Saturday, December 29, 2007

Civilization

It should come to no surprise that I was going to do a blog on this subject. But what I would enjoy knowing is if you feel this way yourselves or do you just think this is a game and you are waiting to arrive at 'Colonel Mustard in the skybox with a particle knife"?

Civilization -
A stage of development in human society that is socially, politically, culturally and technologically advanced.

Do we meet this criteria. Well, to me, we satisfy the whole definition. Oh, you say, you don't think we meet it politically. Well, I say we live within a benevolent dictatorship (except for all the screw ups) of Linden Labs and his royal highness King Philip.

Because we are such, it raises many questions for me.

What are the two major risks to our civilization.

1. To me extinction is a possibility. We do not control the possibility of an economic crisis which would make our leaders digitally annihilate all of us. Oh please, you all know this is possible. Hopefully not probable. Civilizations have ended. They have been lost through assimilation or genocide. Turning off the severs (for any reason: economic or otherwise) would be genocide. Assimilation doesn't sound very threatening unless we mean assimilating Firstlife into SecondLife and then that is their problem not ours.

2. Outside influences being so overwhelming as to change the nature of our civilization by their standards so as to in all purposes reduce us to a society we don't want to live in. This has been done to many civilizations. Of course the American Indian comes to mind. And what do I mean by this. The Casinos of SL are gone. Is it good or bad? Not important.....they ended because of another civilization making us assume their laws and ethics. (which as an aside I question deeply. i.e. In their world a 19 year boy old having sex with a 15 year old girl (if her parents press charges) becomes labeled for life a 'sexual predator'. But a 65 year old man having sex with an 18 year old girl is label 'virile.' As for their ethics, I don't have the time nor inclination to write such a commentary. But we all know it is lacking.
So now, a stupid group of leaders, mainly from California of all places wants to ban sexual activity in Secondlife. I think we should ban those leaders from such and also procreation since it is obvious they are genetically inferior and perhaps are actually the cancerous cells of society. In firstlife there are 'parental controls' what we need are 'stupidity controls.'

Do you see other risks? What solutions would you suggest? (I would direct you to read Thomas Paine www.ushistory.org/paine/rights/c2-01.htm

A few excerpts of note

"
government is no farther necessary than to supply the few cases to which society and civilisation are not conveniently competent; and instances are not wanting to show, that everything which government can usefully add thereto, has been performed by the common consent of society, without government."

"The more perfect civilisation is, the less occasion has it for government, because the more does it regulate its own affairs, and govern itself; but so contrary is the practice of old governments to the reason of the case, that the expenses of them increase in the proportion they ought to diminish."

With my deep love of all of you I now take my leave to return to our world.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Christmas Eve - Christmas Day

Last night over a dozen of us spent Christmas eve in world. We wore jammy's and some wrapped presents in firstlife for their families. Also we played Truth or Dare.

Truth or Dare - the question which was answered the best was, "Describe a romantic fantasy you have?" This question elicited a twenty minute reply. It was extremely erotic but not....NOT....pornographic. Unbelievably described in detail. Everyone hung on each paragraph.

MissVelvet panted away as the story unfolded. Rekka was the author and she can type with heat. Whirligig sat silently (and we found out she was afk). Fortunately Inga had left just before this story and Derek hadn't come until after. ToryLynn looked like she was sweating. Callie did not have voice on......hmmmm....we wondered why? Liqueur simply sat clutching her Teddy bear and changed her outfit.

During the evening many people came and went including Logan, Sabine, Val, Lily, Allie, Lorena and a few I can't remember (sorry girls). Fortunately, Rekka left her mic on as she wrapped presents so the background had the joy of crinkling christmas paper being folded with wonderful Christmas music streaming in as we used Voice and text so all had fun.

So, now it's Christmas morning and the other day I was asked, "What do I think about the future of SL?" At first I answered I was worried from an economic viewpoint since without growth I wasn't sure what would happen. Over the past year several factors contributed to growth leveling off by September. (the end of casinos and age identification were the two most important factors).

But, after awhile, something else occurred to me. WE.....in SL.....are now a new civilization. This is the new world with us as pioneers. Oh, there were chat rooms before and some of us were aware of this. There is MySpace, Facebook, many of us communicate by blog. But, SL is completely different. It takes time, desire and commitment to make the journey from FirstLife to SecondLife. You must cross a sea of technological discovery which can take as much time to perfect as the trip to the New World of the 15th century.

So, as a new civilization, I would like to know what you think. Do you agree? How do we protect ourselves? Last, I would love to hear your own thoughts on this. Comments will be most appreciated.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Towards The End of Another Year

Those of you who know me have learned I live in a positive concept of the motion of our lives. This is not to say there aren't horrible negatives shooting through our minds and bodies along the way. However, complaining about the weather does not get me talking in agreement. Instead I will mention, 'the weather is not at fault but how you are dressed.'

So, today I would like to give to all of you these words from a Christmas Carol, "O, tidings of Comfort and Joy,'

For those of you at this time of Winter Solstice (and let us not forget this season has been celebrated since before Christ. Also, the Church did not celebrate the birth of Christ until over a 1,000 years after his time on earth. And there is much to that story too).

I have gone for a moment to Winter Solstice so that we may all share in those words above and not feel that only Christians are entitled to 'comfort and joy'. We, those who dwell on this earth are all related and one. Yet separated so we could all learn how to cook chicken differently. Thus keeping our lives from boredom.

Whether you are young or old. Man or Woman. Physically impaired. Mentally impaired. Caught in a physical world with a mind disconnected from the body you have. Wherever you live and whomever you are, I can only humbly hope your shelter is comfortable. I can only yearn your table has sustenance. And, I wish your clothes are appropriate for where you live.

Whether we have met or not I care about you. Oh, beware, when around me I poke fun at everyone and everything. Regardless, I take great comfort in SecondLife. And so many of you have brought me the joy of wanting 'you all' to be there when I find myself in eternity.

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.

See you all around soon. Don't forget I'm an attachment just like your Xcite products or your prim necklace.


Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Quick Item

Look....I know this is sort of ego bs. but at the same time it feels pretty nice and also is good publicity. I knew it was coming....but here it is. A book on SL with me interviewed (page 98) this is only the table of contents.
www.informit.com/store/product.aspx?isbn=0789737302&rl=1
Take a look at the Table of Contents...you will see many of our favorite places Including Greenies, Straylight etc.
This book can also be ordered on Amazon.com
www.amazon.com/Second-World-Travel-Guide-World/dp/0789737302/ref=sr_1_1/002-3523426-5252825?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1198091165&sr=1-1

Monday, December 17, 2007

Time To Think

Maybe you haven't really thought about it. Perhaps you don't celebrate the holidays of December. But generally, throughout the world, December is a month of either Festivity or religious intensity and perhaps it is both for many people.

So, remember to be more sensitive now to your friends. You may not know their non SL circumstances and how this time of the year is emotionally for them. Try to remember the pleasures you have brought each other and avoid the confrontations with others.

Smile, broadly. Love, sincerely. If you believe in giving gifts do so. Plenty of interesting shopping in SL. But if you give do not expect in return. If you receive, it is not expected you need to find something to be even. The joy here is not equalization of materialism but the expression of the love for one another.

There are so many commitments and struggles at this time in FirstLife let us all be joyous to our friends in SecondLife and considerate of those we don't know but who cross our path.

Ok.............so you think I'm being to 'goody-two-shoes'. So what. It's better than 'bah humbug'. I will write another blog about this time of year and the New Year ahead. But today, this is just a reminder. We all need the love of others. We all desire the respect of others. We all deserve more then we have ever asked for. We are all more important then we have ever thought.

My love to all of you. May these next two weeks be filled with more joy then sorrow. All love and no hate. Opportunities for the future and not reflections of our past mistakes.

To any I have hurt in any way in the past, I ask your forgiveness and the kindness of your friendship as we go forward.

Friday, December 14, 2007

I've been Tagged

I've been tagged by Jazz Calhern and now must post eight things about myself on my blog.

1. I really do have a cute ass
even though it's been with me a long time
2. I love giving and need to learn how to receive
this is a real problem I'm trying to overcome
3. I probably need voice modulation lessons
joking of course
4. I sing mumbling while I drive which was a major reason behind my divorce
actually I'm not sure if I can shut up
5. I am not a size double zero
I'm more 007
6. I love to cook
And the company of others enjoying the meal
7. I do not like to clean or do laundry
So I don't
8. I am not a natural blond
I am not gray either

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Beneath the Covers - Part 2

Showtime - Ok, here is when my mouth goes dry. On my right side I have a small table with a glass of water, a towel and whatever else I deem necessary. I never drink alcohol before a show (but I will after sometimes). On the left of my computer is a stand to hold the typed out and folder bound improv jokes. There is also a tensor lamp hanging over the stand and is lighting the open folder.

Yes....sip of water.... sheet of paper with things to remember. Did I put the free t-shirt taker out? The tip jar? Do I have to remind the audience to turn on their mics and talk. Those with open mics keep off. Remember to tell the audience to tip the venue. Remember to ask the audience to join Lauren Live group. Remember to turn off AO after walking out and then turn on talk animation (I nearly always forget this). My name is being announced now. I turn my mic on.

Showtime - Well here is where you make it or not. this is so different then music. Music you play a song from beginning to end (sing if that is also). Audience is quiet and then applauds at the end. Comedy, you need to know when the audience is laughing so you punctuate that moment. You need to stay engaged with those who are talking to you, those who are typing in chat, those who are listening. You are live, no way to say thank you for tips as you tell jokes. Are they jokes? The audience likes you, you begin to ease into the show. It becomes friends together. Fun. Friends laughing. Joy. A smile crosses my face and I never want to let go.


Monday, December 10, 2007

The Meaning of Life

My friend Whirligig directed me to this blog today. I can only hope you have the time to read it http://canisitwithyou.blogspot.com/

I have another wonderful blog to share with by my friend Eshi http://eshiotawara.wordpress.com/2007/12/07/mr-ps-universe/

With the joy of sharing and kindness may both these blogs bring you enlightenment.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Beneath the Covers - Part One

What is it like to put together a comedy show and then perform in Secondlife?

Fun - gathering comedy within SecondLife is a joy. Whether someone is recounting an experience or I am just sim surfing. I may see something off beat and jot it down. Perhaps later, while out in first life, it will rearrange itself in my mind and I will again try to put a few key thoughts on paper. Scraps of paper pile up over the week by my computer in disarray. If a story is being told I will listen and scratch notes and at the end make a decision whether this would be funny.

Work - between shows I begin to pull of this together into what is usually around 7 pages of key words, ideas and eventually try to put them in a order for the show (often during the show I will ignore this order and skip around) This is printed out several times before a show finally has the right stuff.

Organization- Once these 7 pages are together and numbered I put them in a folder that has transparent sleeves. I learned this from ActUp. I have a tensor lamp and a stand to hold the folder for ease during the show. A day before the show I test the show by using the pages and my voice to present out loud what I think the show will be like. Most times I find I've created tongue twisters and other elements that need to be changed. So a final draft of the show is printed and inserted in the slots. (and this final draft has been changed as I get closer to showtime)

Preparation - I log on (if I can) 3 hours before showtime (since SL time is 3 hours earlier then my time but presenters have used my time instead and fortunately I've been there able to do a show). Because this has happened I generally change to my stage outfit between the night before and the 3 hours before. This getting dressed can take up to a half hour or more as i contemplate what to wear....the venue (btw I visit the venue several times between booking and the show so i am familiar with the Stage, test if I create a stage landmark will it let me land on stage or at a preset entry point). I will test the seats, stand on stage and see what view I may have. Find out where I can be while waiting to perform.

(to be continued)


Wednesday, December 5, 2007

The Vagina Monologues

Last night was an eye opener. I went to one of the early stages of SL producing "The Vagina Monologues" bye Eve Ensler. As a woman in SL I have traveled in many places and under unique circumstances.


