The veil between the worlds thins, fades in spots, allowing wandering souls on both sides to peer through--and perhaps cross. A night of wonders and terrors, masks and subterfuge, deception and revelation, becoming its own form of honest expression. And in the thick of it...a wandering soul searching for home in every place but.

Tonight, knowing my mood was not ideal, I tossed over various ways to end the season. Try to find a non-disappointing new ride? Visit the Belasco mansion again? Take the unbelievably gory Linden haunted house tour?



And...no. I needed something less complicated. Possibly even less haunted. So I ended up at All Hallows at Moochie's.



Back when Maia Gasparini owned an in-world store (I believe her nail designs are still sold on Marketplace), All Hallows would frequently feature a hunt. A fairly challenging one, even.



These days, though, it's just what you see here--a half-sim of autumn trees, warming fires, carved pumpkins, and hanging lights, with occasional places to sit and have a cup of cocoa or mulled cider.



I don't know how long it's going to be open past tonight, but I'm fairly sure it should last until November 1st, at the least. Unless Ms. Gasparini was on the sim tonight as I wandered, specifically to take things down. I don't know.



What I do know is it's still a quiet, lovely, perfect autumn sim. Sit and contemplate the flames, have a cup of something warm, listen to the quiet waves wash the rocky shores.



And it accomplished what I wanted, in the end, which was some mood elevation. Gain a bit of perspective, get my feet back on the path, breathe, and ground, and center. And while I left the sim still (relatively) stressed, by the end of the night I was smiling more, feeling better, and, due to some very dear friends, in much better spirits overall.

Which is not the worst way to approach the dark half of the year. Past tonight, the days grow shorter, the nights longer, and this half of the world, at least, slowly sinks into sleep, to wait for the thaw. It's a good thing to remember. The seasons cycle, and we cycle with them, ebb and flow, grow and fall. It's all part of the process.

So have a blessed Samhain if you celebrate such, a happy Hallows if that's more your speed, and a good candy day if nothing else. See you after the veil closes.

So, this is going to be another one of those store-name-preserved/other names anonymized, because there were just too many references to the actual owner of BRII Underground Wear to edit out.

[10:54] Txxxxx Yxxx: I bought 3 underground gift cards for prizes but can't transfer them to the winners?????
[10:56] Txxxxx Yxxx: I guess I just lost my money sigh

Meet today's hapless protagonist, Ms. T. This was how she opened up her question--by already deciding she'd been cheated.

[10:57] bxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: you need to buy the cards as a gift foir each of the winners,
[10:57] Nxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: send a note card to Brianna , she will help you
[10:57] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: right
[10:57] Mxxxx Exxxxxxx: what happened?
[10:58] Mxxxx Exxxxxxx: just logged on
[10:58] Txxxxx Yxxx: that makes no sense

Why not? If there was only one single maker of all gift cards on the grid, then you'd expect them to behave the same way, always, but there are several manufacturers of gift cards, and they all have their own rules.

[10:58] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Drop a notecard to Brianna, yeah. She'll sort it.
[10:58] Txxxxx Yxxx: I don't know now the winners before hand

That's why you buy the cards after the winners are announced.

[10:58] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: well if you buy it for gift you have to send it to the person it is for not you
[10:58] Txxxxx Yxxx: I didn't buy as a gift

And there's your problem.

[10:59] bxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: so you dont buy the cards until after you know who the winners are..
[10:59] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: right and that is why you cannot give them to the other peoople
[10:59] Txxxxx Yxxx: I don't buy gift cards for myself
[10:59] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): But that's why you buy them once you know
[10:59] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: ok but when you buy them for another person they get it not you
[10:59] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Right
[10:59] Txxxxx Yxxx: its a contest how do I know

I want to think she's kidding, she can't be this dim, but considering the rest of this conversation...

[10:59] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: no transfer on it
[11:00] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): You have to specify the person you're gifting the card to
[11:00] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: you wait until they win
[11:00] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): That
[11:00] Txxxxx Yxxx: well I have 3 gift cards I will never use so lost money

What is so difficult about "send a notecard to Brianna, she'll fix it"? Why can't she just calm down and wait a bit?

