Sage and Crystals Summer 2023

PhotosbyGeenaCarminucci&ZoeynovaOatsmill

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

A LETTER FROM THE COLLECTIVE

There is still so much to learn about our inworld community. New experiences are present daily to canvas groups and find other ways of exploration. All that’s needed is curiosity and creativity to get you going.

In this issue, we’ve given you some ideas and places to explore, although through the eyes and experience of others. As you read on, check out our stories and participate in some of the many events occurring inworld because connection happens in communities.

We’re celebrating with SL Pride at Home and, of course, the 20th birthday of Second Life®, aka SLB20!

Will you join us? We certainly hope so.

Remember, be kind to the souls you meet along the way.

Sincerely,

The Collective

Side note - Collectively, our team wanted anonymity in the past, thus the references to pseudonyms in the form of crystals. Going forward, we are simply…

MEET THE TEAM.

ZOEYNOVA OATSMILL

FOUNDER/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER WRITER

PILAR MIMULUS

MANAGINGEDITOR WRITER

SAIGE ABSINTHE

ARTDIRECTOR/DIGITAL DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHER WRITER

IVY BLAKEWELL

IN-HOUSEINTERIOR DESIGNER WRITER

SCARLETT LIBIDO

FASHION/BEAYTYEDITOR PHOTOGRAPHER WRITER

Thank you

To all of our models and contributors

Emm Evergarden

Bren Kenin

TrueLifeAmbition

Poette Wumpkins

Dirk Vanlager

Aria Christen

Oreru

JENJER XOXO

Autumn.yap

Greg Timmerman

IIrosiell

Dropyour.knickers

Levi.megadon

indiyah.alchemi

zhavad.naheed

love.holiday

jkrave

V3n0mz

Jayce.takeda

manhwa.alpha

Czar Fenris

WhoopCDaisy Yootz

“Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit.”

– Frank Borman

The Virtual Experience of Summer

Springisoftendescribedasthe"ready,set"right beforethe"go"ofsummerFromtheinceptionof ourpublication,wehereatSageandCrystals Magazinehavefeaturedarticlesthatfocusonthe energeticsoftheseasons,hopingthatithelpsyou alignwiththepersonalgoalsyoumayhavesetfor yourselfsincethebeginningoftheyear.

Wewantedtochangethingsupinthisissue.In conversationswithfriendsandfamily,acommon themeemergedaroundhowtogetmotivatedinworldandhowtoengageinwhatthesummer seasonhastooffer,especiallyafterarisingfromthe inwardnaturethatwasaninherentpartofthe pandemic

Isitdifficulttoexperiencetheseason'senergyby engaginginin-worldexperiences?Inouropinion, itreallyisn't!Wearegiventheopportunityto exploreandtakeinthebeautyoftheseasons imaginedbysomehighlytalentedcreatorsonthe grid.Whiletakingtimetovisitavirtualgardenor park,themedsim,etc.,noticethebeauty surroundingyou.Itispossibletofeeland appreciatetheenvironment'screativenature.

Besidesboatingandbeachactivities,try arrangingavirtualcampingorglampingtrip withfriendsandplaygameslikeChatterbox (createdbyCommonor)toenhanceyour experienceofgettingtoknoweachother.Did youknowthattherearevariouscampgroundsand horsebackridingexperiencesonthegrid?Try visitingthecontinentsonMainlandforseemingly endlessopportunitiestoexplore.StartwithThe NatureCollective.Naturecollectivesl.com,then hopovertoSplashtownwithyourkiddos,orhead overtotheEntertainmentDistrictfornighttime funwithfriendsAsusual,indoorin-world activitiesarejustasabundantandeasytofindon thegrid

Sotellus!Whatinspiresyoutobecomemore activeandinvolvedinSecondLife®duringthe summermonths?We'dliketohearfromyouherehttps://www.facebook.com/Sageandcrystalsmagaz ine

WrittenbyPilarMimulus PhotographybyZoeyNova Oatsmill

Waves are not measured in feet and inches. They are measured in increments of fear.

-Buzzy Trent

Inanerawheretechnologycontinuouslyblursthe boundariesbetweenrealityandvirtualreality,Second Life®standsoutasapioneerincreatinganimmersive virtualworld.Residentscanassumealternateidentities, explorediverseenvironments,andengageinelaborate socialinteractionswithinthismetaverseAsignificant aspectofSecondLife's®appealliesinitsrobust roleplayingcommunity,whereindividualswillingly adoptfictionalpersonasandparticipateinsimulated narratives.Delvingintothepsychologybehindroleplay inSecondLife®offersfascinatinginsightsintothe

motivations,emotions,andsocialdynamicsthatdrive thisthrivingvirtualsubculture.

RoleplayinSecondLife®isamultifaceted phenomenon,withindividualsdrawntoitforvarious reasonsResearchconductedbyDrKatherineIsbister,a professorofComputationalMediaattheUniversityof California,SantaCruz,revealsthatthemotivationsfor engaginginvirtualroleplayrangefromescapismand self-explorationtocreativityandsocialinteraction (Isbister,2019).

PhotobySaigeAbsinthe

The Psychology of Roleplay

WrittenbySaigeAbsinthe

Forsomeparticipants,assuminganewidentityallows themtotemporarilyescapetheconstraintsandpressures oftheireverydaylives,offeringaformoftherapeutic release(Taylor,2018).Othersaredrivenbyadesirefor self-expressionandpersonalgrowthastheyexplore aspectsoftheiridentitythatmaybesuppressedor unexploredinthephysicalworld.

EngaginginroleplaywithinSecondLifecanprovidea rangeofpsychologicalbenefits.Astudypublishedin thejournal,ComputersinHumanBehavior,suggests

thatvirtualroleplayoffersindividualsasenseof autonomy,competence,andrelatedness,whicharekey psychologicalneedsidentifiedinSelf-Determination Theory(Jin,Kim,&Kim,2017).

Byassumingadifferentpersona,userscanexperiencea senseofmasteryandachievement,leadingtoincreased self-confidenceandself-esteem.Furthermore,thesocial interactionsforgedinvirtualroleplayenvironmentscan fosterasenseofbelongingandconnection,fulfilling individuals'needforinterpersonalrelationships.

Thesesharedexperiencesandcommongoalscreatea feelingofcamaraderieandsolidarity,fosteringadeep senseofbelongingInvirtualroleplaycommunities, participantscollaborate,formfriendships,andbuild socialnetworks,oftentranscendinggeographical boundaries

Whenindividualsembodyanewcharacteroravatarin SecondLife®,theyoftenfeelasenseofagencyand controlovertheirvirtualexperiencesThissenseof autonomyallowsthemtonavigatethevirtualworldand shapetheirnarrativesaccordingtotheirpreferences, freefromtheconstraintsandlimitationstheymayface intheireverydaylives.Throughthefreedomtomake choicesandcontroltheirvirtualidentities,individuals canexperienceasenseofmasteryandachievement Achievinggoalsorovercomingchallengeswithinthe contextofvirtualroleplaycanboosttheirselfconfidenceandself-esteem,reinforcingapositiveselfperception.ResearchbyDr.AdrienneShaw,an associateprofessoratTempleUniversity,suggeststhat manyparticipantsviewtheirvirtualavatarsas extensionsofthemselvesratherthanseparateentities (Shaw,2019).Throughthesedigitalalteregos,userscan exploredifferentfacetsoftheirpersonality,gender,or culturalidentity,ofteninasafeandaccepting environment(Taylor,2018).

Thisidentityexplorationandreinventionprocesscan empowerindividualstochallengesocietalnormsand expectations.Moreover,thefreedomofavatar customizationwithinSecondLife®allowsindividuals toexperimentwithgenderidentitiesthatmaydeviate fromtheirassignedorperceivedgenderinthephysical worldForindividualsquestioningorexploringtheir genderidentity,virtualroleplaycanserveasavaluable toolforself-discoveryandacceptance.Itoffersa supportivespacetoexperimentwithpronouns,clothing styles,andphysicalappearances,facilitatingagreater understandingandacceptanceofone'sauthenticself.

Culturalidentityisanotherfacetthatcanbeexplored withinSecondLife'sroleplayingcommunity. Participantshavetheopportunitytoimmerse themselvesinvirtualcommunitiesthatrepresentdiverse culturesandsubcultures.Individualscandeepentheir culturalknowledge,challengestereotypes,andfoster cross-culturalunderstandingbyengagingwithothers fromdifferentbackgrounds.Thisidentityexploration andreinventionprocessinSecondLife®canbe

empoweringonbothindividualandcollectivelevelsIt allowsindividualstochallengesocietalexpectationsand redefinetheirownnarratives.

