Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Reign Congrejo Fashion Editor Wild Bedrosian Asst Fashion Editor Shantal Gravois CONTRIBUTORS Lynxa Jameson Jackson Redstar Arya Braveheart Sita Writer CompE Lockwood Reign Congrejo Sammie Audion Jamee Sandalwood Magissa Denver Wild Bedrosian www.thebestofsl.com
BOSL Magazine November 2018 Edition
10 Bosl edition
CONTENT
43
12 33
SLICE OF HEAVEN 12 ISLAND OF KONG 33 CAMPING IN AUTUMN 43 SAN RAMONA 61 FASHION WEEK 77
Bosl edition
11
Slice Of Heaven
Article and Photography by: Sammie Audionmie Audion ter an
In perfect grace, colorful leaves are flying along in the wind – sometimes a swirl to the left, sometimes to the right. A pattern we seem to observe, but no, the wind follows its own dance. That wind, however, as playful as it might appear, brings colder air from the north. The days are getting shorter. A jacket is required now for your evening walks. Autumn is knocking on your door.
far from perfect, if we truly observe and listen to our hearts. Some fail to listen or claim that things where better years ago. But make no mistake, it never was perfect. The ‘good old times’ are a nostalgic ‘make-believe’ story with its own sad or upsetting issues, which might have been different than today, but none the less existed.
Fall often makes us thoughtful. Perhaps it’s the longer nights, having more time during the dark. Is it that the end of the year is already lurking at the horizon, maybe? Or even the foggy days, taking all the distracting visual influences away to confront us with ourselves and our understanding of the world we live in? Granted, this world is certainly
That being said, what can this seasonal time of ‘slowing down’ bring us? Perhaps a time of recollection and re-energizing – even rebirth? The pagan calendar calls this time Samhain, considered to be one of the most important festivals of the year. A time to honor passed family, friends, and familiars. It is considered a very powerful time, perfect to ask for
Bosl edition
guidance, help, clearing of negativity, and starting the new year in a positive light. Sure, not everyone shares this kind of spiritual approach, but – generally speaking – might pagans be onto something here?
to this point? Walks in the fall forest shortly after dark, or a walk in the fog, perhaps? Yes, that might work. But what if you can’t or don’t want to for whatever reason? Second Life (SL) can help once more! Listen to your favorite relaxing music and visit some park-like sim decorated in the beauty of fall. The rusty golden-brown Whatever the answer to that question may leaves – those intense colors that slow down nature so be, collecting ourselves to think about where that it finds relaxing and reviving sleep until the new our life is heading and what we can do to take year awakes. charge of the things we can – regardless how little or large they might be— is certainly not A ‘Slice of Heaven’ is the perfect place to do just a bad idea. This requires focusing our mind that. Lauren Bentham is certainly not new to art and emotions, trying to let go of convolution, and expression in SL. With much love for detail, she attempting to make complex issues small and decorated this sim to create a place with character and personal. After all, we can peel away layers some sort of reality, that makes you almost feel the fall of complex issues until we are able to answer wind whispering words through the trees: ‘you might them with a simple Yes or No.How do we get
Bosl edition
13
need to calm down and focus on the simple truths of life.’ Why not slender along the river to the lighthouse. Maybe even cross the bridge into an entirely new environment? Can you feel the breath of Bentam’s recreation of nature?
So, why not find a little inspiration, a place of reflection even, in this virtual reflection of fall. Maybe you can even feel that chilling breeze from the north to help you focus on the good things we have in our lives – our own ‘Slice of Heaven’.
