For My Favorite Librarian

Happy 2nd Rez Day, Mr. JJ Drinkwater!

For Librarians

Imagine you can consider all ideas
And images represented by all words
And numbers in all libraries worldwide.
Open the book of this consideration.
Touch the paper. See the illustration
Of you, reading, when you were ten
In your local library. Turn
Several pages. Now read how you
And that other person ignited romance
In, of all places, the stacks, third floor,
In quite a different library. Snowflakes
Brushed against dark glass as you two
Stood between PQ and PR.

Now go to the index. Find “possibility.”
Look up from the book. The librarian
Who looks away was watching you.
She knows how to phrase the question
You want answered.

Librarians know where wisdom’s stored.
They catalogue the countless forms
Of silence and tell people what they
Didn’t know they wanted to know.
They treat the mentally fractured
As if they’re whole, the dull as if they’re
Sharp, Winter as if it’s Summer.

A band of sunlight angles through high
Windows, brightens shoes of a librarian,
Who knows the patron in the gray enormous
Coat will steal a book about sex or wiccans.
She knows some Christians will steal books
Deemed Satanic, ignoring a commandment
And the homeless person sleeping in a chair.
She knows some atheists treat Library as
Church, so when she moves into shadows,
She does so quietly. She worries for books.

For the librarian knows books are easily burned,
Recycled, or digitized, reduced to oxygen, carbon,
Silicon, and such basic elements as hate and
Budgetary cuts. She wishes presidents of
The United States would consult librarians
Before going to war. It would save so much time,
So many lives. She knows exactly which references
Know how badly any war will go and how soon
Citizens come to loathe their leaders. She knows
How to find stories about all the libraries
Wiped out by war. She knows patrons who’ve
Been harmed by war. Sometimes they set off alarms.
Someone asks her, “Can you help me find out
If I’m related to Napoleon? ” Yes, ” she answers,
“Come with me, please.”

All libraries may now gather inside invisible
Electrons. After closing time, books in Sweden
Send emails to maps in Chile. A librarian in Topeka
Posts a reply to one in Tokyo, adding to a blue thread
Wrapped around the globe.

As sincerely as librarians worry for books, for shelves,
For catalogues, buildings, and best practices,
So should we worry for librarians, for images and ideas.

At a table in a library, a circle of light
Lies on a book. The hand not writing turns
The page, and something important happens.

Hans Ostrom

*for all librarians - regardless of gender

JJ celebrated his 2nd Rez Day twice yesterday. Once during the afternoon SLT with friends from Europe and other places across the globe, and once during the evening SLT with (mostly) American-based friends. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend for a while last night. I made a private call to the gentleman and inquired as to any theme for the night. He requested Midsummers Night.

The Færie of the Red Rose

I happily complied as did many others. Still others arrived as they were when the invitation went out over the ISC. We had a lovely time in Lady Edwina's sim on Hoy. Thank you, Eds, for the hospitality.

The Rez Day boy....er...Lion dances with Miss Serra and other friends

Spiral Walcher's excellent cake

Shaunathan Sprocket

Miss Cornelia Rothschild

Hawk's eye view

Hotspur O'Toole

Gabrielle Riel

Mr. Aldo and Mrs. Betty Stern

The færie dances in the dew.

Many more happy days to you, Dear JJ. Many more!

And the Most Talented Complimentor Is.....

Just before 2pm SLT on May 11th quite a grand gathering of folks began in Loch Avie for the 2nd Annual Compliments Duel to benefit of the SL Relay for Life. (Last year saw JJ Drinkwater and Colonel Exrex Somme battling in Haiku and in Compliments on two seperate occasions.)

This time the Duel would be carried out 600m above Nellie's Cove in Loch Avie. Announcements and SLURLs were sent out. Folks began teleporting to the telehub as well. Thanks to a friend of Mr. Drinkwater's and to Lt. Colonel Hotspur O'Toole for directing folks to the jello cube teleportation device, and thanks to Baron Wulfenbach and to Seneschal Serra Annansi for so kindly sending teleports to many of the folks who were unable to use the slurls or rapidly locate the pub tp device.

The Loch Avie skyplat was transformed into a Steampunk Outdoor Theatre. The platform itself was formed from copper, and two brass sentries stood 60 meters tall with axes drawn. Of course a fully equipped bar was available at the rear of the seating area. The stage for the event was based on the Hatch Shell along the Esplanade in Boston, MA in the United States, with textured with steel on the outside and parquet wood on the interior and flooring. The pièce de résistance, however, was the steampunk seating of the Glaubner Middlesea Theater that Lt. Colonel O'Toole worked so hard to create along with Miss Frequency Picnic. (The only danger to the cushioned steel mesh dome seats was to those in large hats, who had a devil of a time standing until Col. O'Toole shared the secret with the group.)


We had a bit of a scare when Mr. Drinkwater crashed and was unable to return for several minutes, but thankfully everyone seemed please to chat, tap dance and whatnot until he was able to reappear and the event could begin.

Judges were chosen by bids; the top 5 bidders "earned" the right to judge the contest.

Miss Safia Widdershins
Baron Wulfenbach
Miss Cornelia Rothschilds
Miss Gloriana Maertens
and YHN, Eva Bellambi


*The transcript that follows has been edited to remove much of the content; however, the full length of the compliments are included along with some of the crowd commentary to give those who were not there the flavor of the event. This is not a short read, but most enjoyable.*

The Rules were announced by me:
[14:26] You: Ladies and Gentlemen - the rules of engagement for the event:
[14:26] You: there will be 5 rounds of compliments.....the first determined by a coin toss by the senior judge
[14:27] You: Each round - the audience may wish to show approval by applause and of course DONATIONS
[14:27] You: and the judges will keep score privately.....on the quality of the compliments.
[14:28] You: At the end of all 5 rounds the judges will inform the senior judge of their vote for winner, which will be announced at the end of our event
[14:28] You: any questions? or anything that I have missed?

