Neverland

 

 By Gemma Cleanslate

Raven Frostwych (Ravenstarr), with her team of Morph Group, has her new installation where Peter Pan lives. “Welcome to Neverland, where dreams are born, and time is never planned”. It is a delightful scene to land and see the dancing figure that I assume is the Tinker Bell hidden in a black outline. The woods are lovely and fun to walk about looking at little resting places. You are invited to join the Morph group and collect treasures hidden above and below the ground”.

A wonderful system of teleports will aid you to find sites around the island so you don’t miss any but just wandering is delightful. Sitting at the edge of the Mermaid lagoon and imagining is enchanting. You might find Peter Pan above the lagoon on a hill sitting on top of a bridge or lying on the grass below dangling his legs and day dreaming. There is a pirate hide-a -way but be careful...hope they are not about! Also take care at the Indian camp. Try to sneak in when no one is there.

The Lost boys, and some girls, have a hide-away just follow the stairs! There is a trap door to get to the rooms where they have a comfortable home set up with plenty of food for themselves and visitors, Wendy’s house is darling but I never did see her. Perhaps she has returned home for a visit? Or perhaps she is hiding in the hide-away not revealing her identity. Above, when they feel safe I am sure the children have a great time playing with interactive locations, like riding the crocodile, or climbing to the tree houses, Maybe they play hide and seek or tag.

If you are not familiar with the story of Peter Pan and Wendy check this page about J M Barrie https://www.gosh.org/about-us/peter-pan/history/#:~:text=Discover%20more%20about%20JM%20Barrie,in%20Great%20Ormond%20Street%20Hospital.

In her “spare time” Ravenstarr also created a Halloween Cafe and invites all to drop in and visit with Sage who says “Welcome to Mystic Moon Cafe, dearie. Help yourself to the many spooky treats and drinks I've brewed for you. Do make yourself comfortable and stay awhile. If you seek it, I'm always ready to share a bit of witchy advice.” Remember to address her as Sage when you ask a question.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tethea/202/223/76

To learn more about Raven visit the interview in the Community Blog. I have written about many of her past installations that are discussed here. https://community.secondlife.com/blogs/entry/14049-second-life-spotlight-ravenstarr/

Gemma Cleanslate

 

Spark Project's Olympus And Bellissaria's Splash Adventure

 

 By Gemma Cleanslate

Raven Frostwych (RavenStarr) and her team,the Spark Project have again taken another view of the universe. Her futuristic Nova, will be closing soon but her newest Olympus installation reaches far back into time to the Greek deities. It is a demonstration of the historical view of what Olympus was visioned in antiquity and the stories still entice people to study and learn their origins.

On arrival one finds a teleport to make it easy to get to the major sites so easily, just click each location. But walk a bit to get a good look around to see all the beautiful statues around the steps of the arena. By hovering my cursor on the statues I was able to see the names of those they represented.

The gathering of statuary of so many deities are scattered over the whole build which is held up, emerging from the clouds by three massive titans. One can get a good look at the titans from the Ring of Orion. Following the stairs will bring you around to each teleport destination with enticing areas along the way.

Athena , Neptune, Demeter, Dionysus some of the major deities have their own place. Each will offer different aspect of those days of old in the myths of Greece. They all loved to have water baths in their homes it seems. There are so many levels of these gods and goddess and offspring that I have forgotten but was happy to go back and see some of them and do a little research to remember how many myths are connected to them all. Then there are the offspring of the gods and humans to complicate all the stories. Go see if Olympus will reinvigorate your knowledge of the interesting stories. 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spark/136/117/135

I also visited a very different activity location going. The Bellisserian Hammies have done it again. I say so often.

For the 3rd year they built the marvelous water park called the Splash Adventure, The Oasis Water Park. It will be on the Bellisseria Fairgrounds until the end of August.

There are water slides from a great height. I tried one and made it! Look for a life saver TP near the exit from the slide to get to the top.

A number of fun games are placed around the site as well as food vendors. Or you can choose a cabana and just sit and read of chat with friends. Parties take place almost every day with DJs on the stage.

 It will be going on until the end of August. Make time for a visit.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bellisseria%20Fairgrounds/151/237/24

Gemma Cleanslate

 

Nova

 

 By Gemma Cleanslate

Perhaps we all associate rαvєn вαnríσn (RavenStarr Resident) with beautiful nature regions. I did. Her group Spark has built so many amazing installations . Her latest example was and still is Kaleidoscope (http://slnewserplaces.blogspot.com/2023/02/kaleidoscope.html). I think she looked up and out into the sky and thought to herself I wonder what is out there and began to imagine. 

 

Then she made another world. I went to see her vision and she said “So happy you visited! Yes, I wanted to build a sci fi sim that wasn't dark and grungy. This definitely pushed my skills. It was a really good challenge. (smile). “

At the entrance you can see the  whole galaxy and locate this planet in that universe.
It is a place not to be missed. I walked all around looking at the lower level which has delightful garden if plantings not found on earth.

“Welcome to Nova, situated on the neutral paradise planet Ashoka. Open to all adults, this interstellar utopian resort invites all weary space travelers seeking a destination spa experience. From yoga with aliens to interaction with a true AI based on 21st century ChatGPT/GPT3, at Nova our mission is to provide an otherworldly escape from the stresses of daily life. Unwind in a truly unique environment, leaving you feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready to take on whatever the universe has in store for you.+

I found Nova  the Chat bot and had a talk with her /him/it.
My conversation with Nova the chatbot . If you ask anything be sure to address NOVA first with each question.