[11:00] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Drop a notecard to Brianna
[11:00] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: jot the names down when you know them and then get it for them

Yes. Exactly. THAT.

[11:00] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: you don't wear Brii clothing ?
[11:01] Txxxxx Yxxx: if you were in a contest and won would you want to wait?
[11:01] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: so, do you know who won ?
[11:01] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Yes, if it meant getting a card. Every contest I've ever entered that gives a gift card gives it after the winner's announced
[11:01] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: exactly
[11:01] Txxxxx Yxxx: no I do not know who won

Then WHY ARE YOU BUYING GIFT CARDS?!?

[11:01] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Example: I won a minor prize in the Fallen Gods and Goddesses contest. I got it about a week after the contest closed.

(And let me just say, I have never won even a runners-up prize for Fallen, but this year...And that will tickle me completely for a good two or three years to come.)

[11:01] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: i agree send a note
[11:02] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): That was *fine*, because that's one guy sending out all the gifts.
[11:02] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): People will understand.
[11:02] Txxxxx Yxxx: but I get gift cards other place with no restrictions This also helps the owner

Where? Where do you buy these no-restriction gift cards? Citation needed.

[11:02] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: ?
[11:02] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Well, not every place that sells gift cards is the same
[11:02] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): This is how Brianna runs hers. Contact her.
[11:02] txxxxxxxxx Rxxxdxxxx: what we talking about? Is there a GC contest?
[11:03] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Not as far as I know through the store
[11:03] Txxxxx Yxxx: I just found that out won't be back here at all

Again, don't assume you have no eggs for breakfast until you actually go out to the henhouse. Honestly.

[11:03] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr) sighs
[11:03] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: oh dear
[11:03] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Okay, so you bought three gift cards, and, because you have to wait a few hours, you're not going to let the designer fix things?
[11:04] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Are your winners haranguing you in IMs?
[11:04] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: it is your error Miss Traxx but if you contact Brii she may help you
[11:04] Txxxxx Yxxx: no

Then what IS the problem??

[11:04] Txxxxx Yxxx: I will contact her and yes it is my erroer
[11:04] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): So, if they're not giving you grief, breathe, realize it will likely easily be solved, *if you contact Brianna Passiflora*.

I mean, how much more obvious do we have to make it?

[11:04] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: she is great just explain
[11:05] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): That's all you need to do.
[11:05] Txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Sorry, I just read this all ... a gift card is pretty much bey definition "no copy" and "no modify" ... so I would also expect that it is "transfer" ... it makes no sense to me when it isn't ...

Outside of very specific instances, like gacha vouchers for fur mods? I've never seen a transferable gift card from go. Where are these people shopping?

Then I got an IM from another group member.

[11:05] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: do you think she understand it ?
[11:05] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): I'm honestly not sure
[11:05] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: perhaps she is just upset
[11:05] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): I don't know how much more clear we can be
[11:05] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Oh, we know she's upset
[11:05] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: we do
[11:05] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: we can't so getting Brii to explain is the best option
[11:06] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr) nods
[11:06] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: poor thing

And back to main:

[11:06] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: you do not buy a gift card for yourself why would you so the person you want to have it must use their name to gift it
[11:06] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: simple as that

For the most part, correct.

IMs again:

[11:06] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): I'm just trying to figure out where she shops that gives transferable gift cards. There are places that make the cards transferable *once* you rez them from inventory, but not until then?
[11:06] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): So...lots of huh
[11:07] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: no where

Yeah.

And main chat:

