Pushing Daisies Was Never Easier!

If you find it hard to get your mind around an afterlife, after real life, now you'll have to try to comprehend a Second Life-After virtual life! Yes, Second life is home to many strange and wondrous places and ideas, and Second Afterlife Cemetery qualifies as both, melding the real with the surreal, and the reality of death, loss and heartbreak occurring in two separate realities, into one solemn experience.
Created in March of 2008 the idea born of Lena Anthony and Rocket Flasheart the purpose of the Second Afterlife Cemetery is to "provide a place for people to officially reach a conclusion to their Second Life and/or the place to honor the memory of an avatars Second Life friends". What they didn't expect was that it would eventually became a place to memorialize real life friends and family as well. Both types of memorials reside here and taking a walk through this virtual cemetery invokes a deep sense of profound loss made poignant by the fact that you are honoring the dead from both worlds, in a virtual one. As any resident can tell you, the loss of an avatar is sad and while strolling through the gracious grounds, you can easily tell the Second Life departed. Their stones carry recent dates; Jan 2008 - March 2009, identify them as avatars and yes, even avatars once lost, what made them unique, just as in real life, cannot be recreated. This is sorrowful enough, but when you come across a tomb dated; 1989 to 2009, you come to the sudden realization that you've crossed into a double story, tragic and stunningly real, in both places, at the same time.

Gone are the days we can touch you
We feel you forever in our hearts
Gone are the days we can see you
We have you in our memories

The Cemetery offers memorial and funeral services. You can purchase a variety of grave/tombstones for the deceased and they encourage you to add the deceased's photos and memories. The grounds are spacious, soothing and tidy, offering a refuge for deep introspection, a place to remember friends and/or family.
In Conclusion, Second Afterlife Cemetery teeters continuously on the edge of the serious, and the preposterous, yet some things that seem trivial today, often turn out to have great meaning tomorrow. Pay a visit to Second life Afterlife Cemetery, and share a vision of the future.

Second Afterlife Cemetery

Second Afterlife Website

THIS IS MADNESS!

Novelist Suzi M or Xirconnia Morph says The Asylum is a tribute to both Limelight, (formerly a club in NYC) and the Eastern State Penitentiary. She states that "It is not a reflection of madness, I promise. :)"

I beg to differ. Suzi I think you're too humble! I think you've perfectly captured a visual metaphor for being just a little bit "off".

What if my reality were not shared by my friends or neighbors, and I could show you exactly what I see from my perspective. What would it look like? What would it feel like?

Well I think it might look a little bit like The Asylum; Stairways and floors are narrow and crooked, cracked and perilous. An ominous merry-go-round spins silently all by itself at the end of a long, cavernous basement room. Skeletons boogie, better than I do, on a psychedelic dance floor. A circular staircase climbs to.., nowhere. Ghosts playfully menace, until they become tedious, and human fish swim in very normal aquariums. Granted, this is not the "I hear my dog telling me to kill you" kind of over the top insanity, but more of a "I'm having trouble focusing on our conversation because there are ghosts poking me in the side," type of crazy. Which raises the question, if I see things like this am I insane? Or creative? And perhaps these states are defined by how beneficial the results?

The genius of The Asylum is that it is educational, you don't notice it's lessons right away, it's oddities creep up on you. Only after you notice something you thought was there, that really wasn't, or find yourself falling through the floors.., yet again, do you begin to understand that what at first seems empty, is chock full of strangeness and surprises. It encourages philosophical musings; is the definition of insanity based on common culture? Are you insane because they don't see what you see, or is it their flaw? If you see crooked floors and human fish, what degree of insane are you? The brilliant layout of the build itself helps keep you off balance as you try to read meaning into what's there, or what's not.

On the real life side Xircon is a writer and has a room dedicated to her written and artistic work in the middle of The Asylum. If you read her novels you'll know that one of her characters wakes up in an asylum and that parts of The Asylum are modeled from the novels. She has a free short story to download on her page with Smiling Goth Productions. It's called The Lazarus Stone and boy was I hooked from the very first sentence;

"The body they carried with them was starting to smell." Insane? Creative? Who cares, it's delicious and all about the results anyway right?

