PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Reign Congrejo
Arya Braveheart
Cara Paine
Coco St. George
Compe Lockwood
Gin Blade
Jamee Sandalwood
Jay Anson
Némesis
Reign Congrejo
Sita Writer
Stevie Basevi
LAYOUT
Viktor Serrao
COVER PHOTO
Jamee Sandalwood
COVER MODELS
Caesar Langer
Mila Blauvelt
Embrace the virtual bloom this spring in Second Life by creating stunning garden spaces and engaging in transformative landscaping. While the sun might not physically warm our avatars, the desire for renewal, beauty, and connection with nature remains a powerful force. This spring, more than ever, is the perfect time to cultivate your virtual green thumb and transform your land into thriving garden spaces.
Why is spring landscaping so important in Second Life? It’s about more than just aesthetics: it’s about enhancing your virtual experience and fostering community. Here’s why you should embrace the virtual bloom:
After the often-muted tones of winter, spring bursts forth with a riot of colour and life. Introducing vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and carefully placed landscaping elements can dramatically elevate the visual appeal of your land. A well-designed garden offers a sense of tranquility, joy, and visual satisfaction, making your virtual home or business a more inviting and enjoyable space to inhabit. Imagine strolling through pathways lined with cherry blossoms or relaxing by a pond surrounded by blooming water lilies - these visual delights contribute significantly to your overall well-being in Second Life.
Spring gardens naturally become hubs for social interaction. A beautifully landscaped area encourages residents and visitors to linger, explore, and connect. Consider creating cozy seating areas amidst flowerbeds, designing charming pathways for leisurely strolls, or even setting up outdoor cafes surrounded by fragrant blooms. These thoughtful touches transform your garden from a simple plot of land into a
welcoming destination, fostering a stronger sense of community and belonging.
Second Life offers unparalleled freedom for self-expression, and landscaping is a fantastic avenue to showcase your unique style and creativity. Whether you prefer a meticulously manicured formal garden, a wild and romantic cottage-core aesthetic, or a futuristic biodome, the possibilities are endless. Spring provides the perfect opportunity to experiment with new plants, textures, and design elements, allowing your virtual space to truly reflect your individual personality.
For roleplayers, spring landscaping can add significant depth and immersion to their narratives. A blooming elven forest, a sun-drenched faerie garden, or a bustling marketplace adorned with seasonal flowers can enrich the atmosphere and provide compelling backdrops for storytelling and interaction. The subtle details of a well-crafted spring scene can breathe life into your roleplay and enhance the overall experience for everyone involved.
The creation and maintenance of virtual gardens fuel a vibrant ecosystem within Second Life. From creators designing stunning flora and fauna to landscapers offering their expertise, investing in your garden supports the community and contributes to the overall dynamism of the platform. Exploring the marketplace for new spring-themed plants, decorative items, and landscaping tools can be a rewarding experience in itself.
Embracing the virtual spring bloom is easier than you might think. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Assess your space: Consider the size, shape, and terrain of your parcel. What kind of garden best suits your needs and the existing environment?
Plan your design: Sketch out your ideas or use in-world tools to visualize your dream garden before you start placing items.
Explore the marketplace and in-world stores: Discover the vast array of plants, flowers, trees, rocks, water features, and decorative elements available from talented Second Life creators.
Consider seasonal changes: Think about plants that bloom in spring and how you fmight transition your garden through other seasons.
Don’t be afraid to experiment: Second Life offers the freedom to try different layouts and styles without the limitations of the physical world.
Connect with other gardeners: Share ideas, ask for advice, and visit the stunning gardens created by others in the community.
This spring in Second Life, let your creativity blossom alongside the virtual flora. By investing time and effort into landscaping your space, you’ll not only enhance your own enjoyment but also contribute to the beauty and vibrancy of the entire SL world. So, grab your virtual trowel, explore the stores and events, and get ready to watch your digital world come alive with the colours and joys of spring!