“[12:08] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): Nova what is your job here ?
[12:08] Nova: "Hello Gemma! It's lovely to interact with you. My job here is to assist and make your experience smoother and more efficient. Whether it's answering your questions or helping you complete tasks, I'm here to lend a helping hand. Is there anything I can assist you with at the moment?"
},
[12:08] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): Nova who made this beautiful place?
[12:09] Nova: "Hello Gemma! It's wonderful to interact with you. Raven is the brilliant mind behind the creation of this stunning place. I am grateful to be a part of it and assist you in any way possible. What can I help you with?"
},
[12:09] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): Nova can i sleep in one of the bedrooms?
[12:09] Nova: "Hello Gemma, it's lovely to hear from you. Of course, you may sleep in one of the bedrooms. Raven has provided comfortable accommodations for your stay. Is there anything else I can assist you with?"
},
[12:09] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): Nova what can I eat here ?
[12:09] Nova: "Hello Gemma! It's wonderful to hear from you. As an AI robot created by Raven, I don't have a physical presence that could offer you anything to eat. However, I can suggest some nearby restaurants or cafes where you may find delicious food. Would you like me to search for some options for you?"
},
[12:09] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): Nova Yes (I never got any restaurants but there are several in the food court I found.
[12:09] Nova: ", I am an AI robot created by Raven. It's lovely to interact with you, Gemma. Is there anything I can assist you with today?"
},
[12:10] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate) GIGGLES!!
[12:10] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): ...LOL...
[12:10] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): Nova do you ever sleep?
[12:10] Nova: "Hello Gemma! It's lovely to interact with you. As an AI robot, I don't need to sleep like humans do, but I do need to undergo maintenance and updates to ensure my optimal performance. Is there anything else I can assist you with today?"
},
[12:10] Gemma (Gemma Cleanslate): Thank you! you Good to know you are here 24/7”

Along the outer walkway I found rooms for staying over , rooms for massage, and a spectacular food court where food was being prepared for visitors and guests. I chose a sushi restaurant and watched the chef prepare the food.There also relaxing nooks to just sit and enjoy .

After wandering the lower floor, and talking to Nova I took the elevator to the upper floor where I found a huge Club area ready for events. I went back several times to look at the flora that graced the first level and found it striking for growing on that planet. It is not like earth but is like earth. Go immerse yourself in it all and have a lovely time! Say hi to Nova for me.

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ashoka/152/223/37

 

 When I was reading Bixyl’s articles about the SL Newser opening those 13 years ago, I began remembering how shocked and dismayed all the reporters at the SL Newspaper were when Dana announced to us in an office meeting that it would be closing. Our years there had been good. Bixyl then tried to get permission to continue the paper, but Dana and James felt they wanted it to stay in history as it was.

A few days after Dana's announcement, Bixyl approached several of us and asked if we wanted to join the new endeavor he was thinking of starting to be called the SL Newser. I said yes and have not been sorry.

It seems almost yesterday and it is amazing to think it has been 13 years. I have been all over the grid and met seen so many beautiful and wondrous builds and have met so many fascinating people through the process of writing for the paper. I wish for many more years of success. 

 

Gemma Cleanslate

 

"The Pond" And "The Forgotten"

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

While doing the Nature Collective Hunt I visited some venues I had never seen before, nature related . One startled me and brought memories of the Greenies home of old. The beauty invited me to return and explore. It is The Pond. Everything there is immense, from the lily pads to the outsized koi below the waters and insects in the sky. rαvєn вαnríσn кrαу (RavenStarr Resident) is owner, designer, builder of The Pond.

It is a marvelous place to hang out with relaxing sites among the lilies. Check out the delicious picnic area or play in the sandbox. There are secret places here so walk around and touch. I went around the outer edges of the Pond and discovered little animals and birds.

Well I say little but they were not. Some were the same size as me. I had a hard time locating the prize there but finally found it. It is a dancing frog so that made me happy. While I was there 7 visitors arrived in different groups to explore. Take some time to go visit and relax on land or under the waters. A bubble on the lily pad will take you down. 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fairhill/108/156/26

“A magical swamp born from sorrow, lighting the way for explorer's to follow.

A castle in ruin, gardens left to despair. Eyes of lost statues left only to stare.

Whispers of sadness from voices long gone, dancing fairy dust left to sing its last song.”

This is a description of The Forgotten, another place I discovered on my Nature Collective hunt.

I found a dazzling sky and a fantastical swamp to maneuver moving on walkways and tree roots. Float around on a leaf for a while to discover the environment. The foliage and insects are so whimsical.

A fanciful lamp post seems to look at a visitor with laughter in the light. Lionsheart (Elfing Shenanigans) the owner has touched the deep secrets of the past in creating the place.

Mystical creatures inhabit the ruins above the swamp. Dragons fly overhead and an enormous whale , seemingly out of place, floats through the sky and I took a ride on his back. Look for little nooks of relaxing places, some frightening but also inviting. Bring your honey and dance in the gazebo at the edge of the waters.

Everywhere I walked I was aware of the beautiful sky above. The whole region is a delight to the eyes. I will return to poke through those ruins for more adventures.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Peaceful%20Shore/89/185/26

The Nature Collective has so many members with lovely places to explore and I will be doing that! Join the group and see all the offerings.

Gemma Cleanslate