Now don't start laughing but I did read various parts of the play with several other women last night. Oh no, don't worry, no one is going to want me to have one of the parts. I'm more comedian then actress.

But, I had never seen the play nor read it either. I'm not even aware how controversial this play must have been. For this to be on Broadway and to be profitable. For it to be played in many locales throughout the United States must also have been protested.

Incredibly it has played in 76 countries around the world and on every continent. In many of these countries the role of woman is undermined, ridiculed, restricted and violated both mentally and physically by both law and tradition.

Anyhow, there is an open casting call going out on this play. I suggest you contact either ToryLynn Writer or Ina Centaur. Go to the sim SLiterary and I am sure you can find information there. The casting call will start after the New Year.

Also, this play producted another spin-off http://www.vday.org/main.html that should be of concern to anyone who loves a woman. That means you men too.

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Weighing the Holidays

The holidays (hmmm why is this an exception and not holidaies---brain stop) are already pushing the pounds on me. Another month and I'll baloon into a size 14.

Is it the Bailey's? The chocolates? The cakes? Could it be all of this and also all the rest of the stuff that my mouth craves as I go from one party to another?

I'm still doing Pilates three days a week. Parking my car at the far end of the lot. Thinking my tummy smaller. Shouldn't that be enough

Apparently NOT............anyone else fighting the holiday weigh in?

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Male, Female and other Alien Thoughts

So many of my girlfriends find themselves wanting to be in love and then hating the results. Why is this? Why do they make the same mistake?

The Male desired. Girlfriends, you all want a man with balls but you don't want the brains that come with them. The man you choose is the kind of man who comes with concept of being UNCONTROLLABLY CONTROLLED. What does this mean? Look, in so many everyday areas a man is uncontrolled in contrast to women. Look how they dress. How they groom. The sheets on their beds. But look closer and you will often see the markings of 'anal retentative' behavior which we define as 'boring'.. Move his (yes his) remote and this will start his engine. Try to put something personal in his car. Go use one of his tools. However they want to control the environment around them including their woman. They do this by manuvering us into being chattel rather then partners. And we often feel bullied (and truth.....we do plenty of our own bullying and our tears are weapons as far as a man is concerned) which we react negatively too. Our reaction is natural for us but seem unnatural for him.

Us, the Female. We live an CONTROLLABLY UNCONTROLLEDlife. Counterpoint to man. We spend hours finding outfits that are expressive of our moment. Of course, shoes to match. Grooming duties that are forever time consuming. Floral arrangements. We are uncontrollably rearranging everything we control all the time. Never sure our path taken was the best one so we think, "should we try something different?" Let's go to the 'biker club' and see what is happening there. As much as wanting to be the submissive bedroom slut, when we are outside the bedroom we do not want to be controlled. We want safety and comfort and we trade nuturing and tears for that. But, we don't want to be controlled otherwise. We wish unpredictable lives within the confines of the safety and comfort net we created.

So, how do we resolve all this. That will be the subject of another blog.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Where Did They Go?

At this time of the year in both FirstLife and SecondLife I begin to think of those people I haven't talked with or seen for the past year. This will culminate by New Years in FirstLife because I start calling them to wish Happy Thanksgiving and all the holidays and holy days till finally Happy New Year.

Some of the FirstLifers disappear and then reappear a few years later. Some I hear about through mutual friends and in someway we still are connected. It ain't purrfect but it has connectivity.

Here in SecondLife friends leave and you never hear from them again. Gone................gone where? Into Firstlife some. A new av for others but gone.

I would like my friendships in SecondLife to claim some permanency. Like FirstLife I don't mind some falling through the cracks of time and space but here I lose too many. I don't know if their horrid marriage in FirstLife was finally resolved. Did their sick child get better.

Oh, yes we do talk deeply about our first lives. Many times more in depth then we would with those friends in FirstLife and then some of my friends just disappear.

So, if you are one of my friends not spoken to in a long time and you have somehow meandered your way to this blog just know I do think about you. I wish you well. And from here to New Year's I will reminisce. Look at my photo album and smile about our times together.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

A Time for Thanks

This American holiday tradition is celebrated in other countries in some similarity such as OctoberFest. And although many people declaim a fondness for this holiday, I find it a particular joy.

A touch of background. The first Thanksgiving in the United States was celebrated together in 1621 by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag as thanks for the first successful harvest. Removing the religious surroundings of this first Thanksgiving day we are left with a diverse group sitting together in thanks.

The only gift of Thanksgiving was of companionship, survivability and thankfulness for the bounty of the harvest.

Those of you who will celebrate this in the USA and for those of you who do not celebrate this but whom I know elsewhere. Slovenia, Slovakia, England, New Zealand, Canada, Brazil, Japan, Australia, Germany, Russia, Denmark, India, South Africa, Italy, Spain, France, Brussels, Ireland, Venezula, Carribean, Scotland, Netherlands, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Bulgaria and others I can't remember (these were intentionally not put in a particular order) I wish you to know this:

ON THIS DAY, THURSDAY NOVEMBER 22, 2007 I WILL RAISE MY GLASS AND TOAST ALL OF YOU FOR WHAT YOU HAVE GIVEN ME. I WILL TOAST OUR FRIENDSHIP. I WILL TOAST OUR SURVIVABILITY AND I WILL TOAST THE THANKFULNESS OF THE BOUNTY OF JOY, LAUGHTER AND HAPPINESS WE SHARE TOGETHER.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Inside Out

Compairing life in two worlds.

OUTSIDE: There are the cheerful voices of the children enjoying the mall. Their eyes wide open and their fingers in search of touching everything. From the Piano that says, "Do Not Touch" (to which their parents point the sign out to the 3 year old) to putting their fingers in their mouth and tasting whatever they have touched as if screening for a part in Law and Order.

INSIDE: I'm able to buy 5 dresses, 3 pair of shoes, a sofa, motorcycle and manage to carry the all of it home without any help at all.

