Here I am, 7 months plus since my last posting...wondering what to write.
Its probably obvious to any readers who knew me in SL that I have been absent for a long time.
There came a point when I realised that the demands of being in a virtual roleplay environment out weighed the benefits. For me anyway.
I don't want to be someone who knocks Second Life, I love the place, and if I had more time and money , or less work and responsibilities I would play there often. I met some wonderful people and experienced some incredible things.
Second Life changed me, helped me and opened possibilities I could never have guessed at.
But LIFE takes priority and always will. I still pop by now and again but I am careful to keep things in perspective.
Only one question remains...
What can I blog about now!!!
Thursday, 3 September 2009
Friday, 30 January 2009
Storytelling
As most of you who read this blog know, I work as a teacher for a conservation charity. I teach primary aged children mainly, but also nursery, secondary and adults to some extent.
I have been really busy these last two weeks visiting schools across my region and chatting to children about wildlife and birds.
One of the things I encounter with every group I work with is the need to tell me their stories.
Children are always desperate to tell you about the bird they saw in their garden last week, the one which hit the window while they had breakfast, the badger who digs up their garden.. etc.
I had a wee boy this week wave his hand desperately in the air, really keen to be chosen. When I asked him what his question was he simply told me proudly that he could make the sound of a cockerel, which he then delightedly did for the whole class.
I love the stories and tales they have to tell, and always try and allow some time for them. They express an interest and a delight in the world around them, an engagement with the topic being discussed and an excitement at sharing something amazing, funny or interesting with others.
But this is not just true of children.
When I do talks to rural groups or neighbours clubs, invariably at the end I will have people come up to me and tell me about their gardens, what they feed the birds, something unusual they saw last week or how things have changed since they were younger.
It seems we humans have a deep need to share with others, that an oral tradition still exists in our psyche and that storytelling is something more than fantasy.
It is a way of sharing how we feel, a tool for learning and a way to grow.
Keep sharing.
I have been really busy these last two weeks visiting schools across my region and chatting to children about wildlife and birds.
One of the things I encounter with every group I work with is the need to tell me their stories.
Children are always desperate to tell you about the bird they saw in their garden last week, the one which hit the window while they had breakfast, the badger who digs up their garden.. etc.
I had a wee boy this week wave his hand desperately in the air, really keen to be chosen. When I asked him what his question was he simply told me proudly that he could make the sound of a cockerel, which he then delightedly did for the whole class.
I love the stories and tales they have to tell, and always try and allow some time for them. They express an interest and a delight in the world around them, an engagement with the topic being discussed and an excitement at sharing something amazing, funny or interesting with others.
But this is not just true of children.
When I do talks to rural groups or neighbours clubs, invariably at the end I will have people come up to me and tell me about their gardens, what they feed the birds, something unusual they saw last week or how things have changed since they were younger.
It seems we humans have a deep need to share with others, that an oral tradition still exists in our psyche and that storytelling is something more than fantasy.
It is a way of sharing how we feel, a tool for learning and a way to grow.
Keep sharing.
Thursday, 8 January 2009
Foggy
I was driving back from a meeting last night. It was really foggy and I could barely see the road ahead, and judging where the next corner was and which direction it was going to turn was pretty difficult.
I found myself driving pretty close to the white centre line and using it as a guide, keeping my eyes on it and trying to judge which way it was turning next.
Sometimes life can feel a little like this, what we thought was a clear view ahead suddenly becomes clouded and unsure. Our goals or visions for the future might alter and suddenly we're not quite sure where we are going.
I am a person that always likes to have a clear vision of where she is going, even if its just a week or a couple of months ahead. Planning and thinking for the future helps me to move along. Things don't always turn out as expected and I am not always ready even if I have been thinking about it, but having the goal or idea helps me.
Unfortunately life is more chaotic than that, and especially Second Life. Things can change in an instant, whole worlds come and go, not just ideas.
If fact the worlds ARE ideas.
