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)

Snapshots of Loch Avie

2 years of my life presented in a 5 minute format. (Obviously a mere taste of the events, quiet moments, and adventures had.)

With love,

Eva

Into The North

And so, dear friends, it is time to move on.

Having been astonished to find the ancient homelands of my grandmother's people, The Frasers, I felt more at ease in Loch Avie. I knew that I would be able to leave her in the care of someone else, and explore these roots in my family tree. Nellie had led me there. She sense for weeks that something was amiss - or that there was something to draw us elsewhere. This is right.

Much has already been packed up thanks to highly efficient staff, and the manse has been returned to the mist again. Moving the distillery will take a little more time: the casks must be carefully moved, and the 'stills packed gently and transported carefully. Ah - but all this will happen.

My lands no longer have the spirit to hold more than a few people at a time, I believe they have been placed under some sort of spell (OOC - for those who are not aware, on Monday Linden Labs instituted the change to the open space sims, and now Loch Avie is a Homestead sim and is only able to support 20 avatars or less). However, she is still a gorgeous land and will suit her next caretaker nicely.

Yes - I will relinquish my title as Duchess of Loch Avie by moving from these lands as that particular honorific was associated with place. I will, however, remain an Estate Manager for all of the Independent State of Caledon.

The Order of the Red Rose will continue (yes folks have been asking) for these gentlemen were granted knighthood by virtue of their service to me, my clan, and my lands, and to Caledon.

This past weekend, I had an idea...one last blow out party before my flight into the north. It came together very nicely and very quickly. Kiralette Kelly provided the DJ services and created a very quirky playlist at my request. I said, "Kira, I want pipes, 1940's big bands, goth, 1980s....a selection of all the sides of Loch Avie....all the events and moods of me and the place." She came through with flying colors after only laughing at me for a few minutes. :-D

The revelers came in droves to help me give Loch Avie a proper send off....all 50 of us tried and failed to crash the sim. We killed the physics...stalled it completely. Frame rates were down to 1. The lag was horrific. BUT Loch Avie held strong and we had a grand good time.

Here are some pictures from this last, crazy, wonderful event. Enjoy!

Winter Warmth

What does winter bring to your mind?

For many, I suppose, it only conjures up thoughts of stark light and coldness. Or darkness. Or freezing pipes, freezing toes, freezing noses.

But for me winter often brings to mind the following:

~Warm, crackling wood fires
~Soft, fuzzy sweaters
~Romantic evenings spent with a loved one by the fire
~Hot Chocolate
~Walking alone or with your lover through the new-fallen snow, the only sound - the soft crunch of the snow under your feet.
~Meeting for coffee at a favorite little cafe, cuddling on the overstuffed sofa, and chatting away about everything and nothing

For this 3rd Annual Loch Avie Snowflake Ball I invite you to dream about what makes you feel warm in winter and join us on the ice and snow for a formal dance.*




MANY thanks to Her Excellency, Kamilah Hauptmann, for the use of her lands in Port Caledon for this event (For those who are not aware, Loch Avie can now only support 20 avatars at one time. Not really ideal for hosting balls - or any other event for that matter.) The Vicereine has been most gracious and helpful as we plan and prep for the event. I am lucky to count her among my good friends.

We will see you on January 10th from 7:30pm-10pm SLT.
Dress is formal.
*Dance notecards will be in use for this traditionally formal ball. A template will be provided for your use on site.

Location SLURL for Port Caledon.

I leave you with this poem by Thomas Campion

Now winter nights enlarge
This number of their hours;
And clouds their storms discharge
Upon the airy towers.
Let now the chimneys blaze
And cups o'erflow with wine,
Let well-tuned words amaze
With harmony divine...

This time doth well dispense
With lovers' long discourse;
Much speech hath some defense,
Though beauty no remorse.
All do not all things well:
Some measures comely tread,
Some knotted riddles tell,
Some poems smoothly read.
The summer hath his joys,
And winter his delights;
Though love and all his pleasures are but toys
They shorten tedious nights.