And thus Round 1 began after Mr. Drinkwater won the coin toss:

[14:34] JJ Drinkwater: At our last Duel, I began with a story about Somme...which I here recap, for those who have slept since then
[14:34] Eva Bellambi grins
[14:34] Shylah Garmes chuckles
[14:34] JJ Drinkwater: It seems Colonel Somme died and went to Hell. He was met at the gate by Old Scratch himself......
[14:34] JJ Drinkwater: ...who most obligingly gave him the Dignitary's tour -- one prince to another, you know, but at the end ....
[14:34] JJ Drinkwater: ....said "I am very sorry, Colonel, but you cannot stay."
[14:35] JJ Drinkwater: Colonel Somme wished to know his reason, for surely a gentleman is welcome everywhere, he remarked.
[14:35] JJ Drinkwater: The Devil concurred, but said, "I am worried about two things.
[14:35] JJ Drinkwater: One is that your native virtue will undermine all my most infernal workings and put me out of business.
[14:35] JJ Drinkwater: The other, is that you will make yourself quite at home, and show me up for a rank amatuer!"
[14:35] JJ Drinkwater: In the intervening year, however.....
[14:35] Exrex Somme chuckles
[14:36] JJ Drinkwater: ..as I make it my busines to study all forms of excellence, I have thought much of my esteemed opponent
[14:36] JJ Drinkwater: And I beleive I can condense that story somewhat
[14:36] JJ Drinkwater: When a much admired Caledon Colonel
[14:36] Entered chat range: Daisyblue Hefferman, Bryndal Ellison
[14:37] JJ Drinkwater: Was consigned to the regions infernal
[14:37] JJ Drinkwater: Old Scratch said "What, you?
[14:37] JJ Drinkwater: "Somme, this really won't do.
[14:37] JJ Drinkwater: "For you're rated with 'glory, eternal'."

[14:38] Exrex Somme: Your graces, lords and ladies, friends and my esteemed opponent, I should first of all like to thank you all for coming again
[14:39] Exrex Somme: This duel is a highlight of year for me
[14:39] Exrex Somme: And I hope you all enjoy it as much as we do
[14:39] Exrex Somme: Now, as for my opponent
[14:39] Hotspur Otoole: :-D
[14:39] Exrex Somme: I should like to start by stating very clearly that Sir JJ is indeed a brick.
[14:39] Riven Homewood: oh dear
[14:39] Exrex Somme: I do not mean to imply that he is either square, or dense.
[14:40] KlausWulfenbach Outlander chuckles
[14:40] JJ Drinkwater studied the foundations, after all
[14:40] Shylah Garmes perks an ear forward :)
[14:40] Exrex Somme: Those ladies who have danced with him will certify the former is untrue, and anyone who has conversed with him will know that the later is unture as well
[14:40] Riven Homewood: No one has ever accused Sir Jj of being a second story man
[14:40] Exrex Somme: Nor do I refer to the Shakespearing "you blocks, you stones you worse than senseless things"
[14:40] Gloriana Maertens murmurs, "He is many stories"
[14:41] Eva Bellambi smiles
[14:41] JJ Drinkwater: (that is because I knopw only one story, Miss Homewood)
[14:41] Exrex Somme: Rather, it is because he is the keystone, as it were, of learning and culture in Caledon
[14:41] Erasmus Margulis: hear him..hear him!
[14:41] Riven Homewood: Huzzah!
[14:41] Podruly Peccable: Ooooh, good one
[14:41] Exrex Somme: His tireless work in building libraries, holding book discussion and inspiring learning in all forms
[14:42] Exrex Somme: make him a veritable foundation of our fair state.
[14:42] Kaye Robbiani: hear, hear!
[14:42] Exrex Somme: Ladies and gentlemen, I nominate Sir JJ as the first official brick of Caledon

Round 2:

[14:43] You: Well done gents! Folks show your appreciation and drop some lindens into the kiosks
[14:43] KlausWulfenbach Outlander applauds
[14:43] JJ Drinkwater would almost be mortar-fied to make an answer
[14:43] Otenth Paderborn applauds
[14:43] You: And if you are so inclined, JJ, we are ready for round 2
[14:43] Rudolfo Woodget: well-done, Colonel
[14:43] Shylah Garmes giggles
[14:43] Serra Anansi groans
[14:43] Exrex Somme: Go on, JJ, cement your reputation
[14:44] Otenth Paderborn groans
[14:44] Hotspur Otoole: I'm sure there's mortar come...
[14:44] JJ Drinkwater: You have quite left me in the dust, sir, but I will not quite consider myself walled in
[14:44] Eva Bellambi rolls her eyes and smirks
[14:44] Exrex Somme: I look forward to more edificication, sir
[14:44] JJ Drinkwater: We are speaking, then, of architecture....
[14:45] Shylah Garmes groans at all the puns :)
[14:45] JJ Drinkwater: Of that which gives shape and sense to what are otherwise miscellaneous elements and materials
[14:45] Exrex Somme: Sorry, no refunds :-)
[14:46] JJ Drinkwater: If Caledon is an edifice, with the Guvnah as its architect...it s we who make the walls rise
[14:47] Quinn Lanzius: Hear, hear!
[14:48] JJ Drinkwater: And, that Caledon be a pleasant house, that we may better enjoy the masonry of our works and days...what is necessary but that it should be built in a spirit of generosity and civility?
[14:49] Erasmus Margulis nods...true true
[14:49] Eva Bellambi listens
[14:49] JJ Drinkwater: And that, moreover, there be convivilaity and learning, such as the Colonel posesses, to let in the light?
[14:50] JJ Drinkwater: Whenever I have the pleasure to speak to Somme, I feel I am given a window onto a more civilized, wider, and kinder world
[14:50] Hotspur Otoole: As I'm sure he'll remind you repeatedly. :-D
[14:50] Entered chat range: Searra Weatherwax, LittleToe Bartlett, Otenth Paderborn
[14:51] JJ Drinkwater: And, as a house is but a dark and gloomy place with no windows...so I feel Caledon would be vastly dimmer, without my esteemed adversary here
[14:51] Otenth Paderborn: bravo, sir!
[14:51] Audrey Fotherington rings out her hanky once more
[14:52] Eva Bellambi applauds
[14:52] JJ Drinkwater: I therefore propse, that, for his infinitude of polite accomplishments, and all the other aspects of his character...
[14:52] ShayLee Greenspan claps
[14:52] JJ Drinkwater: Somme be henceforth known as the Foremost Pane of Caledon
[14:52] Cornelia Rothschild giggles!
[14:52] Exrex Somme chuckles
[14:52] Eva Bellambi laughs and laughs
[14:52] Gabrielle Riel applauds wildly
[14:52] Shylah Garmes laughs and applauds!!!

