say goodbye, it'll make me wanna kiss you

So, Violet Scrivener is picking up a lot of interesting gigs in some very interesting places. One of those was one I hadn't managed to make yet, last Sunday, but I finally had time, so...I went to J and R's Ballroom.



First of all, the place is stunning. I mean seriously stunning--all gilded columns, Art Nouveau paintings, Art Deco glasswork and marbled floors. Really well done.



This is the bar, just to the right of the entrance, around the curve of the dome.



The other side of the dome, with the dance balls, the cloud to click for animesh dance partners, and the tip jar (the gold rotating clef).



I do want to make it clear that I did not dress for the venue, because this was the first time I'd been here. But I dressed in teal to go dancing, and the ballroom was dressed in teal to meet me. Wild.



The Art Deco chandelier, or light fixture, or whatever it's formally called, at the top of the dome.



A painted marble urn stuffed with peacock feathers. Lovely.



In fact, the only downside (barring the fact that whomever picked out their dances needs to update to this century, because they're all vintage, and most seem like they were put together before mocap technology)? That the slow rezzing issues that seem grid-wide currently result in some very...odd...visual disturbances.

Case in point, the wonderful fellow who danced with me at the ball. Charming gentleman, agile on the dance floor...never stopped nomming his brain. Disquieting, but not a deal-breaker.

I do intend to go back, though. Dorky dances and all. It's a fun place.

a total eclipse in the teeth of the risk

So, we've been dealing with this person off and on in one of my groups:

[10:45] yxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Are Japanese travelers dressed tightly in your country? I am a Japanese housewife who loves traveling.
[10:46] Axxxxxx Bxxxxx: Hi [Yxxx]
[10:46] Kxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: u can dress loosely too
[10:46] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): I think what she means is, her clothes are constricting, someone should probably help her out of them :p

I mean, am I wrong? That is a fun way to put it, and since her grasp of English doesn't seem that complete, I could see it happening. And let's be frank--this is a group for a sim that lets members come and play with each other? So sensual flirtation is hardly out of bounds.

But then...

[10:47] lxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: haaahhahhhah
[10:47] yxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I like clothes that show off my body line.
[10:47] Kxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: body line?

Curves. I think. Is what she means.

[10:47] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Oh, you just meant tight clothes, then. Never mind.
[10:47] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): I thought you were being clever.
[10:47] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Carry on.

Kind of depressing, really. Such opportunity there. Squandered.

Her usual interaction with the group is far more direct. On the 31st of October, for instance:

[11:48] yxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: hi my name is [yxxx]. im japanese housewife. i like travel. japanese travellar is hot?

She always sends some iteration of this statement, and I have no idea anymore if she's just roleplaying, or serious about wanting to travel to India and "be hot".

[11:52] jxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Don't travel till there is a vaccine, [Yxxx]
[11:52] sxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: LOL
[11:54] Sxxxxxxxxxxx Qxxxxx: lol [Jxxxx] :)
[11:56] Jxxxx Fxxxxxxx: lol
[11:58] yxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: hi
[12:15] yxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: im hot in india travel?
[12:16] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): You keep making these questions.

She does. It's always presented as, "I'm hot in Japan?" or "I'm hot in India?" or "I'm hot traveler?" Like...it's never just a statement. It's always a question. And they're weird questions.

[12:16] yxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: im hot in india travel?

Case in point.

[12:17] sxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Kxxxx: blocked :(
[12:17] Jxxxx Fxxxxxxx: poor [yxxx]
[12:18] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Blocked? Has she done something worthy of blocking?
[12:19] yxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: ?
[12:20] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): I don't know either, [Yxxx]! I thought you were just asking if there was interest.
[12:22] yxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: mmm

But that was all she said, then, so who knows?

Later, on November 3rd:

[15:44] yxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: hi my name is [yxxx]. im japanese housewife. i like travel. japanese travellar is hot?

Who knows? Could be? It's a mystery for the ages.

[15:44] Yxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: smiles
[15:45] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Maybe? I'm sure someone will be able to answer that question in time.
[15:46] Hxxx Sxxxxxx: Japanese Travelers can be hot...
[15:46] mxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: hello [yxxx]
[15:46] mxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: nice to meet u
[15:46] yxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: hello
[15:47] Hxxx Sxxxxxx: depends on the selfie...
[15:47] yxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: me?

Well, anyone really, but yes, Ms. Y, you were the one being discussed, so...