Feumaidh mi falbh

The time is nearing for this Caledonian to leave her lands. I will be moving to the ancient homelands of my father's family - the Isle of Skye in Winterfell Anodyne (you may read the story of this discovery in posts here, here, and here).

But before the Lindens shrink the avatar limits on Loch Avie, I am inviting you all to one last Highland Fling in the Loch. Despite the fact that I decided to do this a mere 10 hours or so ago, it is all coming together rather nicely.

This will be a very loose format festival event with Caber and Hammer tossing, ice skating (free skates available to those who do not have them) in my rink to the south -or with the penguins on the frozen loch, dancing to many styles of music - representing many of the events we have held in Loch Avie over the last two years, and just general fun being together.

Tonight is for laughter, love, silliness, and the celebration of all the fun times in Loch Avie.

We really already bade Loch Avie farewell at the Realm of the Roses Ball last month. I shed my tears then. (MANY thanks again to Gabrielle for the love put into that event. *hugs, cousin*) Tonight it will be an event for the sake of fun - a way to send the sim out with a bang.

We'll show them "abusive use of open sims"! Ha!

SO JOIN ME TONIGHT AT 7PM-9PM SLT
FOR THE LAST HIGHLAND FLING IN LOCH AVIE

from the past year's Beltane celebration

The Frasers of Skye and Good Night, Loch Avie

Continued from Ancient Homelands:

I walked over to where Exrex was kneeling. He moved aside and held the torch nearby the cave wall. What I saw there, down low on the rock-face, partially covered by snow and ice amazed me.

Exrex's topcoat slipped from my shoulders as I knelt, but I did not feel the cold at this moment.

A crest!

The Frasers

My family.

Mo annsa, we will build a home here with our people. Our clan will thrive here and our family grow. The winds of change that blew us from our home - perhaps temporarily - in Inverness have landed us here on this good land overlooking the sea. This hill is easily defended and we will build a strong sturdy home upon it...the rolling hills around us seem to be fertile. He smiled and held his beloved to him, touching her belly. And we shall ensure the fertility of our new home tonight.

The lady blushed slightly. No - really she flushed - her skin reacting to his touch and suggestion as it had many times before. The difference was evident to me as I viewed this from my place in time, as was her new comfort and ease of manner. Yes, I could hear her thought, we are home.

Exrex watched me as the visions appeared to me. I suspect he was afraid I would faint again. I smiled at him assuring him that all was well. At that point, I just wanted to get to Loch Avie and begin making plans. I needed to make inquiries on the land to determine if anyone was claiming this place. I had documents to get in order, crates to pack. So much to do!

He helped me back on board the airship. We saw that Nellie was not moving to leave the place, and we set off for my home...or what was currently still my home.


***
We landed near the pub and as Exrex was calling several of the Lancers out to assist with the care of the ship after her long journey, my cousin, Gabrielle, arrived. Excitedly she asked me if I had forgotten that the Realm of the Roses Ball was this night.

I smiled at her and told her that it had currently slipped my mind, but that I had made all preparations the preceding week. The conservatory and surrounds were ready for our guests.

Gabrielle and I had spoken a couple of weeks before and she asked if I would hold the evening Realm of the Roses Ball in Loch Avie. This is her annual Holiday Gift to those of us in Caledon, Winterfell, and our other sister communities. And what a gift it was.

(OOC comments -
When Gabi and I were planning this event together, we knew that it would be the last formal event for Loch Avie prior to the awful OS restrictions going into place. I knew it would be special - and likely very difficult, since I will leave Loch Avie behind very soon. I had really had no idea just how difficult nor wonderful the night would be. What follows are pictures from the event, which saw 60 avatars in the sim for much of the night. The music was wonderful. Gabrielle chose traditional Christmas music, but with a Loch Avie flavor. Pipes, Jigs, and during one very precious portion of the night - Songs about a rose.
I was incredibly touched and moved, and I (ME...the REAL PERSON) was in tears as I heard the songs, watched my friends and neighbors enjoying themselves in my lands, and received private notes and public comments about me, Loch Avie, and how much we have meant to individuals and the community.
Honestly - these were some of the most tender and genuine comments - and I shall treasure them for a long time. Particularly the ones sent privately from people even those that I never really knew. Thank you. Thank everyone for attending this, for sending Loch Avie off with such love. Thank you for allowing me feel that love. And thank you, Gabi, for your gift to ME. )

Early in the night, I shared a dance with my dear friend, Grafinya Inbir Abigh, Kate Nicholas

The crowd steadily grew and the minuet was a huge hit.