Silent raw and powerful, The Asylum allows you to experience reality from a very different perspective. Uncomfortable of times, it allows you to imagine what it must be like to live with a slightly skewed sense of reality. How at times this view could be frustrating and/or lonely.

But more importantly The Asylum forces you to examine your own ensconced definitions. Maybe you'll think twice before applying labels to people you may not understand, who don't see what you see.

Be prepared to keep this place in your thoughts for a long time, after all, it is a place of the mind.

There is a HUD you can pick up that you can use to mark educational builds in SL You can pick it up at the Asylum or im me and I'll shoot you a copy. And don't forget to mark The Asylum itself!

The Asylum

The Asylum Photos On Flickr

Suzi's Imortal War Trilogy From Smiling Goth Productions

Second Life

A Queer Clockwork Orange...,

"The Cockney phrase from East London, "as queer as a clockwork orange" - indicating something bizarre internally, but appearing natural, human, and normal on the surface."

The Redrum Public House and Cinema appears normal at first, even a little ho hum, that is until you really start to look at it. The Redrum was inspired by the old house in the movie "Psycho" starring Anthony Perkins and although the actor was not the first thing I thought of when I stepped through the door, I was immediately drawn in and intrigued by how familiar it all felt. There's a well stocked, intimate bar in the back of the open yet gloomy room, and you sense that if you sit down, kicked back and stayed awhile, you'd be rewarded with a cool drink and compelling company. 

While you are tipping your drink you are likely to notice the portrait of the proprietor Robbiani Rumpledink that hangs next to the bar. The eyes of the portrait restlessly roam the room and once in a while stop to glare at you, before moving on. Rumpledink looks a little like Johnny Depp as Sweeny Todd, and gazing into those soulful eyes definitely added something to my day! 

Even when it's empty this bar is alive! Always there is a the feeling that something is about to happen, but what? Maybe it's down there through the door in the floor? 

But let's move on to the theater. The theater is located upstairs and although the house seems really small from the outside, there is more than enough room for you and your friends to sit in the theater style seating and enjoy the movie. Deep red, the theater has the ambience of your local wine theater. The 1971 controversial classic "A Clockwork Orange" was playing when I arrived, delicious!

Next to the theater is a small store where you can purchase some of Rumpledink's creations. Which you may be needing to do after you see his recreation of the Evil Dead House! If the movie is as over the top for you, as it is for me, the Evil Dead House is going to really blow you away!

The house is insanity and sheer terror yet, somehow, without a lot of gore. A miniature reel to reel tells an erie story, while the Evil Dead book lies face up next to it. You can almost feel those Evil Dead racing towards the house as you listen to that tape.

Next to the store are the Kubrick rooms. Fans of the movie will be absolutely delighted! Lurid and colorful, Rumpledink perfectly captures the unique design elements from the film, making this creation a visually stunning knockout!

So psyche up you aspiring psychos, you're in for a real treat! The intimate atmosphere, films of depth and the riveting creations at the Redrum Public House And Cinema will keep you satisfied for at least an hour. Make up your rassoodocks to spend the evening here with your droogs. It's as queer as a clockwork orange!

I'm singing 

in the rain, 

just 

singing in the rain!

Update

Rumpledink has just informed me that he's moved! He's now on Desperation Kelly. I've updated the slurls to reflect the change. Check out his new place and donate generously!!

Redrum Public House And Cinema

The Kubrick Rooms

A Clockwork Orange by Stanley Kubrick

More Photos On Flickr

19 Art For The Dark

Secondlife

10 Fabulous Dark Things

This week I'm deviating from my normal travel 411 to tell you about 10 things that are just have to have. Stunning and useful as well, these are the edgey items to own or at least see, now.  Take a look at the pictures on Flickr. I'm sure you'll agree, all of  these items are worth writing about. Okay, here we go!