OUTSIDE: Lovely foods to choose. Take home and bake the sweet smell of a pumpkin pie. Turkey and gravy. Fresh flowers perfuming the air with their sweet scent of the country. Aromas of memories fill the air.

INSIDE: Friends dancing and talking about the most intimate details of who we are and what we wish. The joys we've had and the sorrows never told. Truth without fear.

OUTSIDE: The sadness of our troops engaged away from their homes this holiday time. Mothers and fathers not home to hear and see their children's giggle and gobble Thanksgiving away.

INSIDE: A feeling of oneness with all the world. Borders, countries disintegrate. Physical beauty and gender take a backseat to intelligence and wit.

OUTSIDE: The trees a multitude of autumn colors that neither Heart nor Botanical gardens can completely digitize.

INSIDE: My home of who I am for eternity

OUTSIDE: My home for the length of this physical reality

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Enough Should Be Enough

What is happening in FirstLife? I cannot understand how so many people have been convinced they never have enough. And, who is to blame............hmmmmm....let's see....all the political players first comment to their countryfellows is to say, "go out and shop."

9/11 came and what was our answer. Fly, take a vacation, buy yourself something you don't need. Oh, yes we are going to war but btw don't let that stop you from shopping. Fill your house with crap you don't use and when that house is full buy a bigger one and throw out what you have so you can have new crap you won't use.

So, if we all could look back at when we were intelligent (that's about when we were 14) and remember what we thought 'enough' may be; I think many of us would find out we won the game.

And what does this mean. Once you know you have enough you begin to think of others. You begin to realize how wonderful other people are in your everyday life. Example: I go to the supermarket and I reach the checkout line. Besides being polite and acknowledging to the checkout person. I usually ask the question, "do you know why we don't live 450 years". There is always a quizzical look. I then reply, "who could do this job for another 420 years". Always get a smile. Usually a laugh. A sense of comaraderie occurs and just like secondlife intelligence is shared.

So, do I have enough. Yes, because I don't need much. I've reduced the number of plates in my cupboard by a methodology called divorce. Everything I had is now somwhere between 10% to 50% of before. And guess what, i still have crap to get rid of.

As this year comes to a close, take stock of what you have, what you want and what could be enough. One thing I never seem to have enough of is the friendship and laughter of you who are reading this and those friends who would think that I, Lauren, am definitely enough.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Pursuit of Happiness

Let me first preface this with saying the idea of 'going with the flow' is ridiculous. Toilets flush, they go with the flow, forget it.

That said, I live in a world where trite negativety no longer exists. I live where I desire all to succeed. Where the weather is not a problem. (how you are dressed could effect the way you view the weather.) But the weather itself is wonderful. Rain, Sunshine, Cold, Hot. Yet so many people start with complaints

The matrix is not some digital ciphers making up a robotic versus human dilemma. It is not the 'force' in Star Wars. It is the ability to perceive, grasp and enjoy what our lives are about.

Certainly there are difficulties and negative situations. The inability to pay your bills. Provide food and shelter. These are serious detriments to the 'pursuit of happiness'

Can you imagine, the founders of this nation USA took the time and effort to insert the phrase, 'the pursuit of happiness'. And our pursuit should be diminished by no other. Remember your laughter is enoyed by many. Not all but many. And if those around you try to make you feel that 'your pursuit of happiness' is not worthwhile or attainable it is a problem they face not you.

As a woman of SecondLife I have found much joy. Friends of a quality I imagined and now are there. Of course I suffer ridicule by some. For many reasons including my feminiinity. But what's new with that.

Others fault me for being too happy. Laughing too much. But all of this is counterbalanced by all of you who read this and send me your love.

So, I will always be there for you. My soul and spirit embrace who you are. I am often amazed at your individual ability to find that place inside you of sharing, laughter and love.

Oh, and I will continue to search for the funny side of life (or is that the sunny side of life)

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Crisp and Clean

Good Morning from the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It's 75 degrees here and I wish all of you were staying in rooms next to me. If you were I would do a private dinner show.



Yes, imagine that............you are sitting, relaxing, just starting your appetizer and I come out into the room------------------and you become bulimic. A true weight loss program. Hahaha, wonder if the guys would still be trying to look up my skirt. (of course you would. If an elephant wore panties you'd try to see through them. It's an innate trait.)



I do understand the need for guys to see our tits. All of them. It's a forensic accounting issue. Since no two pair are the same they are simply trying to come up with an identification method such as fingerprinting.



It is so beautiful a morning here and I just thought of all of you. (well maybe not you if you are reading this and I don't know you). I wanted to leave you a tender kiss of a great morning. And wherever you are, no matter how difficult your day is, if you are feeling down or have the flu.



I'll make you chicken soup. Hug you always. Because life would be so much less without you all.



Please vote on Lauren doing a Live Earth Show for friends and family of SL and your favorite location to be nauseated at.



Tuesday, November 6, 2007

SL Divorce

So here is the quandry. Many of my friends partner/marry and then they get divorced/unpartner. Well, the weddings and parties we all get to attend but how does it all end. Who get's the prim and who gets the land?

So, I found a few SL marriage counselors. (next time i'll visit the lawyers in SL) The most prominant is Gabbie Gabe who has a nice office in SL and specializes in marital disharmony. On her wall is a degree announcing 600 hours of credentials signed by the President Sigmuend Freud.

Another was the SL Love Clinic. Apparently you hang a picture of you and your partner on a wall and some mystical force will strengthen your SL affair. BTW, this place is at a beach and there is a nice little sex toy shop nearby that is not associated with the Clinic but I assume is doing more business.

Oh, of course there is MyTherapyNet.com that purports they have over 1,000 licensed pyschologists and are only a web click away. (None were in SL).

Yes, there were two churchs with these services but I was afraid to enter due to a lack of conviction.

Last I went the Crisis Resolution. This particular company is also involved with sorting out business crisis as well. Unfortunately they are out of business.

I have made an appointment with Gabbie. I am curious whom should I look at as a potential partner and how do I gently say no. Hopefully my session will be in voice.