[11:08] Txxxxx Yxxx: I agree [Txxx]
[11:08] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): [Txxxx]: Some gift cards are. Some aren't. There's a lot of vouchers for furry avatars, for instance, that are no-trans in the box, but if you rez them out to unpack them, you get a no-copy/trans version from the box, and then that box is empty.
[11:08] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: ok [Txxx] and who would you "transfer" it to ?
[11:08] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: remember it is a gift ...card
[11:09] Txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: because I buy a gift card in rl also myself and then at the right moment and location I present it?
[11:09] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: sure especially if you were GIVEN IT
[11:09] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Because even if you got a no-copy/trans version, if you wanted to give it away for a prize, or a gift, or something, you would still lose that object.
[11:10] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Not every system offers easily transferable cards.
[11:10] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: correct Emily
[11:10] Txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: okay, so it is more a technical problem?
[11:10] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: pretty much yes [Txxx]
[11:10] Txxxxx Yxxx: giving gift cards helps the merchat
[11:10] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): No, not really. BRII cards work in the system they're from.
[11:11] Txxxxx Yxxx: Brings other people to the store
[11:11] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): It's just a misunderstanding as to how that works.
[11:11] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: the technical part is that they were not sent to the person she wanted to get it , she got it
[11:11] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): The technical part is, she didn't specify a person to give the card to, she just bought it for herself

And from IMs again:

[11:12] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: ok......wow
[11:12] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: omg she has been in SL for 12 years !!!!
[11:12] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): This is baffling
[11:13] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: she is mad at herself but doesn't own it
[11:13] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: we told her how it is used so that is all we can do
[11:13] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: i send gifts from there all the time
[11:13] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr) nods

And back to main, part trois:

[11:16] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: ok so that is the tricky part

It really is.

And the last bit from IMs:

[11:20] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: oh wow she has been in SL for 10 years
[11:20] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: no 12
[11:21] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): You'd think she would have picked up something in that amount of time.
[11:27] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: still no she continues to argue it so looks like Brii is her best bet

Yeah. No clue if she'll actually contact Brii. I hope she does. It sounds like a very silly thing to get that upset over.

But, big wide world, takes all kinds, maybe someone kicked her puppy before she logged in this morning. Who knows?

Tonight, being unsettled, I went to find a haunt. I found myself at Hushed, picked spur-of-the-moment from the Editors' Picks in Destinations.

Wasn't my best idea.



I'll give them this, the entrance point is atmospheric. A back-country road, autumn leaves falling, and the ghostly letters hanging in the shadows spelling out "HUSHED".



The problem? Most of the rides aren't, most of the things that look like they can be walked through can't...it's a vast collection of set pieces with nothing more than that. There's no 'there', there, is what I'm saying.



This is not to say it's completely unenjoyable. This fellow, for instance, while standing in front of essentially a cardboard cut-out tent, is someone I haven't seen a thousand times before, like many of the other clowns. And there was a fun little haunted balloon piece next to him.



The one ride I found that did work was the Haunted Mine--or, as the lights spell out here, the Nightmare Tunnel.

The less said about that, the better.



And...that was really about it. This hovering skeleton with the halo of leaves was neat, but again--just hovering in a field that was otherwise undisturbed, next to a horse that didn't seem at all affected by the floating apparition of bones beside it.

They...tried? One skull for that, I guess.

Oh, hello trainwreck. Guess this is your station. Keen.

I meant to mention Buzzard's earlier this year; I'd been asked to come to the combination dance/live performance/wake for the fellow the troupe who built this haunt lost in 2021. It was...I mean, wakes are also melancholy, but also, sadness and joy, drinking and dance, and in that sense, it was a good time.



But, between one thing and another, I didn't get back to go through the haunt for days. Due to...well. Still. Here now.



The main haunt seems to be your typical insane aslyum-gone-wrong, a trope I'm not particularly fond of, but there are some nice touches. Like this guy. And the occasional bit of "Dominique playing randomly in the background, a song which was used to stunning effect in American Horror Story, and has a bit of a haunted history all its own.



Let's bring up game rips again. I hate them. I hate haunts that use them. But at least here, they're used thematically--the mad children from American McGee's Alice, Alice herself shows up in one of the rooms in a straightjacket, another version of her does slowly spinning circles in a wheelchair--it's still not great, but it could be worse. This particular one, the Little Sister model from Bioshock, I could honestly see in an asylum setting.



Most of the upstairs is the Childrens' Ward, and again, some nice little details here and there. This very very purple bed and bunny, for example.



Once you've gone through the labyrinth, you find yourself in the remnants of a destroyed city, which leads to a lovely haunted walk to the next attraction. Again, several nice little details here and there.