Sure, some might claim these are just pixels – nothing but ones and zeroes. But if we think about it. our brain compensates for missing details in a blurred photo or makes us see things in a scene that were not there (Sure that is true! Houdini and Copperfield would never be icons of their field otherwise). So, it can be claimed that pixels hold imprints of thoughts and emotions, perhaps even life itself – sort of fossils, perhaps.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Slice%20 of%20Heaven/197/192/21
Bosl edition
44
THE TRUTH ABOUT FASHION WEEK EDITIORS CORNER Having several real-life fashion weeks under my belt, I wanted to discuss what happens behind the scenes to get ready for such a big event. Being here on Second Life and being involved in BOSL Fashion Weeks over the last years have taught me some valuable lessons in what is expected in a virtual world. TMany here in this virtual world want to keep events close to those that are of real life; however, they also want to put twist(s) in them as they see fit that will work with their own agenda and to their own benefit. Putting a Fashion Week together takes a lot of time, planning, blood, sweat, and tears. Models are either known by designers and asked to model or an agency is brought in for castings. Size is taken into consideration when picking models based on the designers clothing and what sizes have been made by the designer. Models will usually wear at least three to five designers in a show. Several fittings take place over several weeks to ensure that outfits are correctly fitted to each model. Some designers design right on the spot, so the model’s size won’t matter as the wrap around outfits are made to fit any and all sizes.
Written and Makeup by: Reign Congrejo The day of the fashion show, hair and makeup teams alongside designers and stylist(s) usually arrive 6-7 hours before the actual show. Meetings occur; pictures are hung on the walls of how each model’s hair and makeup should look as well as how certain stylings should go with each designer. After an hour or so, the models start to arrive and are immediately taken into hair and/or makeup. A lead checks and signs off on each hair and makeup look as they are completed. Next, the models move on to fitting and styling and pictures, and then it’s runway time. All of this preparation for two minutes on the stage— so well worth it. The models are never in Diva mode, instead humble, modest, and easy to talk to. They may have me laughing all night or just want someone to confide in, perhaps having a relationship problem and needing a listening ear. They never consider themselves superior, simply enjoying their craft and wanting to enhance their skills. Working as a model is often described as having a role in a play, getting to dress up and take center stage. It all comes down to this: Second Life for many is a real way of living; however, too many divas do not treat others with respect. Understand that modeling is a profession,
Bosl edition
27
Ijust like being a Designer, Makeup Artist, or Stylist— it doesn’t require putting others down to build oneself up. It is about making money and having fun. Here at BOSL, we strive to be an example of how Fashion Week should be done through our own prestigious week. We have a team of leaders who will run our biannual Fashion Weeks dedicated to following the above rundown. Owning BOSL, having been involved in the RL fashion industry for almost 20 years, owning an RL brand of cosmetics, and mindset coaching have given me the experience needed to place this virtual world empire on the map. BOSL has scaled back on certain businesses, realizing where it will put its mark in the virtual society. Make sure you stay tuned to BOSL in the future, as the best is yet to come.
“The most important thing to remember is that you can wear all the greatest clothes and all the greatest shoes, but you’ve got to have a good spirit on the inside. That’s what’s really going to make you look like you’re ready to rock the world.” —Alicia Keys
Bosl edition
29
Kong Island Occasionally in Second Life, one discovers another realm— often by chance, occasionally by circumstance, and maybe by luck. One such accidental destination is Meditates. For in this jungle island awaits adventure, fantasy, and a giant monkey. Perhaps you have heard of him – King Kong. That’s right. The King Kong, star of film, books, and virtual reality. He is, perhaps, the most famous resident of this land and reigns over many. And the many just love it. But the many are rather special, too. Dragons and elves and fairies – oh my. Villagers, some peaceful and others war inclined, mix and mingle with creatures that once existed prehistorically and others that exist only in this world and their creator’s minds. “It’s a jungle world, medieval, fantasy, and role play,” says Rosabella, the mastermind who modestly refers to herself as “part of the furniture.” Making our way through the lush vegetation shared by humans and mystical creatures, she explains the environment. “There is much dancing, hunting, feasting, and treasure hunts.
