Valentine's Day Ideas 2019 - Seersha Heart

Valentine’s day is one of the most social days of the year.  Today I spent some time around the grid checking out the festivities.  I visited a few places to let you know what is planned around the grid.

Dunk-A-Linden & Hug-A-Linden Event

LL is offering an opportunity to party with the Lindens at the Isle of View on February 14 beginning at 10 am slt.  The landing spot in the “Love Pavillion”, a large round building surrounding by hugging booths and a dance floor. Pink permeates every view from outside.  There is a gift giving kiosk that sends your special someone one of the valentine gifts pictured such as a teddy bear, roses, candy and more. Outside of the pavilion, there are walkways with heart hedges and soft lighting.  Sky is even a nice shade of pinks and purples. Be careful approaching the other pavilion. I was thrown out by a security orb, I was unable to get a comment from LL on this before writing the story. There are people exploring the SIM before the big event, if you get a chance see if this is the place you want to take your special someone.  The whole place looks like Valentine’s Day and knowing the Lindens, there will be all kinds of things going on when the activities begin on February 14.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Isle%20of%20View%202/84/79/107

Valentine Town 2019

When you land, turn around and you will find the Tunnel of Love.  I recommend Sunset or Dawn sun lighting. This SIM also allows flying so it is easy to get around.  The Tunnel of Love is a fully operational ride. Turn left and walk through the Welcome gate to visit the town.  Some of the trees have heart leaves in reds and pinks. The town itself looks like Whoville. The decorative hearts are lavish and large.  There is a large gathering area for the DJ and dancing. Off the dance floor are kiosks with flowers for sale. If you join the group, there is a free gift of a bullseye backpack.  You may choose from “Cupid”, “Single”, “Taken” or “Warning” to alert those around you. I wore the “Cupid” while I visited the SIM.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Townies/130/154/7

Valentine’s Day Street Fair in Mielville

Mieville’s Valentine’s Day Street Fair runs February 10-15.  There is shopping, gachas and various fun activities. They are hosting a special Valentine’s Dance on February 14th at 6 pm slt.  Love was in the air when I stopped by the SIM, moments after arriving a woman became very friendly with me when she saw the backpack [ “Cupid” ] from Valentine Town.  Of course I was a dashing male avi so who can blame her? I checked out the shops, one item I thought was particularly clever is a SPIKE kinetic sculpture. This item made by Liam Metaluna has a rotating heart that releases a flow of hearts periodically.  I was fascinated for several minutes watching it. There is no shortage of gifts with heart and love themes so you might consider stopping and picking up a gift before you pick up your date. At the end of the row of shopping is a large building with the dancing animations.  Again, I recommend sunset sun for most pleasing lighting.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Mieville%20Doyle/48/36/25

London City Love-In

This stop is certainly popular, now attracting the newest members of SL.  They are having a month long celebration “of the heart”. This stop wasn’t as pink and red as the others, yet if you enjoy a London backdrop, this is the place to celebrate.  I would recommend this spot for a single person who wants to get out and have some conversations. Perhaps meet new friends and dance the night away. There a many avis on this SIM, 76 when I visited, so be prepared for lag.  Yet if you want to meet people, you need avis.

I have some personal “go to” romantic spots I will share with you.  Alone or with a friend, a date, I promise you will enjoy this stop.

Lost Gardens of Apollo

An old SIM maintained and charming, the dance floor here is always magical.  The light is perfect and there are stars twinkling around you as you dance. Explore the island, and you will find a Zeppelin tour and some areas to sit and to cuddle up to enjoy your surrounding.  There are lovely gardens, waterfalls and secluded places throughout the SIM.