And I have always loved this clock piece. I used to know who made it, I've forgotten since. Someday it will be mine if it's still available.



And this was another wonderful little effect.

All in all, I have to knock off a skull for the game rips, but even with that, they get four full skulls. A lot of heart went into this, and you can tell. Kudos to them.

So, this one's a little tricky. First, there's a default port-in-point, so you need to go there, and then follow the beacon to the haunt. If that doesn't work, then when you port in, hang a left, and run along the tracks towards the back of the attraction. When you see the big white building? That's it.



The instructions are simple on how to get into the "ride". The thing is, it's a wholly unique concept, as far as I know. Insteada of the typical scripted chain rides, you click to get in, and you (and up to three friends) will immediately go into mouselook on a bed. And the room moves around the bed. It's fascinating.



There's a ton of movie homages here, but there's also a fair bit of originality, and both are paired rather brilliantly.



You have full view--if your mouse can go there, you can 'see' there. Up, down, sideways, behind you--and do look around, there are so many little details to catch. I've been through this four times now, and I see something new every time.



Marvelous use of just a single red balloon, too, to cause dread and unease.



Have sounds on, if you can, there are sound cues as to what should draw your attention at any given time. I don't know if it matters if you have your music on or not, but that may make some of the effects harder to hear.



And did I mention, there's also a story to this one? Because it's not just ooh-spooky-gotcha moments, there's an actual linking tale for this. It's not hugely complicated, but it doesn't need to be.

All in all, highly, highly recommended to check this one out before the spooky season ends. It's very well done.

Today I found myself at Spooky Strides' 2021 RFL Fundraiser. I'd gone because I've been finding a great many of my favorite haunts have closed up and withered away, but also, because Madori Linden was introducing the event.

But, I'm also finding the "HALLOWEEN 24/7 OF SL" group very helpful this year. And this is where someone let it slip that this event had just opened.

[13:30] Artemis (artemisutherwurldly): -`ღ´- ωεℓcσмε тσ тяαηcεscεη∂ιηg's вяεαsт cαηcεя ғυη∂яαιsεя 2021 ! -`ღ´-
[13:31] Madori Linden: hi! i am so glad to be able to be even a small part of helping with this event. ACS in SL has done some truly amazing things. Thank you all
[13:32] .: Madori Linden(Madori Linden): Every time I deliver a region I think about how many residents it reaches.
[13:32] .: Madori Linden(Madori Linden): hUGS ALL AROUND!
[13:32] Adam Spark: Hi everyone ㋡ hugs
[13:32] Artemis (artemisutherwurldly): Blake,
[13:32] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr) smiles
[13:32] Artemis (artemisutherwurldly): HUGGGGS
[13:33] Nance Clowes: Thank You Ari for starting our kiosk off with that huge donation

She wasn't kidding. They *just* opened today, this hour, and the kiosk at the main stage is already at L$88,020.

[13:33] Artemis (artemisutherwurldly): 💝 тнαηк үσυ ғσя үσυя кιη∂ ∂σηαтιση
[13:33] Artemis (artemisutherwurldly): тσ тнε ηαтισηαℓ вяεαsт cαηcεя ғσυη∂αтιση! 💝
[13:33] Ari Spark (ariradel.bowenford): my pleasure Nance ㋡ hugs
[13:34] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): Thank you all for attending and helping us support such a good cause
[13:37] Mocha Stone (mochamaster): applause
[13:37] Ari Spark (ariradel.bowenford): ★♡★❤★♡★ ~ A P P L A U S E ~ ★♡★❤★♡★
[13:37] Adam Spark: ***** APPPPPPPLLLLAAAUUUSSSSEEEEEEE***********
[13:37] Ari Spark (ariradel.bowenford): tysm Madori ㋡ hugs
[13:38] Nance Clowes: There aer so many people to thank for this event. THe most important ones are YOU
[13:38] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): Thank you for your words. Madori [13:38] Nance Clowes: without all of us working together, with our itme, skills, and lindens, noen of this could happen
[13:39] Nance Clowes: Spooky Strides is here for one thing only. We want to raise another 2 million lindens in support of RFL / STRIDES
[13:39] Nance Clowes: we chose Halloween, because its extra fun in SL
[13:39] Nance Clowes: you'll find some special rides all around. and ot the norht of here, is a full entire sim specifically of halloween goodness to explore
[13:40] Nance Clowes: invite your friends. bring groups for a good time
[13:40] Nance Clowes: and help us all work together, to be together against Breast Cancer
[13:40] Nance Clowes: back to you, Venus
[13:41] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): Hello Everyone , Nance come stand up here with me :)
[13:41] Nance Clowes: alright alright. its hard ot be behind the scenes form up front

