Love all, trust a few. Do wrong to none.

As I have decided to take a break from SL, I thought I would take a moment and use my blog to clear things up :)

I know this was kinda sudden, but real life has been building up recently and with study and having a friend living with us (who needs much attention, believe me! lol) I felt I had to make this call. I am perfectly fine and happy as normal ;) For those I have worried fear not, I just hate goodbyes (hence the notecards) those who I did get to speak to, thank you for your lovely kind words that wished me well.

I have learnt so much in 5 months here...That for one it is possible to form and build relationships with such incredible people. Also, it is possible to piss people off, to be pissed off by people and to misplace trust. I only say this to help people appreciate what they have and what they desire will come to them when they are ready to receive it.

Sometimes, whether we want it to or not, Our Real Lives bleed into our Second Lives and things can get complicated. Whether you see SL as an escape for an hour or two, or if you just see it as a cheaper way to hang with friends and enjoy great music, it's always important you know where you are and where you have come from.

Treat people the way you want to be treated, finding the time to listen and making sure we never overstep the boundaries of privacy. Knowing when it is okay to say certain things. Knowing when it's best that you don't say anything at all. These few things are not the guidelines of etiquette for Second life, these are the guidelines of etiquette for....Life :)

Pixie xoxox

Home Is Where The Art Is....

Howdy y'all!

So this week I visited a few friends abodes.. I haven't been breaking in uninvited, it's just a coincidental occurrence I promise :)

In RL you can tell a lot about a person by the house they live in. The décor, the colors, the style all tells you quite a bit about the personality of those residing. And in SL this is no different. Okay, so maybe there are differences....but subtle ones.

SL is a playground to explore and act a little crazy with our style. If we did this in RL we may be mistaken for Gaga or put into a straight jacket, but that is part of the fun! Our houses in SL are a blank canvas to go nuts and express some personality instead of a mundane trip to Ikea or B&Q to spend a whole day painting something in beige.

When I moved into Moonletters last month I noticed people had decorated their apartments and filled them with beauty and magic that suited their personality and expressionism. I decided to do likewise with my Tiki style beach apartment. Okay, that's not exactly exciting, but for me it feels like home :) I grew up by the shore and to be able to have my own little virtual space that I could give a makeover to made me feel warm and safe. Plus, I have sand for carpet, a campfire and I sleep in a hammock! :)

Across from The Moonletters Motel is Graz's 1950's style home. Knowing Graz like I do, it totally suits his personality and style and he has certainly expressed himself wonderfully. We all know how proud he is of his beautiful kitchen :) It's a great place to hang out and if you are lucky he may have cherry flapjacks in the oven!

Jellie's room blew my little mind! It's full of color and caaaauteness. Which, as we all know, is Jellie to a tee! Animated bunnies, Donut furniture, huge Elvis', bunnies, chicks, puppies, loads! It was like walking into a bag of skittles and I love skittles! \o/

Nomad and his partner Karen have a beautiful, relaxing little peninsular with a tropical style beach house that's location of RL dreams. It's secluded, private and a quite a little love nest :) Meri and Thom also have an amazing retreat. Although my visit there wasn't too long (I had to log :S) it looked like the perfect getaway.

Our homes are more than just a place for us to get changed in, they are a little piece of our artistic, expressionist and personality. It's our creative footprint in SL :)

***************************************************

This week I have been hanging out with a new buddy :) Aramos Darkfury...who is a wonderful writer and proud noob :P He found his way to AAi and we have decided to keep him \o/ You all need to read his Blog as it is super funny and wonderfully written.

Would like to wish the beautiful Cisa Batista a very happy 1st Rezzday!! I hope to see you soon so I can give you Rezzday huggies :))

Also a HUGE welcome to Claire Eglund who is AAi's new Mod DJ. Her debut was rudely interrupted by a regional failure which prevented anyone teleporting to AAi :s However, Meri and Thom opened their beautiful home to us all and the show went on! Amazing sounds from Claire and I welcome her warmly :)

Studying, Listening, Moving & Spinning

I have been on half-term this past week, and although I still had to study I found myself looking for a pleasant distraction...

I usually sit at my desk (where the computer happens to be) listen to music and hit the books...However, the lure of SL is right in front of me and the fact I can multi-task makes up my mind to log in :)

I had a wonderful study session on Sunday in which AAi DJ, Nomad Rovio provided a perfect background sound which helped me finish an assignment. I was able to take some breaks and indulge in conversation before returning to my studies. This may not work for many but for me and my liddle attention span it helped a great deal \o/ **I expect a good grade from this assignment btw, that is how pleased I am! :)

*****

I have had an eventful and exciting week in SL. I moved to Penny Lane into the Moonletters Motel (Yay!) and made my debut as an AAi DJ (Double yay!)

I played a one hour set before the main show of Graz's Jukebox fury set :) So if you like New York Indie sounds then stop by at AAi (Weds 12pm, SLT) I just wish to thank those who stopped by to give me their support and those who couldn't be there, I hope to see you next time :)

My favorite song this week is '23' By 'Blonde Redhead' , who formed in NYC! \o/ ;)

Music: The best gift in the world!

