Benefits

Among the many things one gets to enjoy in second life, sex would be the top and foremost on my list, however, like many things people tend to over-complicate something as simple as sex online, but then again it being an imitation of life some drama is always expected, specially when dealing with primal urges and human emotions.

How many times have you heard of that friend -that one special friend we all have-, who just can't seem to be able to find happiness no matter how hard he tries and has made you go to his SL wedding, all four in less than a year?; truth be told, sex and love are not synonyms yet some tend to think they are. Mind blowing sex is not love, that's got a name already and is called lust.

One thing I have instilled on my kids as they were growing up in this complex virtual world is the simple fact that happiness is found in you and you have no one to answer to when it comes to it, other than yourself. My sons both are very sexually active -I am very much well aware- and both have struggled with finding the "right" person to settle down with, but like all things, this wait shall pass and the perfect someone will show up and make everything right.

In my particular case, I have found the perfect balance in a long term relationship with Hiro, while we both balance a few "friends with benefits" we have on the side, and this is the part where you wonder, why look for it out there when you have a loving partner at home you can use, abuse and experiment with?, simply because this is SL and sometimes getting organised around RL and the time difference is complex at best and I know -have the certainty even- that no matter who we entertain those empty hours when the urge comes a'knocking, that our hearts and feelings lie truly with each other.

Commitment and possession are far from being the same things and I have a few friends who struggle with this concept when facing SL relationships, oddly enough when it comes to RL relationships, I happen to be the most faithful partner out there but monogamy is simply a practice that doesn't seem to work when it comes to SL.

So if you have a few friends where the sexual tension is palpable, might as well give it a go; friends with benefits is an amazing invention, it is sex with a person you are close and comfortable with, where little instruction -if any- is needed, who most likely knows you well enough to know what buttons to push to drive you crazy and make of the intercourse a truly mind-blowing experience, where romantic love is simply not a factor.

https://www.facebook.com/spikecls

P.S: Big thanks to VICE POSES for providing poses for the article pics (link to the right) and to Andyy and my Son Zachy for posing for the pic, love you both.

L.O.V.E

Those who celebrate valentine's day nowadays and are in fact still single, usually call it "single awareness day" and many others who choose not to celebrate it, hide behind the excuse that it is simply another commercial attempt to get you to spend money on a loved one, but v-day is in fact older than Christmas itself and although borrowed to honor a Catholic priest, valentine's day is very much in fact a pagan pre-roman pastoral festival, observed from Feb 13 to the 15th to avert evil spirits and purify the city, releasing health and fertility; a festival dedicated to Lupercalia, believed to be a lycan deity.

So what is the real purpose of valentine's? I always say to those who ask that the holiday is and should be a celebration of love, love as a whole and not only romantic love. Love has many shapes and forms and even thought our constant search is that of romantic companionship and glorifying it, shouting it to the four corners of the earth when we do have it, limiting love to that sole area is absurd.

I happen to be blessed with many types of love in my second life, the love of my sons, of my close friends, of those who I call my family and that of my husband, so when the day comes I make sure that each and every single one of them knows how I feel about them, but it sure doesn't stop after valentines, since love, true love doesn't need to be worded but shown.

If you are also blessed, make sure those around you causing it also know it; cause your actions to do the talking.

Happy valentines day

FRIENDS with CAPS

What is the meaning of friendship? What makes a person stand out from the rest and become your chosen refuge from drama, support or random fun?

One of my closest friends in RL said once that your friends are the family you choose; I happen to believe this to be true; but one of the things that have always surprised me is how, flimsy and fragile it seems to be for most people when it comes to SL.

People friend and defriend each other with an ease that simply can't be normal, but in my opinion the only thing that can break two true friends apart would be an offense so horrid to either party, that the trust and love on which such bond is formed is forever broken. I happen to be lucky enough to brag about having a "somewhat" solid SL family, formed by friends who have been around my SL since the very first day, these are my brothers and my sisters, people I can count with and that I know for sure would not betray me or use me, at least not knowingly.

