Sage&Crystals
AMETHYST ADVENTURES DININGON THEGRID
CampingatMountCampion
NationalForest
CREATOR SPOTLIGHT
TyeandGabrielEaston
BenjaminButtons
AshaRhia
A LETTER FROM THE COLLECTIVE
Endofthespring
Andhereshecomesback Hi,hi,hi,hithere
Themsummerdays
Thosesummerdays (SlyandtheFamilyStone,HotFuninthe Summertime.)
My!Howtimeflies!
Andjustlikethat,summerishere.
AswelookbackonthepastthreeyearsofSage andCrystalsMagazine,sinceourveryfirstissuein thesummerof2022,awaveofnostalgiawashes overus.We'vebeenprivilegedtowitnessthe resilienceofSecondLife®residentsandthe unwaveringpassionofcreators,whohave collectivelyshapedourenvironmentintothe vibrantcommunityitistoday.
Whileourpublicationmaybebiannual(Summer andFall),ourmissionistoigniteyourcuriosity aboutSecondLife®.Wehopetohavepiqued yourinterestinthediverserangeofactivities, fromvirtualconcertstoartexhibitionsandthe explorationofserenenatureretreatsandcultural aspectsButbeyondthese,therearedeeper,more profoundconnections,likefriendships,thatawait
youonthegrid,readytobediscoveredbythose whodaretoseekthemout
Aswecelebrateourthirdanniversary,asignificant milestonethatsymbolizesourcommitmentto exploringandsharingthewondersofthegridwith you,weextendawarminvitationforyouto continuetobeapartofourjourneyWhether you'reaseasonedresidentoracuriousnewcomer, there'salwayssomethingnewtoexperienceand enjoy.Whatareyoudriventodo?Uncoverthe hiddengems,immerseyourselfinthethrillof exploration,hopfromonesimtoanother,and partakeinthevibranteventsthegridoffersthis season
Diveintoourpastandlatestissues,andexplorethe storiesofpeoplejustlikeyoualongwithourmany adventuresRemember,everyadventurestartswith asinglestep.
Bekindtothesoulsyoumeetalongtheway Love, The Collective
MEET THE TEAM.
ZOEYNOVA OATSMILL
FOUNDER/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER WRITER
MANAGINGEDITOR WRITER PILAR MIMULUS
ARTDIRECTOR/ DIGITALDESIGNER SAIGE ABSINTHE
IN-HOUSEINTERIOR DESIGNER WRITER IVY BLAKEWELL
FASHION/BEAYTYEDITOR PHOTOGRAPHER WRITER SCARLETT LIBIDO
Thank you
To all of our models and contributors
Zai Starchild
Olly Esel
Shai King
Kaiden Trey
Jaheem hexem
Tye Dinzel-Easton
Gabriel Easton (Waasup Bruh)
Benjamin Buttons
Asha Rhia
Jah Ohmai
Tacey Mint
Poette Wumpkins
Jaheed Naheed
Jayce Takeda
Hecate Rowley
Eris Rowley
Azonique L. Stone
When all else fails, take a vacation - Betty Williams
Dining on the Grid A Roleplaying Experience
WrittenbyPilarMimulusandZoeyNovaOatsmill
PhotographedbyZoeyNovaOatsmill
TheremarkablesurgeinvirtualfoodcreationsinSecond Life®isatestamenttotheuniqueblendofmesh technology,creativeimagination,andadvancedscripting tools.Thisfusionempowerscreatorstofashionintricately detailedvirtualfooditems,resultinginvisuallystriking disheswithinteractiveelements.Whilevirtualfoodhas beenastapleoftheSecondLife®experience,theescalating desirefordistinctiveandimmersiveexperienceshassparked awaveofcompetitors,eachofferingauniquelensto exploreandcelebratediverseculturesandcuisines.This wavehasalsobirthedaburgeoningdemandforvirtual diningexperiences,eachoneauniqueandexclusive experience.
VirtualdininginSecondLife®hastranscendedtherealm oftraditionalanimatedeatingordrinking,foodorbeverage holding,andfoodthatchangesappearancebasedonuser interactionVirtualrestaurantsnowoffermorethanjust thesefeatures;theyfosterasenseofcommunityby intertwiningsocialinteractionwithimmersive environmentsTheseexperiencesprovideathrillingavenue tosavorfoodandcompanyinavirtualsetting.Creators amplifythisexperiencebycraftingexquisitelydesigned virtualrestaurantswithrichambiance,decor,andthemed settings,envelopingusersinavibrantcommunityThis interactivityaddsacaptivatinglayertotheexperience, transformingitintomorethanjustavisualfeast.
Oneofthemainattractionsofvirtualdiningisthe opportunitytosocializewithotheravatarsinarelaxed andenjoyablesettingHostingeventssuchasbirthday celebrationsorcasualget-togethersinthesevirtual restaurantsoffersafunwaytoconnectwithfriendsand strengtheninworldbonds.Theabilitytocustomizeboth theenvironmentandtheculinaryexperienceensuresthat eacheventisuniqueandmemorable,furtherenhancingthe senseofcommunityandengagementwithinSecondLife®. Furthermore,somediningexperiencesincluderole-playing elements,suchascookingclassesandfoodpreparation activities,withliveentertainment.
Thisgrowthintegratesadynamicblendofcreativity, technology,andcommunityengagement,makingvirtual diningavibrantandintegralpartofSecondLife®'sculture. Whetherthroughexploringfantasticaldishes,participating inthemeddiningevents,orsimplyenjoyingavirtualmeal withfriends,thevirtualdiningexperienceoffersarichand multifacetedwaytoengagewithothersinthedigital world.Moreover,itopensdoorstoeducationandcultural exploration,inspiringuserstodelveintoglobalculinary traditionsandtechniques,enrichingtheirvirtual experiences.