SecondLife's®roleplayingcommunitythrivesonsocial interaction,collaboration,andsharedstorytelling. AccordingtoresearchbyDrMiaConsalvo,aprofessor ofCommunicationStudiesatConcordiaUniversity,the socialdynamicswithinvirtualroleplayoftenmirror thosefoundinofflinecommunities(Consalvo,2019) Participantsestablishsocialhierarchies,formalliances, andnegotiateconflicts,thusmimickingthe complexitiesofreal-worldsocialstructuresInaddition, virtualroleplaycommunitiesoftenfosterasenseof collectiveidentity,withsharedvalues,norms,and expectations,leadingtotheformationoftight-knit socialnetworks(Consalvo,2019).

Thepowerofvirtualroleplayliesinitsabilitytoaddress fundamentalpsychologicalneeds,offeringindividualsa uniqueavenueforself-expression,personalgrowth,and emotionalfulfillment.Bydelvingintotherealmsof imaginationandcreativity,individualscanexplore differentaspectsoftheiridentity,challengesocietal norms,andexperimentwithnewrolesandperspectives. Thisprocessofself-discoveryandreinventioncanbe liberating,empoweringindividualstodevelopadeeper understandingofthemselvesandtheirplaceinthe worldBybetterunderstandingthepsychological intricaciesofSecondLiferoleplay,wegaininsightinto thehumancapacityforcreativity,self-discovery,and theforgingofmeaningfulconnectionsinbothvirtual andphysicalrealms.

“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.”

– Eckhart Tolle

The Virtual Farmers' Markets Experience

Written and Photographed by ZoeyNova Oatsmill

InSecondLife®,Farmers'Marketshaveincreasedin popularityTheycanbefoundnestledinthemiddle ofresidentialcommunitiesorgiventheirownspace, sometimesonornearvirtualfarms.OnMainland, theycanbefoundfrequentlyonthesideoftheroad. There'sevenaninworldeventcalledFarmer's Marketwherecommunitymemberscanhoparound differentstorestobuyanythingfromdecorto holdableitems.

Thecreationofrole-playsystemssuchasDFS, BeYou,MyStory,orXenolifehascatapultedan exhilaratingandaddictiverole-playingexperiencein SecondLife®.Thesesystemshaveenhancedthe farmer'smarketexperience,takingthegridbystorm. Althougheachsystemofferssomethingdifferent, someprovideaccesstoaffiliatescripts,diversifying goodsandallowingvirtualfarmersandgardeners, chefs,andfoodcreatorstoparticipateandprovide residentsawidevarietyofinteractiveproducts.

Inourreal-worldsettings,peoplelovefarmer's marketsbecauseofthedirect-to-consumerapproach, alongwiththefactthattheproductstendtobe pesticide-freeAdditionally,thereistheopportunity toknowexactlywheretheproductsarefromandthe availabilityofitemsnotregularlyfoundinastore. Someonecanfindcheese,bakedgoods,pettreats, seasonalgoodies,snacks,andevenbodyproductslike soapinsomelocalmarketsWhenyoubuyfroma farmer,homesteader,orhandmadeartisan,youpay themdirectly(withoutago-between,likea supermarketormajorcorporation),whichhelpskeep smallfarmsandlocalartisans'businessesaliveand boostthelocaleconomies

Thenexttimeyoucomeacrossafarmer'smarketinworld,whydon'tyoureachouttoyourlocal "farmer"andaskthemwhatdrivestheirpassionfor thisexperience

Wewanttohearfromyou.Pleasesharewithuson Facebookandtellusaboutyourfavoritemarket locations

“DON'T YOU EVER LET A SOUL IN THE WORLD TELL YOU THAT YOU CAN'T BE EXACTLY WHO YOU ARE.”

― LADY GAGA

Keep going and keep believing and do what makes you feel good. And when you feel good and get to the point where no-one can take that from you, then that feeling will the best feeling.

- NikkieTutorials

My Parallel Journey: Chili Seeds and Personal Growth

Written and Photographed by Scarlett Libido

Haveyoueverheardthephrase "growingpains"?Whatoftencomesto mindisthephasesofachild'sgrowth. Whenyouresearchthemeaningof thispopularidiom,youfindquotes like,"Althoughthesepainsarecalled growingpains,there'snoevidencethat growthphysicallyhurts"andthatthe "causeofgrowingpainsisunknown. Butthere'snoevidencethatachild's physicalgrowthispainful"Manyof thesequotesrefertobodilychangesas weagechronologically.Growingis morethanphysical;wealsogrow emotionallyOften,emotionalgrowth occursduringouradulthood

Wecouldthinkofgrowth comparabletoaseedburiedinthe warmembraceofdirt.Timepasses, naturehappens,andtheseedis forcedtosprout.Stretchingitsstem outtomeettheworld,whereitmust faceitsnewenvironmentSeasons change,andoutsideforcescometo interferewithitsgrowth.Theearth, water,andsundotheirbestto nourishit,"Bestrong,be resilient "theywhispertoit

Butthegrowthprocessfortheseed canbechallenginguntiltheseed reachesitspotentialTheevolution fromseedtoplantcanbefraught withchallengessimilartothehuman growthexperience.

Luckyfortheplant,ithasnocentral nervoussystem,soitdoesnotfeel thepainofitsexperiences.

Ifyoulookbackonyourown experiences,wasthereatimewhen somethingimpactedyourlifeso immenselyyoustoppedfeelinglike thesameperson?

Iwanttoshareanexperience integraltomypersonalgrowth.

SomedaysIwantedtodropintoa fetalpositionandquestionwhatever beliefsIhadwhilefacingthis hardship.Mymotherwascritically ill.SheendedupintheICU.I alwaysbelievedshewasthisstrong womanthatlifecouldneverforce downIadmireherstrengthbecause whenyoudealwithdepression,it's toughtoseeyourselfasstrong.It's unimaginablehowbeingthatstrong throughhardshipsishumanly possible.Itwasdifficult

totalktoheronthephoneandhear howvulnerableshefeltcomparedto howmysiblingsandIsawher.

“Ponganleagüitaamisplantas”was oneofherfewrequestsforus.That spring,shehadstartedgrowingchili seeds.Theywerebarelyseedlings.My oldersisterdidherbesttocarefor them,givingthemwhatshecouldto encouragetheirgrowth.Butthesad truthwasthatnomatterhowoftenmy sisterwateredthem,theplantslooked liketheyweregivingup

Mymother'ssituationwasbreakingus. Seeingmyoldersisterbreakingdown intearseverysingletimeshespoketo ourmothersnappedsomethinginme thatmademeshovemyemotions somewheredeepinside.Monthafter month,Ididn'tshedasingletear.My sisterthoughtIwasn'tworriedenough orcaredenoughIstartedtothinkthe samebutrealizedIwasbusybeingthe calmonetobeabletoaskthedoctors therightquestions.FrequentlyIstayed intheICUwithMamáandremained calmsoshewouldnotworryIknew thatifIdecidedtocrawlintomyself andgiveintomyemotions,itwould behelltryingtogetbackupwithmy depression

Asproutcannotrevertbacktobeinga seedling.

Idecidedtotakeoverwateringthose chiliseedlingsproutsIpouredwater andallofmyemotionsintotheplants. Ispoketothem,andIbeggedthemto thrive.Icouldn'thelpmymother thrive,buttheleastIcoulddowashelp thosechiliseedsgrowIconfessedto themmybiggestfearthatMamá woulddieandIwouldfailtokeep themalive.Aseachdaypassed,theyall keptthriving,andonthosedays,I wouldsaythatMamáwouldcome homeandseeyouallgrownup.I’llbe abletosay“Yolohice,nolasdejé secar.”Soon,thechiliplant'strue leaves

emerged,unfurlingabovethebaby leaves.Mamácamehome30days later.

Whenfacedwithadversesituations, peopleoftensay,"Thisisgoingto givemegrayhairs!"Mypent-up emotionsgavememyfirstgrayhair inmylate20scomparedtomy siblings,whogottheirsintheirlate 30s.ThosedaysMamáwasilltaught mewell.Inolongerquestionwhen Ihavemundanedays.Itakecharge ofmyownchoicesandmakemy dayshappy

Thatwasthefirsttimesomeonetold meMamáisluckytostillbehere.

Throughthisexperience,Ididn't change;Igrew.Iexpandedinto thosetrueleaveslikethechiliplant, blossomingblooms,andshowedthe worldaroundmehowwellIwas rooted.Thissituationdidnotkeep medown.Ididn'tneedscientific researchwithevidencetovalidate mygrowthButalongwithmy development,Ididexperiencepain

Tuimportas!!Findyourformof sunshine,soil,andwatertohelpyou thrivethroughthepainofgrowth Vulnerabilitydoesn'toccuronlyin childhood.Growthoccursnotonly inyourformativeyears-it'sfora lifetime.Experiencingpainduring personalgrowthcanhappenno matteryourlifestage

The Glossary

“Ponganle agüita a mis plantas.” -“Watermyplants”

“Mamá” -Mom

“Yo lo hice, no las dejé secar.” -Idid,Ididn’tletthemdry out.”