1. I picked up this photo album/box from the Little Outpost General Store in Laudanun. I fell in love with it the second it popped open and begin to play it's sweet sentimental music. 

Why is it on the list? Besides the fact that it is quite impressive, I found it on the very dark sim Winderfell. Go check it out and pick up a photobox, I think this item is a must have to display all your virtual photos!

2. I LIVE in these things. Great to walk in with cute skulls and flowers embedded in them. Very Gothic, they go with everything. Skully Shoes

3. I wrote a rather long blog on the Raven, and I'm still nuts about this avatar! Created by An Ballenger, it's well worth every linden!

4. Wear this dress if you want to feel dark, mysterious, and romantic! Another Gothic must have. Here's a photo of me wearing it. Don't I look ready for the next horror movie? Need a new hairdo to go with it though, but as you can see, it makes me look fabulous darling, even without the hair! Extraordinary! Red Gothic Dress

5. 19 Art For The Dark! I know it's cheating to review your own stuff, but hey, why not right? drop by and I'll let you be the judge!

6. DBD Garden Design's Alexith Destiny is creating cutting edge garden flowers, trees and grasses. A lot of them are 1 prim but have like 40 faces, so they look completely 3d and realistic. This particular tree I purchased is only 4 prims, you have to see this to believe it. Spectacular! 

DBD Garden

7. Neo Kitties, dark and cute. Nuf said.

8. Any creature by Glyph Graves, no I take that back, ANYTHING EVER CREATED by Glyph Graves. 

9. Gothic art by Gibril Szondi. Dark and easy on the eyes.

And Finelly

10. Furniture by Nocturna Gothic Designs. You can buy entire sets of Stylish Gothic furniture and decorate your home instantly with sleek sophistication. I picked up a dark-as-night fountain for my cemetery. This place is EPIC, so although it is last on the list, make it your first stop.

There are a lot of links here, please let me know if for some reason they don't get you where you need to go.

And that's it for this week. Happy shopping!

Secondlife

Lots of photos on Flickr

Photo Momento Box

Raven Avatar

My Favorite Gothic Dress

DBD Garden 1 Prim Plants

My Gallery 19

Neo Kitties

Skully Shoes

Glyph Graves Cool Creatures!

Nocturnal Gothic Designs (Fountain)

Gothic Art By Gibril Szondi

Calling All Damiens And Antichrist Babies!

Is your name Rosemary?

Did you recently give birth to the Antichrist?

In either case, if you're in need of unholy kid equipment, DarkDhrama is the ultimate place for your evil baby stuff needs. Both store and Horror Mansion, DarkDharma is filled to the brim with delightfully macabre items for everyone, especially for those of you with kids who have..., er, special needs.

As a matter of fact, that big baby crib purchase you've been putting off, buy it here, buy it now!

The coffin crib will make any newborn spawn feel right at home and other mothers, green with envy. With solid wood construction and a deep red lining, your demon child is guaranteed to feel comfy and cozy. When he or she, or "it," or whatever..., gets a little bit older, transfer it to the Exorcist Bed, which rocks violently while inspiring vivid nightmares. The bed also comes with it's own Exorcist Doll. That's right, this doll comes complete with corrupted appearance and spinning head, perfect for little tykes in training.

All children love tea parties and if yours hasn't had any success making new friends at school, the Ghost Tea Party will animate her world while nabbing her lots of new "BFFs." Also If Damian doesn't have enough Teddy Bears to sleep with during the day, (cause we know little Damien never sleeps at night!) here you'll find all the bony fuzzies he'll ever need to cling to!

But wait! There's more! DarkDharma offers plenty of fun for parents too! Send the kiddies outside to chase the bats while you explore the rest of this enticing mansion.