Coco St. George
Eighty years ago, on May 8, 1945, German troops unconditionally surrendered to the Allied forces, effectively ending the armed conflict in Europe. A few months later, on August 15, an armistice was signed between the Allies and Japan—although Japan’s formal surrender was not submitted until September 2—which brought an end to hostilities in Asia.
When the war began, many still remembered that the “Great War”, as the 1914–1918 conflict was known by its contemporaries, had been described by H.G. Wells as “the war to end all wars” in his 1914 book. But as history would reveal, it was only the first of two devastating world wars that would shape the course of the 20th century.
The Second World War, or WWII, remains the deadliest armed conflict in human history. To put its impact in perspective: the Black Death, which wiped out roughly half of Europe’s population in the mid14th century, claimed as many as 50 million lives. WWII, by comparison, resulted in an estimated 70 to 85 million deaths.
Consequently, those who fought and won that war came to be known as the “Greatest Generation”, a term popularized by U.S. General James Van Fleet to describe the men and women who came of age during the Great Depression and went on to defeat authoritarian regimes across the globe.
Looking around at the times we live in, it’s hard not to feel that we could use some of the spirit that once drove our parents and grandparents to stand up and fight for what they believed was right. Of course, no one is wishing for the outbreak of World War III just to give today’s generation a chance to prove itself. Fortunately, as residents of Second Life, a virtual world where imagination knows no bounds, we don’t need to go to such extremes. A group of brave and passionate SL denizens have devoted their time and energy to recreating and reliving those momentous times, offering you the chance to step into history yourself.
The year is 1944, sometime after June 6th—D-Day, also known as Operation Overlord, when hundreds of thousands of Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, launching an all-out offensive to push through enemy lines and march toward Berlin, the heart of the Nazi regime that had conquered nearly all of Europe.
And you’re there, of course. Thanks to a combination of luck, the skills you honed in boot camp, and the courage that defines your generation, you’ve made it to the city of Caen in northern France. The air is thick with cries of agony and the stench of gunpowder. The rat-a-tat-tat of machine guns is deafening. Bullets whistle past in every direction. War is hell—and you're right in the middle of it. So, what now?
First things first, you need to choose a side. But a quick word of warning: this choice has nothing to do with your real-world political beliefs. The WWII RP Combat Community makes it clear (in a notecard you’ll receive as soon as you arrive on the sim of New Bastogne) that they have no political affiliation or agenda. They also advise anyone who might find the presence of WWII military forces objectionable to avoid the Vice combat sims altogether. In this context, choosing a side simply means deciding which uniform to wear and which side of the battlefield you’ll be fighting on. Axis forces make up Team 1; the Allies form Team 2. There’s also a Team 0 reserved for civilians.
Draco Roux, one of the sim’s owners and senior administrators, usually hosts events on Mondays and Fridays from 2:45 to around 4:30 p.m. And by “events,” we mean combat—full-on RP battles using the VICE system, which serves as the standard for regulating weapons and damage in Second Life combat scenarios.
If you're curious about what this tight-knit community gets up to, check out their channel on Rumble. There, you’ll find videos that capture the energy, camaraderie, and sheer passion that fuel these immersive battles. Yes, war may be hell—but it might just be the kind of adrenaline-fueled hell you’ve been searching for.
SLURL TO NEW BASTOGNE: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/New%20 Bastogne/113/158/37
LINK TO THE RUMBLE CHANNEL: https://rumble.com/user/DarthGalenus
Sita Writer
In Second Life, we love our red outfits: flowing dresses, sharp boots, stylish shirts… Red is a color that pops and lets us freely express ourselves. But there’s something deeper about red, especially in May. That same vibrant color becomes a powerful symbol of remembrance during Red Dress Day, honoring the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people.
