It has been some time since I have written, but I just had to tell you about this lovely place I stumbled upon during my travels the other day. I never cease to marvel at the beauty and the creativity in Sim design exercised by the builders who reside here. Safe Haven is truly that - a break from many of the usual places, where women may feel accosted, and men ogled. Aptly named, this amazing sim has multiple entertainment venues, along with some of the coolest activities available anywhere on the Grid.
I was fortunate enough to run into Ash Storm (lilrvrgrl) the other day, and she was able to spare me a few minutes to discuss this amazing build and the opportunities that are to be found there. She was deep into preparations for their Grand Opening this coming Saturday, July 20th from 4-5 DJ Storm Chaser, then 5-6 DJ Chevy, followed by DJ Ash 6-7, and then DJ Gro 7-until...whenever (all times SLT).
Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB): Hi Ash. Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me, especially amid preps for your Grand opening. So let me ask you. Where did you get the idea for Safe Haven? Is there some history here?
Ash Storm (lilrvrgrl) (AS): I started doing this when I was about 6 months old and a manager of a different place but since I bought my own Sim Christmas before last, I wanted to create an environment where people could come and hang. A place where people can come and feel safe from being bullied and harassed by people of both genders who thrive on being mean and spiteful. I made a list of goals, bought a 5-subject notebook, and set to work. My church has a sister group called Safe*Haven which is a place where women from domestic violence can go to find safety so the name has deep meaning to me.
JB: Did you build and run this amazing place yourself, or do you have any help you want to give a shout-out to?
AS: I drew a model of what I had envisioned and searched photos online of the general "vibe" I wanted Safe Haven to instill. I created a Note Card, listing my favorite trees & flowers. My amazing landscaper Lucinda (lucindae) from Serena, was extremely patient with me and tolerated me asking if we could talk because something may not have been going in the direction I wanted. But her work spoke for itself. I also had a lot of help from Cranston Yordstorm, a great builder who helped me share the vision and create the unique Lazy River Float Ride. I did a ton of things on the sim as well, as I tried to pull together the vision even more by adding my special touches to it
JB: There are many fun and scenic sims in SL. What is the Safe Haven difference?
AS: This sim invokes my spirit and my desire to inspire others that you can build your dream and share the beauty of the spirit of nature and love. There are many interesting things to do, for instance, the greenhouse is full of Plant Pets that mimic RL plants -they start as seeds - you must water them, and they grow. Within about a month they produce seeds which I give away to others
JB: Who do you hope to attract to Safe Haven and what special group of people might find Safe Haven especially appealing?
AS: Anyone who needs a break from reality, a place to escape, clear the mind, and heal from some of life’s drama and frustrations. It’s a place to just relax and breathe again
JB: I saw a sign supporting The Nature Collective? What is that?
AS: It is a group and society that builds sims to promote the beauty of what Second Life (SL) can offer to those who look for positive reflections and peace
JB: Do you have any private residences here? If so, how many, and are they for rent?
AS: I have my own lovely home residence & studio on the sim and currently have a couple of renters on the sim. My fiance and our friends gather most mornings to catch up and have fellowship whilst enjoying our morning coffee (or tea),
JB: Could you share some of the other interesting things that visitors and guests can do at Safe Haven?
AS: Besides the beautiful nature scenery, I have Horse Rezzers that allow you to ride all over the sim, there is a lazy river float to ride, a zipline and Bungee Jump, a JBC pavilion for meetings and get-togethers, and our morning coffee time with our friends.
JB: What has been your biggest challenge in building Safe Haven?
AS: Being a perfectionist. I ran one landscaper off, Corralling all of my MANY ideas and choosing which to make come to fruition and finding the quiet time to work and rework my ideas and dreams Fortunately, Lucinda tolerates me well and has been a Godsend.
JB: What kinds of events do you host here, and how can someone learn about those events?
AS: I LOVE to have Birthday and Rez day parties here. We have done sim crawls. I love to host parties in some of the different buildings from B-Day (Rezz Day) parties to baby showers. I also perform Weddings and provide the sim as a venue option.
JB: Do you have any plans for future development?
AS: As a designer/builder I am ALWAYS coming up with new fresh ideas and projects for the Sim.
JB: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
AS: Take time to smell the flowers @ SafeHaven
Ya'll ever wish you could take a peaceful walk around a country sim full of lush vegetation, look at the beautiful colors of the flowers, maybe take a horseback ride, relax while taking a tube down the Lazy River, or perhaps feel adventurous and jump off the Bungee or zipline? Well, your Safe Haven awaits. Please check out the new addition to The Nature Collective! Please do enjoy your visit Ash
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SafeHaven/153/144/25
So there you have it folks. For a truly unique experience in a virtual World known for creativity and relaxation, you have simply GOT to check out Safe Haven. And when you do, tell 'em Josh sent ya.
Be there! Aloha!
JB