THE BEST OF SL MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2020 EDITION

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Reign Congrejo Fashion Editor Bronxie Asst Fashion Editor Shantal Gravois CONTRIBUTORS Jackson Redstar Arya Braveheart CompE Lockwood Bronxie Sammie Audion Jamee Sandalwood Magissa Denver Sita Writer COVER PHOTO: Magissa Denver COVER: MMorganWhitfield Miss Virtual World 2020

BOSL Magazine FEBRUARY 2020 Edition

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ARRELA’S ROMANTIC PARADISE 8 MISS VIRTUAL WORLD 2020 22 INSPIRING LOVE STORIES 32 BED AND BATH 48 FASHION TREND-VALENTINE GRUNGE & BLACK HISTORY MONTH 70

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Arrela’s Romantic Paradise Article and Photography by: Sammie Audion In the early days of Virtual Reality (VR), a discussion emerged about the different approaches of the players and residents: Do they play a game, or do they immerse themselves into a new fantasy or life? It can be argued that the more advanced the VR platforms become, some level of immersion will automatically take place. While this is certainly a plausible argument, many believe this is a matter of two vastly differing mindsets that often cause conflict and drama when they collide. How so?

The answer is not as straightforward as we might believe.

Sure, in theory the differences are rather simple: The gamer comes in and takes on a role (sometimes playing with different avatars depending on the role they want to play). We can observe gamers in Fantasy RP realms for instance, where they register an elf avatar and perhaps also a dragon avatar to take on the role and personality of the according character, depending on their mood or ongoing plot in the game. The actions they take do not have to be in line with their Real Life (RL) personality and might even conflict with other characters they play.

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‘Immersers,’ however, are likely to use one single avatar in one VR platform or even recreate the same character on another platform. They identify with the avatar they play and align it with the personality they are or would like to be in RL. Of course,, these summaries are theoretical, and the reality is much more convoluted, as you might suspect. Marketing departments of game developers use the term ‘immerse’ when they describe the complexity of the plot and graphical quality of their VR platform to allow the gamer to submerge in the world of the chosen game. Contrary to that approach, ‘immersers’ argue that they don’t simply play a game.

They feel that, mentally, there is no difference between them and their avatar. On an extreme level, this can be interpreted that the biological body and the avatar are manifestations of the same mind.

Despite that the lines between these two types of VR users are more blurry in reality, finding many gamers in a romantic and beautiful installment like Arrela’s Romantic Paradise is not very likely, as

there is no goal to be achieved, no treasure to be found, no monster to be fought. Rather, splendorous beauty awaits the visitor’s immersion. Many secluded benches and hideouts invite the visitor to indulge in this beautiful scenery or spend some romantic moments with a loved one. For those coming down from a stressful day at work or some upsetting occurrences in RL, the Kingdom Arrela is a perfect place to relax a troubled mind and wind their hurting heads around this harmonious virtual beauty and tranquility. But be warned, you may immerse into this virtual botanical garden so deeply that you forget about the RL around you, at least for a little while.

At Arrela, flowers and trees provide a natural park-like ambiance. Soft winds playing in the leaves of trees give the impression the place is actually alive. In that sense, it helps that this kingdom is certainly not a geometrical English garden.

We rather find harmonic, apparently naturallyevolved plants, simply something mother nature might create when in a good mood. Various colorful vistas indulge the senses and distract the mind successfully with beauty and harmony.

As if that would not be plenty on its own, silvery waterfalls running over rock formations add an element of wilderness to the landscape. In some areas, smoothly paved circular walkways invite for a romantic stroll around lovely ponds. Dances are provided through roses sitting on large stems all over the kingdom, fitting discreetly into the joyful scenery.

After a romantic dance, an adventurous balloon ride might be appropriate to get an impression of the beautiful place from a bird’s perspective. Various lovely gazebos round up the park-like impression to leave the visitor with the feeling of being in a fairy tale.

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If one takes the time to explore this wondrous place closely, various sculptures can be found. Perhaps we are looking at previous inhabitants of the place? While some are certainly human, others are clearly not. Might there be some dark history to in the past of Arrela? Content animals seem to enjoy living here, and aside from two unicorns, no truly unexpected beings appear. That is, of course, if we ignore a dolphin in freshwater. Horses, deer, and ducks happily share the wide lands and contribute to the idyllic atmosphere of Arrela. The horses and the ducks seem to indicate that there might be a human population, however small. Barns can be found, and perhaps you will have better luck in finding the current dwellers of the romantic kingdom.

differences between gamers and immersers don’t have to be big, after all. Certainly, it is helpful to be aware that people come with different expectations and intention to SL. It stands to reason that one of the beauties of SL is the fact that we can indulge in a world that, for the most part, allows us to do – or be – whatever we like.

