Thursday, December 25, 2008

How Did We Get Here?

Do you wonder, "How did I get here" and "Where am I going?" Depending on your religion of choice we are celebrating a number of incredible miracles.

For Jews it's the lighting of 8 candles for a miracle. For Kwanzaa celebrators ( a holiday created in America for African-Americans)  it's the lighting of candles over seven days to signify the miracle of a different struggle. For Christians it's a single star of Bethlehem. Other religions and sects celebrate a variety of miracles at different times of the year.

So, the big miracle is 'how did I get here?" and I'm not talking about your physical birth but instead the reason for your existence and "Where am I going?" is the question of continuation. For some, they claim they got here on a starship. For others, they are leaving on a starship. Then of course there are those who believe there is nothing but the NOW.

I happen to know the answer to both these questions...

But, I would love to know YOUR philosophical, spiritual and/or any other answers your mind has entertained on this mystery besides just an answer GOD.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

2009 - Where Now!

We are all coming into a year with lots of baggage from last year. Please leave your bags at the door when it opens at 12:01am (wherever you are).

Things to leave behind
1. romance gone bad (hehe this can make good potting soil)
2. worthless investments (you will have an opportunity to fail again)
3. negativity (you'll get a new supply in the new year)
4. Guys: those old torn up underwear Dolls: the outfit you know sucks
5. false beliefs in politicans
6. chipped nails
7. ugly photos you haven't burned yet.
8. the oldest item in your refrigerator.
9. expenses that do not bring joy (crappy mags etc)

A great idea for New Year's eve...no matter where you are....get a helium balloon for each person with you this night. Two blank pieces of paper per person. A pen. A fireplace or a pot (outside). Matches.

Around 11pm have everyone write down what they wish to leave behind, crumple paper and burn them all together. The past goes up in Smoke. Then at 11:30 have everyone write down what they wish 2009.

 Before midnight fold paper and tie (oh yes string sorry) to string to balloons...at midnight...let them go...up into the sky carrying your dreams and then you will turn them at year end to memories.

If this seems a little "Martha Stewart"  I remind you, I am much prettier.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Did You Know 2.0

Well...Did they Know I was coming?

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

The Time of The Year!

In one way or another, nearly everyone of us will be caught up in the holidays ahead. But, this is a year where there will be many of us stretched to our financial and emotional limits as well.

The kids come home and your house is in an uproar. The kids don't come home and your house feels empty. There are no kids to come home...not sure how to feel about this.

Shopping. I seem to look at the magazines and see all the things I would love to have but can't afford. Or the things I would buy and can afford but I think the price is too much (make that fun food items. Like a salami gentil from Fra Maji or the Chocolate Creams.

The Christmas tree au natural. I gave this up after the divorce because it's easier to get a plastic one to stand upright. Also, I like plastic, it adds that American Christmas touch. Christmas cards have become electronic and don't really fit on the mantel I don't have.

So, you probably think, "Yikes, Lauren sounds pretty scroogy." But that's not true at all. I want to share the joy of my Christmas ahead. 

My two 'child-adults' will probably come over on Christmas Day. (Well I'm sure my daughter but my son probably won't.) Whatever happens I will miss Christmas morning but I will still have a lovely time with them. Perhaps Christmas lunch.

Christmas music will play through my home (think O Holy Night). My plastic tree will shimmer bright with an angel on top and at some time during the day I'll

Come into SecondLife and find everything but the smell of pine, cinnamon and fire wood burning. However, the greatest joy of all will be those of you I see on Christmas Day and those of you and my firstlife friends I'll think about.

So, I know there are others of you with even a more difficult Christmas Day in firstlife....so come join me during the day at Lula's "WinterWonderLand" . All Day....skating is free...so are the skates.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thanksgiving in Second Life

So many friends came over today. Lisa made the spread and we all celebrated.

Thanksgiving 2008

There is so much to be thankful for today and at the head of that list is YOU for stopping by and reading my blog. You have added meaning to my life, my day, my breath. And though many of you I know and some I've not met; you are all my family.

I love Thanksgiving because it's a day of celebration. It is not about receiving but about giving. Giving thanks. I am going to share with you the true story of Thanksgiving below and hope it gives meaning to the word American because it's an American holiday and not a Pilgrim celebration.

May your day be blessed. No matter how hard or easy, stop and think about the reason for the first celebration. For those of you from other countries we stand together bound by our humanity not our nationality. We all share this wonderful planet and are living during a great time of global conversation and understanding. SecondLife is a celebration of how far we have come.

'A Day of Thanksgiving'

The national holiday actually began at a dark hour during our war for independence. Here's the story.

When was the first Thanksgiving? Most of us think of the Pilgrims at Plymouth in 1621. But if the question is about the first national Thanksgiving holiday, the answer is that the tradition began at a lesser-known moment in 1777 in York, Pa.

In July 1776, the American colonists declared independence from Britain. The months that followed were so bleak that there was not much to give thanks for. The Journals of the Continental Congress record no Thanksgiving in that year, only two days of "solemn fasting" and prayer.

For much of 1777, the situation was not much better. British troops controlled New York City. The Americans lost the strategic stronghold of Fort Ticonderoga, in upstate New York, to the British in July. In Delaware, on Sept. 11, troops led by Gen. George Washington lost the Battle of Brandywine, in which 200 Americans were killed, 500 wounded and 400 captured. In Pennsylvania, early in the morning of Sept. 21, another 300 American soldiers were killed or wounded and 100 captured in a British surprise attack that became known as the Paoli Massacre.

Philadelphia, America's largest city, fell on Sept. 26. Congress, which had been meeting there, fled briefly to Lancaster, Pa., and then to York, a hundred miles west of Philadelphia. One delegate to Congress, John Adams of Massachusetts, wrote in his diary, "The prospect is chilling, on every Side: Gloomy, dark, melancholy, and dispiriting."

His cousin, Samuel Adams, gave the other delegates -- their number had dwindled to a mere 20 from the 56 who had signed the Declaration of Independence -- a talk of encouragement. He predicted, "Good tidings will soon arrive. We shall never be abandoned by Heaven while we act worthy of its aid and protection."

