SPOTLIGHT FEATURE HEARTS HEAVEN BALLROOM- Lanai Jarrico Reporting…

Heart's Heaven Ballroom

For many, Second Life is an escape from the daily stressors of the real world and for others it is their opportunity to live as normal of a life as they possibly can due to medical conditions, and terminal illness.

People connect and interact from the inside out and most of the time leave their real life problems at the door, stepping into a virtual world with freedom to explore their greatest imaginations.

Heart’s Heaven Ballroom is a testament to the strength and courage of one woman who fought hard until the very end. Her Second Life was a way to find happiness and share it with others when her health prevented her from living life the way most of us take for granted.

Heartlite Jewel was a member of our Second Life community who spent her time creating a romantic ballroom where visitors can come dance and enjoy the atmosphere. When it was here time to depart this world, her wish was for Heart’s Heaven to continue on. Her dear friend Lynn Washborne continues her memory by carrying on Ms. Jewel’s dream.

 

Lynn Washborne

Interview with Lynn Washborne

Hi Lynn, I would like to give my condolences for the loss of your friend. Can you share with our readers who Heartlite Jewel was and how you met?

Lynn: Thank you. I met Heartlite in Heart in the 2008. She was introduced to me by a Friend. He told me she was someone that needed help with the sim. And threw my name to her. He sent me a Landmark and that was when I started as a General Manager for heart. To me Heartlite was a person that if she knew of someone that needed help she would be the one to help. Or if someone needed just someone to talk to she wanted to be the one to help.

When was Heart’s Heaven Established? Where you a part of its beginnings?

Lynn: I think heart's Heaven was Established in 2006 – 2007. I was not there to help her in the earlier days. I came later, as a General Manager.

What was Heartlite’s vision for Heart’s Heaven Ballroom when it was time for you to take over?

Lynn: To Keep Hearts Heaven open for people to come on down and enjoy and have a great time.

Having an illness is not easy, but Ms.Jewel still worked very hard on Heart’s Heaven Ballroom. Can you tell us about this venue and how you are keeping it going in her memory?

Lynn: I've kept the name of the ballroom. And we also put up an memorial so people can go up there and visit.

Heartlite Jewel Memorial

Have you made any changes to the original venue?

Lynn: Yes, We did change the music. We are allowing more kinds of music, from Jazz, rock, soft rock, pop. Soon we are going to start having contests. We also changed up the venue, but it's still open didn’t want to put walls up I liked the open look on the water

Ballroom

What type of events do you host?

Lynn: I don’t host. RL gets the best of me. But there are times I do try to DJ, but i don’t have set times.

Are you currently hiring?

Lynn: yes! We are Hiring. We are looking for Host's and Dj's

In keeping Heartlite Jewel’s memory alive, can you tell us what your hopes are and how people can help keep this venue going strong?

Lynn: well we would like to see more people coming to the ballroom, that was Hearts big thing always trying to get people into the ballroom. It will always be free to everyone to come hang out, dance and meet new people. We are open to any suggestions to as what you (Readers) would like to see in a venue.

Additional Information

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284910944919668/

Heart’s Heaven Ballroom

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Moonshadow%20Rising/229/225/797

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Remembering 9/11 14 Years Later- Lanai Jarrico Reporting...

Image borrowed from google search- brinatello.deviantart.com

It has been 14 years to the day since terrorism showed its evil ways on American soil and hit us right in the heart of New York City.  It was a devastating day in American history that changed countless lives forever. We all felt fear, violation, loss and vulnerability as America was attacked. Thousands of hardworking people and servicemen came down with the twin towers as well as people on flight 93 and in the Pentagon. The world came to a standstill as people from around the world stood in horror and disbelief while fixated on the news.  It was a day that remains as one of the most horrific events in American history and continues to be remembered on this day.