“LIVE IN THE SUNSHINE, SWIM THE SEA, DRINK THE WILD AIR”
- RALPH WALDO EMERSON
Summer Energetics
The Feminine Self: A Journey of Personal Growth and Self-Care
WrittenbyPilarMimulus
PhotographedbyZoeynovaOatsmill
Summerisapowerfulmetaphorfor individual,feminineempowerment, beckoningustoembraceourinnerstrength, vitality,andbeautyandradiateourbrilliance likethesummersun.Thenaturalworld harmonizeswiththesun'senergeticforces, mirroringourpotentialforgrowthand abundance.Justasseedsplantedinthespring cometofullbloominthesummer,this seasonrepresentsatimeoffruition,a transitionfromactiontonourishment.This parallelbetweentheearth’sflourishingand embracingindividualfeminineblossomingis atestamenttothedivinewisdomofsummer, awisdomthatteachesusaboutgrowth, abundance,vitality,andcreativityboth physicallyandspiritually.
Embracing Femininity and Sensuality
Summerisatimeofjubilationforwomento revelintheirfemininityandsensuality, embracingtheirbodiesandthesheerdelight theybring.It'sanopeninvitationto immerseintheecstasyoflivingfullyand authentically,justassummerbeckonsusto luxuriateinthesun'swarmthandnature's beauty.Acrossculturesandspiritual traditions,summertimeisamasterclassin embracingourinherentfemininepowerand beauty.Likethesunradiateswarmthand lightwithouthesitation,weareurgedto unleashourcreativityandexpressourselves fully,akintothevibrantcolorsofasummer garden.
Nurturing Growth and Relationships
Thenurturingandcareplantsneedtothrive isagentlereminderforustoplaceself-care andthenurturingofourrelationshipsatthe forefront,fosteringasenseofcommunity andconnection.Justassummer’sabundance nourishestheearth,we,toomustensurewe arenourished physically,emotionally,and spiritually.Thisseasonpromptsusto:
1
Engage in Self-Care: Dedicatetimeto activitiesthatrejuvenateyourbodyand soul.Thiscanincludeoutdooractivitieslike hikingorswimming,spadaysforrelaxation, orsimplyenjoyingthebeautyofnatureby takingawalkinthepark.
2
Foster Creativity: Allowthevibrantenergy ofsummertoinspireyourcreativepursuits. Whetherit'sthroughart,music,writing,or anyotherformofexpression,letyour creativityflourishThiscouldmeanpainting asummerlandscape,composingasong abouttheseason,orwritingapoeminspired bythebloomingflowers
3.
Build Connections: Strengthenyour relationshipsbyspendingqualitytimewith lovedonesThiscouldmeanhosting gatherings,participatingincommunity events,orsimplyhavingapicnicinthe park.Celebratethesenseoftogetherness thatsummeroftenbrings
4.
Embrace Authenticity: Livefullyand authentically,embracingwhoyouare withouthesitationJustasnaturethrives underthesummersun,wetoocanflourish whenwearetruetoourselves.
The Summer Spirit
Summerenergeticsremindusthatthisseasonis morethanjustaperiodofwarmthandlight;it isapowerfultimeforpersonalgrowthandselfcare.It’satimetocelebratefemininity,nurture ourcreativity,andstrengthenourrelationships. Byaligningourselveswiththenaturalrhythms oftheearth,wecanharnesstheenergyof summertoblossomintoourmostempowered andauthenticselves
So,letustakethisseasonasanopportunityto radiateourinnerbrilliance,nurtureourgrowth, andrevelinthebeautyofourjourneyJustas summer’swarmthandabundancebringlifeto theworldaroundus,wetoocanbringvitality andjoytoourlivesbyembracingthe blossomingselfwithin
"Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August."
― Jenny Han
Amethyst Adventures: Camping at Mount Campion
National Forest
WrittenandPhotographedby
ZoeynovaOatsmill
Thesummerseasonishere,andIamready tobeoutside!Flowersareinfullbloom,the treeleavesareavibrantgreen,andthe weatheriscallingformetopulloutallmy summerclothesfrommystoragebinhidden undermybed.
Thesummerseasonignitesmyexcitementto spendmoretimeoutdoors,butoneofthe thingsthattheseasonsparksthemostismy loveforreal-lifecampingHowever,I've discoveredauniquetwisttothisadventurein thevirtualworld.Thereissomething mysticalandwholesomeaboutcamping,and I'vefoundawaytoexperienceitwithoutthe bugs.Ithoughtitwouldbeagreatideato rentacampsiteandpackacampingbagfora weekendtriptooneofmyfavoritecamping spotsinSecondLife®,MountCampion NationalForest.It’scamping,butit’s campingwithatwist onethatbringsthe whimsicalandthewondroustotheforefront
MountCampionNationalForestislocated onMainlandonthecontinentofHeterocera IfyouareunfamiliarwithMountCampion, itisavastforestedareawithadynamic ecosystem,encompassingmanytrailswith differentelevationtypes.Ithasnumerous campsites,smallcabins,andcottagestorent, dependingongroupsizeorifyouare campingsoloAlthoughtherearemany differentwaystoaccommodateaweekend stay,therearealsoplentyofthingstodoand seeVisitorscanhikethroughthedense forests,sociallygatherbyserenelakes, explorethelargecavesystemburiedbelow, ridehorseback,andencountervirtual wildlife,amongstotherthings.
