Monday, September 16, 2013

Sometimes real life calls.  Then unfortunately, SL (second life) has to take a backseat.  That is what happened between my real life (RL) and my second life for long enough for over 400 KittyCats to age out.   The good news here is that in SL one can come and go, either starting over with a brand new avatar or picking back up where one left off putting life back together, much like real life.  Well, I have chosen the latter.  My avatar has seen lots of good times in SL and has collected lots of friends that know me; frankly, I want to keep that!  I have a wonderful partner in SL who I will keep in real life (RL) and SL.  I don’t want some new avatar latching onto him, even if that avatar is me!  ;) 

On the other hand, when an avatar comes back to SL, they have the option to start over again with old inventory, old friends and even sly family, but with new land, new house, and lots of new ideas! 
For many years in real life, I have had the dream of opening a women’s center, where they could attend seminars, develop hobbies, join support groups, and fellowship with other women.  During the months of my SL hiatus, I have come to the realization that such a center would be a welcome refuge for RL and SL women; however, aren’t they one in the same?  What we bring to SL is just reflection of RL, even if it is just what we desire our RL to be.
I’m proud to announce that The Circle of Claddagh Center will be opening October 1, 2013!  The center is not-for-profit; however, will accept donations at the wishing well to help continue blessing women through SL.  It is limited at the moment to women with plans later to bring in a Center for Men in a different location since the center is designed to be a safe place for women to get to know themselves.  It has been a RL dream of mine to open this type of center for women but funding has been an obstacle in RL; however, SL brings the opportunity to reach so many more women with all sorts of needs, even if the need is only to socialize and fellowship with other like-minded women.  The Center of Claddagh is a Christian based center but will never preach or force our personal worldviews on any member or guest.  You can join in the classes, groups, or just hang out with no fear of judgment or imposition of your individual worldview. 

In RL, I hold a Masters in Human Services/Marriage & Family, Counseling. Professional individual services will be provided by appointment if desired (for a small hourly fee).  The goal of this center is to provide classes, both sly and RL based classes, a library of eBooks, and group meetings, both self-help and social groups, and counseling and life-coaching sessions, as well as just fun activities like hobbies, crafts and just hanging out with other women.  The Internet viewers will be set up to access tutorials for hobbies and home remedies.  Suggestions for new activities will always be welcome and a suggestion mailbox will be up for members and guests to keep us updated on your needs. 

Currently the center is under-construction, but the building is up and decorated.  The internet viewers, notice boards, classes, etc. are still in progress.  Please feel free to visit The Circle of Claddagh Center at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Custer/18/102/45 to see our lovely building and follow our progress to completion! I'm including a couple pictures of the center inside to whet your interest!  It is tastefully decorated  and homelike!  No sterile atmosphere here!  
Our reception and Living room area. 
 Each meeting room has an internet viewer so that various tutorials, movies, and even google search can be assessed by members.  The eBook Library in the main living room will be located right behind the reception desk.
Kitchen doubles as our Craft/Hobby area






Crafts & hobby activities as well as a recipe sharing will be conducted in the Kitchen which can accommodate 12 members at once!






Pink & Green meeting room
The upstairs has two meeting rooms and a reading nook. The reading nook is a perfect place to relax with a book, magazine, or just nap!
The two meeting rooms are comfortably furnished with comfy sofa, chairs, and floor pillows so that members can meet together or just watch movies or videos.
Lounge & Reading nook
Zebra meeting room