Cooks will love the well stocked witches kitchen. There is everything from tiny dragons in a jar to shelves lined with book-fulls of useful recipes for creating any type of concoction. I loved the poisonous Herbs hanging colorfully in the doorway too. (Hey, take a look at those jars again, no, REALLY, look closely, there are some very "exciting" things in them.)

The rest of the house offers up some gratifying experiences, including a buffet of all your favorite comfort foods, yummy!

If you are one to pay attention, you'll notice the sign at the entrance that instructs you to click on everything to find the hidden Tarot Packs. But If you click on everything you'll probably fall under the influence of some pretty nasty spells. You can easily break these spells by clicking on other things to find the solution. But click carefully, there are some things you cannot recover from. Well you can, but it's painful!

In the living room, an elegant fireplace dominates. The movie Poltergeist plays on the television.., or maybe it's just the static that plays, and the little girl sitting plastered to the front of the TV set, STARING at the static, just reminds me of the film. Either way it's a relaxing family setting. So sit down - yes in that nice big arm chair - that's good.

Oh my god, what happened?

Oh My!

Well no matter, you still look marvelous anyway darling!

On the table to your right you'll find a beating heart in a jar. I do suggest you take one of those home with you. You might need it when the man in your life finally realizes what's in that jar you purchased from DD's wicked kitchen.

When you're done collecting all the goodies, breaking the spells or just finding your way back to earth, join the children outside in the graveyard for a game of hide or seek, or build new torture device playthings in the sandbox.

All in all, DarkDharma is an unwholesome place that's perfect to spend some quality time with your bizarre family members. So make an SL day of it! Enjoy some stress free time with your demon child, you're both gonna love it!

Rated: PD For Pretty Deviant

DarkDharma Haunted Mansion

Photos On Flickr

SecondLife

19 Art For The Dark ( My Place!)

Transylvania, A Celebration Of Life

Sometimes you come across a place in Second Life, that is so striking, it just blows you away.

Such a place is Transylvania. Larger than life, dramatic and provocative, it's a place not just focused on the idea of the dark, but is quintessentially the dark itself. 

Shadows seep through every street, and slide around every curve of stone. It is a place born of the vampiritic way of life, not fascinated by death, but a celebration of the vampiric way of being alive.

These people are serious folks, there's the feel of close knit family ties and of shared history. The things you encounter here are the virtual manifestations of secret and passionate beliefs.

Transylvania stresses that it is not a role playing sim; all are welcome here. When I arrived, there was a rapturous party going on in the streets, with various night creatures dancing playfully to the music of a favorite DJ. 

 

I began my tour at the Musee Des Vampyrs, a Gothic palace that houses an extensive history of vampirism. Information on everything to do with vampires can be found here, from The Acid Bath Vampire, a serial killer in England in the late 1940s, to Vlad The Impaler, also known as Dracula.

Particularity fascinating was the information on the currant state of modern day vampirism, such as the psychological and physical effects of vampirism on the individual, or the definition of today's vampire and how to tell if you are one.

You can even read recent news stories about vampires caught in real life action.

Be prepared to spend some time here absorbing all the knowledge available, it is very interesting reading.

On the second floor, you'll find every vampire movie poster ever made! Colorful and magnetic, the posters cover the walls with familiar and not so familiar faces from film and legend. A nostalgic treat!

After my education, I left the building with a deeper understanding and respect for this mysterious species so locked into the darkness. I yearn for more, so I continue my tour through the town. 

The shops and other establishments are plentiful, rich and opulent. Lots of good shopping here for unusual items, especially clothing. 

Everywhere I wander however, seems poised on the verge of promise; I unconsciously hold my breath, certain that some..., thing, is about to happen. 

(Below me a stunningly beautiful couple exchange words, gestures, than part, her dress sweeps around her ankles as she glides away.)

I look up to see a castle suspended over the town, it's anchored in solid rock and is the center of attention. Curious I fly over to take a peek into it's windows and see a scene so dynamic it is again, as though the room itself is waiting in anticipation for the next act to begin. 

On the ledge beside me sits a gargoyle, silently watching the performance, all performances, unfold. 

