Moving Out - SL Style

Circumstances just turned out that I will have to give up my skybox in Second Life shortly and find a new home. I have moved several times since I've started SL, but for some reason, this feels like it will be the hardest relocation for me. Maybe because I was the most attached to this place. I'm sure I will find something new and possibly even better, although I may have to spend more than I'd planned. I actually have been very lucky in that I've had free office and home space for so long thanks to the AVL/CVL. And it's not that I mind paying so much. It's just hard to start over again, but I'm sure it will also be fun and a nice new start. I just tend to dislike change and take things a bit seriously, two traits that are really not compatible with SL which is a very changeable and non-serious place. What's nice is that I've already had offers from some good friends about rentals and even places to stay for free while I'm land hunting. I did rent a space already but am not too sure it will be permanent.

My real life friends and husband both think I'm crazy to spend so much time and express so much angst over this situation, but some of my SL friends understand. It's almost like I'm losing my real life home. And anyone who has moved in real life, can understand how disruptive it can be.

I can remember sitting on my gazebo last summer as the sun set looking over at my pond as my swan swam across it and thinking how peaceful it was. It made me feel nice just to have a spot away from the craziness and stresses of real life just for a few moments to myself. And then when I hung my Christmas stockings over my fireplace mantle this Christmas and put up my virtual tree, it was nice to decorate in SL and it added to my holiday cheer. I was looking forward to spring planting soon and I know I can still do it elsewhere, but I will have to say goodbye to this particular place. And I am reminded once again that life is full of goodbyes to people . . to places . . . in SL and RL. I'll get over it, but I'm still sad ):

Back to Writing

As my Rez Day approaches, I've been thinking of a few things I'd like to do in my next three years in Second Life (if there is another three years, one never knows). But, anyway, I really would like to learn to do some basic building. I still feel like a newbie in that regard. And if I have the time, I should try to take some classes. But since that is not where my talent really lies, what I really want to concentrate on is getting back to writing both in real life and in Second Life. After I wrote my virtual romance "Cloudy Rainbow," I tried writing another book but developed writer's block and then got involved with a lot of other SL activities, mainly working on RezLibris, http://rezlibris.com the magazine for librarians, which I am happy to report will be under new management soon but which I will still contribute, too.



I have been amazed to note how many writing opportunities there are for writers in SL. From poetry groups to writing clubs to magazines and newspapers. There are open mic nights, contests, anthologies, book readings, so many creative ways to promote your work. The Reader's Garden is a great venue and the Sci Fi Portal for Science Fiction fans. BookStacks is a wonderful group. Inksters has a large and active membership. The Learning Experience has a publishing division and offers many classes and workshops on writing. Netera Lander operates a coffee shop, tea house, and conference building where she conducts author chats. The Blue Angel's Poet Dive is also has a popular open mic poetry reading each Sunday night. The Virtual Writer's group is a great source of writing information on all SL writing activities. There are so many places and groups I can't list them all, but may can be found through a SL search.



So I am starting to let the creative juices flow because SL is the place to do that. I truly believe that SL attracts creative people. I have seen the products of so many creative individuals be it those that produce photos, machinima, builds, or stories. I hope that this will rub off on me. I know I have the stubborness -- lol and lots of ideas. All I need, alas, is the time.