[14:53] You: And how shall you respond to that, Colonel Pane?
[14:53] Audrey Fotherington: :)
[14:53] Exrex Somme: I thank your grace
[14:53] Saffia Widdershins applauds
[14:53] Gloriana Maertens murmurs, "A hit! A palapable hit!"
[14:54] KlausWulfenbach Outlander wonders if Caledon will crack the L$1 million mark here
[14:54] Exrex Somme: Sir JJ, you speak of "Of that which gives shape and sense to what are otherwise miscellaneous elements and materials"
[14:54] Exrex Somme: I say to you that what gives shape to those things is knowledge, learning and erudition
[14:54] Exrex Somme: Some may say that we military types are the guardians of our civilization, but I say them nay
[14:55] Exrex Somme: I say that you librarians, the keepers of our knowledge and culture, are the guardians
[14:55] Exrex Somme: Mounted on your stools, equiped with flashing ruler and polished pen nib
[14:55] Exrex Somme: Charging under you mighty battle cry of "Shooooooosh"
[14:56] KlausWulfenbach Outlander chuckles
[14:56] Exrex Somme: It is you who fight back the forces of barbarism and ignorance, and help to shape our beloved Caledon into the wonderful place it has become.
[14:56] Riven Homewood is waiting for the rimshot
[14:57] Riven Homewood: but the trumpets were more appropriate
[14:57] Exrex Somme: For you are truly correct, this place is built by its people, but without the forces of the Library Mounted Infantry, we should be as nothing amoung the states of world
[14:58] Exrex Somme: And you sir, are the leader of that noble unit, and the very model of those we seek to emulate.
[14:58] Desmond Shang is Online
[14:58] Exrex Somme: Let us all yell a mighty "Shooooosh" in honour of brave Sir LL :-)
[14:58] Exrex Somme shouts: Shooooooosh
[14:58] KlausWulfenbach Outlander: Shoooooosh
[14:58] Autopilotpatty Poppy: Shoooooooosh!
[14:58] Quinn Lanzius: Shooooosh!
[14:58] Cornelia Rothschild: Shoooosh!
[14:58] Gloriana Maertens: Shoooooosh
[14:58] You: Shooooooooosh!
[14:58] Foxguards Henhouse: Shooosh!
[14:58] Kaye Robbiani: Sir LL?
[14:58] Otenth Paderborn: Shooooosh!
[14:58] Zoe Connolly: Shooooooosh!
[14:58] Rudolfo Woodget shouts: Shooooooosh!
[14:58] Derry McMahon: shoooooosh!
[14:58] ShayLee Greenspan: Shoooooooosh
[14:58] Erasmus Margulis: Shooooooosh!
[14:58] Podruly Peccable: Shush
[14:58] Kaye Robbiani: Shoooooooosh!
[14:58] Aberdon Enigma: Shoooooosh!
[14:58] Audrey Fotherington: shhhhhh
[14:58] Exrex Somme: er, Sir JJ
[14:58] Riven Homewood: SHOOOOOOSH!
[14:58] ZenMondo Wormser: Shoooooooooosh!
[14:58] Saffia Widdershins: Shooooosh!
[14:58] Eva Bellambi applauds
[14:58] LadyStargazer Graves: shooosh
[14:59] Galactic Baroque: SHOOOOOOSH!
[14:59] Daisyblue Hefferman: Shooooooooooosh! from 1 libraria to another
[14:59] Lavendar Beaumont: shooosh
[14:59] Exrex Somme bows to his esteemed opponent
[14:59] Riven Homewood: although to yell a shoosh is contrary to all library etiquette

[15:00] You shout: Ladies and Gentlemen - Team Caledon has passed 900,000 Lindens

*Much Rejoicing ensued along with challenges to hit 1 Million Lindens*

Round 3:

[15:01] Hotspur Otoole: Exrex,the Folks at Not Possible in Real Life have sent me to donate 1000L:
THANK YOU NPIRL
[15:01] You: JJ - when you are ready
[15:01] JJ Drinkwater: It pleases my noble opponent to give me credit for fighting the battle of knowledge and literacy....
[15:01] Hotspur Otoole: which I will naturally put in your shako.
[15:01] Hotspur Otoole: :-D
[15:01] Exrex Somme: Please thank them, Otoole, profusely
[15:02] KlausWulfenbach Outlander: Huzzah for NPIRL!
[15:02] JJ Drinkwater: Ignoring the fact that he is himself a might warrior in that cause, as is known to all the librarians of Caledon from his tendency to, for instance, check out the entire History section at once
[15:02] Barbara Schwarz: Watch out he's winding the watch of his wit, by and by it will strike
[15:02] Hotspur Otoole: Done!
[15:02] Exrex Somme switches hats for luck
[15:03] JJ Drinkwater: But is it only we who have the privilege to serve literacy professionally who may be credited with fighting its battles?
[15:03] JJ Drinkwater: I do not feel we may that with any certainty!
[15:03] Gabrielle Riel swoons at the hat change
[15:03] Cornelia Rothschild giggles at Her Grace.
[15:04] JJ Drinkwater: Besides Somme's undoubted devotion to literacy, knowledge, & education...to which no mere praise of mine can do justice, I wish to priase his profession
[15:04] Multi Gadget v1.54.1: Daisyblue Hefferman, Bryndal Ellison, Annechen Lowey
[15:05] JJ Drinkwater: If I may, I will quote John Adams...
[15:05] JJ Drinkwater: A soldier and ststeman, as is somme...
[15:05] JJ Drinkwater: ..and a very devoted husband, as is Somme
[15:05] JJ Drinkwater: Adams said, in a letter to his wife...
[15:06] Exrex Somme bows to his opponent for that kind comment
[15:06] You: smiles
[15:06] JJ Drinkwater: "I must study Politicks and War that my sons may have liberty to study Mathematicks and Philosophy. My sons ought to study Mathematicks and Philosophy, Geography, natural History, Naval Architecture, navigation, Commerce and Agriculture, in order to give their Children a right to study Painting, Poetry, Musick, Architecture, Statuary, Tapestry and Porcelaine."
[15:07] Kaye Robbiani: well said!
[15:07] Lavendar Beaumont: hazzah
[15:07] Derry McMahon: so true!
[15:07] JJ Drinkwater: Those who fight on the real battlefields of the world, that the more rarefied pursuits of life may have oportunity to thrive, are equally champinons in the cause of literacy
[15:08] JJ Drinkwater: Such a one is Colonel Somme....as his wife, who has many times battled though his stacks of overdue library books, has every cause to know...just as Abigail did of John

