Some Events and Places at Bellisseria

 
By Gemma Cleanslate

Saturday was busy here on Bellisseria . I attended a wedding on the ship Galaxy which is parked off the west coast of Bellisseria. Though I spent time on the Galaxy for many years while it was privately owned I had never been to a wedding there and it was a lovely venue on the forward region. The seats were filled as we waited for the bride.

Ambassador Freddie Harrington (Madonna666 Resident) of the Nautilus Continent and his lovely first lady, Hailey Harrington (ItsHailey2021 Resident) made their vows in the presence of Captain Camden McAndrews. The ceremony was short but sweet and Hailey immediately assumed her new name as part of it. That was nice a sweet touch that I had not witnessed before at any wedding.

A party followed over at the Party House and Gym on Sweetmarsh with music and food and champagne. It was enjoyed by all who attended.

I also learned that the BBB moved! This is not the first time. I try to keep up with the location so I can get a new visa when mine is filled. For those who don’t know, The Bellisseria Bureau of Bureacracy office is where one goes to get a passport, a driver’s license, and a plate for vehicles. They also sponsor the various Embassies on each continent and house the office of the BBB Gazette next door in their own building. Any resident of Bellisseria can avail of all their services. Go check it out. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Swordfish/207/49/33

Not only all that but I heard from Ollie (Oliver Osei), a well known Hobo that there is actually a shelter for Homeless on Bellisseria so of course I had to go check that out. Sure enough there it was in Ashton Village. The house is situated at the top of a rock cliff with a great view all around at Deadman’s Curve.

I was greeted by cat who wanted to know how I got so tall.

The décor I would call Hippy and musical at the same time. Huge posters emblaze the walls through out the entire house. A huge tiger relaxes on the sofa and did not threaten me.

There is a free wearable tent in a box for those who need one. I love wearable seating so I grabbed one.
I was going to ask the neighbors what they thought about the shelter but no one was home.

I did make contact with the Owner, Larree Quixote, a performer, who told me, “ When I first started trying to get a home in Bellisseria, it was almost impossible to land one. I spent many weeks trying to no avail. But I didn't let it get me down. I decided to have fun with it. I got my wearable tent and started exploring the many regions on foot. And whenever the SL Sun went down, I would set up my tent on a nice piece of land. During my journeys I decided that when I finally got a home, I would turn it into a homeless shelter and open it for all who needed a place so stay in Bellisseria. And I couldn't have asked for a better location. The Bellisseria Homeless Union House was the first place I was offered and I kept it. And to this day, it is open to all”

So if you are looking for a home go visit. Contact Laree.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ashton%20Village/126/207/37

After all this I made my way off continent over to the wonder Mardi Gras Parade . I look forward to this every year. Dj Frannie as usual has all her fantastic 103 rolling and flying floats out. Most of them you can hop on and ride down the street dancing along. It is great fun.

Not only is the parade running 24/7 many of the shops on either side of the street hold souvenirs such as beads and potions and more to collect. Don’t miss the Zombie shop or the restaurant or dining places. Walk behind the entrance area through the garden to see the sweet New Orleans homes. Walk across the parade route to the Carnival area with the games and rides.

Look for the teleports that allow you to scroll through and choose the venue you want to visit. When you arrive read the handout that gives hints for a good time while you are there. Most of all have fun and bring friends. Thanks to DJFrannie and her staff for this grand experience every year . The parade will run until March 1. 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Destiny%20Beach/54/177/1163

Gemma Cleanslate
 

Bellisseria Becoming A Community

By Gemma Cleanslate

You all know I have a houseboat on the new continent of Bellisseria and really am  loving it.
(http://slnewserdesign.blogspot.com/2019/05/a-look-at-linden-houseboat.html) I have been exploring and visiting locations there.There are so many places to visit and enjoy that are open to all residents.

