QUINTESSENTIAL IGOR BALLYHOO

Now on display at UTSA Art Space is what I hear is Igor Ballyhoo's final build! Golly I hope not! But I must say it is SPECTACULAR!

 

Set to Beethoven's 7th, the installation is a dark, cyborg-esque aerial landscape. Floating islands create stairs up to various smaller works. Often they support rusty partial human figures that read like Bosch. In one floating island room two cynical rusty cupid figures guard an imprisoned time piece, or at least that is how it appears to me. Many of the figures appear mutilated and dangerous as they march time to the dramatic chromatic bass line of Beethoven's coda. It is a march to a dark future.

Now I usually do not like dark works, and I do not know that this installation was build with Beethoven's 7th in mind. The combination, however made me feel as if I was to accept some sort of futuristic doom joyfully.

The juxtaposition left my avatar dancing ballet dementedly amongst the floating islands. Also the tempered use of glow inspired Neph to dance in a small electric gazebo she found.

And although black, white, and red have been done to death, the blood dripping UP from the central chessboard platform was a reassuring reference to Alice in Wonderland, not to mention Steven King!

Remnants of Igor's Scissor Forest circle menacingly through the sky as if to say, "Remember me."  (see my "Art & About" for pics of the scissor forest!). Gee~ I hope he comes back!

Check it out at http://slurl.com/secondlife/UTSA%20Roadrunner%20II/108/118/3958

New Discoveries! Telepathic Swamp Lilies!

The Intrepid Researcher

JUST OUT!

Our research team has just discovered a new species of plant life that has sprung up practically over night here in the Bog of Dark Moon! These are telepathic swamp lilies! At first we marveled at the swamp lilies beauty alone. They seem to exude a blue light. But we notices that more were sprouting up and that that blue rays of light seemed to connect these plants.  One of our more adventuresome researchers (trusting the process, and her previous experience here on Dark Moon) decided to step into the beam of light that radiated out from these plants. She was quite surprised at the sensations she experienced and reported them to us all. Apparently the swamp lilies (much like the Puffer Lilies) are a communicative plant. Whereas the Puffer Flower mists an avatar to communicate the essence of the Bog, the telepathic swamp lilies keep the all of the plants in the Bog in direct contact with one another! However, this is only discovered by extremely sensitive avatars that are not afraid to let this information emerge. Yes, I am sorry to say this is one area most of us are left out of the loop. The Swamp Lilies only "bloom" when there is enough disruption to the ecosystem to require that the plant align with intent.

The Northern Line of Communication

Our brave, and extremely sensitive researcher found that the extreme amount of avatar traffic on Dark Moon had indeed precipitated a need for the plants to be sure that all life forms were in tune with the loving nature of the ecosystem. Hence, they had "bloomed" over night to facilitate communication. You may see the Telepathic Swamp Lilies at the extreme edges of the Bog, mostly the north and east, where most avatar activity occurs.

Leigh Lines of Communication

But no worries, the plants have it all under control! The vibrations of love and compassion will not be trampled. We have here an opportunity to witness the direct control, or shall I say emergent properties, of this ecosystem! Indeed it is a thrill to witness such cooperation and communication skills between plants in the face of other life forms! We will keep you informed of future developments!

Moon Fruit Trees Kept in the Loop!

Enjoy,     Neph~

Telepathic Swamp Lilies by soror Nishi : )

The Unicorn

Meeting the Unicorn!

Most people understand that unicorns are rare and noble creatures. Recently, I was happy to discover a Unicorn had migrated to Dark Moon from a magical land! Years ago, I found many Unicorns while excavating a cave!

I first encountered this Unicorn on Dark Moon today! He was a bit skittish and so was I! 

Taming each other

Somehow we saw into each others souls, and later I realized that the loving flora of Dark Moon had made this happen easily. The Unicorn told me of his journey from a magical land he lived in full of fairies and elves. Apparently this Unicorn is an adventuresome character and migrated to Dark Moon from another world, just as the hippos had previously!

So we became fast friends! We walked the rivers and forests of Dark Moon together and played! We both happen to be VERY playful, so that is definitely good!  : )

Becoming Friends

I was just showing my new friend the wishing well here at Dark Moon, when suddenly I was overtaken by a dizzy spell! I don't know if it was the shining trees blooming, or perhaps I had slightly overdosed on seed pods...but I passed out! My Unicorn friend nudged me to no avail, he later told me!

What happened at the well

But this Unicorn is a healer! He reared up, and asking the loving flora for help, managed to send loving healing energy to me! This helped and I became conscious, but I still could not walk!

