Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Reign Congrejo Fashion Editor Wild Bedrosian Asst Fashion Editor Shantal Gravois CONTRIBUTORS Lynxa Jameson Jackson Redstar Arya Braveheart Sita Writer CompE Lockwood Bronxie Sammie Audion Ai Lee Jamee Sandalwood Magissa Denver COVER PHOTO:Mila Blauvelt
BOSL Magazine March 2019 Edition
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RUSTIC RETREAT INTO FANTASY 13 TINY EMPIRES 31 WARMING UP 43 ALWAYS CREATIVELY FEARLESS AND FUN-MILA 65 STEPSTONES 69 BOSL FASHION-JUMP INTO SPRING
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BOSL FASHION-READ BETWEEN THE LINES 95 HARBORING FEELINGS OF LOVE 113 HER WAY-WREN-119 Bosl edition
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Rustic Retreat into Fantasy Article and Photography by: Sammie Audionmie Audion
Real Life (RL) can throw us the occasional curve ball, be that the loss of a loved one, a sick child, a breakup, or the loss of a job one really liked. Whatever the curve and its impact on us, coping with the pain and worries can be difficult. Most adults have learned to be reasonable and bring sense into a given situation to work it out. However, the situation does not always present a logical puzzle; some curves allow no other solution than to cope with the challenging situation at hand. Some release frustration by venting, some hide away to work through it, and others find the counsel of close friends willing to listen.
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In psychology, this process is generally known as ‘catharsis,’ which basically states that when one expresses themselves, a negative feeling will be released. Recent studies have shown that this is often true, but certainly not always. At some point, the more one indulges in sadness, anger, or grief, the more those feelings will increase; as a result, one can become overwhelmed, feeling utterly lost and helpless. The Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin published an interesting report stating that people letting off steam on a sandbag found themselves left with more aggression remaining then people going to a gym or do nothing at all. Hence, it might be advisable at times to find some sort of temporary distraction that has nothing to
do with the actual emotional issue at hand. This means instead of (excessively) engaging with an emotion, we should choose to disengage from it. Keep in mind that this is not an either/or approach— rather a choice for a moment. A temporary disengagement to take a break, certainly not the solution. SL (Second Life) is perfectly suited for this purpose. What would SL offer? That, of course, depends on one’s preference, but some options might be: • • • •
Going out dancing with friends Listening to live music Hanging out with friends Surfing, sailing, or riding
• Building or decorating • Roleplaying or sex (contrary to RL, this can come without any risks or ties in SL – or with ties, if this is one’s choosing) • Shopping • Exploring virtual locations like parks or museums A perfect location for any virtual exploration is the Rustic Retreat, created by Bluey and Pred Fromund. Their sim is an artful and truly creative merge of Lord of the Rings, childhood fairy tales, a huge love for nature, beauty, and romance. It quickly becomes clear that the two builders/decorators have been around SL for a while. Yet, they found inspiration to create something new and beautiful — something that comes to life even more with your fantasy serving as the perfect form of
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said distraction, even if one suffers ADD. Many creatures live in this idyllic place: trolls, rabbits, fae, strange keepers of nature, lions, and even some sheep. Let’s hope the lions don’t get hungry anytime soon.
The Rustic Retreat is not only an amazingly wonderful place to visit, but also a perfect example of finding purpose in SL. The Retreat offers the initially mentioned distraction to Bluey, Pred, and all the visitors they welcome into their world.
When talking to Bluey, she pointed out that they welcome all visitors. Might that be for a romantic date with a loved one, to take a quiet walk in the woods, or even to bring Roleplay (as long as it does not bother other visitors, of course). Bluey said with a chuckle that the place was created as a challenge by Pred. He said, “Ok, show me what you can come up with.” Soon enough, he was engaged, too, and the two found something to share in SL— something they love doing, giving them even more motivation to come inworld.