It's raining at the cemetery when I arrive. Most appropriate as this place has weight; a sentimental memorial left for a fallen real life friend strikes my heart like an arrow and I realize just how united this community really is. 

Gravestones are intricate. The dead reside under them and they've marked them with their individual personalities. As I gaze at the stones I become lost in thought, perhaps, I think, what makes vampires so fascinating is not their raw power, or their undead status, but their strength in bearing the burden of ultimate unknowable despair.

In the end there is one word for this wondrous place;

Exquisite. 

If you are not a poet, you will become one as you try to get your mind around Transylvania.

Visit to share your oddness with others. Even if you are not a vampire. You'll be accepted here. Arrive with your sadness and sit a while in the cemetery. Your sadness is understood here. Come with respect, for a way you may not know. Respect is everything here. Come to dance , your joy is shared here. Expect to find new and perhaps mysterious places inside your soul. And lastly, no matter your appearance, come as yourself, for the beings that know death, embrace life in all it's shades and variations of truth, here, there is no room for deceit.

Transylvania The Musee Des Vampyrs

More Photos On Flickr

What is a Sanguinarian?

http://www.necronomi.com/users/akrieytaz/

Vampires In The News

 

More info on myths, legends, and truths.

Monstrous.com

Encyclopedia Of The Undead On Google

SecondLife

So Many Corpses......,

Feeling a need to redecorate? Me too. As a matter of fact I was critically assessing the ole laboratory this morning and those bodies piling up in the corner are getting to be just an eyesore, really, they are making my eyes sore.

So I head over to Slurry st. Slurry St. is a dark dismal little store located in Istar. They specialize in supplying all your medical, cold storage, or waste disposal needs, and they didn't disappoint, I was delighted with their selection! 

The first thing I looked at was their human cold storage unit. It has 4 cadaver trays that slide in and out, on touch. It also had that all important refrigerator running hum sound. (After all if you can't hear it, it's probably broke right?) Great! I thought, just what I need to solve that corner pile up back at the lab. Only thing is there weren't any bodies included, (bummer) but I guess I am getting a little greedy these days and the ones I have are piling up anyway.....,

Maybe I could just... shift... them? Slurry St. sells very specific mattresses as well. They come in awesome colors, Piss Stained, Blood Splattered, and Blood Soaked! Niccceeee.

An x-ray viewer is always welcome, (I don't have one) perfect for checking the effects of torture damage on your subjects. 

The autopsy tables were just my height! 

If perchance you have more bodies than you can keep in their storage cabinet, they also sell a very reasonably priced, cremation oven. The oven comes complete with animations and glowing embers. You can even smell it, well I can anyway, burn baby burn!

In their outdoor display, Slurry St's. exquisite attention to detail prevails. Contraptions to torch someone deserving at the stake, or hang em high with a hangman's noose complete with platform to amass that crowd around, flourish. In the cemetery the grave markers have that heavy feel of ancient stone; weight of the years look, so to speak. The Widows Crypt in particular has the sought after mystical ambiance we all search for, at night, in the dark....,

The creepiest thing there though, and you're not going to believe this, was a utterly charming wishing well, that whispered uplifting and sweet quotes! Gasp! Sweet? Charming? What the...? Very scary!

In the end, I particularly liked that you could buy everything in sets. So there's no running from here to there, searching for the important bits and pieces. Also, everything comes with diabolical details, animations, corpse poses, burning pyres, alters, sounds, lights, everything you need to set up your space in about 3 minutes flat! They also carry single items to add interest. Flickering lone light bulbs, voodoo dolls, transfusion kits complete with IV and line, and instrument tables, sinks and extra cabinets for all your specialty eh...tools. 

Well I'm off, back to work! Not enough hours in a day or cadavers in my lab! But please, let me know what YOU find at Slurry St. Oh and....,

Happy decorating!

Slurry St.

Flickr Photos

19, Art For The Dark

Secondlife