Personality of the Week, Autopilotpatty Poppy--2015.1.25

This week, we profile Miss Patty Poppy, Duchess of Kintyre, Duchess of Stella Maris, ODS Knight of Caledon, and brand new Duchess of Caledon Moors. Though Dame Patty has just recently taken on Caledon Moors, she still considers Caledon Morgaine her home. As if redecorating a sim isn't enough, Dame Patty continues to host two events per week in Morgaine--a casual no-theme dance on Monday evenings at Alley Cats Alley and themed dances on Saturday nights at Poppy's Place Dance Club. She also has standing gigs for her DJing skills on Wednesday nights.

Dame Patty's had plenty of time in Caledon to build a repertoire of memories--she arrived before it became a nation, in December 2005! Since that time, she's been a founding member for Tanglewood, Glengarry, and Morgaine and says she fondly remembers the excitement of being involved "on the ground floor" in getting those regions started.

When asked about funny stories, Dame Patty recalled a wrong window that earned a quip in ISC--thereafter, amusing wrong window-ers would be said to "pull a Poppy."  (This scribe can recall a mysterious spare "t" that somehow worked it's way into a post so that, instead of Dame Patty enjoying a nice cup of Earl Grey while watching events unfold in ISC, she posted "/me sips her teat." If the original post wasn't fraught with hilarity enough, the Lady's flustered responses afterward left many of her fellow Caledonians crying with laughter.)

Dame Patty became a "Dame" through her work with Team Caledon for Second Life's Relay for Life campaign. She was co-captain in 2008 when Team Caledon raised L$3 million. She returned to lead the team as captain from 2011-2013. For her efforts, the Guv'nah knighted her.

Though many might think that Dame Patty's first love is hosting and entertaining, socializing was not the original reason she came into Second Life.
Over the years, she has been very involved in art and inworld photography.

"I think most people know that I originally was brought in to SL by my youngest son, Vlad Bjornson, in hopes that I could show my photography and have a gallery in SL.  He recommended Caledon right away and within two weeks of my arrival I was a land owner in Tanglewood and soon an adjoining region of Caledon on Sea where two galleries were placed.  I hosted a large number of artists from across the grid for a couple of years in both the Sea Song Gallery and The Gallery Tamrannoch.  That's where I first began to plan events and music and entertainment for artist receptions."

She shares a picture of the Gallery in Tamrannoch from 2007, just after the original was replaced by a minaret castle gallery:

Tamrannoch Gallery

"The Sea Song gallery is on the left.  The Cavorite Mines are behind the minaret castle.  While at this location I enjoyed working with a number of Caledon men when I did the Exotic Men of Caledon exhibit - my first try at portraiture in SL.  I was well received so I followed that up with Exotic Women of Caledon which was twice as large and very well received."

"During my time as Countess of Kintyre I did an exhbit called Men and Women in Kilts and also one that I may be most famous for the Moon over Caledon Women and Moon over Caledon Men - a 'behind-the-scenes' look at some of the steamlands most beautiful people.  Both for Relay for Life fundraising."

"As most people know, I like large builds and the Medieval Cattle Market I had built for a parcel in Babbage Wheatstone was no exception.  It was never rezzed in Babbage but instead was rezzed on Caledon Kintyre when I took that over in the spring of 2010, I believe it was."

Medieval Gallery in Kintyre

Kintyre Gallery Interior

"While on Kintyre and in the Highlands I worked with a number of lovely ladies across the steamlands and photographed portraits for a Stockings! exhibit - which, you might expect, was quite successful."

Stockings!

"This snapshot was taken just prior to the opening reception of the Stockings! exhibit.

From Kintyre I took on a large parcel in Caledon Highlands where I built a large gallery up in the sky.  It was undoubtedly the most aesthetically pleasing of all the galleries."

Highlands Gallery

"As I was curating and hosting events here in Caledon I also showed my RL floral photography in a number of well known galleries across the grid such as Enja Mysterio's, The Dream, Anandra, Gracie Kendall's gallery, Kelly Yap's gallery, Paris Metro, Dlly's gallery on Kijiiji, my own gallery on the DePaul CTI campus, a gallery on the Sweden region and a host of others.