He turned out to have been correct, at least about the good tidings. On Oct. 31, a messenger arrived with news of the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga. The American general, Horatio Gates, had accepted the surrender of 5,800 British soldiers, and with them 27 pieces of artillery and thousands of pieces of small arms and ammunition.

Saratoga turned the tide of the war -- news of the victory was decisive in bringing France into a full alliance with America. Congress responded to the event by appointing a committee of three that included Samuel Adams, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia and Daniel Roberdeau of Pennsylvania, to draft a report and resolution. The report, adopted Nov. 1, declared Thursday, Dec. 18, as "a day of Thanksgiving" to God, so that "with one heart and one voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts, and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine benefactor."

It was the first of many Thanksgivings ordered up by Samuel Adams. Though the holidays were almost always in November or December, the exact dates varied. (Congress didn't fix Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November until 1941.)

In 1778, a Thanksgiving resolution drafted by Adams was approved by Congress on Nov. 3, setting aside Wednesday, Dec. 30, as a day of public thanksgiving and praise, "It having pleased Almighty God through the Course of the present year, to bestow great and manifold Mercies on the People of these United States."

After the Revolution, Adams, who was eventually elected governor of Massachusetts, maintained the practice of declaring these holidays. In October of 1795, the 73-year-old governor proclaimed Thursday, Nov. 19, as "a day of Public Thanksgiving to God," recommending that prayer be offered that God "would graciously be pleased to put an end to all Tyranny and Usurpation, that the People who are under the Yoke of Oppression, may be made free; and that the Nations who are contending for freedom may still be secured by His Almighty Aid."

A year later, Gov. Adams offered a similar Thanksgiving proclamation, declaring Thursday, Dec. 15, 1796, as "a Day of Public Thanksgiving and Praise to Our Divine Benefactor." He recommended "earnest Supplication to God" that "every Nation and Society of Men may be inspired with the knowledge and feeling of their natural and just rights" and "That Tyranny and Usurpation may everywhere come to an end."

These statements were greeted with cynicism and derision by some of Adams's younger political opponents, who saw them as archaic. One of them, Christopher Gore, wrote a friend that it would be an occasion for a real day of thanksgiving when Adams finally retired.

It turned out, though, that the ideas of thanking God for America's blessings -- and of praying for the spread of freedom everywhere -- would long outlast Adams's career. The concepts still meet with skepticism from time to time. But they are reason enough to pause during tomorrow's football game or family feast and raise a glass to the Founding Father who began our Thanksgiving tradition.

Mr. Stoll, formerly the managing editor of the New York Sun, is author of "Samuel Adams: A Life," published this month by Free Press. (this is copyright and can only be used for personal use. This blog does not extend any right to use otherwise)

Thursday, November 20, 2008

FirstLife's Broken Mommy!

OK, please stop complaining about SecondLife, the Metaverse, lag, log-ins, inventory, boyfriends girlfriends, furrys gone wrong, hugs poses gone Parkinson's.

FirstLife's Broken Mommy!

No more, my screen has gone psychedelic. I hate no transfer. I can't modify it. Teleports aren't working. The Grid is down.

FirstLife's Broken Mommy!

Don't tell me, when I'm building, my prims don't match, my alpha sucks, my textures are poor. Forget about complaining the hot chocolate isn't hot, the coffee isn't Starbucks.

FirstLife's Broken Mommy!

So, you need a new graphics card. We all do. Just think of it as a cornea replacement. Your headset doesn't work get your ears fixed. 

FirstLife's Broken Mommy!

My inventory's a wreck....hey...look at your closet. My hair won't rez....hey look in the mirror. My prim skirt won't fit ....hey have you looked at what you're wearing?

FirstLife's Broken Mommy!

Don't complain of a lack of Lindens instead look at what you thought was your retirement funding. Stop crying because the stream isn't working...have you seen how much it costs to go to a concert in firstlife?

FirstLife's Broken Mommy!

Ha...not another word about your toes. So Zyngo is gone. The griefers are still here. Your friend has better skin. Your dress is out of date. I don't care.

FirstLife's Broken Mommy!

So, you fell in love, you fell out of love, you partnered, departnered. Had Xcite with your best friends wife. Sent an IM to the wrong person. Received an IM that you shouldn't have and you were shocked to see. Who cares!

FirstLife's Broken Mommy!

She's taller. She's smaller. He's bigger. He's longer. They're richer. They're poorer. It's Secondlife...so what

FirstLife's Broken Mommy!

Yes.....take a look FirstLife is broken and you have something most don't have in FirstLife. You have SecondLife. Smile, climb into your avie and start to fly. Soon you'll soar and be exhilerated.

FirstLife's Broken Mommy! But, SecondLife is running just fine!

Monday, November 17, 2008

November 21st SL Horoscopes

Scorpio (23 October-21 November) - Hey, you don’t have to go into appearance and make anything larger then it currently is. He/She will love you for your mind not your body this week.

Sagittarius (22 November-21 December) - This Thanksgiving you should make sure your prim turkey is fully rezzed. Give him or her that object marked champagne and then pull out some cuddle balls and tryptophan out

Capricorn (22 December-20 January) - Life is great, you just got a new snow emitter and a pair of ice skates but beware, the stars say you could slip this week and be partnered by next.

Aquarius (21 January-19 February) Girls - don’t forget it’s time for some new boots from Phoenix and guys you could go get some nice chest hair.

Pisces (20 February-20 March) Do you remember that cage and other items you picked up at that BDSM. Rez them. copy to inventory. Get an escort. Put on some good music and get naked. Because the stars say today is perfect for a great orgasm

Aries (21 March-20 April) this is a great time of year for you to go shopping. You stars will lead you to bargains and keep you from buying prim skirts that don’t fit.

Taurus (21 April-21 May) -This is a great time of year for both sexes. There are snow angels in Secondlife who could stop your firstlife heart and bring you to Thirdlife with your eyes wide shut.

