Virtual Botanical Gardens

A couple years ago, I read that Microsoft was conducting screening interviews with people's Avatars in Second Life. In classic curmudgeon form I muttered to myself:

What the heck is an Avatar? And, what is Second Life?

If you're familiar with Second Life you can find me here. Near the ocean on my purple [velvet!] lounge chair, in the Botanical Gardens.

I hate to be the last one to know what's cooking. So, I downloaded Second Life [think of it as a computer game on steroids,] and I created an Avatar ~ which is just an imaginary me.

How often does one have the freedom to lounge beneath a Wisteria tree?

In Second Life, I discovered a place called the Botanical Gardens where I can take my little Avatar for a walk.

Heading toward a greenhouse.

The really fun aspect of this is that I'm literally tip-toeing through the tulips!

Enjoying the rush of a waterfall.

It's a beautiful, expansive, blooming garden by the sea. With sounds of birds and rushing water, ocean waves and gentle rains. As I wander around here, I grow more and more impressed with the artists who created this lovely place. I've read that it took them several years. Which makes sense. It takes a long time to grow a garden!

I wish I knew how to talk to these people in the first life, because I'd love to join in the fun.

PS: They even have a riding club. :)
* This one is for you, Omega - something interesting to explore on a bitterly cold Alaska winter day. Bonus! It's free.

PLEASE NOTE: As with any internet community, this joint has it's fair share of oddballs and weirdos but you don't have to interact with anyone. I'm not very familiar with Second Life because I only frequent the Botanical Gardens and the stables. I figure if an Avatar loves flowers and horses they can't be all bad.