Baron Klaus Wulfenbach kisses my hand

The lovely Miss Teaa and her friend enjoy the night.

A waltz with Lunar

Kamilah Hauptmann, Radslns Huchence, Dr. Mason

Kamilah has apparently captured the sun for warmth in the cold snowy night. I was, however, incredibly warm as I danced and enjoyed my beloved friends.

The setting. Friends dancing inside and out.
Would that I could name all the names of the guests.

THANK YOU, Cousin.

Eva and Gabrielle

Ancient Homelands

Continued from Mists of Departure

Colonel Exrex Somme and I followed Nellie as she swam non-stop for hours. Her determination never wavered, and she stayed fairly close to the surface of the water. I was not sure whether that was for our benefit alone, or whether she also needed to remain close to her air source given her energyexpenditure.

Exrex kept the airship moving along nicely and I took copious notes on our route.

Finally Nellie stopped in a land I had never seen before this time. The mists were swirling around us as we hovered just 50 or so meters above the surface of the water. As the wind from our engines kicked the fog and mist up around us, I could see that the water she was in was a small inlet - a very small loch. As the ground came into view,Exrex maneuvered the ship a little lower down. Nellie had swum to the shore, was breathing hard, and looking up at a rise in the ground.

Snow was all around us on the ground as Exrex landed and moored the airship. We climbed out - me in his topcoat and a spare pair of too-large boots which had been in the ship. I looked up at the rise ahead of us. We climbed and climbed. I noted with interest thatExrex was not at all trying to dissuade me from my climb. I believe he sensed it too.

All around me there was a feeling of peace, of belonging. That odd sense of dread and disorder that had plagued me in Loch Avie had now disappeared. I needed to know where Nellie had brought me. I had to see this land.

At the top of the mountain I could see the ocean below on two sides, the loch and other land in the other direction. The land was sparkling like diamonds of snow and ice. A frozen pond. A small cave. This land was old and apparently not touched by human hands for some time.

I felt more than saw a flash of light, and the Celtic faces before me. Suddenly all went black.

Exrex was kneeling next to me. "Your Grace. Your Grace! Are you quite alright, my dear? You appeared to faint, but I was able to step up just in time to break your fall."

I held my head.

"You were only unconscious for a minute or two, my lady. What seems to be wrong? Do you feel ill?"

"Exrex! This is it. This is the land from my dream. I can feel it. This is the land of my grandmother's clan."

Nellie has brought me home.

Exrex made a small fire in the cave and we warmed ourselves a bit. He said that he sensed there was something "friendly" about the land. Looking at his map, he commented that the region was listed as Anodyne. I thought to myself that it was an apt name.

"My grandmother always called her homeland 'Skye'" I said. "But we never visited there."

He soon stood and walked over the the wall of the cave where he found something of interest. He asked if I could join him, and bring another torch.

"What have you found?" I asked.

"Something I believe that will interest Your Grace. This confirms your suspicions without doubt."

Coming next: The Frasers of Skye

The Mists Of Departure

I have been uneasy of late.

A mist has been rising from Loch Avie at unexpected times for the last month or so. Adding to my stress has been Nellie’s behavior; she has been very restless - leaving the Loch far more often than usual and swimming much more aggressively. I have been talking to several of the biologists in the Royal Society in an effort to try to decipher her actions. No answers thus far.
But two nights ago upon waking from a vivid dream I sensed that science has nothing at all to do with her behavior. Nor the mist. Nor my discomfort.