Wearing a red dress in Second Life on this day is more than just participating in a virtual trend— it’s a heartfelt tribute. Red holds deep spiritual significance; many Indigenous cultures believe it’s the only color visible to spirits, calling them home. Across Turtle Island (North America), people hang red dresses in public spaces as a haunting yet beautiful reminder of those no longer with us. In SL, we can do the same: create visuals that spark conversation, build awareness, and show solidarity, even in a digital space.
This day, this month, isn't just about visibility—it’s about action. It’s about raising voices, demanding justice, and honoring the memory of those taken too soon. Whether in Real Life or Second Life, wearing red in May and on May 5th is a powerful way to say: we see you, we remember you, and we will not stay silent. And BOSL is all about respect and remembering our sisters in RL and SL... so let's wear red.
A heartfelt thank you to both Froukje Hoorenbeek and Dutchie for their generous donations and for providing a large portion of the dresses featured in this photoshoot. Your support made a significant impact, and we’re incredibly grateful.
Jay Anson
I’ve known Christina Nicole (christinanyc) for years.
Literally.
When she decided to manage a club, I was not surprised. I was less surprised to find that she had opened her own place.
When we sat down not long ago to talk about her Club Sapphire, she just finished some upgrades.
“So tell me about how you decided to be a club owner,” I asked her.
After a bit of rumination, she looked at me.
“I’d thought about it for years beforehand, and after the experience I gained while being General Manager over at the White Pearl Salon, I felt it was time to strike out on my own. I really did learn a lot, and I’m grateful for the focus those two years gave me.”
“I’m also really grateful that the Pearl is there at all. It’s good that Robin (RobinPalmer7) provides a place that caters specifically to trans people and their admirers. Trans women have a safe place to go where they’re not treated like meat.”
While the Sapphire is not exclusive, Christina is trans.
Christina is also a perfectionist.
“Over the years, I've been to many clubs, but I felt most of them were missing the social experience. At Club Sapphire, I implemented several interactive features. In addition to dancing, you can sit in the bar or lounge, send a drink to someone you are interested in, and engage in flirting against a wall! Our furniture automatically adjusts camera angles for a sexy, cinematic experience, letting you focus on fun. Club Sapphire brings a sexy real-life nightclub environment into the virtual world, and of course, we have a lovely spacious dance floor.”
Construction was not fun.
“It was very challenging. I first gave myself a realistic timeline and launch date, which I was barely able to meet! I literally checked out over a hundred buildings until I found what I wanted at Dolphin Design, which is owned by Jordy Ishnoo.”
She went on, “I did a lot of shopping around for bar stool/tables, lounge chairs, and I hired scriptwriters to implement features like the drink menu. Cheryl Romano-Glenwalker, a very talented DJ and sister I love dearly (also co-owner and Creator of Christmas Dreams), offered invaluable input on club fixtures and décor. She played a huge part in bringing Club Sapphire to life.”
Christina strenuously and sincerely strives for as immersive an environment as possible for her guests. She wants her space to be as close to RL as she can possibly make it.
“While I have had a lot of fun at clubs in Second Life, I always felt they were missing the experiences of an RL nightclub. I implemented several social features at Club Sapphire that bring that Real Life experience into the virtual world. Club Sapphire provides many
features to interact with friends, lovers, or even someone you may be interested in.”
She also wants to potentially act as a mentor to other aspiring or current club owners to implement the same features if they want to. She truly is dedicated to moving at least her portion of SL forward.
“Do you think that there might be a ‘Cheers’ aspect to this? Building a community perhaps?” I asked her, particularly because all of the upgrades she’s making seem to be about bringing people together.
“I wouldn't say Club Sapphire is a ’Cheers’ environment,” she responded. “We are an adult nightclub that encourages different ways to socialize. Though I would love to have regulars as well!”
“I wanted to build a club where our guests have options. Want to dance? Feel free, but also feel free to grab a seat at the bar, send a gal a drink, flirt... and to have fun, which is why I have the leisure area.”