Yikes! I have seriously neglected this liddle blog of mine...

Okies, so I am into month four of my SL experience so I will catch everyone up (including myself, good time to recap ;)

Firstly I have been crazy busy with Uni, but I do still find the time to log in and catch my favorite DJs... So this blog is dedicated to the guys who work hard to give us pleasurable eargasms..

I don't have 'A favorite' because each DJ caters for a different mood. I am very much of the opinion that sharing music is one of the greatest gifts you can give to another human being and these guys do that in abundance.

On a Monday night we are blessed with Mericat Ireland's set at the 'Pig and Whistle'. It's always an eclectic mix, raw and edgey with a a good few classic indie anthems thrown in for good measure. Meri is a natural DJ and knows how to entertain her loyal followers and make the newcomers feel welcome. I always have a blast there and Meri always makes sure there is a taxi cab waiting for me as soon as I log in... :) /meri's innocent "Jellie Arrowmint: Meri is innocent and would never do such a thing"

Cisa Batista is a human jukebox. The tunes pour out of her and I don't think I have ever met someone so wonderfully in love with music. Every set is from the heart, passionate and full of energy..My i-tunes always increases considerably after every Cisa set. /Cisa "CISA BATISTA!!!'

Graz Firecaster (aka Grazzypants, Grazzle, Griz, G) Is the modfather and manager of the best indie club in SL. His Jukebox fury on an Wednesday night is full of variety and warmth. He has opened my eyes to a whole new world of music and that in itself is a lovely gift. /camel "Cisa Batista: You have a crush on the camel Graz? Graz Firecaster: Shhh"

Okay seemingly these guys above are my top three, (in no particular order) but I really enjoy sets by, Graham, Iggy, Annie and Barely. So lets not hang the DJs, lets praise them and be thankful that they are in SL entertaining and sharing something beautiful :) Thank you guys!

Gestures supplied by the one and only Jellie Arrowmint \o/ "Squirrel!"

**My pub quiz team finished 10th out of 12 :( This is why....

"What's the capital of Alaska?"

Nat: "Juneau"

Athina: "No, I don't know??!?"

Nat: "It's Juneau"

Athina: " No! Just said I didn't know, stop asking if I know!"

Nat: *Heavy sigh*

;)

The 'R' Word

As I approach my second month in Second Life, I feel I am a little bit more qualified to blog about the wonderment of this virtual haven.,,

I don't wear boxes as much anymore (although it does still make me smile when I do) I don't seem to travel around exploring as much, as I now have my regular spots and hangouts. I was speaking to a new friend a little while ago about relationships, how they work, how they vary, friends, partners, are they healthy? Do they work? Many questions we have all asked ourselves at one point or another.

Two questions that seem to ring more prominently are 'Why did I come here?' and 'What is keeping me here?'
I personally can answer both those questions with the same answer...I was introduced by a RL friend and we are maintaining a relationship in a more pixelated and fun way then just e-mails.

I realise the very mention of the word 'relationships' has caused many of the male readers to stop at this point, but before you click off this blog, if I promise to mention beer, and naked ladies will you continue? Thought so!

But the 'R' word is something that not only us users depend on, also it is what the Linden Lab guys rely on too. It is our world, we create most of what lays within including the relationships and friendships and the reason we keep logging back in. It is human nature to find comfort in others, to meet and spend time with people you have formed a connection with. People share interests, people talk, people become friends, people make time for other people and that makes people feel good about themselves.

For me, I have to admit I entered SL with a very sceptical view. I, like many others probably expected to encounter the seedy, sex-crazed stigma that comes attached to SL. Not that it doesn't exist, of course it is out there but seemingly if you look for it you can find it, but otherwise I haven't encountered anything that has made me consider uninstalling or attending therapy.

I wasn't really here to make new friends, I was here to hang out with my RL buddy and to explore and be silly together in a pixelated way. But unfortunately we have a timezone issue and our time together is limited to a couple of hours here and there. Then one day I walked into a certain Alternative club, met a friendly Dalek and many welcoming people and the rest, as they say, is history.

Suddenly I had accidentally met people who I could relate to, enjoy sharing jokes and music with and consider to be friends. As easy as that I had formed relationships.

People go beyond friendships of course. This is more than intriguing to me and something I wanted to find out a little more about. There are many different cases, each one unique. Some mutually purposeful some more one-sided and unbalanced. My interest stems from their RLstandpoint. I have heard and know of many who were two single people enjoying SL, they became friends, then became more than friends and met up in RL and now enjoy SL as a couple under the same RL roof and live happily ever after. I have also heard some tales of heroism and romance that would make for a tear-jerking screenplay.