[15:52] yxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: im hot in travel?
[16:02] yxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: i like india
[16:03] sxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: [yxxx] then why dont you come and stay in India since you like India and are hot in travel too
[16:04] Nxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: lool
[16:05] yxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: i like alone travel
[16:07] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Well, I'm confused. You like to travel alone, so you're not asking for company?
[16:10] yxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: my real travel photo
[16:11] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Run that past me again?

Because who knows what she meant? Her profile has her RL photo? She sent her RL photo to someone? Who knows?

Then, on the 4th of November:

[09:05] yxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: hi my name is [yxxx]. im japanese housewife. i like travel. japanese travellar is hot? me?
[09:05] dxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: hello Namste [yxxx]
[09:05] pxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: namasty ji

"Namaste". Traditionally.

[09:05] yxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: hello
[09:06] Rxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: hi everyone
[09:06] Rxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: where you all
[09:06] Rxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: can any one tp me
[09:06] dxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: hey [yxxx] ask [yxx] he is good guy help you about your fantasy travel to india
[09:06] yxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: yes
[09:06] Rxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: tp me

And again, conversation trailed off. So I really have zero idea what she's actually after.

if you build your house, then, please, call me home

I had been invited to return months ago, to see the new sim improvements. And for a variety of reasons, life has been utterly chaotic since. But today, it was time. Today, I went back.



I arrived in Thorvaldshavn's Sacred Grove, and it was a very peaceful space. I stood on holy ground while the land rezzed in around me.



Some of the buildings still looked familiar.



Thor's done an amazing job with the landscaping, though. It is both different, and familiar, and feels very...real. Possibly even more real than the first iteration.

As if I were actually standing, somewhere in Norway, long, long ago...



He's also put in an amazing amount of lovely water features.



Looks like he kept some of the harvestable trees and farm animals...



And this is just a gorgeous set piece of carved stones and arching trees.



...and stripper poles in the feasting hall. Oh, Thor, things were going so well.

Still, his sim, his rules. It's still gorgeous. And it's not like I'm going to move back there, but visiting now and again? That I can do. There are more Gorean touches, too, which I'm not overly fond of, but...I don't spend a ton of time there. And maybe the people who do live in Thorvaldshavn on the daily do want more Gorean touches. Who knows?

All I know is, the rebuild is very, very pretty, and the port system now doesn't just lead to the farmlands, but to Aelfheim, Neverwinter, the Jarl's hall, what looks for all the world like a hobbit village...so there's a lot going on, here, for both the fantasy roleplayer and the historical recreationist.

As long as you can deal with neon stripper poles in a medieval Viking sim, I mean. But hey, maybe people can.

I gotta mind of my own, I'll be alright alone, don't need anybody else

How about Breath of Nature?



Have I been here too? Or do I just recognize that heart-shaped swing?



I think I have another version of this same piano, only summerized.

Or maybe not--mine has poses, this one doesn't seem to.



I am in love with the colors here, though.



And all those pretty colors with late-harvest sunflowers? Awesome.



For all that this isn't a huge, sprawling sim/sims, I could see myself visiting this one more than once. It's very calming, and gorgeous, well done, very natural feeling. And again, lots of places to cuddle, which is never bad.

lips burrow so deep, give me good sleep (part I)

(This is the first of the series of extra shots from Darkwood.)



(Arriving at Darkwood.)



(Setting off in the Elven leaf boat.)



(Moving into the swamps.)



(Foxfire above the water.)



(Passing the forest guardian.)



(Approaching the twisted twins.)

(Continued in part II.)

and every day there's a little less difference between the two

Slightly grumpy that holiday sims are already up and running, I went on a search for ones still in autumn mode. I found one--Malal Autumn Fall.



Where it's also raining.



Was I here before? It looks very familar.



This doesn't, but that doesn't necessarily indicate I'm wrong about having traveled here in the past...



It's pretty, though. I give it full marks for pretty.

Maybe what I need is something less sprawling, more intimate, less...rainy. How about the Autumn Cafe?



Tiny little parcel. Little coffeeshop in a caravan, a cuddle pod, and a stand of encircling birch. Not terrible.



Small inside the cafe, by design, but still. Room enough for some (limited) seating, a small counter, some espresso machines and baked goods. All you'd need, really.