Friday, November 2, 2007

November

There are so many things that have happened to me. I wrote a blog about being griefed and deleted it. Why is unimportant but the incident changed so much of how I felt this week.

You know you can't keep a good woman down unless there's some sex involved. But this week was a lot about emotions. The griefer started my thoughts but then something else kicked in. A friend ridiculed me at that moment of near desperation.

Included in this was so many of my friends have partnered in SL or are together in FL. Yes, I felt that emptiness. And loneliness. A few friends listened to my blues and all supported me in different ways. I thought about leaving SL or perhaps creating a new alt. I actually went so far to have created one. Someone whom no one would know. Someone with no impressions of boot heels.

I know who I am in SecondLife offends some. And it's a path never taken by another yet. I don't do depression very well nor am I prone to wallow in it. But this week I decided was not depression it was simple loneliness.

This feeling was why the blues were written. This feeling was why so much has been produced around the world. There are so many women who have found themselves shuttered inside a cabin that was not even in their imagination when they were little girls.

At moments I was stronger and at others I sank back. Oh, I have not nearly been as injured as so many women have. But yet, within my own self, I was hurt. You all know I cannot be offended and I am not needy. However, I can hurt and I did this week.

Fear not, I am coming out of this and I will be stronger. There is much to me and I am more solid then the vapors that surrounded me with their intoxicating poison this week. I simply write this so you know we all find ourselves on an island. Alone. Lonely. And yet I found myself looking up and seeing the beautiful sky. The clouds, The Sun. And down to the water reaching out to the horizon.

So I stopped there and smiled. Realizing the beauty in which we live. The opportunity across the horizon and the love of those not with us as I sat and pondered.

I stood up and surveyed the beach, the birds, the palms and thought, "why am I so morose?" And then a smile creased my lips as I walked to the waters edge with this thought crossing my mind. "I need a new bikini." Love your all Lauren

Monday, October 29, 2007

What I Did This Weekend

What an amazing weekend. After about two months of rehearsals every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday (about 9 hours per week for me, more for others) the Halloween Spooktacular three short plays were performed live in SL Voice on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. BTW, just found out the show was broadcast live in Amsterdam http://hoeksteen.wordpress.com/2007/10/27/de-hoeksteen-broadway-live/#comment-42

But the most important reason I am writing about this is to urge each of you who have wanted to try something creative in Second Life, go for it. Find it. This production was by ActUp. There is poetry with Blue Angel. Literary events and plays with SLiterary and many other groups to join and be a part of.

Look I had simply wanted to be the costume assistant girl. But, my friend asked me to come to the audition and watch. That was all until they needed someone to help read a part. Then I get asked a few days later if I would be in the show. I don't even know why I said yes. Especially since I ended up with two of my three parts as male (and with male av, shape etc). It took two bubble baths, two shampoos, shaving my legs and doing my nails to get that old man HG Wells out of my hair and body. Also to wash out Frankenstein's father too.

But what fun. And what a way to meet new people. The talent was amazing at all levels. The actors were Allie, Blaze, Bianca, Callie, Elyse, Paggles, Thorsson, Upo et moi.Writers Kierkan, Maxie, Taiga. Directors included Elyse, Eva and Marin. Sets by Bianca and Erlich. Costumes by Elyse and not me ;( And our Stage manager GOD Ashran. And the show was produced by Marin and Preston.

Think about all of us and the audience needing their internet connections, computers, SecondLife functioning. Oh yes, there were snags. Eva had to substitute for Allie when Allie's sound crashed. Elyse was on stage blind. Callie got locked behind a prim. And many other little things happened that I don't think the audience really noticed. (Like Pags had to get me to unmute in our scene together)

So, go out and be apart of SecondLife arts. Hey, I still found plenty of time to go shopping, visit new sims and do a few of my comedy routines. (And i'm doing three shows this week).

Finally, I have been getting some feedback. Some laudatory and some constructive criticism. I thank you all for that. Oh and btw if you have a funniest time in SL or a funny thing happened to you at the mall. Even if just your thong made you laugh, let me know.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Musings

How do you manage the two lives we all live now? (and some of you even more!) No matter how similar you've madeSecondLife is to your FirstLife , it is different. For me the crossover point is my personality. I am just as loud and outrageous in FirstLife as SecondLife. But, the differences are huge for me. You all know me as Lauren. And who you know I am. Part of me lives everyday as Lauren. Lauren didn't come alive when SecondLife began. No, she's been with me since consciousness.

So, what part of you has Secondlife allowed voice to? For some I know it's the joyous, vibrant you that has been stifled by bars Firstlife enclosed you in over the years. For others I know it's your deeper soul. For griefers I am not sure what it is at all.

What do all of you mean to me in both firstlife and secondlife? You all share a place in my consciousness and have brought me more joy then I imagined possible.

Now, my soul and body have expanded in such a way that I believe if I am ever to love deeply again. If I am ever to have a partner again. If I am ever to be enthralled again. She will come from Secondlife into FirstLife. She will be someone who knows me here and whom I know as well. She will be someone who enjoys my boisterous behavior. Cares about this side of me as well as me in FirstLife. And, I will know the same about her.

So, why this blog? Because, I believe optimism SecondLife gives us is one each of us should have and deserve. Especially those of you who have a single heart yearning for love as well. We are here together. We are friends forever. We will never except less for our heart. And we deserve more then we ever dreamed and we are worth more then we ever asked for.

I believe in all of you and your dreams. I believe in the love you share is true love. And, I know i am fortunate you are in my life.

Friday, October 19, 2007

Oh, I'll be away until Wednesday Oct 24th. I have so much I want to tell all of you but I must go to bed. My show last night crashed 4 sims. The most wonderful friends in the world came and I had a joyous time. More when I get back.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Busy Busy

What a few days. The ActUp Halloween show (SL performance) demands so much time lately I haven't had time to do a show. We are practicing nearly 12 hours per week in SL. The cast and directors are a kick. Getting everyone to show up on time is most difficult. Getting everyone to rehearse without anyone crashing is impossible.