Article by: CompE|Photography: CompE and Cara Lockwood We have our own stories and background, skills and abilities, but this jungle is for everyone to enjoy, not just role players. Many come from their RL world here to relax and get away and just to be with the beauties of nature.” And then there is Kong. He towers over everything, generally peaceful but at times displaying anger management issues. His presence and presence of mind are unpredictable. “Just don’t take his bananas,” warns Sik’is, Rosabella’s husband. “He may be on a banana hunt today.” Actually, Kong does pretty much what he wants to do. It is what one expects from a 65 –plus feet tall muscular monkey. Kong never speaks, which would spoil the character’s reality. “He embodies primal chaos after all,” adds frequent guest Ajutar. Rosabella. “He is only here when he wants to show himself. I guess he’s a wild animal and comes and goes in the jungle as he pleases.” King Kong’s avatar is like
Bosl edition
33
the Sci-Fi Expo, the Sci-Fi Convention, and Relay for Life.” Superhero sites have similar venues. All are dedicated to saving the world and having fun doing it. Let’s start with the Justice Sim.
no other in SL. In addition to colossal size, the ape with an attitude can beat his chest, pull trees from the ground, toss rocks, and swat airplanes from the sky – just ask the folks on the Empire State Building. Want to join the jungle? Everyone is welcomed. “Here you are free to be what you want and when you want,” adds Rosabella. We create freedom to express yourself as you please.” The site boasts
(and can back it up) “creativity, rich content, amazing conversations, friendships, and character development of a unique time and situation.” Open your minds and let the creative juices flow like the towering waterfalls in this fantasy jungle paradise. As the owner says, “Act, do, and say as you would if you are actually there, which you indeed are.” Frequent visitor and role player Lorus adds, “I think the best part of these lands is we have a
great diversity of folks who have a liking to certain types of characters, and it is fun to watch everyone develop in their roles.�
Make friends with the locals: Townsfolk, Merchants, Militia, Settlers, and more. Villages are embedded in the forests and so are great estates and castles.
For a totally immersive experience, drop in Kong’s island home with your sound on. Hear birds chattering, leaves rustling, and dragon wings flapping. Some trees have beautiful foliage; others have faces. Butterflies flutter about, except on closer examination, they’re fairies.
It is also home to the most diverse wildlife and domestic animals of Second Life. On one hill, cattle and sheep graze placid pastures. Just over the mountain, a mother dragon hatches her brood. And there is every form of critter imaginable in between.
Bosl edition
35
23. SHIELD meets Saturday Oct. 6. How cool is that, and what do they discuss? Find out for yourself, perhaps with a cape and x-ray vision as one of the few, the proud, the superheroes of Second Life. Melina Firehawk has been a superhero for over five years as a role player and site administrator for the Justice Sim. “I really enjoy taking on the roles of the canon characters.” Melina portrays Firestar, Scarlet Spider, and a personally created character, Sea Hawk. Her other alts of power include Troia, Siren, and Hila, twin of Mera. “I make them my own while interacting with others on a social basis, or during larger
RP events that advance the storyline. I also enjoy having our sims participate in certain opportunities around Second Life like the Sci-Fi Expo, the Sci-Fi Convention, and Relay for Life.” Superhero sites have similar venues. All are dedicated to saving the world and having fun doing it. Let’s start with the Justice Sim.
If you wander upon a large cave, stay out of it. “That’s Kong’s den,” warns Rosabella. “Don’t go in. You do not want to wake him.” Startling a lower primate who once downed military aircraft from atop a skyscraper, without the aid of opposable thumbs, is never a good idea.
Tribes and colonies populate the entire sprawling sim. Each has its own personality. Their lives are interwoven into roleplay, stories, bonded in friendships. First timers can easily spend a day here and not see it all. Hundreds visit daily. Many choose to stay.
Residents of this strange and beautiful land call humans “land walkers.” Well, most of them do; some call humans “lunch.” Avoid the latter.
Rules are posted not to display authority but to ensure all enjoy a Second Life experience second to none.
Kong’s island home has welcome information which reads, in part, “If you want to join in on a RP, by all means do. Once you have figured out what is happening, anything can happen, and often does. We do expect the unexpected here. After all it is a wild jungle isn’t it?” Indeed it is – wild, wonderful, and whimsical. The Island fortress is a place to let go in another world. It is an opportunity to go ape. Just ask Kong. Marvel’s calendar of events is one the coolest in SL. At this visit, the Avengers were set for Sunday, Sept.