Still. Coffee inside, cuddles outside, crisp fall day...what more does anyone really need?

because with that look I know so well I fall completely under your spell

The sim was called The Apartments. The blurb was just as strange:

"Hallways, endless rain and cats
lots and lots of cats."

Right. Let's go see.



Well, I see the cats. I also see the rain.



And apparently occasional catfights.



What the hell is that outside??



The cats don't like it either.



There's a lot of Blade Runner feel to this sim. Blade Runner, Fifth Element, techno-noir designs, some actual brand names used, some mock brand names. It definitely presents a defined look. Not just cyberpunk, but that specific, the-air-is-water, we-never-see-true-sunlight setting.



All in all, if anyone needs a vaguely futuristic urban setting for photographs or roleplay, this may be ideal? It's a mildly interesting wander, if nothing else, with the rain pouring steadily outside, the occasional meows heard, and the mazelike narrow warren of interconnecting hallways of a multiple-unit, multiple-floor, multiple-block apartment building.

Go see if you're curious. Bring catnip.

my coffin cannot be that dark, it's cramped and I can't even hear songs

This is pulled from another chat service, not SL:

[11:53 PM] Wxxxxxxxx: So I checked out what I could of the Halloweeny stuff last night, and before going to the Haunted Mansion I spent like, 20 minutes trying to find some underwear that would fit under my skirt without clipping since it was a G sim and Disney related event, so just kinda felt like it was what I should do to follow the rules this time.
[11:53 PM] Wxxxxxxxx: What do I find when I get there?

Apparently, not G content:



At all.

[11:54 PM] Ixxxxx: You took the effort to check.
[11:54 PM] Wxxxxxxxx: Well, yes. I was curious. How else was I gonna find out?

And find out she did.



Both of them.

[6:59 PM] Emilly: Wait, the MAIDS?!??
[7:58 PM] Wxxxxxxxx: Yep! The NPC ones around the area that the sim makers set up.

Because...that makes sense on a G sim, right?

[10:47 AM] Emilly rolls her eyes

Because seriously. How dumb is that? G rated sim. Come on, guys, I know they're props, but think about these things.

Next, this one's a doozy.

[14:20] jxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: My bf/pimp says that I seem to be addicted to [c*cks]. I'm not sure how he gets this idea...

And she included a picture, which I am NOT going to link here. Let's just say both she, and the gentle in question, were very nude.

[14:21] axxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: [Mxxxx] this is not the place for that!

It's really not. Also, Ms. J at the start, and Ms. M above? Same person.

[14:21] axxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Please read the rules
[14:21] sxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I don't know if I should laugh or be shocked haha
[14:24] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Well. That's bold AND stupid, congratulations, [Mxxxx]!

This is what I never get. Like, are these all people seeking public humiliation? Because most of the time they don't even get that when they post one of these wrong windows, they just get bounced out of the group--because nine times out of ten, it's a completely non-sensual group in any way. So why?

lose the halo, don't need to resist

Today, I wandered Seaclaid in my spare time. It was the first sim mentioned under Destinations that wasn't snowed in or already decorated for the holidays. It's only the first of November, I am not ready for the holidays.

[20:55] Dxxxxx Axxxxx: You're back

Who's back? I couldn't see the speaker. Maybe they were up on the bridge?

I wandered down the cobblestones to get a closer look.



I looked around, but didn't see anyone, so continued wandering. I will give it to whomever designed this sim, it is pretty.



This build does get around. In fact, I just discovered that the Duke traipsed by Death Row Designs and picked the magic shoppe pack up. And he's thinking of going back for the voodoo shop.

Which I suppose makes sense--we did like the voodoo shop we were renting, we just couldn't stay there. So why not bring there to us?

[20:56] Dxxxxx Axxxxx: Welcome
[20:57] Dxxxxx Axxxxx: Feel free to explore

I mean, thanks? But I still didn't see the speaker. Where were they??

The blurb for the sim said they were a roleplay sim, but...for what? I couldn't even figure out the specific era from the layout, because most of the builds could fit in between 1890 and 1960. That's kind of a huge gap. And then there was the greeter--did I just walk past them? Or did they have a PA system? It was confusing.



The church was a wee bit oversized. It's closer to an old-style cathedral than a small village chapel, which again confuses--what roleplay involves twentieth-century architecture, fishing boats, bubble-blowing crabs and Louisiana wrought iron?