[15:10] Exrex Somme: Well, Sir, you speak of the virtues martial, and I cannot disagree with your assesment, for to do so would be to denegrate my fellow Lancers
[15:10] Derry McMahon thinks nothing is sheepish about himself
[15:10] Gabrielle Riel whispers to Miss Rothschild: do you have any smelling salts..I feel....weak
[15:11] Exrex Somme: And I have been known to take the occasional volume of Tacitcus, or a copy of Frederick the Great's instructions to his generals from your voluminous stacks
[15:11] KlausWulfenbach Outlander hopes he's close enough to catch the Duchess if she swoons out of her seat
[15:11] Cornelia Rothschild looks helplessly at the duchess Carntaigh. "I'm afraid not, as they don't help me when *I* swoon. Here, have my fan, though."
[15:11] JJ Drinkwater: (getting a little personal there, Somme!)
[15:11] You: Don't worry her hat will keep her in the seat
[15:11] Exrex Somme: But you say what you say, Sir, whilst standing here in hessian boots, a uniform, and epaullets
[15:12] Exrex Somme: And I think you yourself Sir represent the militant aspects of librarianism
[15:12] Riven Homewood: The Librarians of Second Life have sent a $1500L donation for Sir JJ
Thank You Librarians of Second Life
[15:12] You: Huzzah!
[15:12] Lavendar Beaumont: \M/YAY\M/
[15:12] Lavendar Beaumont: \o/
[15:12] Shylah Garmes: huzzah!!!
[15:12] KlausWulfenbach Outlander applauds the Librarians
[15:12] Exrex Somme: And while I may study certain parts of the library, you are indeed a master of all its component parts
[15:13] Exrex Somme: All of the knowledge in our various libraries flows to you, and I think we can therefore safely nomination you as
[15:13] Exrex Somme: wait for it
[15:13] Exrex Somme: Caledon's Literary Sump
[15:13] Derry McMahon waits eagerly!
[15:13] DrBob Margulies is enjoying the hat duel
[15:13] Shylah Garmes flicks her tal and giggles!!
[15:13] Eva Bellambi applauds
[15:13] KlausWulfenbach Outlander laughs
[15:13] Saffia Widdershins laughs
[15:13] Gloriana Maertens laughs
[15:13] Autopilotpatty Poppy APPLAUDS!!!

[15:14] Riven Homewood: $300 from Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library in Cybrary City
Thank you Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library!
[15:15] KlausWulfenbach Outlander applauds the donation
[15:15] You: Our total just keeps growing!!
[15:15] Shylah Garmes: yay!!
[15:15] You: 916,940L so far!!

Round 4:

[15:17] JJ Drinkwater: Well, sir, it seems we have wondered into domestic architecture, as a theme
[15:18] Gabrielle Riel blows a chaste kiss to Mr. Woodget
[15:18] Eva Bellambi places her rose top hat on in symbolic support of both gentlemen.
[15:18] Riven Homewood greatly admires the concept of a chaste kiss
[15:18] Hotspur Otoole: Humph, get 'em all the time.. Sigh
[15:19] Gabrielle Riel can pull it off...really
[15:19] JJ Drinkwater: And I would indeed speak of houses...for, with such persons as yourself to guard the physical and civil and literary well being of the state, we are all, as the saying is "as safe as houses"
[15:20] JJ Drinkwater: Now, while you are the most modest of me, Colonel, I know you take no little pride in your HOuse, the illustrious House of Somme
[15:20] Exrex Somme looks closely at JJ
[15:20] Bellambi Estates - Uisge Beatha: Drink it in good health, Quinn Lanzius!
[15:20] Bellambi Estates - Uisge Beatha: 43 yet left to pour.
[15:20] JJ Drinkwater: And it is upon your family, and your antecedents, and those who have the happiness to be of your line, that I now wish to comment
[15:21] Otenth Paderborn adjusts his seatbelt.
[15:21] JJ Drinkwater: And as we have had mention of music, what better thing can I do but to nate that....
[15:21] JJ Drinkwater: That Illustrious family, the Sommes
[15:21] JJ Drinkwater: Have weathered the storms and the calms
[15:22] JJ Drinkwater: When Exrex appears
[15:22] JJ Drinkwater: The inner ear hears
[15:22] JJ Drinkwater: A fanfare, on sackbutts and shawms

[15:22] Desmond Shang shouts: yay!
[15:23] Otenth Paderborn applauds.
[15:23] Shylah Garmes applauds!
[15:23] Gabrielle Riel: Des????
[15:23] Aberdon Enigma applauds!
[15:23] Erasmus Margulis: I think what JJ just said was Somme men have it...others don't
[15:23] Exrex Somme: I thank you for the compliment to my house and name
[15:23] You: Ah the Guv snuck in on us
[15:23] Saffia Widdershins applauds
[15:23] Gabrielle Riel laughs
[15:23] Gloriana Maertens applauds the Early Music references!

*Much lively celebrating of our illustrious Guvnah's presence ensued*

[15:24] Exrex Somme: The arrival of our esteemed Guv'nor allows me to give my opponent his due
[15:24] Exrex Somme: He has referred very kindly to the honour of my house and for that i thank him
[15:25] JJ Drinkwater admires the Colonels very fine taste in hats
[15:25] Exrex Somme: I wish in return to speak of the house of Drinkwater
[15:25] Exrex Somme: I suspect sir, that the name of your house reflects that it did indeed rise from humble circumstances
[15:25] Exrex Somme: until its finest flowing in your
[15:25] Exrex Somme: recent promotion to knighthood
[15:26] Exrex Somme: For all of us know that honour and nobility are not earned, or given, but are recognized
[15:26] Gabrielle Riel smiles
[15:26] Exrex Somme: And your knighthood sir, is recognition from the Governor and people of Caledon of all that you have contributed
[15:26] KlausWulfenbach Outlander: Well said.
[15:26] Exrex Somme: and there can be no finer tribute than that
[15:26] Shylah Garmes: very well said
[15:26] Gloriana Maertens: Well said indeed
[15:26] Exrex Somme: I would doff my hat to your Sir, if I thought i would stay in my hand :-)
[15:27] Otenth Paderborn: Bravo, sir!

