Dec 31, 2011

You Are Invited to the SIXTH Annual Snowflake Ball

 
 
 
It is with great pleasure that I am once again inviting you to The Snowflake Ball, which has become a Steamlands winter tradition.  We are now celebrating our SIXTH event!  The Snowflake Ball has deep sentimental meaning for me as one of the first formal Victorian dances in our collective history and a time and place to be with - and make - very good friends.

The first Duchess Loch Avie, Shenlei Flasheart, started this tradition in January 2007, and I am honored to have been able to continue to hold this beautiful ball each year, first in my role as Duchess Loch Avie, then as the Lady of Skye in Winterfell.  Although I have had a change in my Second Life  - less time in world, a move to a smaller and more modern parcel of land - I am proud to continue to hold those title and to play those roles when I am in my beloved Steamlands.  And this is one of the three traditions that I hold near and dear to my heart.  I'll not stop holding this ball until the gods of the electronic world see fit to remove me entirely.

My wish is that you will enjoy yourselves entirely on this very special night in the snow.  We do not wish that the formal nature of the ball would intimidate you as we utilize the dance cards for our 11 dance sets, but rather provide you with an option to enhance your pleasure of the event.  If you have not already received a notecard, which includes your dance card for the night, there will be a table with cards available for your use on the night of the ball.  This year our celebration will be held in the Forrest of the Cliffs of Skye (i.e. way up high over my lovely Magna Carta land); however, we will continue to observe the etiquette of the Steamlands (rather than that of strict Victorian or even more modern tradition).  Therefore, anyone may request a dance of anyone else (i.e. women may initiate an invitation to dance; women may dance with women and men with men;   all avatars are welcome including tinies, furries, mechanical beings of all types, time lords, and more).

We will  begin to gather  at 7pm SLT and we may visit with our friends and neighbors and perhaps begin filling the dance card - if all your dances are not spoken for prior to the ball, of course.  The first dance set will begin at 7:15pm.

I look forward to seeing you all there.

Snowflake by William Baer

Timing’s everything. The vapor rises
high in the sky, tossing to and fro,
then freezes, suddenly, and crystallizes
into a perfect flake of miraculous snow.
For countless miles, drifting east above
the world, whirling about in a swirling free-
for-all, appearing aimless, just like love,
but sensing, seeking out, its destiny.
Falling to where the two young skaters stand,
hand in hand, then flips and dips and whips
itself about to ever-so-gently land,
a miracle, across her unkissed lips:
as he blocks the wind raging from the south,
leaning forward to kiss her lovely mouth.


The First Snowflake Ball
Caledon Loch Avie
January 2007

Second Annual Snowflake Ball
Caledon Loch Avie
January 2008

Third Annual Snowflake Ball
Port Caledon
January 2009

The Fourth Annual Snowflake Ball
Isle of Skye, Winterfell Anodyne
January 2010
 
 The Fifth Annual Snowflake Ball
Isle of Skye, Winterfell Anodyne
January 2011

Oct 8, 2011

AMAZING!! BoobieThon in SL Donates $2133.88

There are no words right now - only elation and exhaustion. Pure emotion.

Thanks to all the volunteers and donors for making this year's BoobieThon in SL the best one ever!!

More words will come this weekend, when I can take time to reflect on it all, but for now:


$L 537,776!!!


Oct 5, 2011

BoobieThon with a View

What a wonderful week it has been here at the 4th Annual BoobieThon in SL! I wanted to share some of the scenes from events with you and let you know about the upcoming events as well.

Thank you for your on-going generosity!! I should have a new mid-week total to announce sometime later today. [SOME IMAGES NSFW!]

