Ms. Orchide Delmar's Love and Harmony Jazz Club

 
by Dancerina Starlight

Ms. Orchide Delmar is no stranger to hard work and success in Second Life. She has spent many years in-world using her management and corporate skills to assist others build their dreams of popular and successful venues. After many years of managing one of SL's jazz giant clubs, she decided to put her business plan in action and founded her very own,  Love and Harmony (L&H) Jazz Club.

Her goal was to create an environment so residents in Second Life could frequent and feel comfortable whereby when they enter the venue their adoration for it captivates their attention. The name of the venue emulates her passion for people who are touched every day, one DJ and entertainer at a time.  Ms. Delmar wants L&H to be a place where people can come and cherish without fail.

Nestled in the oceanic region of Seaworld, Love and Harmony comprises sunsets, white sandy beaches, ocean splashing over the reef, warm tropical breezes, and very exquisite food.  It is surrounded by a lovely garden, magical waterfall, and dining to complement each couple's special relationship. Other niceties include romantic dinner, rezz day, proposals, anniversaries, birthdays and special events.  There are  Love and Harmony Jazz dance ballroom couples or singles.  Guests can meet new friends, run into old friends, and enjoy castle elegance shops.

Love and Harmony is Second Life's champion for fine dining, weddings, dancing, and entertaining. It is an exquisite venue, with elegant decorum for each guest's comfort and pride.  Guest, JedBenz Resident stated, "I am pleased with the venue." "It's a place where people can  come to enjoy the company of their love and heart." Overall,  Love and Harmony is designed with each guest in mind. Ms. Delmar, states that "Love and Harmony is romantic, genteel, classy, and elegant." "The right place for our guests."  Love and Harmony is a great place to call home; a place to remain on your calendar any day of the week.

Guests often take tours and admire the intricate details of the ballroom; from the entrance to upstairs.  The restaurant and Paris. Each area exudes its own captivating beauty.  The shops, located beside the ballroom, are adorned with some of your favorite formal gowns and tuxedos.  Dinners by the waterfalls or in the gazebo surrounded by a gorgeous garden enriched with sweet smelling flowers, golden green vines.

Ms. Delmar states, "We take pride in keeping our guests informed regarding our daily operations, special events, and tributes.  This is done through our exclusive VIP club. Guests are invited to join the venue's VIP club."  Like many social clubs in Second Life, L&H has built a network of guests who frequent its venue, making it competitive with high traffic venues.

Every wedding at Love and Harmony  receives L&H's signature grand attention to detail, no matter how large or small.  The venue caters to a variety of wedding styles, formal, church, garden, barn, and beach. Adding to its flexibility, L&H is in touch with what's trending and has made space to meet the needs of every couple who seeks to unite in class and elegance.  This unique venue offers exclusive engagement, bridal showers and wedding packages. , cater dinner elopement , wedding photographer.  Dj's , Officiant. Our experienced staff will provide extraordinary warmth, hospitality and service extended to all your guests.

The ballroom is one the most beautiful venues in Second Life! Spacious restaurants, weddings, low lag,  romantic, formal, special events, and tributes. It is the focal point of meet-ups and great conversations! With its love and harmony, has the venue drawn them. There is no wonder why so many residents are whispering the awe of such a marvelous venue.

Dancerina Starlight

The Garden of Absentia To Close

By Bixyl Shuftan

I recently found out through Annie Oh (AnnieBrightstar Resident) about a well-designed sim, the Garden of Absentia. Owned by Filo Tani and built by he and Sage (Sage Allegiere), the place is expertly done, with it's buildings and trees. You can also light a candle in honor of someone, which many have done here.

Unfortunately, the place won't be on for much longer. Annie told me the owners of the place had recently announced the location will soon be closing down. And getting to the place, inside the entry location, I found a sign explaining.

Dear GOA Friends & Guests, We regret to inform you that after 10 years, changing circumstances in life make it necessary to close The Garden of Absentia & Memorial on 08/01/2018. It is our goal to reopen as circumstances allow. However, a time frame is not clear to us at this time. Thank you to all that have made this journey so far a spectacular experience! We wish you all the best! Filo and Sage."

I happened to run into Annie while she was still around.

The central island had a number of candles lit by previous visitors. Many were lit in honor of those who did not survive their battle with cancer.

A bridge connected the central island to the surrounding land.

 The path led to a small ranch area.

Fire up the grill.

A trail led through a small forest.

And it led to a windmill.

 There were a few pet kittycats inside the windmill.

These had been around for a few years.

As I looked around, people continued to visit and drop by.

The Garden of Absentia is at Garden of Absentia (135/155/22). More pictures can be seen at Filo and Sage's Flickr accounts.

Bixyl Shuftan

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

Alvastra Monastery

One of the newest, real life places to be reproduced in SL is the Alvastra Monastery, located at Omberg/Alvastra Monestary, Gigli Aragami (99, 139, 22). One of the things I like best about SL is that it allows me to see places that I wouldn’t otherwise get to see, like this historic Swedish treasure.

SL resident Ewa Aska lives near the RL Alvastra Monastery, and she has done an outstanding job of replicating it in SL. This lovely, tranquil spot is a tribute to the RL restored Alvastra Monastery, located in Alvastra, Ödeshög Municipality, in eastern Sweden.

The original Monastery was founded in 1143 A.D. by French monks of the Cistercian order. They came from Clairvaux, France, to the province of Östergötland, Sweden. At its peak, Alvastra was the largest monastery in Sweden. It thrived for almost 400 years, but it was demolished during the Lutheran Reformation in the 1530’s. The Monastery in RL has been restored and is open to the public.

When you arrive at SL Alvastra, look to the right to see the replica of the ruins. At the landing spot there are signs where you can join the Group or donate to its upkeep. On my most recent visit a stage was set up there in preparation for a party.

But once you walk through the stone arches, you’ll find the Monastery is filled with lovely flowers, such as Black-eyed Susan’s, Foxglove, and wild garlic. You can relax with sound of a nearby waterfall and singing birds. The arches and columns create small rooms that are fun to wander through. Off to one side you will find the monks’ garden. In another small alcove there’s a quiet spot where you can kneel to meditate or pray. Here and there you’ll find a bench or a table and chairs. Bring a book and a glass of wine. There are some perfect spots to relax or just soak up some Swedish history.

Outside the ruin, past the landing area, a stone path leads up the mountain and opens into a beautiful meadow. Ewa had done a wonderful job of showcasing Sweden’s natural beauty here. Keep climbing to reach the top, but remember to bring an umbrella and wear a jacket. It’s still cold in Sweden at this time of year.

Grey Lupindo