SL12B: 'What dreams may come' ~ June 21-28, 2015

Less than one week until the Second Life Birthday celebration begins in earnest.

For quite some time, there has been a lot of behind-the-scene work by the volunteer staff team to coordinate the people, places, events and exhibitions that will commemorate our shared birthday!

I was very excited to have joined the team again this year as an Exhibitor Assistant and Moderator. I have again had the privilege of meeting many funny, creative, generous people who have been building and creating all for the free enjoyment of their fellow Second Life residents.

Some of the Exhibitors are there to raise awareness of a cause or an inworld community who work diligently to support individuals online with specific groups of other people in similar situations. There are also many artists and creative residents who participate to just make something that makes you think, or pause and consider what Second Life means in your life.

Although my application for a parcel didn't get approved in the first round, by the second round of approvals, enough people had withdrawn which meant that I got to create one of the abandoned spaces.

This year's theme is “What Dreams May Come.” You may recognize that quote which originated in Shakespeare's Hamlet. An interesting choice, one that lends itself to many interpretations.

I immediately thought of a quote from Edgar Allan Poe: "Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night." So the name of my little parcel is Dreams by Day.

When we log into Second Life, it seems to me that we all participate and contribute to a massive virtual dream. One that defies the boundaries of the physical world we call our "real" life. Whether you create objects, places, or relationships with people, we are all contributing to our own dream and inviting strangers to come see it, participate in it, and dream along with us.

Although I am not yet able to show you any images of the works under construction, I can share with you my parcel's image and I can tell you that this was a photo taken without filters in Second Life, looking up at the sky through part of my semi-transparent build. I hope you will be able to visit when the event launches on June 21.

Live performers, comedians, ride-on tours, classes, discussions, free gifts, a massive free Hunt, DJs, and about 200 unique exhibits will be waiting for you over the 7 days between June 21 and June 28, 2015. Even after the live events cease, the regions will remain open to the public until July 4.

I cannot wait!

SL12B Exhibit: "Dreams by Day" on region SL12B Stupendous

When culture comes to you

My new favourite (a pink sari)

It was my great pleasure to attend the wedding ceremony of two friends who were united in marriage on Sunday, August 4 at 10:30 pm slt.

I am always happy to attend a wedding because they really are beautiful and so special when two people decide to commit their Second Lives to one another.

This one, however, was very unusual for me. It was the first wedding I have attended in the East Indian tradition. It was very beautiful.
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The Bride and Groom arrive

Wedding Party assemble

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The bride rode an elephant to the wedding party and then was escorted by her groom and surrounded by four bridesmaids into the wedding pergola.

Some of the most special traditions were how the bride and groom's union is witnessed for the gods by an official and how their elders (in this case, grandparents) have a special role to bless the wedding and welcome their new family member.

Bride and Groom

Couple seated with Officiant and Elders

The bride and groom, their elders and the official sat around a warm fire. The wedding party stood behind the bride and groom. Perhaps the most special of all was how the wedding couple walked seven times around a central flame to bless seven separate wishes that the couple hope for in their marriage. [I wish I had had the presence of mind to keep those from local chat.]

Seven Circles of Blessing

The Wedding Officiant

When all was done, the guests (who were sitting on chairs outside of the four sides of the pergola) stood and cheered with congratulations. We were then escorted to witness the bride and groom have a moment of prayer together as their first married act. And when that was done we all went into the reception area and they enjoyed their cake and had a first dance. It was a very joyful time. One I will not forget.

The reason this has made it to the pages of my blog is because this is part of the reason I love Second Life. I know the pixels can't do it justice, but this little glimpse into the traditions of another culture's celebration of love is worth logging in for!

Blessings to you both.