The Circle Mental Health

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

This busy weekend there is a most interesting conference at the Bellisseria Fairgrounds with The Circle Mental Health . 

 

May is Mental Health Month so it is a good time to think about it for ourselves and others. Take a look at the Conference page where the schedule is listed and try to stop over at the fairgrounds . The build is lovely.

Virtual Ability is represented there also. You can see their schedule here:

https://shorturl.at/sFIKW

Remember that over at Health Island there are so many resources on health every month and of course this month is focusing on mental health. 

 

There are tips on maintaining mental health, boosting your resilience . Climate change and mental health, the elderly and youth and more. The topics of displays on Health Island change every month.

There is also the permanent walkway, The Path of Support where all the groups dealing with various issues of certain diseases or concerns are kept for anyone seeking support in second life.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Healthinfo%20Island/128/126/24

When you land check out the breathing exercise on the back wall .
 

Gemma Cleanslate

 

Steampunk At The Bellisseria Fairgrounds

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

What a magnificent installation Gracie (GracieAustinn Resident) has at the Bellisseria fairgrounds this past week and it will be there until June22. 

 

It is steampunk which is so much fun to see . It is the third DJ’s Golf Around sponsored by Bellisseria Bike Drive & Scoot Group which has events every week in SL.

It is open daily for miniature golf, Snail Racing, Whale flying and just hanging out. Events are as follows and open to anyone who wishes to have fun at a party.

□ 21st: Wed. 12pm: Chuckey

6pm: Matt (Formal Steampunk)

□ 23rd: Fri. 12pm: FAR

I pulled out my steampunk outfits from the SL19B and was happy to be able to wear them again. DJ Far was spinning fun tunes on Friday the 16th and I made it to that event.

Saturday I took a tour of the golf area and saw the elegant flora and steampunk décor. I jumped on a racing snail and took a try at that . I did pretty well and landed on the board with 5.5 seconds .

Sunday I attended another party at the Event where Fuyuko '冬子' Amano (Wintergeist Resident) Dj’ed. Try to get over there to see the installation before it disappears and perhaps attend a steampunk party. You are welcome in any garb though.  

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bellisseria%20Fairgrounds/170/244/24 

Gemma Cleanslate

A Fun Busy Weekend

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

It was a fun busy weekend in Second Life for me. Saturday morning as usual I read the SL Newser and then I read The Gazette which is the newspaper of the BBB( Bellisseria Bureau of Bureaucracy) Group. I always read this paper on Saturday (after I read the SL Newser) when it is released because besides the news or interview that appears there it also shows the new locations for the passport stamps. I have been collecting the stamps for long time. There are stamp terminals all over the grid. It is great to visit so many new places . I often get ideas for articles by doing this.

I took time to attend a fishing contest. which I did not win or even get close but it was fun.
The big discussion in the Bellisseria Citizen Group was shopping. Dreamer Pixelmaid was passing out information on bargains which I had to go check out. Then it was time for real life running.

Sunday I attended three events . The first was a visit to the always huge Bay City Anniversary celebration. I am sorry to say I missed the parade but got to the great party. DJ GoSpeed Rasere (GoSpeed Racer) was spinning tunes when I arrived and after greeting all I hopped on the fun conga line they have there for all the events.

Following GoSpeed the live singers took over with lovely songs . There were 50 + at the party having a great time.

Next I stopped over at the Sunday party at Virtual Ability where Stepin always has great tunes for the members and invited visitors. There was an ongoing discussion about banned books going on and most agreed in principle that banning in libraries that are the collectors of data and information for the public is never good. There was also the usual fun banter. Mook remarked that his bucket list was filled with books he wanted to read and food he wanted to taste.

My next trip was to a Cultural Diversity street party hosted by Sondee was under way. The street was lined with booths of food and information from many countries. I of course grabbed a piece of pizza , one of my favorite foods. ÐĴ ८hocoŁatε Śiη™ (Tyesia Xevious) had some great music going on.

I forget to tell you that Jadin Emerald has installed a fun high diving platform at Yosemite High Sierra.
If you would like to try it go over and you can get a chute and HUD and try it out! I took a few jumps.