In that sense: Happy exploring! Photos taken at Rustic Retreat: http : / / map s . s e c ond l i fe. c om / s e c ond l i fe / DYNASTY%20CITY/100/142/26
TINY EMPIRES Deep in the inner workings of Second Life lives a third one. For some, this third life is an interior universe; to others, a game; and to the unfamiliar, a mystery. But the legend is real, the quest never ends, and the fantasy continues. Tiny Empires is the empire that is anything but little. The near-cult following is one of the oldest mainstays of Second Life. Indeed, the game of thousands is only four years younger than Second Life itself— S.L. opened in 2003; T.E. began in 2007. “To be exact, I launched T.E. in July of 2007,” says Emperor Ultralite Soleil, the man who created it all. “Hard to believe it has been here so long.” “Been here” is an understatement. “I remember thinking I’d be thrilled if 100 people played it,” says Ultralite. “We hit a thousand the first two weeks of operation.”
Article by: CompE|Photography: Reign Congrejo| Cara Paine Lockwood As of today, that number has increased to hundreds of thousands. “Because of the social nature of the game, word spread fast,” says the Emperor, recalling the early days. “Players invited friends to play, who joined and asked their friends, and on and it went and still does.” So, what is this game that is almost as addictive — in a good way — and flat-out fun as the great meta-verse it embeds? According to active player Queen AquaMarine Alter’s website: tintagelempire. weebly.com/about-tiny-empires.html, “in the purest form, Tiny Empires is a HUD-interface game based loosely on the Middle-Ages feudal system. Just as in days of old and to some extent, day’s notso-old, one’s wealth is determined by one’s ascertained land. The more the acres the greater your rank and getting there is half the fun.” Each acre earns you gold, along with various fortuitous and amusing circumstances that occur,” says Queen AquaMarine, ruler of Tintagel Kingdom. “The gold in turn affords you the chance to buy more acres.” And the beat goes on. Game play is beyond the scope of these words. The best way to experience Tiny Empires is, well, to
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experience it. Obtain the HUD and hop on. You can hop off anytime, and that’s a plus. A big part of the T.E. attraction is flexibility. One can immerse totally in the experience or sit back and play medieval mania on autopilot. It can be played almost anytime, anywhere in Second Life. Dance, chat, build, shop, and explore the other worlds while your empire runs on its selfcontained HUD. Ultralite is a professional programmer in real
life who brought his skills to Second Life. “After joining SL, I liked going around and seeing what people had made,” he recalls. “I had an idea for a casual game that could be played in the background, while you’re doing other things. I also thought it would be good to take advantage of the built-in social structure of SL.” Thus, the idea of a feudalism simulator that could be played solely in a HUD object was born. Ultralite adds, “It was and is a game you could play anywhere in Second Life while doing anything else in Second
Life.” Tiny Empires is priced right, too: the only andatory payment is the initial HUD purchase. “I don’t run any official sims for Tiny Empires,” adds the Emperor. “After all, my main goal was to be able to play the game anywhere, anytime. However, many kingdoms have indeed set up elaborate sims to support role-play within their kingdoms. There are huge castles, medieval marketplaces, etc.” He continues, “When the game first came out, there was no concept of different kingdoms.
Everyone was in one single kingdom. But due to player demand, I made it possible for players to ascend to the throne of their own, new kingdoms. This added a whole new dimension of loyalty, trust, and also betrayal to the game. That’s where the popularity of each kingdom having its own sim came in. There is no Tiny Empires sim, just hundreds of kingdom sims.”
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As mentioned, one can play in the background, checking in periodically, or one can spend a medieval evening with the queen, peasants, noblemen, jousters — dancing the knight away. One such place is ruled by Ana, Queen of Burgundy and Queen of Brittany. She leads over four thousand subjects. You heard me— four thousand. We have a full sim for hosting parties and get-
togethers or otherwise hanging out together,” the good queen notes. “It makes it more social and keeps people’s interest up.” Other royalty agrees. “I came here on the advice of friends,” Queen AquaMarine of Tintagel recalls. “They said it would be fun, and omg! It so was, and it still is.” If you are going to earn gold and acreage in a fantasy funland, then you might as well have fun doing.
help recharge the batteries a little, finding a place where one’s mind can be in harmony and relaxing serenity for a while. Grove Country Estates is only one estate within the big world of SL that can become the perfect fantasy hideout for some. The Nobel Prize–winning British author William Golding?
