Reader Submitted: Gardens Of Grace

By Alysabelle

Every once in a while you encounter a place or a person that touches your heart (I'll explain how this place has touched and affected me personally later in the article). This dear lady who is the owner of this sim, her name is Aridis Inaka, whom I had a few conversations with. And by the way, at the time she didn't know I was interviewing her for this article but later told her before it was published.

She, without a doubt, put her heart and soul into this place. A true labor of love, I expressed how special it is and she is incredibly humble about her creativity. She has sensitivity for others who have traveled a path that only those who know what it feels like inside. From sadness or loneliness and or just joy of life, she understands you even without any communication simply because if you look around the sim its all for those to see. She is truly a beautiful person inside and an incredibly attentive to detail.

When she first built this sim, she would watch people where they stood. And if they stood in a spot long enough, the next time they re-entered the sim she would have a seating area there for them. She mentioned to me that some people actually noticed: She as well incorporated things that she loved into the sim . This place she created is a gift for others a true selfless gesture . If this sim doesn't touch you as much as it has for m,e then the place hasn't spoken to you as of yet. But I'm sure eventually it will . The name of the sim, which is appropriately called, is "The Garden of Grace." It's a place where you can write , dance , or just ponder and relax the day away alone or with friends or a loved one. It truly has all the same quality of peacefulness that embraces you, wherever you are on the sim. As you walk around, you will certainly find a place to sit on a chair perhaps, or a cushion, a bench or even a swing with that special someone or a friend or alone. What is a bit different then most sims you have a clear view of the sunset or sunrise whatever you prefer to be on either opposite.

Once you teleport here, you will find yourself given on the top right hand corner of your screen two gifts, and a notecard about the rules: One gift is a hug attachment, and the other is a red rose (such sweet gifts). And as you cam down on the ground, there is a gift box of silly items from Aridis Inaka. And surely some would bring a smile, or some laughter. Near the box, you will see a teleporting pad. There are several on sim where it brings you to different locations on sim example: the ballroom the chapel and so on. And there is a group invite to the right.

As you walk down a few steps to a small platform overlooking the sim facing you you will see a few waterfalls and the one to your right if you cam in through the waterfall you will notice a seating area and a roaring fire. Quite creative, who would have thought to put a seating area there? A cute little hidden area if you continue to cam upwards. There is a piano for a small child to play on and a large piano for an adult, and two rocking chairs. A little to the right, you see a few dance balls as you cam upwards, one for a single man and another for a single woman, and a couples crystal tear dance ball. In fact there are crystal tear dance balls tucked here and there across the sim.

Turning completely to the left, you will notice there is a lighthouse, which has been deemed originally a safe haven, a beacon of light for those who are lost. As you enter inside, you have a ladder that you climb to the top that over looks the sim. If you cam up over the top of the lighthouse, you have two pose balls, a resting place. Climbing back down the ladder, or as I prefer jumping off the lighthouse (giggle), you face the front of the light house. As you turn to your left, you as you cross over a bridge, you see a floating log. Clicking on log, you sit, swim, or meditate. And to the right, there is an open umbrella with several animations.

Passing the umbrella as you continue to walk the path, you will come upon Gmoky's, the large bunny with a floppy ear, a bird that is pecking on his ear, and a hugging pose ball . I don't know about you, but sometimes I just want a quiet hug without anyone asking me 'are you okay?' And Gmoky, if you click on him, gives you notecards of advice, from 1 to 18. On this particular day his advice to me was "Don’t fry bacon in the nude." *LaughingOutLoud* Winks! Well, that's a given! *grins*.

As you jump off Gmoky's hug and continue walking through the forest, to your left you will see a treehouse. As you continue walking, as you cam up there is a hot air balloon where a couple can dance or float away on a smaller balloon. Back on the ground, you will notice cuddle blankets or logs, until you come upon to the left tai chi and meditation cushions, and further out 4 seating area with a fireplace. To the right there are two small bridges crossing over. To the bridge, you will notice the waterfall and a seating area facing the waterfall. As you cam up, you will notice the little church where you can actually elope. On the right side of the church you will notice "Cica's Cafe Romance 2." Click-sit on the chair while the butterflies are flapping overhead. In other words, it's interactive, and you are part of the painting. Eventually as you continue to walk through the path, you will notice a houseboat. At the very top of the boat there is a table and chairs. Perhaps a small romantic dinner for two?

