This may seem like an odd thing to post, but SECOND SPACES contribution to Fifty Linden Friday this week was an absolute must have!
After all the germs, snot and mucus that I’ve been battling in real life it seemed only fair that I should have to do the same in Second Life.
I do love a good prop set, and this one is no exception, and of course costs just L$50 from Second Spaces.
Can you believe that this is my 1500th post on the blog?
Blimey! I wanted to write something suitably awesome to mark the occasion, but quite honestly I can’t think of anything windswept and interesting to post at the moment. I’m still recovering from the worst cold I’ve had in an age in real life, and it’s really taken a toll on me. Ghastly germs!So instead of my writing a post about something new, a place to visit or an item that you must own, I have a favour to ask. Second Life, as we all know by now, is a wonderful place to meet and mingle, and we sometimes take our chats off-line onto various forums like Plurk, Facebook and SLUniverse to name a few. However, oftentimes there’s a lot of drama and negativity played out upon these spaces.
I’ve said it before, but I really don’t understand why people hiding behind a keyboard think it gives them free reign to insult, belittle or be downright rude to people. It’s one thing to have an opinion, but quite another to share it in a hurtful way. It’s such a simple phrase, but the saying “If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say it” springs to mind.
It’s easy to make fun of other avatars. Heck, I was doing it myself yesterday, I’m not innocent of such immature behaviour. But after I’d done it, I actually thought what a mean thing it was to do. Even though they will never know, my words are still out there, floating in cyberspace. And I should know better. Just because someone chooses to express themselves in a certain way in-world it doesn’t give me, or anyone else, the right to make fun of them. We’re as diverse in the metaverse as we are in the universe, and I should be more mindful of that.
So, starting right now, I want us all to be a little more Second Life Conscious.
Words on a screen have just as much power, if not a little more, than words spoken out loud. We live in an age of ever-present criticism and condemnation through social media and where does that lead to? Hatred and misunderstanding. It’s not wrong to say that we need to spread more love in the virtual world, and it doesn’t have to be the kind that requires a Hud or a Poseball. Spread the Second Life Love! Let’s be more mindful of what we say in our virtual spaces, and how we present ourselves. Would you say that in real life? Why is it OK to say something in a virtual world that you would never say in the real one? Think on that point for a moment.Be graceful. Manners are NOT a bad thing, they exist for a reason. Let’s show gratitude to creators instead of constantly criticising. If you buy something and you really love it, drop them a few lines on a notecard and tell them!
People are quick to complain, but rarely as quick to congratulate.
The next time you are in a crowded area in Second Life, or at an event, take a good long look at the avatars that surround you. Read the profiles, snoop if you will, and then PAY SOMEONE A COMPLIMENT.
It doesn’t have to be over-stated either. In fact, this is something that I have been doing for a while now; it’s sort of a Second Life spiritual practise, and not only do you make someone feel good by doing it, you’ll feel pretty good yourself too. Double win!
So, what kind of things do you say? Here’s an example: Yesterday I spotted an amazing avatar when I was shopping in ISON. In private chat I messaged the avatar and wrote, very simply, “I love your avatar!” This was a genuine compliment, straight from my heart. I really liked the way that her avatar was styled, and also because she was unusual. She had an aged look to her, something that you really don’t see in Second Life that often. I very quickly received a delighted response. “Wow! Thank you so much for saying that!” and that was it. I had a smile on my real life chops, and I’m pretty sure she did too. It was THAT simple.
Of course, you could follow these words up and enter into a conversation, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Oftentimes I just follow my compliments with the phrase “YVW! (You’re very welcome)” or “NP (No Problem) Have a great day!” and that’s that.
It’s such a simple thing to do yet it REALLY does make such a difference. And if you aren’t doing this already (I’m sure some people reading this probably are) then I’d like you to please, give it a go.
Because I know from my own experience that it will make difference, so imagine what will happen if we all start to do this!
OK, in the grand scheme of things this isn’t earth-shattering or life-changing, but imagine how you will feel in a week if you’ve been practising this every day? And even more importantly, imagine how you will have made other people feel too! So please, spread the word. Instead of turning up at an event, camming around, making a few purchases and leaving, next time take a peek at the avatars around you. Is there one who stands out? Do they have a really great sense of style that you admire? Or are they just incredibly cute and have impressed you with their look? TELL THEM! There’s nothing creepy about a quick compliment, and you may make a real difference to their day. Plus you get to speak to some pretty amazing people too. (Well, I say people, yesterday I complimented a giant hamster on his cuteness. I think he was pleased!)
We’re a community, and in a metaverse as disparate as ours it’s easy to forget that. With the festive season of goodwill fast approaching, let’s start early in-world, and spread the love.
Thank you for sticking with Kittywitchin’ through 1500 blog posts. Here’s to the next 1500 and beyond!
(PS If you DO follow the steps above, please share your experiences in the comments below.)