Gemini (22 May-21 June) Well, you know you are twins so go over to Sarah Nerd and get yourself the new two headed prim baby. Make Gestation twice the fun.

Cancer (22 June-22 July) Have you slept with furrys? Have wild sex with dragon? Or are you still waiting for something special and unusual?

Leo (23 July-22 August) Everything is aligned for you today. Your jewelry will fit. You won’t have to worry about walking around with just one earring on and whether your prim skirt will fit. Now, if only you could find Mr. Right. But he always turns into Mr. Wrong.

Virgo (23 August-21 September) Guys, this is the right time for you to be completely honest with her. Tell her the truth. You just want to try out your new Xcite parts and you don’t want to drag it into some emotional nightmare. She’ll understand but then again she may orbit you too.

Libra (22 September-22 October) - Don’t worry how you smell tonight. Don’t worry about your breath. Don’t worry about sticky, gooey stuff...because this is your Secondlife where you can get a new life as quick as you can say, “ALT”

Thursday, November 13, 2008

For Girls Eyes Only

A recent scientific study found that women find different male faces attractive depending on where they are in their menstrual cycle.

For example, when a woman is ovulating she will prefer a man with rugged, masculine features.

However when she is menstruating, she prefers a man doused in gas and set on fire, with scissors stuck in his eyes and a baseball bat shoved up his ass

Just remember that Bond, James Bond


Sunday, November 9, 2008

SecondLife Horoscope

Your SL Horoscope for week of November 9th -November 16th

Scorpio (23 October-21 November) - Your stars are in the zodiac of Love. Before Christmas you will fall in love with dark handsome furry and will live in a forest sim happy and sexually particled.

Sagittarius (22 November-21 December) - This is your lucky week find an old Zyngo machine, enter dance contests. You will find Lindens filling your pockets just like you probably found tons of Lindens on the money trees when you first logged on.

Capricorn (22 December-20 January) - the stars looks a misty for you. You will meet an old lover as his/her alt, a noobie, be careful for twice burned is a script too hot for you.

Aquarius (21 January-19 February) beware of tp’s, especially at night, this is the time of the month when you could lose your hair or even find a shoe up your butt.

Pisces (20 February-20 March) Yes, he/she does think about you. And that special man or woman does talk about you in IM with his/her friends. You should visit Xcite soon and get a SexGen bed too.

Aries (21 March-20 April) this is a great time of year for you to go shopping. For you ladies, your stars will lead you to bargains and keep you from buying prim skirts that don’t fit. For the gents, perhaps you can find a new skin to turn the girls on with.

Taurus (21 April-21 May) -ah....you stars seem to be pointing towards a little bit of weight loss is in order. Go into appearance and slide bar left.

Gemini (22 May-21 June) remember last year, because your sign repeats this year, and you could once again leave your talk button on while talking on the phone with your boyfriend/girlfriend about last night’s sexual escapade as your SL partner sits nearby listening.

Cancer (22 June-22 July) this is not the time for you to go to unknown sims since you will be banned and ejected without your knowing why.

Leo (23 July-22 August) how many times do the stars need to remind you that you need a new shape, a new skin and new animations or you will remain lonely in SL.

Virgo (23 August-21 September) pick up some dance animations, buy a new ball gown, go to that romantic dance place you’ve wanted to go but didn’t because you feel awkward going alone. Don’t forget to wear your Stiletto Moody’s and a smile because love is in the air and he will be there. And guys, you may find her later with her Stiletto's pointing up to the stars.

Libra (22 September-22 October) - Yes, your particles will be exciting and he/she will delight in them so make sure you’ve cleared your cache before you go out tonight

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Across The Metaverse

I took a ride across the Metaverse last week and many thoughts, issues and joys occurred. This trip was only to OpenLifeGrid. Upon arriving in this tiny new space I stood RUTHED. I was a noobie again and a smile of memory and reality combined. Of course my name is still Lauren Weyland there (I began humming the tune with the lyrics 'another you' in them. Can't remember the name but I can hum for you).

And although I didn't have any of my inventory although I found in less than 10 minutes in this brave new world, I had the compulsion and therefore recreated my shape. Many feelings washed through my avatar brain. A remembrance of my first days in SecondLife when the overwhelming joy I felt upon entering the SL metaverse (even thought I walked funny, had trashy clothes and no voice). That moment when my multi-persona first life found a life for one of those persona. There was freedom again. I was an avatar virgin. Hymen intact. This metaverse is very small with much land either barely built on or some unattractive. But despite this I still felt like this metaverse was my home.

And, what do I mean by "felt like my home?" I mean I live in the metaverse. I realized I did not only belong to SecondLife but I, Lauren, would belong to the entire Metaverse forever and this raised an interesting dilemma.

All the clothes, animations, objects, gestures etc that I had bought (paid for with the hard earned money of a working girl) could not follow me through to this metaverse. I could never travel with my luggage from one metaland to another. And, I do mean MY LUGGAGE. I don't know the difficulties of allowing one to copy inventory to hard drives and/or if possible to do such with items that were bought with without 'full permissions'. I don't even know the legal implications nor do I care.

Laws can be changed. Technology changes too. What I do know is this. (And the concept of licensing my clothes to be worn a certain way only, as one blog stated, doesn't sit right in my blond brain.) stealing is wrong (I never do) but I feel when I buy a dress I should be able to wear it on any avatar of mine in any metaverse. (I only have one avatar btw).

I do comedy which means I tell things that make people laugh. I am sure many laugh at things I've said later, after a show, maybe even weeks later. I don't expect to be paid for that. I think creators should be able to sell an item I can wear in any metaverse (of course I know it prob can't be done without creating a rip off by some. I am just saying what I feel i should be able to do.)

Many creators are friends of mine. I understand their point of view. But, I would simply like to know my point of view is right too. Because, if so, we will have the technology to do such, someday.