Then as you continue to walk, you will arrive to small memorial garden of people who have passed away and those who memorialize them. Is it depressing? No, it's a touching expression. It's also a moment of personal reflection, a time spend with memories that surround you. One may wonder why? Why not in real life? Why here? Well if you're here in Second Life or real life, it doesn't matter, It's all the same. Who is behind the avatar but you? And sometimes a person can't get to someone's resting place in real life, or they couldn't afford to have one. There are many various reason. But ultimately they decided to place a memorial here. And to embrace that feeling this way, it's actually intently beautiful. I have personally been touched that way by this little corner of the sim. I often come here and think about the loved ones in my real life. And when I glance to my right and see the lighthouse, it truly is a beacon of light for those who are now home, and for those like me who feel lost at times to feel safe.

There are countless other things I haven't mention, so please explore the sim. She also has a way of changing it up a little, adding and removing certain elements to the sim. You will notice all her little touches.

Aria mentioned to me that she doesn't understand how this place has helped so many people, even as far as into their real lives, she said. Well, to me it's simple. Who but the person that created this sim for all those who at times are like me. who enter when emotions arise and engulf you, and you just happen to turn and look at the lighthouse with its beacon of light shining a path, that light. Aridis welcomes you. YOU welcome us all home .

And how do I thank you Aria, but in the only way i know how. Thank you Aridis Inaka from the bottom of my heart to yours for creating a safe haven for everyone. My quest and hope was to do justice writing about this sim because somewhere along the way and with all it's personal touches, it has moved me so much so enough to the point I have taken the time to reflect and write about it. And take very care about this beautiful place.

Cloud Nine (128, 127, 33)

Thank you,
Alysabelle

Two Coastal Retreats: Belegaer and the Island of Armenelos

By Grey Lupindo

I started the new year with a trip to two connected sims, Belegaer and the Island of Armenelos.   Both are part of the award-winning Calas Galadhon Park.    Belegaer, located at BELEGAER, BELEGAER (32, 75, 21), is an open water retreat that has a number of hidden surprises within its borders.   While exploring there, I saw a nearby villa.  It was so beautiful that I knew I had to visit it, too.    The villa is located at The Island of Armenelos, ARMENELOS (146, 106, 21).

         I found these two jewels of SL when I visited the main sim, Calas Galadhon Park in December.    Created in January, 2010, by SL residents Tymus Tenk and Truck Meredith, Calas is an 11 region estate.  My friend and fellow reporter Gemma Cleanslate reported about this magical place in “A Wintery Favorite:  Calas Galadhon Park”, published December 13, 2013.     During my visit there I saw posters for Belegaer and the Island of Armenelos.   Unlike the active and busy winter sims, Belegaer and the Island of Armenelos are warm weather sites with an emphasis on quiet beauty. 

        At the landing point for Belegaer I found the “Blackspot”, an ancient sailing ship that may be haunted, and a small kayak that is available for anyone to use.    The “Blackspot”, like many places on Belegaer, has dance balls ready for couples to use.    But I didn’t want to spend any time exploring the ship.   I was eager to try out the kayak and see the other sights.

       The kayak was a perfect fit, and I was soon out in the open water.   The ambiance is wonderful here.  Sea gulls and pelicans call out as they fly by.  The sound of crashing waves alerts you to the danger of getting too close to the rocks.    I’m sure I heard a pair of humpback whales, too.             

      Although kayaking on the water was serene, the outcropping of rocks near land was more inviting to me.    Ignoring the danger, I headed toward them.   At one point I was hung up on a reef, but I quickly floated free.     I guided the kayak through an arch and was pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful garden near the shore. 

     I left the kayak and waded ashore.  At first all I saw was the garden, but I kept exploring.   On the other side I found many hidden treats, like benches for relaxing and great places to snap pictures.   Bird watching is great here, too. 