I was given the good news today that one of my best friends and someone who I deem relevant and essential in my SL -and at times in my RL as well- gets to stay in the US and around us in SL for an undetermined period of time I hope will be for a big long while. He may ponder and wonder at times on how strongly I feel for him and how much I depend on him being around, as I am not the cuddliest bear of the block -not the most vocal about it either- but when it really matters, I know I got his back and he's got mine, no matter what

That my dear readers is true friendship, friends with CAPS, unconditional, unbreakable and only changed to evolve into something better.

So if you have a friend you can trust blindly, count your blessings. I got mine right there: http://yusushi.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/meaning-of-friendship.html
Love you B, glad you get to stay with us

https://www.facebook.com/spikecls

My Reputation

You may have noticed the long writing absence, motivated mostly by RL time constrains -basically, I've been busy as fuck, but like I always tell my sons, busy is always good, it means you are actually getting stuff done- and some of my own actions and words caused me to seriously consider a small short internet / SL break.

I am the type of person that you would consider to have not only a strong personality but to be very outspoken -if something is not right, then it's not ok and I feel compelled to point it out- and sometimes this does not sit in right with people.

This works for me and those who care about me have learned to communicate with me effectively and to know that most of the time, I mean no harm; but sadly sometimes words is the only thing we have in second life, even with voice something that body language and facial expressions add to our communication process, gets lost somewhere, since we don't have any of those in our chat on the platform, making even the best placed words, to be misinterpreted if not placed in the right context.

When it comes to your SL family and loved ones, you place yourself in a vulnerable comfort area, where everything is permitted and let slide, because after all you're all family; but hurting the ones you love, even when you don't mean to carries a heavy collateral that eventually affects you.

Like Joan Jett used to sing not so long ago, I really don't care about my reputation, let them have cake; people will talk, assume and put words in your mouth... it happens, but I have learned that what my loved ones and those who put up with me day by day and want what's best for me think and their opinion about me and the example I give with my actions... that is what really matters.

Let people judge you by your actions and not your words, because talk... is cheap.

I am back and better than ever!

https://www.facebook.com/spikecls

Mr. Big

Even though some will recognize the picture as being the Logo for the Rock Band, this article is not about them, it's about the life character, portrayed and described in the "Sex & the City" TV series -to whom Carrie ends up married-.

Now, who is this Mr. Big person and how can you know if there is one in your life? He is that one friend that you first IM when you log in and who knows all of your darkest secrets, he's the one that is always by your side or within reach and he is most likely someone you love but would not consider dating for a number of reasons.

Why then not just sleep with him or date him and get it over with?, because sometimes in our own comfort zone, contemplating change -even if it's for the best- can be a scary concept, and of all the possible choices available, keeping him as a friend is the safest one.

At the end of the day, we all need a rock, a hard pillar, a safe area to cling to or to simply find shelter; that's why he's BIG, because he's made a big difference in your life and because you know that no matter what you do or say, he'll always be there.

So if you have a Mr. Big in your life, count your blessings and never take him for granted and make sure he knows how much he means to you, at least once, because as wonderful and varied as second life can be as a platform, seeing someone's true colors and finding people to trust blindly is truly a blessing.

https://www.facebook.com/spikecls

Brainy choices

Imagine for a second that you are offered the chance to go out with one of two very hunky twins, they both look the same, act the same and to the naked eye appear to be exactly the same, but there are small nuances, more than meets the eye and you know for a fact you will be missing out on those if you choose wrong.

Life is full of choices such as this one, more so in second life, where half the time you simply have to go on blind faith with the information you are provided; there are those you question, there are the ones you trust because they have earned it and the group looking for second chances -never mind the reasons, we've all either been there on either end-

When you achieve moderate success, specially in the club scene, there will be a few who will approach you to either bask on how well you are doing or partake on your hard earned progress -you all know who you are-, but where were they when work had to be done and things weren't as pretty and fabulous as they are now?