After all, there is nothing wrong with getting to know our dreams and desires a little bit better. Moreover, finding more and more things we like about ourselves can help build a healthy
For more information on joining Tiny Empires, visit www.tinyempires.com. Perhaps you, too, will become part of the few, the brave, the subjects. Enjoy nobility and royalty in a kingdom within a kingdom, for a league within the liege. Tiny Empires is a second home in Second Life. Let the games begin.
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Which one is best? From those who work here, that is an impossible question to answer. “Oh my goodness, where to start?” says EvAngelina. “There are so many reasons to visit. I love the people, our patrons. We have loyal VIPs, and new people are here all the time.” They come for the variety. “Because we have so many venues, we are not stuck on one genre of music,” she adds. “This place has so many
help recharge the batteries a little, finding a place where one’s mind can be in harmony and relaxing serenity for a while. Grove Country Estates is only one estate within the big world of SL that can become the perfect fantasy hideout for some. The Nobel Prize–winning British author William Golding?
After all, there is nothing wrong with getting to know our dreams and desires a little bit better. Moreover, finding more and more things we like about ourselves can help build
options.” Tonight at Studio 54, the option is dancing under the spinning lights of a disco mirror ball. The Big Apple owns the virtual night. And like the dancers on a crowded floor, New York City and Second Life are united, too. The cyber city merges with America’s City, a mouse click away.
a healthy self-esteem that will carry over into our RL. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ Seaside%20Drive/158/132/29
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Warming Up The days are lengthening in SL, and the skies are looking bluer. The snow is melting, and daffodils and crocuses are beginning to bloom in the warmer corners of sims. Spring is coming. Of course, with the approach of spring comes the need to cast aside your cottage or bungalow to be replaced with a home that offers lighter and spots to sit in the sunshine. With that in mind, I am showing you a home that opens not only the windows to the fresh spring air, but also the walls. This amazing Jonael Island Shack (although “shack” is far from the truth!) is from the imagination of the remarkable Cory Edo of Trompe Loeil. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. From the stunning pool and rockery to the steel and wood of the interior, this is a home to show off to as many as can see it! I had so much fun decorating this build. The amazing thing is that, due to the design, you can throw caution to the wind and decorate it with a variety of furniture styles from different decades— which I have done today. The lack of walls in some parts of the home makes stacking it with too much furniture tricky, so I went with a minimalist look, preferring to keep it neat and clutter-free. The
Written and Photography by: Arya Braveheart main pieces that I first placed were the gorgeous Maldives set from GOOSE, the Indy Bed from Decor Junction/Shutter Field, and the assorted furniture from Myrrina. Once this was all in, it was just a matter of finding bits and pieces to fill the gaps and give it a real homey, beachy style. Knick knacks are such an important part of decorating your home; choosing the right ones for the look you want is important. In this house, I kept them simple with plants, books, and food items so that the house didn’t look over-filled or cluttered. For some reason, I pictured this home as a high-end place to rent for holidays, so it has to be easy to maintain and fun to be in. I would love to find a place like this in RL where I could wake up in the morning to the smell of the sea, grab a quick breakfast on one of the four deck areas, and then wander down to the pool for a laze about on a recliner. Not quite warm enough to swim yet, but tempting, nevertheless. I hope you enjoy spring cleaning and decorating as much as I have. Spring is coming!