      Tucked away on the far side of the garden is a private pool that would be perfect for couples.   Nearby I found a picnic blanket with a basket of goodies and a nice vintage wine.   Dance balls are located in many spots, often concealed in statutes of birds or sea lions.    Although the area seemed small at first, the path winds up and around in a way that makes it feel bigger. 

       When it started to get dark I stopped exploring and tried to find my way back to the kayak.    By the time I found my landing spot, the kayak was gone.    While I was scrambling over the rocks, I slipped and fell into the water.  What a happy accident that turned out to be!  Under the water is another beautiful park.  I swam with some fish and looked around a bit.  Because it was now very dark, I opted to teleport out and come back another time to visit the villa.       

        When I returned to explore the Island of Armenelos, I teleported in at The Island of Armenelos, ARMENELOS (146, 106, 21).  At the landing point I was greeted by Shelly the sea lion, who was looking for a treat.    After I fed her, I walked up the stone steps toward the villa.

         At the first landing I came to a dance area near a colorful fountain.    The opulence and beauty of this sim is evident immediately.   As I continued up the long set of steps, I found a number of decorative mosaic tiles on the landings.  There are scenes of dolphins, turtles, a swordfish, and other marine life.

        At the top of the steps are apartments that are open for exploring.   There are no rentals here.  Visitors are free to walk inside the villas without worrying about invading anyone’s privacy.   There are many apartments connected by narrow passages and stucco stairs.    I had a great time exploring in and around the many villas.

        Outside many of the apartments and on some larger patios are chairs where visitors can relax in the sunshine.   I met resident DowJones Fullstop when I stopped to have a cup of coffee.   Fullstop often comes to this and other Calas sites.   He told me about the skating and other activities that can be found here.     

         I was impressed by the unique and detailed interiors that can be seen inside the apartments.  When I was talking to Fullstop, he had remarked about how realistic the site looks.   I agree with his observation.   Tenk and Meredith have added many unique items that make this site special.   For example, in one apartment a small oscillating fan sits on a table and cools the room.   Other villas have pet cats inside while birds chirp on the ledges outside.            

         On their website, Tenk and Meredith state that these sites are their gift back to the residents of SL.    Although they accept donations to help with the operational costs, the donation boxes are limited and located only at the entrances to the sims.    Tenk and Meredith have created a perfect place for anyone who wants to enjoy some quiet time on the sea or relax at a seaside villa.     

Grey Lupindo

NeverLand Valley - A Tribute to Michael Jackson

By Grey Lupindo

      I have attended many concerts by tribute bands in SL, but this was my first visit to a tribute sim.   Created by MICHAELjackson Follet, NeverLand Valley is devoted to honoring, remembering, and celebrating the best of Michael Jackson’s life.   It is located at NeverLand  (247,250,25).  This isn’t a new site, but it was new to me.

      The site is amazingly true to the RL Neverland Ranch that existed in Los Olivos, California from 1988, when Michael Jackson purchased it, until 2005.   During those years, the 2500 acre Neverland Ranch was Jackson’s home as well as a wonderland for visiting children.  There was a petting zoo, amusement park, two trains, and other attractions.  

        In the SL version MICHAELjackson Follet has recreated the amusement park, zoo, a train, a large home filled with Jackson memorabilia, and beautiful gardens.     Make sure your music is enabled when you visit.   While I was there I heard  "We are the World", "Things I Do for You", "Another Part of Me", "Bad", “You are My Lovely One”, “Dancing Machine”, and others.    

       There are reminders when you enter that this is a unique, memorial site.     A note states, “Neverland is my Home...I created Neverland as a home for me and sharing with others. (MJJ).   Respect each other and you are the most welcome.  Feel free to go around, play, enjoy or simply relax.  It's all for love.”    There is a reminder that visiting residents may experience different emotions when recalling Jackson’s memory, and visitors are urged to respect their privacy.  There were other residents there on the three occasions that I visited, but no one was chatting.   We each seemed to be content with remembering this special and talented man.    