I had coffee with some residents last Saturday morning at the community Center. This is open to all residents of Bellisseria and guests. It was nice to meet a few of the community members. . I arrived first dressed in my greeter outfit for the sl16B as I was on my way there to greet.V i n n    L a n d a r (Vinn Landar) , who was hosting coffee, was there  ready with the coffee . DJ Usagi (GreatBigHippy Resident) and Skot Kinsella arrived and then Granny Parker (ParkerBroox Resident) came bearing homemade cookies. It was fun.

The Drivers of SL ( more about them in a later article) held an event and I joined in! It was an annual  remembrance of the amazing chair balloon ride of Lawn Chair Larry Walters. Check him out on the web. The balloons took off and traversed almost the entire continent and ended at the Fairgrounds. It was a startleing   sight in the air and I am sure from the ground. One resident shouted at me in IM, “ Ride ! Ride!”

The July 4 celebration at the Fairgrounds was spectacular! The decor was amazing. People  had to wait to enter there were so many attendees. The DJ, Doc Rast (rasterscan Resident) provided
sparkling music for the dancing. Several moles were in attendance , Squeaky, Ancient, and Patch Linden was there and Saffia Widdershins dropped in to dance .

Speaking of sparkling,  Later, after dark Patch set off magnificent fireworks around the statue of Liberty that stood on the Fairgrounds. It went on for ages and lit up the entire sky. I think he had help from some of the moles and residents. It was a huge undertaking. I would call the event a stupendous success.

T. J. Hooker (ThomasHooker Resident) was saying, "The team we had working on the event was myself, MarkusBrant, Evangeline Ling, and Restaurant Organiser."

There are many groups forming across Bellisseria.. Citizens, Community, Riding, Events, and all seem very active . It will be interesting to watch it all grow. The continent is off to a great start and I am glad to be a part of it all. More homes are being opened as fast as the Moles can get them done and I know that many premium residents are holding their breath to get one. It reminds me of the Bay City opening , only bigger. More to come on my adventures there .

Gemma Cleanslate

Easter Town

By Gemma Cleanslate

Easter Town is open for fun! Laura Liberty has opened it up for all to come shop and play. I was talking to the unusual Easter Bunny (tina (tanyja Resident)) who helps Laura with all the townies and is also a Santa “helper” .There are six events of Townies during the year but I have not seen them all yet. This is my third. You have until about the 18th to get over there and enjoy.

I took a balloon ride over town to get a good overview.  In the quaint colorful shops you will find any decor you want for your home or region. I  also saw some really Easter clothes and cute costumes for adults and kids. Lots of kids things as you imagine with Easter bunnies, eggs , and  toys, party decorations for kiddies and adults. 

Outside there are wonderful games and decor to buy and you can try them out before you invest.  I found an avatar working on an egg decoration in the rezz zone just for that purpose.There is a 7000L prize contest  going on so get your creative juices going . I picked up a cute free egg avatar and will try that on.

There is a great little carrot car to rezz and drive around in or you can cruise  in one of the  broken egg shells along the waterway. There is a race track for peeps Races.

20 Eggs are placed around the region inside the shops and out so make sure you look for those cute prizes while you are there. I am in the middle of finding them so will be going back for more searching. I am glad they are big enough to see because I give up hunts quickly if I cant find things. 

Make sure you get yourself there this week especially if you need decor for your event or home. Easter Town will be up only until April 18. If you want to keep aware of the townies and the builds during the year you can join the group, or you can subscribe for messages. There is a subscriber sign near the entrance.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Townies/138/127/23

Gemma Cleanslate   

Relay Track Peeks: "The Forest" and Team Shadow

By Gemma Cleanslate

I am running the Honor lap on Saturday the 16^th of July but decided to take a practice lap around the sims on Friday just to check out the route and get a look at all the fantastic team sites along the way. It is hard to see them all in such a short time during the lap. Last year I crashed at least 20 times on my way around for the Honor Lap. This year I hope to do better.

On my way around the sims I was attracted to a designer sim, of which there are several. And I stopped off to rest and relax a bit in "The Forest," which is the instillation by Pluto Fairey. 