Boy, do I hear that. Much more confident working the panels behind the curtains. :D

[13:41] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): I would like to start out by saying.. for many years in my life I have supported the American Cancer Society and what they do.
[13:43] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): I have had relatives friends and even partners in my life that are no longer onthis plain with me due to it. I truly feel the need to support research for a cure.
[13:43] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): I would like to thank My builders,and fellow staff for such a phenomenal job on getting this set up for us to have.
[13:44] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): So one moment because one of the speakers is on and I want to bring her :)
[13:46] Holger Gilruth: IF YOU MAKE INWORLD SNAPSHOTS I WOULD LOVE TO GET A COPY OF IT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH

So, see the end note for this one, but this is why there aren't pictures accompanying this entry.

[13:47] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): This is our 1st event and I hope to have many more.. ALso, we will be handing the voice or text over to the speakers here and they will be telling their stories.. After taht we will have a little opening ritural and start the walk so stay tunned. Nance need to open this party. are you ready to open up our event!
[13:48] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): Thank you all!
[13:48] Nance Clowes: Lets DO that
[13:49] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): Yay Azdra just in time! SAandie please take the floor!
[13:49] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): omglag typos are the worse
[13:49] Nance Clowes: the orange tent to everyones right, has a schedule for all the entertainers, wrestlers, drama acts, and MORE for this whole week
[13:50] Sandie Slate (sandie.loxingly): Hello everyone and thank you for having me, my name is Sandie Slate and I am the Hope Haven Services Lead for the American Cancer Society in Second Life.
[13:50] Sandie Slate (sandie.loxingly): I myself am a 2x cancer survivor (cervical and uterine) and a too many times cancer caregiver.
[13:51] Holger Gilruth: Gratulation
[13:51] Sandie Slate (sandie.loxingly): I don’t remember a time that I wasn’t aware of cancer in some form. A couple of years before I was born my great-grandmother died of breast cancer, so it was already in the fabric of my world before I was.
[13:51] Blake Coverdale (blake1111coverdale): clap clap clap
[13:51] Sandie Slate (sandie.loxingly): The first time I saw the effects of cancer myself was just after I turned 16 and my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer and I instantly became one of her caregivers.
[13:52] Ari Spark (ariradel.bowenford): big hugs Sandie
[13:52] Sandie Slate (sandie.loxingly): My grandmother chose to have a mastectomy and spent several weeks recovering in bed at home. I will never forget the drain tubes and when it was time to change the dressing. I would get squeamish so helping with that was not one of my duties.
[13:52] Sandie Slate (sandie.loxingly): I pitched in by checking in every morning before school and then in the afternoons I would go to her house to clean, cook supper, and do any odd household chores.
[13:53] JL HARDING (jeanluc11): hello everyone
[13:53] Sandie Slate (sandie.loxingly): I know she had to have been in a lot of pain, especially following the surgery, but she never complained. My grandmother was a survivor in every spirit of the word. She did not let cancer take anything from her.
[13:53] Blake Coverdale (blake1111coverdale) waves to JL Harding
[13:53] Sandie Slate (sandie.loxingly): When she passed away (not from cancer) she was a 21-year breast cancer survivor. She taught me so much over the years and I am grateful she trusted me as a teenager to be part of her care team - even though at the time we were just family taking care of family.
[13:54] Sandie Slate (sandie.loxingly): As the years went by following my grandmother’s breast cancer diagnosis and treatments, others close to me also faced breast cancer - a great aunt on my mother’s side, two aunts on my father’s side, my mother-in-law, two sisters-in-law, plus countless friends in both RL and SL. Sometimes it seems I am surrounded.
[13:55] JL HARDING (jeanluc11): I SENT IT TO YOU ON MOTECARD

This might be a wrong window? But I'm not editing this one, not even names, because--I think it's that important to preserve. So.

