ara.B.logs

Take a Spin

2008-09-16T18:04:00.000+10:00

I've been seeing this at other blogs, so couldn't resist giving it a whirl! I'm pretty pleased how it turned out...

You are The Wheel of Fortune

Good fortune and happiness but sometimes a species of
intoxication with success

The Wheel of Fortune is all about big things, luck, change, fortune. Almost always good fortune. You are lucky in all things that you do and happy with the things that come to you. Be careful that success does not go to your head however. Sometimes luck can change.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

The X Factor

2008-09-12T09:37:00.010+10:00

The official Linden Lab stats tell us that the average age of a Second Lifer is 33, with around 40% in the 25-35 age range. That makes a hell of a lot of us Gen X'ers.

Some of the keywords for this generation are Authenticity, Connection, Community. So there's a finely-tuned Bullshit Radar in-built.

Out shopping in-world yesterday, it occurred to me that my own BS radar sends me the strongest signals in those places where the virtual retail environment is trying to mimic a real world store or mall of the most ostentatious kind - towering marble columns; acres of sleek glass; neutral decor; massive vendor boards featuring lithe and immaculately air-brushed avies; beautiful, aloof staff. (Just as an example, I remember a number of my friends expressing considerable disappointment at the opening of the Armidi build that it was rather "soulless").

By contrast, after shopping at Starlust plus a couple other fun places yesterday I was feeling more like I'd been on safari! I really relished all the elements of the experience that were the furthest away from those you could have if out shopping in the real world.

However, I have to confess that I got entirely distracted from the actual business of buying and spent not a single Linden! I must admit, although I do try to avoid going to those more corporate-feeling stores, at least when I do, I'm on a mission to BUY and much less likely to be distracted (unless it's by the usually large amounts of bling that are present). Maybe that's the whole idea and I just got sucked in! Time to get the radar serviced?

Thankful for a comfy toadstool to rest up after shopping all three of the eclectic mini-stores at Pochette. (The sim name is Discord Nightmare City .... obviously!?)

Over to Starlust, recently "extended with natural enhancements". It's a visual feast!

Here, the BBBM store is an underwater labyrinth! "Wait a few minutes before fishin.......huh?"

Customer Attacked by Ravenous Piranha..... only in Second Life! Apatia Hammerer has a wicked sense of humor and, not surprisingly, a wait-list for spots at Starlust.

If you're curious about the outfit. It's Donna by June Dion and it's clearly ruined! Moral of story = never wear fur for sub-aquatic shopping.

Accessible Enlightenment

2008-09-11T09:48:00.002+10:00

Please concentrate, there will be questions afterwards.

Thanks to Efemera Bisiani for this tip-off.

In Profile - Dahlia Eilde

2008-09-11T09:07:00.008+10:00

From time to time, I want to post things that I stumble upon in residents' profiles that are either thought provoking, clever or just funny. There are some gems out there!

Dahlia and her partner Nicolas Sinatra have a fashion/lifestyle blog that I enjoy very much, plus I have on my To Do list to go check out the new Seven Ultra Lounge (with which they're associated) and was cruising around looking for information about it when I opened up Dahlia's profile page and found this.

As a fashion blogger, it had me nearly falling off my chair laughing and, because I find funny so sexy, I developed an instantaneous crush on Nic *blushes*. Both their profiles are worth a look if you need a few chuckles.

So here it is for your enjoyment ..

And that night, Jesus said unto them, "One of you shall blog a bad outfit."
And Peter said, "Will it be me, Jesus?"
And Jesus turned to him and said, "No, it is not you Peter."
And Simon said, "Will it be me, Jesus?"
And Jesus said, "No, it is not you Simon."
And Judas asked, "Will it be me, Jesus?"
And Jesus turned to him, looked at his shoes,
and in a snarky sarcastic tone responded
"WILL IT BE ME, JESUS?" -Nic

Is Anybody Home?

2008-09-10T17:10:00.002+10:00

I was randomly standing around in IM as I often am, when a disembodied voice asked for some fashion advice. At first I suspected it was my self esteem, so I looked around near the floor, but before I could start to panic that maybe it had actually sunk below floor level, the owner of the voice announced himself as Santo, in need of sartorial tips.

His profile suggested he was male (although it's best never to assume in SL), but soon we established he was seeking classy female fashion "for a friend", so I was on home turf and, having checked how much time he had to spare, I began to reel off a list of my favorite stores and designers.

His gratitude was disproportionate, as there is truly nothing I like better than to spout on this topic. In an NPIRL moment to cherish, this guy actually gave me a house! Thanks again, Santo - it's a beauty!

Coincidently I've been having some yearnings recently to put down SL roots and this spectacular act of generosity sent me straight to the Land Sale search, from whence I tp'd around to several likely parcels, initially with a sense of considerable excitement.

But as the waves lapped onto yet another pristine shore and the birdsong and rock outcrops felt eerily familiar, a sense of overwhelming ennuie washed over me. Sure, there were neighbouring homes, but my attempts at camming revealed unfurnished and soulless shells, littered with a few dusty pose-balls and it dawned upon me that the novelty of this could wear off pretty darn fast. One more check of the weekly tier fees and I was scampering back to my usual haunts feeling thoroughly disheartened.

I'd love it if someone could tell me where there is a place that might feel a little more like being part of a community - ie. where actual SL residents live and spend some time (although obviously with the provision for some privacy). This is all new to me, so I'm seeking recommendations.

One of the things I love best about SL is the ability to scoot around and soak in the atmosphere of lots of different places, so I'm still wondering whether I'm destined to ever have a "home patch".

Would love to hear your thoughts, advice, personal experience on this one if you have time.