The Buddha Garden

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

August is often considered the vacation month in real-life and Second Life. I seems to be quieter than most of the other months in general. After being so busy in July, not only in real-life but also SL with the SL21B events and then the Burn2 summer Whimsy I needed some quiet time. Time to regroup and contemplate. The Buddha Garden seemed just the ticket.  It is a beautiful region filled with sites to relax, consider the flora and fauna. Around each corner there is something that urges one to stop and think.

As soon as I landed at the entrance I found a lovely little building with a Buddha sitting and he offered these words “Buddha Garden: Your daily pearl of wisdom, take it and make it yours: 'Letting go is always the lesson. Have you ever noticed how much of our agony is all tied up with craving and loss?'” My first contemplation looking out the door at the vast ocean beyond.

I began walking along the beach to see if it went all the way around the island. I came upon a statue of the Buddha rising out of the water. Water signifies calmness, clarity and purity so it made sense. Off in the distance I saw two houses so I went to visit. Each contained a relaxing place .

When I looked up I saw that there were numerous Buddha’s protecting the island. Off in the distance was another island with volcanoes rising, one active and one dormant and I think the Buddha’s were watching these also. I passed waterfalls and beautiful pools with Buddhas and seating for meditation at each. Out on a tiny island I found a buddha that gave me more advice . “Buddha words. RARE: As an elephant in the battlefield withstands arrows shot from bows all around, even so shall I endure abuse.”

Well, I am not sure about that.

I found a house serving food and sat to eat . Even at such a place there is the water everywhere around that is soothing. I had to giggle at what looked like an old television that had been changed into a planter. Many books sat nearby. I learned that each Buddha statue has its own meaning and I will have to take time to learn about each with some research. I find Buddhism so interesting in its words that apply to life no matter what your other philosophies or beliefs.

Several of the beautiful temples high up on the mountain have extraordinary statues and vistas.At one I stopped to do tai chi . There are so many places more to explore here and I will return to look for more. Take time for a trip there. You will not be disappointed. Also look for another little island with a small gallery, Khin Tower Art Gallery. Visitors are invited to contact Gian if they are interested in exhibiting there, at no cost.  

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ahimsa/57/85/24

Gemma Cleanslate

 

Frog Museum And Burn 2's Whimsy

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

Out on the road Circuit La Corse there is a new museum. I have been to so many museums in sl. There are art museums, sculpture museums, Bear museums, Butterflies and more but now there is a Frog Museum. It formally opened on July 17th. Frogtacular Museum is the name and they have Ribbit Readings.That is also the name of the group if you would like to join and get notified of that readings and other activities.

I walked in greeted by the notice in chat “Welcome to the Magical Bog home to Ribbit Readings & The Frogtacular Museum! Feel free to Hop around and explore. Our Story Schedule is located in the main building. Please keep it PG-13.“

ЯedѠƦαէɧ Қαяu (RedWrath Resident) must love frogs and has created this quite little froggy paradise . There are also loads of mushrooms around for them to hide under . It is a good place to stop and have a picnic if you are traveling the road. She also says, “Do you like frogs? Yeah? So do I! Visit one of the largest frog collections in SL! Is there a froggy item I am missing? Care to donate or share, contact me. “ Drop by and rest a while.

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Delizmo/63/247/53

Burn2 is celebrating the summer burn ,Conception. It is called Whimsy and will be whimsical in builds. I stopped over to take  a look and check that all is in place. Artists are still putting up their installations . Deep Hole is ready and the saloon is open.

I ran into Maia Antarra (Psiberangel Resident) at the gift table . She admired my horse so I showed her where she could rezz a horse for riding on the playa. She was worried it would not fit but it did! 

 

Anyone visiting can rezz  their own horse and choose which one to ride .

There is a sign in front of the Ranger station advertising the fact that we are looking for more Rangers to join us in being helpers to all who visit the playa . Read about Rangers and contact Leondra Larson if you are interested. It is a great experience and the training is the same that the Black Rock Rangers go through  for Burning Man, adjusted to second life of course.

Rather join the Art car riders? There is a rezz area right inside the gate where one can rezz an art car of their choice and buzz around the playa. The opening will be at 5pm Friday and there will be a Lamplighters walk and parties at the main stage . See you there !  

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Burning%20Man-%20Deep%20Hole/128/128/2 

Gemma Cleanslate

WonderlandZ

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

Sorry , I have been AOL(away on leave), sort of. I moved in real-life and had no internet most of the time. And the internet I could connect to was spotty. I even missed my duties as Greeter at the SL21B most of the time. Now I am back and ready to explore!

My friend RainDaze along with her partner Sanka (JaylenGA Resident) have created a magnificent region filled with memories from childhood with all the creatures of fables and fairytales we have stored away in our minds.