Back to this Open Space. (And would someone explain to me the legality of using a SL viewer to enter such a non-SL metavers?) I so recommend everyone take an excursion. Not to leave SecondLife but instead to understand the Metaverse will be forever whereas some of the specific metalands will one day close due to either economic failure or lack of desire. If you are a true Metaversian then you will need to know you will exist despite changes and you will laugh at being a noobie again or if my dream of inventory does occur you'll find that even if you are a 'Stranger in a Strange Land' you will not submit to the fear of that unknown but instead bring all the joy of who you've become since you entered the Metaverse.

BTW, it was nice to travel in that Metaverse without a single IM. I wouldn't want that to be always the case but I did enjoy it. I now understand why some create another avatar to 'get away.' But I won't because I can't leave myself, "Lauren" buried in a digital Mausoleum as I manipulated some other avatar.

Question, "Do you think of yourself, as your avatar, when you are in the Primeverse?" (that is the Metaverse your corporeal self resides.)

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Annuale

Thank You Skylar

Monday, October 27, 2008

Lauren Weyland back stage

more from Hobo show

Friday, October 24, 2008

Finding Oneself

A friend of mine sent this to the 'jerk de jour'. It was so great I wanted to share with all of you.(this is about a SL relationship that came and went in SL. Then over a year later he contacted her again.)

To A Jerk: (I inserted jerk instead of the name that was there and elsewhere in this letter)

I have been thinking of a few things that you told me.  Keep in mind this does not come from a place of anger.  You said you wanted to bare your soul for my sake.

From my understanding when you say something is for someone’s “sake” it means for their benefit.  To inform them for their own good.

I was stretching to see what benefit when you offered to bare your soul. YOU shared you were overwhelmed about the possibility of meeting me in real life long ago.

I thought LONG and HARD about what good information there was from you that would change my perspective.

No, you didn’t change it, you confirmed what I thought long ago when I ended our online relationship.  I just never told you, since you shut me out, I knew it would fall on deaf ears.

Last night you mentioned you weren’t holding back.  

I AM holding back.  Why?  Because you are right about one thing.  I am a good woman, heck I am a GREAT woman.  

I am kind, loving, forgiving, nurturing, talented, creative, witty, a fabulous lover and mother, I make the best pot roast in the world . 

I AM a wonderful person.  

If you could not handle me in a virtual community of loving you, you certainly could not handle me in the real world.

Real life is intense (insert jerk name here).  It is full of passion and full deep-down laughs, aching grief, tears, of sweat, loss and love.  What you get OUT of it is up to you.

I was not the one who suggested meeting in RL.  That was your idea and you asked me if I would.  I agreed “someday”.  As I see it, you opened that can of worms and when they wriggled out, in all sorts of directions, you wrestled with feelings, intensity, ideas of being unable to provide financially and  the fear of harming my children?  (Do you know how disturbing THAT is to be told?)

So, since you were concerned for my sake and personal growth,  I am going to share what I think would really benefit me.

I think you are a small man.  I think you acted like a self-centered coward. 

A good, loving man looks at the woman he loves… sees her perspective and doesn’t belittle it even if he doesn’t agree with it.  A loving man will want to see things thru her eyes.

When we were together, I stretched to see the world from your eyes, your heart, your soul.
Did you ever, once, stretch to see thru mine?  I seriously doubt it.

I am not angry.  I do not have regrets of knowing you.  I learned a lot about myself and for that I am SO proud!  I wish you peace and a beautiful life.

I am going to remove you from my friends list, because I really don’t want to spend time with you.  You said your peace; I have now said mine.

(By the way, I am so very proud of my friend who wrote this. Because she is what she says she is here and she has the confidence to say it now and live it forever.)

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Lauren Weyland Live at Hobo Island 2

Part 2

Lauren Weyland Live at Hobo Island

Part 1 of show at Hobo

Monday, October 20, 2008

Laughter is not for Everyone

Have you told a joke you thought was funny and no one laughed? Or, a joke you thought was appropriate and you were told it was inappropriate?

Some of you are married or in very long term partnerships in firstlife. Have you started to tell a joke to a table surrounded by friends and your 'other' interrupts with, "How many times are you going to tell that joke?."

Well, I have a solution for you. Get a new partner. Get new friends. If no one is laughing when you think something is funny then these  "maybe" friends need to be recycled. Yes, they are just 'maybe' friends. True friends love you. They may tease you but they are also aware of the limitation of teasing and the omega of love and friendship. You are not the object of an insult but instead one of shared admirable love.

I find the concept that a man can't enjoy a 'chic flick' because it's a romantic comedy ridiculous. If the movie is funny and well done then of course he should enjoy it. If he doesn't it's because he's categorized what is inappropriate for a testosterone laugh and therefore thinks you are just a sex toy that needs to  be polished from time to time. If your man says, "Pull my finger," and thinks that is funny you had better wake up and make the decision he is a 'great sex toy' or decide this kind of humor makes you laugh. If you don't find either true, trade him in for a new model while you still have enough credit in your body to make the purchase.

Look, getting old with someone who doesn't find you funny is 'not funny'! It will probably end in the punch 'my ticket' of an early death . And, if not that then, definitely Alzheimer's. Life is a balancing act. Great Sex ^ Great Laughter = True Happiness. Great Sex ^No Laughter = Lots of Loneliness. No Sex ^ Great Laughter = Friend. No Sex ^ No Laughter = Not for Me.

So, take a look around, Laughter isn't for everyone but if it is for you, then don't settle for less. If they aren't going to laugh, the least we can do is leave them confused.

Friday, October 10, 2008

When We Run Out Of Money

So, for those of us who had a little money and now have none we join our friends who have none and wanted some.

Now, let me first separate those of my friends who are in need of shelter, food, winter clothing. I do not suffer such but I drown in my tears when I realize your difficulties. Many forget how close some of their friends in SL are to poverty. I guess having a computer and a fast enough connection to the Internet would make the callous think, 'they have more then enough.' But, the computer and Internet are a necessity now and a safe haven for the soul.

For those of you with a bit more but have seen  both your small fortune diminish and the fear of the small financial security you managed to accumulate. To you, I say, it's going to be ok, if you look more to your soul then your purse.