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Credits: Trompe Loeil - Jonael Island Shack PG, Jonael Loungers Fabric, Vinyl Afternoon Record Player Jazz, Halliwell Hanging Loveseat Decor Junction / Shutter Fied - Indy Bed - M/F PG - French GOOSE - Maldives Set - Couples Couch, Single Couch, Coffee Table, Bowl, Plant, Side Table Myrrina - Boyce Gacha - table with items, single plants, book shelf, cabinet, Kasey pile of magazines/ art stuff, Noir et Blanc Gacha - table, lamp CHEZ MOI - Miami Patio Chairs, Miami Side Table, Succulent, French Country Table and Chairs, Futon Lazy Sunday Serenity Style- Jojo Cozy Blankets Basket, Summer Essentials Towels, Summer Beach Towels, Summer Essentials Sunglasses, Rothschild Bathroom -Towel Rail, Chair, Rug Apple Fall - Spring Parasol, Macarons on Sketchbook dust bunny . muffin tin, breakfast plate, sunday newspaper, papasan chairs - white wood hive // summer’s rattan chairs [wood] pg 22769 - Potted Banana Tree, Potted Palmtree, Metal Wallart {Concept} - Zoco. Table, Zoco. Bowls
JIAN - Forest Cat Static - Walk Bazar - Toronto-Green grass plant, Berlin-rug, Berlin-Plants 1 & 2, Morocco-books, Living room books ionic : Mis vestidos LISP - Mesh - LISP - Mesh - Lilac Thistle Sofa 2 {vespertine} - heritage laundry basket. BackBone - But First, Coffee - Tray Sway’s - [Febo] Flowerpots with Monstera - squared, lines and dots, [Melia] Picture Board . family [ zerkalo ] Modern Loft Gacha - Box w/Books BALACLAVA!! - Magazine Rack .peaches. - Resolutions Clutter - Personal Assistant, Planner, Calendar, Pens {what next} - Strawberry Icecream Sundae ASW ~ The Bluegrass Back Porch Garden ~Lavender Little Branch - White Palms, Beach Palms
Always Creatively Fearless & Fun! Amazing and adroit, sensual and so much fun, inquisitive and curious, and so much more— meet 13Mila Blauvelt! BOSL had to get to know her better, and we know our readers are curious as well! 13Mila is not a newbie: she is highly regarded, respected, and loved. When we said as much, 13Mila noted, “During my 10 years in SL, it has been difficult not to find conflicts, but I have always been able to solve them. In general, due to my calm and conciliatory spirit, I have always avoided problems and/or dramas. I have always considered difficulties as challenges to overcome. After all my years and experience in SL, I have managed to strengthen my self-esteem without leaving aside the self-criticism and being demanding with myself in everything that is presented.” We can all respect that sentiment, as many strive towards that same goal.use blender. Sparkie generally has the ideas and makes some mock-ups or images, and I make the builds. We then go back and forth until we get something we think will be useful to photographers, models and peeps that love to take photos.”
Article by: Sita Writer|Photography:Mila Blauvelt Mila defines beauty and associates it with Pulchritude, because both consider it “very subjective appreciation: what is beautiful for one person, may not be for another. However, it is known as beauty canon to certain characteristics that society in general considers as attractive, desirable, and beautiful. For me, I like non-colors like black and white, and above all warm colors.” To back track a bit — The snapshot, 13Mila blauvelt found SL from friends: “ I was curious, and I found it fascinating. Step by step, I started to see that I had a lot of fun dressing ‘Mila’. After I found modeling academies, I started to research and participate— I was hooked. I was passionate about the SL world of fashion, and I decided that I wanted to be a model and stylist. “ 13Mila Blauvelt was intrigued when she read about the BOSL Contest and was invited to participate. “I hesitated and did not know if I was up to participating, but all my friends encouraged me to go for it. I was happy they did.”
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When asked why she thought she won this contest for designers, 13Mila was modest and honest, “Among so many designers, the most recognized in SL, I never thought I would win this contest because I consider myself a beginner. I was inspired to create a bag in the shape of a rose, and following the Christmas theme, I applied golden textures that gave it a festive look… and I am so happy this design was appreciated and recognized.”However, for 13Mila it goes
deeper: “In my activities as a model, designer, photographer, and blogger, one is always exposed to the opinions of people, and that produces some stress. I think that this feeling never goes away despite the experience. I consider it as something positive because you maintain a certain level of self-criticism which makes one always improve; but I consider myself a calm person, and I know how to control and manage the pressure after so long.”f13Mila is one busy woman— her mind and creative skills are are in a constant process, like any
good designer. With this comes the give and take of SL designers and models, clients and friends, for most it is a real balancing act.“For a long time and due to my countless activities, I haven’t had much time to socialize. I work with so many professionals who in turn work with others, and sadly, I wish I had more free time.” Being a creative force in SL is a give and take but is fulfilling on many levels at the end of the day. “Because of this creative quest, I am a quiet person
otherwise, I could not develop all these facets. I am a friendly person because I have maintained friendships for many years; it does not matter how much time passes without hearing from them because we talk as if the time had not passed. I am a humble and simple person — a hard worker, fighter born and very demanding. I love my job, and I am very responsible and professional, with great sense of ethics. But also friend of my friends.”