Oh, btw there are some great sales at Glam (upstairs) and Last Call has a new shoe store that will eat into your wallet as Pac-Woman ate the little digital yummies. Does anyone remember Pac-Woman?

Anyhow, I'm off to get my hair done. See you all later. HUGS

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Shopping

What is this incessant desire to shop all about? Does anyone know if there is a 'shopacoholic' crises club in SL?

And why do I go to the discount/sale and buy a blouse there when I really wanted one of the new items?

I've been throwing everything out of my inventory except for clothes. I use to have them in my closet neatly arranged. Blouses, Lingerie, Dresses, Jeans, Shoes. Now? I've got my whole closet in such a mess I've afraid I'll end up buying the same outfit I have one day.

And shoes.....I can't stop myself. No sooner then I buy a pair and think I have enough I end up looking at shoes I don't have and want. I spent nearly two hours today at Last Call shoe store drooling over various pairs I don't own but want to buy.

Oh, must leave now. I've got a show in one hour. Sunday at 1:30pm (SL time ---is there another?)

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Could this be October

How did we get to October? So much has happened in SL over these past days. Rehearsals for the Halloween show have been time consuming but fun. A show was cancelled and two new ones scheduled. (I will be doing a show this Sunday, Oct 7th, at 1pm SL time. Will follow up in Lauren Live group this weekend with Slurl.

Had a griefer attack me on Monday night. Spammed me to death. Never understand what the fun is of being a griefer. It's the loneliest way to be on the planet. And, why would you want to make someone feel bad. I just don't get it. SL is a social environment. Griefing is a subculture without merit here. But, I guess these are the people who cram your email with their need to be heard. But such an attitude is one who will not be seen.

My friend Elyse Flannigan has a nightclub, CXIII where the disco music is very hot. I also suggest you should read the latest issue of http://npirl.blogspot.com/ for two reasons. There is a wonderful article on a truly inspired SL artist. And, (eekee) there is the story I wrote about "Conception, Gestation and Birth in SL"

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Sunday Morning

A day like any other. Terrific. The last week is what has been unusual for me as I lay in bed generally out of reach of my SecondLife.

I wonder how many of us have so implanted our souls here that when the physical world clutches us in her grip of illness we feel only half fulfilled. Anyhow, I think I'm back.

So, what's happening to me in SL. Well, I am currently doing a Thursday Night gig at cookie (Sim) on Improv. This is a great night to come with your jokes, come with your talent to perform, or just come. It is from 4pm to 5pm SL and last week's first time was met with nearly ten (well not all are people) life forms. Two were writers of comedy. One was a writer of poetic comedy. Another wanted to learn to perform comedy and one just wanted to learn the ins and outs of SL Voice performance for her own group.

Oh, been shopping for panties. Why you may ask? Because I have found several dresses that don't need the long leg flannel panties that seem to come with them. I mean really, do you want to wear flannel? NEVER.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Mid-Week Musings

First, I've been sick and am currently operating somewhat less energetically. Hopefully, my body will return to normal in the next week or so.

SecondLife is filled with some of the brightest and most talented people the world has produced. And it makes the common denominator intelligence and not the car you own or club you belong to.

Many of you have meager funds available yet you allocated those funds to be here and to be my friend. A commentary on life although I feel this way always about all of you, it takes my being sick to take this time to thank everyone of you who have come to SecondLife. And especially those who have become my friend. If I could I would take you all under my roof and relieve you of financial, emotional, physical strife.

We laugh together. Share important thoughts! Share the element of why life has meaning.


Sunday, September 23, 2007

Sunday Morning

Just finished my article for NPIRL and my submission of a column LOL (Lauren on Love). Here is my submission (though I rarely submit).

LOL (Lauren on Love)
by Lauren Weyland

Love in SecondLife is often filled with emotional overload. In this short column, in the future, I will try to answer any questions you send to me about SecondLife love. It is best if you send them to my email address fundipity@gmail.com.

For this first column I would like to discuss why we often feel 'unworthy' though we shouldn't.

The greatest challange to our spirit is a partner who cheats on us (gender doesn't matter since it is more one of dominant behavior). And although it is rare I get a feeling of 'unworthy' it happens to all of us. My friend came over and she cried such torrential downpour of tears my waterfall doubled in size. Why the tears? Because her man in SL had cheated on her. I asked her if she had ever cheated on him and she said 'yes'. Her tears still flowed.

So I asked her to think why wasn't her infidelity wrong and his was. She couldn't answer except to say his infidelity made her feel 'unworthy'. I use this example because the usual suspect is just one partner cheating, and not as in this case, to illustrate our feelings of unworthiness emanate from our misconception rather then from the circumstance. But, importantly, our feelings of unworthiness are groundless at all times. So never give in to the part of you as a bitchy girlfriend may blame you for something that is blameless.

If you desire to feel unworthy direct it at your poor selection of clothing. Cheap shoes. Too much makeup. But as a person you are worthy of more then you have ever asked for.

Saturday, September 22, 2007

So much is happening so fast I can't even write about it all. Sean Voss came up to me after my show last night (his FL name is Sean Percival) and asked if he could interview me for his new book (coming out at the end of the year http://www.amazon.com/Second-Life-Travel-Guide-Percival/dp/other-editions/0789737302

It's easier to just http://www.seanpercival.com/

And so today we did our interview and I may be in this book.

Also my friend Bettina asked me to write a short piece on my preg in SL.

And now I've been given a little column in VooDooPublications called LOL (Lauren on Love)

And a member of the press attended last night and is submitting a review of the show.

Oh and now on Thursdays at 7pm SL time I will host an open comedy hour.

I've got to go to bed but tmrw will blog about something I love about SecondLife. All of you.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

NEXT SHOW -Friday

Just a quick note- I'm doing a new show on Friday at 7pm SLtime at Timeless Spotlight. Hope you can make it (if anyone reads this blog - which I seriously doubt)


I wonder if there are now more blogs then there are people. And also, why do I have the time to write this? Shouldn't I be doing something more productive?

