The Waterfall

I entered another building contest at Dreams, the subject is waterfalls.   The events area was transformed with hills and water and a boardwalk.  My project is the one on the far corner from the entrance.  It looks very simple, in comparison to many of the other entries.  I have one small waterfall that flows partially down the hill and then freefalls to a pond like area.  I used
Linden trees by the dozen to make a natural, in the woods looking scene.  I had a path that led up to my quiet spot, which was furnished with a log to sit on.  The problem was falling off the path and over the side of the hill and into the water.  I solved the problem by constructing a structure with high sides and then using totally clear as the texture. 

In my instructions I included a poem. 

There is a place in the forest

Where people stop to admire

A waterfall

And take pictures,

Paint, and draw.

But those who choose,

Follow the treacherous path

To be embraced by nature

And soothed by her heartbeat.

 

 

Dreams Contests have two different winners, a judged winner and a popular winner.  As much as I would like to win, I have to remind myself that the important part of the contest is what I learn from it.  Today, the day I am posting this, is the last day to vote.  Friday the build will just be a memory as the contest will be over and the winner announced. 

I will actually miss this build.  I have found that sitting on the log is a peaceful hiding place.  Like I said in the poem, only a few will take the time to climb the hill to sit and be embraced by nature.  SL is no different than RL.  We get so involved with doing things and interacting with others that we have no time for introspection.  So, I am not going to apologize for my sporadic blogging.  I am not asking for votes.  I am just suggesting to slow down and take time to sit and clear the brain.

Identity Crisis

Yesterday I came face to face with someone who looked pretty much like me, a small grey rat.  I was stunned.  How could someone steal my identity?  I checked my friends list, the imposter was not there.  How did she find me?  Easy, I have my home base on my profile.  But I had to deal with the current situation.

 

I stood in front of my barrel house wearing a cat suit and a cape, the Lillani look.  Lately, Rat has been into other avatar’s identities.  This all started in the Big Brother House after Phaylen had given me the red beehive hair.  I had found a dress in my inventory and ended up looking like diva rat.

 

I am the one with the problem, not the small grey rat in front of me.  I could easily see differences between the two of us.  We talked about tails, mine, hers and where to get a different one.  I mentioned having a tail with a different attachment position so I can wear the flex skirts.  I needed to log off to attend to rl.  We added each other to the friends lists.

 

I had to examine rat in the cat suit.  I determined that I was not trying to look and act like Lillani.  But, the use of others styles shows the playfulness of rat. 

 

Earlier, while waiting for my car to be serviced, I read most of “Second Life, the official guide.”  The book pointed out that you can change your avatar’s appearance as often as you like.  In SL you have the chance to be whoever you want to be.

 

Rat evolved.  First, it was the avatar, as purchased, and then a new tail.  Slowly other changes were made, the biggest change, the use of a smaller shape.  Rat’s hair and clothing started with shorts and t shirts ended up having to have a separate folder.  Rat developed character.  At first, being rat was a way to be able to explore without the interference of others.  As she evolved, she began to get the “how cute” from people.  Most people tend not to take her seriously.  She could say things my human wouldn’t.  She also got into places my human would have stayed out of.  She likes having fun.  She lives in a barrel, but thinks out of the box.  She is a loner, but also enjoys people.  Rat has ADD, (attention deficit disorder).

 

To my new friend, Leona:  Welcome to my world, the sl rat race.  I am delighted that I have had in influence with your choice of a sl identity.  I look forward to the development of our friendship.  And, being true to rat’s personality, I have some advice for you.  Rat is good at giving advice, whether you want it or not.  Take the time to feel yourself as a rat.  Develop your own style and personality.  Be open to change.  After all, this is second life.