Ifyou'reworriedaboutgettinglost,rest assuredThetrailsatMountCampion NationalForestarewell-markedwithmaps andsigns,guidingyoutoyourdestination andensuringasafeandenjoyablehike You'llalsofindnotecardswithlandmarksto specificareas,makingiteasytonavigateand exploretheforestatyourownpace
Afterhikingforwhatseemedlikealong time,IfinallyfoundmycampsiteI immediatelystartedmycampfireandbegan tobuildmytent.Soonafter,itwastimefor metoheatupmyNuEarthCampfirestew withbiscuits.
Aftermyearlydinner,Ituckedawayinmy tenttojournal,attemptingtomemorialize theserenityandbeautyofhowMount CampionmademefeellikeIwasinthe majestyofreal-worldnationalparksThe attentiontodetailisastounding,fromthe rustlingofleavestothechangingweather patterns,offeringanauthenticsliceof wildernessthatfeelssurprisinglyreal.AsI continuetotakeinallthatsurroundsme,I glimpsedtheleavesshimmeringwithdigital dewandthecampfirecracklingwith pixelatedwarmth.
Ifyouwanttotakeabreakfromshopping, gotoclubsandparties,enjoyanimmersive experiencewithasmallgroupoflovedones, orspendtimealone,MountCampion NationalForestisthespot!
Map Courtesy of BK on Flickr
"Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows."
― Helen Keller
OLLYESEL IN CONVERSATION:
InterviewedbyZoeynovaOatsmill
PhotocourtesyofOllyEsel
Bright,cheerful,andengaging,OllyEsel’s dedication,passion,andcommitmenttothe SecondLife®communityareatestamentto herprofoundrespectandappreciationforour community.Knownforcreatingtutorials andcontenttoassistnewandexperienced usersinunderstandingthecomplexitiesof thevirtualworld,hervideosshowcase variousevents,interviews,andcollaborations. Formoreinformationandtowatchher tutorialsandvideos,here Here’swhatOllyhadtosaywhenwehadan opportunitytochatwithher.
Please tell us briefly about your background and how you started as a content creator.
I'vebeeninSecondLife®since2011but didn'tstartusingSLsocialmediauntil2019.I beganwithmemesaboutSL,thenmovedon tomakingvideostohelpnewcomers. Eventually,Istartedcreatingcontentforall SLusers
What inspired you to create content in your niche—SL Home Decor Weekend Sales and your YouTube channel, Olly Esel?
MyprimaryobjectiveistoservetheSecond Life®community,regardlessoftheir experiencelevel.Istrivetocoverawide rangeoftopics,fromshoppingandevent updatestovirtualworldexploration.My contentisdesignedtobeinformativeand entertaining,withatouchofhumorthat onlySecondLife®userscantrulyappreciate. Thiscommitmenttothecommunityiswhat drivesmetocreatecontentthatisboth helpfulandenjoyable
Wehavemanyweekendsales,whicharefun toshop,butInoticedthat90%ofwhatI boughtwashomedecorandlandscaping
Oneday,itjustclickedthatIshouldcreatea salefocusedonlyonthisnichesopeople wouldn'thavetoscrollthroughtonsof picturestofindhomedecoritems.
Please share a few of your most successful pieces of content and why you think they resonated with your audience.
Mymostpopularvideoshavealwaysbeen tutorials,notonlywithnewcomersbutalso withSecondLife®old-timers.SLis constantlychanging,asweallknow,and tutorialsaresoeasytofollowandgreatly helpthecommunity.Mysecondmost popularvideosarethefunnySL-related onesbecausewealllikeagoodlaugh.
What does creativity mean to you, and how do you nurture it in your daily life?
Tome,creativityisaboutpushing boundariesandconstantlyseekingnew ideas.Inurturethisbyimmersingmyselfin differentaspectsofSecondLife®, maintainingasenseofcuriosity,and embracingnewexperiences.Thisapproach keepsmycontentdynamicandengaging, ensuringthatIalwayshavesomethingfresh toofferthecommunity.
How do you stay inspired and come up with new content ideas? What drives you to continue creating content even on days when you feel uninspired or challenged?
Whatkeepsmegoingismypassionfor helpingtheSecondLife®communityand knowingthatmycontentmakesa difference.Evenontoughdays,Ithink aboutthepositiveimpactIcanhaveand thesupportfrommyaudience,which motivatesmetokeepcreating.Thisisone ofthemainreasonsIhavetakenabreak fromit.Ifeellikemybrainhascometoa blockatthemomentandIdonotwantto forceanycontentunlessit'snatural.
You are such a bright-spirited person and always make people laugh. What practices do you recommend to others to stay positive and joyful?
takingabreakwhichIamdoingatthe moment.Butforthedailybasis,findwhat makesyoulaugh,dowhatyouloveand practicegratitudeforeventhesmallestthings thatbringgoodtoyourlife.Remember, eveninthefaceofchallenges,there'salways awaytofindjoyandstaypositive
Is there anything else that you would like the Second Life® community to know about you?