Almost a decade and a half later so much has changed. The  devastation from that day went from fear,  grief and mourning  to bravery and strength. Today we stand strong against terrorism as we remember our fallen victims. Each and every one of them are our heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice that opened our eyes to pure evil but it did not destroy us. There was a deep wound in the ground where the towers once stood.Now there is great big testament of our strength and how we overcame terror and raised above

One World Trade Center where the twin towers once stood- Lanai's personal photo

We look toward to the future while still remembering our past. This shows that our spirit which was once shaken did not collapse. It made our country unite and become stronger. Tragedy often brings people together and creates an awareness that we can carry with us as we live our lives to the best of our abilities. Uniting in such a way is more powerful than an attack. We as people have the opportunity to make positive change and teach our youth the importance of all life on this planet. Not just in our our family, neighborhoods or country, but in the world. We may have been attacked, but we are not alone in a world vulnerable to conflict.

Image borrowed from farm4.staticflikr.com (peaceplanetearth)

The world is not a perfect place and will never be with the constant turmoil that fuels the conflicts happening today. However, in each of us there is a desire for peace and the need to protect our families and loved ones. This is the force that drives us. No matter how big or small your positive contribution to the world is, it is one step closer to a brighter future for our children and a better appreciation for the men and women who serve our country and fight for our freedoms.

Take this day to reflect on our past and look toward the future with hope. Do a good deed and help others in need, tell the people you care about that you love and appreciate them and most of all focus on doing your part to make this world a better place for our future generations. They will be our next leaders, educators and protectors.

God Bless America and everyone around the world who believes in peace, love and the future of this planet.

In Second Life we observed this day with memorials and events. Here are a couple places your can go and reflect.

911 Memorial at Stagg Island

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/STAGG%20ISLAND/32/165/33

911 Memorial at Betonia- Always Remember,Never Forgotten

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Betonia/109/240/344

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9/11: A Tragic Moment in Modern US history that rocked the world, Remembered. Mikile Vinciolo reporting…

One of the most common questions that is asked during the anniversary of 9/11 is: "What were you doing throughout the attacks on the twin towers"?

 I can remember that I was in my first level high school English class during the time we got wind that this tragedy had befallen us, the United States of America, the greatest nation this side of the hemisphere. I had watched the televised misfortune reiterated as the news detailed the events of this day. I can remember thinking that I was watching a hoax on the television or at least the forecast of what could happen to this “great” nation if things were to turn sour with one of our enemies.

 I was not convinced that this impenetrable and invulnerable country had succumbed to the attack of suicide bombers. I was not convinced until I had watch the day reenacted over an extended period of time on several major and minor news networks. Frankly, I was not saddened by the occurrence but rather given to fright. I was, as most Americans uncertain of the security of our nation anymore.

 I was sure that this one attack had opened the floodgates to a succession of more attacks that would soon have us going into a future filled with violence and war against the Middle East.

 I could no longer see a future beyond so bright, one filled with dreams of happiness, world peace and harmony.

After sometime had passed along with the sensation of uncertainty from the disaster, there crept the feeling of hope for the country and world with the passing of each anniversary that we commemorated the passing of many civilians that were thrown into the throes of death, and of the heroes that risked their lives trying to secure the well-being of the country during the attacks.

To this day, we relive the deaths, the sentiments associated at with 9/11, and with the memory of what we were doing during that moment our thinking and emotion were altered forever.

To help immortalize this surreal moment, further solidifying the reality that was, Aero Pines Park Fire & Rescue has established a 9/11 Stairclimb Tribute to Fallen Firefighters as a form of remembrance of the brave men and women that endured the toil of this tragic day.

 The memorial will open for the climb on the 9th of Sept. and remain open until the 14th. To aide in taking on the feelings and bravery that had to exist within the hearts of the Fallen Ones, the creator of this artful memorial has also provide at the base of the stairs, a vendor of uniforms for a complete experience.

Stagg Island has so gracious created a beautiful Memorial wall that honors all that have fallen during this time and remains open year round, and around the clock. This wall can be a vessel to carry messages of love to not only the lost spirits of 9/11, but to those souls that have been taken from their survived love ones.