Unicorns Heal

Of course the Unicorn had been communing with the plant life, and watching where avatars hung out, so he knew to take me to the Green House for help.

Carrying me to the Green House

My new friend delivered me right to the door!

Taking me inside

Of course, now that we are great friends, we mostly hang out where we first met. The Unicorn seems to like this part of Dark Moon the best. Although he does not mind the water of the Bog, he seems to prefer the high country. Hey, that's ok! : ))

Unicorn Home

This particular Unicorn told me he was great friends with Faery Sola of Studio Sidhe (well, of course he would check in at a Fae land upon arriving in SL). Her shop and fabulous creations can be found here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Moonsong/228/92/122  Be sure to check out the wonderful forest below the store!

The magical Wishing Well is by Klyks Klees and can be found at: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Eastfield/126/19/21 Thanks Klyks! : )

THE BOG: Ecosystem of Dark Moon

The floating tuberplants at Dark Moon are the central life form of the ecosystem. Our research team has studied them and discovered that indeed these plants hold the whole bog together. They are wise and compassionate and seem to thrive on love. Though this was hard to measure, we discovered through a series of tests, that avatars cuddling, or lovingly chatting or dancing near a tuberplant, not only felt better, but the tuberplant actually floated with a higher vibration of energy.

Studying the Tubers

You may note that the older tuberplants, the bigger ones, float higher than the young ones. These adult tuberplants can, and want to, support avatars. You may stand on them and commune with them. In fact, they have evolved in such a way that the older they get, the wiser, more compassionate, and supportive they become. The younger tuberplants aspire to this.

Adult & Young Tubers Ascending

Close up of Droplets to Feed Tubers

Starting in the bog itself, a tuberplant begins to float upward seeking nutrients. You may note that the Pitcher Plants produce green and cyan drops that float upward. This is what the tuberplants seek. The symbiotic relationship between the tuber plants and the pitcher plants works in this way: A tuberplant emerges from the bog surviving only on the nutrients left in the spore that was produced by an older tuberplant. The tuberplant then begins to float upward and as it does, begins to sense the airborne particles produced by the pitcher plants. As the tuberplant "feeds" on these particles, it grows bigger and can float up higher. However, the pitcher plants provide only part of what the young tuberplant needs.

Pitcher Plants Feeding the Tubers

Precocious Young Tuber

Interestingly, some of the younger tuberplants at Dark Moon have risen fairly high! And one can even support  an avatar! We are not sure why these young tuberplants are so precocious. The same is true of the adults. Up in the Garden of the Ancients (as we on the research team fondly call it), you can see two adult tuber plants being personally tutored by ancient tuberplants! Perhaps it is the personal interest in their development that has created such a healthy ecosystem here. Up in the Garden of the Ancients one can really absorb the energy of the tubers, so be sure to get up there!

Garden of the Ancients

Note Flying Baby!

Fungal Growth & Fern Trees

As you know from our previous research, all the plants here have a symbiotic relationship. The Pitcher Plants produce nutrients for the Tubers, which in turn produce the fungal growth the Pitchers thrive on. Amazingly, a small family of Hippos has taken to feeding on the fungal growth! We believe it is this diet that has allowed the female to give birth to a FLYING baby! Who knew? Well, we do now! We will continue to monitor the young flying hippos behavior! Oh, and if you visit them, do be wary. The flying baby does poop.

Moon Fruit Trees

We also suspect that the tuberplants very slowly migrate. Because the fungal growth they produce is not always directly under them, we suspect they are "seeding" the Bog then moving on. In the Moon Fruit Tree grove this is particularly evident. Moon Fruit Trees spring directly out of the fungal growth, however, they require open water, or some nutrient that does not seem to be in the interior of the region. Our scientists are still researching this phenomenon. The Fern Trees also seem to thrive directly on the fungal growth. Unlike the Pitcher Plants, which do not seem to need to be in direct contact with the fungal growth, these two species do. We have still not found exactly what enables the Pitcher Plants to produce the food for the Tuberplants, but we are looking at the issue.

9th Ancient with Medicinal Pods

The research team here at Dark Moon has also investigated the three other Bog trees, in an attempt to determine their role in the ecosystem. Known "Ancients" as well, we assumed that these species were important. Again, they are the largest ground dwelling plant life.