My most recent group project was the Burlesque limited edition photo I did for the 2014 Relay for Life.  Fourteen of Caledon's finest burlesque beauties.  All five editions were sold raising L$5000 for RFL.  There is one edition that was generously donated to the wall of Alley Cats Alley, one of my dance venues in Caledon Morgaine."

Dame Patty is definitely a multi-faceted shining jewel in Caledon. If you're looking for something to do on a Monday or Saturday evening, treat yourself (and your ears) to one of her Morgaine events. If you're looking for one of her works to grace your walls, you might have to wait for the next RFL auction--but it will be worth the wait. :)

Events and Activities This Week, 2015.1.4

Sunday, January 4th

12 noon slt
Memorial Service for Mr. Whybrow & Miss Bluebird @ 12 noon SLT
Two Caledon residents were lost when their typist succumbed to cancer on Dec. 20, 2014. We will be honoring their memories together in the chapel built by Alastair Whybrow. Please join us, whether you knew them or not.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20SouthEnd/137/97/23

2pm slt
Hooked on Books
Hooked On Books is a weekly, informal book discussion group that's based around different genres or topics each week, rather than centered on a specific book, e.g Childhood Favorites, Horror, Mystery. Hosts/Contacts - Meg Thorkveld & Benton Fretwerk
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Port%20Caledon/127/143/23

7:30pm slt
Full Moon in Llyr

When all the world has gone to sleep,
the faeries from the forest creep.
A faun begins a playful tune
and dances 'neath the bright full moon.
The Standing Stones echo the call:
the Dance is Life, the Dance is All!
The Aos Sí, they cannot wait,
with you, tonight, to celebrate.
Come one, come all, from far and near
and join the Dance in Caledon Llyr!

Come fae, mortals, and creatures of the night, and celebrate the full moon in Caledon Llyr!

~~~

Monday, January 5th

6:30pm slt
Dancing in Alley Cat Alley
Casual and come-as-you-are for friends and fun!
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Morgaine/175/38/22

~~~

Wednesday, January 7th

1pm slt
An Hour of Frivolity! at the Book & Tankard Pub in Caledon
Come join us for a (hopefully) weekly hour of relaxation, talking, drinking, perhaps dancing, in the Book & Tankard Pub in Victoria City!
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Victoria%20City/75/150/23

6:30pm slt
Dancing at the Dragon Ballroom
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20On%20Sea/144/47/778

~~~

Friday, January 9th

6pm slt
Prims Over Caledon - Caledon Primtionary
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon/150/43/1003

 ~~~

Saturday, January 10th

7pm
Poppy's Place Dance Club
Please join us for belly dancing starting at 7pm up at Poppy's Place!
Dress Suggested:  Silks or other belly dancing attire.  Don't want to dress up - just come as you are!    You know we are not fussy with dressing in theme...  
Just come enjoy the music and friendship.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Morgaine/176/13/3510
Everyone is welcome!

Caledon in Winter, 2015.1.4

The holidays might be over, but that doesn't mean that there isn't still fun to be had in the snow before it thaws! Guv'nah Shang usually sets the end of winter near the end of January (yes, the All-Powerful One has the means to control the weather!).

This sauntering Scríobhaí set my sights on digging up the locations in Caledon you might have missed in the holiday hustle and bustle--but there's still time to visit while the ice remains!
~~~Text by Faerie Scribe~~~
~~~Photos courtesy of Aevalle Galicia~~~

~Oxbridge University

I started in Oxbridge. After speaking to Dean Jarvinen, I found out that the Ice Pavilion in the Rose Garden will remain until the spring thaw. If you haven't visited and treated yourself to a free pair of skates from the skater's hutch, make sure to soon! (You can also pick up a few mushrooms while visiting.)http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Oxbridge/92/198/28

Caledon Oxbridge Ice Pavilion

While at Oxbridge, you can head to the northern part of the sim to the train station to pick up some of the many free items there while you wait for the CNR train. This line runs to Caledon OnSea and is a great way to see the wintery landscape. (Be patient--the train can take a while to get back to Oxbridge if it is on the other end of its route.)
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Oxbridge/187/208/28