IwanttheSecondLife®communityto knowthatI'mheretosupportandinspire you.Whetheryou'reneworhavebeen aroundforyears,I'mworkingtirelesslyto createhelpfulandenjoyablecontentfor everyoneinthenearfuture.Yourfeedback andengagementmeantheworldtome,and I'mdeeplygratefultobepartofthisvibrant andinspiringcommunity
“OnebenefitofSummerwasthateach
JeannetteWalls
Digital Vacation Journeys
WrittenbyZoeynovaOatsmill
PhotographedbyZoeynovaOatsmilland
ScarlettLibido
Overtheyears,SecondLife®hasundergonea remarkableevolution,expandingatarapidpace.What wasonceamodestdigitalsocialplatformhasblossomed intoadynamicdigitaltapestry,atestamenttothe boundlesscreativityofdigitallandscapersandcontent creatorsTheboundariesbetweenrealityandvirtuality oftenblur,andvirtualvacationinghasemergedasa captivatingfacetofourin-worldexperience,sparkinga senseofwonderandexcitementthatissuretopique yourcuriosity
Inourpreviousissues,throughourfeature,'Amethyst Adventures,'aseriesdedicatedtoexploringthe adventuroussideofSecondLife®,we'veencouraged thosewhohaveanadventurousspiritorwanttostep outsidetheircomfortzonetoexploreButwhatdoesit meantosatisfyourwanderlustthroughvacationingand travelingonthegrid?(refertoourlastsummerrelease titledWanderlust)
Frommypersonaljourney,I'vediscoveredthatvirtual vacationsofferauniqueblendofrealismandescapism Thethrilloftakingaflight,thestunningvisual aesthetics,theengagingsocialinteractionswithfellow residents,andtherefreshingbreakfromroutinein SecondLife®allcontributetoatrulyimmersive experience,onethatissuretocaptivateandintrigue you,makingyoufeellikeyou'regenuinelythere.
Usually,beforeIheadtoaresortorsomevacation experienceonthegrid,IwouldbookaflightFrom transportationtoandfromtheairport,ticketing, baggagecheck,andyourflight,theexperience becomesevenmoreimmersive. OneofthethingsIenjoythemostwhenoptingtofly
issittingdownandwatchingaircraft(privatejetsand 737s)touchdownonthetarmacandtaxitothegate.If youwanttoaddarealisticflairtoyourtravelsor vacation,Irecommendstartingyourtripwithaflight. ThereisnothinglikeusingyourNBSphonesystem,a virtualcommunicationtoolinSecondLife®,tocallan airlineacrossthegridoropeningupthePassengersof SLgroupchat,acommunitychatforvirtualtravelers, tobookaflightfromoneofthemanyairlinesin SecondLife®Overtheyears,Ihavealwaysbeen fascinatedbyairtravelonthegridTeleportinginto airportsandtheirterminalscloselyresemblingreal-life facilitieshasalwaysexcitedme,andSOMANY AIRPORTSarescatteredthroughouttheMainland. Some,locatedonthecoastandsomeinland,have somethingdifferenttooffer
AnotherelementIfocusonwhenchoosingwhereto vacationisthevisuals/aestheticsoftheresort/sim. Acrossthegridareextraordinarylandscapersand contentcreatorswhosecreationsassistpeoplewitha visiontorecreatedestinationsfromtherealworldFor instance,I'veseenwheredestinationownersutilize differentcontenttocaptureeverythingfromthe AmazonRainforest'svibrantflora,Santorini'sbeautiful architecture,andscenicviewsoftheSwissAlpstoadd culturaltouchestodowntownsorcommunityareas
Beforebookingyourdestination,thinkaboutthevibe andtheenvironmentyouwanttobesurroundedby. Areyouinterestedinbeach,mountain,deepforest,or coastal?Whatevervisual/aestheticyouaregoingfor, findwhatspeakstoyoubecausethisalsodetermines howyoupack.
Inadditiontothevisualaestheticsandenvironmentof yourdestination,socialinteractionisahugefactor whenchoosingwheretovacationonthegridSome maywantanAirbnbexperiencethatprovidesaquaint andquietexperience,orsomemaywanttobooka vacationataresortthathasaplethoraofgroup activitieslikecookingclasses,wine-tastingevents,and potteryworkshops,tonameafewTherearealsolatenightclubsessionswithliveDJs,liveperformancesby virtualbands,andmore.
VirtualvacationinginSecondLife®presentsa thrillingopportunitytobreakfreefromthe monotonyofourdailyroutines.Whetherwe're engrossedincreating,working,ortendingtoour virtuallives,theprospectofembarkingonanew adventureoftryingsomethingdifferentcanbe incrediblyempowering.Itcaninspireyoutotake theleapandbookavirtualvacationThe possibilitiesareendless,andtheadventureawaits, readytoigniteyourspiritofexploration.
So,thenexttimeyoufeelthestirringsofadventure, considerembarkingonajourneythroughthe boundlessrealmofSecondLife®Whoknowswhat marvelsawaityoujustbeyondthescreen?Inaworld wheretheimpossiblebecomespossible,theonlylimitis yourimagination.It'sathoughtthatfillstheheartwith hopeandthemindwithoptimism.
ASHA RHIA: Feng Travels
Theinspirationbehindcreatingvirtual destinationswithinSecondLife®stems fromablendofpersonalexperiencesanda desiretosharethejoyoftravelwithothers. Growingupasthechildofanaviation enthusiast,myfatheringrainedinmea deeplovefortravelandexploration.Ihad theprivilegeofexperiencingvariousparts oftheworldfromaveryyoungage.This exposuretodifferentculturesandplaces ignitedapassionforhospitalityand creatingimmersiveexperiences.
In2011,InoticedthatmanySecondLife® usershadnottraveledextensivelyinreal life.Wantingtosharemylovefortravel andhospitality,IopenedKaymanyaBeach Resorttoprovideavirtualescapeforthose unabletoexperiencesuchdestinationsin reality.Theoverwhelminglypositive responseencouragedmetocontinueand expandmyvirtualdestinationbusiness, eventuallyleadingtothecreationofAsha Destinationsin2015-2016.By incorporatingdetailedroleplayelements, includingactualflightroleplay,Iaimedto offeracomprehensiveandimmersive experienceforSecondLife®users.
Iamparticularlyknownforcreating African-themeddestinations,whichreflect myheritageandpaytributetothevibrant culturesandlandscapesofAfrica.My approachtochoosingthemesandconcepts isheavilyinfluencedbymypersonaltravels andtherequestsofmyfollowers.Often,I drawinspirationfromplacesIhavevisited orseenonplatformslikeInstagram.The creativeprocessisveryintuitiveand spiritualforme,guidedbymyemotions andvisionsinthemoment.
