Lora’s Kindness Café: A Peaceful Respite in a Hectic World – Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) Reporting

 

One of the really nice things about Second Life is getting to see the amazing creativity people put into their builds.  Residents have created worlds from the bottom of the deepest Ocean, to the farthest reaches of outer space, and everywhere in between.  Some of these are big, Splashy builds that cover entire regions.  Others build a bit more modestly, covering a full sim or less.  But the really AMAZING builds that provide the heart and soul of SL are provided by those individuals who open a small shop on a street corner in some exotic-sounding region.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) JB:     So tell me, Lora. What inspired you to want to open a Cafe?

Lora Broome (LB):     I am BIG fan of coffee shops in RL.  The best ones are an ecosystem of quirky people who love fresh-roasted coffee, delicious baked goods, art, books, cooking, and travel.  There are some very good coffee shops in SL that recreate that feeling, and I wanted to try to create one in Irkutsk which is a beautiful town in SecondLife. 

JB:     How did you decide on the slogan, "Be Kind to All"

LB:     SL is a wonderful place. I've met many wonderful, kind people here and wanted to create a space that encourages positivity, optimism, and kindness.

JB:     Did you do this by yourself?  Or did you have help?

LB:     I did most of the work myself, but I also have some talented friends who helped with the logo and the music streaming.

JB:     What is the inspiration behind the Cafe?   Places you used to visit?  A fav hangout from your University days?  What?

LB:     I am a coffee addict and visit the "best" shops in any city I visit.    The Kindness Cafe is a reflection of the best of each of those shops.

JB:     And how is the Kindness Cafe Different from the many other Coffee shops scattered about the grid?

LB:     There are MANY wonderful coffee shops in SL, and mine is not better than those.  Everyone is welcome here, and I hope it becomes a favorite hangout for people who enjoy spending time with other Kind people.

JB:     Who would you say is the ideal visitor to the Kindness Cafe?

LB:     Someone interesting and interested.... someone who enjoys meeting new people... making new friends... having conversations that range between serious and silly.  Definitely people who are open and welcoming to all others.

JB:     I see a Microphone in your Cafe?  Is that just for decor, or do you plan to have live entertainment or other Special Events?

LB:     I want to host live music and DJs with dancing just outside the cafe on sidewalks and in the street.... the microphone is inside now, but will be placed outside when we host a big event

JB:     Where might people go to learn about events at Be Kind?   Do you have any Social Media sites?

LB:     No social media yet.   SL Enquirer has a wide audience, and we are proud to be featured in that magazine.... their coverage will certainly help.  We have a group and will start promoting events through notices and we find word of mouth is very effective ..... So, feel free to tell all your friends about us.  We are located in Irkutsk, across the street from Sirenz English Pub.  Come see us at: 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Irkutsk/21/211/97

JB:     Is there anything else you would like to share with our SL Enquirer readers?

LB:     Not right now!   Come and visit .... everything is free!

So, there you have it.  In a world where kindness often takes a back seat to aggression, rudeness, or just plain boorish behavior, you will find no kinder place on the grid than Lora’s Kindness Café.  But don’t take MY word for it.  Come on down and see for yourself.  The coffee is always freshly brewed, the pastries out-of-this-world, and with an endearing host, Lora’s Kindness Café is guaranteed to become your favorite place to just relax and enjoy quiet conversation with a friend, or maybe even dancing in the street.  And when you do go there, tell ‘em “Josh sent ya”.  You’ll be glad you did

Be there!  Aloha!

JB