 

 *dances*




Oct 2, 2011

Pictures from an Exhibition...& an opening party...& the En Garde Tournament

Pictures being worth a thousand words... 
Boobiethon Opening Party! 
Opening night party at my new home, Cliffs of Skye in Magna Carta. 
(photo credit: Frequency Picnic)


Boobiethon Opening Party 
Opening party (photo credit: PJ Trenton) Stormy Mefusula 
Stormy Mefusula, the Chief Boobie Officer of the RL BoobieThon (photo credit: PJ Trenton). Art Auction Opening 
Art Auction at RoHaus (photo credit: PJ Trenton) Eva Bellambi and Frequency Picnic 
Eva and Frequency (photo credit: PJ Trenton) Auction Curator Rowan Derryth 
Rowan Derryth (photo credit: PJ Trenton) 

 At the En Garde Tournament


 Sexy Serra - drumming up donations




 Calli looking fierce!






Irreverence.  Check!
Fun.  Check!
Raising money for Breast Cancer Research.  CHECK!!

TOUCHE YOUR BOOBIES!


After a wonderful - dare I say, 'grand' - opening day for BoobieThon in SL, we resume our week of fundraising today with the En Garde tournament.  We have affectionately called this sporting event Touche for Boobies.  It should be a spectacle of epic proportions as fierce competitors battle it out on the pistes in Winterfell Anodyne at the BoobieBall Garden.

Come enjoy the sport and donate to the BoobieThon.  As well you will be surrounded by the designer vendors where you will find fantastic clothing, accessories, and items of every shape and size.

See you there!!

Oct 1, 2011

4th Annual BoobieThon in SL - Opening Night

It's October 1, 2011!  That means BoobieThon 2011 is underway in both real life and Second Life.
I'm ready!!  Are you??



It was a good morning for me to remember to perform my monthly self-breast exam in real life.  (That reminds me, one of my fabulous content creating friends really needs to create a self-breast exam animation for Second Life.  Any volunteer should IM me in world or email me at evabellambi@gmail.com)

Tonight the designer vendors open at the BoobieBall Garden in Winterfell Anodyne/180/250/30 at 6pm SLT.  We have a wonderful group of designers who have joined the cause this year.  We are fortunate enough to even have a furnished cottage for you to view and purchase.  The model home is on display just beside of the BoobieBall Garden island.  A HUGE thank you to all our contributors!

All is made ready for your arrival

The opening party will be held at my new home in Magna Carta.  It is called Cliffs of Skye after my beloved Isle of Skye in Winterfell Anodyne. We'll start on the 3rd floor "party deck" and dance and donate to the tunes spun by DJ Freq!  At 7:30pm, the conga line to RoHaus will begin as the Art Auction opens to bidders.  The auction will run through October 6th at 8pm SLT when the final bid will be taken.


I will let the auction poster speak for itself.  Amazing!  The art that has been donated is really beyond compare - stunning photographs, paintings, sculptures, and other works of art.

Can't wait to see you tonight!


As our real life BoobieThon counterparts always say, "We share because we care."



Sep 26, 2011

Once Again We Work to Save Second Base - BoobieThon 2011


October 1-7, 2011: The 10th Annual Blogger BoobieThon (a good history of this week may be found here and the 4th Annual BoobieThon in Second Life.

Over the years thousands of dollars have been raised for the Susan G. Komen Foundation in both worlds.

Once again the Saving Second Base committee members have been working hard to create a week of interesting, fun, and, at times, irreverent affairs for you to enjoy as we educate about - and raise money for - breast cancer research and treatment. 






You are all invited and most welcome to join us at as many events as possible.  The current schedule of events follows:


October 1, 2011 

  • Opening Night Party - 6:30pm SLT, Cliffs of Skye, Magna Carta
  • Art Auction Opening - travel next door to RoHaus for the opening of the bidding (7:30pm SLT)
  • Designer Vendors open - 6pm SLT, Winterfell BoobieBall Garden
October 2, 2011
  • Touche for Boobies - 12pm SLT, Winterfell En Garden
    •  An en garde tournament
    • 16 openings entry fee is 1000L
    • The winner will receive 1500L and a special trophy to commemorate the event!
  • Educational Salon - TBA
  • Art Auction and Designer Vendors continue
October 3, 2011
  • Burlesque for Breasts - 8pm SLT, La Casbah, Steelhead.
  • Art Auction and Designer Vendors continue
October 4, 2011
  • Shape Shifter Competition - 4pm SLT, The Hobo Theatre, Hobo Island.
  • Art Auction and Designer Vendors continue
October 5, 2011
  • Victorian's Secret at the Blue Mermaid - 7pm SLT Caledon On Sea
  • Art Auction and Designer Vendors continue
October 6, 2011
  • Poetry Slam for Boobies - 5pm SLT, der Hut, Winterfell Absinthe
  • Art Auction and Designer Vendors continue
  • LAST BID for art auction will be taken at 8pm SLT
October 7, 2011
  • BoobieBall (I) - 12pm SLT, BoobieBall Garden, Winterfell
  • BoobieBall (II) - 7pm SLT, Boobie Ball Garden, Winterfell
  • Designer Vendors continue
  • Final Donation will be made at 8:50 SLT.

Aug 4, 2011

The Calm Before the Storm


30 July
Personal Journal Entry

I woke well before dawn to the persistant knocking at my chamber door.  It was Cairine stating that Agent Shea, whom I had not had back in the Steamlands since the Fusang affair many years ago, had just arrived by airship.  They were apparently mooring and he would debark shortly and was requesting an immediate audience with me.

Cairine heated water for me and started to lay out a day gown for me to put on.

“Gods, Cairine! I expect that I’ll be battling for my life - for the very lives of my family and clan - today.  I don’t think I’ll need the formality of the proper gown at this moment.  Just get my leather battle gear out of the wardrobe.  I put it all together just a few hours ago.”

After making myself ready, I walked down to the ballroom, where we had set up headquarters for the battle planning.  I found Admiral Beaumont, Colonel Somme, Colonel O’Toole, and Sir Tele all waiting for me around the chart table.  They had all heard the airship from their tents outside and rose to discover what was going on.

“Your Grace, “ they all greeted me nearly in unison.

Just as I was about to reply, the ballroom doors opened to reveal a very muscular young man in his regimentals entering the room confidently. His sandy brown hair cut short, but combed to the side as is the latest fashion, allowed his blue eyes to fairly sparkle. As he approached our small group his smile widened.

“My goodness, Shea, it seems that military work in the far east has been quite agreeable to you!  You look every inch the well-muscled warrior at ease.”

“Your Grace,” he said as he kissed my hand. “I’ve been traveling back to Winterfell for some time now.  Even in Fusang we were hearing rumblings of the Vulgarian violence heading your way.”

“Well, well, Shea.” said O’Toole mildly stepping forward to clap his former protégé on the shoulder.  “What news, son?”

At this prompting, Shea pulled the charts out as I made hasty introductions and showed what he knew of the Vulgarian’s circuitous route.  Based on what he told us of the intelligence he was able to gather along the way, it seems that the Vulgarians were stopping frequently and with distinct purpose - purchasing this and that, and conferring with shamans in various cities and countrysides.

“Well, “ said Admiral Beaumont, “what is clear is that they are indeed heading this way, and based on all current information they will sail into our waters sometime this afternoon or evening. What is less clear is what they have been doing along the way and whether that means anything  to us. Weapons? Time travel? Some sort of magic?”

At that moment, the sounds of running feet  came from the great room, and a young bosun’s mate stepped in and saluted.  “Ma’am.  Sirs.  I have news that a large airship is headed directly for the Isle.  It appears to be flying the Bellambi flag, Your Grace.”

“Very good.  We shall join you outside, directly,” acknowledged Admiral Beaumont.

We left the charts where they laid on the table, gratefully accepted the tea that cook just brought in on a cart and walked with our cups (do try not to be too shocked about that) outside where we saw The Protagoras coming nearer.  