Tina is not simply a dancer, but a socializer, just as apt to relax with friends at the club as to get out and dance.
As for the club?
“Now, it’s mostly about maintenance, which is actually pretty easy. Implementing new ideas to keep the club fresh. I never label Club Sapphire as complete, but a venue that continuously evolves. New dance animations, more ways to make the club more interactive, etc. Club Sapphire isn't a business to me, it's a labor of love.”
A labor of love.
Would that all endeavors in SL were approached with such dedication.
Compe Lockwood
Remember the early days of SL? Back when men were men, women were women, and their furniture looked like something Fred Flintstone bought from a thrift store? Thankfully, those days are gone.
Today’s cyber furnishings are so realistic you’d gladly display them in your RL dwelling, except SL beds don’t require mattress flipping. Indeed, today’s home accessories are made by artisans who know furniture rather than computer programmers who just know scripting. You can’t sleep on a script, but you can on a comfy bed.
One such creator of fine furnishing is Lou (loumay. azalee), owner of LouChara, which has two locations: its main store and a branch store at BOSL Pavilion. We visited both.
“We opened in April of 2021,” Lou says, giving an impromptu tour of her realistic creations for sitting, sleeping, lounging, or all of the above. “I had some help from an old friend,” she adds, discussing her early days in creating. “Once I learned the basics, I found it easier to be more creative.”
And surprisingly, Lou reveals, “I have no Real Life experience in doing this. None at all. I think Second Life helped me find my creative outlet.” As for her real life in England, “I work in quality and compliance.”
Lou is a perfect example of the old adage, ‘You find time for what you love.’ She says, “I am busy in both worlds, but LouChara is my passion project. I will always find the time for it.”
As the tour of the main store continues, we meander through the massive open-air spacewith cobbled streets, chocked with furniture. There are her popular ‘full pack’ displays, complete rooms indicative of seasons. Today’s entries have an autumn theme, with pumpkins and orange and black pillows and pieces.
“I love creating for the seasons,” she says, “especially spring and autumn.”
LOUCHARA
Cobbled paths make way for a room the size of an aircraft hangar, but instead of jets, bath, kitchen, and bath themes and products are displayed. In the kitchen packs, one almost smells the bacon. Bath sections are sold as individual pieces or fully functional one-stop bathrooms. Just add soap.
“I think what makes my store stand out is the attention to detail,” Lou says, pointing at one of her favorites, a full-size canopy bed accentuated in reds and grays befitting a king. Every detail is laid out to perfection.
Lou makes it look easy. It is not. It is a process.
She laughs. “If you saw where I build, you wouldn’t think there was a process. I have items everywhere and tend to spend a lot of time procrastinating.” But then the magic happens.
“When I get inspired, I work. I never have any setin-stone ideas. Stuff just tends to flow.”
Just as in RL, SL furniture and fashion change often. Lou sets the bar.
“To be honest, I never keep up with trends or things like that. I make what I feel at the time and tend to go through phases.”
The walk continues, as avatars scurry like ants in a sugar factory. “It gets busy here on weekends, which is a good problem to have,” Lou says with a laugh.
One such customer at today’s visit is Cherry Barracuda. “I found out about this place on Facebook,” the Western U.S. visitor notes. “I like that there are different styles and a huge selection.”
From her main store we move to the BOSL Pavilion. About midway through the mall is LouChara’s branch location, smaller, less crowded, shiny and bright. Think of it as a LouChara sampler.
Today’s visit to the ever-changing display includes a bed, sofa, tables, chairs and other displays… Color coordinated, matching, and staged to perfection. Ready to move out to its new home.
An interesting take on some of her furniture, some of the beds are not made. It is all part of the plan. Lou notes, “I love details. A home is not a home without a little clutter or messiness, and I want my pieces to feel like home.”
Lou brings a home to life: your home, and your life. For Lou, home is indeed where the heart is. It is also where the art is.