Bosl edition
37
Camping In Autumn Who goes camping in summer? Not me! You have to deal with bugs, sunburn, and loads of other people. Awful! Much better to go camping in a season that offers stunning colours, cooler temps, and bug-free enjoyment. To be honest, I don’t go camping in any season. My idea of camping is a hotel with a cafe close by. However, in Second Life, I get to enjoy the fun without any of the downfalls like lack of plumbing, uncomfortable sleeping arrangements, and strangers all camping nearby. In fact, this camping ground is almost tempting to me. I am picturing friends and family getting together and enjoying some time together. I imagine them out canoeing, apple picking and hiking during the day, and then, in the evening, gathering around the fire, toasting marshmallows and laughing as the sun slips slowly into the sea. Okay, the reality of family gathering may not be as romantic and TV movie-ish as all that, but in Second Life, reality can be whatever I imagine it to be. I am a Disney girl at heart, so mushy and perfect it is. The first piece I placed in this scene was the campfire and rock seating from GOOSE, as it is the
Written and Photography by: Arya Braveheart centre of it all. The gathering place. I even added some small decor pieces at this point to get the right feel to it all. Next up was the tents and campers, and I rezzed a whole heap of them before I settled on the ones you can see here. I wanted a potpourri of styles and types because this is family, made up of different people with their own tastes and flair. These tents range from the family size to that guy who turns up with no tent and “just prefers to be at one with nature.� He is the guy who brings his fancy stretcher bed but at the first drop of rain is trying to edge his way into your tent. Yep, that guy. After the sleeping areas were set, I had fun creating each camping spot. Different items added some individuality to each space. You can almost see who each tent is based on through the decor items outside or inside it. This is also where I started using Marketplace or trekking off to stores to find pieces I wanted. Last was the grass and trees, as they get in the way if you lay them earlier. I also threw a few extra leaves about to really give it that autumn forest feel.
Bosl edition
43
I had a blast doing this scene, and part of that was thinking of all the things that people would want to have while roughing it in the great outdoors. Personally, I would add a proper bed, a hot tub, and a coffee cart to the look, but perhaps that is just me. Credits:
GOOSE - Rocks Campfire Set, A girls hide out - books and extra wood, Fall feelings hot chocolate stump {what next} - Bear Canyon Tent, Cooler and Rolled Up Sleeping Bag, Firespit & Kettle; Pine Ridge Camping Set , Fall Woodland Drinks (Cider), Fall Woodland Cookies, Drinks Cooler, Hanne Kettle (Blue), Little Barbeque, Ocean Candle in Jar, Rain Candle in Jar on Knotted String, Decorative Sonoma Bicycle -Turquoise, Wellies (Tartan), Fall Woodland Cookies (log), Garden Cafe Papercups Stack Tipped (stripe yellow), Cottage Washing Line CHEZ MOI - Camping Fun Tent, Double Camping Tent Bon Echo, Blanket Bon Echo, Wrought Tricycle Decor, Outdoor Kettle Bon Echo, Picnic Cheese and Bread, Cup With Flower Serenity Style- Around the World Caravan, Camping Mug, Camping Fridge, Camping Guitar NOMAD // Vintage Roadtrip Car // Blue, Scattered Leaves (Variety) [Consignment.] - The Cuddle Camper - Pink, Open Road Collection - Cooler - Blue, Radio Sari-Sari - Beach Vacation - Fish Crates and Boots, Beach Vacation - Fish Net 1 hive // gone fishin clutter, blue canoe Kuro - Hitchhiker Kit
22769 - Game Of Chess, Camping Cups, Sailing Books, Lord Of The Things Books, Fairy Lantern, Tic Tac Toe Game, Magazines, Rustic Lantern, Teddy Bear, Wellies (Yellow), Harbour Master Book, Travel Bag, Boy Scout Stools .:revival:. camp stool Dreamscapes Art Gallery - *Apples* Bucket brocante. water bottle / sunrise, anchor balls shutter field - decor oars - green and white, picnic basket - dark - with menu [CIRCA] - “Oakfield” String Lights & Posts 1 and 2 - Brown Bazar - Traveler-Bags 1 and 2, Stockholm-Sneakers decor - female and male, Book and glasses-Decor, Traveler-Diary +Half-Deer+ Neatly Folded Blankets - Leaves Kuro & [Con.] - Max’s Hideout - Kirsty Bear - Large KraftWork - Vintage Bakelite Radio Kuro - [Wooden toys gacha] - Aeroplane DJ / SF - Camp Table with Blankets - dark, camp bed - light Trompe Loeil - CassIa Camping Chair Brown + Blanket, Red Apple Single Little Branch - Korean Beech Tree{Animated}5Seasons JIAN :: Squirrels (Wanderer) 3D Trees - Beech forest season, Botanical - T2C Sugar Maples A and B [we’re CLOSED] - grass field dry 03 - round