Overthepast13years,Ihavecontinuedto evolveandrefinemydestination-building techniques,ensuringthateachcreation resonatesdeeplywithmeand, consequently,withmyvisitors.Although
Ienjoylushlandscapes,Ifocusmoreonthe emotionalandaestheticaspectsofthe destinationsratherthantechnical optimizationslikescriptreduction.
Asacreator,Iamquiteindependentand prefertoworkalone,asmyprojectsare deeplypersonal.Thisindividualistic approachextendstomymanagementstyle, whereIprioritizecreatingawelcoming andfamilialatmosphereformyguests, fosteringstrongconnectionsandasenseof community.
WhileIhaveconsideredconnectingmy destinationstoMainlandairportsorsailable waters,Ifindthatprivateregionsoffera betterexperienceforuserswithvarying computercapabilities.Lookingahead,Iam excitedaboutthecontinuedevolutionof mydestinations,drivenbymypassionand thefeedbackfrommyguests.
Myfavoritecreationsarenumerous,andI finditchallengingtopickjustone.Each destinationholdsaspecialplaceinmy heart,fromUtahandEgypttoCongo, Kenya,Jamaica,HaitiCruise,andBelize. Listeningtouserfeedbackiscrucial,asit helpsmeimproveandtailormy destinationstomeettheirdesires.
Ultimately,mycreativejourneyinSecond Life®isfueledbyloveandadeep commitmenttobringingpeopletogether throughimmersiveandheartfelt experiences.Theupcomingvacationswith myfollowers,theBaduers,representanew andexcitingphaseinthisongoing adventure.
Thankyoufortheopportunitytosharemy storyandpassionwithyou.
"She smelled of sun and daisies with a hint of river water."
― Katie Daisy
Bonaire Second Life® Benjamin Buttons of
Theinspirationforcreatingvirtualdestinations withinSecondLife®comesfromvividimages inmyhead,oftensparkedbyreal-life experiences,childhoodmemories,orcreative ideasthatarehardtorealizeinthephysical world.Mypartner,BaliButtonss,hasbeena perfectcollaborator,alwaysencouragingmeto pursuethesetime-consumingprojects. Together,wegetlostinthedetailstomake ourdestinationsandexperiences,aswellasour productsatBonaireArchitects,asimmersiveas possible.
MySecondLife®family,ourteam,andIrefer toourcreationsas"realms"Istartedin2015 whenIwascommissionedtobuildBrookHill, a19-simcommunitysouthofSecondNorway, atthesoutheastendoftheBlakeSea.That project'spositivefeedbackandsuccess encouragedmetostartcreatingmyown destinationsandcommunities.BrookHill becamepopular,andseeinghowmuchpeople enjoyedourworkwaslikeavirus,drivingme tocontinuecreating.
Thethemesandconceptsformyvirtual destinationscanbeinspiredbyasong,aTV show,amemory,orjustspontaneousideasAs anAries,Ioftenneedtobringtheseideasto lifeimmediatelyIlovethemeswithhistorical contextsandappreciatetheincreaseddiversity introducedbyshowslikeBridgerton,which allowsforhistoricallyaccurateenvironmentsin alternaterealitiesIalsoenjoysci-fiaesthetics, eventhoughIamnotabigfanofsci-fiinreal lifeOurcurrentproject,asci-fidestination,is stillunderwraps.
Tofurtherenhancetheguestexperienceforall ofourdestinations,Ifocusonminimizing textureloadatourdestinationstooptimize performanceandreducelagwithinourbuilds Ialsolimitthevarietyofitemsusedin landscaping,usingonlyafew
typesofbushesandtreesbutarrangingthemin differentsizes,rotations,andcolorstoachievea naturalfeel.Thisapproachnotonlyreduceslag butalsoprovidesabalancedandcalmvisual scene.Also,ourmainplacesareconnectedto Mainland.
Ourmostwell-knowndestinationislikely YanuYanu.AlongwiththeoriginalLe ChateauMotel,ownedbyourdearfriends VictoireandFranz,thesedestinationswerethe firstholiday-themedlocationswithBlakeSea accessThislocationallowedustooffer extensiveserviceslikeguestflightsand excursions
AnothersignificantventureisKnapperVillage inSecondNorway,amulti-simrural communitywithvariousamenities,including anairport,grocerystore,marina,beachclub, playground,andequestriancenter Additionally,ThePalladion,ourMerfolk realm,ispartoftheSafeWaterFoundation,a centralhubfortheMercommunityinSecond Life® KnapperispartofSecondNorway, withitsownairportandconnectiontoRoute 10WestYanuYanuisconnectedtotheBlake Sea,nearTuarauaraFiji,offeringdirectaccess totheLindenChannel.Theseconnections enhancetheexperienceforourguestsand integrateourdestinationsintothebroader SecondLife®world.
Myfavoritecreationsinourcatalogare YanuYanuandourprivatesim,Isoladi Gorgona.IsoladiGorgonaisopentothe publicforvisitsandsoonwillofferAirbnb staysItholdspersonalsignificance,asitreflects myMediterraneanheritageandthememories ofourSecondLife®sisterMuti,whowasfrom ItalyandpassedawaylastNovember.