I dreamt of ancient waterways, and of a people that were my ancestors traveling across the expanses of water. Men of the clan along with the Chieftain sailing in longboats. Women and children were also present wrapped against a hard coldness. They were stoic as the wind and waves battered the boats. But the eye of my dream was drawn to the Chieftain talking with his second in command.

“…there is too much change in the spirit of the place…”

“Aye, M’Laird. Even those under your protection have expressed the sense that evil spirits were around your land.”

“Och! Mo charaid, I am not so sure tis truly evil. But I’ll tell ye this, the spirit is changing.”

The second nodded and they both turned and faced forward - never looking back toward their homeland. A short time later my eye was captured by the Laird’s wife as she moved from her honored position in the longboat to the bow standing behind her husband. Her small hand reached to touch his shoulder, but he had already sensed her.

“Yes, mo annsa?” And he pulled her pale hand to his shoulder and held it in his own strong, freckled and weathered hand.

“Where do the winds lead you, muileach? Where do they take us?”

“The elders and I have chosen an island not too much farther from here. We will find the land before complete darkness surrounds us if the winds continue with us.”

Suddenly the mists covered them completely and I heard shouting which faded into nothingness. Then total darkness.

I sat bolt upright in bed with a gasp of breath and touched my face. I had been weeping - the tears continued streaming down my flushed cheeks. I was so restless that I decided to walk. I did not bother to put other clothing on – I simply needed to be moving. With my silk nightdress flowing around me, I took the secret passage out through the bottom of the Keep. The grass and snow near the Loch were soft against my bare feet – and cold – but I kept walking.
The dream was beginning to solidify things that I had not been allowing myself to feel. Something was changing in my lands.

Was something coming? Already here? Was the Loch about to be attacked?

Allowing the emotions and thoughts to flow, I realized that for the last several weeks, I had felt unsure; unclear. That is not like me at all. As I turned the corner on the far side of the conservatory, I stepped on something sharp. I knelt down and picked up the object. An arrow fletching. Smiling, I realized that not everything was changing. A knight thought to be long since gone was still patrolling my lands faithfully. This was not the first evidence of Tele’s presence since he left Caledon. Upon closer examination of the ground, I noted hoof prints and boot prints in the snow and mud. It seems my Lancers must have also been here. Perhaps they met with Tele, or, as I had done, simply found evidence of his movements in the loch.

Suddenly Nellie was at the shore. She snorted at me the steam pouring out of her nostrils in great clouds. As I stood she dove deep into Loch Avie. I walked to the shoreline under the great willow tree. I felt her before I saw her next, the water and air vibrating with the ferocity of her movement. She fully breached the surface and landed several yards off shore in a thunderous splash of the loch water. She turned to look at me and paused only briefly as our eyes met. The fire in hers was clear and she was breathing hard. Rapidly she turned out to sea and began swimming. I knew that I must follow her. This much was clear – Nellie practically demanded it.

I ran into my offices in the Keep and called for my airship. Within minutes we were off tracking her.

“It’s as though she has begun a migration, Your Grace,” said my airship pilot.

“Yes. I believe you are correct, Colonel Somme. She is in earnest.” I said pulling the gentleman’s topcoat around my shoulders and feeling glad that Somme had been in the distillery resting after patrol to hear my call over the secure channel.


Next: Ancient Homelands

USS Loch Avie

It was a great party the other night! Many, many thanks go out to Iason Hassanov for his work on the build of the aircraft carrier. Thanks most certainly must also be sent to Otenth Paderborn who did a fantastic job with the playlists and requests as he DJ'd the event.

Mr. Iason Hassanov and Miss Hypatia Callisto

Now I have to grumble a bit. YouTube has taken down two (count them - two) versions of a short photo montage I made.
OK - the first time, I'll give you. I had decided to use Jump with My Baby by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. I knew the risks. Even though my copy of this song is fully legal, I was not sure if they would allow use in this instance. I found out - they will not.
So then I used a Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters song that I found on archive.com which is supposed to be safe for podcast use. Apparently not.
And so version three was created with music from PodSafe. Not precisely what I was looking for, but it works.