Oxbridge Train Station

Oxbridge offers another way to enjoy seeing the snow, by horse-drawn touring carriage. Head to the northern side of the Caledon Library building in Oxbridge. It may take a bit for one of the horses to show (there are 3-4 on the route circuit). The ride will take you all the way around the central Oxbridge Village Park which is snowed in for winter.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Oxbridge/198/121/27

Horse-drawn Carriage in Oxbridge

~Oxbridge Village

Using the carriage tour or on foot, Oxbridge Village has a few scenic spots to stop and take pictures. Besides the Oxbridge Village Park, Miss Kirasha Urqhart's lovely home has a frosty pond area, flanked with benches. When contacted, Miss Urqhart said that visitors are welcome to come skate at the pond or take pictures with the jolly snowmen and sleigh.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Oxbridge%20Village/172/87/22

Miss Urqhart's Skating Pond

On the eastern side of the central park, the Oxbridge Gazette Headquarters has turned their office space into a winter wonderland, complete with a skating area, pavilion, and spots to sit and enjoy watching others' antics on the ice.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Oxbridge%20Village/220/115/22

Oxbridge Gazette's Wintery Headquarters

 At the north-eastern corner of the central village park, A Quiet Place is a small park, now snowed in, where visitors can sit and enjoy the scenery and passing trains and carriages.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Oxbridge%20Village/188/185/22

A Quiet Place

 ~SouthEnd

Make a winter visit to the Eye of Caledon for an entertaining (and historic) ride as well as an aerial view of the surrounding snowy countryside and buildings.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20SouthEnd/80/72/24

Eye of Caledon

A solemn snowy area has been set aside for friends and visitors to leave memorials to Mr. Alastair Whybrow. The official memorial is set for Sunday, January 4th (see the events listings for more details) but, for those who cannot make the service, memorial items and notes can be placed in his honor. Benches at the memorial site and in the memorial garden are set aside for those who want to spend a bit of time here, in quiet contemplation of this well-known, much beloved and multi-talented citizen.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20SouthEnd/137/97/23

Whybrow Memorial

~Victoria City

Garnet Circle at the center of town is still decked out from the holidays as are many of the businesses surrounding the circle. If you haven't treated yourself to the carts for a while, take a look at the free offerings. Make sure to stop by the Book and Tankard Pub (on the western side of the circle) for some warming drinks!
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Victoria%20City/128/128/24

Victoria City Garnet Circle Center

~Caledon

Just off from the Caledon Prime hub is the winter'd Garden of Persephone. The bench area offers multiple poses for photos in front of the snowed-in angel statuary. Miss Pommie also pointed out that there is a swan sleigh rezzer at the front of the property though she warns that, apparently, swans do not always take orders well, so drivers should be wary and have plenty of insurance.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon/199/150/23

Garden of Persephone

Across the sim, the Plum Wine and Piffle Gallery is outfitted for winter as well, with a decorated tree out front. Don't forget to visit the exhibit inside too! (Be sure to pick up the gift for Caledonians left from Mari Moonbeam and Victorian Magic, just on the corner of the sidewalk, outside the Moonbeam Estate gates.)
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon/59/79/23

Plum Wine and Piffle Gallery

~Caledon II

In Caledon II, visit the Llewellyn Estate and pick up free skates to use at the estate skating pond. Hop on the ice carousel and treat yourself to a touch of whimsy this winter.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20II/180/152/22

Llewellyn Estate Carousel and Ice Pond

~Highlands

Trek north from Caledon II to enjoy the snowy hills of Highlands, fantastic for those who bring their own skis!  Look for icy areas for skating. Duchess Madga reports that there might be secrets found behind the waterfall.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Highlands/155/53/37

Hills of Caledon Highlands

~On Sea

In On Sea, don't miss the opportunity to see Mt. Caledon in it's wintery mantle of snow. Follow the menhirs and find where they lead.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20On%20Sea/62/114/23

Mt. Caledon in Snow

Also in On Sea, the Rain Estate and Rainwater Park have icy treasures to explore. Keep an eye out for the dragon on the mountain and the teleporter to the Dragon Amphitheater which Miss Nyree reports has been flooded and frozen over, ready for ice dancing and skating.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20On%20Sea/169/42/21