Wetakefeedbackandsuggestionsseriously. Westrivetoimprovebasedonourguests' input.Fosteringasenseofcommunityrequires acommitmenttoguests,staff,andthecreation itself.Iensurethateveryonefeelswelcomed andpartofsomethingspecial.Werebuilt YanuYanufromscratchthreetimesin3.5 years,incorporatingguestfeedbacktoevolve theexperiencecontinually.Furthermore,we arefriendswithotherresortownersand communitycreators,seeingthemas contributorsratherthancompetitors.Ioften offeradviceandsupporttootherswhoare planningtoopennewplaces.Collaborations enhancethesenseofcommunityand contributetotherichnessoftheSecondLife® worldCurrently,weareplanninganew collaboration,butitistooearlytodisclose details Iseethefutureofvirtualdestinationswithin SecondLife®asoneofgrowth.These destinationsofferguestsincrediblefunand newexperiences,especiallythoseunawareof thevastopenwaterandairtrafficopportunities inSecondLife®.Itcanbeagame-changerfor many
Inclosing,onethingI’dlikeforpeopleto knowisthatSecondLife®ismorethanjusta game;itisaplatformwhereweinteractwith realpeoplebehindtheavatars.Beingkindto eachotherandcreatorsisessential,astheir workenrichestheSecondLife®experience. Withouttheircontributions,SecondLife® wouldbeanemptyplatform.
"If you ' re not barefoot, then you ' re overdressed."
― Unknown
Virtual Destinations
Tye a d G b i l E ston:
OurinspirationforcreatingSecondLife® destinationswassparkedbyourpassionfor craftinguniqueweddingexperiences.Gabe's talentinbuildinganddecorating,combined withmyeventcoordinationskills,ledusto noticeagapinthemarketfordedicated honeymoondestinations.Thisinspiredusto createHighlifeDestinations,avirtualparadise wherenewlywedscanembarkonauniqueand unforgettablehoneymoonexperience.Since January2020,wehavebeendedicatedto developingtheseone-of-a-kindvirtual vacationdestinations
Ourcreativeprocessbeginswithourfamily Wesitdownwiththemandbrainstormfun placeseveryone,includingtheSecondLife® community,wouldlovetoexperience.This collaborativeapproachhelpsuschoosethemes andconceptsthatresonatewithabroad audience
Toenhancetheexperienceforourguests,we havecollaboratedwithSilverspoon,which providesuswithfoodsthatcatertothetheme ofourdestinations.Whilewehaveyetto collaboratewithother
communitiesinSecondLife®forjoint projects,wearealwaysopentoworkingwith talentedcreatorsandbuilders.Also, tooptimizeperformanceandreducelagatour locations,wefocusoneliminatingnonessentialscriptsandavoidbuildingwith excessiveclutter.Thishelpsmaintainasmooth andenjoyableexperienceforourvisitors.
AtHighlifeDestinations,wearedrivenby passionandacommitmenttoourguests.We aimtocreatememorableexperiencesforevery visitor.Wearededicatedtocontinuous improvementandgrowth,alwaysstrivingto meetourcommunity'schangingneedsand interestsUserfeedbackisvitaltousandis incorporatedintoourdesiretoimproveour services
Ourwebsite,Highlifedestinations.com, hasaguestreviewsectionwhereuserscan leavehonestreviewsabouttheirstayand experienceWecarefullyconsidertheir feedback,includingsuggestionsfor improvements,toenhanceourvirtual destinationscontinually.
Wehavebuiltvariousdestinationstodate, withourmostpopularonesbeingTimorIslesBali,LasVegasResort,WinterinNewYork, andIbiza.TheLasVegasdestination,in particular,wasalaboroflove,capturingthe vibrantandexcitingatmosphereofthereal cityOurcommitmenttoqualityanda memorableexperienceinstillsconfidenceand trustinouraudience
Fosteringasenseofcommunitybycreating engagingandinteractiveenvironmentswhere visitorscansocialize,participateinevents,and enjoysharedexperiencesisveryimportantto usWeofferavarietyofamenitiesatour destinationsthatencouragecommunity involvement.Ourgoalistomakeeach destinationavibrant,communalspace.For example,atourTimorIslesexperience,we offeramenitiessuchasrockwallclimbing, bumperboats,jetskiing,ziplining,bungee jumping,hangglidingandkayaking,andso muchmore.
Weseethefutureofvirtualdestinationsasa valuableextensionoftheSecondLife® community,andweareveryhonoredtobe partofitAsSecondLife®evolves,wesee ourselvesgrowingalongsidethecommunity. Weplantocontinuallyenhanceandexpand ourvirtualdestinationstomeetourvisitor's interestsandchangingneedsThoughnotset instone,wecouldevenexplorethefuture possibilityofconnectingourdestinationstoa mainlandairportormarinaforanevenmore immersivecommunityexperience
Our Well Loved Spaces Virtual Comfort:
Written and Photographed by The Collective
OnethingaboutSecondLife®thatmostofusloveis theabilitytodesignhomeenvironmentsthatprovidea senseofsecurityandcomfortasarefugefromthereallifestressesofdailylife.Acozycornerwithsoftlighting, comfortableseating,andsoothingdecorcanhelpyou unwindandrelax,promotingasenseofcalmand tranquilityawayfromalltheotheractivitiesavailableon thegrid.Thesevirtualhomesarenotjustpixelsona screenbutoursafehavens,oursanctuaries,wherewecan escapetofindsolaceandpeace.
Weaskedafewteammemberstogiveusaglimpseinto someoftheirfavoriteroomsintheirvirtualhomes. Specifically,weaskedthattheyshowusspacesthat reflecttheirpersonalityandinterests,whichfostereda senseofindividualityandself-expressionTheirfavorite spacesevokeawiderangeofpositiveemotionsand nostalgia,aswellasrelaxation,happiness,inspiration,and connection.Thesespacesarenotjustroomsbutkeyto theirwell-being,providingcomfort,joy,andasenseof personalfulfillmentwhilein-world.Theyremindusthat eveninthevirtualworld,wecancreateenvironments thatnurtureoursoulsandupliftourspirits.