Another DRD build, I believe one of the rares from one of the haunted mansion gachas, but beautifully textured, and it fit so well with the mix of overgrown roses and pines leading down to the shore. If nothing else, bring your camera and your favorite poses, becuase it's chock full of photographic locations.



At least they have coffee?

breathe you in, 'til I hallucinate

I spent my morning trying to win Fallen Gods' Oracle skin for the year, and this happened:

[12:06] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Aly, if you'd care to sit?
[12:07] Alysisa Heartsong: sure just waiting on rezzing
[12:08] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): The heartbreak of slow rez
[12:08] Alysisa Heartsong: ❀Let it rez, Let it rez❀
[12:08] Alysisa Heartsong: ❀Can't see the colors no more❀
[12:08] Alysisa Heartsong: ❀Let it rez, Let it rez❀
[12:08] Alysisa Heartsong: ☻ I'll catch up whent the colors flow ☻
[12:08] Alysisa Heartsong: ▧ ▨ Here i stand, in the blur of gray ▧ ▨
[12:08] Alysisa Heartsong: ●○● Let the world rez in!!!! ●○●
[12:08] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr) cackles
[12:08] Alysisa Heartsong: ▧ ▨The gray never bothered me anyway▧ ▨

Not anonymized, because this was just so damned clever. The gesture came with a high little chibi voiced song, too. So much fun.

Meantime, I went to see Return to Darkwood, because I'd been told it was closing for the season on the 31st.

[22:44] Elven Boat whispers: Welcome to Calas Galadhon's 2020 Halloween build, RETURN TO DARKWOOD !
[22:44] Elven Boat whispers: For best viewing accept our Region's Windlight setting and have Advanced Lighting Model (PREFERENCES/GRAPHICS) enabled.
[22:44] Elven Boat whispers: You'll find watching in a darkened room is best.
[22:44] Elven Boat whispers: For those not familar with our Calas history, our original 'Darkwood' was our
[22:44] Elven Boat whispers: 2014 Halloween build.

I dimly remember going through Darkwood at some point in the past, but it was a walking tour. This was a series of interconnected waterways. I picked up a flashlight at the entrance, then ended up not needing it at all.



I was told after we'd started on the water tour that most of the haunt could be walked. The ride by boat took a bit over half an hour, all told, but...I'm very glad we took the boat option.



Recommended was midnight for lighting and the music stream being on. The music stream was heavily thematic, reminiscent of Lord of the Rings and other orchestral compositions. And, as the boat sailed through, on both sides were tucked away little glimpses of the surreal, or the haunting.

[22:44] Elven Boat whispers: we are happy to bring back a part of it this year.
[22:44] Elven Boat whispers: Though different, its spirit remains :)
[22:44] Elven Boat whispers: Be sure to turn on SOUNDS & Truck's amazing music stream. Enjoy the journey!

This seemed to be the only place with spiders, and they were never close to the boat.



Around swamp shacks, bridges overgrown with ivy, strange, surreal plants from other dimensions, the random dancing skeleton, the occasional troll...all to the lush sounds on the music stream and the teal/cyan glow of unseen lights.



And then...we left the water, and rose into the sky. In this shot, you can make out the swamp village we sailed through, with another boat making their languid way through the same waters.



I don't think words exist to explain how magical this was. While not purely a haunt, in the traditional sense, I was thoroughly swept away by the sheer immensity of it, the sweeping visuals, the pure romance of the moments spent, in water or air. It was...perfect.

[23:17] Elven Boat whispers: We'll be landing soon.
[23:17] Elven Boat whispers: There will a Portal nearby to take you back to the beginning so you can explore on foot.
[23:18] Elven Boat whispers: We hope you've enjoyed this year's Halloween tour and that it lifts the heart, if just a bit
[23:18] Elven Boat whispers: out of some of the darkness we've all experienced this year

And...yes, I think it did. And then we landed, and ended up in an evening meadow that led to a dance stage, and--of course, we had to finish the evening with a dance.

I may post more of this set of photos--I took so many, they wouldn't all fit in this one. Or I'll pick the best and throw them into a Flickr folder. Something. But all in all, this was the very very last of the season.

And the veil between the worlds begins to solidify again, and the mystery and terror of the previous weeks will slowly descend into stillness, soon to be covered in snow, to wait for the first soft touches of spring to come. The cycle goes round and round, ever spinning, world without end, regardless of what humanity feels. And nights like this, that's actually a comfort.

And I think the memory of this night will warm me through for weeks to come.