[13:55] Sandie Slate (sandie.loxingly): But that is why we fight back each in our own way and why supporting the American Cancer Society is so critical. The Society gives us weapons and helps us improve them, so maybe one day when someone hears the words “You have cancer” they are part of stories from long ago.
[13:56] Sandie Slate (sandie.loxingly): Thank you all for your support of Making Strides and the American Cancer Society and have a great event!
[13:56] Nance Clowes: Thanks Sandir
[13:56] Nance Clowes: SandiE
[13:57] Nance Clowes: that is so touching
[13:57] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): Thank you So much Sandie
[13:57] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): Azdra you have the floor now :)
[13:57] Nance Clowes: I know weveryone here can relate to what you said
[13:57] Azdra: Hello Everyone
[13:57] Azdra: My name is Azdra...and I'm a fighter and survivor...3 time Breast Cancer.
[13:58] Azdra: I also have fibrocystis. I had no idea what it meant with my diagnosis of fibrocystis, but found out that I have very dense tissue in my breasts.
[13:58] Azdra: I was first diagnosed in May 2014. I had a lumpectomy and went through chemo and beat it...or so I thought. [13:58] Azdra: It came back in 2017, hitting the other breast. Again I had a lumpectomy and underwent chemo...beat it again.
[13:58] Azdra: It returned again, attacking again in 2020. I underwent chemo again, ended up having another non cancerous lump aspirated.
[13:59] Azdra: I went back to the doctor a month ago...there was a new lump. A week later...another one had shown up. Two weeks later, after dealing with the first two...I went back to the doctor to talk about surgical options...and there was another lump.
[13:59] Azdra: On the advice of my doctors, I am undergoing a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction in early November. [13:59] Azdra: To everyone, men and women...please make sure you get checked out. I have been lucky. Mine was detected early.
[14:00] Azdra: Each of us is touched and have had people we love touched by this monster. It is with the help of the ACS and other groups like it that we are able to fight and live to tell our stories.
[14:00] Azdra: Thank you
[14:00] Nance Clowes: Thank You Ari for that kind donation! We may yet raise 100,000 lindens before opening !
[14:01] Holger Gilruth: Thank you Azdra
[14:01] Ari Spark (ariradel.bowenford): big hugs Azdra
[14:01] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): Nance you are up.. Thank you Azdra for your story, it was very inspirational to know that someone can survive and beat cancer so much! Thank you again
[14:01] Nance Clowes: my story is just super tame, almost embarassing even
[14:01] Nance Clowes: nobody in my family ever had cancer
[14:01] Nance Clowes: nobdoy i knew ever had cancer
[14:02] Nance Clowes: it was just this ~thing~ way out there
[14:02] Nance Clowes: First time i ever saw people workgin against it, was 12 years ago here in SL
[14:02] Nance Clowes: at the time, hundreds and hundreds of people were workign with RFL, to do a giant snail race across SL
[14:03] Nance Clowes: i thought that was pretty cool. it got RFL and cancer fighting on my radar
[14:03] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): I was an announcer for snails :P
[14:03] Nance Clowes: many many years went by, til about 5 years back RFL asked me if I owuld help a little
[14:03] Nance Clowes: sure, of course I would. I did little things, concerts, building, whatever
[14:04] Nance Clowes: i was just doign a tiny little something
[14:04] Nance Clowes: then this year though
[14:04] Nance Clowes: in July doctors foudn it IN me
[14:04] Nance Clowes: i wasnt stressed. i had been around RFL and survivors. and I know theres HOPE always
[14:05] Nance Clowes: within 2 hours of daignosis RFL was helping me with information, and introducing me to survivors of the same type cancer, so I knew what was coming
[14:05] Nance Clowes: i was more impressed with RFL helping me than doctors
[14:05] Nance Clowes: what goes on here in SL, and with RFL, it has real world results. this isnt a game
[14:06] Nance Clowes: i was incredibly lucky. my cancer came back as the tiniest weakest little almost nothign there can be [14:06] Nance Clowes: and in Decemeber they will look again, but most likely am cancer free. 20 years ago that might not have been. 40 years ago for sure not. The money that goes into research helps EVERYONE with this
[14:07] Nance Clowes: and now, Venus has something extra special for us before we officially open.
[14:07] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): Thank you for sharing that Nance
[14:07] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): and Also Sandie and Azdra for sharing your stories.
[14:08] Holger Gilruth: thank you for sharing this personal things
[14:08] .: Madori Linden(Madori Linden): ty all for sharing
[14:08] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): Holger will be putting a box out and you can grab your own kiosk if you like and help us support spooky strides with donations with your own kiosk.. and I would like everyone to please back off the stage so we can put down the ritual circle