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Stepstones - Bloodstone Pirates Den The Stepstones is an adult Game of Thrones (GoT)-themed Sim set around 300 years before the events of the GoT books and TV series. It takes place around the time of the Great Conquest, when dragons were not yet extinct and magic and supernatural happenings were much more common place. The islands are primarily occupied by pirates, smugglers, sells words, slavers, and traveling traders of all kinds. Now, before I go any further: for those of you...*sighs sadly* unfortunate lost souls unfamiliar with GoT— SHAME ON YOU! *coughs* I mean, here’s a bit of background information. GoT takes place on the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos in a setting that very much resembles the Middle Ages of Earth, and its filled with political intrigue and human drama. Three core storylines take place within the series: 1) the continuing civil war between the various houses of Westeros, each vying for the Iron Throne; 2) Daenerys Targaryen, the exiled daughter and last surviving heir to House Targaryen, seeking to build an army and return to Westeros to reclaim the Iron Throne; and 3) in Northern Westeros, a massive ice structure called the Wall protects the southern lands from the “wildling” humans and supernatural creatures, such as
Article by: LYNXA JAMESON|Photography: JACKSON REDSTAR White Walkers, that live “beyond the Wall.” Okay, now that we’re all caught up... let us proceed. I had a chance to speak to the Sim’s owner, Bedlam Allyrion (devil125), and ask him a few questions. I started by asking what made him decide to start this sim? “I really enjoyed the genre in past roleplay and missed it, but looking around the existing Game of Thrones Sims, of which I am now working with in a cooperative, none of the typical noble roles suited my character. I assumed this was the case with other players as well. I figured something a bit different, a bit grittier, was needed. So I chose The Stepstones as the ideal location to achieve that.” Something in this conversation made me pause. He’d mentioned a cooperative of GoT Sims. Curious, I asked him to clarify, to which he replied, “The Game of Thrones Coop Reborn is a group of like-minded Sim owners, each with their own locations in the Game of Thrones world and each attempting to create an expansive world to roleplay in. All of us are in agreement on the time-line and a base set of rules to follow to provide the most uniform experience.” Now, y’all know me— I love metered combat, so I was quick to ask if it was available at Stepstones. I was told that currently zCS is active on the Sim, but to set it up you have to first have an idea of the character
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you want to play, which is then submitted via a simple application process. This is to avoid having an over abundance of characters related to the Targaryens, the Starks, and other wellknown GoT families. The Stepstones, as part of the cooperative, use a HUD and Meter System called Feudalism RPG, which is available at the landing point. The meter can be used for combat, capture, and duels; however, physical battles need to be signaled and agreed upon between
all parties involved, and many prefer to roleplay battles out or use a dice system for a verdict. So, I finally got a chance to walk around, and I have to say— the build is absolutely amazing: bloodred sand, high cliffs, surrounding waters with heavy splashing waves...a shifting torrential sky! It truly is amazing in its entirety! Not to mention the towering pillars, the rolling grass lands, deep dank caves that transverse the undercarriage of the Sim, and a plank system that acts as a sort of skywalk
connecting the islands with its dangerous, rickety, often dry-rotted wood. Finally, I asked if someone were to come to your sim as a new roleplayer, what would you want them to know? Bedlam smiled and replied, “That is a difficult question, since most of what we’ve discussed is important information to have. But, I would want them to know fun is always first and foremost. They should use their imagination and come up with a unique character.
While I saw people around the Sim, I unfortunately did not get a chance to roleplay with them first hand, nor was I able to catch a roleplay in action. However, I have to say, I see big things in the Stepstones’ future. I would highly recommend everyone go check it out. Break out that medieval fantasy clothing, throw in a bit of sexy, a splash of adventure, and a dash of magic, and voila! The Stepstones has it all. Get in on the ground floor, you don’t wanna miss this!