“tu importas” -youmatter

–RuthReichl

C R E A T O RSPOTLIGHT

Emm Evergarden The Nature Collective

What brought you to Second Life®?

Sothisstoryisabitembarrassing,butoddly enough,itwasanoldepisodeofTheOfficewhichIhadjustre-watchedduringthe pandemicIfiguredifDwightSchrutecould livehisbestlifenotoncebuttwice,thenso couldI!(Sidenote,canwetalkabouthow amazingTheOfficestillis?It'soneofthose showsthatstandsthetestoftime,justlike oneofmyotherfavoriteshows,Parks&Rec IalwaysjokethatLeslieKnopeismyspirit animal!)IgoogledtoseeifSecondLife®was stillaround,andVOILA!

What is the Nature Collective, and what sparked your interest in becoming involved in this type of work?

IamanatureloverthroughandthroughMy momusedtojokethatIwasborninthe wrongdecadeandthatIwasa'60schildat heart.SothatlovefollowedmeintoSLand wassparkedbytheveryfirstnaturespotI found,JuliaTroubles'ChaRedwoodsbuild (http://mapssecondlifecom/secondlife/Cha/2 01/16/4078).Fromthenon,Iwassmitten withthecreativesideofSecondLife®andit eventuallyledmetocreateTheNature Collective(TNC)

TheNatureCollectiveisaSecondLife® groupthatIcreatedtobringnaturelovers andnaturecreatorstogether.Mygoalwasto cultivateandgrowacommunityofpeople thatwascenteredaroundnature-relatedsims, spaces,andprojectsinSLandhopefully inspirepeopletogetoutandexplorethemin theirfirstlifeaswell.Iwantedtomakeiteasy forpeopletohaveonegroupwherethey couldeasilyfindnaturespacesinSecond Life®andthenhighlightthosespotstomake sureevenmorepeopleknewaboutthem. Fromthere,it'sgrownintoagroupofalmost 2000memberswithalmost200member locations.InadditiontoourSLgroup,we haveaDiscordserver,website,Flickrgroup andmore!

Whendidyouknowthatthiswaswhatyou wantedtodowithyourSecondLife®?

Itwasn'taninstantthing.MyfirstSLprojectwas actuallymybeeandpollinatorreserve/education project,“WhattheBuzz”.Itwasincreating WhattheBuzzthattheideaforTheNature Collectivereallybegantotakeshape,andIstarted tothinkIcouldtakethisideathatIhadandturnit intosomethingreal.ButonceIknew,thatwas mymainfocus,anditstillis2almostyearslater!

Welovedvisiting“WhattheBuzz”and featuredyourwonderfulcreationinourFall ‘22editioninourarticletitled,“It’sFall!! WherearetheBees?”

Whatdrivesyourpassiontocreateforthe SecondLife®Community?

Bringingpeopletogetherandcreatingspacesthat bringpeoplebeautyandsolace.Theworldisa busyandcrazyplace.We'vebeenthroughalotas ahumanraceoverthepastfewyears.Ipersonally havebeenthroughalot.Iwasdiagnosedwitha life-changingmedicalconditionatthebeginning ofthepandemicandI'vemetalotofpeoplegoing throughthesamethingasmyself.SoIbuildand createthesespacesforpeopletoexplore,learn from,andgetlostin-tobringpeopletogether andcreatecommunity.We'rebettertogether. Whynotbebettertogetherwhilesurroundedby beautifulnaturespacesinSecondLife®andhelp inspirepeopletoexplorethemintheirfirstlifeas well?

"I wanted my creations to add something to the Mainland and also maybe be a catalyst for other creations and communities to take root and grow."

How long has The Nature Collective been around? What made you decide to place it in Mainland?

TheNatureCollectivewasofficially foundedinOctoberof2021Itoriginally startedonafriend'sestatesimand,afterthe simclosed,movedtoitsfirstMainland locationonMuslin,whichisasimlocated ontheHeteroceraContinent.OnceI stumbledupontheMainlandandfigured outthedifferencebetweenprivateestate landandMainland(whichalotofpeople seemtonotreallyknowthedifference between-whichledmetofoundthe MainlandCommunityAlliance)Iwas hooked

Tome,thereissomethingsocreativeabout SL'sMainland.Onmostcontinents,you candrivetheseexpansivenetworksofroads orrideatrainontheSecondLife®Rail Road,andhappenupontheseamazing buildsinthemiddleofnowhere.Thenit couldbeblanklandforanothersimortwo beforeanotherbuildIamjustreallydrawn tothecreativeandeclecticnatureofthe Mainland.IlovediscoveringMainland communitiesandtherearesomereallygreat communitieslikeDullaCentre,Moorcroft, andSeogyeoshireIwantedmycreationsto addsomethingtotheMainlandandalso maybebeacatalystforothercreationsand communitiestotakerootandgrow.

Are all of your experiences centered in Mainland?

Allofthemexceptforonecurrently.The onlyexceptionatthemomentisSunnmore, whichwasmyveryfirstfullsimbuildofmy own,inspiredbythefirstliferegion,which islocatedinSouthernNorway.Itriedto createaplaceofunparalleledbeautywhere thenorthernlightssoaracrossthesky–a placewherethemountainsandfjordsmeet theocean.Itwascreatedtoshowawayof lifethatembracesnatureandoffersthe possibilityofrejuvenationandrestoring balanceamonglivingthings-it'sabout livinginharmonywithnatureand returningtoourtruehome.

In what ways does The Nature Collective build community? What types of events and experiences are offered? How do residents get involved?

Wehaveregulareventsgearedtowardsshowcasingour memberlocationsandbringingpeopletogether.Wehave ourownBookClub-wherewereadnature-relatedbooks andmeetatdifferentmemberlocationstodiscussthem,our CoffeeCollective-wherewevisitTNCmemberlocations andhangoutandchatwhiledrinkingourfavoritevirtual (andfirstlive)coffeesandourShutterbugClub-wherewe visitvariousmemberlocationsandtakerawunprocessed photostoshareinourShutterbugFlickrgroup.Wearealso planninga2024TNCcalendar(SLandfirst-lifeversions) thatwillusephotostakenduringourShutterbugClub.We alsohaveourbi-annualhuntswherepeoplecanvisit participatingTNCmemberlocationsandexplorethemto findamazinggiftsandweareworkingonmorefunevents!

Peoplecangetinvolvedbyapplyingonourwebsiteto beaTNCVolunteer.Wehavevolunteeropportunities availablewithourScout,Ambassador,andBlogger positions,andpeoplecanalsosubmittheirnature locationsviaourwebsite!Peoplecanvisitusin-world tofindallofthisinformationandmore!

What fun fact about yourself would you like to share with the Second Life® Community?

Iamatotalpluviophile.ILOVEtherain.Liveforit.I preferrainydaysoversunnydays,handsdown.There's justsomethingcomfortingabouttherainbeyondjust thesight,sound,andsmellofit.Itwashesaway, rejuvenates,andmakesthingscleanagain.I'veeven beenknowntostomparoundinpuddlesinthemiddle ofarainstorminmyadult-sizedwellies!

YoumayhavehearddiscussionsaboutMainlandin conversationsorinteractionswithfriendsButsome residentseitherloveMainlanddeeplyorkeepitat arm'slengthandstayclearoftheexperienceWhat wouldyousayifItoldyouthatIviewMainlandas constantlyevolving,offeringawiderangeofeclectic andseamlessexperiences?Coulditbepossiblethat Mainlandneedstobeunderstood?

I'vebeenaresidentofSecondLife®since2008and havealwaysfoundMainlandtobemygo-toplaceto visitwhenlookingtoexplore.Ilovedriving,flying, andboating.Onawhim,I'dgrabmysistersandwe wouldengageinsomeformoftransportationandgo! We'vefoundcafes/restaurants,clubs,spas,gasstations, farms,markets,shops,carshows,motelsforshortstays, campgrounds,hikingtrails,townships, galleries/museums,bars,andsomuchmore.We've plannedfamilyskitripsinthemountainsinthesnowy partofSansara.Sailingbetweencontinentsandprivate estates,we'vediscoveredbeachesandbeachresorts, opportunitiesforscubadiving,andprivateisland clubs

So, what exactly is Mainland?

AccordingtotheSLGeographyInstitute,Agniis knownas"thegrid."

Mainlandispartofthegridandiscomprisedofthese continents-Sansara,Jeogeot,BlakeSea,Satori, Corsica,Bellesseria,HeteroceraAtoll,Nautilus, Zindra,GaetaI,andGaetaV.

Regulatedbyitssimratingsandtherightsof individuallandowners,Mainlandhasareputationfor needingtobemoreorganized.Sure,someareasare aestheticallyinconsistentandunpleasant,butothersare amazinglywell-thought-outcommunities,cities,and towns.Butwhatifweadjustourperceptionabit? Let'sviewthecontinentsasadecentralizedplace whereresidentshavethepowerofcreation.