Zeppelin tour:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lost%20Gardens%20of%20Apollo/71/215/24

Dancing area:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lost%20Gardens%20of%20Apollo/134/28/39

Ocho Tango & Cammino e Vivo Capovolto [builder]

This SIM is a visual feast.  The club Ocho Tango has tango and other dances available.  Usually I can find someone to dance with easily there without bringing a date.  It is a multilingual location so if you want to practice Spanish or French you might meet someone there to help you.  I have helped French residents with their English while visiting. The BIG reason to come here besides the great dancing is the 3D art build adjacent to it.  One of my favorite SL builders, Cammino e Vivo Capovolto, has maintained an installation here for at least four years. It remains beautiful and haunting, the building takiing care to set the windlight for maximum effect.  There are plcaes to sit and places to cuddle. It is a nice SIM to explore and spend time with someone special.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Retrospect/112/128/21

There are 89 SIMs listed as romantic on the SL Destination guide today.  These are my favorites to visit. We wish you and yours a wonderful Valentine's Day!

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Celebrating Independence Day in Second Life - Pen Dragon Reporting

In 1765 an initially small group of British colonists in the American colonies revolted against King George and his rule. The initial complaint was that there were no representatives from the American colonies in the British parliament and this made their taxation of the colonies illegal. This was the start of the American Revolution that lasted until 1783, but it was in 1776 that the American colonies voted to declare independence from Britain and King George. On July 2nd of that year the Continental Congress voted  to declare the colonies independent of Britain. Two days later, July 4th, they released the Declaration of Independence. That is the day we in the United States celebrate as Independence Day.

John Adams, our first Vice President and second President as well as a signer of the Declaration of Independence, wrote to his wife Abigail about the day the Continental Congress voted to declare Independence saying “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.” He was off by 2 days as Americans have celebrated the 4th of July, the date shown on the Declaration of Independence as opposed to July 2nd when the resolution for independence was passed by the congress.

The first celebrations, in 1777, included 13 gunshots in the morning and evening and a special dinner for the Continental Congress. Some cities held parades, there was music, ships in harbor were dressed out in red, white and blue and, of course, there were fireworks. Those of us in the United States celebrate our Independence Day today much the same way today with barbecues, fireworks and parades.

There are even some great, while somewhat strange, records associated with 4th of July celebrations. This includes town in New England competing for the largest bonfire created from barrels and casks. The towns would arrange them into pyramids and then burn them on the evening of July 3rd, ushering in the holiday. The record is held by Salem, Massachusetts who created a stacked pyramid 40 tiers high.This made the tallest recorded bonfire in history. This custom was commonplace in the 19th and 20th century, and is still practiced in some New England towns today. Another fun fact is that on July 4th 1778, George Washington ordered a double ration of rum of all of his soldiers to celebrate the holiday. Because fireworks are such a big part of the traditional celebration a group of miners actually blew up a post office in Swan, Colorado in 1884 because it wasn’t supplied with fireworks.

While some of the more odd occurrences and traditions are long behind us, we still celebrate the 4th of July in much the same manner, even in Second Life. You can find all sorts of great events taking place to celebrate the holiday, from picnics to live singers and even fireworks. Just don’t blow anything up if they don’t have the fireworks!

Some of these celebrations include a pool party with DJs and food at the Wolf Valley Pool. This event lasts all week and celebrates both Canada Day and Independence Day. Better Life Counselling Community will also be celebrating with a beach party, offering a cookout, live Djs to dance to and a fireworks display as well as a best dressed competition. Another great event to check out will be the DJs and live singers at BabyGirlsSkyGarden. From 4-6p there will be a 40s Wartime themed music set and then at 7p Shaye Dezno-Jonstone will be performing live. If these events don’t grab your attention, just take a look at the events listing and you’re sure to find one that does! Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Wolf%20Valley%20Ranch/135/84/22  WOLF VALLEY POOL

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Success%20Isle/123/55/22 Better Life Counselling Community

SLURL: secondlife:///app/region/Misty%20Valley/239/75/3005  BabyGirlsSkyGarden

-Pen Dragon

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Interview with a Leprechaun- Lanai Jarrico Reporting...

Every year I like to track and find holiday mascots in Second Life and interview them. Of them all the leprechaun seems to be the most elusive. After turning over every mesh rock and braving the thick forest of the SL countryside I finally found one!  Leroy the Leprechaun was a strange character and obvious drunk or on some type of shamrock crack. We sat down for a talk until things got weird.