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Eleanor Jean
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•A Poor Heart Aflame - Bracelets by Chop Zuey Couture • Meli Imako Mesh_Heart Bloomers and Leggings Outfit • N-core KATE Glitter “Fatpack” for Maitreya High Feet • TRUTH / Kyoko hair / + Bangs in Candy colors • Valentines day makeup by Izzies
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Hair - Modulus - Joe Hair Crown - E.V.E Stars Crown M02 Gold Mask - E.V.E Blackstar Mask Gold Wings - Blueberry - Icon - Angel Wings - Gold Necklace - FINESMITH- HEARTOLOGY male necklace Body - E.V.E {FATPACK-M} Rapunzel Suit Glitter Gloves - amias - TOMO gloves 3 cognac Pant & Boots - [Gild] Tabi-hakama_Ocher yagasuri Prop - Rose and Arrow
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• [AD] Bold lines jacket • .:Vitrimi:. Pencil Dress Striped • **RE** Alexis Gloves • -:zk:- Roxaane Shoes Black • Chop Zuey - Her Majesty Cat Clutch • Ghee Simple Drop Pearls Earrings • Meva Marina Hats Whites • TRUTH Panny • Zibska ~ Olivie blush Eyes – IKON – Hope - Forest Body/ Hands / Feet – Maitreya Skin – Ga.Eg – Maitreya Body Skin – Kirsten - Cream (ST2)
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Jacket: *COCO* Top: MOLiCHiNO Leather Pants: Lauper Shoes: Gos Bianca Pumps Earrings: Glow Studio Hair: NYNE Makeup: Zibska Nails: Euphoric
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Coat: David Heather - Aleeva Shirt: David Heather - Henley Pants: David Heather - Ever Trouser Hat: David Heather - Brim Hat Shoes: Tetra - Unisex Pointed Flats
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Hair: {Letituier} Sani Hair - Mesh Make-Up: ALMA Makeup - Kia Nails: ::SG:: Bella Bento Mesh Nails Earrings: - shanghai - Aretha Orange Earrings Dress: (BYRNE) Sasha, Glesses & Crown Gold Shawl: ***GIULIADESIGN***DREAMER Loli
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Hair - Truth - Apple updo Glasses - Dahlia - Liona Jewelry - Lagyo - Sumatra jacket - Coco - OvertheShoulders Top - Shine - Flora off Shoulder Stripe Skirt - NYU - Asymmetric Midi Skirt
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HARBORING FEELINGS OF LOVE She was in love with him, but she could never let him know. She loved to watch him walk, move, breathe, and loved the way he smelled. Not expressing her feelings was difficult,, but she could not let herself give in to them. Being around him daily, she could feel her strength beginning to slip away. Deep inside, she knew she had already lost her heart to him. This man was reviving a part of her that she thought dead. Working for the same company did not help her situation. Today at the company picnic was even worse for her. She knew too well the pain that comes from loving someone only to lose them — the kind of pain she could not allow herself to live through again. He came and sat next to her at a picnic table. Briefly, their eyes met and the realness of it threw her into a state of panic. She had to get away from him. She excused herself and began walking down an unfamiliar path in the park, listening to the breeze blowing through the overhead trees,
Article by: Subtlety Dalglish|Photography:Reign Congrejo hoping to free her mind of him. She noticed it was about to rain; however, she did not care…she needed to be alone. Unexpectedly, she spied him walking towards her. He asked her why she was staying out in the rain. She told him that it would help free her mind. Looking confused, he asked, “Free your mind from what?” She breathlessly answered, “From you” and then ran away. The rain began to slow, and her wet clothes felt heavy on her skin. She felt the need to remove them. She looked around, did not see anyone, and went behind some bushes to open her blouse and remove her wet shorts. She felt much cooler now, and the sound of the slow rain and dripping water began to soothe her frazzled nerves. She leaned against a tree and jolted when she heard a branch snap and the rustling of leaves. She quickly turned around and there he stood, watching her. Her breath almost left her body completely. How long had he been there? Had he been watching her all this time?