Scarlett’s Space
Myupbringing,surroundedbythemajestyoftrees, hasinstilledinmeadesiretoageinthecompanyof books;thoseverytreestransformedintopagesof knowledge.WhileIcannotcarryaforestinmy suitcasetoaccompanymeonlife'sjourney,Ican alwaystuckastackofbookswithinitsconfines. Thesebooks,myconstantcompanions,offermea senseoffamiliarityandcomfortnomatterwhereI findmyself.Iconfess.Iamabibliophile.
Growingup,Itookcomfortinbeingthequiet childwhodidn’tseemtotakeupspaceinaroom Beingpeacefulandintrospectiveledmetomy schoolandpubliclibrary,whereI’drevelinthevast choicesofbooks.Thesilenceinthoseroomsgave mepeaceandserenityfromthecontrastbetween theloudnessoftheoutsideworldandthecafeterias andthehallwaysoftheschoolIoftendriftedtomy dreamsbetweenthepagesofagloriousbookwhen lifegothard,andIwantedtostayintheblissful peaceofmydreams.
Forme,booksarelikedreams,exceptIcan bookmarkwhereIleftoffinthe“dream,”andIcan returntoitwheneverIwant.Bookshelpedme “dream”awakewhenIwasgoingthrougharough patch.ThepagesheldpeaceandcomfortthatIonly rememberfromplayingoutdoorssurroundedby natureAsanadult,myhomefeelslikehomewhen Ihavealibrary.Mypassionforbooksrunsdeep. Myprofoundloveforbooksledmetocollectthem, andIfindjoyintheirpresence.
IlovearoomwithwallsfullofbooksThebooks thatIconsidered“specialbooks”willbereread becausenatureisuniqueandnottobewasted.I borrowbooksfrommylocallibrarythatIwillonly readonce.Ilovesnugglingupinmyreadingnook withabookAsIreadinmynook,Ienjoypeeking upbetweenthepagesofthebookI’mholdingand seeingmywondrouscollectionofbooksonthe shelves,sharingspacewithsmallplantsthatmake thebookslookaliveevenwhenshutclosed.There issomethingaestheticallypleasingabouttheir physicalaspects-thesmell,feel,andtheappearance ofbooksgivemepeace.Thejoyofwhatislearned onthepagessupportsmyendlesspursuitof knowledge,andtheonesIkeepoftenholdnostalgia -personalmemoriesandemotionalsignificance
Ahh,yes!Thisroomismycomfortspace,whereI candreamwideawake,whereIcandreamno matterwhatageIbecome.
Pilar’s Space
Mygrandmothersparkedmylovefortravel,a journeyofadventureanddiscoveryAtageeight, shetookmeonmyfirstplaneridefromNewYork toPuertoRico,embarkingonathrillingroutethat ledustoArubaandSintMaarten/SaintMartinto visitherfriends.
AsIwalkedhandinhandwithmygrandmother throughthevibrantstreetsofeachcountry,Iwas amazedbytheartvendorssellingtheircultural treasures.TheAfro-Caribbeancolorsandthemes resonateddeeplywithme,atestamenttotherich tapestrythatweavesthroughmyfamily'scultural roots,originatingfromPanama,Jamaica,andSt. Lucia.Thisconnection,forgedinmychildhood, hasdrivenmetoexploreandtraveltomanydiverse islandsoftheCaribbeaninmyadulthood.
Thedecorinmyhomeisinspiredbymy experiencesconnectingtomyculturalheritage, startingwiththatfirstvacationwithmy grandmother.Istrivetocreateacomfortableand ethnicallydecoratedlivingroomanddiningroom byblendingculturalelementswithcozytouchesto createaspacethatfeelsbothinvitingandunique.
Withinthewallsofmyownhome,Ihavealways soughttocapturetheessenceofAfro-centric design,whichledmetocreatealivingspacethatis cozyandcomfortableandavividexpressionofmy culturalheritage.Iadorethestarkbutsimplistic contrastofblackandwhite.Thismonochromatic approach,tome,issophisticatedandallowsapalette forcreativeexpression-fromthefamilyphotosin ethnicframestotheheirloomsandsouvenirsfrom mytravels.Eachitemholdsapersonalsignificance. Theseelementsenhancetheaestheticandinfusethe spacewitharichsenseofhistoryandpersonal identity,transformingitintoacomfortingand inspiringretreatreflectingmyheritageorinterests. Forme,thisaddscomfortandtellsastory,making boththelivingroomanddiningroomatrue reflectionofmyidentityandasanctuaryofglobal inspiration
Zoey’s Space
Growingup,mymotherusedtosay,“Try everythingDon’tshyawayfromexperiencingnew orculturallydifferentfood”Sonow,IadmititI amafoodie.
Creatinganeclectickitchenisadreamcometrue formeIrelishaspacethatharmonizesculinary passionwitheclectic,artisticdesignThisspaceisa testamenttomyloveforextremecomfortformy family,wheretheycansavorthedeliciousnessof everymealwesharehereand,moreimportantly, deepenourconnectionsinthisgatheringspace Iamdrawntoawarm,earthycolorpalettetoset thetone.Thesehuescreateacozyandinviting atmosphere,perfectforakitchenwhereculinary creativitycomestolife.Wallsadornedwith patternedtiles,perhapsMoroccanorSpanish,adda touchofglobalflairandvisualinterest
Inmyboho/eclectickitchen,openshelvingis practicalanddecorative.Iadorethelookof reclaimedwoodshelvestodisplaymycollectionsof dishes,ceramics,andartisanalcookwareIdon’tlike tobemarriedtoaspecificstylebecauseImixand matchstylesandpatternstoembracemyeclectic spiritfully.