But whatever we choose to do in this second life of ours, we have at least the chance to make SL a better place by being aware that every avatar (ok granted: most) has a person at the keyboard with feelings that certainly can be shattered from this virtual world.

After all, kindness and tolerance does not cost a single cent and certainly can make a huge difference.

So, when visiting Arrela, be prepared and willing to In that sense, happy immersing! immerse yourself into this beautiful scenery. The place will certainly reward you with its blissful tranquility.

Who knows, it might make you become an ‘immerser’. h t t p : / / m a p s . s e c o n d l i f e . c o m / s e c o n d l i f e / Hopefully, it will help make visitors aware that the Graces/163/22/22

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MISS VIRTUAL WORLD 2020 Hawks are amazing creatures– protective, honest, fast learners that don’t miss much. In SL, a Firehawk is all that and more; to that point, we are pleased to reveal Morgan Whitfield-Firehawk as this year’s Miss Virtual World. Knowing her, it is easy to see why she deserves this hard earned honor.

Let’s start from the beginning. Morgan tells BOSL how she found this massively successful virtual world, “I discovered Second Life when I was an undergraduate student in RL at the University of Virginia. There was a summer course offered entitled ’History and Origins of Virtual Worlds,’ and I was very intrigued. Classes were held in Second Life.”

SL has helped many residents with RL skills, and Morgan was drawn to fashion. “While in school, I happened to see an advertisement for a Styles by Danielle Fashion Show. I watched it, and I have to admit, I was mesmerized. I could not believe the elegant and artful gowns being displayed-- but what got my attention were the models that glided down the runway. I knew then and there that I wanted to enter the SL world of modeling. I decided that if I became a model in Second Life, I wanted to be a role model to women to show them that with hard work and determination, you can achieve any goals whether in Second Life or in the real world.”

Everyone has a learning curve, and Morgan was diligent, flexible, and intuitive. These are virtues of every good model and, frankly, every good SL and RL person! I asked how MVW was different from other contests: The differences are like night and day, in my opinion. MVW is the pinnacle of beauty pageants in all virtual worlds. I feel they are the originators, and just the name alone ’Miss Virtual World’ is recognized immediately and defines what refined elegance is and should always be.” Our staff @ MVW could not agree more!

Article By: Sita Writer and Photography by: Mmorgan Whitfield & Magissa Denver Morgan is also modest, and she gave many past Misses kudos for their excellent guidance and advice. “I must say that the advice I received from past Misses was on target. Each challenge given forced me to step out of my comfort zone. I admit-- it was very difficult for me to style in a way that I was neither familiar nor comfortable with. However, I felt it helped me grow and build my confidence-- not only as n a model, but also as Morgan Whitfield-Firehawk. The bonds of sisterhood I forged with some of my fellow Misses are priceless. The staff of MVW are absolutely amazing… and so supportive. I could not believe the kindness they have shown me because they believed in me. That truly gave me the determination to succeed in each challenge.”

SL always helps us in some way in RL-- sometimes in big ways, sometimes in unexpected ways --but it always helps us to learn something. For Morgan, “In RL I am a very shy person. I was always the quiet student sitting in the back of class.

However, being a Second Life Model and crowned as Miss Virtual World 2020 allowed me to step out of my shell. I am forced to speak in front of others and express my opinions in the real world and also here in Second Life. That is a good thing for me, in my opinion. “ Morgan has sage advice for all those who want to step into that path of SL honor. “If you want to ‘seriously’ enter the Miss Virtual World Pageant – get ready to grow a thick skin! Take my word for it: you will be scrutinized and judged with a fine-tooth comb for each challenge. However, remember that the criticisms and advice you are given are meant to elevate your modeling and styling skills. Use Google and Youtube to do your research for each challenge. Study the stylings of past Miss Virtual Worlds, past Misses, and well-known bloggers/stylists in Second Life. They opened my eyes about textures and designers I never knew existed in Second Life; I will always be grateful to them, so will you.”

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Miss Virtual World holds a responsibility; the title is one of great honor, and those who win it respect the timehonored culture it represents. “I know that my title has great significance. Like real life pageant winners and even celebrities, what I do and what I say now can impact someone or a group of people. It is vital for me to show compassion and kindness to others. My goal as Miss Virtual World is to catapult BOSL, the innovators of Second Life fashion in all aspects, through the use of social media. As you know, social media is now the way we communicate with one another, spread news instantly in real time, and is a powerful form of advertising. Like real life events, the use of social media can be powerful to spread information, whether a cause or a new product.”