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These thoughts and more flooded her mind. She was standing there half-naked, desperately trying to button her blouse, but he quickly pleaded, “No, let me look at you — you are so beautiful. Do you know how beautiful you are? Do you realize how long I have wanted you? Wanted to hold you? Wanted to share my feelings with you? I have dreamed of kissing you.” She begged him to please stop, but when he touched her hand, all her inhibitions began
to fade. She cried out, “Please don’t! if I kiss you, I might not be able help myself. Please don’t touch me.” He smiled gently, looking at her in a way that made her feel as helpless as the proverbial kitten up a tree and said, “I don’t want you to ever stop feeling that way about me, because I feel the same way about you.” People always seem to run from the unknown. But if they don’t try something, how will they know if something is right or wrong for them? Experience
is the best lesson in life. We must remember that living might mean taking a chance, but those chances are worth taking; loving someone might be a mistake, but it is a mistake worth making. Better to love and learn than to never know love at all. is fulfilling on many levels at the end of the day. “Because of this creative quest, I am a quiet person
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HER WAY-WREN NOIR When WrenNoir Cerise first arrived in Second Life on January 13, 2009, she did what many of us had: wandered the grid and shopped. When she discovered a store having a photo contest, she entered and “To my surprise, I won and was hooked on photography ever since!” Since then, her work has appeared often in Second Life publications, including The Best of Second Life, and ultimately led to the creation of Visionaire with her friend Nariko Okawa. She first met Nariko when she was an in-store model, recognizing the name from Flickr. Being an admirer of her work, WrenNoir struck up a conversation that lead to a discussion about photography in Second Life. They both had experienced people asking them “Can you teach me how this is done or that is done?” and found that there was no real place to learn about photography in SL. At the time, “the people with talent were 1) too busy or 2) reluctant to share knowledge.” So, the pair created Visionaire to help fill that need. In WrenNoir’s words: “Visionaire teaches about the structure of a photograph — things like composition, lighting, color, and how to use the tools in
Article by: Yhishara Cerise|Photography: Wren Noir Firestorm in the best way possible to make a great photo. There are beautiful tools in SL, but you need to understand how they all work together.” She also added that knowing all the tricks and understanding Photoshop won’t help if the photo itself is lacking. In short, Visionaire helps people to ‘see’. WrenNoir reminisced with me that “after class, people were saying we were crazy because we were teaching people our skills.” She doesn’t agree, responding with an old saying: “The rising tide lifts all of us.” She goes on to say that everyone’s style is different, so teaching someone their skills really isn’t replacing anyone— it’s just helping people be better at photography. She is right, as Visionaire is going into it’s sixth year and counts both novice and professional photographers alike among their alumni. Visionaire isn’t the only anniversary WrenNoir is celebrating; in February, her store Wren’s Nest turned two years old. Her voice radiates joy and excitement when talking about shape creation. She began making them when she first joined SL, tweaking and altering her own to see what all could be done and constantly discovering things that appealed to her sense of aesthetics. “Making shapes is a celebration of ‘Look at how many choices we have… so different, so unique, so ourselves’.”
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Walking through the recently renovated main store, designed along minimalist lines to truly showcase the genuine artistic qualities of her vendors, visitors can see that uniqueness. She has shapes for almost every major mesh head on the market, including some for males, so that her customers can wear the heads they like the most. They range from sophisticated to ‘girl next door’ to childlike. One can also see this diversity on her Flickr page, created to showcase
that very thing so that people viewing it “wouldn’t get bored.” On that page, you realize how many people in the SL universe she has worked with and the incredible talent she has, especially since many of her images are self portraits. She explains that she uses herself as a model because “I am always available when I am available,” something to which many people in SL can relate. When asked where she gets inspiration, she simply responds with one
word “Beauty.” She goes on to say, “But maybe I should explain that. Not beauty in the ‘plastic’ sense of what Hollywood says is beautiful. More like the beauty of genuineness, the beauty of a heartfelt moment, finding beauty in what others discard, as well as straight up beauty.” That in itself is inspiring. She also gives helpful advice so that customers can recreate the looks shown, including some that updates have caused the skin creator to no longer offer;
she’ll step in to handle the issue. One of the tips that she reiterated in our interview was to “Demo everything when it comes to Bento.” Even to her as a creator, the number of variables poses a challenge. Each head is set up differently, which determines the sliders and what all can be done with it. Despite all the challenges, WrenNoir loves what she does— and it shows.
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