THE FINAL ROUND

[15:27] You: Ladies and Gentlemen - we have made it to the beginning of our last round!
[15:27] You: Send those Lindens to the kiosks!
[15:27] Saffia Widdershins applauds
[15:28] You shout: We are at 919380L!
[15:28] Gershom Wycliffe: title blue Go Duelists!!!!

[15:29] You: JJ - you may procede, sir
[15:29] JJ Drinkwater takes a deep breath
[15:29] JJ Drinkwater: I am so stunned by the Colonel's politesse, as well as by his hats, that I am, for the moment, at a loss for words
[15:30] JJ Drinkwater pretends to think
[15:30] Exrex Somme thinks that unlikely, to say the least
[15:30] JJ Drinkwater: It is true, sir, that in a land of magnanimous spirit, as this, our Caledon, we rise as we are able
[15:31] JJ Drinkwater: And yet, it is not only those who are poor who are honest, nor yet only those of humble origins who exemplify Nature's Nobility
[15:32] JJ Drinkwater: And, as I have repeatedly said, here today and on many another ocassion
[15:32] JJ Drinkwater: Your love of learning do you the most irreproachable credit
[15:33] JJ Drinkwater: As I am at a loss for words, I think I must let pictures tell, in the main, my story....
[15:33] Exrex Somme looks nervous
[15:33] You: oh my!
[15:33] Lavendar Beaumont giggles softly
[15:33] JJ Drinkwater: As you know, it is the custom of the Caledon library to name its brances and, when possible, its collections, after persons of note
[15:34] Exrex Somme trusts he fellow lancers will cover his retreat
[15:34] JJ Drinkwater: viz the Marie Curie and HG Wells memroial branches
[15:34] QatanI Damdin is Online
[15:34] JJ Drinkwater: And the Ellen Throckmorton Etiquette collection
[15:35] JJ Drinkwater: Now, the glory of the Caledon library (second only to its patrons and supporters) is its collections
[15:35] JJ Drinkwater: And when we went to name our Reference Collection
[15:35] Exrex Somme blushes
[15:35] Eva Bellambi begins to smile broadly
[15:35] JJ Drinkwater: We felt that we must name it for someone of suitably compendious learning, and widespread intellectual curiosity
[15:36] JJ Drinkwater: Which is why, sir, we could do no better that to create....
[15:37] Exrex Somme: Good lord
[15:37] You: OH my!


[15:37] Gloriana Maertens gasps
[15:37] Cornelia Rothschild: o_o
[15:37] JJ Drinkwater: The Colonel Exrex Somme Reference Collection
[15:37] Eva Bellambi applauds wildly!
[15:37] Cornelia Rothschild: Oooh.
[15:37] Kghia Gherardi applauds
[15:37] Desmond Shang shouts: wah!
[15:37] Lavendar Beaumont: Hazzah!
[15:37] Kaye Robbiani: whooo hoooo!
[15:37] You: Bravo JJ! Bravo Colonel Somme!!
[15:38] Searra Weatherwax applauds
[15:38] ShayLee Greenspan: Hoooo-ooo-oo-ooooooo!!!!!!!
[15:38] Saffia Widdershins cheers
[15:38] Gloriana Maertens applauds furiously
[15:38] Autopilotpatty Poppy APPLAUDS!!!
[15:38] JJ Drinkwater: IT is but a small tribute, sir, to your true desserts
[15:38] Otenth Paderborn applauds with vigor.
[15:38] Riven Homewood: WOW!
[15:38] Cornelia Rothschild: That was obscenely flash.
[15:38] Exrex Somme bows to his opponent
[15:38] Hotspur Otoole: I would be quite undone.
[15:38] KlausWulfenbach Outlander: Well said, Fraulein Rothschild.
[15:38] Podruly Peccable: hooray!

[15:42] Exrex Somme: You have honoured me more than you can know by naming the reference collection after me, JJ
[15:43] Otenth Paderborn bows to Miss Christensen and admires her hair.
[15:43] Eva Bellambi smiles softly
[15:43] Exrex Somme: Coming from one who I consider to be a living reference collection it is high praise indeed
[15:43] Exrex Somme: But without your tireless efforts to build libraries, raise the level of our culture and our knowledge the names of the edifices would be for naught
[15:44] Exrex Somme: So, in the paraphrased words of the immortal bard, if I may
[15:44] Exrex Somme: And the Relay for Life shall ne'er go by From this day to the ending of the world
[15:44] Exrex Somme: But bold librarians be rememberèd, Those few, those bookish few, that band of scribblers.
[15:44] JJ Drinkwater as ever, tune his ear to the Colonel's words
[15:44] Exrex Somme: For he today that duels with me Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so mild,
[15:44] Exrex Somme: This day shall honour his condition. And gentlefolk in Caledon now abed
[15:44] Exrex Somme: Shall weep for sorrow they were not here, And hold their lindens cheap, whiles any speaks That stood with us upon Saint Mamertus’ day.
[15:45] Podruly Peccable: Hear him!
[15:45] Exrex Somme: Ladies and Gentlemen
[15:45] KlausWulfenbach Outlander applauds
[15:45] Exrex Somme: There can be no finer title than that of Librarian of Caledon
[15:45] Exrex Somme: I give you Sir JJ
[15:45] Riven Homewood us awestruck
[15:45] Callipygian Christensen applauds, both the speaker and the subject
[15:45] Eva Bellambi applauds!
[15:45] KlausWulfenbach Outlander applauds some more

15:46] You: Ladies and Gentlemen!
[15:47] You: Colonel Somme and Sir JJ Drinkwater!
[15:47] You: Another round of applause!
[15:47] Desmond Shang shouts: yaaay!
[15:47] Callipygian Christensen applauds and whistles in a most unladylike fashion
[15:47] Kghia Gherardi applauds
[15:47] Eva Bellambi claps
[15:47] Erasmus Margulis: Hoooo!
[15:47] Autopilotpatty Poppy APPLAUDS!!!
[15:47] KlausWulfenbach Outlander gives a standing ovation
[15:47] Phineas Messmer: Hoooo!
[15:47] Autopilotpatty Poppy APPLAUDS!!!
[15:47] Podruly Peccable: Hoooo!
[15:47] Gloriana Maertens stands and applauds
[15:47] Wildstar Beaumont claps enthusiastically
[15:47] Exrex Somme: Thank you all for your donations ,and your applause
[15:47] Zoe Connolly: Hoooo!
[15:47] Gloriana Maertens: Hoooo!
[15:47] JJ Drinkwater claps furiously for the Colonel, the People of Caledon, and the Great Cause of RFL
[15:47] Annechen Lowey: Brilliant!!!!!!
[15:47] You: Keep the lindens coming to the kiosks
[15:47] Riven Homewood: HooOOOOHHH!!!!

