The other day I had an experience that recalled my first days in SL very clearly. I was invited to log in to Twinity, a new virtual world in beta. I created my avatar, logged in to the Welcome Center and was greeted by a guy who said “The graphics here suck. Second Life is so much better.” I responded “I look like a total noob. Where is my ETD hair and the rest of my inventory?” We added each other as friends and had a good laugh. See? Avatars are moving across worlds. But that is another discussion entirely.
What struck me about my first hour in Twinity was how it recalled exactly the feelings I had during my first days in Second Life. I was a little disoriented and confused, uncomfortable with my avatar being so dang ugly, excited to wander around and see what this new world had to offer. During my first hour in SL I played with search which led me to "Popular Places" which lead me to T Online Beach which eventually led me to a psycho guy who I partnered pretty fast and who broke my heart in a million pieces even faster. All in all it was a pretty garden variety introduction to SL, don’t you think?
So, all silliness aside, what happened during my first year in SL? Well, everything and nothing at all. I listened to amazing music, danced all night, experienced art installations that brought tears to my eyes. I blogged, photographed, and built things -- all activities I could not have imagined a year ago. I developed friendships that feed my soul, met people who’s creativity has left me breathless and encountered other people who’s ability to stir up drama and conflict everywhere they go has left me speechless. I explored parts of the RL me I never knew existed and touched on other parts of me I have been unable to delve into for a variety of reasons. Its hackneyed for sure but I lived. I laughed. I loved.
I am going to end this post with simple words from the song "Fairy Tale" written by Salome Strangelove and Grace McDunnough which says,
"This world is what you make of it."
4 comments:
.. and you've helped make it a grand place, Ches. Happy rez day - 2.
That is especially meaningful coming from you Grace. Thank you so very much.
The ability of our virtual lives to stretch our minds, challenge our thinking and grow a web of friendships is breathtaking. You snuck into my Second Life only recently, but you've added depth and delight to it which amazes me. I am looking forward to seeing what you make of your next year in Second Life, and watching you share it with all of us.
~ Zha
Zha it is safe to say you have changed my Second Life over the past few months. I don't know what rabbit holes we will find during the coming year but I am sure there will be a few and I expect we will jump down them hand in hand.
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