Be sure to visit and climb the steps to see what you can find to take with you.

After my tour of the sims, I stopped back at the Team Shadow site. I am a member of Team Shadow, and they are hosting the characters of "Where the Wild Things Are." Here I am standing quietly with no worries at the pond.

And here I am in my avatar of Duckfoot, ready to have my picture taken with visitors.

So please stop by!

RFL Overcome (135/202/23)

Gemma Cleanslate

Mardi Gras for Team Fox

By Bixyl Shuftan

Team Fox is getting a touch of "The Big Easy." As February approaches, the Creations for Parkinson's sim now has a "Mardi Gras" area, complete with a street parade.

Grab your Krewe and head on down to New Orleans. FrannyDJ Dean brings the French Quarter to life. Ride 100 interactive floats in this spectacular parade. Dance to live music and get crowned King or Queen at the Hot Clubs on Bourbon Street. Don't miss the thrilling carnival rides.The party never stops. Have the time of your life while helping to find a cure for Parkinsons.

Teleporting to the place, I appeared in a small welcome center building beside the parade street. There was a display of food on one side, and on the other masks one could pick up. There was also a bead thrower available to take. From there, it was just a short talk to the street, where one could see the floats passing. Many, if not most, had their own music playing from them. People could also hop on and dance on them, becoming part of the parade. In a few places, there were also cubic kiosks with a fox on top, where one could donate Lindens to Team Fox for Parkinson's research.

There were a number of avatars watching the parade, or taking part, when I arrived. Among those watching was Barbie Alchemi, the owner of the sim and the head of Team Fox. She told me this was the third year the Mardi Grads parade was here, and some of the floats were reproductions of originals from the parades in New Orleans a century ago. Each float's music was chosen to go with it's particular theme.

A notecard I found stated that there were over 90 different floats, balloons, and other items in the parade here, and they took an hour and a half to go down the street before starting all over. More would be added as time goes on up until Fat Tuesday on February 9. It was also recommended people keep their scripts down to avoid lag, and that AOs might interfere with riding the floats.

Besides the parade, there was also a carnival ride area in the "Croc Docks" where one could get on the rides and enjoy other attractions there. Nearby was a restarunt, "The Bistro," which offered food and dancing. Near the parade start was "The Crazy Leprechaun Pub."

Once again, all donations made to the parade kiosks go to fund Parkinson's research. The parade will be up until at least Ash Wednesday, possibly for a day or two longer..

Creations for Parkinsons (54/175/1163) - for the Parade

(76/25/1163) - for the rides

Bizyl Shuftan

The New Bastogne WW2 Combat Roleplay Celebrates Five Years

By Bixyl Shuftan

On March Friday the 13th, the New Bastogne World War Two Combat Roleplay officially turned five years old. The occasion was marked with a hunt with a dozen crates hidden around the area for people to fine, each containing a vehicle. Plus there was a party at the "Sporthalle" in the Caen sim. The event began at 5PM SL time.

The building itself was drapped with flags with both the German cross, and the double-lighting bolt "SS" symbol. The three German teams, Heer (army), Luftwaffe, and SS, were the majority of those attending, but there were some from the Italian and Russian groups. A German band performed "Big Band" music and other tunes for the crowd.

Most of the people there were in uniform, though some chose formal civilian wear instead. Vickster Khun, the head of the combat roleplay, was there in a red gown. The people danced, chatting about old times.

At one point, Vickster had an announcement concerning one of the Heer officers, Sunra Saenz, whom while one of the leading officers simply had the tag of "officer" up. Vickster told him in front of everyone, "I actually have an honor I wish to bestow on you on behalf of Oberbefehlshaber West at the command of Oberkommando der Wehrmacht and officially promote you to the rank of Generalmajor." Sunra was at a loss for words, "I am speachless Generalleutnant, and very honoured indeed." Others toased and saluted him. One joked, "It's a custom that new generals have to buy a round of beers."