Bosl edition
45
Santa Ramona Valley Santa Ramona Valley is a Modern Urban Roleplay community set in a Californian coastal valley city. They cater to all walks of life from the very rich to the very poor. They accept all skill levels of players; however, the community prides itself on descriptive paragraph storytelling. Combat is done via roleplay or dice in an attempt to ensure fair play. As I walked around the city, I noticed small pockets of people conversing. I approached a group that was huddled inside of the Smoke Signals Marijuana Shop and listened in. I was expecting a tripped out story or some random ramblings... I mean, it’s a ‘marijuana’ smoke shop! Right? So, yeah: eating snacks, seeing vivid colors, lots of frequent smoke in the air, people lounging around in booths or on the floor... *Coughs* just guessing. The small group was having what seemed to be a pretty serious discussion. I’m not sure of the exact particulars, but I think the male in the group had moved on to the other woman and was trying explain to the first woman how he still cared about her and yadda yadda yadda... yeah, right! Like I’d believe that?! *said a bit angrily* Oh,
Article by: Lynxa Wilde|Photography: Jackson Redstar wait, this isn’t about me... umm… Disregard that part. haha! ANYWAY ... seems, as I said, he was trying to explain himself. Let me share a bit of what I heard, and you decide. Roleplay 1 Arnold Siegel turned his head to Cass and smiled, but it was weak. He nodded “Yeah, we are... I wanted to tell you personally, which is why I’ve wanted to get with you again.” The look on his face if Cass saw showed he loved her as much as Serena. “I thought you’d been ignoring me or passed out or strung out or something. I’ve missed you, and honestly, I’m still here for you.” Cas Carter: “Oh,” her high now dissolving, suddenly paling. “Congrats on getting together.” she cleared her throat as her words were barely above a whisper. She couldn’t look at his face. She took in a breath and moved to her feet. “No, I’ve been going through hell to be with you, but it’s cool, I’m happy for you.” She shook her head. “I’m not feeling well. I should go lay down,” she added, looking in the direction of the boiler room.
Bosl edition
61
help recharge the batteries a little, finding a place where one’s mind can be in harmony and relaxing serenity for a while. Grove Country Estates is only one estate within the big world of SL that can become the perfect fantasy hideout for some.
self-esteem that will carry over into our RL. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ Seaside%20Drive/158/132/29
The Nobel Prize–winning British author William Golding?
After all, there is nothing wrong with getting to know our dreams and desires a little bit better. Moreover, finding more and more things we like about ourselves can help build a healthy
Alyssa Katz (krazyxtc) totally hadn’t seen any of what Cas was hinting at, and now feels like a jerk for saying anything. She falls silent, figuring it best to not say anything anymore stupid and awkward. “Sorry.” Arnold looked to Alyssa “It’s alright, you didn’t know.” He turned to Cass and stood up. “I’ll walk with you... we need to talk anyway... at least I do, and I hope you can hear me out and just
understand where I’m coming from.” Seems there is trouble in paradise, or maybe just a relationship needing closure... or *mumbles* a male who needs to be castrated... Anyway, *smiles* let us continue, shall we? Now, this next story was a bit darker. I came upon this group as I continued my walk. It was in the seedier part of town: a tattoo parlor, a bit of a hole in the wall really, but active this night. I stopped to observe, trying to hide my presence.