It is possible that the 9th ancient species (the one with the red bean pods) contributes to the ability that the Pitcher Plants have acquired to produce food for the tubers. This has not been proven yet, but we believe that bean pods that fall into the water release a chemical that floods the water. The Pitcher Plants may use this, in combination with the nutrients from the fungal growth, to create the green and cyan droplets the tuberplants feed upon.  The seeds & pods can be eaten, but they will cause inebriation in avatars (prolly humans too). These seed pods are also a strong medicine that can be used to reduce fever, reduce pain, and cure cancer.

A Golden Guardian with Rootlets

 Meanwhile, the Golden Guardian Trees are few and far between. These trees are VERY old. Some of them dating back to before Linden Labs created this gird. Each spot on a Golden Guardian Tree represents a year of growth. You can imagine how old the Ancient Tubers are, if these Golden Guardians are that old! We are not sure just why they prefer the northern end of the Bog, but they do produce creeping "rootlets" that look like grass. What looks like yellow grass throughout the landscape, is actually Guardian Tree rootlets. It is possible that the rootlets need to grow toward the light, therefore the south, and this is why the Golden Guardian trees line the northern edge of the Bog. The rootlets serve as food for the animal life that has migrated to the Bog. So far, our team has discovered no endemic species of fauna, unless one counts the mutated flying baby hippo. We believe the Golden Guardian trees, with their spreading rootlets, hold the Bog in a state of homeostasis so important for any ecosystem.

Occasionally on Dark Moon, you may come across a Puffer Flower. Our research team was at first wary of these lovely plants that gave off I fine mist of spray when one got close to the flower. What we have found, however, it that this mist actually contains the "cumulative essence" of the whole Bog! There are not many of these Puffer Flowers, because it takes years for then to mature. At maturity, they are capable of producing this mist. In fact, they actively seek an avatar to spray it at. This is the ultimate means of communication in the Bog. The fine mist is in fact a healing potion created in the flower. These flowers can only survive in an ecosystem that thrives on love, such as Dark Moon's Bog. It is the ethereal compassion and love of the Tuberplants, the complex chemicals of the 9th Ancient tree's seed pods, and of course the fungal growth the tuberplants produce, carried by the rootlets of the Golden Guardian Trees that enable them to do so.

Enjoying Puffer Flower's Spray

Just as the Tubers resonate at a higher level of energy when avatars snuggle, dance, or lovingly chat near them, these Puffer Flowers want to communicate the loving atmosphere of the total ecosystem. If you feel down, unloved, or ill in any way, be sure to seek a Puffer Flower and allow it to spray you! This will refresh you spirits and help your immune system fight off all computer viruses

A NEW DARK MOON: THE BOG

I gotta say, soror Nishi's work ROCKS! In fact it was my fear of her leaving SL that prompted this latest version of Dark Moon. Yes, Dark Moon has been redone again! Now it is a fantasy bog inspired by soror's work. Zube Udimo contributed her skills as well, by helping with the cave, and contributing her statue and fountain! Shenn Coleman, a new SL friend, has made and donated a free gift! When you click on the Dark Moon sign in the entry cave, you will not only recieve information about the land, but also a free Flying Bubble! Just perfect to explore the bog and the Garden of the Ancients above it~!

Garden of the Ancients? You might wonder exactly what that is. Well, the bog is an ecosystem unto itself. Our research teams are studying it now! Read on!

We have researchers in the field now finding out how these life forms interact. The plants species here seem to mostly have symbiotic relationships. It is very important we find out how they interact, as it seems that somehow these plants contribute to an avatars wellbeing. We would not want to disturb such a beneficial ecosystem. Our very very pixels may depend up on the survival of this bog's life forms!

The floating tuberplants at Dark Moon are the central life form of the ecosystem. Our research team has studied them and discovered that indeed these plants hold the whole bog together. They are wise and compassionate and seem to thrive on love. Though this was hard to measure, we discovered through a series of tests, that avatars cuddling, or lovingly chatting or dancing near a tuberplant, not only felt better, but the tuberplant actually floated with a higher vibration of energy.

You may note that the older tuberplants, the bigger ones, float higher than the young ones. These adult tuberplants can, and want to, support avatars. You may stand on them and commune with them. In fact, they have evolved in such a way that the older they get, the wiser, more compassionate, and supportive they become. The younger tuberplants aspire to this.

Starting in the bog itself, a tuberplant begins to float upward seeking nutrients. You may note that the Pitcher Plants produce green and cyan drops that float upward. This is what the tuberplants seek. The symbiotic relationship between the tuber plants and the pitcher plants works in this way: A tuberplant emerges from the bog surviving only on the nutrients left in the spore that was produced by an older tuberplant. The tuberplant then begins to float upward and as it does, begins to sense the airborne particles produced by the pitcher plants. As the tuberplant "feeds" on these particles, it grows bigger and can float up higher. However, the pitcher plants provide only part of what the young tuberplant needs.