Rain Estate in Winter

~Cay

The Caxton Estate in eastern Cay offers a large rectangular skating rink this winter with free skates for visitors.  Look for the bench on the eastern shoreline--it offers a brilliant view of the lit Rothesay tree line and Aurora Borealis.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Cay/197/155/23

Caxton Estate Skating Rink

Across the road to the west, the Mclaglen-Noonan Estate grounds are dressed in snowy whites, featuring a large ice pavilion. Cross either of the bridges to the south and find the Museum Gardens, with its nutcracker guards and displays of  ice sculptures and decorated trees.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Cay/181/137/23

Mclaglen-Noonan Garden Museum Ice Park

~Rothesay

To the east of Cay, Rothesay's Aurora Borealis is beautifully set against the grey winter skies and snowy landscape. Trek through the winter woods, but be wary of being poked by branches. Take a few moments to ride the ice carousel and warm up with drinks from the tea room.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Rothesay/182/90/23

Rothesay Ice Carousel and Aurora

~Mayfair

Near the center of town in Mayfair, Miss Trilby has graciously set up a skating area and free skates for visitors,.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Mayfair/147/172/23

Skating Rink in Mayfair

~Burroughs

Heading west from Mayfair, visitors have a rare opportunity to skate almost the entire Firth area. In Burroughs, the Burroughs Tower offers amazing views of several sims away (for those lucky enough to be able to raise their draw distance).
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Burroughs/197/175/21

Eastern Caledon as seen from Burroughs Tower

Just to the south of the Tower, visitors can see what an iced-in volcano looks like. Hopefully it won't erupt while you visit!
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Burroughs/209/117/32
Skate or trek a bit to the west to find the Burroughs ruins, wrapped in winter. Look for the poseballs for photo ops and, for those who enjoy a good game, a chess set is available for play nearby.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Burroughs/149/150/23

Burroughs Old Volcano and Ruins

~Middlesea

Duke Wrath has left the secret winter forest area, hidden below Citadel Island, open to the public for a while longer. Look for the blue-green crystal orb to teleport down. Within the forest, visitors will find Middlesea-inspired goodies to enjoy around a large campfire. A snow-covered log hides a romantic dance machine. The gold edition of the commemorative Ice by Lamplight 2014 lamp is still available here as well. Look for it near the end of the wooden fencing.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Middlesea/27/95/27

Secret Winter Forest in Middlesea

(You'll need to fly or skate in to get to the crystal as Middlesea's hub lands visitors at the Iron Cloud in the skies above.)

~Speirling

Until the thaw, the elegant gothic skate area will be open for skaters in Speirling. Lady Aevalle reports that several kinds of skates and other seasonal goodies are still available for visitors, as is the silver edition of the commemorative Ice by Lamplight 2014 lamp (look near the purple candles). If you aren't afraid of the tornado overhead, Thundermyst Gardens in East Speirling is beautifully decked out in iced purple.  West Speirling has also been iced in--just be watchful as this is Firth Witch territory.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Speirling/122/161/22

Elegant Gothic Skating in Speirling

~Stormhold

North of Speirling, on the Firth coastline, the Hammerthall-Stroikavskoi Estate features an elegant skating area with dances. Miss Jan points out that the ruins nearby have also been snowed in for winter and are open for visitors.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Stormhold/92/43/24

Hammerthall-Stroikavskoi Winter Ballroom

~Morgaine

Skaters really shouldn't miss the iced-over waterways of Morgaine, an excellent way to view the Morgaine residents' homes from the water.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Morgaine/152/95/22

Iced Canals of Morgaine

~Pensans

The Pensans forest has also been winterized. Walk the trail up the mountainside, enjoying the vistas along the way. One trail heads to the sacred Madron Wellspring.  The other wraps around the walls of the well and ends at the waterfall overlooking Morgaine.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Pensans/185/29/29

Winter Woods of Pensans

~Inish

Though the ice is thinning in Inish, visitors can still find a skating area with trick and couples skating tour to enjoy under the Inish Aurora Borealis.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Inish/164/184/21

Retreating Ice and Aurora in Inish

Dear readers, I hope you have as much fun visiting, playing and taking pictures of these locations as I had fun finding them! This list is, by far, not exhaustive. Know of any must-see places in Caledon that I missed? Post it below in the comments section!