Interview with Leroy the Leprechaun

Lanai: Gotcha you little rascal!

Leroy: Let me go you oversized child!

Lanai: Now Now Leroy, there is no need to be rude. Relax, I just want to talk to you. I will let you go under one condition. You sit and talk to me without vanishing and I’ll waive the pot of gold owed to me for catching you.

Leroy: Fair enough cail’in. *straightens is little green suit* OMG! What are you doing?

Lanai: If there is one thing I’ve learned about Leprechauns it is they are not to be trusted on words alone so you will remain handcuffed to me until we are done.

Leroy: I didn’t know you were that type of girl! *smirks*

Lanai: Anyway,  there is a lot you don’t know about me. Would you like to find out? *hold up a stick*

Leroy: Ohhh into BDSM? Nooo that’s OK m’Lady! So what is it you’d like to talk about?

Lanai: Well, this was a harsh winter and I feel like the grid is recovering from it. I think the residents need some inspiration and new found enthusiasm. The grid seems kind of uneventful lately so I was wondering what you think should be done about St. Patrick’s Day.

Leroy: Well first of all pretty lady, these cuffs are too tight and second, that is not my problem I’m just a Leprechaun minding my own business and trying to keep from being captured. Blame the morale of the grid on Santa, I heard he gave out a record breaking amount of coal this past Christmas.

Lanai: I know, I’m still trying to figure out how to remove the gigantic pile of coal he left in my yard. I’ll be sure to write him a long letter about that. But seriously from your perspective how can we get the grid into St. Patrick’s Day?

Leroy: well from my ground level perspective. Some people need a swift kick in the pants and ejected off the grid. They don’t bring any luck to this holiday. They bring misery and mess. There are just too many arrogant people here these days and a bunch of lazy ones who seem to want something for nothing or stick to the old routine of things and aren’t innovative. I mean look at me? With the new mesh avatars on the market, I still look like a pasty noob because people with red beards of shorter stature are being left out. What about leprechauns?!? *sighs* Nobody gives a shouting shamrock about us.

Lanai: Yea… you do need a serious makeover but is that your only gripe?

Leroy: Of course not.  What is up with all the venue owners who don’t even know how to run a business? Half of them don’t even have up St. Patty’s Day decorations. What are they a bunch of Anti St. Patrick’s Day Bah Humbugs?  I think they are a waste of space on the grid and only add to the clutter.

Lanai: You seem pretty upset about that but you have a point. What do you think should be done?

Leroy: It would be nice to see everyone in green on St. Patrick’s Day. I think it is the only way to gauge how big this holiday is in Second Life. I also think it would be nice if Linden Labs actually interacted more with the grid and hosted official holiday events where everyone is invited. Not just their annual Birthday. Honestly I think it is lame. Poor residents wanting to be involved in SL’s birthday seem to be the only ones really putting in the effort to even make that possible. Official LL Parties will give residents a chance to meet new people and socialize on a grander scale in the community. It can also rid the grid of all the lame uninhabited venues too.  I mean who wouldn’t want to go to a Linden hosted St. Patrick’s Day event? I would be there.

Lanai:  Interesting idea. But there is no time to get that organized now.

Leroy: I may be small but my brain isn’t the size of a sunflower seed. The Lindens really need to implement incentives for this community or else boredom will set in and continue to hinder the growth of the population. I was recently at the bar with Cupid and he said the same thing. Where’s the love?

Lanai: *nods* With all the talk about the new Second Life grid many people are on the fence about applying new ideas. Some are even afraid of a total SL collapse due to people leaving this grid for the new one. But enough about that though.  So, Leroy what will you be doing on St. Patrick’s Day and speaking of cupid how is he doing? That guy never called me back.

