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Tuesday, January 28, 2014

WOW REALLY GETTING CAUGHT UP oh and this makes it 5 posts

The Cancer Memorial is back up at:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Shore/211/33/24

Stillwaters Meditation is also back up at

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Shore/214/33/24

SL MUSIC RACES TEAM UPDATE FOR RFL OF SL

Hi Everyone,

First an update,  Many of you have sent note cards and or im's to see how I am doing, I thank each of you for taking the time to think of me.  Here are the results to date.....I have a stage 2 lymphoma with it found in 4 spots, but just small spots.  It is a non aggressive and slow growing cancer so we are in a wait and see mode.  Either way, I am not a candidate for any type of chemo due to the advanced liver disease already taking such a toll on my system and blood counts, my body would not be able to stand up to chemo. 

Now enough about me.....lets talk about you and what an amazing team you are. 

RFL registration is fast approaching.  Most of you if you have read the things I sent you in the past, know that I myself refuse to lead a team into RFL of SL based on my own opinions about it.  Many of you have also contacted me and asked if we were doing RFL again, and if so you would want off of the team.  By the same token, many of you go into RFL embracing it with all your heart.  So I have put a great deal of thought into this.

If there is someone that would like to represent SL Music as a team captain with RFL of SL, please let me know..  I, in turn will meet with you and give you all the information I have about RFL of SL and past events etc.  I will also take the time to talk with each member of the team to see if they would like to continue with RFL of SL and if I have their permission to pass on their information to you.  Once I do, I will give you their names and you can register them, etc...

For those that have wondered if I have just given up the battle against cancer, rest assured I have not.  I have submitted all of the paperwork to Stand Up 2 Cancer and I am awaiting a response.  Needless to say there will be different things to iron out and go over with them.  I tend to prefer them because I am assured that each dollar donated goes 100% to research....the research and updates are very visible.  The privacy policy to opt out of other things is also very visible.  So overall their transparency and work impress me.  I invite each of you to take the time and check out their site: 

http://www.standup2cancer.org/

This morning while searching for something in SL I also found another organization, that is by far one of the most global I have seen....I have looked at their site and where their money goes to in research grants.  I do not see anything that is affiliated with RFL and/or ACS....but due to the lack of financial transparency on their site, it is something I would look into a bit deeper.

As your captain, I never want to make the same mistakes I made with RFL of SL and go into it blindly not knowing all the facts or having misleading facts,....Chuckles, you know the saying...if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is....and that was the trap I fell into without doing my own homework.  I owed it to you to dig deeper, you take me at my word, the least I can do is to make sure those words ring true.

If there is anyone of that is willing to lead parts of this team into RFL of SL this year, please contact me through notecard, fb, email, skype.

I adore each and every one of you,

Still Braveheart

BOUNCING AROUND SECOND LIFE

Good Morning on this lazy Sunday.  More snow yesterday......It is only mid January and I am sooo tired of winter already.  I even took winter off the sim and put up spring and surfing....beach stuff, the boat is out, the jetskis. etc.....

Now wanting to go out today, it is a lazy Sunday at home so time to visit some venues!  First stop is Kickin. Mark Allen Jensen is performing and sounding great. On to a venue I have never visited.....Kimmy's where I had the pleasure of listening to RickyLiveMusic.  This is the first time I have heard him and there is not way it will be the last, he has a wonderful voice.

I confess that was written last Sunday.

Since then I have had a chance to see the amazing Jacquiline Luik at Accoustic Garden.  As always she was great and I love Max's venue.

Today I am starting at Kickin and listening to Koko Incognito.....she truly has the voice of an angel.  On to a venue I have not been to in a very long time......End of Time.....got to see my old friend Tosh and listen to Whirligig.....wow another amazing voice....I have never heard her before.  As amazing as she is I also saw an old friend performing and I know I have to tp over to see her, it has been far too long.

Said my goodbyes at End of time and went over to Mandy's Mansion to see Yip Jannings......the Disco Queen never fails to delight me.  It was so very good to see her.  Her light show is awesome as it always has been.  This woman not only has talent but is truly an entertainer too.  Yip has been performing in sl for years, though I have not seen her in a long time.  The best advice I can give anyone is run to one of her shows, you will not be disappointed,,,,and whoa,,,,this woman hits notes and holds them like no one else can do.