Morgan has many interests in addition to passions, and one cause she is passionate about is domestic violence awareness.

“I have always been involved in this cause. Some people are unaware of what a healthy and unhealthy relationship is. It is my mission to spread that message; if even one person thinks about this serious issue, I believe I have done my job.

Everyone, I believe, knows someone who was or currently is in a domestic violence situation.”

Morgan believes that beauty is more than the aesthetics of a person. “Beauty is in your heart. It is how you see yourself and treat others. I believe that is far more impacting than a pretty face. People remember your personality and how you treat others before physical appearances.”

Morgan Whitfield-Firehawk is a very kind and compassionate person. She is approachable and, most importantly, humble.

She cares about survivors and families who have experienced or are currently experiencing abuse. When asked where she wants to be in five years: “Besides being with my husband and family, and continuing my work at my Care and Hope Center, I hope to bring awareness of the horrors of domestic violence. I hope to continue assisting Reign, Jamee, and staff at BOSL and MVW because they have always shown kindness to my Center and me. I want to always return that back. As for modeling, I hope to continue to do more runway and print work for the agencies that represent me.�

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Inspring Love Stories Article: Yhishara Cerise: Photography by: Jackson Redstar Few things inspire us quite like love; very few things have such a wide range of expression. There is familial love, romantic love, benevolent and altruistic love, and even the love we have for ourselves – to name a few. When it comes to love, each one of us has a story to tell, and in the words of Falbala Fairey, “inspiring love stories can have many faces.”

“Making the decision to have a child is momentous.

It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” - Elizabeth Stone As we grow older, we may also meet a person that inspires feelings of romantic love. Morgan Whitfield reminisced about meeting her partner here in Second Life. What started off as an exchange of messages sent during a fashion show found them both discovering the kind heart of the other. After that initial first step, their relationship progressed until the moment when he asked her to be his SL partner. In a moment of self doubt, feeling that he could have any woman he wanted, she asked him “Why me?” To which he replied, “Why not Morgan?” Indeed, why not?

One of our first encounters with love is that from or towards our parents. Robert Munsch in the mid 1980’s wrote a book about parental love entitled Love You Forever. It tells the story of a mother who would always sing a lullaby to her son as he grew from child to adulthood. At the end of the book, when she becomes ill, he holds her in his arms and sings the song to her. When she dies, he goes home and begins the cycle anew by singing it to his own “In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. daughter. The ironic thing about this book (which has sold In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.” millions of copies) is that it was written after the author Maya Angelou and his wife had two stillborn children.

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In pursuit of romantic love, however, many meet partners who are not so kind. To illustrate this, Falbala Fairey recounted a story of a shy and insecure young girl swept away in a passionate love affair with an older man. While it started off in blissful joy (as all first romances do), it soon took a dark twist when the man became abusive both physically and mentally. Kept a prisoner and forced to lie to her family about her safety for months, the girl lived a life of terror. Until one day, he made a mistake! On that day, she found her way to freedom.

Moving on with another relationship was impossible.

She lived this kind of life for many years before seeking help and beginning to recover herself and the girl she used to be.

The story Falbala shared brought to mind the song with lyrics sung by Whitney Houston many years ago:

” And if, by chance, that special place That you’ve been dreaming of Leads you to a lonely place Find your strength in love” But she found it easier to escape the physical prison - “Greatest Love of All”, Lyrics by Linda Creed than the mental and psychological one that her mind had built. That inner prison had invisible walls built of Self-love gives people who find themselves in such fear, insecurity, mistrust, depression, self-hatred and toxic relationships the strength to leave them. Those stress. She wanted to die from the emotional pain and people need help and support, and that leads to a did many things to harm herself. different expression of love . This type of love is one thing that brings out the best of Second Life residents.

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Every year, thousands in Second Life get together to raise money for real-life charities and the real-life people behind some of the avatars. Through their efforts, millions of Lindens have been raised for causes ranging from illnesses to natural disasters to social issues to financially supporting their favourite viewer. When residents do this, they are showing agape, which can be described as a love for those around them and concern for their well being.

With it being such a beautiful thing, it is understandable why Martin Luther King, Jr. said he had “decided to stick to love.�

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Bed And Bath I can’t believe that SL winter is almost over. One more month until we pack away the snow and start greening up the place again. But not this month, no! I am still enjoying the stunning snowy vistas in SL and have had a whole heap of fun decorating my own house. In fact, I am going to be showing you what I have done with my place over the course of the next few months.