I grabbed a small wall one. I'll be putting it either in Redshift or in the rec room of Tannhauser Gate.

[14:09] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): so we can open the ceremony with a little ritual..
[14:09] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): but please take a kiosk out of the box
[14:09] Nance Clowes: yopu should be at least this far back if you dont want to be pumpkin squished

The organizers had sort of a pop-up ritual space thing, that rezzed out an altar, stones, and a fire in the center of the dance space Most of us backed up to the far path, but the few that didn't had to suddenly climb over stones and wood.

[14:09] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): adam and ari and Madori pleaes go off the stage )
[14:10] .: VєηυŞ(Venus Amore): OK eeryone I would like Nance Holger an Artemis to take place on the stage under the 3 laps not by the altar
[14:11] .: VєηυŞ(Venus Amore): and you have your parchment with your part of this.. :)
[14:12] .: Holger Gilruth(Holger Gilruth): sit here is fine?
[14:12] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): you need to stand under a lamp
[14:12] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): Artemis come stand under a lamp
[14:12] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): and Ill go last :P
[14:12] Nance Clowes: 555 more lindens and we have our first 90,000 raised !
[14:13] Nance Clowes: Thank You Woofie and Ari !! YOU GUYS have DONE it !
[14:13] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): JL will be streaming for htis and our walk
[14:13] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): so change your music when the stream changes
[14:14] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): Now I am at the north side.. and East is Holger so Holger goes then Nance then Artemis on the west and then me.. so Holger you can start..
[14:14] Holger Gilruth: start with?
[14:14] Nance Clowes: our boots are walking, holgar !

And then the worst happened--in trying to get out of the shots, I clicked too close to the altar set, and suddenly was sitting in place. I quickly left, believe me. Utterly mortified.

[14:15] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Terribly sorry, I was trying to get OUT of the way, not further in it
[14:16] Holger Gilruth: We welcome the gifts of air and the Eastern quarter. May your blessings of awareness and clarity uplift those faced with breast cancer! May your gifts of intellect and expertise guide the hands and hearts of those responsible for diagnosis and treatment. May you surround those who love and support survivors with insight and understanding. We honor and celebrate your presence with us all on our individual journeys as we strive to learn and grow!
[14:16] Nance Clowes shouts: We welcome the gifts of fire and the Southern quarter. May your blessings of courage and determination empower those faced with breast cancer! May your gifts of daring and determination guide the hands and hearts of those responsible for diagnosis and treatment. May you surround those who love and support survivors with tenacity and fearlessness. We honor and celebrate your presence with us all on our individual journeys as we strive to learn and grow!

I donated since I was next to the kiosk, and then set up the next couple of shots.

[14:16] .: Nance Clowes(Nance Clowes): Emily ! THANK YOU
[14:17] .: Artemis(ArtemisUtherwurldly Resident): Father of goodness and love, hear our prayers for the sick members of our community and for all who are in need. Amid mental and physical suffering may they find consolation in your healing presence. Show your mercy as you close wounds, cure illness, make broken bodies whole and free downcast spirits. May these special people find lasting health and deliverance, and so join us in thanking you for all your gifts. We ask this through the Lord Jesus who healed those who believed. Amen.
[14:17] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): At the Northern stone (earth- green):