*More and more applause and cheering as the votes were tallied*

[15:50] You shout: The votes are in!
[15:51] JJ Drinkwater rummages for that Golden Apple he's had kicking around in the archives since who knows when
[15:51] You shout: The voting is complete and the votes are Colonel Somme - 2, Sir JJ Drinkwater - 3.
[15:51] Shylah Garmes cheers!
[15:51] KlausWulfenbach Outlander: Oh, very close!
[15:51] Exrex Somme bows to Sir JJ
[15:51] Gloriana Maertens: Huzzah!!!!
[15:51] Otenth Paderborn: Huzzah!
[15:51] Autopilotpatty Poppy APPLAUDS!!!
[15:51] Hotspur Otoole: huzzah!
[15:51] ShayLee Greenspan claps
[15:51] Serra Anansi beams
[15:51] Cornelia Rothschild yays!
[15:51] Diamanda Gustafson claps
[15:51] Riven Homewood: Yea!!
[15:51] You: Congratulations - Sir JJ! Compliments Duel 2.0 Champion!
[15:51] KlausWulfenbach Outlander: Congratulations, Sir JJ!
[15:51] Erasmus Margulis: Very Well Played Gentlemen
[15:51] Kiralette Kelley roars happily
[15:51] Wildstar Beaumont claps
[15:51] JJ Drinkwater's jaw drops
[15:51] Serra Anansi applauds wildly

Such a wonderful event! I am grateful for being permitted to, once again, allow Loch Avie to host the Compliments Duel. Thanks to all who attended, those who donated, and those who donated even in absentia.

Well done Sir JJ, and Colonel Somme!! Well done indeed!


**For those interested parties a small Youtube, which is merely a slideshow of pictures roughly along the timeline of the event, and the song of the evening.**

Compliments Duel 2.0

*singing*

L’amour est un oiseau rebelle

Que nul ne peut apprivoiser,

Et c’est bien in vain qu’on l’appelle

S’il lui convient de refuser.

Rien n’y fait, menace ou prière.

L’un parle bien, l’autre se tait.

Et c’est l’autre que je préfère.

Il n’a rien dit mais il me plait.

L’amour! L’amour! L’amour! L’amour!

*stops singing suddenly realizing that this blog post is about Compliments, not Carmen.*

The stage is being set.....

JJ Drinkwater and Exrex Somme request the pleasure of your
attendance (and your kind donation of Lindens to RFL) at their

Second Annual Compliments Duel Compliments Duel - The Return of
the Backhanded Compliment

May 11th, 2008 2 PM SL Time

Caledon Loch Avie

The purpose of the duel, as it was last year, is to raise funds
for the Relay for Life. Five Judgeships will be auctioned to the highest bidder
- the first judgeship sold shall be the senior judge. The panel of Judges will
determine the ultimate winner of the duel, based on such criteria as they
determine. Her Grace of Loch Avie will conduct the auction, but she is also not
precluded from bidding or being a judge.

Each of the duellists will pay their opponent five compliments,
with the first passage du politesse determined by a coin flip made by the senior
judge on the day. There is no restriction on the length, type, nature etc. of
the compliments (although JJ is NOT allowed to bring a library with him to the
duel).

Each Duellist will also have a tip jar present and we hope that
you will donate if you like the turns of phrase produced. All proceeds from the
sale of judgeships, tip jars etc. shall be paid into the Caledon Relay for Life
Fund after the duel. You are also invited to cheer on your favourite, and
appropriate witty comments from the audience are encouraged, nay, demanded.

In addition to the above, the office of Chevalier(e) du
Politesse will be available (as all the best honorary offices traditionally are)
to purchase, for the very reasonable price of L6,000. Holders of this
office (in the Caledon Library Group) have the the right to display the title -
"Politesse shines in", and are authorized to improve the level of polite
discourse and courtesy within and without Caledon for the upcoming year

Hope to see you there. Bring Lindens!

I am now accepting bids for the position of judge for this event. Please feel free to send a notecard to me along with your bid, which will be due at the time of the event.

All may easily reach the venue for the duel by clicking this SLURL: The Compliments Duel Sky Platform and Stage

A Surprizingly Pleasant and Eventful Night

I arrived from the human plane last evening with nothing really on the agenda. I knew that I had some inventory deliveries which needed to be opened and sorted. I also knew that I needed to continue placing the informational signs about the Snowflake Ball this Saturday. Other than that, I expected that I would pass a rather uneventful night working in the Loch.

The evening started out just as expected. I took delivery of some portraits that my cousin and I had sat for with Miss Callipygian Christensen. Unfortunately SL was not cooperating with me, and I was only able to rez one of the several pictures. Her work, however, is most incredible, and I look forward to seeing how she framed these for us.

Portrait selection several nights ago

I decided, then, that I would go shopping for a little while. I am in need of a few things for the Conservatory in order to get it just right for the ball. Shopping was pleasant enough, and I did have some success. During that time, though, I decided that what I really wanted to do was to go on an exploration. I thought I might visit a place called, Nyoka Falls, which was recently featured in Dr. Fabre's fine journal.

To be quite honest, there are not a few places that he has mentioned of late, that I should like to visit. This was the first.

But....duty first. So I stepped back home and began placing the informational signs. While I was out and about, I happened to run into and Mr. O'Toole. We started talking about Nyoka Falls, and decided that we should take some time and go exploring.

I went ahead first as I had already searched for Solarya, Nyoka Falls. Landing in the arrivals area we discovered two lovely airships and a gorgeous air station. What was not clear to me initially is that this is a place that is just under construction....but my goodness...it is going to be fabulous. From the land covenant, I excerpted this information:

Coming soon: Solarya, a Conclave City on the Passion Trade Routes.