The first installment is all about my bedroom and bathroom; it all begins with this lovely home from Apple Fall called the “Scandinavian Barn” that I bought at the last Apple Fall sale of sales!

Now, normally, I don’t go for big homes, but as you will see, this home just pretends it is big. It’s actually just right for all the rooms I love to decorate. The home’s design allowed me to go crazy and utilise some spaces for whatever I wanted them to be. For example, I decided that the upstairs room would be my bedroom and the little room next door would be a bathroom. However, because the designer didn’t put tiling or wet space flooring in there, I could have just as easily used it as an office or a dressing room if I had wanted it to be that way.

I am getting ahead of myself. Let us begin in my bedroom, which also has a taste of Apple Fall items mixed in with a whole pile of others from around the SL plains. I love blending items from different stores and events. It makes decorating fun!

Naturally, I started with the bed and bedside cabinets. From there, I laid all the bigger furniture such as the armoire, dresser, and armchair

Article and Photography by: Arya Braveheart . After that was just a matter of finding decor that suited the look and style of the room. I added a few personal touches that made the room feel more like my own. I will say, though, that this room has way less books than my RL one-- but the same amount of cats.

From there, I headed into the bathroom, and I had some fun with this area. It started as a regular bathroom with a bath, toilet, and basin, but then I remembered that this is SL, and I can make it whatever I want it to be. So, I turned it into a forest oasis. I pictured myself enjoying a bath while taking in the ambiance of the room that brings a little of the outside to the inside. I also had fun finding smaller pieces of decor such as toothpaste to add realism to the scene. I only wish my bathroom was as awesome as this one!

Well, there you have it. I hope you enjoyed this small tour of two rooms of my house. Next month you will get to see two more rooms, so make sure you find next month’s copy of Best of SL Magazine so you can keep going on the tour.

Credits: Bedroom 22769 - Concrete Vase, Ottoman, Chalet Coffee Tray, Heart Wall Art Apple Fall - Scandinavian Barn 1.31, West Village: Eleanora Drawer Chest - Chalkboard, Eleanora Bedside Table Chalkboard; Books Occasional Table w/ Blanket, Oxford Wingback Chair, Charleston Curtains - Cream Bazar - Traveler-Bags 1& 2, Toronto-Great ideas, Berlin-Plants 1 and 2, Stockholm-Bedroom Lamps, Seattle - Notebook, Shoe Boxes

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Con & Dust Bunny - Gracie Living Room - Bag Clutter {CdB} - P-Honeycomb Carpet, Green Bottle & Stem, Good Fortune Cup of Tea, Coffee Table Magazines, Philodendron Plant EED’s - Glass Vase with Tulips Enchanted Fantasy - Hanging Hollow Glass Ornament White Flowers & Orange Butterfly Image Essentials - Full Perm Mesh Cat - Sleeping 1 1 Kalopsia - Gogo’s planter (white/silver) Kuro - [A book epiphany] His books, [Just decor] Her slippers llorisen // rosette bench.black -Mint- Tea Cup Mithral * Branch Wall Display (White Ceramic) [ Organica ] - Shelved Books [Park Place] Accessories - Stack of Books, North Star II Desk Plant, North Star II Armoire Serenity Style- Working Space Shelf, Heavenly Pile of Quilts, Refuge Slippers Decor, The Refuge Night Books, The World is Yours--Wall Art, Soul Whispers {theosophy} Radiator {what next} - Guitar on Stand (black/wood) *YS&YS* - Iron&Wood - Shelf BeNice

Bathroom 22769 - Hanging Plant - Style One, Forest Wallart, Aloe Vera White, Snakeplant, Wall Forest, Forest Rug Adorably Strange Wares - The SunShower Ceiling Light Ariskea - Magazine Rack Silver, [Etoile] Leather Single Sofa BALACLAVA!! - Laundry Cart (Clean) Bazar - Towel hanger, Maldives - Toilet paper, Bathroom shelves - female and male, Gents and ladies tags Cheeky Pea - Falkland: Mirror, Sink CHEZ MOI - Des Salles: Table, Bathtub, Bathroom Rug DIGS - Hortensia: Bathroom Shelves - Chrome, Hand Towel - Chrome, Towel Rail - Chrome dust bunny - ivy room divider Image Essentials - Full Perm Mesh Cat - Cleaning 1 Mithral * Wall Pipe Display (Silver) .peaches. - Juniper Bathroom Set - FULL Rustic Serenity Style - Rothschild Bathroom Chair