Leroy: In regards to Cupid, he’s a player and he obviously got what he wanted from you. About St. Patrick’s day, I haven’t the slightest clue. The only thing I know is once I’m out of these cuffs, I’ll be off staying out of sight and trying to figure out why that stupid  dress went viral recently. Who gives a green glittered terd if it was white and gold or black and blue….It should have been green…

Lanai: *&$%! You Leroy nothing happened between Cupid and I. If anything he drank too much love potion on Valentine’s Day and ended up crying on my shoulder the whole time about erectile dysfunction and a crooked arrow. Anyway, of all the news, why would that dress be your biggest concern?

Leroy: Why would it go viral? I’d rather watch videos of screaming jackasses on loop for all eternity.

Lanai: Sounds serious.  I guess you have a point. People are just bored even off the grid. With that said. I hope everyone in Second Life has a great St. Patrick’s Day anyway. I know I will.

Leroy:  Hey, if you aren’t doing anything special that day. Look me up and you might get lucky!

Lanai: I will consider myself lucky if I don’t ever see you again! Get lost before I claim my pot of gold and beat you with this stick.

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The Legend of St. Valentine and Valentine's Day - CeciliaRosalie Resident Reporting...

Saint Valentine

Every February 14, across the United States and in other places around the world, although it remains a working day in most of them. Candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from?

The Legend

The history of Valentine's Day--and the story of its patron saint--is shrouded in mystery. February has long been celebrated as a month of romance and St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition.

The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

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Misfit Dance & Performance Art presents "A Very Misfit Christmas 2016" Friday December 16th at 10 am SL

   "A Very Misfit Christmas 2016" 

LIVE Theater Dance Art on the big stage

A special performance for our global timezone friends

Friday December 16th at 10 am SL   -  Holiday pre-show music begins at 9:30 am SL.  

This is a full production - 90 minute holiday Theater Dance Art show that will warm your heart & make you smile

Think Broadway in Second Life!

Amazing music; colorful sets and costumes; and choreographed dancing "Misfit" style. This is an experience you do not want to miss! 

JenzZa Misfit and The Misfit Dancers have performed this exciting dance program a number of times already in December.  Well over 300 people have attended to date, many of them multiple times and there are only a few performances left for this season.

Come join the fun with dancing Toy Soldiers, Holiday Turtles, and more.  Then we wrap it all up with a Grand Finale that we are so proud of!   

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~ Maya Angelou

We've got a whole bunch of good feeling for you!

Misfit Dance & Performance Art.  A Very Misfit Christmas 2016.  Prepare to be delighted.

SLURL 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Metanomics/53/174/3073

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Second Life Christmas Sims Worth Seeing - Part 3-A review of Holiday Christmas Town - Dean Lawson reporting

 

 

Holiday Christmas Town owned by Tayren’s Fantasy Fashions, is a picturesque sim great for Second Life photographers. Upon teleporting to the sim you will arrive in front of the main store, but if you negotiate your way across a cobble stone road you will find a wintry landscape worthy of a snapshot or two.  

On either side of this cobble stone path are smaller stores with Medieval winter outfits for sale.  Past the shops is a river and an old rustic bridge that leads to a pasture where mythical beasts graze. 

Beyond this pasture is a campsite with a gazebo with a piano that can be used should you be in the mood to serenade that special someone. And when you tire of tickling the ivories you can follow a winding path to a plateau where you will find reindeer, an igloo hideaway, a merry-go-round, an ice skating rink, carolling elves and Santa’s workshop. 

 

 

 

This is a family friendly fantasy sim that rates 4 out of 5 stars

 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nightless%20Isle/169/196/23

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Seven great Second Life gift ideas for the Christmas Holidays - Dean Lawson reporting

 

’Tis the season to be stressing about what to get your loved ones! Do you have friends and family in SL? Do you have a Secret Santa going on at your place of business? Well here are seven awesome gift ideas.

 

 

The *MCS* HolidayToyTrainSet-Tree is a nice way to decorate a home or place of business. With an animated toy train that circles a fully decorated tree with an assortment of wrapped gifts at the base, this holiday gift goes for 300L at the Winter Holiday Village sim.