Monday, September 17, 2007

The Monday After

The weekend has come and past with much SL activity. This is the first weekend I've taken off from either writing or performing my show. (Oh, forgot, also rehearssals with Act-Up for the Halloween show) Instead, I went shopping and dancing. It's amazing that you can spend hours searching for shoes or a costume and then eventually find it. I know not everyone enjoys shopping in SecondLife but to me it's the hunt for creativity

One night I had to quickly find a Victorian outfit with bonnet. Why? A wonderful contest for women. My friend Bettina is a part of NIRL (Not In Real Life -more on this is a moment.) She invited me to this event. Approximately 30 women attended and we were all watched by about ten gentlement smoking cigars. So with nets in hand and the joy of flight we scattered around Calliope catching butterflies.(Oh give me a break, you think I'm going to let on what was funny here. No way. You'll have to come see my next show.) Hundreds of them. But a few held special gifts. I managed to find two, one with a beautiful ring and the other with a matching right earring.

What is NIRL - Its a group formed to get together for events, builds, scripts and anything else (like my comedy act) that are not possible in real life. They also have a blog http://npirl.blogspot.com/ which will explain more fully. Amazingly I was asked to join this group. I've visited architectual displays and scripted wonders. Oh, and of course, catching Butterflies

Friday night I went dancing with a couple of my girlfriends. Callie and Allie. Yes, sounds like a great comedy team. I'll write more about friday (and make you laugh your ass off when I tell you about our exploits till 3am.) and the truly great sights and sounds of the club we danced all night at.



Friday, September 14, 2007

Friday Night

Life is both bitter and sweet tonight. The sweet is Hobo SL Forsythe Whitfield the best blues player in both SL and FL at this time in life. I am sitting here right now at the Hummingbird Cafe listening to talent. This is just amazing to listen to and tonight it caps the bitter with the blues.

His website is
http://www.myspace.com/slbluesman

I lost a dear friend last night. Said goodbye to me in her own way. You always know when you no longer matter to a friend. It's hard in SL because your soul feels so torn.

And then another friend had her heart wrenched so tight, blood dripped from her heart bursting from the pressure. She is such a sweet person. I won't mention her name but she knows if she reads this she has friends who love her.

With that was another sadness. A friend from awhile back who fell off my friends list for no longer responding to me was at a club I went to last night.

Losing friends is always hard. Doesn't matter if it's me who deletes them. They end the friendship by actions. Actions I always explain before I accept friendship. Such is SecondLife

But that is again sweetened by the woman sitting next to me. Hedda is more then both real and sl. More then just smart and sexy. She is a friend. She has a blog in French. It is a methodical and clinical point of view of SL. http://heddalundquist.blogspot.com/

Oh well, remember this......if you are getting good cock you don't need a ring. So cockrings are out this year.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Excitement

Okay everyone - last night was unbelievably exciting. I did my first show LIVE in SLVoice with the audience also in voice. It was a wonderful Cabaret setting. The place is called Timeless Spotlight. You should all check out what is happening there. It's a fun setting. Great mixture of guys and dolls.

I wore a DE Badlands outfit. The pants are so tight I couldn't believe it. Also one of my favorite hair stylists, Kin, did my hair. Over 40 people were there. Most I didn't know and they were all so wonderful. Kidded me, I kidded back. We all laughed. Their voices made the show so much fun. By the time it was over I felt like I do when I have a major hair orgasm.


Check out this blog. This is Moxie who helped me so much and Tao who took pixs
http://moxiegrumby.typepad.com/
Tao Takashi took some amazing photos


I know some people really wonder what I am doing and why. In depth answers to this I am not about to give but I do know I love the fun I have. The ability to see the world differently. And the acceptence by so many you of my gig is mind boggling.

Thanking my friends (and all who come to my show are auto friends) is something I will do always. Laughter is a great way for us to share our first life world in second life. I think the show last night was a FIRST TIME EVER event.

I have worked hard to get ready for this show and was so nervous. It takes me about an hour to get ready before a show but yesterday I came nearly an hour and a half early. Throat dry. Standing. Waiting.

Timeless getting everyone seated. Moxie serving them Jack Daniels by the bottle. I'm standing behind the curtain anxiously seeing the crowd gather. Chatter at the tables. The lights began to dim. Timeless began talking about the new club and what they were trying to accomplish. My eyelashes fluttered from nerves. Timeless continued on having everyone check their applause and sounds. Lights on the stage started to come on. Timeless voice started getting louder and then I heard my name. "Let us all welcome Lauren Weyland"

I nearly peed but I managed to come out on stage, look around at this wonderful crowd. I felt the electricity. The crowd was in the mood. I was in the mood. And for the next 45 minutes we all had fun. Yes, better then a 'hair orgasm'

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Frankenstein's Father

Now you know there is trouble in the camp when they want a comic to play Frankenstein's father. Especially a female comic. No wonder Frankenstein is so scary.


So, the other night we had our first cast/director meeting. Used SL voice. Funny how half the people still don't know how to adjust individual volume and a few don't know they have a crappy mic and are ignorant of the pain they are causing eardrums. And over and over the same person would say, "Can you hear me?" It was so disturbing I started banging my head against the wall.

Oh, talk about disturbing. There is a wonderful poetry club called Blue Angel. Peresphone is the sweetie who owns and runs it. Anyone can read their poems. And, no matter how bad you are you'll get applause. Except, I think I was the first person to finally tell someone they were terrible. I know, a bit bitchy but that doesn't bother me.

ETD is reopen. Tonight there were 51 people inside and another 30 waiting in the adjacent two sims waiting to get in. Most everyone was naked to reduce the lag. I was with two of my girlfriends in voice. We were laughing..buying hair and having hair orgasms.

Sorry, I'm brief on this blog but I am more worried about Sunday's debut of me new show. I so want it to be LIVE...improv...but i don't have a clue if I can pull it off. It's going to get even more nervous from now till Sunday. So friends, I hope it works out and thanks for stopping by to hear from me.