There is also something weighing heavily on my mind....All team members can expect to an email, notecard etc from me.  RFL registration is fast approaching.  Many have told me that if we do RFL again, they do not want to be a part of it.  You all know my opinion....I will not lead this team or any other into an organization that I do not believe in.  By the same token, I do not wnt to hamper other team members from following their hearts, many of the team does feel very strongly about RFL.  If someone would like to step up and captain a team in RFL of SL.....I will go to each member and ask if they choose to do it.  If they do, I will give you their names and contact information.  SL Music will remain a team and fight for other causes that we believe in as well.  As another cancer organization does have my loyalty as far as ensuring that all dollars go 100% to research and the transparency involved....I have also submitted the correct paperwork to them.  Now I am waiting for an answer.  I am sure they will have many questions as to things just as we will need their help in ensuring a business liaison gets all monies and not an individual sl resident.

Each team member also has the opportunity to join another team.

SECOND LIFE LIVE MUSIC GROUP ISSUES

Each of us from venue to performer has our own groups.  We tend to be very protective of our groups ensuring the only information they get pertains to that group.  Not allowing spam, etc.  With that being said, I do have a pet peeve.  It does not pop up often and when it does it is usually in the groups of designers that I belong ti.  This time it had to do with venues.

I received an invite to Phat's Premier from TeraKaye Serrao.  At first I did not think much of it and specifically asked her where she received my name, if it was from Stephano, the owner of Phat Cats Jazz.  She reploed by saying that she got my name from a group.  Hmmmm that made me think.  I do not belong to Phat's group.  So I took it one step further and asked her where she got my name, which group.....of which she would not tell me.  I did my homework and searched every group I belong to.  Finding her in 5 groups, I sent a notecard to each of those groups owners.  Moreso because it was a venue, Franks and Charleston Lace were included.  Both Nancee and Karen have spoken to me about it since.  I am telling each of you about it for a couple of reasons......

1. We all work hard to grow our groups and we are protective of them.

2.  What she was doing is just wrong, and many of you may want to watch your own groups to see if she is a member.

During a skype conversation with a few other owners, I took the time and tp'd over to this venue Phat's Premier.  It boosts itself as a members only club.  Membership is 500L or you can purchase so many hours for different amounts of Lindens.  I did purchase the least amount of hours.  This was, by the way, a Saturday evening,  one of SL's busiest times.  I went in only to find the host inside.  There was no one else there.  So I for one .....chuckles me that pays to belong to so many different groups, would not pay for a membership to an empty venue.  Just my opinion.

Sunday, January 19, 2014

SECOND LIFE IS WARM WHILE THE RL WORLD IS FROZEN

Good morning as I dare to look at the weather and see that it is -15 outside with a windchill of -45.  Even my physical therapist had left a message cancelling today....Second Life here I come.  Guthries, always a favorite.  In my humble opinion, the best place in the morning to sit with cup of hot coffee and listen to music seeing friends and always my good friend Dottie.  If I remember correctly, she is further north then me......and I thought it was cold here.....sheesh, I could not imagine being in Canada right now.

Listening to one of my oldest friends Joaquin Gustav, I have known him since I first opened BS's and he is one of the nicest men.  I have not listened to him in quite a while and noticed that he has changed a lot of his singing style.  It was great to hear him again and impressive that he has grown so much as a performer.

I have to admit there is humbling experience in this as when I go into places, the performers seem to find a way to say that Still Braveheart is here, what a good friend I am, and then talk about how hard I have worked for Relay For Life of Second Life.  Giggles though it is always a good example of whether they read the info sent to them.....

Lefty Unplugged is on the stage now while I am writing.  He has the voice that just FITS with Guthries.Listening to him and contemplating putting on layers of clothing to take the dog out.  If I don't soon she will be walking with crossed legs.

HMMMM I really know how to slack off....now it is two days later and I decided to go out and hear some music.  No one better to start with than the one and only Alex Mays.  I have missed hearing him.  Sounding as awesome as ever!!!  This was my first visit to The Bass Note .....it is a really nice venue.

Off to a favorite---Acoustic Cave.  Max and Shauna keep this venue jumping and it is ALWAYS fun to vist them.  Tonight I am listening to Tristen Homewood.  I have so missed seeing so many of Second Life's amazing performers and Tristen is right up there with the best of them.  While there I also some very good friends and amazing performers Shaye Dezno and Gary Jonstone.  Also many people that I have not seen in some time, and it was so good to see everyone.

The problem with going to live events this time is that it is after Christmas and I have about 4 more days until payday.  Just like I would never do a tips only venue....I have never not tipped a venue or a performer, and so I get this huge feeling of guilt when I love the venue and the performer and am unable to show my appreciation......giggles I guess I just have to read this blog again so that I do not forget who to make up tips to.  Puts note on calendar to follow up.  And now chuckles I just finished my lindens so it must be time to call it a night.......