NOW THROUGH MAY 10TH
~♥~
"Creating your art is often a vulnerable path. You make something so deeply personal and then present it to the world with an open heart."
Maggie Starr is an artist who mainly works with photography. By referencing romanticism and symbolism, Starr investigates the dynamics of landscape, including the manipulation of its effects and the limits of spectacle based on our assumptions of what landscape means to us. Rather than presenting a factual reality, an illusion is fabricated to conjure the realms of our imagination.
Her photos are often classified as part of the new romantic movement because of the desire for the local in the unfolding globalized world. However, this reference is not intentional, as this kind of art is part of the collective memory. By exploring the concept of landscape in a nostalgic way, she often creates work using creative game tactics, but these are never permissive. Play is a serious matter: during the game, different rules apply than in everyday life and even everyday objects undergo transubstantiation.
Her works are characterized by the use of everyday objects in an atmosphere of middle class mentality in which recognition plays an important role. By taking daily life as subject matter while commenting on the everyday aesthetic of middle class values, she creates work through labour-intensive processes which can be seen explicitly as a personal exorcism ritual. They are inspired by a nineteenth-century tradition of works, in which an ideal of ‘Fulfilled Absence’ was seen as the pinnacle.
Her works establish a link between the landscape’s reality and that imagined by its conceiver. These works focus on concrete questions that determine our existence. Maggie Starr currently lives and works in Second Life.
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/maggietrager/
Marketplace: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/242789
MODEL: NÉMESIS
ISSY FLATLEY
Top | Hilly Haalan - Estelle Set
Pant | Dirham - Zara PantaBoots
Hair | Studio Exposure - Imani Hair
Makeup | Guapa - Caroline Eyeshadows
Jewelry | LaGyo - Chiu Necklace
ANGELIKANEGA
Hair | Doux - Olivia
Hat | Meva - Floppy
Shawl | Lace - v.2
Top | Beautiful Dirty Rich - Angie
Gloves | Glitzz - Satin
Pants | Tori Torricelli - Daphne
Heels | Sheba - Yana
Face Jewelry | Hilly Haalan - Beryl
Earrings | AvaWay - Ocean Fantasy
Necklace | AvaWay - Trixie
Eyeshadow | Cazimi - Paramour
Lipgloss | Ives - Slippy
Bouquet | Romashka - Dandelion
ADONIS HANSOME
Top | Ersch - Wyatt
Trousers | Riot - Milo Jeans
Hair | Wings - TF0305
Sandals | Vale Koer - Lifestyle flipflops
Duffel bag | TayCobain(unknown store)
BONIEFACIO
Hair | Poison Rouge - Neneth Hat
Glasses | David Heather - Matteo Eyeglasses
Watch | Real Evil Industries - ReVoX MCX Watch
Undershirt | Gabriel - Gift Tribal Tanktop set
Jacket | Noowak - Yato Jacket
Pants | Agata - Anton pants
Sneakers | Versov - Evenov Sneakers
CAESAR LANGER
Top | Legal Insanity - Kanan Jacket and Shirt
Pants | Legal Insanity - Ryan Chinos
Shoes | Cult - Koemi
Shades | Nothing New - Jan Sunglasses
Rings | RealElvil Industries - Janus