Beingaplantmama,Imusthavegreeneryto breathelifeintomykitchenPottedherbson windowsills,hangingplanterswithcascadingvines, andamixofsucculentsandtropicalplantsgiveme life!Ilovehavinganaturalelementthatbringsa senseofcalmandfreshnesstothespace
Collectingfleamarketfindslikewovenbaskets, hand-paintedpottery,andvintagekitchentoolsare personaltouchesthatmakemykitchenuniquely mineandtellastorywitheachitem. Also,Ilikethekitchentobefunctional,notjunkyI likeold-feelingappliancesthatseamlesslyblend withthedecor,likearetro-stylerefrigeratorora colorfulstandmixer.Aspaciousfarmhousesinkand amplecounterspaceareindispensableforafoodie likemewhorelishescookingeclecticfoods
Ialsoviewmylivingroomspaceasanextensionof mykitchen,whereanyonewouldfeelcomfortable curleduponthecouchwithabowlofnoodles.In choosingmyhome,Ineededtohaveanopen concept,wherethisroomfeltlikeanextensionof thekitchen,wheretheconversationcouldflow freely,andtheatmospheremadeeveryonefeelasif theybelonged.
TAROT GY
Written by Pilar Mimulus
Photographed by Zoeynova Oatsmill
Here’syourTarotAstrologyforecastforeach zodiacsignfortheSummerseason.Findout whatastrologicaleventsareinstoreforyou! Alongwithyoursunsign,besuretocheck outthereadingforyourrisingsign,too!
Aries: Transparencyisessentialinallareasof yourliferightnowAuthenticitywithyour wordismorethanjustavirtue;it'sapowerful toolthatcanliberateyoufromthechainsof falsenarratives.Yourhonesty,Aries,isthe keytoyourfreedom
Taurus: Taurus,asyouchargeforwardwith yourintentions,makesureyouunderstand the‘why’behindthemRemember,it'snot justaboutachievingyourgoalsbutalsoabout maintainingyourrelationshipsalongtheway.
Gemini: Ifyoufindyourselfavoiding obstaclestostaywithinyourcomfortzone, considerthis:youmaybeinadvertently closingthedooronnewopportunities. Embracetheunknown,Gemini,andopen yourselfuptothegrandexperienceswaiting toenrichyourlife.
Cancer: Whileyoumayfeelcomfortableand content,awholeworldofnewexperiences awaitsyou.Giveyourselfthefreedomto exploreandgetcurious.It'stimetoembark onanewpaththatwillequallysatisfyyour well-being.
Leo: Thisseason,yourromanticrelationships arenotjustaboutlovebutaboutselfdiscoveryWhetherinarelationshipor seekingone,knowthatyourpartnercan revealunexpectedtreasuresaboutyourself Howdeepareyouwillingtodive,Leo?
Virgo: Movewithpurpose,Virgo.Whatever intentionyouarecurrentlysetting,beopen towhatshowsupversushavingexpectations basedonpastresults.Bethoughtful,aware, andempoweredwhilebeingauthentically YOU!
Libra: Yourcreativesparkisonthevergeof beingafull-fledgedfire!Yourideasmatter Libra,andyourcreativitywillforce transformationifyouhavefacedpastobstacles orturmoil.Getreadytocommityourselfto
successanddeepsatisfaction.Youdeserveit.
Scorpio: Youmayhaveexperienceswhere information,answers,andknowledge miraculouslyappearoutofnowhere. Understandthatconnectingwithyour“higher self”oryour“spiritualself,”whateveryoudeem thattobe,isessentialnowtogettheanswers youseekversuslookingforthem.
Sagittarius: Coincidences?Oropportunity meetingpreparedness?Sag,youwillbehaving lotsofthesemomentsthisseason.Bemindful nottobetooimpulsiveoroverconfident,but tempertheknowledgeyouwillgainthrough thisexperience.Bethoughtfulandnot predictableasyouapplywhatyou’vegainedas thingsunfold.
Capricorn: Slowitdownalittle,Capricorn. Listeningdeeplyasopposedtolessthanfocused attentionisintimateandrespectfulandneeded tostrengthenallformsofyourrelationships, especiallyinromance.Hearbeyondthenoise andresistthechallengetoconfrontyourneedto becorrectasaformofacknowledgment.You’ll cometoamoreexcellentplaceof understanding.
Aquarius: Bemindfulthathowyouseethingsis throughyourlensofexperiencesand conditioning.Doesyourfilterknowarangeof opportunitiesorlevelsoflimitations?Youare beingaskedtoalignyourperceptionswithwhat canbepossibleinsteadofwhatyoubelieveis possible.
Pisces: Itmaybetimetosurrenderyour attachmentstoadesiredoutcome,dearPisces. Yes,youdidallthenecessarywork,whether inwardlyoroutwardly.Stopfeelingthatjust becauseyouhaveanintensedesireforsomething meansyouareentitledtoit.Letitgoandsee whattranspires
Ophiuchus 13th Zodiac: Areyouwaitingfor yourfeartosubsidebeforeyoumoveforward? Thisseasonisanauspicioustimeforrisk-taking Bebold!Actwithcourageandintegrity, knowingthatnomattertheoutcome,youwill awakensomethingwithinthatwillsupportwho youarebecoming
SLOARDERS
Isyourinventoryoutofcontrol?Areyou overwhelmedbytheclutter?Don’tknow howtoorganizeyourfolders?ThereIS lightattheendofthetunnel!Join Sloarders,ourFacebooksupportgroup wherewediscusstips,folderorganization andjustplaninventorycleanupand management.Youcanevenjoinusfora quickinventorypurgeparty.Findus here.