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Meghan lace bustier in Black by Ison Ajak Ruffle skirt in Onyx by Rowne Jazzie Leather Shrug in Black by Mimikri Floral Net Black tights by Coco Elias combat boots by Blueberry Noelle necklace by Real Evil Trin hair by Kokolores

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Dream of Africa Hat 6 by Belle Epoque Dream of Africa Outfit 6 by Belle Epoque Dream of Africa jewelry by Belle Epoque Penthouse Princess Coat in Cocoa by Moon Elixir Trish shoes by Empire Steel hair by Foxy

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Cardigan/T-Shirt - Orion Pants - ColdAsh Elias Skinny Jeans: Black Shoes - ..::ILLI::.. Timbo Boots

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Jacket: Frayed - Roxanne Jacket - Red Skirt: *COCO*_LaceOverlaySkirt(Black) Leggings: :Koyuki: heart stockings leggings Shoes:=Zenith=Vintage Leather Boots with Socks Top: Just Because lacy Black Jewelry: *Vanilla Bae* Bellychain (Babe) Cae :: Spicy and Sweet:: Barrettes **RE** Black Heart Necklace Cae Queen of Hearts Earring Hair: Doe: Hydie

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{FAFA}Nubia Dress Artizana - Jaily // Mesh Shawl Bokeh - Royal Earrings “Gold” Belle Epoque { Dream of Africa } Glasses Belle Epoque { Dream of Africa } Shoes GizzA - Nanyamka / Dress [Papaya] Necklace Vanity Hair::Bluebell-Reds .miss chelsea. Jini Arm Cuff Maitreya Gold L’Africaine Cuff Bracelets

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Jacket: Scars - Studs Jacket Pants: Scars - Ripped Knee Pants Hat : David Heather - Audran Brim Hat Pin - Evocative Floral “Rose” Boutonniere Scarlet Boots: GOS - Docs V2 8 Hole Rings: RealEvil industries - Striker Rings & Claws Gloves: L’Emporio - Nautilus Necklace: POMPOSITY - Rolled Link Necklace

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aTop: Ascend - Denis Long Shirt Bottom: Ascend - Mr. Valentine Pants Hat: DirtyMind - Leather Kufi Hat Necklace: Enfant Terrible - Priest Necklace Rings: L’Emporio - Damned Claws & Rings Shoes: Tetra - Unisex pointed flats

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Jamee Sandalwood Attachments Sun, Jan 19, 10:16 AM to me Style Card: jacket: Ryvolter - Isu Army Jacket Skirt: Wayne - Dolce Choker: Eclat - Velvet Hat: SoliDea FoliEs - Tea with Cao (no longer available) Shoes: Addams - Zoe Combat Tall/Short Boots

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Top: Giz Seorn - Helen Dress Top: Rowne. - Huiz Shoes: Shi. Kin (no longer available)

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Dress | Caja - Dayana Lace Model A Jacket | Lapoint & Bastchild - SWEAR Stockings | Nanika - Alla Stockings Black Boots | Blueberry - Elias Combat Boots Nails | ZOZ - Black Lace HUD Hair | Truth - Apple in Light Blondes Ears | Limerence - Catty Headband Eyeshadow | Suicidal Unborn Lipstick | Identity Body - Kim LIpstick HUD 3 Rings | Yummy - Art Deco Rings Necklace | Nanika - Katy Necklace Black

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Gown | Belle Epoque - Dream of Africa Rare Headwrap | Belle Epoque - Dream of Africa Hat 3 Jewelry | Mandala - Prophecy Jewelry Set Midnight Rings | Amala - The Jacqueline Stacking Rings and Hand bracelets Nails | ZOZ - Fall 2017 HUD Lipstick | Alaskametro - Tangerine Lipstick HUD Eyeshadow | Identity Body - Haute Shadow HUD 1

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Dress | Miss Chelsea - Tami Dress B Isis Rose Jacket | amias - Tamia Jacket Black Boots | Katatonik - Old Boot Rare Writer dk/LT Nylons | Avanti - Ripped Nylons - V4 Tattoo | Identity Body Shop - Hangar 67 Cigarette | Since1975 - Cigarette Golden & lipstick Choker | Razor - Blade Choker Mouth Piercings | Real Evil - LUX Mouth Piercings Ears | Swallow - Shiny Ears Hair | Dura - U99

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Dress | AlaFolie - Malaika top and Jupe blue&marguerites Sleeves | Pseudo - Euna Blouse Sleeves Choker | Cynful - Andressa Necklace | Minimal - Maverick Necklace Green Earrings | Minimal - Siri Earrings Hair | Vanity Hair – Collapse

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SELENE SNOWPAW

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