I just HAVE to tell you about these amazing Gifting Bags from Zinnia Karu.
Zinnias is a fantastic store and a firm favourite of mine. The owner, Zinnia Karu, designs beautiful furniture and homewares with a South Western/Mexican theme and the colours that she uses in her work are always zesty and eye-popping. It’s impossible to gaze upon her creations without a smile upon your chops. Well, her latest release is perfect for popping under your Christmas tree and will look sensational too. (There, I said it. Christmas has been mentioned on the blog.)
These ‘Gacha Gifting Bags’ are the perfect solution to the age-old question of what to do with your Gacha doubles. Deleting them is a waste, so why not pop them into one of these transferable bags and gift them to a friend?
The bags are actually Gacha prizes themselves; for L$25 you can play to win one of six beautifully decorated bags. There are two extra special rares as well, which are a little more fancy than the others with some extra decorations added to the ribbons on the bag. Don’t they look sweet? I really like them; such a simple item but one that really does look rather special indeed.
What will you gift in these bags? Pop over to Zinnias at The Cookie Jar to get yours!
Make no mistake, the seasons have changed, and it’s cold out there folks.
In RL I’ve been battling an especially nasty cold/flu/plague, and have taken to wearing as many layers as possible all at once. Along with scarf, Slanket and hot water bottle too!
But in many ways I don’t mind the cold really because I really love wrapping up warm with lots of scrummy, woolly layers, scarves, gloves and hats. In fact, as I write this I have a jumper, hoody and a scarf on, but I am full of germs, aacchhoo!
I just cannot live without a blooming good jumper, and there are plenty to be found at various locations across the grid. What defines a good sweater in Second Life? In my opinion shape is everything; a jumper has to look bulky in all the right places, with creasing and gathering adding depth to the texture. If it’s a cable-knit, look at the way the pattern has been applied to the template; open weaves can look messy on closer-inspection if the texture hasn’t been carefully added. Just like in RL, you get what you pay for when it comes to Second Life winter fashion.
I’m always on the lookout for a winter woolly, and here are four of my favourites…
I LOVE the colour of this sweater. This is my favourite colour in real life, and I was delighted to find this jumper in SL courtesy of ISON. This is the ‘Angora Sweater’ in Plum. It fits like an absolute dream, and the texture really does make you feel like you’re wearing a very fluffy sweater. Remember what I said about shape and shading? This is a great example of how to do it well, even when you’re adding a really tricky texture. It’s adorable, and even more so when punked up with statement jewellery and eyeliner. It’s an essential for your winter wardrobe, and perfect for layering. Even better there are 8 different colours available at a mere L$165 a pop, with a fat-pack at L$995. I’ve *never* had a duff purchase from ISON, and it’s once of those stores that once you discover it you’ll wonder how you managed without!
Another cat sweater, this time a knit that is fun and funky and yup, I’d wear this in real life too! This is from FRANKIE (formerly known as IMBUE) and I really like it. The texture looks good up close, and the cat pattern is pretty funny. (It carries over onto the back of the sweater too.) I added shorts and hooped-earrings for a casual, street wise look. The sweater is available in four shades at L$95 a pop. There are a few other cat-themed items in the store as well, and I really enjoyed my visit there. The store is well-styled and there’s a great ambiance to it. My only issue is that a few things I’ve purchased from the store haven’t fit as well as I would have liked, but I had no problems with this sweater at all. Oh, and be warned; I couldn’t stop singing ‘Frankie’ by Sister Sledge once I’d visited, and trust me, that didn’t do my cold symptoms any good at all.
The ‘Simple Long Rope Sweater’ from U.F.O. is anything but. This is a cable-knit jumper and a half, and looks incredibly warm and snug. What I really like about this is the detailing on the sleeves; open loops of wool that add depth and ‘bite’ to the surface of this creation. The texture is satisfying to look at too; zoom in and the details are in all the right places, just as you would expect from this brand which has a lot of fans in-world. And rightfully so, it’s a great label, successfully combining fresh Japanese styling with classic shapes and patterns. There are eleven different styles of this jumper in store; some featuring solid colour like the one I am wearing, and others with patterns applied. There are also shorter versions too; but I like my big baggy bum-covering jumpers in-world and out! The sweater costs L$260 making it a bit pricey, but it’s very well made so worth every Linden.
Last but not least, I had to include this Viking Cat sweater that I’ve had lurking in my inventory for an age. I added some ‘specs-appeal’ and geeked this look up a little, but unfortunately I cannot find this sweater on sale anymore. But I like it so you’ll just have to gaze longingly at me dressed in it..ahem! (Note to self, check product availability BEFORE you take photos for blog post..)
So readers, time to get your woolly on! Why not share with us your favourite places to find jumpers, sweaters and all things snuggly in the comments below? Looking forward to seeing your suggestions so I can add to my collection!
Kittywitchin' 