“Excellent!” I exclaimed, “Kate and Adso are arriving from the Royal Society.  They were pleased to use this occasion to test their new experimental scientific instruments and weapons.”

We all grinned a little and went to the mooring dock to greet them in what may have been the last peaceful hour of the day (and the sun was just fully over the edge of the horizon).

Aug 2, 2011

The Arrival of Friends



As is often the case on the eve of battle, I was in my private drawing room reviewing charts and intelligence dispatches, and making sure my personal weapons were ready for the coming storm.  I was honing the blade of Claidheamh Flath when Admiral Wildstar knocked and entered the room with what could only be described as a school boy’s grin on his face.

“What news Wildstar?” I asked with a cautious grin spreading across my own face in response to his.

At this he opened the doors fully and my errant knights and protectors walked in en masse.  Leading the way was the ever dapper, Exrex Somme, commander of the Lancers of Skye.  Behind him was Sir Telemachus who showing the evidence of his hasty departure and rapid travel to get to me. His hair was flying wildly around him and he had what seemed like every blade he owns attached to his body in some fashion.  Just a few steps behind him came the retired executive officer of the Lancers, Hotspur O’Toole.  He nearly swaggered into the room in his linen shirt and pants - evidence that he was found precisely where we last knew he was located: a expat hang-out in the desert.  

All three gentlemen walked confidently straight through the door and over to me.  Exrex kissed my hand. Then, putting his cheek near mine, whispered in my ear, “I hope our delayed arrival did not put too much worry in your heart, Duchess Toots.”  I smiled and touched his face.  He had used his silly nickname for me, which he would never do in hearing distance of anyone else, and thereby let me know that he was genuinely sorry if he had caused any concern on my part.

“I am awfully glad for your presence, Colonel.  Have you assembled my Lancers?”

“Indeed, I have, Your Grace.  As we speak they are stabling the horses and making camp on the front lawn,” he said.

“Very good.  We are expecting that the Vulgarians will attempt to take us from all fronts - air, sea, and an amphibious assault onto the Isle.”

Next Tele came over and laid his sword in front of me as he knelt down. “I am so sorry that I was such a distance away, Your Grace.  But I am here and have brought several of my more uncultured friends.”  I laughed at this and touched his head gently.  

“Just the guests I was counting on you to bring along.”  At this I bid him rise and see his men settled alongside the Lancers.  He bowed over my hand and took his leave to do so.

“Well, I see ye’ve gotten yerself into another fine mess, Lady, “ said the linen-clad Hotspur striding across the room.  As he kissed my hand, I noted his greying red hair - just around the temples.

“Aye, it seems so,” I replied.  “I see that retirement is treating you kindly.  You seem quite relaxed and satisfied.”

“It is so, Lady.  I find myself surrounded by many others of our Wrath Fleet and a few less honorable but highly interesting friends. The weather is warm, the drinks are plentiful, and we are never at a loss for stories of old battles,” he remarked.

Touching the grey hair I wondered aloud whether he was still up to the task of battling the Vulgarians.  At this Exrex literally snorted his amusement and Hotspur gave me an exasperated smirk.  “Aye.  I’ll do.  I think I may have a fight or fifty still left in me.”


I laughed and enjoyed the easy company of my old friends and protectors. As I began showing them the charts, inviting Wildstar to join us, Cairine walked cautiously into the room.

“Yes?”

“Your Grace, there are a group of ruffians arriving from the Ferry. They say they are here to fight for you, but......”  she nearly hissed.

Turning to the gentlemen still staring at the charts and murmuring battle plans, I said, “I believe your troops have arrived, O’Toole.”  He merely grinned.

“Cairine, see them provided with tents and blankets.  They will billet with the Lancers and Tele’s swordsmen.  Then make sure they all have food to eat.  The great battle will surely begin sometime tomorrow evening based on what we know of the Vulgarian’s movements.”