Pitfall will host an Emergency Services memorial event to honor the day of 9/11. There will be music played by DJ Cherry starting at 2PM on that day.

And last, but not least New York New York Premier Dance club will be honoring the day with a 2 hour tribute concert starting at 7PM with sounds from talents like Alicia Keys and John Lennon, to name a few.

Links:

Aero Pine Park: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Equus/82/232/28

Stagg Island: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/STAGG%20ISLAND/10/149/38

Pitfall: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Qoga/195/210/40

NY NY Dance Club: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Endless%20Delirium/48/155/3056

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911 Memorial at STAGG Island Short Musical Tribute Thursday, September 11 at 8 am and 7pm (SLT)

As the 13th anniversary of September 11, 2001 approaches we offer SL residents a location for reflection and solace to pray or spend respectful time to remember those precious lives lost that day.   The owner and residents  of Stagg Island are very proud of the 9/11 Memorial , so much so that the creator, Fazio Magic, dedicated it to all SL residents.  

 The memorial is open 24 / 7 / 365.   This is a place of honor, respect and reverence .   Join us to pay homage to those people whose names are memorialized on these walls.

13th Anniversary Musical Commemoration
  
A short musical tribute to those lost that day will be offered on Thursday, September 11th, 8 am SLT and 7 pm SLT.  
A mid-day service may be added depending on attendance.
  
Should attendance be high it might be difficult to get to the memorial.  Please continue to try.  It will be worth your effort.

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/STAGG%20ISLAND/10/149/37

 Your donations are most appreciated.
  

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In Loving Memory of Maya Angelou - Original Art

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/maya_angelou.html#IIKU3jlYgfGDlEBo.99

Giving honor to a dynamic lady who's gone on to her reward. This artwork is available at the Avalon Gallery of JudiLynn India. Expressing my sorrow in the best way I know. The work can be found on the easel just inside the door. Maya, you will be missed.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/115/34/26

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Observing Memorial Day in the Real & Virtual Worlds- Silky Soulstar Reporting...

MEMORIAL DAY observances ranging from the sublime to the obviously salacious abound in Second Life; and are open to everyone from all corners of the Globe, and from every space found in our cozy little metaverse.

I’ve always found it impressive when I meet people from just about any country you can imagine, and yet they KNOW very well about my USA holidays.  Monday, May 26, 2014 is MEMORIAL DAY in the United States.  It is a day of recognition of our past and present military servicewomen and servicemen.  And it is particularly a day of remembrance for our fallen heroes, like my own Uncle and Godparent.

Although it is celebrated with a special day of observation in the U.S., I find it touching that it is also acknowledged by my global friendships.  And for that I am grateful, as well as proud.

Our Avatars exist in a metaverse, but are guided by RL people with hearts and souls.  So it is with honor, really, that I write this destination guide for the SL Enquirer about how our unique virtual world recognizes the very REAL sacrifices made by living souls, working to ultimate ends to keep peace for global citizens.

At Veterans Isle (192, 201, 23) you will find an in-world replica of the Real Life monument that reads 

“HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD”.

   If you are looking for a great place to spend a few moments of reverence this Monday, May 26^th 2014, the U.S. Military Veterans Center is a must-see destination for your teleporter.  You can also donate to the Wounded Warrior Project while you are there.

      VETERANS ISLE SLURL: http://goo.gl/DzADaq

There are a host of other venues in SL well worth a visit this Memorial Day, 2014.  If no times are noted below, the event goes for the entire day.

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Remembering 9/11- By Allen Eppenberger

 It’s been eleven years now since the World Trade Center attack.  While physical evidence of the wounds have healed, some mental healing takes time.

Back in 2001, I was working nights until 11:00 pm.  The internet was only a few years old, and still a playground for me.  I’d be on until roughly 1 am, and fall into bed, and sleep until about 10 am the next morning.  My radio would be my alarm clock those days.  As I was stirring that morning, I vaguely sleepily questioned why I was getting news rather than music at that time.  Something about airplanes, and towers, and lampposts being
sheared off in Washington.  As I laid there, I slowly listened to the descriptions of the horrors that had happened as I slept.