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

THE FORGOTTEN RESOLUTION

Right after I published the last blog I realized I forgot to put my New Years Resolution in there.  This is the first time I am saying them out loud.  I have this train of thought that if you actually tell someone there is more accountability in there to actually do it, so I have decided to share mine with you.  Then you can hold me accountable if I don't come through.

So here goes:  Giggles keep in mind that I am listening to Beth Odets and now Matthew Perault dual as I write this so anything is liable to come out of my mouth.....Chuckles, Beth has that effect on people...but in a very good way.

1. You know how I feel about RFL of Second Life.  None of those feelings take away from the fact that I will still always work to do what I can to further the cause of finding a cure for cancer.  So I have been doing my homework and research.  I have found an organization that is under another organization in the entertainment industry.  With all that is done in the lines of entertainment in Second Life, I thought what an appropriate organization for us....The organization which is under that umbrella is Stand Up 2 Cancer.  Here are some of the reason I admire I respect and admire them so very much.  Every single dollar donated, this does not include partnerships, etc, but every single dollar that you and I would ever donate 100% of it goes directly to actual research.  There is no second guessing as to what the research is, as they put it out there for all to see including updates on each research that is being funded. They truly are global as they also have international doctors working on cures.  When they did their huge telethon it involved 167 countries all running things simultaneously.  Now that is truly global, As far as Charity Navigator is concerned, which is very large watchdog type organization over non profit organizations, Stand Up 2 Cancer receives 4 stars the most an organization can earn, whereas the American Cancer Society holds 2 due in part to the transparency issues.  So I am going back and forth with paperwork and explaining what we would need to do something in Second Life.  This is one of my New Years Resolutions.

2.  Another Resolution which I am looking into is something to help the victims of abuse.  Those numbers outweigh cancer numbers as to how many people are abused even on an hourly basis.  Increasing awareness is something we can all do to help fight this.

3.  My third resolution is much more personal.  Many of you know that rl has thrown me some curve balls lately.  They have been bitter pills to swallow, at the same time, it made me realize that none of us know how how much time we have from becoming ill to walking across the street and getting hit by a bus.  All of us tend to go through life talking about the things we want to do someday,  I have decided that my someday is now.  I am going to do all the things I have ever wanted to do or go places I have always wanted to visit.  Another words, my resolution is to live every single day to its fullest.  My kids are on their own now with the youngest graduating from college in April.  It is time for me to take me off the back burner.

It was kind of funny, a performer that is a very good friend was here in the Drunkin Drow and most when they ask how you are accept the face value answer, but not her.....she is right there with an ear and a shoulder, so I brought her completely up to date and was telling her my plans for 2014.  She gave me a link to hear which I will also be sharing on Facebook.  A reminder to all of us.  The way it is done is very sobering, but also very true and good reminder to each of us.  Just copy and paste it.

http://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DTF8FpPaukDY%26feature%3Dshare&a=KVuBaqMnVy9_1gIfuRMpjw

 So I am asking each of you to make me accountable for following thru on my resolutions this year.

 

HAPPY NEW YEARS & RESOLUTIONS!!!!

Happy New Year Everyone.  I have not entered a new post since the Relay For Life of Second Life, American Cancer Society fiasco, though I have some drafts that I had started since.  I will touch on those as well as a few other things that have gone on.

As for today though I am starting 2014 in a favorite venue....Guthries and listening to Zelator Baphomet playing songs that stir up memories of days gone by.....Fun memories in those early 20's when life was a breeze and one had no worries just what the next fun thing to do was.

The I went on to Kickin, another favorite......having a huge birthday party and everyone including me was dressed for 2014.   Now I got to see ML and Rhesa, Two performers I had not seen before.  I can't wait to see them again, they make a wonderful couple on stage keeping a party a PARTY!  The energy and talent....it was soooo awesome and fun.  Giggles you know I am impressed when I have to tip 3 times, because I felt that none was enough.

After that I headed over to Justice League Park to listen to Bill473.  Now I have to admit....solely from a female perspective....his voice.....wow....I would leave  everything for it.  Somewhere in some world there is a very lucky lady that gets to hear this voice.  Not only will his voice take us all into fantasy land, but what a professional.....I have seen many performers crash and have to return.  Bill did twice and both times he never missed a note.  Unless you were like me and trying to take a pic so trying to find him, you would not have known he was not in world.  But man....If I could go to sleep with this voice every night, I would never have another bad dream.Okay confession time, I also peeked at his profile to see if there was an sl gf....chuckles.