I think this last year and a bit has helped me to relax a little, not to plan too much, go with the flow a bit more. I still need the white line, some simple plan or small goal, but I am more able to turn when it does even if its not the direction I expected.
Perhaps I am a little more tolerant of the fog.
I found myself driving pretty close to the white centre line and using it as a guide, keeping my eyes on it and trying to judge which way it was turning next.
Sometimes life can feel a little like this, what we thought was a clear view ahead suddenly becomes clouded and unsure. Our goals or visions for the future might alter and suddenly we're not quite sure where we are going.
I am a person that always likes to have a clear vision of where she is going, even if its just a week or a couple of months ahead. Planning and thinking for the future helps me to move along. Things don't always turn out as expected and I am not always ready even if I have been thinking about it, but having the goal or idea helps me.
Unfortunately life is more chaotic than that, and especially Second Life. Things can change in an instant, whole worlds come and go, not just ideas.
If fact the worlds ARE ideas.
I think this last year and a bit has helped me to relax a little, not to plan too much, go with the flow a bit more. I still need the white line, some simple plan or small goal, but I am more able to turn when it does even if its not the direction I expected.
Perhaps I am a little more tolerant of the fog.
Sunday, 28 December 2008
A holiday song
I was given an MP3 player for Christmas this year, and when searching for some new songs to listen to I came across this fun Christmas/Solstice one.
Wishing you all love and peace this season, whatever your faith.
Enjoy
The Christians And The Pagans
Amber called her uncle,
said We're up here for the holiday,
Jane and I were having Solstice,
now we need a place to stay.
And her Christ-loving uncle watched his wife hang Mary on a tree,
He watched his son hang candy canes all made with red dye number three.
He told his niece, Its Christmas Eve,
I know our life is not your style,
She said, Christmas is like Solstice, and we miss you and its been awhile,
So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able,
And just before the meal was served,
hands were held and prayers were said,
Sending hope for peace on earth
to all their gods and goddesses.
The food was great, the tree plugged in,
the meal had gone without a hitch,
Till Timmy turned to Amber and said,
Is it true that you're a witch?
His mom jumped up and said, The pies are burning, and she hit the kitchen,
And it was Jane who spoke, she said, Its true, your cousins not a Christian,
But we love trees, we love the snow, the friends we have, the world we share,
And you find magic from your God, and we find magic everywhere,
So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able,
And where does magic come from? I think magics in the learning,
Cause now when Christians sit with Pagans only pumpkin pies are burning.
When Amber tried to do the dishes,
her aunt said, Really, no, don't bother.
Amber's uncle saw how Amber looked like Tim and like her father.
He thought about his brother, how they hadn't spoken in a year,
He thought he'd call him up and say, Its Christmas and your daughters here.
He thought of fathers, sons and brothers,
saw his own son tug his sleeve, saying,
Can I be a Pagan? Dad said,
Well discuss it when they leave.
So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able,
Lighting trees in darkness, learning new ways from the old, and
Making sense of history and drawing warmth out of the cold.
Dar Williams
Wishing you all love and peace this season, whatever your faith.
Enjoy
The Christians And The Pagans
Amber called her uncle,
said We're up here for the holiday,
Jane and I were having Solstice,
now we need a place to stay.
And her Christ-loving uncle watched his wife hang Mary on a tree,
He watched his son hang candy canes all made with red dye number three.
He told his niece, Its Christmas Eve,
I know our life is not your style,
She said, Christmas is like Solstice, and we miss you and its been awhile,
So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able,
And just before the meal was served,
hands were held and prayers were said,
Sending hope for peace on earth
to all their gods and goddesses.
The food was great, the tree plugged in,
the meal had gone without a hitch,
Till Timmy turned to Amber and said,
Is it true that you're a witch?