Vickster continued, "You deserve it very much, more than any member of this command I've served with, you've kept the faith and served as a model soldier for all branches." After some more talk, she turned to the others, "let me now tell you a little story about Sunra, and its something you don't know about him unless you were there, and you weren't (laughs), how Sunra got fired from First Armee by Octavian, who was commanding, remember? It was the second D-Day battle we had." Sunra Saenz answered, "Yes when I previously served with the Heer as Hauptman." "That's right, and you were executive officer as well. One of the best officers."

"And what happened? I can tell the story, it's funny. Well, funny and not funny. Sunra wasn't having fun. It's more complicated. What happened was we had our second big D-Day battle. It was sort of an annual even then. Sunra had been training with the Luftwaffe the night before. So the invasion starts, Sunra shows up in time, the battle goes great. He was doing panzers, but he still had his Luftwaffe uniform and title on. So octavian fired him. And Sunra had basically repelled the Allied armor after they landed. He won us the battle but Octavian fired him." Sunra mused, "I was all over the place. That battle lasted around 7 hours flat out (laughter)."

"Well, it always bothered me," Vickster told him, "Then I wasn't Oberkommando.  But I kept you in the Luftwaffe and recognized your awards. I don't think octavian really thought about what he was doing. Perhaps he was a frustrated. You say yourself he was a good commander." "I always wondered why he was so hard on me, yes," Sunra admitteded. "Anyway," Vickster continued, "what impressed me was you didn't give up or really demand anything. You just carried on like a real soldier, and did everything I ever asked you to, and took good care of the people you were placed over." She then chuckled, "Okay enough embarrassing you. ... I just wanted people to understand you paid your dues, you earned that rank and then some. You might meet a lot of group owners who are generals, but how many do you know who earned their rank from enlisted to officers in three branches?" One other German combatant commented, "I knew Allied fighters who when they saw that Sunra was participating....just left...out of fear of his prowess."

Vickster commented, "This is the first time we celebrated since the 1st anniversary. It's been so crazy all these years. It is till crazy after all these years." Sunra commented, "I miss the weekly dances Angus used to put on. Maybe this should become a weekly or monthly event." Vickster added, "Yes, I miss those too. We had a lot of fun even if we were sometimes bombed (laughs). That was in Seaone's sims." Sunra thought back, "Yes yes, so it was. That was another beautiful sim. But we saved the cathedral to use in New Bastogne at least. Heh heh." Vickster agreed, "We had a lot of fun there. It was a blow when those sims closed. But I understood."

Vickster concluded, "I'm really proud to have lasted this long when so many people said they would see us fail. Guys like Sunra who put up with a lot of crap and still kept at it, it really made the difference."

Vickster had to take care of something, and she bade everyone farewell and left the party, leaving Sunra and the others to continue on the celebration.

For those interested in the New Bastogne Combat RP, contact Vickter Khun, or the other team leaders. Besides the three German teams, Luftwaffe, Army, and Waffen SS, there is an Italian team, and several Allied teams, including Soviet. The Luftwaffe also has been having weekly scraps with an Allied air group.

Bixyl Shuftan

Storytelling at Rawhide Native

By Grease Coakes

Due to real life work having the same schedule every week for a long time I wasn't able to see DJ Aurora for a while. But another event I missed out on was Heartspeaker's storytelling at Spirit Nations every Thursday (article). I gave it a shot but Mary said no I need you on Thursday for the truck. Mary is a nice lady, but I know better than to push my luck. Luckily on my day off on Wednesday Heartspeaker told a story today so I was able to say hi to my friend and hear another of his stories.