        When you enter the gates you can pick up a free Smart Car to drive or you can walk on the stone walkway to the house.   The two-story house is huge, with a library, multiple sitting rooms, pianos, and many portraits of Michael Jackson on display.   Upstairs there is a bedroom with Shirley Temple photos and other children’s items.  In one of the offices there is a framed copy of a RL legal document relating to the Ranch hanging on the wall.    My only criticism is that I wish there had been a few notecards describing some of the items.   Everything is very interesting, but I left wanting to know more. 

          The gardens surrounding the house and open areas are beautiful.   There are bridges to cross and ducks and swans to watch.   Benches are available, too. 

           In the amusement park, MICHAELjackson Follet provides SL residents with many of the same type of rides that Michael Jackson owned.     There’s a Galleon swinging ride, the kind that always makes me sick in RL, a huge Ferris wheel, Merry-go-Round, Lollipop carousel, and a few more.   I rode these rides, and they are great.  

            Nearby there is a theatre, too.   In the entry are images of toys and characters from favorite children’s stories such as Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs, ET, and Pinocchio.     In the theatre section there are plenty of comfortable seats.  Unfortunately I couldn’t get the video to play, which I’m sure was caused by my system limitations.        

        I was able to view many videos created by MICHAELjackson Follet on his website, http://mjfollet.com/Neverland.html.   My favorite video is the one located on this first page.  Entitled “Forever Neverland”, it shows images of both the SL site and RL photos of Michael Jackson.   While the images are shown, Michael Jackson sings “Have you Seen My Childhood?” and “Smile”.   Although I only know a little about the abuse and loneliness he experienced as a child performer, I found the video to be very moving. 

          Next to the amusement park is the zoo, found at NeverLand (52, 96, 22).  As you walk toward it, moneys wave and birds fly by.  Be sure to approach the animals slowly so that they have time to become animated.   Touch them to hear their sounds.     Michael Jackson would have loved the SL version of his zoo.  There are no cages, and while the lions and tigers growl, they don't bite.

         Another amazing thing about NeverLand is that everything here is free.   There are no tip jars and almost nothing is sold here.   Inside a building located in the amusement park there are a few children’s items that appeared to be for sale, but they are discretely hidden away.      All of the rides, cotton candy, and other items are free.   

      The site and its members do support a RL charity in Haiti.   Tucked against one side of the sim, at NeverLand (142,247,26),  is a display where donations for “Haiti’s Children” are accepted.   There is a picture of Mideau Pierre, a child that is being supported by Neverland Friends and donations from other SL residents.    They have been supporting him since 2010.   At the time of my visit, they had collected  $44,169L in the donation box located there. 

     SL NeverLand Valley is a unique site that honors and celebrates the life of one of the most talented musicians of our time.

Grey Lupindo

 Editor's Note: Following the death of Michael Jackson, a number of tributes were created in his honor, one of which was featured in Second Life Newsepaper. Neverland might have been among them, but most of the others are gone. As for the real life Neverland Ranch, it was sold in 2008 due to Michael Jackson being deep in debt, and fell into disrepair following his death. Recently there was a partial restoration with what was left of the amusement park rides replaced with a zen garden.

Scenes from The Lost Gardens of Apollo

Last weekend was the final chance for people to stop by the Lost Gardens of Apollo before it vanished. Here are some of the pictures I took.

A sculpture near the entry area, showing a demonic being reaching from a tar pit to grab an angel-like being. The wing and skull on the ground suggest one other angel wasn't able to escape.

Samlowry Hawks, one of the sim staff, sporting a white suit and pair of wings, leading a tai chi group.

A shopping area, now devoid of customers.

A spot for couples to relax. The place had a number of them.

One of the towers of Apollo, with a cuddle spot high over the ground.

The towers of Apollo, seen from below.

A few people spending one last chance to dance at one of Apollo's platforms.

I had been chatting with friends during my looking around. A couple came with me, and we decided to check out one of the pools.

Apollo was truly well built sim. It was a shame to see it go. Perhaps it will reappear in some form in the future.

Bixyl Shuftan