Roleplay 2 Elijah Williams (aiden60) stamped out a laugh that threatened to fill the room. Here came the pleading that was so common. ‘They’d do anything; give anything so long as you didn’t hurt them, their pet, or their family.’ It caused a shot of adrenaline to course through his veins. Something he hadn’t felt in months.
Vix (felonyconvixen) blinks a few times, calming down a bit and trying to follow his questions. “Uh... No, I’m not the owner, I just schedule appointments...” she shakes her head. “Traffic is super slow. Mostly high school kids getting piercings and stuff... on average, it’s dead. Like DEAD dead.’ she replies, looking plaintively at each of them, hoping her responses were what he was hoping to hear.
Bosl edition
63
of the canon characters.” Melina portrays Firestar, Scarlet Spider, and a personally created character, Sea Hawk. Her other alts of power include Troia, Siren, and Hila, twin of Mera. “I make them my own while interacting with others on a social basis, or during larger RP events that advance the storyline. I also enjoy having our sims participate in certain opportunities around Second Life like the SciFi Expo, the Sci-Fi Convention, and Relay for Life.” Superhero sites have similar venues. All are dedicated to saving the world and having fun doing it. Let’s start with the Justice Sim.
Damian King χαքђαη (devon.barnside) pulls away from the counter. Sighing an annoyed breath, he would say “Alright, we need to speak to the owners, or at least the person who is in charge of running this place… names, phone numbers…” Elijah dropped down onto the stool behind the woman and snatched up the laptop that sat on the counter. Pressing a few keys and pulling
up a few folders. Unsatisfied, he kept looking for expense sheets and records of income. Once Damian had paused, and before she could say anything, he barked out “Don’t move.” As you can see, Santa Ramona is thriving. There’s lots of drama and suspense and intrigue. I’ll be going back ‘cause I really want to find out how those stories end…or, evolve. I highly suggest you visit, it could very well be the best— or worse (which could be extremely fun)— decision you’ve
ever made, depending on the role you take on and the life you chose to live.
Bosl edition
65
BOSL
Caesar Langer
BOSL
Fashion Week PHOTOGRAPHY BY: SHANTAL GRAVOIS
Top: ChicZafari - Blazer Croco Couture Bottoms: Chic Zafari - Pant Couture Hat: David Heather - Audran Brim Hat Boots: Gos - Triumph Boots Necklace: **RE** - Striker Necklace Rings: **RE** - Striker Rings & Claws
Bosl edition
77
BOSL
Averil
BOSL
-Pixicat- Chill.Bomber - Black (Maitreya) ISON - Eris Lace-Up Pants - black (maitreya) phedora. Alexia Ankle Boots Maitreya [DL] Indian Outlaw Cowboy Hat {Limerence} Chloya hair(Rigged) Kimberly head by CaTwa Dolcet skin in Buttermilk by L’Etre
Bosl edition
79
BOSL
Mila Blauvelt
BOSL BOSL
Cloak: LBC:ND Cloak (Noir) Dress: Ghee Lana Dress (Silver) Stole: Ghee Hud change textures Boots: N-Core CALYSSA Glasses: NU- Toolroom Hair: Strealthic - Ivy Makeups: POEMA
Bosl edition
81
BOSL
Yhishara Cerise
BOSL
Cape - Purplemoon - Catherine in Black Jumpsuit - Seniha - Zoe Jumpsuit (Maitreya) Rings - Earthstones - Fiesta Bento Rings - Treasure (Maitreya) Earrings - Earthstones - Sofya - Turquoise Bracelet - Grizzly Creek Digital Arts - Raven Cuff - Silver / Turquoise Hat - Wicca’s Wardrobe - Kasdeya Hat (Gacha prize) - Black Eyeshadow - AlaskaMetro - Bali (Catwa) Nails - AlaskaMetro - Tropics/Shimmer (Maitreya) Lipstick - Izzie’s - 90’s Ombre Lipstick (Catwa)
Bosl edition
83