His mom jumped up and said, The pies are burning, and she hit the kitchen,
And it was Jane who spoke, she said, Its true, your cousins not a Christian,
But we love trees, we love the snow, the friends we have, the world we share,
And you find magic from your God, and we find magic everywhere,
So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able,
And where does magic come from? I think magics in the learning,
Cause now when Christians sit with Pagans only pumpkin pies are burning.
When Amber tried to do the dishes,
her aunt said, Really, no, don't bother.
Amber's uncle saw how Amber looked like Tim and like her father.
He thought about his brother, how they hadn't spoken in a year,
He thought he'd call him up and say, Its Christmas and your daughters here.
He thought of fathers, sons and brothers,
saw his own son tug his sleeve, saying,
Can I be a Pagan? Dad said,
Well discuss it when they leave.
So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able,
Lighting trees in darkness, learning new ways from the old, and
Making sense of history and drawing warmth out of the cold.
Dar Williams
Monday, 10 November 2008
WHAT YOU DO WITH WHAT YOU'VE GOT
I have been listening to this great song, sung by Eddie Reader and written by Si Kahn.
I love the lyrics and it gives me goosebumps to listen to the song.
WHAT YOU DO WITH WHAT YOU'VE GOT
(Si Kahn)
You must know someone like him - he was tall and strong and lean
With a body like a greyhound and a mind so sharp and keen
But his heart just like a laurel grew twisted round itself
Till almost everything he did brought pain to someone else
It's not just what you're born with
It's what you choose to bear
It's not how big your share is
It's how much you can share
It's not the fights you dreamed of
It's those you really fought
It's not what you've been given
It's what you do with what you've got
What's the use of two good legs
.....if you only run away
What's the use of the finest voice
.....if you've nothing good to say
What good is strength and muscle
.....if you only push and shove
And what's the use of two good ears
....if you can't hear those you love
Between those who use their neighbours and those who use the cane
Between those in constant power and those in constant pain
Between those who run to glory and those who cannot run
Tell me which ones are the cripples and which ones touch the sun
I love the lyrics and it gives me goosebumps to listen to the song.
WHAT YOU DO WITH WHAT YOU'VE GOT
(Si Kahn)
You must know someone like him - he was tall and strong and lean
With a body like a greyhound and a mind so sharp and keen
But his heart just like a laurel grew twisted round itself
Till almost everything he did brought pain to someone else
It's not just what you're born with
It's what you choose to bear
It's not how big your share is
It's how much you can share
It's not the fights you dreamed of
It's those you really fought
It's not what you've been given
It's what you do with what you've got
What's the use of two good legs
.....if you only run away
What's the use of the finest voice
.....if you've nothing good to say
What good is strength and muscle
.....if you only push and shove
And what's the use of two good ears
....if you can't hear those you love
Between those who use their neighbours and those who use the cane
Between those in constant power and those in constant pain
Between those who run to glory and those who cannot run
Tell me which ones are the cripples and which ones touch the sun
Sunday, 2 November 2008
Aldarian
Well I have a new virtual home.
I have moved into the realm of Aldarian.
I looked at many different realms, but never really felt at home in any of them. Then I was pointed in the direction of this new single sim realm.
As soon as I arrived I liked it. It is well made by someone with an eye for beauty and a nack for atmosphere.
It is only one sim, but it has all the elements for a good roleplay place. Homes for elves, fae, human and dark (although not really for dragon's, unless there is something in the sky I have yet to see, not enough space for dragons I guess)
Castle, village, gypsy camp, church, stone circle, ships, pub, blacksmith, guild buildings etc. They have packed lots in, yet it still feels natural.
The only thing missing is some secret places (like the great ones in Carmarthen) for rogues and the like. Perhaps I just havn't found them yet!
Then I heard that the admin/creative team was EU and UK based ,what more could I want.
I approached them and expressed an interest in joining as a healer and they kindly let me set up in a small roundhouse near the church. I now have two others who have said they would like to be healers also and am planning a get together, and possibly holding some basic RP classes for newbies as well.