Sunday, September 2, 2007

Sunday Morning

So, what happening......last night I went and auditioned for a new club that will be opening later this month. This is going to be a great venue. A small intimate improv club. Also a stage is being erected on Cookie for future performances. For those of you who are interested in doing your own stand-up or would like to see if there is some other way you can contribute to comedy in SecondLife, please contact me either by IM in world or my email.

Amazingly SecondLife encompasses those from 18 to 81. And those of all proclivities including flying Dragons. And silliness on a scale of the absurd. What do I mean? Last night I was at a very creative showing of moving architecture at the sim Architecture. And what do I do? Put on roller skates. Now that is silliness on the magnitude of a quake.

BTW, where I live is open for all to wander and enjoy. There is nothing for sale there and it's a peaceful place to find me working in the garden. Wow, just realized I don't have the right clothing for gardening. Must look into that later.

Oh, please, please, please send me anything you find funny. Funniest moments like my furry friend Flux who said his wife came home the other evening (she's a furry too) and when she came to bed she started coughing up fur balls which were the wrong color. Flux was emotionally upset by this. Me, I just started laughing.

Another friend of mine divorced her SL husband and married his girlfriend. So I said I didn't know she was into other women. "Nope", was her reply "when my former husband found out his girlfriend was a guy he went ape and dumped her." My friend said she and the girlfriend commiserated over the whole episode (two ex's) and found they were in love and married. Only in Second Life can this happen.

And earlier last evening I was in a Sim. There was no one around me nor was anyone in active speakers but (hehe) two guys met up with this very loose woman and next thing you know I hear one of the guys ask her to show (you know what...don't think blog is XXX rated). Well, I listened in until she was naked. Her voice matched her intelligence.

The only thing I would like to remind all of you is that behind the keyboard is a soul. Please be aware of that and be kind to strangers (and completely outrageous with friends)

Someone remind me to tell about the night I went out with two girlfriends to a strip show and what we were wearing and what one friend got by putting 3,000L in his tip jar.

Friday, August 31, 2007

What's Funny to Me

What do I find funny. well you know from my first blog the thong. I also find how the seamstresses in SL can't seem to seam the final flap of a prim skirt. What happens? Is it an issue of sweatshop labor? Oh and the straps on so many blouses look like a doper trying to draw a straight line.


Ok, other wonderful oddities of SL. What's the story with Xcite? If you go there it is one of the most trafficked areas in SecondLife. At anytime there are the oddest group of horny men, women and furry's on this world. I once saw a dragon and a tiny, together, at Xcite. I wondered, not for long, who was doing what to whom and how did that work?

Want to have a pleasant afternoon laughing to yourself? Try reading profiles of the various Lindens. These are our gods? You want to know which ones are very funny, come see my show, I've weeded out the bland from the bizarre and you'll have a new insight into the police force of SecondLife.

Oh, there is much to laugh about from slaves complaining to their masters or mistresses. And then the noobies with giant penises (shouldn't this be peni?) Architecture and the insane no zoning idea of the mainland. Oh and islands that are cut up into tiny little pieces with no terraforming and the lots sitting on little canals of absurd boringness.

I even think lag is funny and voice. People complaining about these things vehemently in SL and then in FL having no complaint on their cell saying, "Can you hear me?" I imagine it takes a period of time to adjust into acquiescences with any new technology.

But as funny as Second Life is, it's the soul on the other side of the keyboard that connect many of us to lives more fulfilled. For so many Second Life has given legs those without them. Voice to those who should be heard. Intelligence found where outside SecondLife may have been overlooked.

There is beauty, love, companionship, friendship and all the lasting emotions that make life itself so worthwhile. I just seem to have fun poking at the holes with my finger as if I can stop the sea of ridiculousness from flooding our minds. Oh, and of course, because I love to hear you all laugh.




Thursday, August 30, 2007

SecondLIfe

Well, this is the start of blogging my life within SecondLife. I've been urged (or should I say nudged) by a friend to create a Blog. Which i doubt anyone will ever read. However, here it is.

My entire blog will be on my life in SecondLife. If you are aware of SL you will understand that real life to me is both in First Life and Second Life. I don't expect many to know me but a few makes my life more fulfilling.

For those of you interested in 'offering me friendship' in SL, I will explain myself here. I do not keep many friends. I limit to 20 friends (up from 15), family, neighbors and those I work with (comedy and other shows in SL). I regularly delete those from my friends list for one reason. Although they remain friendly acquaintances they are not regular friends. A regular friend takes the time to say hello from time to time. I expect friends to be busy or not on line. Actually that helps since I cannot maintain several IM's at the same time. However, if after an extended period, a friend on-line never says hello I send an IM to them explaining again (which i always state in the beginning) how friendships are important to me and if they want to maintain that friendship to let me know. One woman said she wanted to and then over a month went by with her online at the same time as me. She only answered two of my numerous IM's with a hello and never IM'd me to say hello. So I deleted her.

My Inventory is quite similar in that I try to maintain it with between 4,500 and 5,000 items. All of these things I do in First Life too. I have unlimited business contacts but my friends list in First Life is but 10. I regularly delete cell numbers.

Ok, now a bit about me. I am a SL comic in voice. I live at Lula's in Old Wives with two sisters, my daughter (born in SL) and a security guard furry. I am not a builder or a scripter but I do landscaping (you can find me in the garden) and like to parody the comedy I find in SL. (Example: Thongs...why?....who made them?....of course I understand the limitation of the female av without a 'venus mound' . But since this is known...who thought this up. Why would anyone want to wear a 'labia spreader'? Was this ever used in Medieval times. Oh..and more about that and Gor....)

You can see my first show at http://blip.tv/file/326559 . Also I have two web sites relating to the show as well.
This one, http://www.wherever.me.uk/laurenslweb/ has a link to the current one listing my shows, biography etc.
The other one is http://www.thinkerer.org/Studios/StuStupLauren1.htm
And my Flickr account http://flickr.com/photos/laurenweyland/
If you are in world you can also join my group Lauren Live

Well, this is my first blog...done...no editing (I don't do that).....because no one will read it anyhow.