But, let me take a stab at crap we've heard (this is American stuff, in case you are wondering what this all means) from leaders of our society. The idea that people could invest their own retirement money in the market and somehow be ok is one of the greatest lies ever told. A great society is contingent on all of the members to have the interest of the whole while the concepts in this country for the past years have been a free for all.

Why those congressmen on one side of the aisle thought all people could handle their finances including retirement is a sad state of stupidity. And those on the other side of the aisle felt that everyone should own a home at any price regardless of income are members of the dumb and dumber club. A president who said, "go shop" while we went to war was irresponsible and the Chairman of the Federal Reserve for abetting this nonsense.

Also, we now find out that no regulator, agency, financial leader anywhere in the world was worth the trust they were given.

And why do I write about this here? Because you who are reading this are the real strength of society. You are the ones who make a society good. And so, I also know, you all need a hug and to know it was not your fault and we will recover in a different way as a people. Perhaps for awhile we will find leaders who understand the morality of such a role.

(btw, do Congressmen, Presidents etc. have to take annual 'ethics' courses?)

See you SecondLife.................I think I don't need a new dress, shoes, jewelry...just you.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Being Broke and Borked in Both Worlds

Being broke in SecondLife is not terrible but then again not being able to go shopping in any world can bring a headache on faster then being asked to have sex with the unwashed. But what amazes me at the so critical time in the financial life of so many SL'ers is the spirit my friends retain despite incredible hardships in firstlife.

I mention this because i know all of you have SecondLife friends who are in serious financial, physical and or emotional trouble in firstlife. They want to talk with you (or me) because we are their friends and we are at a safe distance so they can release their feelings. I want to say to all of those who have come to me to confide these various issues; I am honored you find me to be so close that you share this intimacy. Intimacy is not all warm and cuddly. It includes the difficult as well. So, never feel you've exhausted your friendship because you have shared your difficulties. Instead realize you've only enhanced it.

Because of my commitments in both lives sometimes I have to stop short during a conversation. Fortunately my friends understand this but if anyone during a crisis really needs me to drop something and help I will.

It seems at this time everyone is beginning to fall into trouble. Financial is broiling everywhere, from layoffs, to divorce and support a family on your own, funds for health care. Money for gas. So many problems here and a sense of both urgency and despondency bring all sorts of emotional disruption. If you'd like to read a book on the depression of the 1930's which is actually a collection of wonderful stories. Read Studs Terkel's book "Hard Times". As long as we are healthy we will find a light at the end of that tunnel. It may not be a palatial estate but it will have shelter, food, clothes and love waiting with arms open.

For my dearest friends, some of whom are dying right now of cancer (yes many in SL have this disease) I cannot do much more then love you. My dear friend Steph explained it's a path,"I walk alone". Many have ailments not operable so they will remain in pain and agony for the rest of their lives. I myself have a small but still a reminder of the fragility of the body. Besides something a bit more disconcerting, my big left toe has Arthritis. It is never without pain. I think it's there to remind me of the greater pain my friends suffer.

And finally, Emotional.....this pain is so severe and debilitating. From spousal abuse (my god has any woman ever had a lifetime of not being physically abused by someone along the way.) Family members who deride their lives. Love affairs fallen by the wayside for so many reasons including affairs, see financial above. Holidays alone. Loneliness and for some depression itself.

I don't do depression. Tried it when I was young. Didn't like the taste so I have tried never to ingest again. Sometimes someone will make something with a bit of that ingredient baked in and it will take a day or so to get out of my system and then I won't let that person cook for me again.

But, the greatest reason for this blog is for all of you, no matter how you are feeling right now, to check on your friends and hug them tight. We all need each other and I think the next few years we may need each other more then ever. So don't ridicule anothers plight. Try to show the goodness I see in all of you to those you know need you now.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Ivy Falls Talent at Burning Life 2008

Burning Life. Be there. Join me as a Rampager. Come to performances.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Shopping and Dropping

Guys, this isn't even going to be on your radar so you'd probably like to sit on the couch in the store in  the mall with the game on the big LCD while we SecondLife girls discuss this.

So, last night I was looking through my closet again and began to go through my shoes. (How many of you have been here nearly two years and accumulated inventory?) I remember last year when I went through my lingerie drawer and started a pile of 'throw-me-aways." I had free panties that upon examination found the label had "Barbie" written inside with a red-line drawn through signifying 'reject.' Some of my bras had either the wires bent or were no wire type and had shriveled up into 'unwearable' and some just had turned 'raggy'. I cleaned those drawers and the colors and sizes piling up was like a major multi-ethnic party. CLICK DELETE. 

My wardrobe and entire inventory became lighter. (Yes, I do have some real good lingerie still.) Most of my friends wander around with "no see = no bra- no panty." My commando girlfriends.

I tried to attack my dresses but taking them out, trying them on, thinking about them, wondering if I may have an occasion to wear them stopped the progress here dramatically. Oh sure, my hips are a bit plumper nowadays, so those too tight hit the 'click delete pile' but I still haven't gone through 10% of my dresses pants, blouses, skirts etc.

And now, last night, I finally opened the two wide mirrored doors to my 'shoes'. Now, there before me were shoes dating back to the Winter of 06-07. Boots with more prim then the 'avatar rendering cost' could calculate. I use to love these black lace-up boots. OMG, they have bling. Did I ever wear bling? Shame....DELETE, DELETE. Another pair of white shoes from a wedding in April 07. They were terrible, badly made. I remember how much they hurt to wear and was fortunate my gown had kept them hidden. DELETE, DELETE.

A pair of  'whore purple' boots. I can't even remember the evening they climbed into my closet. DELETE...DELETE. Yikes, some freebies still lived. Pushed way back in the corner. DELETE.

Finally came the hard part. Boots and shoes I had paid 1000L for. I remember this one pair I had bought at Minx. The were 'elegant black'. Could be worn with almost anything. (My closet cleaning had started all because of the green dress I was wearing and wondering what shoes to wear.) They had been elegant but at 54 prim per shoe and the heels needing to be replaced I thought I could easily 'delete.' But I couldn't. Not even the scuff marks could get me to. 