 

It has been a while since I had the opportunity. Then take a walk in the forest and look around. There is a travel hud available to help you get all over both High Sierra and Yosemite. If you want to “chicken out “ it will take you down to the entrance where you can grab the hud. There is also a nice back pack full of goodies for visiting and camping at Yosemite,

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/High%20Sierra/128/128/1001

Gemma Cleanslate

 

One Billion Rising

 
By Gemma Cleanslate

One Billion Rising in Second Life is back. ”For the tenth year, on February 14, 2022, men and women in Second Life will join activists, writers, thinkers, celebrities, and people across the world to Rise, Resist and Unite as a show of unity, individual strength, and the need for change. “ To learn more read , “https://onebillionrisingsl.wordpress.com/about-obr-2/ “ 

In Second Life, it is a day of celebration of what can be. There are wonderful installations by many sl artists to visit and parties going on 24/7 for this one day only. As there is every year there was a video made last week. I did get to be in the dance team this year again. It is marvelous as usual thanks to great choreography by Guerilla Burlesque and friends. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=us_NmhinwCM&t=2s

Since I am a greeter I attended a meeting Friday to review the best way to make the visitors comfortable and help them find their way around the regions and how to get to the parties on the stage. I took a look at the stage which is the center of the four regions giving everyone lots of room to dance .

I checked out the poetry area which looks very comfortable and ready for attendees. That is a popular spot during the event for poetry readings and open mic. There is another stage for live performances and also a dj stage . The schedule looks pretty full!

https://onebillionrisingsl.wordpress.com/previous-obr-events/one-billion-rising-2020/event-schedule-2/  On this page there is access to all the other videos from past years .

I came across ilyra chardin (Ilyra Chardin).. at her installation and asked if I could take a picture of her working.

The four corners have parks created by Briony Writer . Be sure to visit each one that is individual in character and lovely.

The staff for this event has so much work to do for one day . I find it amazing . The regions will be there longer so that you can get to visit all the artists’ installations and experience the messages of each.
When you arrive touch the kiosk for more information and enjoy the day.  

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/OBR%20Rise/180/167/24  If that is too busy try   http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/OBR%20Dance/71/167/24

Gemma Cleanslate
 

Winter Holiday Village and Love Valley

 
By Gemma Cleanslate

I was a little concerned when I had not seen any notice of Winter Holiday Village which is always a favorite  to visit for years. Finally notice came for the opening last week. This is  a great place for ice skating . Though scaled back in size this year it still is a marvelous experience.

The Ice Ballroom is there with the carousel and chairs for dining. You cant miss it as you skate by. It was good to see the Penguins marching by their part of the village.

Nearby on a hill stands Mrs Claus Bakery and Santa’s Workshop.  Look for the Reindeer Farm too where all sorts of reindeer are for sale .  Another crystal building holds Santa’s chair with his elves in attendance. Santa will be live there soon taking requests and photos. . There are many places to just sit and relax  or snuggle and watch the skaters as they move along the lake and rivers.

The stage stands on the ice too. There are many shows both live  and concerts and dj’s  going on every day right up to the Christmas eve. Join the group for notices or check the board for information.

One great activity is taking a ride Santa’s Magic Snow Owl. It takes you over all the venues and you get a good look . Look for free skates and also some good choices for skates with AO on sale. I will be going back for some skating.

There is also a Club near by you might want to check out on the same region. Santa eats there and they have a nice bar.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Pyrates%20Cove/83/223/22

What a busy site I found went over to check out Winter Christmas Love Valley.

This is a place to go skating and touring with your honey and your friends. The skating there is great! The place glitters with falling snow and coated trees, and glistening ice. When I was there it was filled with 18 skaters, walkers and people just relaxing by fires and in little cuddles places.

If you are missing a skate AO,  no worries there are free skates and skate balls to help you . There is a cute North Pole area to hang around .Enjoy the tiny train ride around the tree .

Horse riding is fun here too along the snowy lanes . Bring your own or use the available horse rezzer. There is a  teleport board near the entrance that will take you off to any of these choices.  If you are looking for a place to take stunning photos, this is it! Pick up a notecard about the 2020 photo and film contest at the entrance “.Winter Love Valley Photo & Film Contest 2020 Win 15,000L” Lots to enjoy here!  

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Casca%20Cove/181/185/22

Today , Wednesday the 9th, Patch and a bevy of Moles visited the Relay for Life Christmas Expo. Patch did duty listening to whatever the visiting populace of second life asked for. I wonder how much he could promise. The Moles were arrayed around him and stood patiently. I took some pictures .

Patch Linden in Santa's chair.

 Grumpy Mole  looking grumpy as usual .

Alotta Mole looking angelic ... unusual .

Gemma Cleanslate

Christmas Places, Part Four

 
By Gemma Cleanslate

Bellisseria is ready for the season too. Not only are people decorating their own homes and yards, at the Fairgrounds there is an entrance to the enchanted gathering place. 

The softly falling snow has covered the ground, some of the animals we don’t see very often have populated the area. A dance area is set up and ready for all the parties that will take place.