Inadditiontoitscontinents(withtheexceptionof Zindra,whichisadult-rated),Mainlandisservedby transcontinentalchannels,whichareavailablefor sailing,flying,andmuchmore,withtheBlakeSea beingoneofthelargestandmostpopularRead moreaboutthechannelsherehttps://wikisecondlifecom/wiki/Transcontinental Channels.

Also,subcontinents(privateestates,likeSecond NorwayEstate)andotherprivatelyowned landmassesenhanceandexpandtheMainland experience.Theseareasarecontrolledbytheir ownersandcovenants.

Someinworldcoalitions,groups,andorganizations fostercommunitytoenhanceandexpandthe experiencesavailablethroughoutthecontinentsand affiliates.

Join Mainland Community Alliance,"A community-centricgroupfocusedonthe revitalizationoftheMainlandthroughthe enrichment,beautification,andpromotionof Mainlandprojectsandinitiative."

JointheirDiscordforinformation,classes, destinations,continentinformation,andmore.

Drivers of SL, isanexcellentresourceforall thingstransportation.Theyofferatremendous amountofinformationforexploringusingvarious formsoftransportation.Visittheirwebsitefor moredetailsTherearelinkstoinformationabout theSLRR(SecondLifeRailroad),andallthe drivingroutesonthecontinents,includingrezz pointsforvehicles,recommendedvehicles,trails, andsomuchmore

GTFO (Get the Freight Out) isahud-based transportationgamewithover500+locations.It canbeplayedsoloorwithagroup(everyonecan havetheirownhud)Itisupdatedweeklyand utilizesvariousformsoftransportationthroughout thegameFormoreinformation,visittheirFAQ pagehere.

Foralaid-back,relaxingwaytotourthe continents, YavaPods isthewaytogoThese2personpodsfollowalongMainlandroadsand/or trails,andsomepodsconverttoballoons,ferries, andtrainstocrossbetweencontinents.Youcan hoponandoffthepodstoexploreyour surroundings.

Passengers of SL, isagroupthatbringspassengers andtransportationoperatorstogether.Youcan evenarrangecharterplanesandotherformsof transportationforyoureventorreceivenoticesfor boatraces,departingflights,etc

Togetstartedortoenhancewhatyoualreadyknow aboutMainland,werecommendcheckingoutthe following-

Oneofthereasonspeoplelovetoflyisbecausethey enjoyaviationortheyenjoytransportingother residentsaroundMainland.Airportsareabundantin MainlandandcanbefoundoneverycontinentItisa fun,greatwaytotravelifyouwanttovacationata resortononeofthecontinentsThisexperienceisby faroneofmyfavorites.Forexample,ourfamily vacationedatYanuYanuResortWeboardeda scheduledflightonBonaireAirlinesfromSecond NorwaythatflewusneartheresortWethentooka helicoptertransfertotheresort.

Basedonourexperience,weknowwehaveonly touchedthesurfaceofthistopicPleasesharethe places,photoopportunities,coastalgetaways,villages, townships,etc,you'vediscoveredonMainland Wherehaveyoubeen?Whatwasyourexperience?

Wewouldliketohearyourstory

LIFE IS ABOUT PERSPECTIVE AND HOW YOU LOOK AT SOMETHING... ULTIMATELY, YOU HAVE TO ZOOM OUT. - WHITNEY WOLFE HERD

IN CONVERSATION WITH:

Dirk Vanlager and Aria Christen of the Hotel Inspector

Interviewby SaigeAbsinthe

InthevastuniverseofSecond Life®,whereimaginationknowsno bounds,weinviteyoutoembarkon anexcitingjourneythroughvarious captivatingdestinationsInthis editionofSageandCrystals,we presentanexclusiveinterviewwith twoextraordinaryindividualswho havededicatedthemselvesto uncoveringthehiddengemsand remarkableexperienceswithinthis virtualrealm:DirkVanlagerand AriaChristen.

InDirk’srenownedblog,"The SecondLife®HotelInspector,"itis cleartoseethatDirkandAria possessanunrivaledpassionfor discoveringandsharingremarkable traveldestinationswithinSecond Life®Theyhavetraversedvast

landscapes,divedintothedepthsof variouscultures,andexperiencedthe endlesspossibilitiesthisdigitalrealm offers.

Inourcandidconversationwith DirkandAria,wedelveintotheir personaljourneysasvirtualtravelers, theiruniqueinsightsintothe SecondLife®community,andtheir roleastrustedguidesforvirtual tourismThroughtheirexperiences, theyshedlightontheintricaciesof exploringaworldthatmergesthe realmsofimaginationandreality

What brought the both of you into Second Life® and how long have you been a Second Life® user?

AriaChristen:Iwasintroducedto SecondLife®fromsomeonethatIused toknowthroughanonlinejournaling community.I'vebeenherefor15years! IhadnocluewhatIwasgettingmyself intoatall.Shemadeitseemlikeitwas TheSims.

DirkVanlager:Ihavebeenherefor15 yearsorsoIcameinforreal-lifework originallyIworkedforanadvertising agencythathadarealworldclientin here,andwedidaprojectforthem

Photoscourtesyof AriaChristen

Likemanyreal-lifecompanies duringtheSecondLife®boom, theyleft,butIstayed.

Those are some interesting but exciting origin stories you both have! When you first came to Second Life®, what were some of the activities that you enjoyed?

AriaChristen:Ilikedtheabilityto createanddecorate.Ithinkmyfirst biglovewasphotography,butIwas reallyintodecoratinghomesatfirst

DirkVanlager:Ididnothingtoo creativeorproductiveuntilCOVID happened.UnlikeAria,Ihaveno creativeskills(well,Iwrite!),I haven'tevenrezzedaboxhere

Your blog, Virtual Hotels, is quite a creative endeavor, especially the aspect of immersing yourself into roleplay, and of course, the writing and photography!

AriaChristen:Mostdefinitely! Beforevacationsbecameathingin SL,Ihadtomakethemupmyself andtheywerenowherenearthe scaleofwhatpeopledonowI rentedoutahomesteadand decoratedalittletropicalisland.

There is so much to explore here. This upcoming issue is all about getting users on Second Life® to get off their platform and explore the ever-expansive world we can immerse ourselves in.

AriaChristen:DirkandIhave actuallydiscussedhowyoucan neverbeboredhereThere'salotto doifyouwanttodoit.Ieven remembermakinglittleboarding passesinPhotoshop!

DirkVanlager:See,Ihavebeen withAriaforoverayear,andI neverknewthat!Thisinterviewisa learningexperienceformetoo.

How adorable! I'd love to know the origin story of when you started the blog and how you came into collaboration with one another.

DirkVanlager:So,Iworkinthe travelindustryinrealLife-for airlinesinparticular.Ialsoenjoy travelinginreallife,asidefrommy jobButofcourse,duringthe pandemic,thatallstopped.And frankly,itwasquiteverydepressing -Iamsuremanyofusfeltthesame, thatwecouldnolongerdosomeof thethingsweloved.Sobychance, oneday,IheardaboutTimorIsles byHighlifeDestinations,which actuallyjustreopened.Butthiswas backinSeptember2020Andthat waskindofalightbulbmoment thattheseplacesactuallyexist!I investigatedfurtherandfoundout aboutatleasttenmoredestinations, forexample,theEssenciaHotel.So Ithought,ifIcan'ttravelinreallife, Iwilldoithereandwriteaboutthe experience.Ithinkbecausenoone elsewasdoinghotelreviewsin SecondLife®,thesitetookoff

It's great to hear that you were able to turn what was such a somber time period into something fun and meaningful. Not just for yourselves, but for many others!

AriaChristen:Itdefinitelyhelps! Peopleareabletofindwhatisout thereandreallynarrowdownwhere theywanttospendtheirtime.

DirkVanlager:Iamnotthegreatest photographer,toputitmildly,and thatiswhereAriacomesin.Shehas beendoingthereviewswithme sinceMarch2022.Plus,withAria beingalandscaper,sheseesthings thatIwouldneverspotFor example,she’dspotthingsnotbeing “phantomed”orplantssticking throughthewallsOfcourse,we havefunwhileworkingoneach destination,sowetreatitbothasa reviewandasacouple’svacation

AriaChristen:Yes!Butwhat'snice isalotofthedestinationownersare greatwithreceivingfeedbackfor themostpart!

You both make a dynamic duo! What have been your favorite destinations since you began the blog?

DirkVanlager:Wedidloveyour resort,Al-Mouna!

Thank you so much!