There are those who are in a dysfunctional RL relationship and use SL as the ultimate escape. Again, many different types, each one unique but where is the line drawn between SL and RL? Is it okay to say 'I don't speak to my partner, we just live together for the sake of our children' Then look to form a romance in SL? Is it possible to have a fully functional RL marriage and have a seperate SL partnership because their opinion is that SL and RL are complete separate entities? And what about those who don't consider RL and SL any different at all? Would they be cheating on their RL partners if they engaged in any SL romantic/sexual activities?

I still feel very naive to this area of SL. There seems to be such a huge variety of relationship 'types' it's hard to keep track of. Is it worth jeopardizing a friendship by taking the plunge into a partnership? Would it make any difference anyway?

I am asking to many questions in this blog, it's something that will continue to intrigue me, it's a sociological fascination for sure, and one which would most likely have divided opinions, so perhaps we should leave my questions as rhetorical for now...

But feel free to answer these two simple but thought provoking questions.

Why did you join SL and what is keeping you here?


Oh,..for the guys...here is the barenaked ladies I promised :) Enjoy!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHacDYj8KZM

AAI- Alternatively Alternative

AAI - An Alternative Indie Club...
Aurally Atmospheric Indie
Abandoned Abased Indie
Abnormal Abolished Indie
Abound Above Indie
Abrasive Absolute Indie

However you wish to abbreviate it, all of the above rings true. Its variety of descriptions tells you just how much this club has to offer, and then some...

In my eternal search to find a sim that will 1. Please my musical appetite and 2. Make me feel warm, welcome and part of a little family was quickly realized here at AAI.

Upon my entrance I was immediately greeted by a Dalek. I was to be scanned before given an all clear to proceed. My initial thought was that I had accidentally stumbled upon some kind of Sci-fi convention, but to my relief I quickly noticed the dancefloor and music that instantaneously pleased my ears.

I was warmly welcomed by the Dalek and those inhabiting the dancefloor to come on in and make myself at home, which I duly did.

I immediately took to the feel of the club. The dancefloor dominates the small space, but it is close, dark, comfortable and cozy. With a small but very atmospheric vibe, the clubs interior suits the sound it plays-Underground.
The dark dance floor is perfectly framed by purple retro style furniture which makes for an excellent chill out zone with a bright lime green backdrop.

Once on the dance floor, and with the dance machine options open, I was ready to take in the collection of music on offer.

Indie, Mod, Rock 'n' Roll, Punk, Classics Alternative Anthems, the list of styles goes on. It almost meanders through the club, touching everyones flavor of taste at some point or another. I will be honest and say quite a good few of songs I had never heard before, but this left me thinking to myself 'Why haven't I heard these songs before??'

My answer was to keep on dancing, taking in every single note played and recognizing that music goes far beyond Pop charts and MTV.

I was invited to return the next night as they had a DJ playing a full set. The Dalek that gave me a thorough scanning before was to be the DJ or as he is more commonly known, Graz Firecaster.
Graz, a DJ and one of the managers of AAI took to the decks the next night. I was armed with a few requests which were not only fulfilled but appreciated. The regular crowd attended and welcomed me and a few other new people warmly.

There is a very open-minded ambience that transpires through the music and the regulars. It puts you in a comfort zone which sooths you and allows you to be yourself and to enjoy and participate in the humor of the natives. It is more than clear that enjoyment, appreciation and humor are key elements in the make up of AAI.

I stayed for a good two hours. I laughed, I listen to songs I knew and loved, I listened to songs that I had never heard before but will again as they are now in my collection on I-tunes. What's more, I made a good number of friends who I can share this experience with time and time again.

There is more to this club then what meets the eye. Just to the side of the chill-out zone is an amber tunnel leading up. At the other end is another little chill out area which also has a few free gifts.

But that's not it, the clubs Piste de resistance lays adjacent to the Amber tunnel. A teleportation allows you into 'The secret garden'.

Here, a beautiful, meadow-esque setting can be found. It's plush green carpet of long grass has splashes of vibrant colors from the array of flowers and leaves on the trees. Here is a decked dancefloor which offers slowdances to the music that can still be heard from below. An ancient style bandstand, a tent with a campfire, a tree swing all make together for a very romantic alternative, especially if the sun is about to set.

All this adds to the layers of emotion and ways in which to enjoy the AAI experience.

I returned to AAI a few days later. It was during the day and I met a lady sitting alone in the downstairs chill-out area. I asked her if she was okay and new to the club. She told me that she had just recently found this place and that she loved the atmosphere and musical vibe on display. She went on to tell me that she and a guy had spent 3 hours talking getting to know each other and enjoying one another's company. Despite the fact the club was closed that night, it was a memorable night for them both. So I asked if she knew about 'The secret garden'. She and her new friend didn't get that far so I offered her a little tour.

To say she was impressed is an understatement. To her surprise the overall AAI experience had been extended to even more beauty and tranquility. She vowed to return with her new friend on a night when the club was open and in full swing.

It's more than fair to say AAI has the most wonderful effect on people who find their way to the door. Whether you are confronted and scanned by a Dalek or hanging out with a new friend, AAI makes you want to savor all that it has to offer and keep you coming back for more.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Clockwork/153/24/299