I had paid 900Linden for these. I bought them for a big dance at Jade's Jazz House. There they were, black patent leather strap ups. No Moody Stillettos but still they had nostalgic value. I asked if anyone still shopped at Minx and Raeva said she did. So, I put those shoes on the lowly bottom shelf, closed the door and heard the words from GONE WITH THE WIND, "I'll think about that tomorrow."

There, on the shelf in front of my eyes, were a perfect pair of open toe Moody Stillettos, Mary Janes. Closet Closed.

Do you have wardrobe story? Leave a comment. Can you DELETE? Or, are you still a pack rat?

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Election Fun

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Thursday, September 18, 2008

Life and Death

SecondLife slows many emotions. Love, fear, loneliness, annoyance, etc. but this blog is about a particular sense one can only  feel from behind the keyboard.

Before I explain, I know you think all of them are from behind the keyboard and yes in the end they are but the ones I am referencing  above are reinforced by the digital world we live in. The one I'll mention isn't.

You get digitally bumped, you are annoyed. You are alone somewhere in SL, you feel loneliness. You enter a 'non-safe' sim, you sense fear. You are with your friend strolling one of the beautiful forests of SecondLife, you emote love.

But death is not defined either by oneself or a friend. Since my life in SecondLife I've lost one friend from both first and secondlife. Another has surprisingly, wonderfully has managed to live nearly a year longer then was prognosed originally.

Just two weeks ago a very dear friend of mine sent a notecard outlining what appeared to be an asthma attack but upon going to the hospital  was diagnosed at first as asthma but over the next days learned she had Stage 4 Cancer in her lungs, liver, spine. Her notecards and conversations since have brought both insight and thought. Insight from her comment, "I walk this path alone now," to all the thoughts I've had since and we have shared.

Most important, her path she does walk alone but I believe all of our prayers (should you pray) thoughts (if you think) can either make this path easier or even light a path back with all of us. Her condition is not hopeless. Dire yes. But not hopeless. Already I've learned of one who walked back from a very similar brink (stage 4, spine, liver, lungs) and now 7 years later is cancer free.

Returning to the theme of this blog, I have been overcome with a sense which has nothing to do with her avatar. It occurred also with another friend earlier. But this has been much more moving since I've spent much time with Stephanie; talking with her about many things friends would talk about at these times. My mind has stopped often, both when we have been together and not, about her hands on the keyboard no longer sending out her thoughts, her love, her friendship.

We all encounter this in firstlife, however, this particularly release a different sense from SecondLife. I don't know Stephanie except from SecondLife and so this thought was not the avatar nor the physical but the soul that lives in both (if you prefer mind. I am not trying to inject religion here).

Mystifying, inexplicable I am lost as to my thoughts regarding this feeling. What does it mean? As much as I am sure I will hear from Stephanie and she is well and cancer free, I also realize her fingers may not touch the keyboard again. Fortunately, she has a wonderful family in firstlife whom she loves and loves her dearly.

Friends of SecondLife, you are all so dear (I am not sad so please don't worry about me) and at this time, no matter your belief I ask one thing. Stop....for one second,,,next time you are in-world....and send this electrical charge from your keyboard.....just type STEPHANIE.....into the void of our digital world.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Poetry

I have many friends who are "creatives' in SecondLife. From time to time I would like to introduce them to you. The necklace and earrings I've been giving out were made by Lore Lamont (she does custom jewelry). Rebecca Rozen made the double dice necklace. Raeva has made the dresses I've given away and both she and Inga have made and given me numerous performance dresses. Kellie Iwish and Eshi Otawara also produce original clothing.

Many wonderful jokes and ideas come from Stephanie Kieper. My blog's original artwork was done by Doran Carter and recently updated by Nicky Wise.

OMG...I'd better stop now. It's starting to read like the credits of a tv sitcom. However. over time I will try to thank each of you and let you know you are always remembered

But today I'd like to introduce you to a poet. This poem by Morgue McMillan (real name at the bottom of the poem -- Oh, hey, this way you'll read it twice.) Called PINK it is just a sweet poem. Many of Morgue's poems are more developed and some very dark. However, my friend is going to be published more often in the future and I wanted to share a recent poem. You can often hear her poetry on Sunday night at Persephone's "The Blue Angel" at 5pm SLT (it's a poets dive.

Pink

Winter sun, little girl,
rosy skin, blond angel's
curls - all parents'
dream.

Easter sun, bloomy dress,
pink shiny shoes, a pretty
face - keep it all
clean.

Summer sun, campus green,
chicken run, pick one,
two, three - cheers to the
queen.

Autumn sun, chicken talk,
carved skin, take the dog
for a walk - poor mind still
pink.

September 8, 2008
(C) Morgue McMillan -: Marieluise Niehus

Friday, September 12, 2008

Be All You Want To Be

     Quote by friend, "Give Sarah Palin eight years and she'll birth you an army."

Well, I guess politics is out of the question for this blog? Not! It is funny that Sarah has marginalized John McCain. It's as if he's running for the second position. Also, I find it funny the new slogan of the Palin-McCain ticket, a 'vote for change.' How can that be? If elected they will owe the years ahead to the same people who brought you this crisis.

Hey, did you notice the new banner? It was done by my friend Nicky Wise. The little piece of digital earth I reside on and you come to hear me laugh is a colaboration by all of you and my friends. When was the last time you looked over your friends list and made a note to thank all those who have added such a new dimension to your happiness?

Imagine your non-SL friends and the world they know. Sure, they know a few people around the world but most of them are within their current provincial realm. But, you now know people everywhere who would welcome you to their homes. And what about those before this 'virtual reality'. Those who lived lives where their ideas had to fit the mold of those within the hamlet (wait, Obama is going to get into trouble for using that word on Letterman) where they dwelt.

SecondLife exposes thoughts of yours to reality with others and also makes you broaden your acceptance of others. Isn't that what evolution of thought is about? Aren't we paving a road to a more peaceful earth (if we don't blow it up first). What if every politician and corporate CEO had to live in SL at least an hour a day. What would that do? (Griefer Presidents would be caged.)

