Monday, August 26, 2013

Fun at the Fair

I'm trying to write this post quickly because the Summer Country Fair and Carnival at Aero Pines Park ends on August 31.  However, there is always something fun to do at this enormous park, and a new attraction will be up in September. 

I went to the fair with a few friends, and we all had a great time.  Unlike some other SL fair attractions, there were many rides to choose from and also games and other activities.  There was also a rodeo where you could ride a bull or a horse.  Of course, there was lots of food, too -- cotton candy, popcorn -- usual fair food.  I also did not realize until checking back for more research for this article that you could purchase a free ticket roll and earn tickets for prizes by playing the games.  Lastly, if you have room in your inventory, there is a freebie area.

Although flying is allowed, and there are other free transportation vehicles to rez around the park, there are also LM's provided on signs to many of the attractions.
The Fun House features a tricky maze
Dulcie in the Hall of Mirrors

The Wave Carousel is much like its rl counterpart.  Warning - don't eat before riding this.
 
I won a prize for being stronger than I thought
A friend enjoys some popcorn
Bull Riding can leave one in the dust

This ride will turn your world upside down

 
The Log Flume ride is long and winding

 
 
 
 
 



 


 

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Dulcie's Second Life Bucket List

I've scooped some articles about SL residents posting their bucket lists on their blogs, so I decided to join them.  Below, in no particular order, are the 10 things I'd love to do in SL before it's either no longer around or I quit playing (both of which I hope don't happen).

1.  Visit two new sims a week (that's over 100 a year).  There are so many great places to see and new ones opening all the time.  The Destination Guide lists some but not all of them.  I would love to have the time to explore more and, when I say visit, I mean really scope out the places because many of these have more on them than meets the initial eye or cam.  It's also nice to be able to go with a friend because some people are better at zooming over a sim or finding the hidden stuff than others.

2.    Get involved with the writing groups in Second Life.  As a librarian and an author myself, I keep meaning to get involved more with the writing groups.  I belong to Virtual Writers, Inc. and have even given a poetry reading at the annual Poetryfest, but I often find it hard to have the time to go to many of the writing activities or participate in any of the writing challenges.  It's hard enough to find time to write, which should also be on my rl bucket list, but mingling with SL writers might be worth the time.

3.  Reestablish a Second Life magazine for librarians.  As a librarian and previous editor of RezLibris, it was sad for me to see that publication come to an end after I left, although my followers tried to keep it going on for awhile.  I know the stress of having to put out a magazine, even a quarterly one, promoting it, finding other editors and writers to write it, etc.  But I also know that it could serve an important part in featuring articles and news that the Librarians of Second Life community would benefit from.

4.  Find a partner.  Okay, I'm married in real life, so I'm not talking about a SL husband.  I would just like to find a guy who would enjoy dancing and exploring with me.  I do have a friend I do this with occasionally, but I would like someone who had more time to spend with me and who would consider me a platonic partner, as well.  Perhaps, we could pool our money and have a home and land together, too.

5.  Have a home again on a nice sim.  This kind've goes along with #4.  Right now, I just have a skybox over my non-profit land, but I used to have beautiful homes, still in inventory, when I shared a homestead with some friends.  Unfortunately, that land disappeared, and my friends went their own way with land.  While I'm saving some money now, I really miss having my own place to decorate and use for entertaining or just plain enjoying on my own.  The skybox is okay for privacy and to use as a closet (to help me sort my inventory - lol), but it doesn't compare to land with enough prims to rez gardens, pools, etc.

6.  Have a big Rez Day bash at a private club.  I think the last time I had a big party, a few years ago, a friend threw it for me.  I didn't even do much for my 5th rez day, even though I wanted to.  I turn 7 next year, so hint, hint, if any of my friends are reading this, my rez day is March 6.

7.  Meet SL friends in real life.  I think this would be interesting, especially meeting the ones from other countries (if I can travel there or they could come to the U.S.), but even meeting people from other states that I know in SL would be cool.

8.  Attend some building classes.  The only building I really know how to do, if you consider it building, is making a poster.  I keep promising myself that I'll take the time to look for and attend building classes in SL, but, I just don't manage to do it . . . . yet.

9.  Get Photoshop and learn how to use it to create posters, etc.  Even though I know how to "make" a poster, I can't create textures with graphics and words because I don't have Photoshop on my computer.  I know there are less expensive graphic programs out there that would allow me to do this, too, but I've never found the time to check them out or pratice using them.

10.  Find more volunteers for Rainbow Gardens and spend more time there.  Over the years that I've owned and operated my pet memorial center, I've had several volunteers, but people get busy and aren't able to help anymore.  It's hard even for me to spend much time there, although I try to put out seasonal decorations and hold regular events.  If I could find more volunteers or learn to build myself, I could also have more exhibits there.

That's it for my top 10, although I have a few others, especially organizing my inventory (although I think I've given up on that).  Anyone else have a SL bucket list?









Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Dulcie's Singing Debut and Kitty Widget

On Sunday, July 14, Saor Patrol performed again at the Imagination Island event area for Rainbow Gardens for its country party.  The surprise of the night was when I was called on stage to sing.  Below are some photos from the event and my debut performance.  Also, included is a link to an article from the SL Enquirer on Saor Patrol. As fpr the black widget kitty, I just added him to this blog as well as my Rainbow Notes blog. 



