Almost Wonderland

 I don't know what happened with my computer, but it's currently running Second Life again! Granted, I'm still a bit wary so I might limit things for now, but... I'm here at Almost Wonderland because this place is exceptional and I really need to recommend it! There's so many places in Second Life that have elements inspired by Alice in Wonderland and wow, this place delivers for all your Wonderland needs... in a slightly darker way than might be expected.

 Certainly the first part of Wonderland is known by many people... the fall down the rabbit hole, the room with a too small door and the food and drinks that say 'eat/drink me!' They have that here, but beyond that... I remember watching the Disney version and thinking oh this place is very bright and colourful, isn't it?

And that's it. This place is just as colourful as can be expected by Disney fans, and indeed, the fans who read Through the Looking Glass at it's more psychedelic elements. The theme of drugs isn't even a hidden one in the story, considering the caterpillar and just how many things Alice manages to stuff her in her mouth that she shouldn't.

The colours on this sim are bright and glowing and makes the place feel exceptionally surreal. Almost like an acid trip, maybe, except there are so many beautiful details here that I don't know what to make of it. Bad drugs, or alien landscape? The plants have eyes that follow you as you move about, and then there are the phosphorescent plants with such brilliant bio-luminescence that I just had to stop and take a few pictures in awe.

Shucks, though, since apparently I stepped in the wrong area to take pictures and was swallowed up by one of the flowers! Never let it be said that flowers aren't dangerous in Second Life.

Okay, do I didn't see much on the Red or White Queens here or any Jabberwacky around, so it might just be the first parts of the story. I was dressed up ready to fight, too! It's a bit of a shame, although I did manage to stop for some delicious tea and catch a bit of fun just riding in teacups... no, really! It wasn't just drugs in the tea, there really were teacup rides as well!

But of course, that's mostly for people who have shrunk down a few sizes to fit right into those teacups...


With the graveyard in the back of the sim, though, I'd still be weary about just what's going on around here. Just because we don't see the Red Queen doesn't mean she might not be lurking about and keeping tabs on the citizens of Wonderland....

Shamera is wearing:

** Just for You Jewels ** Safety Pin Save a Lollipop -- Free at Kawaii Fair

*fac*Dundee Knife -- Free at Kawaii Fair

.:DMD:. Sailor School Uniform Plaid -- NOT FREE ($250L)

.::Kre-ations::. Autumn is Coming Horns -- dollarbie

.::Kre-ations::. Black and Red Katana -- dollarbie

[y] Simplicity Hair -- Free at Kawaii Fair

Tactical Leg Holster -- Free at Marketplace

Writers have their perks!

Goodness, it's been forever, hasn't it?

Well, now I'm here about the Albatross Coffee House and the subsequent tower across from it where literary works are created into art in Second Life. I'm sorry, I know I should be more specific, but SL has actually been freezing my computer for minutes at a time every time I go on so I'm going to attempt to do this entry without having to get back on there!

 Now, anyone who knows me will know I'm a bit of a geek (or more specifically, I'm an English major) and to me, there's nothing better than to find little niches on Second Life where people can go and enjoy themselves... or better yet, save into their favourite landmarks so when they need a place to chat and hang out with friends, they can do do!

Most people seem to meet up a lot in sandboxes now if they don't have a place to call their home, and while that works great when you quickly rezz a nice sitting area and maybe house for you and your friends to talk several hundred metres in the air, usually people don't collect nice furniture unless you're really planning on getting a place that allows for the furniture to be rezzed for more than four hours at a time.

For me, the Albatross Coffee House is perfect. While yes, I like to host things around and find places that are great for things such as interacting, partying, or even planning a nice writing session (of which I need to do more on Second Life!), having them in houses don't always work. Especially if you don't have a lot of space or want to get a bit creative but find that your land impact is quickly approaching the limit of what you've paid for.

And if you're like me, you not only want a space with chairs for people to sit, but nice décor... books everywhere, and some food to keep that appearance of a good hostess. So for me, cafés are very important. You sit, your avatar eats, and you talk about anything and everything that comes on to your mind. It's a nice, relaxing thing to do!

And what a tribute to amazing writers as well. E. A. Poe has to be one of my favourite classical writer: a true pioneer in the horror genre without ever letting his writing turn gruesome or gross. His is the true psychological horror, in line with H. P. Lovecraft -- stories that tantalise your mind and leave you breathless with anxiety. Not fear, perhaps, but a hammering in your heart and a tightness in your chest to prove that you can feel and understand the protagonist's worries, doubts, and the forever struggle to wonder whether or not they're sane.

...Look at me waxing poetic, though. I should be getting back to my own writing instead! But just as a traditional closing out, I hope everyone with the Avatar 2.0 has gotten their new HUD update! Utilizator has created a new HUD that allows for the mesh body to wear more things on Second Life and I recommend anyone and everyone with the Avatar 2.0 to get the update, even if you have to change a few things in your shape (eyes, particularly) to make it work.

Shamera is wearing: 

Pikachu pajamas (PopTart) from the Kawaii Fair (free!)

(includes shoes)