TREASURED FRIENDS AND FEARLESS LOVERS- JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIS) REPORTING

 

Just when I think I’ve seen everything here in SecondLife, I find a new sim, so lovingly created that it forces me to recalibrate my ideas on “the art of the possible”. One of those “paradigm busters” is a place called Treasured Friends and Fearless Lovers. There I met Tigress, the owner of the sim, and she graciously agreed to an interview.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic):  Tigress, thank you for sharing with our readers your thoughts and intentions here.  So, tell me please. What is your overall theme for Treasured Friends?

Tigress (pet karu):   My overall theme is to provide wholesome fun, and entertainment with a chill vibe for the residents of SL.

JB:  Tell us about the Fearless Lovers Session Hall. What will we find there? 

TK:  This space was created as a result of hearing so many friends and residence fear, stress, panic as a result of a pandemic.  It offers guided Mindfulness and relaxation meditations, a session we call “Gratitude”; where we spend 20 minutes together sharing the things we are grateful for that day or that week.  To be in “gratitude” is a great way to approach life as it happens.   I try to remain mindful of other’s time and each session is no longer than 20 minutes.

JB:  And what about your Golf Course?  Can people really Golf there?  How does THAT work? 

TK:  I love Golf in SL.  And yes, you can really play golf in SL.  You need to rent or purchase the clubs and a HUD.  Then wear/add them.  Select the club you desire to use for the shot, the HUD will put you in the pose to shoot.  You can aim with your walk button (left and right arrows).  Hold down your left mouse button when you are ready … this will power up your shot from least to strong.  When you release the button, your ball will soar with a “swoosh” and you’ll get a marker indicating where your ball landed.  Easy peasy.

JB:  On a grid that has “No Child Avis” posted everywhere you turn; it is refreshing to see a place that is actually “Kid-friendly”.  What made you decide to go in that direction, on a Sim that is rated Moderate. 

TK:  My friends cross the full spectrum of SL residents, from BDS&M to G-rated communities.  I feel the children avatars are under-served on the grid.  They are creators, builders, scripters, etc.  They also play golf.  When I created the Nightclub, I wanted kids to have an area where they can frolic, dance, have birthday parties, even hold their own discussion if they so choose.

There is a pool of tears (to remember loved ones), The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Set and another set created by Anna Timmerman (owner of Fapple) of The Little Prince (an original creation just because I loved the book and couldn’t find elements to make it myself.

JB:  Tell us about the Park, complete with trailers and a Rainbow?  What is that all about?

TK:  It actually was the location of Unity Productions’ last performance, “Share some love for the Outsider”.  Through a mistake on my part, I accidentally deleted everything in my Unity folder and then emptied my trash.  I was devastated.  I felt ruined to have eleven years of work just disappear. 

When I realized my mistake, I felt like one of my characters.  Useless, stupid and worthless.  I went to the Park and cried.  Then I remembered, here’s my answer.  The Park is a reminder to me that no matter how bad things get, I don’t have to throw in the towel.  I loved the build so much I didn’t have the heart to tear it down.

JB:  At Cuddle Zone 1 & 2, I see someone toppled a lighthouse.  That must have been some wind? What can visitors do there?

TK:  The Cuddle Zone is semi-private space where couples, triples or families can share time chatting and dancing away from the regular Nightclub scene. 

The Lighthouse represents my personal spiritual journey.  I am a Christian Pastor.  After I came to SL, I grew to accept all mankind, worship with all mankind and to let “my light” shine for all mankind.  The light doesn’t just belong in the lighthouse to direct ships to safety.  The light (my heart, compassion, love, peace) belongs in the darkness as a beacon of hope for the hopeless, peace to the confused and shattered mind, comfort for those in the grip of sorrow.

JB:  I see some of your rowdier guests left their campsite a complete mess to the eyes, but a feast for the ants.  What happened there?

TK:  I just love to add a touch of clutter to a serene scene.  The table has awesome poses and reminds me of parties I attended while in college.  Thanks to Death Row Dawgs for the laughter you give me.

JB:  I see you have a lovely Clubhouse, complete with a Night Club, and a 5-star Restaurant.  Looks like a great place to bring that special date?

TK:  THAT is my heart’s desire… that the club will not be used for your favorite DJ and host.  But that it instead will have a 24/7 stream of romantic music, with nooks and crannies for that special someone to share dinner, close talk and maybe after a dance or two, pop the question!

Once a month, I will hire a live singer or two for a special night for the Fearless Lovers group and their guests.  I’m excited about it’s potential.  It’s nice to be in the middle of a crowd, but sometimes you just want some place that is intimate and not laggy.

JB:   Tigress,  I understand this is not your first foray into Sim development. You have some experience with the Theater?

TK:  Yes, I was the Founder, Director, Producer and principal Choreographer of Unity Productions - a theater house in SL for eleven years.  We would film our shows and I would show the movie in a RL movie cinema in RL.  It was a wonder journey for myself and the cast.

 JB:  You have some other interests here in SL, right?  What is your Relationships Group all about?

TK:  Yes, I facilitate the Relationship Discussion Group in SL and beyond at Inspiration Island on Wednesdays at Noon SLT.  Here we not only talk about romantic relationships, but also about family, friends, even career - any and every which way relationships are formed and broken and what to do after a break-up.

JB:  Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

TK:  Just this… after I shed this mortal body let me be remembered as a lover.  Not the warm fuzzy or romantic kind only… but forgoing the distance with a friend or stranger in need.  I’ll borrow a quote from Rumi, “A lover knows only humility, he (she) has not choice”.  We were created by LOVE, with LOVE, for LOVE, to give LOVE and receive LOVE without FEAR!

 

So there you have it, Folks.  Take that special someone by the hand and head on over to Treasured Friends and Fearless Lovers.  You’ll be glad you did. 

Be There.  Aloha! - JB

SURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dreamworld%20Treasure/87/128/22