DirkVanlager:Onourhighly recommendedlist,wehaveyours, theEssencia,BonaireYanuYanu, theEmpireHotel,LeChateau,and TheRitzSL.AshaRhiaalsodoes reallynicedestinations,butsheonly doesthemonceinawhile

AriaChristen:SoI'dhavetosayour highlyrecommendedshowsthem all.ButIloveplacesthatstickout likeHighlife-NewYork,AlMouna,Ritz,YanuYanu,andLa Chateauareafewofthem.

Ilikewhenpeopletakesomething andreallymakeittheirownWesee alotofresorts,andmostofthemare mostlytropicalbeaches.And,of course,nothingwrongwiththat ButIliketofeellikeI'mactually travelingtodifferentplacesinthe worldthatIcan'tvisitatthe moment

DirkVanlager:Wealsohaveabout adozenotherdestinationsthatare recommended.Soforexample,the CanaryIsles,theSunriseMotel(part ofaMontanathemedsim),anda fewothers.

AriaChristen:AndIloveplacesthat areinteractive!

What a lineup! I've been to most of these as well and they all have unique offerings and experiences folks can immerse in.

DirkVanlager:Yes-that'skeyAs Ariasays,immersive,interactive, andifyouhaveabeach,offer somethingunique

AriaChristen:Yes!Idon'twantto justgotoatropicalresortandbeleft onthebeach.Iwanttododifferent activities.WearegoingtoTimor IslesbyHighlifeDestinationstoday! I'veheardit'sacoupleofsims.So I'mexcitedtoseeit.

I hope you both have a wonderful trip! I love the new Le Chateau Build/community. I lived a sim away from there when it was on Mainland on the Satori continent, so it was bittersweet to see them go.

DirkVanlager:Vichasdonea fantasticjobwithitThe clubhouse/restaurantshebuiltonthe golfcourseisgreat!

AriaChristen:It'sreallyfun!

Is there a destination you'd love to see realized in Second Life®? Whether inspired by a real-life one or something you feel could be cool?

AriaChristen:I'dlovetogoonan actualSafari-stylevacation.Therewasa placeherethatwassafarithemedbutit wasonasmallerscale.I'dlovetodo somejungleexploringandanimal sightseeing

DirkVanlager:Ohyes!TheKidaka Resort!Itshutdownaboutayearagowasitthatlong?Thereisagapinthe marketthere.Ilikethedesert.Ihave literallyjustcomebackfromDubai.SoI wasreallypleasedtodiscoverAl-Mouna Resort.SecondLife®needsmore desert-typeplaces

AriaChristen:Ohyes!IlovedKidakaI wishitwasbigger,withlotsoflush plants

DirkVanlager:Somanyplaceshere comeandgojustafterafewmonths. TheKidakaResortlastedquitelong though.Ithinkitwasopenfortwo yearsorso.

AriaChristen:I'dlovetohavea restaurantsurroundedbyanimals

I'mabigfanoftheDisneyAnimal KingdomresortnamedSanuinreal-life Ithasaplacewhereyoucansit,eatand watchtheanimalsoutside!

DirkVanlager:Weneedtorevisitour postonrestaurantrecommendations,as mosthaveshutdown.

For folks interested in opening up their own hospitality destination or restaurant, what advice may you have for them?

AriaChristen:I'dhavetosay.Think outsideofthebox.Becreativeandput inthework.Toreallystandout,you havetogooutsideofyourcomfort zone.

DirkVanlager:That'swhysomany otherbeachresortsarealmostlike copiesofeachotherSothinkofa differentdestinationtheme

AriaChristen:Likeyouhaveabeachat yours,butyoudidyourownthingand it'sgorgeous!

It’soneofmyfavoritebeaches&rooms I'vebeento!

DirkVanlager:Yes,it'snotan exclusivelybeachresortanditisnotthe mainthemeofit

Right, it definitely wasn't the focal point but just a little addition for guests to enjoy!

DirkVanlager:Also,Iunderstand findingdecentroleplaystaffhereis hard.Onethingthatimpresseduswith LeChateau'sCountryclub,isthatthe restaurantstaffVichiredarereallygood. Butwe’vehadplentyofexperiences wherewewonderediftheroleplaystaff hadbeentoanactualrestaurantbefore

Yes, that is so important. Not just having roleplay experiences but having the right people for it, which can be difficult on Second Life®, with scheduling and things of that sort.

AriaChristen:Yes,itreallytakesasolid teamandcommunication

Hence why it's commendable to see a resort have a well-executed team roleplaying. You both are going to Timor Isles after this. Anything exciting in particular that you’re looking forward to?

AriaChristen:I'mlookingforwardto thedinnerexperience!

DirkVanlager:ThespaatHighlifeis alwaysgoodtoo

That sounds amazing! I am so looking forward to your review and photos from this vacation.

DirkVanlager:Wearealsodoinga detourforthePemberleyopening tomorrow

I can not wait to explore Pemberley! The photos look beautiful. Aria, you did an amazing job landscaping the sim. I love that it has a unique theme.

AriaChristen:Thankyousomuch!

This was such a lovely conversation! Thank you both so, so much for your time.

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly."

- Buddha

Summer in PemberlEy

PhotoseriesbyZoeynovaOatsmill Simdecorandlandscapingby AriaChristen

Ivy BlakewellDecorating with

Written by Ivy Blakewell

Decor by Ivy Blakewell

Photographed by Zoeynova Oatsmill

Grandma’s Hands - Eccentric Bayou

AsaveteranreaderofS&C,youprobablyknowthat musicinspiresthiscrystalmorethananythingelseSo yes,feelfreetoembraceBillWither’sclassic “Grandma’sHands”whiletuningintothisspaceThe titleofthisdecorsetuphasverymuchtodowithmy GreatGrandmother’sloveoffamilyandcooking

Thespaceischaotictoencompassthefuryofcooking whileallowingserenemomentsofglancingatthe landscapefromthewindowWithastrongsenseof connectivitytoEarthwithalltherichproduce, greenery,andgarnishthatflowsfreelythroughoutthe spaceSomeoneisgettingreadytoservedinnerwhile ourstationarylittleeaterwaitspatientlytograbcrumbs orscrapthatmightslipfromourglassyetarusticisland Thisspacegivesustheart&craftsfeelwhile modernizingthegenrewithourstainlesssteel appliancesthataresuretobefilledwithafew fingerprintsthroughoutthedayUnsureofwhattoeat first?EatitallandenjoyaglassofwinebecausePilar saidso!

Pastels and Textiles

Foodisthethemeofthisplace;ofcourse,seafoodis onthemenu,andweareservingithot,brewingwith chaosAlthoughTheWildsissetinLakeTahoe,the bayoubleedsthroughthewallsWithrichhistoric photosofthebayou,wefeelrightathomeonthe bayou

Seasoningisthenameofthegamethroughoutthis space,fromthecrawfishgentlybeingwashedinthe sinkwithlemonalongsidevariousseasoningsthatwill definitelydomyGrand’sproud

Pastelcanbechic,especiallywhengroundedinnature. Thetextilesinthisspacereallysetthetone.Ifthe Declarationof"GoodVibe"doesn'tsetthemood, snugglenexttoyourfurryfriendswhileenjoyingthe warmthofthefirepitasfirefliesdance.Thisspaceisall aboutgrowing,whetherthroughharvestingfrom MotherEarthorcurlingupwithagoodbookand conversation.Growthisthetheme,andpinkand lavenderarethevibe.Mossypathsandgreenery encompassthespacewhiletheshedisfloodedbythe needtobreatheineverythingaroundyou.

Thisspaceiscomfywhileboldlyallowingthetextiles seeminglyblendchicandwicker.Yes,wesaidwicker, anditcanbehigh-endchicwithoutlosingit comfortably.Takeaseatandenjoythesun.

The space is chaotic to encompass the fury of cooking while allowing serene moments of glancing at the landscape from the window.

Pastels&

Textiles

Mail & MoreThe Wilds

MyloveforcommercialspaceshasblossomedintoThe Wilds.Yes,thegrocerystoreisstillhere,withafew updateshereandthere,buteventually,TheWildswillbe unleashedtothepublic.Iliketotakemytimewith commercialspacestoincreaserealism.Often,ittakes monthsoftweaksandfixesbeforeIamreadytosharethem withtheworld.Thisspaceisnodifferent.