As soon as we are done studying the flora here, we will report to you all!


http://slurl.com/secondlife/Dark%20Moon/82/168/20

ART & CHAT at Dark Moon~ IMPACT!

Almost a dozen showed up

Einy relaxing with Skye

 Yes folks, it was the Einy show! And you know, Einy is a show! He is always present for deep converstation, full of ideas, and a generally supportive guy! Last Sunday, the 27th, Einy led a discussion about his photographs here at the Dark Moon Cafe. As usual, Einy was surrounded by women! Why is that? Well, cause he's an honest, open guy! Einy Marksman not only has his following of women is SL, but is also a successful RL photographer.

Neph, Skye, Anna & Einy

Among the pieces we discusses on Sunday was "Free," a photo of a friend of Einy's on the beach leaping into the air. SkyeBunny Hawksby was very observant in stating that indeed, the subject did not seem free, but a bit stilted because he does not really look human. This generated some discussion. Einy talked about the story behind the photo, as well as the fact that the final piece was from a Polaroid! Here is what Einy says about it. "This is an image of un bridled kinetic energy and being ecstatic. There is an energy that is also confrontational:  the form is coming at the viewer of a masculine humanoid jumping on a beach at sunset.  It may be viewed as direct jubilant energy.  It is a freeing moment to me."

Free

"Hanging by a Thread" also reflected Einy's personal history. And what artist does not express their lives in their art? I love this photo in particular. It evoked memories of my own, from when I was a child playing with those little green worms in the grapevines my grandparents grew. Here is what Einy said about this photo: "On the surface it is a study of texture, lush garden greenery and worn an rugged hemp twine with a rusted nail hung in it.
It is also about hope. Hanging by a thread and still having an opportunity to be useful and strong. "

Hanging by a Thread

Note the Huichol influences of "Carlos Deer." And what a gift to have a deer walk up and pose! About Carlos Deey, Einy said, "This deer has offered me some of her wisdom.  It is a magical deer and a sacred soul. It is from a dream in the teachings of Don Juan. (I really dig the shapes that happen in the criss cross of twigs). The Carlos I refer to is Carlos Castaneda, the Anthropologist who brought us the Teachings of Don Juan. Is you listen close, the deer is whispering to you a message"

Carlos Deer

Einy certainly knows how to manipulate a straight ahead photo so that it reflects his inner lanscape. There are, however, two straight ahead photos hanging too. One is "Don't Fence Me In," and the other is "Magic and Wonder." You can still see these at the Dark Moon Cafe until next week! So pop on over and look! http://slurl.com/secondlife/Dark%20Moon/151/150/55

Zola pops in

Don't forget to get the "Notes from the Artist" and the free gift on the stone table! AND don't forget that next Sunday, March 3rd, a mythologist will show her work for us to discuss! That's Sunday at 10 AM SLT at Dark Moon Cafe.

VALENTINE'S DAY

It is hard to believe, but yesterday was the 4th SL Valentine Day for Luco and me! As tradition has dictated, we celebrated with a romantic dance, this time out at the point, on Dark Moon. I had bought Slow Dance 12 after we fell in love with it at Midsommer last year. So, it is fast becoming our favorite dance. And I must say, the view is spectacular from here.

When you consider a day in Second Life is two and half hours, me and Luco's four years add up to . . . hmm . . . I cannot do the math, can you? But relationships in SL are real: the emotions are real, the people behind the screens are real, and most of all the time spent is real. You can really get to know a person!

So what is it about romantic relationships here that make them so intriguing?  When you consider many involved in them never intend to meet, many keep their identities secret (or parts of them anyway) and that many people involved in relationships here are married to others in RL, you begin to wonder what IS the core of romantic involvement here in SL.  I mean some need is being met!

 For those who are not partnered in RL, is it merely satisfying to have a relationship here in SL?  Or perhaps relationships here are a testing ground where we can garner the confidence we lack in RL?  Are we just lazy?  Is the mystery or lack of ‘baggage’ attractive?  Well these are just things to think about.  And think we should because ultimately we are real people in real relationships and we must mean something by all this!

 I mean if love is a projection of our own ideals on to the beloved in RL, how much more so here? 
But I know Luco and I are in for the long haul. We count on each other, talk almost everyday, and plan to keep it that way with our traditional Valentine's Day dance!