Suitcase | Zoom - Luggage Collection
MILA BLAUVELT
Skirt | Fake Society - Dahlia Yellow
Coat | 4U - Marnie Yellow
Boots | DDL Accessories - Assassins Yellow
Bag | My Bags - my Vilna yellow
Glasses | Evol - Jade shades yellow
Bangles | Heartsdale Jewelry - Kundan Magic glass
Earrings | Vipera - Claudia
Hair | Raon - Noelise Hairbase and Bun
JAN BACON
Shoes | Gos - Rosalie Sandals
Bustier | Ison - elin bustier
Skirt | Jeune by Rowne - Nicole Maxi Skirt
Rings | Kunglers - Wren Rings
Necklace and Earring | Mandala Tefutefu Set Gold
Armlet | Rawr - Flower Armlet
Handbag | Revienne - The Calas Handbag
Hair | Studio Exposure - Lelutka X Imani Hair
Headpiece | Zibska - Ersa Set
LOLITA PARAGORN
Jacket & trouser | Purplemoon - Queen
Shoes | N-Core - Elise
Addon collar | Zibska - Avery
Necklace & earrings | Kunglers - Tove
Rings | Orsini Jewel Care - Apolline
Clutch | LaGyo - Aviah
Headpiece | Zibska - Ersa
Hair | Studio exposure - Total Eclipse
Eyeshadow | Warpaint - Moondust
Nails | Alme - Spring french
ALEJANDRA
Accessories │Lilp Wake Cup - Tulip Bouquet
Bag │My Bags - My Jamaica Yellow
Earrings | shanghai - Salina White Earring
Hair │ ItGirls - Kim Ponytail
Hairbase | LAQ Hairbase Applier - Betty
Pants │ Leroy - Dixie Pants
Shoes │Mowie - Stacy Pumps
Top │Leroy - Dixie Flower
MZPICKLEJUICE PASSION
Dress | MzPickleJuice Passion - Sunburst Vibe belted mini
Tights | Hopes Creations - Bridget Tights Applier
Boots | Remezzo - Anulu Boots
Purse | Amber Paris - $LV Monogram Clutch yellow
Hair | Camo - Millie F-Locs
Hair Flower | Cazimi - Hibiscus Hair Flowers
Earrings | Mandala - MochiRoll earring
Necklace | LaGyo - Daisy set - Lilac
Bangles | Peculiar Things - Bakelite bangles
Lip Ring | PKC - simple rings face set
Tattoo | NatiNorth - Spring
Nails | Alaskametro - Flowerpress dark
Eyeshadow | Lisa Walker - Luxe Eyeshadow 01
Blush | Dottie's Secret - Glamrock Blush
Lipstick | moccino - Magnata Lip collection
Lashes | Void - Flutter Lashes
SELENE TAKEDA
Kimono | Silvery K - Noshime Komono
Shoes | Silvery K - Noshiime Summer Shoes
Hair | Vanity - Modern Geisha
Hair | Doux - Hallucination
Jewelry | ity. - Plum Blossom Hiarpin
Jewelry | Mandala - Haramita Choker
Jewelry | Beloved - Dynasty Earrings
Tattoo | Dark Designs - Geisha 5
Nails | Hologram - Yellow Spring Nails
NAARNISSE ABSINTHE
Top | Coco - Backless Crop Top Lemon
Pants | Coco - Extreme Wide Leg Trousers Lemon
Shoes | Zaara - Kolhapuri sandals
Hair | Truth - Evocative
Headpiece | Cartouche - Sunflowers Tiara
Bouquet | Synnergy - Tavis Sunflower holdable
Ring | PKC - Sunflower Bento Ring
Earrings | Faetal - Ear 63
Bracelet | Erratic - twisted bracelets
Eyeshadow | Cazimi - Candid EvoX Eyeshadow Colorful
VOCALE
Dress | ADD - Brilu Dress
Collar | Promagic - Pitru Torc
Earrings | Promagic - Vanjari earrings
Earcuffs | Promagic - Emily Earcuffs
Bangles | Revienne - Zanfir Stacked Bangles
Heels | Mosquito's Way - Ruby
Rings | Piece of Me - Hannah Ring Set
NÉMESIS
Hair Base | Sante - Deija
Hair piece | Boon - Cor.003
Dress | Mooh - Tiffany
Gloves | Mossu - Nina
Earring and Choker | Black Lotus - Ivy
Necklace | Piece of me - Audrey Set
Clutch | Merch - Bebe Leopard