Country Line dancing


Rik and Mac of Saor Patrol on bagpipes and drums


Dulcie making her Singing Debut (and the crowd went wild - lol)


 Link to Saor Patrol article:  http://www.slenquirer.com/2013/07/celtic-connection-production-music-with.html#more

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Celebrating Second Life's 10th Birthday

SL10B (Second Life's 10th Birthday) kicked off this week with exhibits, events, parties and many freebies including marketplace and inworld commemorative items such as the t-shirt, baseball cap, jewelry, and varsity jacket I am wearing in the photos below.  The celebration, with the theme, "Looking Forward..., Looking Back" takes place over 22 sims.  Here are some photos from some of the places I've visited.  I did not get to see everything, but I added some additional shots from my explorations of the exhibits.  Happy Birthday, Second Life!
 


The top of the SL10B Cake offers a great view
The SL Hunt Museum includes information on this favorite pastime in SL as well as its own hunt
Another fun exhibit is the summer themed one at Kittycats.  You can also get a free birthday kitty here.
At the DunCarron Medieval Fort you can get a free Scottish Hat and several other items while learning about Scottish history and representation in SL
SL10B is also great fun to explore with a friend.  The Eclectic Diversity Birthday Layer Tree features several levels of games including a photo booth to change expressions and backgrounds
I found it interesting to learn about places and groups I'd never heard of in SL.
This looked like a fun game, but I had no one to play with this day. I was able to keep the bopper.
Of course, I can't help visiting every library I see.  This one is from Lost Eden.
Not sure where this was, but I enjoyed beaming up in it.
This was a fun animation
I didn't have time to view the entire "History Walk," but it looked interesting.
My favorite exhibit, the Behemoth, a very immersive HUD-based story.  This photo doesn't do it justice.
Firestorm put up a fiery exhibit
I thought this was the most creative exhibit I viewed.  Do you see me inside the computer?
Kind've scary, but it was a first responder's exhibit
Arcadia Asylum had a detailed exhibit with some nice freebies
In front of a Wanted poster at Arcadia Asylum
Inside one of the 9 rooms of the Dreams Exhibit.  Despite the fact the link from the Destination Guide wasn't working, I found this and enjoyed it.
Another room in the Dreams exhibit.  Most rooms had interactive props.
Can you see me floating in this artistic exhibit?
This exhibit with water and rock meditation animations was relaxing
One of the scenes from Behemoth, reminded me of a fairy tale
Astor put up this castle with a hunt for prizes including the castle itself.  I found quite a few but not the castle ):
Visiting the exhibits is exhausting, so it was nice that some featured refreshments.
Even though Rainbow Gardens didn't exhibit at SL10B this year, I did put up some balloons and a cake in honor of the celebration.

Besides walking or flying, the SL10B cars were fun to ride in around the sims
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Inspiritum Inspires

One of the things I enjoy about Second Life and that I think most residents do, is its immersive environments.  I recently visited a sim called Inspiritum that offers sights and sounds that are thoroughly immersive.  Composed of several areas, available through teleports at the main landing point and the various locations, this sim (on the web at http://www.inspiritum.org), features art galleries, shops, and activities.

Teleport board outside the Inspiritum Gallery

Machinima inside Inspiritum Gallery



In Nat's Gallery


Behind the curtain of the Gallery is an immersive experience (you might get dizzy)



 


The Capple Store houses shops and pet-able animals in a Western setting

 

Terra is another scenic location worthy of exploring on Inspiritum Island

Friday, March 22, 2013

Butterfly Garden at Two Moons

I saw this destination on the Destination Guide and decided to give it a try.  I would highly recommend it to those looking for some spring fun.  The Butterfly Garden at Two Moons features rides, a colorful dance area, interactive fairytale books, and much more.  It is a pretty place to visit and just relax, but events are also offered and it would make a great place for friends to hang out, too.  Here are some photos of my recent adventure there.

The colorful dance floor at the Butterfly Garden
 
Nice view from a variety of rides
A cute bunny joined me as I relaxed in the garden
Eek!  Look what I'm flying on.
More information about the Butterfly Garden can be found here: http://secondlife.com/destination/butterfly-garden.  For listing events, see www.twomoonparadise.wordpress.com.  
 

Monday, March 11, 2013

Community Virtual Library on Imagination Island

The Community Virtual Library (CVL) has moved to Imagination Island, and the new location has provided a nice backdrop for the auditorium, main library, reference area, Exhibit area, meeting spaces, and the InfoPub.  The ladies responsible for moving and setting this up are Abbey Zenith, Rolig Loon, and Bud Ballyhoo.  They have done a fantastic job in creating a pleasing atmosphere for librarians and visitors.  Here are some photos from a recent tour:

The auditorium comes complete with resizeable stage, projection screen, and HUD to show slides.

 
Rolig Loon gave an informative tour of the Main Library with its collection of copiable books, audiobooks, and many other resources.

 
The reference area includes maps of the sim, group event boards, and a reference desk manned by CVL volunteers. There is also a changing area outside.


 
 
Abbey explained that Snow Scarmon is in charge of booking the Exhibit area where different exhibits can be displayed on a monthly basis. Currently, the Math in 3D is up.



 
The event space is a large area that can be divided into two sections or left as one. It is reserved by the CVL Google calendar. Set up and take down is done right before and after the event.


 
The tour ended with an impromptu dance at the new site of the InfoPub where the Infogroupies will continue their regularly scheduled Monday and Friday 5 pm SLT dances. Members of Infogroupies who don't need to create a set can also use the InfoPub for their own events such as rez days or theme parties. 

It is the hope of the CVL to put their new home on Imagination to good use and to welcome visitors.

Reference Desk: Imagination Island (151, 210, 28)