Anyhow, I just wanted to say I love all of you.....thank all of you....enjoy you all and wish each of your days end with a smile regardless of the rigors of firstlife.

LoveLauren

Monday, September 8, 2008

SecondLife Convention 2008

Well, your girl Lauren went to the SL Convention 2008 and here is my report on the past weekend.

The hotel and location were terrific. Much better then expected and the price per room was quite reasonable. Especially since those who had funds shared rooms and other money saving collaborations.

Entering the enormous hotel lobby on Friday morning I saw every seat taken by SL'ers with laptops opened and our universe glowing out of those LCD screens with badges worn proudly displaying their SecondLife names. Easily looking out you could have found someone whose corporeal reality represented you. And though there was every size, shape and gender you would have found by the end of the weekend why you so feel the closeness and love you do in SL for so many of these other travelers.

One aspect I found as poor planning is the convention's direction which is directed nearly entirely to 'education and business'. Yet, at the convention were entertainers, travelers, poets and writers, none of whom were recognized by the convention sessions. Therefore outside of the opening meeting the breakout sessions were poorly attended in comparison to the attendance.

I was going to the elevators when a mother, her mother and her daughter began to pass. I leaned over to the daughter, smiled and said hello and the mother, smiling broadly, said, "Oh, I know that voice. Hi Lauren." Cybergrrl and I hugged and over the weekend became close friends. I was surprised by how many people recognized me by either voice or by my show. Blaze Petrov, Eshi Otawara, Lily Charleville, Tuna Oddfellow, Phorkyad Acropolis and several other friends came up for big hugs.

Philip Linden was both interesting and accessible which made the event all the more enlightening and enlivening. There were some interesting sponsor booths set up depending on your proclivity.

Hehe.....yes we partied. Of course the big party was the Strokerz Ball on Saturday night. It was a wild mix of Gorean and non Gorean spectacular held at Banana Joe's. We danced, drank and danced some more.

The future of 'virtual reality universe' according to Philip is one which over the next 10 years will consume 50% of the broadband usage. Also, he touched on how this world does change who we are in both lives.

I only wish we could all agree that fl stands for firstlife and not florida. More on all this later.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Tooting My Horn

This was an historic weekend for LaurenLive and I'm excited to share with you my feelings and work. For those who were at the show you know how incredible the IVY FALLS theater was decked out by Rekka and the stage presentation by Kere.

But, let me take you back. This show, the first of it's kind in SecondLife, was broadcast live to a theater in Amsterdam. It was simultaneous shown throughout SL and was also available on the web for those with a computer, internet access and not in SL. It is currently being cut, edited and finished as a video. (ok, it was a big thing for me.)

Ze Moo's Club Interbellum presented an entire program for Saturday's line-up. Some top musicians performed and I was the comedy act. There was a theme to the day's events so I wrote virtually a new show for this particular performance. And, because the actual livecast was to be a half hour I wrote about that length of show. We wanted a full house for the livecast so my show started at 3pm and they arrived around 3:25 and broadcasted until 4pm.

I want to thank those of you who came and heard the same show nearly repeated and appreciate how you understood the nature of this event and stayed when I started over again while the cameras rolled. As you know, I did not repeat the first half hour exactly but instead always improvise during a show based on audience reaction and comments.

Nearly 40 people attended the theater, over 50 were in firstlife movie theater watching and unknown who was tuned in elsewhere. Hopefully millions (joking). I was told by those at the movie theater in Amsterdam the audience was laughing the whole time. They enjoyed the show and also the audience. Amazed was their reaction to how unique the show was and SecondLife. I explained during the show many nuances about the jokes about SecondLife. Apparently most of the firstlife audience was able to go along with much of these jokes so the planning worked out.

For all of you who came. For those of you in FirstLife now reading my blog and having attended. For all the backing of so many friends I accept this Oscar...............................I know it started sounding like that...so adieu.

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Good Morning

Thoughts and ramblings about our favorite place SecondLife. I am always amazed how updates seem to fix what was wrong for some in the last update and create problems for those whom everything was going ok.

Yesterday, we were laughing about how we missed being RUTHED. Especially when then guys would come in smaller with tits and a bit more subdued until they completely rezzed. Now, we come in between Star Trek (Scottie beam me up) and Casper the Friendly Ghost.

One thing I would like someone to make is a duplicate inventory collector. So we could just drag our files into this thing and it would not show the items. (Example, we could put 1,000 of items away and go find them easily and our inventory count would exclude them.) Right now, I put all my old clothes in a box and after awhile delete the box. I couldn't believe the crap I thought was important enough to save. Freebie clothes, leopard print velor fabric love seats. Copies of sex toys that would never be used.

It would be fun to know the top 5 items we all saved and one day laughed at when we threw away. You know, those little blue dresses we hid in the closet.

Another thing we've talked about many times. My friends list is a mess. I want to sort into Friends, Acquaintances, Enemies but now I want more. I want to create groups. Current Family. I want to be able to create restraining orders so some avatars aren't even allowed in the same sim I'm in. A group of those who know how to dance. Those you don't invite out because their mic sucks, they munch food, tell bad jokes, forget to groom, don't remember your name.

And then a group of GONE AWAY. Friends who've left but you don't want to delete them because you are sure they will find firstlife boring and return to the joys of lag, graphic distortion and skirts that fit funny.

Finally, I want a group of friends who never contact you unless they want something. Oh, my dear friend, could you please come to my rez day part, wedding and other events where bodies are needed. "Please, I can't find enough campers anymore!"

Oooopsss! Another thing. AWAY and BUSY....I want to be able to have a DO NOT DISTURB, but be able to check the few friends I would like to be able to reach me and they wouldn't get a BUSY notice. I mean, what if FedEx wants to make a delivery of the new shoes I bought?

Oh well, Good Morning SecondLifers (yikes that just sounded like a morning call at a 'minimum security facility.' What a joke....call it what it is. A jail with crappy locks.)