Taking a break for an hour, I returned to do a quick change and head over to the Titanic.  I got there in time to hear my friend Josie Anderton.  And she sang it for me.  There is a history to this story.  My first year as captain of SL Music Races....toward the end of the RFL season we had a couple of huge events one that had worked me to death.....The giant clothing auction and huge line up.  I was dead on my feet and Josie took the stage wearing the gown that was made for her and dedicated a song to me "Thank You For Being a Friend" from the old Golden Girls TV sitcom, it truly brought tears to my eyes.


I would have left except that my friend BubbaC John was up.  He played a recording of a duet that he and Josie had done a few years ago, it was awesome that they lyrics were hysterical.  The ....only Bubba can do this to me.  Bubba knows I have the Elvis --Jailhouse Rock--dance in my huddle.....giggles and it is one of the better ones but can not hardly be found anymore.....so Bubba loves making me turn red and getting me on the stage with him, for that song.

I have done a great deal of reflecting over the past few months,  Many of you know that rl has taken a bit of a toll,  My opinions of RFL of SL took a major dive and I do not see them resurfacing.  Though I had to laugh when I have been asked to play Santa at the Christmas Expo and then for performers on New Years Eve.  It does show me a great deal.  The people that asked me are all leaders in their own rights, and some of the nicest people in the world, but I realized that they also tend to lead people blindly and never do their own research.  This is something I have seen in both Second Life and the real world,  The funny thing is that so many people do see it and that kind of leadership of no accountability to the people that follow you is wrong and never too long lasting.  Chuckles, though this is a very big example to smaller things...the character traits are still the same, in some ways it makes me think of the difference between Bush and Obama.  Bush made mistakes and lied in many instances, though at the time---and yes I am trying to be pc and give him the benefit of the doubt--lied with what he may have thought was the truth at the time; but when the truth came out he never apologized.  That would have required a strong morale character and also take some accountability, Whereas, Obama with the health care and its fiasco of getting it started, truly a bad mark against him, at the same time he stood up and apologized.  Like or not like him, I had to respect that.

With that being said, I have to comment about the Avi Choice Awards.  First and foremost congratulations to the winners.  And once again I am proud of the fact that I use products from the best in sl.  At the same time there is such a downside to the way they did this.  I was getting im's asking how to get their name off of the lists,  Though a couple of people may have nominated them, they really should have the choice to accept the nomination before the voting goes public.  What was even funnier was that not too much was verified.  I saw people saying things like they were nominated in categories of items that they never made.  All in all, it was a mess.  BUT  in no way does the poor organization of it take away from the people that were nominated or the winners.  I had many personal friends win and of course the so LONG OVERDUE 4 CATEGORIES MY WONDERFUL FRIEND MAX KLEENE WON!!!!!!

Those of you that don't realize it or know him well.....this man is one of the nicest, most humble, and yet so talented men in sl.  One that I am so very proud to call a friend, a very good friend.These awards were long overdue.

I have realized over the past couple of months, just how busy this team of ours stays as instead of reading the blog, I have received im's asking if we were doing RFL next year because if so, then they would like to be removed from the team.  After about 5 of these and another performer that sent me a notecard about the financials of the American Cancer Society and asked me to print it in here, I feel that I should reiterate this. Oh before I forget and he asks me why I have not printed his note card, I am trying to verify one thing in it and have tried to catch you inworld to ask you something about it.

Since no one else has stepped up to the captain's position on such a large team, and that I have been neglectful in knowing all I should while asking people to raise money for Relay For Life of Second Life and The American Cancer Society; I will remain captain, but will not lead this team down something I feel is not transparent and accountable.  There are a few other things that are the back burner right now waiting to get straightened out with the actual organizations themselves, I would also suggest to any team members that feel strongly about Relay For Life of Second Life, that you follow your heart and join another team to participate.  Joining another team does not mean that you have to leave this one as we are not a Relay For Life of Second Life Team.  No matter how you feel about one or the other both is a decision that only you can make.  The most I can do is tell you I personally feel and show you the documentation to back myself up.  It is important above all that you listen to your heart.


Now that I have written you another novel, Giggles I do not believe I can write a short blog.  Maybe that is why, though I have a tweet account I never use it......I talk too much!

PS Something I am attempting to add is pictures of the performers that I see when I go venue hopping, but so far have failed to figure out how to add them---you all know I am as technically challenged as can be.