So now I invite you to use your imagination: Picture Bob Hope and the rest of the crew standing on the stage as a young group of musicians joins them on the deck of the carrier and begins playing a peppy tune for the guys and dolls to dance to.

Anchors Aweigh!

1940s USO Event in Loch Avie

Anchors Aweigh

Stand Navy out to sea

Fight our battle cry:

We'll never change our course

So vicious foes steer shy-y-y-y

Roll out the T. N. T.

Anchors Aweigh

Sail on to victory

And sink their bones to Davy Jones, hooray!

[Bridge]

Yo ho there shipmate

Take the fighting to the far off seas

Yo ho there messmate

Hear the wailing of the wild banshees

All hands, fire brands

Let's Blast them as we go. So

Anchors Aweigh my boys

Anchors Aweigh

Farewell to college joys (or "Farewell to foreign shores")

We sail at break of day day day day

Through our last night ashore

Drink to the foam

Until we meet once more

Here's wishing you a happy voyage home!

[Bridge]

Heave a ho there sailor

Everybody drink up while you may

Heave a ho there sailor

For your gonna sail at break of day

Drink away, Drink away,

For you sail at break of day, Hey!

Blue of the Mighty Deep

Gold of God’s Sun

Let these our colors be

Till all time be done

On seven seas we learn

Navy’s stern call

Faith, Courage, Service True

With Honor Over, Honor Over All.

Back by popular demand: Loch Avie is proud to host a 1940s themed USO party. This time we celebrate those who protect us on the Seas.

Come dressed in your best naval or maritime uniform from the era. That means WAVES, too. Or if you prefer feel free to come as a USO performer, bombshell entertainer, bathing beauty (ala Esther Williams), or factory worker.

Iason Hassanov has built an aircraft carrier for our party ship! There will be a swimming pool available. And Otenth Paderborn once again has the con on our 1940s tunes.

See you there, sailor!

First Report from 2omb Raiders

It has been an extremely busy, but good RL day after a phenomenal night in Loch Avie. Thanks go out to Lord BardHaven, Lady Kate Nicholas, Professor Adso Krogstad, and Lady Kiralette Kelley for all the hard work put into this event.

BardHaven has made a wonderful post, which I link for your enjoyment. I will be editing photos tonight and tomorrow. Hope to come up with a post adequate to show you what a fun evening was had at the BardHaven Ball: 2omb Raiders.

Muah!

Announcement of Three Special Events This Week - DATES CORRECTED

October 22nd at 7pm SLT ~ Story-Telling Event On Grounds of the Monestary in Caer Blanco.

Caer Blanco is a special sim, created specially for Halloween by some of Second Life’s top designers. There is a fully furnished haunted castle, a crooked cottage, a ghostly ship, and a ruined monastery to explore. There are also silent auction items avaialable and many special events planned. All this will raise funds for a small medical clinic in Lesotho, Southern Africa, through the charity Partners for Others.

Hotspur O'Toole will lead the group in a story-telling session whose theme is Inner Fright. Come prepared to listen to several short-stories in this theme - and perhaps to share your own.
What scares YOU? Vampires? Spiders? The economy? Success?



October 23rd at 7pm-9pm SLT ~ Gypsy-Themed Dance on the Grounds Surrounding the Castle of Caer Blanco.

Diamanda Gustafson will DJ and I will provide hostessing assistance.
Theme: Gypsy
Muscial Style: Flamenco and Gypsy



There are other possible events, including a live musical performance, for this charity for this week as well. Once I have confirmation I will post the information on that.


And Finally....

It seems that my own dear friends in the Royal Society in their zeal for knowledge performed a survey of the grounds of Loch Avie. Professor Krogstad was quite beside himself when he discovered "something" underneath one of the smaller hills in my lands. So of course, he and Professor Nicholas immediately began digging (in their most I'm-not-going-to-let-the-thrill-of-the-possible-discovery-of-something-HUGE-get-in-the-way-of-scientific-process manner). They tell me that they believe they are on top of a large vault of some sort, but it will be a few days before they can safely break-through what they believe is the opening given the resonance that is showing up on their steam powered sound bouncing device.

