As most of us say goodbye to summer and welcome the cooler fall months, it’s always interesting to see the changes in Second Life. Halloween sims open, shops begin to sell autumn clothing and decorations, leaves begin to fall from SL autumn trees. But in a few sims, all the seasons are represented year round. One of the most beautiful is the Alirium sim: http://slurl.com/secondlife/alirium/132/122/66 . Two members of the RezLibris staff visited there recently and wrote and illustrated a poem that was inspired by its surroundings.
SL SEASONS
We met in Winter skating on a virtual ice rink.
Afterwards, we shared a hot chocolate drink.
We kissed under an animated mistletoe
as we walked through a forest of white prim snow.
In Spring, we planted a virtual garden
on a sim called Honey Creek
where we rented a cottage
for 500 Lindens a week.
A lucky elephant guarded our dell
while sweet bunnies perched by the wishing well.
We picnicked under a blossoming cherry tree,
watched as multi-colored butterflies flapped their wings
and pledged our love with golden Xstreet rings.
In Summer, we celebrated becoming partners with a wedding
at which all our close friends attended in a rezzed fairytale setting.
Although the roses didn't smell and the cake was taste- and calorie-free,
the sim didn't crash, and everyone teleported safely.
The birds sang and the bells rang
even a flamingo joined the gang.
Everyone toasted our Second Life marriage with champagne.
By Fall, we had an island house, boats, planes, and everything
so much that real life had yet to bring.
For Halloween, we decorated our home with ghosts and pumpkins,
went dancing in costumes with new shapes and skins
The green leaves in our meadow turned red, gold, and brown
We gave thanks for all our searching had found.
Now, as the SL seasons change again,
we reflect on winter dreams that end the year
spring rainbows which suddenly appear,
summer rain that feeds the flowers,
autumn's leaves that fall in shorter hours
What we imagine can be real
whether born in fantasy
or created on a computer screen
The eye of the beholder can still see
all forms of virtual beauty,
from under the sea or above the air
in beautiful sims such as Alirium.
| 
Browsing the Destination Guide, I found a cute place called "Chelsea's Diner and Bowling Alley" under the games listings. I had never bowled before in Second Life and wondered what it would be like. Teleporting to the sim, I landed right outside a pretty blue and pink building that housed the diner, bowling alley, and an arcade game room. The diner is 50's styled with booths, a juke box, and even waitress service by a girl in period dress. 