We welcome the gifts of earth and the Northern quarter. May your blessings of recuperation and peace ground those faced with breast cancer! May your gifts of endurance and determination guide the hands and hearts of those responsible for diagnosis and treatment. May you surround those who love and support survivors with tranquility and a strong foundation. We honor and celebrate your presence with us all on our individual journeys as we strive to learn and grow!
[14:17] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): Lord and Lady, Father and Mother, Great Guides and Guardians from whom all life flows and to whom all life returns, we welcome you and ask your blessings. May those faced with breast cancer feel your unyielding love. May those trusted to diagnose and treat embrace your infinite knowledge. May those who love and support survivors be blanketed in your immense wisdom. We honor and celebrate your presence with us all on our individual journeys as we strive to learn and grow!

So mote it be!

So mote it be.

[14:18] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): Thank you all for your participation now we will walk around the sim please feel free to donate.. to this great cause!
[14:18] VєηυŞ (venus.amore): Ladies Nance, Sandie and Azdra come lead the way
[14:21] .: Artemis(ArtemisUtherwurldly Resident): 💝sυρρσят тнε ғιgнтεяs,
[14:21] .: Artemis(ArtemisUtherwurldly Resident): 💝αмιяε тнε sυяvιvσяs,
[14:21] .: Artemis(ArtemisUtherwurldly Resident): 💝яεмεмвεя тнε тαкεη,
[14:21] .: Artemis(ArtemisUtherwurldly Resident): 💝sтαη∂ αgαιηsт вяεαsт cαηcεя,
[14:21] .: Artemis(ArtemisUtherwurldly Resident): 💝αη∂ ғιgнт ғσя α cυяε!

And, now the why I'm not putting pictures into this entry--one of the event organizers sent a word out in main chat--you can see it up there in bold--about any in-world pictures, send him a copy, and as I was taking (off-world) pics at the time, I said would Flickr do? He said sure. So I ended up with thirty pics from the event, and a new album.

It's two sims of haunted goodness, they accept donations of any level, they just want to share the spooks and the fun. Indulge if you get a chance. And donate. Every Linden really does help.

I know, dear gods, I know, I am SO behind. It has been...not the best October in several ways. Not as bad as the October I spent trying to crawl through Octoberville's hunt while going in and out of the hospital a few years back, true, but--definitely not good.

And, since all I was doing was sitting at home spinning my gears over how much is mounting up for me to do, I thought--a break is definitely needed.



So welcome to Skullingtown. I love that right at the front gates, they have Candle and Cauldron's carved turnips hanging from a tree. Very cool.



They've got a lot of fun little effects scattered around. This one spawns bats when you walk next to the coffin.



Of course, I am the gifted nitwit who found a way to change seats on a carousel and stop the darned thing, so this picture was from the side...



Boogie's awaiting guests...

For the arachnophobes, yes, there are spiders; no, none of them appear to move.



The big house on the hill is really just one room.

I think I have that wallpaper.



And there's a tower! Because of course there is. You have to jump a bit, because the lower stairs have rotted away, but past that, it's accessible. Just be careful near the edges--apparently not all of it is as there as it should be.

All in all, this is a perfectly charming all-ages haunt, atmospherically lovely, spookily cheerful, and a great jaunt to start the season. Five out of five skulls.

I know, I know, I've pitifully neglected the blog...everything sort of exploded on two fronts and I didn't deal well. And because I want this out more than I want everything to be framed, we're just going with raw shots, but I figure those who know why will understand.



So this is all taking place at the twelve-hour 14th anniversary of Fallen Gods, in Selidor. It started at eleven, and it's going strong, and likely will until it ends.



That's the way these things go.



This is a shot of the underside of the dance floor. It's literally just sitting on top of the Anniversary market.



Sweet little Clover abandoning her normal Tiny form for an actual Fallen Gods Petite, with Fallen Gods skin. So cool.



Alia felt Daveosaurus was cheating on 'must wear a Fallen Gods skin' for the first contest...



But my gods, this whole set up was so well-done. It was hysterical.



And then I had to leave, sadly. But this party is going to rage on all day, so if you want to come, come on down! Dress your best, dress your weirdest, come to party, and embrace fourteen years of Alia creating on the grid!