But while they have been charged with excitement, I have had an increasing sense of dread. Something is not right. I have the feeling that something evil is approaching, but I cannot run nor hide. I must meet this evil face-to-face.


Meh.....Perhaps we'll dance.

Once again, the BardHaven Ball is coming this Halloween to grab Caledon by the throat and sacrifice it upon a dark and funkadelic altar.

This year BardHaven, the Duchy of Loch Avie and the Royal Society have joined forces to investigate rumors that the scholars have dug too deeply into the dark and twisted history of the House Bellambi. In their zeal to uncover the secrets of the past the intrepid adventurers of the Royal Society have set into motion a terrifying sequence of events.

An ancient tomb has been defiled.

A deathless curse has been invoked.

A multitude of decadent secrets have arisen.

A cornucopia of surprises have been scattered.

A vast array of gifts and door prizes have been assembled.

An unspeakably well-dressed horror has been unleashed upon Loch Avie and all of Caledon.

On Saturday Night, October 25th from 9 PM to 1 AM SLT ~ Caledon Loch Avie

Join Baron Bardhaven, the Duchess of Loch Avie, Dr. Kate Nicholas, and DJ Kiralette Kelley for a party the like of which Caledon and Winterfell have not seen since the LAST BardHaven Ball.

BardHaven Ball: 2omb Raiders…Stop Screaming and Dance.

adapted from BardHaven's post

October Starts With A Bang

Fox Hunts, Autumnal Balls, Burning Ships and Burning Life, Boobie-Thons and Boobie Balls, and Mad Scientists everywhere!

Hope you'll enjoy this bit of photo montage set to music.

Boobie Ball Donors and Boobie Ball Press

Thank you!! You all made this possible!! Our final total for the Ball was $2821 US.

Our WONDERFUL donors:


Adelyn Hansen
Adianna Price
Albemuth Dilweg
AliceWendy Bookmite
Annechen Lowey
Avariel Falcon
Ayuki Setsuko
Breezy Carver
Bryndal Ellison
Cat Lunasea
Ceidru Gothly
Charlene Trudeau
Cuznit Oh
Darlingmonster Ember
Delilah Nephilim
Desmond Magic
Dracona Lisle
Eiden Ember
Eleanor Anderton
Elrik Merlin
Eva Bellambi
Fallacy DeCuir
Fatima Ur
Fogwoman Gray
Gabrielle Riel
Galactic Baroque
Hotspur Otoole
Huff Huldschinsky
Hypatia Callisto
Illdoran Nightfire
Jameson Despres
Jenilicious DeCuir
Jia Janus
JJ Drinkwater
Kaffe McMahon
Kamilah Hauptmann
Kara Timtam
Katrina Pugilist
Kellan McKenna
Kiralette Kelley
KlausWulfenbach Outlander
LadyFire Sands
LeeLu Anatine
Lianndraa Gothly
Liz Gealach
Loki Mahana
Lumina Elvehjem
Marie Michel
Merry Calliope
Mickey James
Midnyte DeCuir
Misery Moonlight
Molly Montale
Muse Carmona
Mykyl Nordwind
Nerilka Quandry
Nicolae Adamski
Nix Sands
Nyre Gray
Oolon Sputnik
Otenth Paderborn
Phnx Mubble
Podruly Peccable
Pooky Amsterdam
Radslns Hutchence
Reghan Straaf
Rhianon Jameson
Riven Homewood
Saffia Widdershins
Samantha Poindexter
Serra Anansi
Siri Woodget
Southsea Rockett
Star Fairymeadow
Stefanik Dagostino
Subghoul Epsilon
Touma Yoshikawa
Verde Otaared
VictorianLace Goodliffe
Wildstar Beaumont
Yanik Lytton
Yasmine Alvord
Yezdia Miles

**THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND SEE YOU NEXT YEAR**

And I will be posting as many sites as I am made aware celebrating the huge success of the Ball.
PLEASE send me others that you may be aware of by commenting on this page.

Posts:
News From BardHaven
Boobie-Thon
A Caledonian Journey
Ramblings of a Silly Elf Girl

Boobie-Thon continues...

and the donations are coming in!