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9/11 Memorial Schedule @ STAGG ISLAND Beginning at 6:30 AM SLT

Visit the 9/11 Memorial at STAGG ISLAND in Second Life.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/STAGG%20ISLAND/13/153/37


Today we honor those that have lost their lives and remember them.


"Come to the monument, sit in peace, reflect or pray, whichever you choose. 
Let us never forget!  -Fazio Magic

Memorial Ceremonies will be held on 9/11/12 at the following times:

• 6:30 AM SLT
• 10:30 AM SLT
• 1:00 PM SLT
• 6:00 PM SLT

Be sure to get your free Memorial Bell and display it at your location

Contact Fazio Magic for more Information

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SL Newser: Wounded Warrior Benefit Raises 375,000 Lindens

US Military Veterans Center

Patriot Island holds benefits for Wounded Warriors every month, but this one was especially successful - http://slnewser.blogspot.com/2012/05/wounded-warrior-benefit-raises-375000.html

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SL Newser News: The Titanic in Second Life- Bixyl Shuftan Reporting...

With the 100th Anniversary of the voyage and sinking of the famous passenger liner Titanic, the attention of Second Life residents is drawn to the Grid's own Titanic. Opened in 2009, the ship attracts many residents on a daily basis. Some are drawn to the ship's haunting history, some to take a special someone on a date in a place of atmosphere, and some a little of both. This weekend, there were some special events aboard to honor those who perished in the sinking.

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9/11 was observed across the Second Life Grid

September 11^th marked the day, the world stood still and we all witnessed a horrific act upon many, who lost their lives that day.  It affected each one of us in some way and It evoked not only fear, sadness and anger, to sent shockwaves around the globe.

This event has also brought about a great courage that was witnesses by all on that day, as firefighters raced up the towers in a selfish act of helping others and losing their lives along with many husbands, wives, daughters, sons, mothers and fathers. Most of us can remember exactly where we were or what we were doing at the moment they got the news.

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Operation Enduring Freedom Memorial

Godspeed...

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Have you suffered a loss of a loved one and wish to remember them in Second Life? Lanai Jarrico Reporting…

Remembering our Friend is a Memorial to those who have touched many lives, both in real life and Second Life, but have passed on, leaving only memories for us to carry.

This Memorial is an SL showcase destination in Second Life, founded in 2007 by Mike Burliegh, to pay tribute to those who have passed on.  Through the years many avatars have visited this memorial and added their loved ones to the walls of remembrance.  Mike’s idea was simply a virtual reflection of himself and others that have suffered a loss of a friend, lover or family member and needed to find a place for comfort and support. Today, ROF continues to grow and provide a place of solitude and reflection for many residents of Second Life.

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MEMORIAL TRIBUTE: Gone but Not Forgotten: A Tribute to Annabis Moody/Sharonna Spyker

Staff Reporter • Tuesday, November 30, 2010

by Shon Charisma




It's so hard to say goodbye to someone who has touched your life and your heart; many on the SL grid and IRL are learning this now as their dear friend, Annabis Moody/Sharonna Spyker (Anne Cunningham IRL) lost her bout with cancer just before Thanksgiving. However, by remembering her exuberant spirit and encouragement, it is helping to lessen the pain of such a major loss.




FEAR NO ONE LIVE FREEsmile, laugh, love, explore, express

These are the words that grace the profile of Annabis Moody, and they are words that embodied a woman who many thought to be sweet, good-hearted, and able to make others tap into their potential and aspire to accomplish their goals.

Sharonna was a Jacqueline of all trades--a host, model, an owner of club Dream Away, COO of ZHENYA ZONING Real Estate (ZEN), manager of Zensuality and land manager, independent music promoter for ZEN LIVE, cyberjournalist (working for SL Enquirer), and PSG Sandbox Admin, among other things.

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