 

 

The Christmas scenery - Xmas Carolers *E&M*, brought to you by Love Garden *E&M* Design, is a fun and interactive gift idea where you and a friend can sit on stage and join the carollers in performing Christmas classics. The stage is propped up by a tree truck with a multilingual sign that bids all a Merry Christmas in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese and German. This is a large object so, while it is not ideal for smaller indoor spaces, it will surely attract the attention and is a great entrance decoration for anyone with a large sim.

 

 

 

Tyren’s Fantasy Fashions, located at Holiday Christmas Town, has an assortment of Medieval costumes that fit the Christmas season. My pick would be the Toy Soldier costume with designs for both men and women. For 150L this is perfect for a costume party, a stage performance of the Nutracker Suite or can be used for alts or employees to enhance a sim’s Christmas theme.

 

 

 

For those of you with a taste for the unusual, Never You Mind has an assortment of oddities for the Christmas season. Oh My Ears Krismischifs for 140L is a great revenge gift for someone you feel obligated to shop for but don’t really want to. Oh My Ears Krismischifs are two adorably grotesque carollers who half sing half rant their way through an assortment of Christmas classics. The recipient of this gift will surely find it amusing for the first few minutes but will inevitably be driven insane by the endless cacophony.

 

 

 

There are times when the commercialism of Christmas can lead to cynicism but, in remembrance of the true Christmas Spirit there are several nativity scenes that can be purchased in the marketplace, many of them are under ten lindens, however the one that appealed to me in its simplicity is the Light Box Silhouette - Nativity by Challis Products that offers a demo version so you can see for yourself if it will make a good gift before spending 200L for the full version.

 

 

 

While there is little doubt that Second Life vendors will be saturating the market with candy cane stripper gear, the sexiest outfit on the grid is easily THUD - Santa Avatar by Tommy Hilf Unique Designs. For 200L it’s a great gift to give yourself as it's sure to get the hotties sitting on your lap.

 

 

 

Now if you’re facing the Holiday season with a limited budget, Santa Claus is giving away free gifts at Christmas Decorations at The House of Avro. Everyday the old fellow gives away a free random gift and all you have to do is sit on his lap and make him smile.

 

 

 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Mazur/149/214/40

 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Glaze/195/245/1008

 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nightless%20Isle/58/160/36

 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Never%20You%20Mind/157/98/24

 

 

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Challis-Light-Box-Silhouette-Nativity-MCBOXED/8114357

 

 

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/THUD-Santa-Avatar/5447638

 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Christmas%20Decorations/91/244/24

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Second Life Christmas Sims Worth Seeing - Part 1- A review of Winter Holiday Village - Dean Lawson reporting

 

 

As a reporter for the SL Enquirer and as a Second Life Resident who enjoys exploring the virtual world I thought I’d share some of my favourite Christmas getaways.

  

The first on my list is "Winter Holiday Village”, a picturesque and vast sim with plenty of activities and mountain top chalets that double as stores where you can buy Christmas decorations that range from Christmas trees and snowmen, to fully decorated diner and romantic Christmas chimney sets.

 

 

Described in it’s search profile as a "Country winter wonderland. Skiing, sledding skating, polar bears & penguins, too!  Santa & Mrs. Claus in residence LIVE!  Come spend your winter holidays with us. Romantic & family oriented.  Our 9th year bringing you this Holiday sim. Merry Christmas”, this sim does not disappoint.

 

 

In addition to the mountain top chalet shopping is a horse drawn carriage that provides a tour of the sim and a frozen river where Second Life residents can skate to their hearts content.

 

 

And when your done with exploring there are plenty of gazebos and little hideaways were you can curl up with a steaming cup of chocolate while relaxing to music that fits the seasonal theme with Christmas classics sung by crooners that include Dean Martin, Bruce Springsteen, Seal and Whitney Houston.

 

 

 

This is a classy family friendly sim that rates five out of five stars.

 

Christmas @ Winter Holiday Village Ice Skating Santa Claus, Mazur (141, 166, 32) - General

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Mazur/149/214/40

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