Last night spent my first ever full ball in a RP realm (usually I have to go to bed halfway through). Finally something scheduled at a good time of day!!
I am in heaven.
I have moved into the realm of Aldarian.
I looked at many different realms, but never really felt at home in any of them. Then I was pointed in the direction of this new single sim realm.
As soon as I arrived I liked it. It is well made by someone with an eye for beauty and a nack for atmosphere.
It is only one sim, but it has all the elements for a good roleplay place. Homes for elves, fae, human and dark (although not really for dragon's, unless there is something in the sky I have yet to see, not enough space for dragons I guess)
Castle, village, gypsy camp, church, stone circle, ships, pub, blacksmith, guild buildings etc. They have packed lots in, yet it still feels natural.
The only thing missing is some secret places (like the great ones in Carmarthen) for rogues and the like. Perhaps I just havn't found them yet!
Then I heard that the admin/creative team was EU and UK based ,what more could I want.
I approached them and expressed an interest in joining as a healer and they kindly let me set up in a small roundhouse near the church. I now have two others who have said they would like to be healers also and am planning a get together, and possibly holding some basic RP classes for newbies as well.
Last night spent my first ever full ball in a RP realm (usually I have to go to bed halfway through). Finally something scheduled at a good time of day!!
I am in heaven.
Monday, 6 October 2008
SL Update
Finding Carmarthenshire a little frustrating at the moment.
They closed the realm a few weeks ago, with the promise that it was being redone and would be up and running again soon.
However all work seems to have stopped, nothing new seems to have appeared or disappeared in the last week or more and it all looks mess. Half finished buildings, old items left around, things floating in the air etc...
I wouldn't mind too much if I knew what was happening, but there have been no new announcements from the people in charge and I am unsure if it is progressing or not.
Meanwhile I pay my rent simply to have a home place to land in and wonder how long it will remain.
I wish I was rich enough to have my own place, I would love to do some more building and creating. Or that Carmarthen would let Hobbit and I loose on the realm to finish things... *grins
I have even started looking for a plot of land to rent somewhere else, or perhaps a quiet sandbox.... feeling the creative frustration building.
Malakyte has asked me to make her some more animations for the Clerics in Triskele, (I was glad they liked my first one, although I was not totally happy with it. Funny shoulder things happening!) so that is something to get on with I guess.
I just wish I had a roleplay place of my own. (will start looking again soon I think)
The only joy has been some pretend Avatars in the pub, a swarthy lot, who I have had lots of fun chatting to. They are remotely controlled (speech wise) by Draco and I nearly got in a fight with the barmaid the other night, shame she cant move *chuckles.
I must resist the temptation to place a party hat on one of their heads!
They closed the realm a few weeks ago, with the promise that it was being redone and would be up and running again soon.
However all work seems to have stopped, nothing new seems to have appeared or disappeared in the last week or more and it all looks mess. Half finished buildings, old items left around, things floating in the air etc...
I wouldn't mind too much if I knew what was happening, but there have been no new announcements from the people in charge and I am unsure if it is progressing or not.
Meanwhile I pay my rent simply to have a home place to land in and wonder how long it will remain.
I wish I was rich enough to have my own place, I would love to do some more building and creating. Or that Carmarthen would let Hobbit and I loose on the realm to finish things... *grins
I have even started looking for a plot of land to rent somewhere else, or perhaps a quiet sandbox.... feeling the creative frustration building.
Malakyte has asked me to make her some more animations for the Clerics in Triskele, (I was glad they liked my first one, although I was not totally happy with it. Funny shoulder things happening!) so that is something to get on with I guess.
I just wish I had a roleplay place of my own. (will start looking again soon I think)
The only joy has been some pretend Avatars in the pub, a swarthy lot, who I have had lots of fun chatting to. They are remotely controlled (speech wise) by Draco and I nearly got in a fight with the barmaid the other night, shame she cant move *chuckles.
I must resist the temptation to place a party hat on one of their heads!
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