Christmas at Calas and Andee's Golf

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

Of course the Christmas region that Calas Galadhon creates is so spectacular every year. It is not to be missed! Andee Cooper took her mystery tour there this year and I was able to go with her and the other participants.

The sleigh ride is the way to see the beauty of the region on the way to the skating lake and the Pavilion. Listening to the music enhances the ride as you pass builds along the way. There are some new buildings as usual this year. Ty Tenk and Truck Meredith make sure that everyone who visits has a wonderful time exploring, attending events almost daily, skating, or just relaxing by the outdoor fire or in one of the smaller pavilions.
 

I spied Santa climbing high above the Pavilion.

 

The Pavilion itself was filled with poinsettias and the rooms inside a wonderful place to listen to music and just enjoy the décor. Group members always find gifts on the tables next to the main entrance. I have several cats and a dog from years back and of course some snow globes. There is much to do all over the region and taking the balloon ride gives one a chance to look down on all the beauty. 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Li0nHeart%20Galaxy/122/241/3096

While Andee and I were riding she told me that she and her husband had installed a miniature golf on their region so I took a ride over to check it out. All the directions are posted on how to play. Grab your hud and score board and go! There are places to take photos on poses .. try the Gingerbread house. Softly falling snow adds to the fun!

Andee 004As one moves along the course you get to look at the lovely frosted winter trees. She told me many families had been coming to play . A little skating pond is available too. 

 

At the last hole who is waiting for you ? Old St Nick is sitting on his throne below the score board. It was a delightful setting and I took advantage to sit and take my Christmas texture. You still have time to go play golf with the kiddies on their vacation week! 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Li0nHeart%20Galaxy/122/241/3096

Gemma Cleanslate

 

Christmas at Yosemite

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

One of my special sites in Second Life is Yosemite. I have a second residence there that is lovely, set on a mountain looking down on a valley. The venue changes with the seasons fortunately which is unlike my first residence on a houseboat that I love also but it remains in the same season all year long unless the Moles start playing with the weather. Yosemite is of course a tribute to Yosemite National Park in California that, Jadin Emerald, the owner loves.

Winter has come to Yosemite and there are so many things to do . All are invited to come take horseback rides, walk the trails, skate on the lakes which are frozen. If you would like to stay a while there are camping sites and cabins and more to choose for a short or long stay. Pick up a Park Navigator at the Visitor Center to help you get around.

While I was gathering photos Jadin took me over to see the new Yosemite Lodge that is open for people who would like to relax and chat.

She is constantly adding to the regions to make them more fun for residents and visitors alike.

Not far from the visitor center be sure to stop at the ice skating at the Gazebo and look inside at the Giving Tree. Gifts galore surround the tree from Jadin ( I left one there too lol) Next to the Gazebo there is a relaxing fire pit with seating for many and nearby cocoa and smores.

This is a wonderful peaceful region to visit at any time but at this time of the year it is magical with the falling snow and the vast area for skating on the frozen waters and there are free skates at the Gazebo skating in case you do not have any. Have lots of fun and bring the kiddies . They will love the playground and climbing wall that are always available. I saw Santa on the climbing wall ! Double fun in the snow!!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Yosemite/138/61/25

Gemma Cleanslate

 

The Land of Misfit Toys

 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

 

Christmas is almost here. And when I had time to check out some places, I came across one with a title fans of the "Rudolph" TV special will recognize, "The Land of Misfit Toys." The place was made by "The River" music and dance venue.

 

 Near the entry point was Sam the Snowman, the show's narrator.

 

 Not too far away was Santa Claus and his wife.

 

 The Land of Misfit toys was a place where toys that felt unwanted go to live.

 

 The island had a huge castle overlooking the place.

 

 There were some shops around. One had a freebie, the Rudolph "Dragoo" dragon. So you too can have a cartoony dragon dressed up as the famous reindeer.

 

"The Land of Misfit Toys" is a cute and amusing place. Drop by and see it before the Christmas season ends. 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20River/95/140/2450

Bixly Shuftan

Tex's Tree Farm

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

It is time to pick out that special Christmas tree for your home. One of the fun places to visit especially if you are bringing the family along to chop your own is Tex’s Tree Farm. 

 

Here you find so many carefully grown trees to choose from. Tex has had this farm for many years. I love visiting there. I have watched families pick out trees , choose décor , and then visit Santa.