If you don’t live on Bellisseria continent it does not matter . You can visit and enjoy the dancing and fun on this special ground. When you arrive at the fairgrounds walk over to the rock formation near by and touch the dark shadow entrance to get here. I am looking forward to getting to some of the parties .I made the opener.  Prudence (PrudenceAnton) and  Cian Wycliffe created this for everyone to enjoy . To get a peek at the venue take a look at this!

 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfmMQ3l18UA&t=11s

and then go visit!!   http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bellisseria%20Fairgrounds/160/217/24

Christmas at Tayren’s region is an experience not to be missed. Here you have a chance to get some  really nice outfits for those formal occasions that may come up during this seasons and some medieval clothing or fantasy for those role play  regions you might go to visit that ask for this clothing . I love her outfits . I discovered them at a Christmas expo about  years ago and have some that I use year after year.

But after you peruse her huge store get out and walk down that long hill to find some quaint shops and farther on a marvelous area to explore. 

Walk or ride into the Fairie Valley to see how they live. Their homes are built right into the tree stumps, or other natural places. I met a family having a great time exploring.

Back up at the top there is a carnival setting with carousel, some shops and I found Santa and sat down to tell him how things are going. I have a feeling most of us have the same wishes this year and he can only do so much.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Wind%20Struck/141/216/29

I love going to the Creations Park Christmas fairs. This year it is called Grown with Love. Shopping in the Creations regions is a good gesture because much is donated to Team Fox for Parkinson disease research and help. You will find an Advent calendar there too. It is a little smaller than usual but well stocked with decorations and outfits.

Step into Swing Town part of Creations and check out the events planned at the Savoy for December . It is always swinging and there is great shopping in other areas of Creation Park so don’t miss it.  From the Savoy you can take a left and go into the regular shopping area with a myriad of shops.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Creations%20Park/15/157/28

I also stopped over at the opening of the look at the new Linden homes that will become a choice in the future for premium members. It is connected to the American Cancer society site. Many people who already have homes on the Bellisseria continent wait anxiously for new themes in case they might like to move . Right now many are waiting for the Stilts to be released.  

Drop by to take a look. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/American%20Cancer%20Society/126/238/24

Gemma Cleanslate

Fire Disaster in Madori Falls Wilderness

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 Well,  what an adventure! Sunday I went to explore Madori Falls Wilderness high on a hilltop . I hiked through a forest to the small lake that was the headwaters of the waterfall. It was so pleasant and quiet I sat to rest and fell asleep for a while.

I awoke smelling smoke and hearing crackling in the distance. Above me on the hill I saw the fire watch tower and the nearby trees were aflame.

As I turned in the distance below I saw more smoke rising. This fire was encircling the area. It is a good thing there was a small meadow around me and the lake in case I needed to save myself there. I felt very alone until several others walked out of the woods to join me.

Several elks trotted out of the woods too crying with fear. Happy to see the water they stood at the edge drinking, ignoring us.

We  stood around, sat , chatted and hoped someone was looking for hikers. I was happy to be prepared for this with a water bottle and some snacks which I shared. We could smell the smoke and hear the fire getting closer. 

A bear appeared out of the woods across the lake frightening humans and elks! He stayed on that side so we felt somewhat safe.

 We could hear helicopters above and waved and waved. we were urged to head for the lower waters and finally took a short jump into the falls to the creek below. Most of us followed the creek to a large lake and waited there . One was missing,  Kees, who got the wrath of the bear before he jumped and was bitten so rescue for him would take place elsewhere.

As we waited it was so cold we danced in place in the thigh high water. Finally , two rescue copters appeared in the sky above and one by one we were lifted up on a rope . Slowly the pilot made her way to the rescue ship off the coast that was well equipped for medical issues. Each of us was assigned a cot in a tent to await clearance that we were not injured or ill in any way. Serenity joined us but she had fallen from the copter when being lifted so was the most injured of us.

 We heard Kees arrive on a gurney and he was swiftly examined and began treatment for his bear bite. It was good to see that at least he was alive and sounded pretty much ok. His treatment sounded a bit painful though. The nurse taking care of him thoroughly discussed each step of the treatment as she went along .

The Doc  came in to our tent and questioned each of us to see if we were aware of who we were , what day it was, did we know how we got there , were we injured in any way and finally released most of us to go topside. Serenity stayed to have an MRI and I hope she is ok.

Kees was still there when I left too and I hope to see that he has recovered . 

Great thanks to all who assisted in the rescue and putdown of the fires. I witnessed the rescuers getting thanks and being dismissed from all their work before I left the ship. Well, not sure I will go back to Madori Falls Wilderness again soon. I know quieter places to go hiking.

Gemma Cleanslate