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Relevance

This blog is both self-promoting and an insight into performing in SecondLife. As most of you know, I've been doing a stand up comedy rountine in SecondLife for over a year. For those of you who don't know, most of the material is self-written (or friends thoughts) about what is funny in SecondLife.

There aren't many comics in SL and I'm not sure if musicians are effected but I do know, less and less people attend one of my shows although the amount of people in my group expands. I also notice that other comics are also having a hard time attracting an audience.

I am attributing this at the moment to Summer but when I log on the number of people is higher then ever. Perhaps most Second Lifers don't like to laugh. Or, none of us are very funny. Either one of those two reasons should be a death blow to comedy in SecondLife.

Now, I haven't noticed any drop off for musicians and I have noticed musicians tips are nearly five fold over a comics. Since I belong in the latter group, I do worry about the possible death of comedy in Secondlife.

For myself, I am going to see over the next 90 days whether the numbers pick up or not. I keep writing plenty of new material (that I hope is funny) and will do everything I can to make a go of this. This is not a cry baby blog. I don't do that. Instead it's knowing where I and other comics stand. I talk to regularly to those comics and we need to know where we are on the 'realization' curve. It's quite possible SecondLifers find comedy a bit lower then camping.

And finally, on Saturday, at 3pm SL time in the sim of IVY FALLS at the theater, I will be doing a show that will also be broadcast into a theater within firstlife in Amsterdam. From what I understand this will also be interactive. If you happen to be around, I hoe to see you there.

Hey, if I'm not funny, there's always shopping for shoes.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Inflation in Second Life?

Have you noticed? There is INFLATION right here in SecondLife. I'm not talking about our land. All of that is subprime. But the price of things are going up and my pocketbook is suffering. However, we cannot attribute it to OIL or other commodities. So the question is, 'What is inflation in SecondLife and how is it caused? What can we do about it? Or, should we just stop buying things

I've been noticing this for quite sometime but it really hit me at the big Hair Show event. Hair that use to cost 100 is now 200Lindens. And 200L is now 400L. So the price of hair is rising. And of course we are all worried about 'avatar rendering costs' and the hair people don't list it.

(Aside, I think all wearable items should show the 'avatar rendering costs' in the label. How do we now how it was made. The quality, durability, Lightweightedness,)

Anyhow....many prices are rising here in SL. Have you noticed Stiletto Moody's boots are now 1500L for a pair. Last year top price was around 1200L. Sure, you'll say they are better made, or they are this year's style, but still they cost more and you know I need them. Therefore less money in my wallet to feed my little girl Lula.

Other things I notice. Musicians are getting larger tips. Instead of those 50L and 100L they are getting 400L and more. Some musicias have actually made easy pay with numbers like 6969L, That's a lot of particles. And I do comedy. I hardly get any tips. I can't do many shows or people will be bored. So Lula goes without shoes now.

The gift shops have raised prices.I saw a wedding dress for 5999L the other day. I was so happy I won't ever be asked to get married. The price of dresses at Blaze is going up. I have to shop over at the Asian stores where, I guess, labor is cheaper and quality is great and the prices aren't rising so fast.

Landscaping prices are rising. Trees I use to buy for 200L are now 400L at Straylight. New ocean waves cost up to 5000L for a package.

Animations are on the rise and so are dances.

But the sad part is my old clothes look like crap and aren't in style so I'll have to throw them out and get new stuff for fall. I haven't had the courage to look at the price of a nice silver necklace and forget about gold, I no longer even think about that. Nor do I know how much the Persian rugs have gone up.

All I know is the Lindens aren't doing anything to help. There are no lunch programs for my little Lula. She comes home everyday hungry. I'm not even sure I'll be able to keep my house warm this coming winter. So, if you see me huddled on a sidewalk somwhere in SL with my little Lula in my arms and an empty coffee can beside me, please, please drop some Lindens in.

Hmmm, wonder how much Linden cat food costs.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Starting Over

Anybody need a new friend? Anyone still need a comedian? Lauren's back and I need to find new work and new friends or I could just go shopping.

I am going to do this show on August 30th (and the machinima part tonight). I will also be making a decision as to whether LaurenLive will take a hiatus. My last show have had very small audiences and just the regulars so it is apparent my material is either stale or something else that I'm not sure of.

And, you knw I don't like being STALE...so I will work on seeing if the following project can be done.

THINK OF YOUR LIFE BEING A PART OF A NEW DRAMATIC COMEDY IN SECONDLIFE.

So, how many different jobs have you had? How many friendships have you burned through in SL and how quickly? Who do you love? Write it down. Don't worry about puncuation etc. that can all be worked later. Who you are and how you interelate in SL. Your joy and tears.

I would like to know if any of you are interested in recounting (by an email document to lauren.weyland@gmail.com) your life in SecondLife. Love, shopping, friendships etc.

Why? Because I want to take these stories and using editor and script writers work them into a dramatic comedy. We live here but no one has ever written or produced a show about our lives. There's tons of Shakespeare, a few original plays with no ties to SecondLife and some adaptation of plays from firstlife.

Only In The Pink was ever about the women of SecondLife but most of the play centered arond their firstlife experiences as a woman (which of course if would have to have) only a few pieces were SecondLife experiences.

Now, I believe something wonderful, unique and electrifying can be produced. I am not saying this is an extravaganza (though I'm not sure the direction regarding sets etc. nor will I direct.) But, I do know men and women have stories of their lives in SL. These lives have interest, especially to others in SL and properly put together could be performed on Broadway.

All, email only, stories (please elaborate in your story...what did you wear? what sim were you in? i.e. we met when I fell on him tp'ing into Club Dance. Or, I sat and cried at the pier in New England sim. Talk about your friends and their lives it you want. We need depth so we can focus.

NO PERSONAL INFORMATION will ever be exposed to anyone and if your story is part of this play you will be contacted to approve using it. However, whatever your story it will change in the play to move the story forward. So, once you are aware we are using it, you must also understand we will not require your permission in how we interpret it going forward.

If you have no interest, maybe you have a friend who does. Hopefully we will combine many stories int a character during development and deliver to the world a product of tears and laughter.

Hugs, Lauren