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