It is called WonderlandZ and is on the Shine of Love. That is an appropriate name for the wonder you will experience.

When I landed I was met by Tweedledee and Tweedledum standing by a tall house and Mockturtle peering out the window. In the distance I saw Alice talking with a Caterpillar. The Cheshire cat watched from above. To my surprise right next door I spotted a tree house that turned out to be Barbie’s home! I wondered where she lived. And near the beach was the Heart’s Queen and of course the white rabbit.

The entrance area offers a notecard of information and a teleport door to get you to so many interesting places if you choose. I enjoyed walking the paths and seeing the foliage along the way and the mushrooms that bow and smile.. There is a tall gate that says “Follow the White Rabbit” guarded by two Card Soldiers and so I did.

It was fun to come upon places I recognized as favorite memories, Cinderella’s home was the first stop. Her coach was there along with one slipper lying on the floor. Following that stop I walked on to the Fun House and entered a whole area of fun and games. Have fun in there ! Try that bouncy house.

Nearby is an Art Gallery that I would say is a work in progress since Raini will be adding photos taken by visitors and more. I believe it is called the Lunatic Asylum .There are three floors of art pieces room for more. and also... Wellness? You decide.

I passed a funeral pyre with a closed casket and after peeking inside I think the Prince did not get here in time. The three little pigs also have a really damaged home. There is so much more to see. I want you all to go find all the little nooks with surprises and other buildings and explore. See some pictures below and have a wonderful time!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Shine%20of%20Love/28/43/22

Gemma Cleanslate

 

 

Places

A Few SL21B Exhibits

 

 By Bixyl Shuftan

The Second Life Birthday, the SL21B is underway. The "Meet the Lindens" events are over, but there's still the music at the theaters. And there are course the numerous exhibts. Yours truly has been busy, but did manage to get the time to see a few of the many there. 

Antiquity Estate at SLB Glamorous (187/135/22)

At SLB Glamorous (187/86/22), this exhibit looked interactive. Maybe later I can see what's inside.

I came across this hospital.

 

 

 It was a Brazilian children's clinic.

 

 

I took a look inside this colorful building at SLB Fabulous (62/193/22).

From inside, it looked trippy

The colors kept changing.

SLB Marvelous (96/161/22)

That's all the exhibits we have time for right now. Hopefully we'll have more soon.

Bixyl Shuftan

Places

Memories of Dreams, Morrigans Roadhouse, And Kim's Legacy

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

A friend recommended a region to visit on Hawksong and I had it on my list. Finally I made time and what a beautiful installation! Memories of Dreams is the name and I was entranced as soon as I entered. The buildings on the region are in the Japanese style and surrounded with lovely cherry trees all in bloom and enhanced by the nearby brilliant red Japanese Maples. Poi swim in a pool nearby.

Visitors arrive at a lovely Pagoda displaying Japanese art on the wall and sculpt pieces. I walked to explore the island. Below the pagoda I spied Orcas swimming near the beach .

One breached while I watched. It is a beautiful place to sit and look out at the ocean using the windlight.

Yxes (Yxes Evergreen) is the creator. It looks like she is am artist who cannot stop building. I met her and we sat to have tea in one of the pavilions that is across a bridge from an island. She told me she has two others builds so I went to see them. Here is the entrance to Dreams. Explore and enjoy! 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Hawksong/199/54/33

 

Well, as I landed I would say this is so different in concept from Dreams. It is called Morrigans Roadhouse. There were crows circling above as I arrived.. Walking through the large roadhouse I found more references to crows. First I was thinking it was a reference to The Raven by Poe but as I wandered the property I found several buildings that made me think,” Who is Morrigan?”

 

 Ahha! I found that she was a Celtic Goddess…..”What is Morrigan the goddess of? The Morrígan is the Celtic goddess of war with her ability to stir chaos and confusion on the battlefield.

In addition to her association with war and death, Morrígan is also connected to fertility, childbirth, and motherhood. “. One of the ruins is all about her .

 

Be sure to take a walk though the area to see the distinctive foliage. And, below the roadhouse find the cave and wander there too.

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tethea/205/96/83

That was not all. Yxes has another build to visit. “A picturesque coastal villa with an art gallery, and wine tasting room. Relax and enjoy! Dock you boat at the pier and wander through the fields of lavender... Located on the Mare Secundus, with access to the 7 seas..” It is called Kim’s Legacy.

This is a relaxing place . I visited several times to walk around and sit in the wine bar. Finally I succumbed and relaxed in the pool I found outside down the hill. Another lovely build by Yxes. This is a talented builder who loves to make new places. I wonder what is next.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Brazos/200/151/32

Gamma Cleanslate