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 ):

Home Sweet Virtual Home

There are many people who never have homes in Second Life or any other virtual world and, I have to admit, I did question the importance of having one when I first joined over two years ago. It seemed strange to want to have a place when you wouldn't spend much time there (or, at least I didn't expect to spend too much time there when I joined). But I guess the same reason people buy real homes are the same ones that persuade virtual residents to create their own cozy virtual nests -- to have a place to call "home" (especially useful to change clothes in SL); to have a place to invite friends (and hold those wild SL parties if you're so inclined); to have a spot to display your art, hobbies, or other interests as long as they don't take up too many of those precious prims that we are all so short of and that in real life are equivalent to space; and, in some cases, to have a place to share with a SL partner as one would a husband, wife, or family in real life.

I've had several virtual homes so far. Since I've moved a few times, I've changed homes with each move. I've also accidentally taken up my homes and decided to replace them with new places rather than having to bother putting them out again and figuring out where everything goes (a good excuse to redecorate). Currently, I have a new home that was built for me by a friend who heard of my plight when I took up my last home while changing clothes. He told me there was a way to lock my prims so I wouldn't keep having these accidents, so I might just be stuck with this place for awhile. I actually don't mind because it's rather cozy and fits well in my skybox.

It's really amazing to see what people do with their virtual homes. Virtual interior and exterior decorating is really a unique art form. And virtual builders also do an incredible design with so many house styles. Virtual gardening and landscaping is also a major pasttime, as is decorating one's home for the holidays. So put out those welcome mats, fresh prim flowers, and glasses of wine, it's time to toast your virtual home sweet home even if it's only on your computer screen.