Grab your axe and go choose that special tree just for you and chop it down. Follow the directions for that. Tex has amazing texture changers available for an amazing price. Take a look at the decors you would like . There is a great variety. If you are feeling a bit lazy get the whole decorated tree. The notecard will explain it all. You will be able to control the number of prims to fit your needs.

After you wander around the farm and visit Santa it is time to go up on the hill and visit one of the loveliest shops in SL to look for décor or gifts.

”HO HO HO Gemma, Welcome to Under The Tree Christmas Shop. Best selection of Christmas gifts and deco items in all of SL. Please make sure you take all items after purchase.”

 

 Lots of toys for the kids as well as drivable toys are there .

The next room has delicious looking food for your table. Be sure to take what you buy. It is a gotcha area. Another room is filled with furniture, tables , little Santas , many decorations that will grace your home. 

 

At the other end of the building there is a room filled with more furniture, wall hangings and more trees to choose. The room is filled with décor for every room in the house. It is a great place to shop for that reason. Upstairs are so many gacha machines where you can choose the number of the item you want to purchase. The gachas contain clothing, accessories , decorations, and much more. Be sure to check them out. While you are walking around you might receive a gift. I got a cute little Santa hat.

When you leave the store take a right turn and walk up the hill to the barn where there are cute animated animals for sale . A nice addition to the gifts for the kids under the tree. Here is the entrance to the tree farm. I good place to start.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife//83/211/103

Gemma Cleanslate

 

Land Of Sleeping Giants

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

 
If you are looking for a diversion from shopping and holiday decorations have an adventure for the day take a ride over to Land Of Sleeping Giants. 

 

The installation is that of AmandaT Tamatzui. She is a well known artist with many installations in the past and art works seen in exhibits and her own galleries.

The island is full of engaging scenes and interactive fun. But right nearby is a train station that will take you all around the island and up the mountain on tours. Don’t miss that!. Inside the station are tickets for the train and the Cable Car. While you are there you can rezz a boat to take a tour around the island on water too. Amanda had help from many people to do this installation . You can see all the helpers at the station also.

“Kia Ora Tātou, This is my love project, dedicated to my new homeland of New Zealand also known as 'land of the long white cloud' Sleeping Giants was born, inspired by Te Mata Peak's Sleeping Giant in Hawkes Bay, NZ. TY Rascal for donating this region.“ is Amanda’s description of her work. RL inspirations are always good , especially if one can never get there in person. The Sleeping Giants are up on the mountain facing out to the world. To get a great look cam out.

Across from the station there is an elegantly arranged garden containing diverse lovely flowers and plants with bunnies and other animals scattering around on the ground. Down below you can see many of Amanda’s colorful art set out . Do not miss the Butterfly cave . Amanda has activities going on . I was able to attend a dance party on the volcano (which she covered with water ) It was fun! There is a Riddle hunt going on if you can make time. Look for pages as you wander . Some gifts are there too. If you find all 8 pages you will get a big prize. You will see the info on a poster at the station.

After my tours and walking about I was enticed to stop into the Cafe too inviting to miss! Great Menu on the wall and Lemon tea was my choice. I took it outside to sit in the New Zealand air. Visit while you can. Accept the experience. Vixen Point

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Vixen%20Point/120/200/38

 

The installation will be there until January

 

After the party I went over to the Christmas Expo for the American Cancer Society where Patch Linden had gathered a hoard of Moles for picture taking time. I managed to be able to take a few photos while crashing out in between .

 

When I arrived most of the Moles and visitors were mostly naked with backwards faces lol. Quartz was in good shape so I took one photo of him.

 

Finally I was able to get to sit with Patch and get a good photo and make a donation to the cause before I crashed out again. Squeaky tried to help but he was having rezzing issues also . It was all great fun. I might use this for my Christmas card.

Gemma Cleanslate
 

The Swiftwater City RP Community

 

By Bixyl Shuftan,

 

I was recently contacted by Draven Malakai Hopshire (Nightingale Foxpaws) about a new urban area and it's community: Swiftwater City.