Thanks to everyone for your on-going support for Boobie-Thon and the Susan G. Koman Foundation. My typist and a couple of her friends may be found on the pages of the Thon. Perhaps a few of my readers have submitted pictures for the cause as well. ???Who Knows???

At any rate, I encourage you to visit the site, and make a donation. I also invite you to The Boobie Ball in Winterfell. It's TOMORROW at 12pm SLT in the Taure En Lor Ballroom. My sincere thanks to Miss Serra Anansi for all her work on this and to our vendors. So far generous Caledonians, Winterfallen, and some of our neighbors from Steelhead and Antiquity have donated over 14000L. (So that adds up to ~52000L by the time both Miss Serra and I match the donations. That's $200 USD. ) We know how generous you are and that more will be coming in via our kiosks in Winterfell and Caledon Loch Avie tonight and tomorrow.

BoobieThon has our advert for the Ball on the main page hoping that anyone who visits their site AND is in SL will choose to come join us.

Cheers everyone!! FEEL THOSE BOOBIES!!

The Hunt Is On!

You know me. I love to work on events with folks. So when TotalLunar Eclipse asked if I would like to collaborate on another event with Steelhead, I did not hesitate. This time, he said, they would like to hold a fox hunt. Several versions of said event were tossed about in the brainstorming session. In the end, we thought this might be the most fun:

Starting on Friday from 1pm SLT the hunting begins on Loch Avie.
Find all 20 foxes, collect their pelts and bring them to me (at the evening dance event). The top hunters will receive a prize. Fox hunting season ends Saturday evening at 7pm.

Then put on your 'Foxxy' outfit for a dance in Steelhead. Starts at 7pm SLT at the Kokopelli Stage.

See you there!!!

Announcing the Boobie Ball to Benefit Breast Cancer Charities

Boobies. Breasts. TaTas.

They are called many things and although they come in all shapes and sizes (large, small, saggy and perky), they have one thing in common: The ability to develop cancer.

Even though there is no cure yet, the annual Blogger Boobie-Thon is doing its part to make cancer a thing of the past. As she has for the past 3 years, Her Grace of Loch Avie's human will take part in this event.

www.boobiethon.com

During the first week of October people from across the globe can submit pictures of bare and covered breasts to raise money for breast cancer causes.

Founded in 2002 by Florida blogger Robyn Pollman (www.shutterblog.com,) the Boobie-Thon has grown into a well-known event, raising tens of thousands for breast cancer and blogger-charity causes, with over 1500 people contributing pictures. The Susan G. Koman Foundation has, in the past, been the largest recipient of the funds.

Both founders and participants are hoping to generate exposure and donations for a worthy cause.

Males and females can submit pictures of their breasts. The covered boobies are featured on the free area of the site. The price of viewing the bare breasts is $50.

Come join Serra Anansi and me as we host the first ever Boobie Ball. This will be held in Winterfell at the Taure En Lor Ballroom. This is not a formal event. Please just come ready to have some fun and be generous with your Lindens.

Wear Pink if you like, and you may dance topless if you dare, in honor of the breasts and lives we are working to save.

There will be donation kiosks and vendors with items for sale. All proceeds will be donated to BoobieThon.com during their annual campaign. Miss Serra and Miss Eva will match all donations. So come see your donation to this worthy cause tripled.

Donations will be listed on the site as coming from Winterfell and Caledon's Boobie Ball.

Please contact Miss Serra or me if you have any questions.

IT'S TIME - CaleCon Begins In Just Over 24 Hours

Hard to believe it, but the time has finally come to begin the trek to Stratford, Ontario for the Inaugural Caledonian Convention - affectionately known as CaleCon.

Over the course of the next four days, a few of us will gather together in the Stone Willow Inn for a time to let our humans get to know each other. We will discuss how we came to know and love Caledon, and what things inspire us in world and out. We'll learn about chocolate, animation, and teas. We'll dance and sing, and eat and drink.

And we'll share as much of this as possible with everyone. Though we wish you could all be there with us!!

