Aether Salon: Shanghai'ed

There was a great turn out for the Aether Salon. The theme was "Shanghai'ed" and focused on Steelhead's Shanghai sim. Lunar discussed his influences for the Asian Steampunk look and feel of the sim, while Miss Riven Homewood discussed the RL influence of the Asian community on the Pacific Northwest. Miss Elegia Underwood spoke about roleplaying and RP'ing in Shanghai. I think everyone enjoyed it very much and it was nice to see so many visiting this wonderful sim.

Mahler's "Symphony of a Thousand"

I attended an inworld discussion at the Music Academy Online about composer Gustav Mahler and his choral Symphony No. 8, also known as the "Symphony of A Thousand", due to the almost 850 chorus and symphony members needed to perform it. The moderator was Juniper Eames (RL: Judith Ecklemeyer), who is a professor emerita of music history at Cleveland State U. I had the privilege of hearing this rarely performed work almost two years ago in RL and I can honestly say the experience of being literally surrounded by the performers was amazing. The music samples we were listening to and having explained to us was performed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus under Robert Shaw, who is considered one of the greatest choral conductors of all time. It is nice to be able to experience things like this inworld.

Playing Catch-Up

I am constantly taking photographs to record my adventures while inworld, so I shall play a bit of catch-up as to my activities during the strike. First, I forgot to post this picture of Dia and me looking brave before dogfighting over the Sound last weekend. For those of you who have a tiny avatar and might enjoy flying, do contact me as it is quite enjoyable and stable even on bad laggy days...On the 15th, I joined the Duke of Murdann at his home in Murdann for a salon about freedom, what it means to us, and how we can overcome those obstacles that hold us back. We were joined by Miss Puchkina, Mr Epsilon and Mr Smashcan. Thank you Otenth, I had a lovely time...
This past weekend, the lag was atrocious so we pilots gathered at Dia's Loft pub in Steelhead instead for good conversation and drinks...

Warm Folks and Warm Waters

First I watched Mr Enoch place his new building in Morgaine...Later, I joined Puck, Lady Darkling and Mr Drinkwater at Lady Darkling's new location of her Violet Petals shop in Winterfell. We were having a very, very funny discussion and at some point Mr Drinkwater confirmed that Puck had once been a bookish, quiet antiquarian. Darkling and I looked at them both in disbelief...
The region restarted and we ended up at Mr Drinkwater and Miss Anasi's place where there is a lovely underground pool of warm water. Dame Khgia, as a beautiful spring fairy, had joined us in the fun as we all splashed, floated and swam around while listening to French music...
"Spending the evening floating in warm water with good friends and conversation," Mr Drinkwater said. "How does one explain this to those who might not get it?" "Easy," said Darkling. "You spent it with good friends and lovely ladies!"

Tea at Carntaigh

Tonight I thought I'd set aside my metal boots and attend a proper tea with my fellow Caledonians in Carntaigh...We all went around introducing ourselves. I opted for a short bio of only a few words, as by this point if you don't know who I am, it is rather easy to find out! Duchesses and a Duke, the Vicereine, military gents, new and old alike chatted in the courtyard...
And at one point, Mr Hassanov (right) was joined by Capt O'Toole (left). Now that definitely made for a double take!

Caledon Culture at Orange Island

This afternoon I had the pleasure of attending a panel discussion about Caledon and its culture at Orange Island moderated by Miss Ordinal Malaprop. As you can see, there was a good turnout of both Caledonians and non-Caledonians alike... On the panel, from left to right was Miss Ordinal Malaprop, Miss Soliel Snook, Cap'n Sin Trenton, and Dr. Oolon Sputnik...

Of Natural Inspiration and Natural Disaster

Baron Wulfenbach invited me to his salon discussion at the Consulate to speak about being a muse. A lively discussion soon followed about muses, creativity, and inspiration...Also invited to speak was artist Miss Sysperia Poppy, who brought one her muses, Mr Cellside Unknown, along with her...
Later I was at Murdann with Duke Otenth looking at his cod drying racks when lo and behold a tornado struck! Debris, boats and cows were flying everywhere as the whirling mass went across the island!Dressed in my tiny Raglan Mardi Gras finery, I got too close and was sucked up into the air!After I somehow managed to safely land, we stood on the island along with Admiral Wind and Mr McCullough, watching it go out onto the water! Quite a harrowing experience!