Mail&Moreisafull-servicepostofficeIcreatedin collaborationwithmydearfriendCadeLockwood.This spaceoffersarusticwoodvibewhilehighlightingoldworldcharmwiththeinkwellandvintagestampsthat aboundinthespaceNeedtocheckyourdepositbox? LooknofurtherWehaveseveralwithroomtospareIf you'relookingforawaytoshowyourspecialsomeone yourlove,you'vecometotherightplaceThematerials playoffeachotherallowingmasculinetones&greeneryto blendseamlesslyIhopeyouenjoythisissue'sspacesand areinspiredtowalkonthewildsideIhopeyouletsome chaosinandwatchitgrow

Pastel & Textiles Credits

(ColorChange+Resize) HPMD* Shrub - a LI:2

Apple Fall Crumpled Newspaper LI:1

Apple Fall Cushion - Star Trellis, Charcoal LI:1

Apple Fall New Alvena Outbuilding - Cream & Blush LI:10

Apple Fall Pampas Grass LI:2

Ariskea [ Jane ] Tulips In Bloom [Parisian] LI:3

Ariskea[Katrina] Flowers Basket -Decor -[3] LI:2

Ariskea[Little Pensee] Poenies Gift Box 1[Decor] LI:6

Ariskea[Middleton] Basket of Peonies[1] LI:1

Ariskea[Woody] Curve Wood Path [1] LI:1

Bloom! originals - Basket candle Middle Light LI:3

Bloom! originals - Basket candle small Light LI:1

Botanical - Douglas Fir 1 LI:4

Botanical - Italian Cypress Fastigiate B LI:1

Botanical - Seasonal Boxwood Hedge (Straight) 4x3x1 LI:1

Dahlia - Soul - Heart Planter - Dottie LI:1

Dahlia - Soul - Watering Can - Blush LI:1

Elm. Rosalind Tulip Bouquet [L] ~ Pink/Yellow LI:2

Geranium Bush White - Flat Back LI:2

HEART - WildFlowers - Petunias - Lilac - D6 LI:1

HISA - Climbing Vines - Spring green A LI:2

HISA - Climbing Vines - Spring green F LI:3

HPMD* Garden Vine02 - green C LI:1

HPMD* Shrub02 - palePurple c LI:1

HPMD* Sweet Garden Grass08 -greens- a LI:1

Heart - Aubretia - Large - Pink - SPARSE - LOW LI:1

Heart - Silver Birch - Mature1 LI:3

Heart - Silver Birch - Sapling2 LI:3

JIAN King Charles Spaniel - Master's Chair LI:10

KraftWork Biarritz Garden Geometric Rug LI:1

KraftWork Taylor Outdoor Sectional Armless ADULT LI:3

KraftWork Taylor Outdoor Sectional . Blanket LI:1

KraftWork Taylor Outdoor Sectional . Corner ADULT LI:5

KraftWork Taylor Outdoor Sectional Flat Pillow LI:1

Kraftwork Kess Corner Unit & Clutter Folded Cloth LI:1

Loft & Aria - Juniper Side Tables LI:2

PILOT - Water Hose LI:1

Pitaya - Lemonade Stand - Cart (wood) LI:5

Random Matter - Stem & Spruce - Plant Starts [Light] LI:2

Skye Alligator Apple Bush (small leaf) LI:1

Skye EPIC Cliff Type 1 Oversize LI:6

The Loft - My Love, My Beard Lantern LI:3

Toronto-Bedroom books&glasses LI:1

WISTERIA*- DOOR MAT - HELLO LI:1

West Village Atlas Fire Pit - Cast Iron LI:3

Wild Natoma Grass Square flat 1200 v.018 LI:1

Wisteria*- Macrame Leather Ottoman - Brown #14 LI:5

[Canape] Gardening Tools Storage Wall Wood LI:13

[DDD] Gardenbed - Empty - 1 Sided LI:2

[Merak] - Parasol Ink LI:16

[Merak] - Tasty Lemonade Decor LI:1

[Noble] Wrought Iron Screen LI:3

[North Oak] + Florian Potted Gunnii Tree LI:4

[what next} 'Spring Bloom' Tulip Planter

(pinks + puple) LI:1

dust bunny . sunday buffet . seat cushions . style a LI:2

dust bunny . sunday buffet . woven pouf LI:1

malone wood sign LI:2

tarte climbing wall vine B LI:2

tarte. garden balloons (3) - mixed LI:7

tarte. garden fireflies - dance (large) LI:6

tarte. jar of fireflies (REZ ME) LI:3

tarte lighted bunting (straight) no poles LI:4

tarte timber wall (oak) LI:3

{moss&mink} Loose Seed Packets LI:1

{moss&mink} Seeds Box LI:2

{moss&mink} Stacked Pots LI:1

{moss&mink} Tipped Pot LI:1

{vespertine} - gardening clutter - planters A LI:2

{vespertine} - gardening clutter. - soil & water LI:1

{vespertine} - gardening clutter. - toolbag. LI:2

{what next} Bellevie Light String - no poles LI:1

{what next} Marlow Planter 3 LI:2

Grandma’s Hands

(Luc) Blue Napkin, Fork and Butter Knife [Decor] LI:1

(Luc) Crawfish Boil, Pot [decor] LI:1

(Luc.) Garlic Bread LI:1

(Luc.) Lemon Butter Sauce & Pepper [decor] LI:1

(Luc.) Mixing Bowl with Pancake Mix & Eggs [decor] LI:1

(Luc) Sweet Springtime Salad V2 [Decor] LI:1

(Luc) Sweet Springtime Salad V3 [Decor, Server] LI:1

.: Vive Nine :. Yin & Yang Salt & Pepper Shakers LI:3

.:revival:. rope lamp 2 LI:2

3. Tredente // Fusilli Jar (White) [Common] LI:1

4 Tredente // Spaghetti Jar (Clear) Common LI:2

6 Basil leaves LI:1

6. Cayenne LI:1

6. Crisp Range Hood LI:4

6. Parsley LI:1

6Crisp Island Counter / Dinning Table LI:8

=Zenith=Kettle (Milk) LI:2

Ariskea[Primavera] Bon Appetit Blackboard LI:1

Atelier Burgundy . Azulejo Backsplash LI:1

BROKEN ARROWS - Limes Farm - Cutting Board LI:1

DISORDERLY / Spring Fresh / Lemon Cutting Board LI:1

Dahlia - Fruit Basket - Lemons / Silver LI:1

Dahlia - Fruit Basket - Mangos / Silver LI:1

Dahlia - Jocelyn - P.s I love you Keys LI:1

Dahlia - La Riviera - Lobster Plate 2 LI:1

Dahlia - La Riviera - Shiraz Bottle - Extra Rez LI:1

Elm Tuliana Shelf [Empty] LI:1

Fancy Decor: Clasp Boxes LI:2

Fancy Decor: Foskett Framed Textile LI:1

Fancy Decor: Ladder Light (stained) LI:4

Fancy Decor: Lofgren Plates & Napkin LI:1

Fancy Decor: Lofgren Vases LI:1

Fancy Decor: Luann Art LI:1

Fancy Decor: Merlot Wine Glass LI:1

Fancy Decor: Owen Basket LI:1

Fancy Decor: Stewart Artwork LI:1

G/\/ARLY:: Goopy Dishsoap - Fresh Lemon WIth Lime LI:5

G/\/ARLY:: Salad Dressing - Italian LI:1

G/\/ARLY:: Seasoning - Complete LI:1

G/\/ARLY:: Seasoning - Garlic Powder LI:1

G/\/ARLY:: Seasoning - Seafood Blend LI:1

G/\/ARLY:: Zap Ya MaMa Seasoning LI:1

HPMD* Garden Vine02 - green A LI:1

HPMD* Garden Vine02 - green B LI:1

Heart - Aubretia - Large - Pink - SPARSE - LOW LI:1

IL LI:5

JIAN King Charles Spaniel - Tri-color Wanderer LI:8

KrafWork Kitchen Clutter . Books Basket (Silver) LI:1

KraftWork Kitchen Clutter Gluten Free Cereal (Dark) LI:1

KraftWork Air Fryer LI:2

KraftWork Darla Wall Kitchenware LI:5

KraftWork Kitchen Clutter vol2 Rolling Paper Menu

LI:1

KraftWork Knives & Cans Knife Rack White LI:1

KraftWork Mini Wine Cooler (with dispenser) . Snow

LI:3

KraftWork Portable Dishwasher LI:3

KraftWork Provence Decorative Books LI:1

KraftWork Rolling Pins . Basket Natural LI:2

KraftWork Steel Pedal Kitchen Trash Can LI:2

MVT - Grocery paper bag LI:10

MVT - Wire basket w/mangos (DECOR) LI:4

MVT lemons open LI:1

Mango Juice LI:10

Midwest - Coffe Time - Mixing mug LI:1

Midwest - Coffe Time - Mug holder LI:4

MudHoney Paxton Aloe LI:1

MudHoney Roman Shade Down LI:2

OMEN - Dog Park Day - 7 - Basket O' Goodies LI:3

S2 Pro Switch v2.0 - U.S. Electric Plug - Wood LI:1

S2 Pro Switch v20 - US Flip EVERYONE - Wood LI:1

Soy. Reed Mini Mat - Light LI:2

Sphere009 LI:1

[The Loft - Linen Trim Rug Black LI:1

Trompe Loeil - Classic Cobblestone Path 2 meter x 2

meter LI:1