Look for the announcements from Radio Riel about broadcasts and other things. Join us in world in Carntaigh on Saturday at 4:30pm SLT for a dance and the simulcast of the dinner and dance from Stratford. I'll be working to bring you the video portion of the night in conjunction with Radio Riel who is providing the stream - and of course, the fabulous music.

Schedule of Events

August 29th

Loch Avie's Cocktail Party

Late supper in town (possibly)

August 30th

Book discussion: Favorite books that enrich or inform your life in Caledon

Theatre: Taming of the Shrew

Afternoon Tea - Stratford Tea Leaves

CaleCon Dinner and Dance

August 31st

Posing and Animation workshop

Radio Riel Interviews

Chocolate Symposium

Dinner and Pub Crawl

Finally - this poem by James Hogg seemed to be appropriate to the occasion of celebrating both Caledon and the Anniversary of the Firth.

Caledonia

Caledonia! thou land of the mountain and rock,

Of the ocean, the mist, and the wind-

Thou land of the torrent, the pine, and the oak,

Of the roebuck, the hart, and the hind;

Though bare are thy cliffs, and though barren thy glens,

Though bleak thy dun islands appear,

Yet kind are the hearts, and undaunted the clans,

That roam on these mountains so drear!

A foe from abroad, or a tyrant at home,

Could never thy ardour restrain;

The marshall'd array of imperial Rome

Essay'd thy proud spirit in vain!

Firm seat of religion, of valour, of truth,

Of genius unshackled and free,

The muses have left all the vales of the south,

My loved Caledonia, for thee!

Sweet land of the bay and wild-winding deeps

Where loveliness slumbers at even,

While far in the depth of the blue water sleeps

A calm little motionless heaven!

Thou land of the valley, the moor, and the hill,

Of the storm and the proud rolling wave-

Yes, thou art the land of fair liberty still,

And the land of my forefathers' grave!

James Hogg

Boogie Woogie!

What a wonderful night we had last Thursday high in the skies of Loch Avie as we traveled into the future for a mid-20th century (1940s) USO party.

Iason Hassanov did the heavy lifting (how appropriate) on the decorations as he translated my vision into reality. Working with Hotspur, O'Toole, he created a wonderful hanger/base setting for the event. Once my computer was repaired, I jumped in an made a few final touches adding the stage, posters, piano, mic, and other nick-nacks.

Otenth Paderborn was fantastic in his musical selections. Unfortunately much of the early part of the dance, I spent trying to get a reliable stream of the music from human's my conference hotel room. Once I established that, it was a bit easier for me to fully enjoy myself. I did, however, miss a lot of photographic opportunities during the first hour of the fun.

We had about 42 avatars at the height of the party, but had a steady group of 30 or so throughout the night. Thanks to all you guys and dolls who joined in the fun - particularly our soldiers and sailors!





Mwaaah!

Eva

Into the Future - Loch Avie to Host 1940s Party

Well I'm still kind of down, but not entirely out. The MacBook Pro that is generally my portal into the Metaverse is still in the repair shop, but I am now hopeful that my human will have it back in her possession by tomorrow. Keep those fingers crossed!

So I am once again moving forward with plans for the 1940s World War II USO - inspired party in Loch Avie. The event will take place high in the skies over the Loch. You will find the teleportation device just outside the Loch Avie Public House (it looks rather like a Scottish jell-o cube).

Many thanks to Iason Hassanov, who upon one simple mention of this party from me during a conversation began work on decorating the skyplat. I am particularly thankful since I have not been on my own computer in a week. He has coordinated his efforts with Hotspur O'Toole and they have been adding touches all week long. A couple of days ago, I was able to get in world while my typist used her husband's machine and began work on the stage (there is still quite a lot to do there). But things are generally ready.

I encourage you to come in your favorite WWII uniform, your best USO costume, or anything else from the 1940s; however, that is certainly not required. Just join us and have some fun!!

Into the Future in Caledon Loch Avie

A 1940s World War II - USO Party

August 14th

6:30pm-8:30pm SLT