Jul 29, 2011

Dispatch from Admiral Beaumont - Go to Highest Alert!!


Lady Eva ,


I just received a dispatch from my Chief of naval intelligence, who is sailing in mainland waters. I believe the information has the greatest urgency

Here is the message, that I relay to you without comments :

From Captain [name redacted], Commodore of the Special Ops Squadron, sailing aboard the Shooting Star north of the Sansara continent
To: Wildstar Beaumont - Vice Admiral - Wild Fleet Headquarters

Greetings Sir.
I have just received a classified message from Commander [name redacted] sailing on the Running Star in the waters around Nautilus City.
This is very troublesome information: a Vulgarian fleet has been sighted sailing around Nautilus City. Its destination is unknown but it is a very powerful fleet made mostly by ships of the line. I have been able to dispatch a sloop with Agent C on the coast of Nautilus and he has been able to follow them for a while thanks to the dark a foggy weather, and he was able to capture some images. 





We believe we might have heard the sound of an airship above the clouds, but we were not able to spot any. 

Unfortunately the information is days old as I am relying it to you and it will be at least two weeks old when it will reach you.
I believe your time for preparation is limited. If Winterfell is the target of the Vulgarians the Wild Fleet must go to the highest level of alert immediately.
I include the images captured by agent C.

With my Compliments

Captain [name redacted] aboard the Shooting Star

-- 

I am sorry to give you bad news, Lady Eva, but the time is little and preparations for the worst must accelerate 

My regards,





Evening Sword-Play

After a very long night and day of planning for the defense of the Isle of Skye and of Winterfell, it felt good to change clothes and spend time physically preparing myself as well.




It will be good when my Knights and Lancers arrive tomorrow.  We are ready for you, Barken Roff!

Jul 28, 2011

Preparations Begin

Personal Journal Entry
25 July

It was barely daylight when Bucephalus was brought up to the house for my urgent ride to Miss Serra’s.  The horse, sensing the criticality of this ride, was pawing the soft earth waiting to feel the weight of his mistress in the saddle.  The muscles of his flanks were twitching anxiously until my gloved hand smoothed his side just before my horsemaster handed me up. We rode furiously to Serra’s welcoming home.  Not entirely unexpectedly she met me at the door herself; there is nothing that transpires in Winterfell without her sensing something of it.  “Given our friendship,” she remarked, “I felt something was wrong with you.  It woke me from a deep sleep sometime in the middle of the night.”

As I began to share the story of the letter and the relatively recent history with the Vulgarians, she rang the bell for a staff member and told him to send for Admiral Beaumont immediately.  We paused briefly awaiting his arrival so that I need only share the story once.  Happily her staff brought the silver tea cart to the room.  After sipping the deliciously brewed Earl Grey blend, I felt a bit restored.  

Once Wildstar, as I call my friend, the Admiral, arrived he and I placed the historical puzzle pieces on the table for Serra.  (For those who may not know the history of the Vulgarian RP in the past please read: several articles including this one in Hibernia on the Skids; posts of several explorers including this one on The High Tea & Adventure Society)

“The unknown variable is really how they will arrive and attack. The when seems fairly certain.  I am sure they are well underway by now and will likely try to catch you off your guard sometime in the next few days.” Wildstar remarked.

“I drew the same conclusions.  I’ve sent the call out for my knights, my clan, and the Lancers of Skye. We need to get them here and working with you and your officers to plan the defense of Skye and of Winterfell.”

We spoke only a few minutes more before Wildstar took his leave to meet with his officers. Serra had formulated a plan to speak with her counterparts all over the Steamlands this very day. Then we embraced.  

“I’m off to prepare for the defense of Skye and to await the arrival of my clan,” I said just as one of Serra’s staff members brought a message for me into the room.  I read the note written in the distinct hand of Lady Kate Nicholas and then looked up at Serra.  