WISTERIA* - FRINGED RUG - IKAT STRIPED LI:9

[ keke ] polaroid - tape LI:1

[ARIA] Milano kitchen deco pots and pans LI:2

[Canape] Kitchen Counter Cookbook W. Marble1 LI:2

[Canape] Kitchen Counter Papertowel Holder Gray

Marble LI:1

[Canape] Kitchen Counter Pepper Shaker White LI:1

[Canape] Kitchen Counter Trivet w/Spoon Gray Marble LI:2

[Canape] Let's Clean Broom Black (Decor) LI:3

[Canape] Let's Clean Dustpan Yellow (Decor) LI:1

[Canape] O'Canape Mop (decor) LI:2

[Canape] Oil Tray White LI:2

[Canape] Silver Stainless Steel Dish Rack LI:2

[Canape] Utensil Hanger LI:5

[Con] Tegan Kitchen - Fridge LI:6

[Merak] - Decor Kitchen Tray LI:3

[Merak] - Kettle White LI:1

[Merak] - Towel Ink LI:6

[Merak] - Travel Basket LI:3

[North Oak] + Kitchen Book & Tea Decor LI:1

[North Oak] + Nor Spring Flower Vase (lilac) LI:1

[North Oak] + double counter / 2 drawers - cylinder LI:2

[North Oak] + double counter / doors - cylinder LI:2

[North Oak] + double island - sphere LI:1

[North Oak] + left counter / 4 drawers - cylinder LI:2

[North Oak] + right counter / 4 drawers - cylinder LI:2

[North Oak] + single counter / door - cylinder LI:2

[North Oak] + slimshaker stove LI:2

[SS] Shrimp Paella (Decor) LI:8

[S] LC Microwave [silver / white] dby LI:4

dust bunny . pasta love . pasta machine LI:1

dust bunny . seafood boil . silverware caddy LI:1

floorplan jute baskets LI:1

hive // cozy kitchen barstool adult LI:2

lights LI:1

malone. wood sign LI:1

mintae. Midwest - Let's Pasta - Pasta Bag 2 LI:1

polySurface1Mesh LI:5

prim128-mesh071 LI:1

tarte climbing wall vine B LI:2

tarte. flora backdrop (natural) LI:1

{vespertine} - bag full of peonies LI:2

{vespertine} - basket of fresh veggies / rezzable decor LI:5

{vespertine} - fresh bearbread 14 LI:1

{vespertine} - recipebox LI:1

{vespertine} herb cutting board LI:3

{vespertine} herb drying LI:3

{vespertine} potted basil 1 LI:1

{vespertine} potted bay leaf LI:1

{vespertine} potted herb mix 2 LI:3

{vespertine} potted sage FATPACK extra LI:1

{vespertine}- diy memory board / vintage LI:1

{vespertine}bottled eucalyptus LI:1

{what next} Bellevie Light String - no poles LI:1

{what next} Colonna Coffee Machine (white) LI:2

{what next} Pothos Plant (small) LI:1

{what next} Pothos Plant (trailing) LI:2

{wn} Wine Glass & Cheese Plate Decor LI:1

BAZAR Cancun - Wine LI:1

Mail&More Credits

:neigeux: Belt partition No1[WT]Single stand/2m LI:1

:neigeux: Welcome mat No1[BK] LI:1

=EliBaily= Ivy 01 LI:1

AF Magazine Files LI:1

Apple Fall Door Mat - Olive Branch LI:1

Apple Fall Flat File LI:1

Ariskea[Lumi] Eucalyptus Vase Gold LI:1

Atelier Burgundy + Pitaya . Bookstore (white) no logo LI:74

Atelier Burgundy + Pitaya . Urban Spa . Ficus LI:8

Atelier Burgundy . Burgundy Pier Concrete . Stairs I LI:1

Atelier Burgundy Burgundy Pier Concrete Stairs II LI:2

Atelier Burgundy Mail Delivery Small Package II LI:1

Atelier Burgundy . Moving Boxes . Box with Packing Peanuts

LI:1

Atelier Burgundy . Moving Boxes . Tape II LI:1

Atelier Burgundy Penmanship Set Golden Ink closed LI:1

Atelier Burgundy Penmanship Set Indian Ink with Quill LI:1

Atelier Burgundy . Penmanship Set . Postcards + Envelope LI:1

Atelier Burgundy . Penmanship Set . Silver Ink closed LI:1

BALACLAVA!! POS Register LI:1

Balderdash - Mad Maudlin' shrub - Warm Green LI:1

Column Clean LI:1

Do Not Enter LI:2

FD: Mail Basket LI:1

Fancy Decor: Kleine Tablet LI:1

Fancy Decor: Vintage Stamp Sign LI:2

GTMDtec Streetlight (Scripted) V2 LI:4

HHAX office ring file (stack of two) LI:1

HISA - Climbing Vines - Green A LI:3

HISA - Climbing Vines - Pink A LI:2

HISA - Climbing Vines - Spring green A LI:3

HPMD* Gravel Ground -green- straight LI:3

Heart - WW - Deep Forest Pine 1 LI:3

Heart - WW - Deep Forest Pine 4 LI:3

Heart - Wild Sitka Pines - Sapling1 LI:1

Heart - Wild Sitka Pines - Stump 2 LI:1

Konoha -"Jest" Weeds - Diminishing Circle {512} LI:2

KraftWork Bellosguardo Ladder Dark LI:7

Mailbox 001 Update LI:19

NS Wall Modular 27M [1] LI:1

Office Copier // DBy LI:8

TBF Public Chess Area Trash Can LI:1

Trompe Loeil - Industrial Chandelier Tall LI:14

[AC] Hanging Frame 3C Long [Wood] LI:1

[BAI] 1999 Mailer LI:53

[Bad Unicorn] Mailbox - Blue (Snow) LI:4

[Brixley] Old Table - medium wood LI:2

[Brixley] Rustic Charm Welcome sign LI:1

[Brixley] hallway shelf LI:2

[Brixley] screen frame LI:6

[DDD] Swaying Leafy Bush - Tall LI:1

[Gentek] Street Sign (Corner/Short/Double) v1.0 LI:1

[what next} 'Spring Bloom' Tulip Planter (lght + drk pink) LI:1

dust bunny postcards LI:2

floorplan ivy ampersand LI:5

floorplan. postcard collection / hipster LI:1

floorplan. stop sign LI:1

junk. t. pipe stool. leather. LI:1

{anc} mist cloud [sungold] 1prim sculpt LI:1

{yumyum} Vertical Garden (Iron) LI:6

SPRING - A LOVELY REMINDER OF HOW BEAUTIFUL CHANGE CAN BE TRULY BE"UNKNOWN

VALUE YOUR GRAINS BUT DON'T LET THE NUMBER OF GRAINS GIVE VALUE TO WHO YOU ARE.

Ihavesomanycuriositiesaboutthe oceanandthebeachrelatingtolife experiences.Whydowenot contemplatecountingthegrainsof sandthere?Aswelayonabeach andbaskinthesun,thelastthing wethinkofdoingiscountingthe grainsofsand.Itisanenormousyet impossibletask!Doesitreallyhave value?Ithinkofmyownlife'swins andlossesandmysupportsystemas relatedtothevastamountofsanda beachcouldhold.Eachgrainhasa purpose.Doesitpaytositandtally upallthreeaspartoflife?Likethe sandistothebeach,allthreeare aspectsofthewholeyou.

AsanEnglishlanguagelearner,Ibecamevaledictorianformyseniorclassin highschool.Iwastheprideandjoyofmyparents,teachers,andallthose adultswhohelpedmegrowanddevelopintoastellarstudentThepressure wastremendous.IfeltaresponsibilitytothemandmyselfsomuchuntilI feltlikeIwasdrivenofflife'scourse.

Iwassobusycountingmywinsandlossesforsolong,fightingagainstmy path'sdirection.Iignoredallthe"grainsofsand"alreadyaroundmeand stoppedlivinginthepresent.Ihadtostoptryingtocountmywinsand lossesfromthepast;focusonwhereIwasandwhereIcouldgofromthere.

Somewheredeepinmyownsand,Ifoundsmalltreasures.SomeIburied evendeeper.Thosegrainsheldthememoriesofadultswhopositively impactedmylifeIknewIwantedtobethatpositiveinfluenceforasmany otheryoungpeoplewhohadasimilarjourney.Thistuckedaway,deeply buriedsmalltreasureiswhathelpedthepresentme.

Doyouhearthat?

Thesoundofthewavescrashingwithoneanotherandspreadingoverthe sand.It'slikethewaylifecomesatyouinwaves.Smallandbig,calmor unrest.Butalwaystryingtowashoveryou.Whatdowedo?Wehold ourselvestogetherthroughthewinswe'vemadeorthestrengthandlessons welearnfromourlosses.Or,fromtheloveofthosethatsupportusthrough ourjourney.Valueyourgrainsbutdon'tletthenumberofgrainsgivevalue towhoyouare

"HAPPINESS IS NOT BY CHANCE BUT BY CHOICE."