I went over, and I navigated the exits to get out of the entry building, The Swiftwater Convention Center. Looking around, the scenery was interesting. I quickly met up with Draven and someone else part of the community, Lea Tankthrust (LeaRodriguez Resident). After greetings, I asked Draven how long the community had been around. "We reopened," he told me, "originally opened our doors on the 24th of October." I asked if the place had a particular theme. He told me, "Well. Swiftwater City is a vibrant urban roleplay community in Second Life that blends the excitement of city living with immersive storytelling. The sim is designed to feel like a bustling, modern metropolis, offering endless possibilities for players to carve out their own unique stories in a dynamic environment.

"The city features diverse neighborhoods, from upscale districts to gritty backstreets, reflecting the many layers of urban life. Its theme revolves around realism, but with the freedom to explore creative and dramatic scenarios. The city thrives on its blend of professional roleplay opportunities and casual interactions, making it a hub for everyone from seasoned roleplayers to newcomers.

"Key thematic elements include: Law and Order: A fully functioning police department and justice system, creating opportunities for crime dramas, detective stories, and legal roleplay. Emergency Services: Firefighters, paramedics, and rescue teams play a crucial role in responding to city emergencies, providing action-packed scenarios. Community Life: Local businesses, public events, and casual hangouts foster a sense of community, encouraging social interaction and personal storytelling. Nuclear Research Facility: Swiftwater City is home to a cutting-edge nuclear research facility, opening doors to intriguing narratives involving science, innovation, and potential intrigue or disaster scenarios. Edge of the Unknown: Beneath the surface of everyday life, mysteries and secrets await, encouraging players to delve into darker or more thrilling narratives.

"Swiftwater City is a canvas for creativity, offering the perfect backdrop for characters from all walks of life to connect, grow, and thrive in an engaging urban setting."

I then asked where the idea for the RP came from. Draven answered, "In my time here on Second Life, I have been roleplaying at many roleplay communities which have sadly since closed there doors. So I decided to open my own community up." I asked how many people were in the community so far. He told me, "We have about 17 members in our main roleplay group so far. ... three have estate manager roles  One is founder which is me. One is the co-founder. One is the HCI Director." I asked about the other roles, and was told, "Some are police, one is a gas station owner, one is my DoPW engineer."

He then pointed to Lea, "Lea here is the chief of my Fire Dept and one of my estate managers." I then asked how many fires and medical emergencies there'd been so far. She answered, "Theres a new emergency every few days last one was a zombie outbreak." I asked about it, notably "How does a fire department contain a zombie outbreak?" Lea answered, "There is hazmat division in FD we just clean up the green stuff." 

 

Asking how the outbreak happened, I was told, "The T-vVirus was released. But dont worry the facility is safe and back under our control. The tunnels are still blocked off from wreckage of the truck responsible for the release of the T-virus. Not sure if you saw the hazmat cordon down there?" She asked me to follow to a place, "That there is the entrance to the research facility. It is safe to enter and look around the place if you would like to." So where did the virus come from? "Umbrella Corporation," I was told, "They were responsible for crashing tankers in the tunnel."

Draven would tell me, "We are also in the process of setting up rolepay so at least it will feel like the residents are making a living." I notice Lea's tag and asked what Ultor was. She answered, "Ultor is in charge of fire department its one of the divisions of a conglomerate company that does alot of different stuff." So it was a potential plot device for future adventures.

As we were talking, someone from the Second Life Coast Guard dropped in. She was curious about the place, and we struck up a conversation that lasted for a little while, her asking for more information and expressing interest in joining, before I needed to leave. So Swiftwater is attracting people as we speak, and there may be more residents there than the 17 I had been told.

 

Looking around, there was much in the two sims of the city.  There were numerous tall buildings, offices and apartments. There was a gas station. There was also a fire station, though with a spiral staircase instead of a sliding pole. There was a medical center and a bank (at the time, with a crime scene marker). I was told the police station was located nearby at HCI - Hitcorp International. There was an industrial center where shipping containers were loaded and unloaded. There was a bank. For those who like fishing, I saw a 7Seas fishing game. And there were plenty of roads to drive on, including some steep climbs and drops.

The Swiftwater Research Center is a large facility, built into a stone fort and mountaintop, though players in-character will need clearance to get to it. Much of it I hadn't seen, though there are rumors of a particle accelerator underground, and even a secret spaceship under construction. 

 

But those are rumors.

There are some places still under construction, so don't be surprised to see a little wood paneling. But this is still an active community with things going on.

 

The community's public entrance is at: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Beast%20Estate/107/185/33 . It also has it's own Discord channel, Swiftwater City. 

Bixyl Shuftan