Nature Collective Update

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

It has been a while since I had a chance to stop over to the office of The Nature Collective. In case you are not familiar with this group,” it's a vibrant community centered around regions, spaces, and projects dedicated to celebrating the beauty and wonder of nature. Join us for group events and exploration, where you can surround yourself in breathtaking landscapes and connect with like-minded individuals passionate about nature in every life!” Cornelia Street, off Route 2 in Itame leads to the Information office.

In the office I checked to see if the Travelogue Hud for reaching all the members regions was new but I already have the latest version. The book club books are displayed. The hud is there for the taking and next to it on the wall one can join the group. The hud is a guide to all the members regions and tps one directly to the region you chose to visit. There are a multitude of wonderful places to visit. Many with activities related to groups.

Joining the TNC will open your eyes to many activities you might enjoy. There is information about the Naturist Project on the table and I have the link here to read about the latest project https://naturecollectivesl.com/ The book club is on haitus at this time but meets at various locations and time when it is active and I wish I had more time to attend that too. The book selection are interesting about rl places and people. I ran into our leader, Emm Cerulean (Emm Evergarden)who keeps all in line. Her rl is extra busy these days so she drops in when able. She was busy decorating the region for oncoming autumn.

When I am very busy in Second Life like greeting at the SLB or doing Ranger work at Burn2 I often turn off most of my group notices and IMs so missed this one. Emm told me we have a new fun game to play alone or with friends. It is called Nature Bingo. Get the four cards that come in an envelope. I grabbed it and I took Card 1 and decided to try it out. 

 

I chose card one and flew off to to find the items listed on a card. I chose a forest to visit. As I walked along the path from the entrance I was able to find nine items listed on the card before I walked 25 steps so I know it works well. I did not get Bingo but see how easy it will be. That was just a test. I can see it will be fun for a few friends to play and plan on going off to finish getting bingo. Learn a lot more about this wonderful group by visiting. Stop over at The Dancing Rabbit Cafe at the end of the street and have a Boba tea while you are there.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Itame/92/107/91

Gemma Cleanslate 

 

Steeliehook Public Forest & Zen Centre

 

By Gemma Cleanslate 

I often get an idea for an article in an announcement from The Nature Collective. This site is one I loved as soon as I arrived at the entrance. The description says “This forest was built with love and calm. It is a place for self-reflection and centering." The music and lighting add to the experience. The first thing I saw was a 7seas fishing vendor so I knew there was fishing somewhere.

The light shafts shining on the trees and foliage enchanted me. This is a place to take a deep breath and relax. I walked down the stairs and into the forest to explore. There is a trail through the woods for walking. There are so many little spots for those who would like to linger. It is a place to walk slowly and enjoy the plantings and the little animals. Photographers will love it. The creeks have lovely waters flowing by. There is 7Seas fishing is to the right at the first creek and comfortable seating , a picnic basket with a sandwich and drinks.

I stopped at a picnic area below a waterfall that reminded me so much of a place I used to go in real
life. Farther along I found a place to paint a picture of the surroundings.

There is a lovely statue of Buddha where one can meditate, or practice yoga for beginners and advanced practitioners. Meditating is easy in this environment.

Jennifer Steele-Lilliehook (JenniferSteele Wilder), a well known artist in Second Life created it with her wife, Dempsey Lilliehook, and friend , HecateWic of Wic Foods. “
 

After my walk I noticed that Jennifer was nearby so went looking for her. I climbed up stairs and along a walkway past some shops and found a large restaurant called The Wine Cellar. Inside cooks were busy preparing food and Jennifer was there rearranging furniture. She invited me to lunch and we sat down and ordered. It is a delightful luncheon. 

 

She told me that soon she will be having events there such as Jazz singers, live sax, and other attractions. “ We will be doing announcements through TNC for drum circles and I AM sessions”. She told me it is to give back for all her support in second life. “ I just do what I love to do and it all seems to fall into place.

I will wait to see what they are. It was an enjoyable lunch. I have not seen Jennifer for a while so it was nice. She is still doing a bit of renovations around the whole area.Take a trip over to wander through the forest and explore the area. Stop in the restaurant and on the other side of the forest I learned there is an airport with a rezz zone so you fly in or out. This is your entrance to the forest. 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Girotte/140/17/33

Gemma Cleanslate

Longing Melody

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

Autumn is my favorite season of the year not only in Second Life but in real-life. It is cooler, the sounds are different than any other season. Birds migrate at night so fill the sky with chirps as they navigate and are quiet resting during the day or looking for food to sustain their long journey. Those that are usually solitary join up in bands for protection. Many change their color also for safety. Hawks circle above looking for food and sit on wires or poles watching for prey. Insects become fewer as do mice and other varmints. The days rustle with sound as leaf by leaf fall down to the ground, or bustle with the wind blowing many down at a time. Storms seem wilder and more sudden.

Since I was writing about all those shops with Halloween and autumn decorations I decided to go traveling to some regions where autumn was taking place. I found one that I really enjoyed touring. Longing Melody was a quiet respite from the busy shopping places. It was fun to walk and explore various sites. It is part of the Nature Collective but one I had not visited before.

The arrival area gives one the choice of walking a path or taking a boat ride. I decided to walk first and boat later. Every step brought an autumn adventure. The trees were turning their beautiful shades of amber crimson, red and gold as were the grasses and shrubs. Bring an umbrella for sudden downpours. I spotted a seal close to the shore.

They have delicious apples of many varieties here from their orchard. Near by the apple stand there are animals looking hopeful to get a treat. A small playground is close too. Across the water one can see the mist rising from the other island. There is so many lovely paths to explore on the lands. Go visit and enjoy the nature of autumn in all its splendor.

There is one house there that seems to be haunted. I caught a glimpse of a ghost or two. It is not far from the entrance area. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Celestine/190/229/22

I heard that fall had come to the Nature collective land so I went over to see what had happened there. The leaves have turned to red and gold and are falling as you walk down Cornelia street. I stopped for a cup of coffee and a sweet before I left.

They are getting ready for the October hunt at members' places. There is a special Golden Pumpkin involved!  Stop over to get information and walk along the road to the Gateway.  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Muslin/121/20/131

Gemma Cleanslate