— JIM ROHN

TAROT ASTROL

Written by Pilar Mimulus

WepresentaTarotAstrologyforecastfor eachzodiacsignforthesummerseason.Find outwhatastrologicaleventsareinstorefor youduringthisseason!

Aries: Youmayhavediscoveredaclose connectionwithsomeoneimportanttoyour growthNurturethisconnection;ifyoufeel stuck,admityouneedhelp.Ifyouare developingyourspirituality,trustthatthereis aplanforyourlifeandmoveoutofyourown way!

Taurus: Ifyou'replaguedwithmanygreat ideasortheideaofthe"bigpicture"relatedto romance,it'stimetotakepleasureinthesmall thingsfirst.Releaseyourattachmenttothe endresultandenjoytheday-to-dayduties contemplativelyThiswillhelpcreatean awarenessofbeingpresentandgrateful.

Gemini: Howdoesitfeeltostepinto alignmentwithyourpurpose?Thisisatime forharmoniousfeelingswithallaspectsof yourlife.Expecttheunexpectedandconsider alsobeingofservicetoothers.Ifloveison yourmind,expecttomeetsomeoneyoujust "vibe"with.Youwon'tbedisappointed!

Cancer: Beingsurroundedbylike-minded peoplehelpsyoutounderstandyourplace withinyourrelationshipsandcommunity. Don'tbewearyoftheebbsandflowsof interactions;it'sanimportantpartofyour learning.Justgowithit!

Leo: Anauspicioustimeforyourightnow concerningyourcreativeability.Youcan makethingshappen,turningdesireinto concreteformBeconfident,knowingyou cantaketheleadinallaspectsofyourlife withallobstaclesremoved

Photographed by Zoeynova Oatsmill

Virgo: Havingahardtimedealingwith disappointments?Youarebeingaskedto reviewyourexpectations.Remember,if otherscannotmeetyourexpectations,you mayhavesetunrealisticgoalsforothersto achieve.Letgoandrelax.

Libra: Changeisanunavoidablepartoflife, butchangehasarenewablecomponent.It's timetoletgoofthingsyouhavenocontrol overandallowthisshifttohappenYouwill appreciaterenewedclarityandfocusafterthe stormhaspassed

Scorpio: Calmyourstrongsensetochange thingsorpeople.Certainexperiencesare presentedtoyoutoacceptunconditionally. Bevulnerableto"whatis"andfindthe serenitywithinyourself.

Sagittarius: ifyoufindyourselfinvolvedin themiddleofchaosandconflict,don't engage.Stepawayandallowyourselftosee bothsidesofasituationtomakebetter decisions.Thisisatimeforunderstanding.

Capricorn: Stopbeingamartyrandassuming youcandoitallyourselfAskforhelpeven thoughitmakesyoufeelvulnerable.Youare beingtaughtthatyourperceptionofgoingit alonenolongerservesyou.Youwillbe surprisedhowmuchyouarelovedand supported.

Aquarius: Somethingnewisonthehorizon foryou.Althoughyouwon'tpossessallthe toolsnecessarytonavigateyournew experience,beopentolearning.It'sokto acknowledgeyoudon'tknowsomething;just immerseyourselfintoit,andyouwillbenefit greatly.

Pisces: Thepowerofyourowncreativity maybehindered.Iffeardrivesyourthought process,it'stimetobekindtoyourselfand reenvisionyourvision.Learntotrustyourself andacknowledgethatmistakesarepartofthe process.

Ophiuchus 13th Zodiac: It'stimeforsome seriousgroundingwork.Youmaybefeeling overloaded,andyourequireself-care.Saying notoothersiscompletelyfine.It'stimefor inwardfocus,peace,andself-love.You deserveit.

― ROY BENNETT

“GRATITUDE BUILDS A BRIDGE TO ABUNDANCE.”

Helpful Tips for Inventory Management

WrittenbyWhoopCDaisyYootz andCzarFenris

Photographed by Zoeynova Oatsmill

HELPFUL TIPS FOR INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

by WhoopCDaisy Yootz

Are you sick and tired of your 'messy closet' in SL? Do you also struggle to remember the name of that' thing' you bought last week? Do you spend much time trying to find something in your overstuffed inventory?

What the heck? Well, I guarantee that you're alone. But, there's a way forward filled with bubbly laughter and roses (well, most of the time) because you WILL get a kick out of seeing all the things you've "saved" over the years.

Here are some of my tips for inventory management -

1. Set a goal for yourself. What do you want to accomplish? My inventory was out of control with unopened boxes, even from the Christmas past! On top of that, I searched haphazardly each time I wanted to wear "something."

My disorganized inventory meant I had no idea of what I owned or what was even possibly available to wear! I vowed to buckle down to spend some time sorting and reorganizing. I found that having an inventory cleaning party with others was a great way to have fun tackling a messy inventory! (Ask my Queen Lace sisters!)

2. Tackle this behemoth in phases. It didn't become disorganized in a day, so it darn sure won't be fixed in a day! Consider it one of your 'projects' to work on. Then, when you get it to a manageable state, your inventory can be something you maintain regularly (if not, you will have to jump back in and do some cleanup again). Once you get to a place where you can confidently find things, you'll feel much better about your SL life.

Here are some helpful steps -

Content Creator at SIZL; Blogger - LibraStyle; Owner & Community Volunteerwww slikz blog

First, empty your trash!

Second, create folders in your inventory list for your organization. The folders can be created and named whatever you'd like. I layered mine in a tiered format, layering folders inside of folders. For example, I have Body Parts as a Main folder and "Heads, Eyes, Bodies, Deformers" in the next level. Inside that next level, I also nest more folders/categories sometimes, depending on what I have. But you do not have to do this. Third, delete (or box) your old stuff! You are not going to wear those prim skirt middles, I promise.

Fourth, move boxes and outfits into your folder structure. You can do this by using multiple inventory windows open simultaneously. Use Ctrl-Shift-I to open new windows.

Finally, empty the trash again!!!!

3. Delete your old saved outfits. Just do it!

4. If you own multiple bodies, keep one or two active at a time. Box the rest (or leave them in their original boxes). When you unpack an original box (if it does not have the option to select your chosen body), delete all other bodies, all notecards, all landmarks, and all scripts. Keep the original item (unless you're comfortable deleting it because you know for sure the store has redelivery).

5. Delete or box up the following elements you no longer use: Notecards*, Gestures, Animations, Scripts, Photos, etc.

*Note: notecards can be saved to your PC, so you do not have to keep them in SL if you want to keep a local copy for your records.

The above is only a short, quick-start guide on getting started with your inventory goals. If you want to go full-on “OCD inventory mastery level,” I suggest looking into the CTS wardrobe system.

They even have a Discord group, which is very active with lots of helpful people. Beware, you could get addicted!

Second Life Marketplace - (CTS) Wardrobe: Organize your outfits with style! A visual inventory organizer.

https://discord.gg/Z8kUVzh

HELPFUL TIPS FOR INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

by Czar Fenris, Owner of Animosity

Below are two examples of how I sort my footwear and Lelutka items.

1. Sort your items as you buy or dedicate at least one day a week to sorting, especially if you are a weekend shopper. This will stop inventory items from piling up.

2. To keep numbers down, delete any body/head sizes you will not use. No need to keep extra items for body parts you do not own.

3. Periodically sort through your calling cards. Over time Second Life® will make duplicates. You would be surprised by how much inventory space they use, especially if you have an extensive friends list.

4. Delete old saved outfits. A lot of people do not know that saved outfits add to the number of elements in your inventory. If it's old, outdated, or something you won't ever wear again, get rid of it.

5. If you buy a lot of animations, sometimes they can add up. An easy and efficient way to keep them is to add them to pose stands. Even dances and ao poses can go into pose stands. Pack all of your inventory's animations and box them all up. In times of need, rez the stand and sift through the animations to find what you want. Open and drag that one animation to your inventory instead of keeping them all in your inventory at all times.

I use a very detailed approach for my body parts, clothing, landmarks, etc. Here is an example of a structured tiered folder system I use to help keep me organized. Occasionally, I discuss my approach in more detail on the Sloarders Facebook page. Here is a post I made about my Sort Coding System and how it works - https://www.facebook.com/groups/304731587619675/search/?

q=swain%20craven%20photos

SLOARDERS

Isyourinventoryoutofcontrol?Areyou overwhelmedbytheclutter?Don’tknow howtoorganizeyourfolders?ThereIS lightattheendofthetunnel!Join Sloarders,ourFacebooksupportgroup wherewediscusstips,folderorganization andjustplaninventorycleanupand management.Youcanevenjoinusfora quickinventorypurgeparty.Findus here.

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