel has dreamed of having a big SL family and a loving caring husband by her side. She just wants family to always put a smile on her face and support her through her hard work and make her feel very special. She has three kids in total, two daughters and one son. I think I can be authentic in both worlds because I can see myself as a person who’s very genuine towards people who cross paths with me. I try to face obstacles which leads me to having the courage to show the potential I have within the real-life world as well with Second Life. I have learned and gained from them. I believe I can bring so much love to the things that I set my mind to that It can help me accomplish more with in my life. I have made lots of connection in reality from doing my hairstyling course I feel as though It helped me build relationship with the people I encounter. it gives me joy because I’m the type of person who likes to bring spark and humility into people’s daily lives. From having this experience in real life, I also made amazing friends within the virtual reality world. I feel like it’s my escape of going into a world full of my fantasies, because I can be as creative as my imagination. Getting that chance to look beyond things helps me have a positive outlook on both lives.It brings the inner person out of myself and makes me want to always have that confidence to not be afraid to take risks in both the Real and Virtual worlds. I am who I am in both worlds which is what makes me stand out and be unique and more authentic in both worlds. Check out her Flickr, Facebook, Instagram and Blog.
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Photograph provided by PJ Lionheart.
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PJ LIONHEART
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J Lionheart [Pattyjess Dagger] Her close friends call her PJ, short for Pattyjess. She is an open-minded person, friendly and funny. Her hobbies in the first place is photography. She loves the beauty and colors of the SL world .
I am a genuine person in both realms, i don’t pretend, the same me in RL is who you see in SL. I am straight-talking, I say what i think and what I wish for my friends, respectful and full of joy, I love to express my feelings with pictures. Photography was always my favorite hobby. Check out her Flickr.
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places to go...
written by novaleigh freng. photography by temp
Places to Go... is a semi-regular ECLIPSE Magazine column that explores different areas of Second Life to visit. For this month’s feature, Novaleigh is here to save the day for any last minute Valentines plans you haven’t set yet with “Date Night Destinations That Will Sweep Them Off Their Feet.”
est rosca.
We all had our own reasons for joining Second Life, but no matter what those reasons started out to be, there’s one thing no Second Life residents can deny: Second Life is a wonderful way to meet new people. When you fall in love in Second Life, it can be truly wonderful. But then, in a virtual world where you can do anything, what do you do for your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day to really make a statement? Fear not! At ECLIPSE, we want to make sure you have an amazing Valentine’s Day, and we’ve compiled a list of some truly wonderful places to take that special someone for a bit of fun and romance. Page 202 | ECLIPSE February 2019
Roses on the Waterfront Restaurant and Wine Tasting This beautiful self-service waterfront venue is the perfect place to take your loved one if you want an intimate experience. It sits right on the water. Decorated with twinkling lights and roses climbing the walls, Roses on the Waterfront sets the mood for a fabulous evening. Patrons can dine inside or wander out to the deck, where they can enjoy a bit of wine-tasting or simply dance together in the moonlight. Click here to start your date night. ECLIPSE February 2019 | Page 203
AfterTaste Premium Dining Service A night out at AfterTaste will cost you a few lindens, but this dining experience has a lot to offer with full service dining, dancing, and beautiful views of the water. They’re already prepped and decorated for Valentine’s Day, with a limited menu selection including appetizers, dinner, and dessert for their patrons. While you can try to show up on Valentine’s Day, couples with reservations will be seated first. Reservations are L$500 per couple. Click here to start your date night.
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Del Renee Villas
Del Renee Villas reopened on the First of Februar extra. Del Renee features a dining area, a spa, and Day. A date at Del Renee will cost you a few of lin Click here to start your date night. Page 206 | ECLIPSE February 2019
ry, and it’s a great place to go if you’re looking for a little d more to explore with your loved one this Valentine’s ndens, but you and your loved one are sure to love it!
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MadPea’s Mad World
If you and your date are looking for a more non-traditional night out this Val you’re looking for! MadPea’s Mad World has several fun attractions - games, j MadPoints if you’re a seasoned MadPea gamer). You learn a lot from someon be the perfect place to go if you really want to learn what makes your sweet Click here to start your date night.
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lentine’s Day, MadPea is always ready and willing to deliver the experience jump quests, and more! Many are free to the public (or may cost you some ne when you’re doing a jump quest together, so MadPea’s Mad World may tie tick and have a great night of fun and games, too!
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Seas
If yo deliv and matt
Click
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side Lounge Live Music Venue
ou’re looking to dance the night away, the Seaside Lounge is the place to be. This fun venue really vers! It’s right on the beach. Enjoy performances from some of the best live artists in Second Life explore the sim. If you and your sweetheart are brave, you can even try to feed the sharks! No ter what you do, it’s sure to be a Valentine’s Day that your other half will remember for a while!
k here to start your date night.
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Shagwong Cave Resorts
If you really want to get away from it all this Valentine’s Day, check out Shagwong Cave resorts. Th with your loved one. Shagwong offers several rental options and a lot of fun for the couple seekin Click here to start your date night.
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heir rentals allow for a fun and private evening ng a personalized experience.
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The Peak: Romance and Beyond The Peak really does go above and beyond. If you’re looking for a one-stop romantic experience this Valentine’s Day, you have to check this place out. They offer a self-service restaurant, several ballrooms for dancing, and various rentals (starting at about L$400 per day). This is a beautiful sim, and they’re in the process of expanding to offer even more to their patrons. Stop by today to check it out, and be sure to immortalize your special night with a few pictures while you’re there. Click here to start your date night. ECLIPSE February 2019 | Page 215
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THE wayfarer...
photography by taylo
“The Wayfarer” is a monthly feature by Taylor Wassep showcasing some of the most aesthetic places in Second Life®. Along worn dirt paths, the Wayfarer discovered the picturesque sim that is Valium. Filled with lush greenery and places seemingly forgotten by people who have left their footprints, this is a place of wilderness and mountains but more importantly beauty.
or wassep.
Explore Valium and immerse yourself in it’s wonder.
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