Spirit Nations the sim itself shut down however Heartspeaker said on voice that the Spirit of Spirit Nations lives on at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tender%20Heart/67/65/22

Before Heartspeaker told the story of lightning bolt he made small talk with Two Medicines and myself. He commented the book he bought which had the Lightning Bolt story he was telling today. Raimi a friend of mine accepted an invitation to join me in listening to Heart's story. The day I wrote this article and heard Heart's story was July 9^th and Heart said his birthday was the previous day July the 8^th I wished him a happy birthday. Heartspeaker said the hat I wear made by Hawkin Starsider was the cat's meow for me or the fox's yip. Hawkin Starsider created the hat and I bought it years ago at the original spirit nations sim. As I was talking with Two Medicines and Heartspeaker the effects of the sim were pretty to look at as I saw dandelion seeds floats towards me on my screen.

Lighting bolt went to see his teacher Goose Flying as Goose Flying was telling of an event in the future. He sent Lightning Bolt to see Iron Blanket down the mountain on the Wyoming side of the river.

Lightning Bolt had a vision of the goddess and traveled on a horse named Big Nose. He saw the universe and mother nature appertaining the beauty of snowflakes and rainbows. Also the beauty of magpies. He asked is life and death interchangeable. And the magpie said yes. Looking for knowledge and answers, he joined the army looking for money and riches.

Heartspeaker told the story at a perfect pace in an elderly voice with vigor. It was fun listening to him add emotion to the voice. When he finished the story, he laughed remembering when one of Heart's elders named Chima a 6^th generation Native American told him he would tell stories for a living. When heart was younger He blew off Chima's prediction thinking it was nonsense. Today it's very clear that Heart is an excellent storyteller.

There's more to the Rawhide club than Heartspeaker's story telling there were many sights to see. two medicines the child avatar hung out with me and Raimi chattering away acting like a five and half year old (but in real life she is very much an adult).

Wandering around the sim I saw a pretty waterfall and a picture of a Native American prayer. Also many various animals and sounds effects you would hear in nature of just being outside. I also saw a tall totem pole colored turquoise. There's also a shop to purchase Native American clothes. There's also dance balls of water dances around a pit.

Two Medicines confirmed that Heartspeaker still has his story time at 1pm every Thursday.

As Heartspeaker said the spirit of Spirit Nations is still in Second Life in the Rawhide Club. Native Americans have a presence in Second Life just like in the real world practicing their beliefs and traditions.

If you're curious about Native Americans and their beliefs and the way they speak with spirits feel free to stop by http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tender%20Heart/67/65/22 and look around. Or if you want a place to relax and hang out to try something new the rawhide club may be right for you.

Grease Coakes

The Queen of Hearts' Farewell

By Bixyl Shuftan

It's always a little sad when a club closes down. Each represents an idea and a dream, to provide others with a place to have a little fun. Many last less than a year, sometimes just weeks. One, however, lasted for about sevreal years. For eight years, the Romance-themed sim of Mystery entertained visitors in Second Life, with the Queen of Hearts riverboat club as the main area of events for most of this time. It's owner Tygeria Mirabeau and it's manager Amythe Moonlight kept it going year after year through many happy times. But in late June, Tygeria announced to her staff that problems in real life were making her unable to keep up the sim. Friday June 27 would have the last events. So it was with heavy hearts that the staff prepared for one last day of music and dance.

10AM SL time was the start of the "Memory Lane" event, a "come as you are" party, with Amy herself DJing the music. And people came in, not just the regulars, but people whom hadn't been over for a while, including former staff whom had moved on. "Black, I missed you." But they still took things with a little humor, "Aim better next time." Moria the hostess called out, "TP your friends, your man, your girl, your eye candy, and anyone in between."

Amy told everyone, "We are having some dedications to the club and the family we have here tonight ... how I feel about what we build and have built - it's the journey where you meet all the people and help them on the way- that's what makes it special. ... The Queen has been a home to many of us for a long time and some of us for a short time but it's the YOU the people that make it special. ... TONIGHT IS FOR THE PEOPLE!!!!"

The normally 250 Linden prizes for best male and female were raised to 500L each. There was also a jar of candied gummi frogs for anyone to take one. Once in a while, fireworks were placed on the ground, to lauch and explode near the ceiling.