“Kate and Adso have arrived from the offices of the Royal Society and are convening a group of our top scientists to puzzle through the possibilities of Vulgarian technological advances.  Wonderful!  I’m off, Serra.  I’ll check in with you later tonight.”  And with that remark, I was out the door and on Bucephalus speeding my way home.

Jul 24, 2011

In Which Things Become Quite Vulgar



Personal Journal Entry
24 July

Since it had been an exceedingly long week dealing with complex problems associated with several of my senior staff members’ cases at MI-6 , I was happy to once again be in my private chambers at home.  It had been more than a week since I had been at home. The cases required me to travel a good bit.  Cairine kindly directed the staff to manage my luggage and then helped me out of my expedition travel gear and into a very hot bath.  As I slipped into the water she poured a small amount of my favorite sandlewood bath oil into the tub then placed a table and lamp nearby so that I might read some of the week’s post while I soaked.

I was happy to discover some lovely invitations to summer balls and garden parties in the stack.  What a pleasure also to find correspondence from several friends travelling abroad.  I was, however, shocked out of my steamy, relaxed, and happy mood when I picked up the next envelope which contained the seal of Barken Roff, a former ambassador from Vulgaria. Roff! the very blaggard who nearly five years ago had done his best to shock all in attendance at the ball celebrating the opening of my manse on Loch Avie with his vulgar language and poor behavior.  He had only been invited as he was newly in his diplomatic position in Caledon. How much I regret that decision.  It was shortly after that night that he began to claim that Loch Avie was “stolen from Vulgaria” and that the bones, which my knight, Adso Krogstad, was excavating in the lower portion of Loch Avie, would be revealed as ancient Vulgarians.  The nerve of the man!

I broke the seal to the letter.


15 July
Bomhaus
Prydon, Vulgaria

To Her Grace, Eva Bellambi,
Duchess of Loch Avie, Lady of Skye, Head of MI-6, Last Pretender to the Lands of Vulgaria,

Your Grace, this will be the last cordial correspondence you shall have from me or any other Vulgarian. The humiliation at the hands of the Bellambis and Frasers has been more than can be born. It has taken us some time to develop the technology required, but we have done it.  We have developed the ability to travel to a particular area and then travel great distances through time.  

We are coming, Your Grace.  We are coming in great numbers.  We are coming to claim the lands you have left in Caledon, and we are coming to take the Isle of Skye.  Our Vulgarian historians tell us that your family, as far back as Sìleas and Gawter, have wronged us over the years. We claim Skye and all that is currently yours.

We are coming.  We are going to torture you slowly in ways women can never survive, kill your kinsmen and clan, and destroy your lands. We will then travel back to your middle ages and we will slaughter Sìleas and Gawter.* Your family will end.  You will never exist.


Barken Roff
Lord High Chancellor, Vulgaria

Cairine gasped loudly upon her return to find me (unknowingly) standing in the tub holding the letter down at my side.  I was red-faced, frowning, and stark naked.  Her noise roused me enough to spring me into action.  

“Cairine.  Assist me out of this tub and I’ll dry myself.  Then I need you to set the emergency signals in motion.  Agent Barns should be in the MI-6 signal station, just give him the word.  I need to gather the clan and my knights.  Then I shall need to be properly dressed so that at first light I may make emergency calls upon Miss Serra, Admiral Beaumont, Desmond Shang, and several others.”

As Cairine walked rapidly down the stairs from the master suite I called after her, “Sir Tele, Somme, and O’Toole are going to be bloody hard to find.  Make sure Barns sends his messages accordingly.  Those lot have gone far afield - some in semi-retirement - but they must know their Cheiftainess has need of them and they must come!”

Cairine shouted back an acknowledgement and then I heard the door to the intel room open and close.

“...or she may never even be known to them.”

To be continued


*(Historical notes on Sìleas and Gawter may be found in these posts : Dream State, Time and Space Fold, & A Love Letter from Gawter to Sìleas)