Lola

I met Lola back in 2009 when we were both noobs in Divine.  We shared a bond of MM boards and free Neko clothing.  Over the years we have been in and out of each other's Second Life.  I've always admired her strength and level-headed attitude. She is also a fantastic builder making beautiful clothing and party platforms. When it was time for me to leave Divine she welcomed me to her horde with open arms. I will always be thankful for her sound advice and reassurance when I'm in doubt.  Surprising thing about Lola is her incredible wit. She is hysterical! I love you, Lola. 

"A true friend unbosoms freely, advises justly, assists readily, adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends courageously, and continues a friend unchangeably." ~ William Penn

"Friends are like walls. Sometimes you lean on them, and sometimes its good just to know they are there." ~ Unknown

Laini

Laini. Oh that one word says it all. Such a strong personality, that woman. Deeply private of her rl, she is fiercely loyal if you are lucky enough to be allowed into her world.   One of my dearest friends and the one to call upon when you want to do something naughty. She never judges, never questions, just says "let's do it." Laini and I both joined Divine about the same time back in the fall of 2009. One of my early memories of her was after Rick scripted one of her tails she had me test it. I touched it and instantly was giving her a rim job. I cringed. We laughed and laughed about that. In February 2010,  we both streaked at Cari's wedding and a bond was made. Oh how she loves to rebel and cause a stir!  She drained the last bit of blood from me at my turning and helped make me a vampire. Over time, I have been her liege and in turn her grand minion now. I love you my Lainipie.

"But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but the sunshine of life, and thanks to the benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine." ~ Thomas Jefferson

"A good friend is a connection to life- a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world." ~ Lois Wyse

In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, for in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed." ~ Kahlil Gibran

Loyalty

If there is anything constant about Second Life it's change. The game is constantly evolving and improving minute by minute.  There is always something new to see or try.  New players join every minute as well.  Some join the Bloodlines game, some not. This constant influx of new players requires vast amounts of time to teach them not only Bloodlines, but Second Life as well.

The trouble with Second Life is people get bored. We make our own amusement sometimes. It is a very social game. We make friendships. We joke, we laugh, we tease. Some players make romantic connections. Then come the breakups, the drama.  Others just can't seem to get along. Huge fights occur.  Friendships you felt would never end- do.

As I approach my second rez day on Second Life and my second anniversary as a Bloodlines player, I think of myself as a veteran now.  I've taught hundreds of classes (yes I have. I did the math). I've done more than 100 turnings. Spent endless hours helping, consoling, encouraging, and being a stable presence in this roller coaster of a game.

Throughout this time I have had many, many minions and helped friends' minions as well.  When there is drama- go to Freya. Need a hand? Freya. People leaving and you want to stay? Go to Freya.  I find myself in this position once again.  People leaving, wanting me to leave. Thanks for your help Freya, but we're gonna bail because someone else pissed us off.  Time and again, the stories are endless.You're great, love you forever. Bye.

At what point do I stop caring and throw my hands in the air? Well, I don't. I keep on helping, I keep on trying.  And I will sit here and continue to do so until they kick me off. I refuse to allow the drama to get to me. I refuse to allow someone else to drive me from my home. And though it hurts to have friends leave me once again, friends I thought would never leave me, here I am. You know where to find me if you need me.

A Sense of Belonging

Well, I'm not the only one.  Time and again the subject comes up.  Do I belong? Does anyone care that I am here? Why should I care about these random strangers online and what they think of me? Regardless of RL background or where people live in the world- they feel the need to belong.  In my own experience I have met some pretty awesome people that I would not have otherwise.  The echoes of my own first days on SL come back time and again. I know what it's like to try to fit in, to belong. I try to make those new friendships whenever I can. It's difficult to not have cliques with a large group of people.  You gravitate towards those that you connect with. I still struggle with a sense of self worth and a sense of belonging even with my long term friendships on the game. If you're feeling this way- know that you're not alone. Even the most bad ass, hard core, strong people I have met deal with this. Keep trying, make yourself available, continue to show up and people will get to know you. Invite them to be on your friends list. They might be having the same issue as you!