Solarya and its surroundings are the first sim in a new world. Delirium's Threshold (D|T) is an original Gothic/Romantic fantasy/steampunk mature RP setting. If you enjoy vivid role-play in a consistent IC atmosphere, we may be the community you're been looking for. We've drawn inspiration from a variety of games, movies, and literature, including Neil Gaimen, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Alice in Wonderland, Psychonauts, Bioshock (and Ayn Rand), and more.
Delirium's Threshold is a coherent, detailed setting for a wide variety of characters and their passions. D|T is a unique world that mixes magic, technology, and re-imagined 19th Century royal colonial sensibilities and technology. The Conclave is a loose alliance of Dream Kings and Queens. Their cities' prosperity depends on a steady supply of passion--from artists, builders, soldiers, slaves, and more --a city that thrives on your passions, and does all it can to provoke them.

The view from above

Sadly Mr. O'Toole crashed fairly soon and was gone for some time, so I pressed on in my exploration. As I went further into the city admiring the architecture, I found Mr. Sundance Churchill creating and perfecting the most amazing steamworks. We chatted for a bit, then I was hailed by my exploration partner and I sent a carriage for him to join us. After chatting a bit with Mr. Churchill about his steamworks build and some of the other gorgeous buildings he has completed for Solarya, we went about our way.

Mr. Churchill's Steamworks

Incredible view

I am unsure whether this large build may become a manor, apartments, or a hotel. The textures inside and out are very rich. And the view from the balcony is of the ocean.

This cries out for further exploration

After circumnavigating the sim, it was time for Mr. O'Toole to depart for human space. As I was not quite yet ready for my own bed, I went back to the Conservatory to resume my decorating and preparations. Just about the time I was mumbling that I was not satisfied with the lighting options that I had found along my shopping trip, Mr. Hassanov hailed me. I mentioned this dilemma to him as we talked. He was so kind as to create a lovely candelabrum for me right then and there. Thank you so much, sir!

Sure this all seems a little ADHD as I write it, but once I tried and failed again to rez several things out of my inventory, I thought I might try to place a few more of the signs. As I walked and tp'd through the sims, I discovered - and was happily invited to join - 3 particular friends of mine for a snow picnic, book discussion, and overall chance to simply enjoy each others' company. We - Mr. JJ Drinkwater, Lady Darkling, and Lord Bardhaven - sat there in the cool winter air at the Lady's Tanglewood property. It was a very enjoyable way to end the night.





Pleasant. Eventful. Most enjoyable.

The Cleansing of the Ballroom in Primverness

A message was received the other evening from my good friend, and librarian extraordinaire, Sir JJ Drinkwater, wondering if I might have time to discuss a matter of great importance for the Bookbinder's Ball. The ball is to be held tonight. All are requested to attend this formal occasion as a character from a 19th Century Novel.

Assuming that my event planning skills were to be utilized, I pulled my calendar from the desk and agreed to meet Sir JJ in the Loch Avie Public House to discuss what was needed.

I was entirely incorrect. He did not request any further assistance with planning the event at all. His need was of a more spiritual nature. He desired that the Ballroom in Primverness be cleansed prior to it's usage tonight. Lady Darkling will be in a ritual dance prior to the start of the ball for just this purpose, and he would like me to join her. I nodded, immediately understanding his meaning. The last usage of the ballroom saw events that should never be repeated, and his desire is to exercise any of the bad spirits from the premises.

My human's schedule does not generally lend itself to SL activities at that time, but I said that I would most certainly do my best to join the dance. He closed his eyes slightly and nodded looking a little deflated. He was not able to predict the next words from my mouth.

But, Sir JJ, I will most certainly perform my own cleansing and protection ritual in the space the night before the ball. He seemed quite pleased with this response. I told him that I would provide photographs of the ceremony and the text for his - and your - edification.

Last night just after midnight in my human's home, I performed the rites you see now before you.

Taking my fire bowl and sacred wood and oil I traveled to Primverness. Upon arrival in the grand ballroom space, I lit the flame. Looking east and west, north and south, I circled and chanted.

I hereby consecrate this space,
To the Goddess and God,
According to My Free Will,
And for the Good of All,
I hereby Release, Relinquish and Banish,
In All Time and in All Space,
Any Negative Cause, Effect, Manifestation, Form or Essence,
Any Negative Event, Thought, Idea or Vibration,
And Transform it to, And replace it with,
Only that which is Positive, Joyous and Good,
In keeping with the Universal Harmonies,
Of the Goddess and the God.

This space is Divinely protected,
This space is perfectly safe,
Nothing and No-one can enter this space,
Unless I or my loved Ones allow them to,
This Space is Sacred, Consecrated and Dedicated to the Positive and to Good Living,
For myself and my Loved Ones,
And for the work of the Positive
No Harm can come to this Space, nor to any within it.

Health and Happiness to all of us on this celebratory night!

Health and Happiness Sir JJ and Your Graces!

Beauty

I have been thinking a lot these past few days about beauty and beautiful things. Experiences that I have had in SL (in Caledon and outside of her lovely boundaries) and in RL have been on my mind.


Beauty is defined in the Merriam Webster Dictionary in this way:

Pronunciation: 'byü-tE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural beauties
Etymology: Middle English beaute, bealte, from Anglo-French, from bel, beau beautiful, from Latin bellus pretty; akin to Latin bonus good -- more at BOUNTY
1 : the quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or spirit : LOVELINESS
2 : a beautiful person or thing; especially : a beautiful woman
3 : a particularly graceful, ornamental, or excellent quality
4 : a brilliant, extreme, or egregious example

Please allow me now set forward some examples for you.

Sitting in the open air beside a loved one at a summer outdoor concert, enjoying the music, watching the interactions of others around you. As you look up to the setting sun, the colors of the clouds are changing. Orange, peach, pink, purple. The rays of the sun falling through breaks in the clouds. The moon begins to rise. The wind is cool and gentle and you feel the kiss of it on your cheeks. As the sun falls below the horizon, the glow left behind caresses you and your loved one, and all those around you. Things that perhaps were not lovely before, have suddenly be recreated in this glow.

****

The smile in your lover's eyes as you embrace...as you look at one another unable to fathom how or why this love has come to pass, but oh so thankful that it has.

***

A Thing of Beauty

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.

Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o'er-darkened ways
Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon,
Trees old, and young, sprouting a shady boon
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
With the green world they live in; and clear rills
That for themselves a cooling covert make
'Gainst the hot season; the mid-forest brake,
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms:
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read:
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink.

Nor do we merely feel these essences
For one short hour; no, even as the trees
That whisper round a temple become soon
Dear as the temple's self, so does the moon,
The passion poesy, glories infinite,
Haunt us till they become a cheering light
Unto our souls, and bound to us so fast
That, whether there be shine or gloom o'ercast,
They always must be with us, or we die.

Therefore, 'tis with full happiness that I
Will trace the story of Endymion.
The very music of the name has gone
Into my being, and each pleasant scene
Is growing fresh before me as the green
Of our own valleys: so I will begin
Now while I cannot hear the city's din;
Now while the early budders are just new,
And run in mazes of the youngest hue
About old forests; while the willow trails
Its delicate amber; and the dairy pails
Bring home increase of milk. And, as the year
Grows lush in juicy stalks, I'll smoothly steer
My little boat, for many quiet hours,
With streams that deepen freshly into bowers.
Many and many a verse I hope to write,
Before the daisies, vermeil rimmed and white,
Hide in deep herbage; and ere yet the bees
Hum about globes of clover and sweet peas,
I must be near the middle of my story.
O may no wintry season, bare and hoary,
See it half finished: but let Autumn bold,
With universal tinge of sober gold,
Be all about me when I make an end!
And now at once, adventuresome, I send
My herald thought into a wilderness:
There let its trumpet blow, and quickly dress
My uncertain path with green, that I may speed
Easily onward, thorough flowers and weed.



- By: John Keats

***

Journeying with a friend and finding new and lovely places to explore.

Somewhere in Metatheria

***

The grins on the faces of your children as you play Pirate with them. Little do they know how very much you enjoy being "Captain Puffy Pants" or the "Dread Pirate Roberts" as they create the story around you. You enjoy rescuing "Cheerleader Girl" as much as you enjoy capturing her and shooting your cannon at the good guys' ship.

***

Babies

Cygnets in Metatheria

***

Playing with friends

There is beauty even in being sunk by Miss Virrginia Tombola

Conducting an informal AAR on the iron clad battles with Miss Tombola and Colonel O'Toole

***


IV


Do not go to the garden of flowers!
O Friend! go not there;
In your body is the garden of flowers.
Take your seat on the thousand petals of the lotus,
and there gaze on the Infinite Beauty.

From: Songs Of Kabir
Translated by Rabindranath Tagore
New York, The Macmillan Company 1915

Sitting on a Lilly Pad in Metatheria

***

Coming together to fight a terrible disease. A disease which has snuffed out the candles of many beautiful friends, and many more that we cannot know.

The crowd in Loch Avie for the SLRFL Compliments Contest

Sitting and listening to the fine compliments being handed out by Colonel Somme and Mr Drinkwater. Erasmus Margulis, Eva, Shylah Garmes, Zealot Benmergui (and others whom I do not recall - my apologies)

***

The thrill and beauty of competition

Mr Drinkwater compliments the Colonel's shoes

***

Friends

Colonels Somme and O'Toole, Loch Avie's Own; Mr JJ Drinkwater, and Sir ZenMondo Wormser

Many more friends listen as the turn of phrase leans to the dramatic...but only in a complimentary way

***

An embrace of a friend

Colonel Somme is declared the winner of the Compliments Contest

Good Sportsmen and good friends

***

Long-lasting love

My dear friends, (and the humans behind their avatars) celebrate 17 years of marriage. Calli and Exrex

***

Song of the Mystic - Beauty

BEAUTY

And the child spoke unto the Mystic:

"Master speak to me of Beauty, for I have
yet to see the face of Her sacred soul."

And the Mystic answered, saying:

You are wrong my child; many were the
days when She smiled upon you, and you knew
it not.
Many were the nights when She whispered
the song of Life unto your ear, but always were
you asleep.
Be there something of more innocence than
the gentle cooing of a newborn babe?
Be there something of more purity than the
shadow of a woman's alluring smile?
Be there something of more tenderness
than the endearing look held in the eyes of a mother?
And is not the sum of such innocence, purity
and tenderness the essence of all Beauty?
Open the eyes of your soul, and Beauty shall
reveal Herself unto you.
Listen with the ears of your heart, and She
will sing Her silent melody.
And if you see Beauty where all others see
naught but ugliness, then truly do you look through
the loving eyes of God.



Excerpts from “The Prophet’s Candle” by Daniel

Ducal Relaxation is a GOOOOD Thing

We are back - my human and I - and are happy to be able to reconnect with good friends. Our time away from the grid was also very good; very enjoyable.

Arriving back on Saturday evening, I was happy to meet Lady Kate Nicholas and wander through the SL Birthday sims briefly. That evening I also continued work on my manse, and spent some time with friends in Carntaigh. Ahhh - a good Caledonian dance was just what was needed at the end of this vacation.


Is that Timeless with Kate at the Birthday Sim? Hmmm.


Happily I also made it home to the Loch in time to receive the Rez Day Party invitation for Mr. JJ Drinkwater. What fun was found in Carntaigh and Primverness in his honor. A fine gentleman indeed, and a very good friend.

JJ - may all of your friends have as many good times with you over the next year as we have during your first, and may you prosper and find great happiness.


Finally got my chance on the magic carpet dance floor. (l-r, Catt Gable, Woodstock Burleigh, your author, Hotspur O'Toole, and Frequency Picnic)


In the Malaprop steam copter on the way to JJ's party. O'Toole, Bellambi, and Picnic


The crowd early in the evening.


Kate Nicholas, Eva, and Gabrielle Riel


Is this the start of the Rez Day boy's harem?


Eva, Ferin, Gabi, and JJ chase the dragon.


Ahh the black smoke.....wait! was that a heffalump I just saw crawling down the wall??
And who is missing?? (for you, Frequency) *grins*


My manse is now on the ground in Loch Avie. Thanks to Lady Kate for her brilliant prim torture and creation of the structure, which is based on Fraser Castle. Also my thanks to her for creating some beautiful textures based on my specifications. She really is patient with me as I make these requests of her talents. And the results are remarkable! My job was to place the textures and NOW to furnish it. The latter should be very fun! I look forward to hosting my first event there in my new ballroom.

Pictures of the manse will follow soon.

Slainte!