Events over the last few days led me to write this, because some thanks are due — and I’ll get to that a little later on — but first, I wanted to jot down some thoughts about why I like to write about Second Life.
I’m normally a creative person, but coming into SL kind of supercharged that, because there is so much opportunity for self-expression, creative output, and social interaction offered here. A lot of people I admire write about living in the virtual world, post photographs from it, and make cool stuff in it.
I enjoy sharing a few photographs of clothes I like on my Facebook and Twitter/X feeds, usually inspired to buy them by some really awesome bloggers I follow — bloggers who post pictures for stores, brands, and fun. I can’t begin to follow in their footsteps, nor match the sheer volume of content they produce, but I sure admire them and the quality of their photography. Sharing a few of my own photos is just my way of dabbling and learning about photography, fashion, and style.
Writing about it, however, allows me to express in words the things I see — and hopefully, a few things I’ve learned — in the vast Second Life universe. Fortunately, I’ve had the chance to follow some pretty savvy writers who tell the Second Life story from their own unique perspective. One thing I’ve learned is that the same build, the same outfit, or the same region can be seen and interpreted in many different ways by different people. I can’t tell your story or share your perspective, but I can admire it and gain wisdom from it while telling a story of my own.
I’m generally positive and upbeat in my Second Life, and I try to bring some of that into my writing. It helps that I love visiting rich, immersive environments that make me feel like I’m somewhere else. I have great respect for builders and decorators who can pull that off. A winding road through a lush forest, a rocky beach coast, a bleak landscape, or a winter wonderland can all be equally beautiful and make you feel like you’ve stepped through the screen into another place — and even, occasionally, another time.
This energizes my own creative thought, whether I’m writing about it, planting virtual greenery around my Scotland home, or shopping for a new kitchen table. Creativity feeds the soul in Second Life.
I’ve found that many people in SL tend to be witty — and if creativity is truly the highest form of intelligence, then wit cannot be far behind. Some of the biggest laughs in my life have come from the wit behind the words spoken by Second Life writers, whether in blogs, personal interactions, or group settings. I value both creativity and wit, and Second Life holds an abundance of both. This richness — immersive, creative, witty, and exciting — fuels my desire to write about it and to share what I discover with others. That’s why I write.
Recently, someone took the time to write something positive about my blogging, which meant a lot to me. We all need affirmation sometimes — that we’re going in the right direction, and that there’s more to write about. So a big thank you to Caitlin Tobias, one of my favorite SL writers, whose blog has truly made me laugh, smile, and nod knowingly. She gets SL in the same way I and many others do.
More than that, thank you to all those who’ve followed along recently as I find my writing legs, navigate the social media channels, and try to find new ground to cover in a world that’s been around far longer than I have. You all provide me with much to see, do, and — hopefully — share in the future.
Thank you for coming on this journey with me!
See you soon!
~ Arabella
Post Notes:
Second Glances with Arabella 
Leave a comment