At 12 Noon came the second and final show, and Amy turned over the music to DJ Mac and hostess Aislinp for the "Best in Red" event. There were all kinds of outfits in theme for it. Mac wasn't showing any red at first, so someone joked that it was his underwear that was red. The playful banter continued, between two ladies, "pour some sugar on me." "If you pour sugar on your underwear dear it will not be nice at all, though it will be sweet." "Sugar on underwear....yikes."

Eventually, Mac closed things off with the Club's adopted tune, the last song for an official event here.


Miiiiidnight,
and I'm a-waitin' on the twelve o' five, 
hoping it'll take me,
just a little farther down the line.

And moonliiiiight,
you're just a heartache in disguise,
won't you keep my heart from breaking,
if it's only for a very short time.

Playin' with the Queen of Hearts,
knowin' it ain't really smart,
the joker ain't the only foo-ol,
who'll do anything for you.


"Thank you Mac for a wonderful send off!" Amy told the DJ, then she turned to the crowd, to both the staff and the regulars, "Keep your eyes peeled for notices and IMs. Just give me a couple of days to sort things! We have the staff meeting on Sunday and maybe there will be news then. On Monday we will go to my sim Condunrum as a temporary home."

"Thank you everyone. Look after yourselves and I'll let you all know soon what's happening."

And so ended the last event at the Queen of Hearts riverboat club. As of the day I was writing this, the club was still around, just with no one aboard. It has seen much over the past several years from live music events by a number of singers to costume balls, and of course the scene of romance as couples came for parties both while dating and committed. Then there was the "masked lover" whom for months pursued the object of his affection while still keeping his identity hidden.

The Mystery sim remains up, for now, and there is much to see across the place from the "Alice in Wonderland" exhibit, to the train ride, to the little village tucked away in the valley. But eventually it will fade away into the virtual nether, leaving nothing behind but memories.

For now Amy's sim of Condunrum will take over as the new home for the Queen of Hearts staff and fan group, the Cape Hope club at Conundrum (213, 10, 22),  But for the fans, there's only one true "Queen of Hearts," and she will be missed.

Bixyl Shuftan

Various SL10B Places

With the SL10B, there are a few hundred exhibits to see. That's quite a lot. There was no way I was going to see them all within a few days, so here's what I've seen so far.

The Relay For Life in Second Life exhibit, at SL10 Dazzle (153, 247, 22)

"The Behemoth," Created by Loki Eliot. This exhibit has gotten a bit of attention, including appearing in a machinima. It's been described as a metaphor for Second Life, and perhaps the Internet. It's advised you get the HUD at the bottom before climbing up. You get a few freebies along the way, including some avatars.

SL10B Wonderous ( 132, 48, 23)

And next door was the Team Firestorm plot, with it's Phoenix build.

The Astor Castle Hunt, with 14 freebies hidden in various objects around the place. This includes a copy of the castle according to the notecard, but I never could find that. It's located in SL10B Mesmerize (104, 83, 24)

The "Dogs on the Run" exhibit about air combat, with a Me262 jet from New Bastogne's JG52. SL10B Dazzle (122, 152, 21)

The Acorm2Oak PTSD Community, representing the Fearless Nation support group. On Thursday June 20th, they hold an event.  At SL10B Dazzle (175, 155, 21)

Mac Kanashimi 3D Mazes & Labyrinths, SL10B Dazzle (215, 175, 21)

Madpea Productions hat stack exhibit, at SL10B Dazzle (222, 112, 22)

Bear Island, where one can find copies of various Linden bears of the past, from the days whenever you met a Linden you could ask for a teddy bear. There are also the SLB bears, and one can find a build of the former Blue Linden, popular among many residents until he was booted in the great purge in 2010.

SL10B Bear Island (166, 166, 24)

These of course are just a few of the many sims. Come by to look at these, and more.

Bixyl Shuftan