I'm always amazed on how, with all of the tools available in Second life for anyone to remain anonymous, get fresh starts or even twist and bend the truth to their convenience, their true colors will always surface for everyone to see and that is mostly done with the weight of their own actions. I am grateful that despite everything going on around me, I have always been able to tell bad choices and bad people from the ones worth sticking out for and going the extra mile.

I try to be a good friend and my work ethics are solid -as long as you reciprocate-, this is mostly because my father always told me that promising was free, it was the actual doing which involved effort and this is where "friends" and those floating around you when things go well, lack muscle.

https://www.facebook.com/spikecls

Imaginate por un segundo que se te ofrece la oportunidad de salir con uno de dos gemelos que están bastante bien, tienen la misma apariencia, actuán de forma similar y a simple vista parecen iguales, pero hat pequeños detalles que los diferencian y que sabes te perderás si escoges de forma equivocada.


La vida está llena de elecciones como esta, más incluso en el second life, donde la mitad de las veces tienes que tener fé en las personas con la información que te dán; los hay en quienes confías porque se lo han ganado, aquellos de los que siempre sospecharás y el grupo de aquellos que buscan segundas oportunidades -da igual las razones, todo hemos estado allí en cualquiera de los extremos-


Cuando alcanzas cierto exito en el second life, especialmente en el circuito de los clubes, habrán unos pocos que se te acercarán para regodearse en tu éxito ó para formar parte de todo aquello que tanto trabajo te costó -¿pero donde estaban cuando cuándo los tiempos eran dificiles y las cosas no eran tan bonitas y fabulosas como ahora?-


Siempre me sorprende como, con todas las herramientas disponibles en el second life para lograr que cualquiera sea anonimo, empiece de cero ó incluso tuerzan ó cambien la verdad a su antojo, sus verdaderos yo salen a relucir y la mayoría de las veces es debido al peso de sus propios actos. Siempre daré gracias que a pesar de todo aquello que ocurre a mi alrededor, siempre he podido diferenciar a las malas personas y las malas elecciones de aquellos que realmente valen la pena.


Intento ser un buen amigo y que mi etica profesional sea solida -siempre que todo esto sea reciproco-, esto se debe mayormente porque siempre me decía que prometer no empobrecía, lo que realmente costaba era hacer y es allí donde los "amigos" y aquellos que "flotan" a tu alrededor cuando las cosas van bien carecen de peso y sustancia.


https://www.facebook.com/spikecls

Feedback

There are moments in your life, whether this is RL or SL where you are left wondering if your efforts to keep all of those you consider your family happy are really worth the trouble and this is when what I call "the feedback effect" comes in handy.

It is defined as an event being part of a chain of cause-and-effect that forms a circuit or loop, then the event is said to "feed back" into itself, so when it comes to human interaction, the actions and sacrifices you make to keep those around you happy, logically feedback to you in happiness -that is in theory- as providing happiness is by itself a selfless act, hence creating a loop.

But what happens when it is you, he/she who always provides happiness the one in need of servicing? when the rules of the game change, that is when you are shown those who are worth feed-backing towards and those who can do without, simple as that. 

Never forget that never mind the reasons of your usage of SL, your needs are those which you need look after and then everyone else's. You simply can't go around trying to please everybody, because in the end you forget to make the most important person in you life happy, yourself and if it's for approval what you're after, an applause will sound louder from those who truly mean it.

https://www.facebook.com/spikecls 

Thicker than blood...

Sometimes there are certain things you want out of life that you consider will bring you happiness and due to a number of reasons don't quite happen in the way you expected them, but the end result is better than that which you wanted in the first place.

This can apply to that hunky friends you've had the hots since you can remember, a job or any either area in your life, but I am referring more specifically to gay friendships; much like straight friendships between a man and a woman, is complex if there is attraction and chemistry, but not impossible.

Gay guys are no different, and as a general rule you either seal the deal with sex at least once or you keep it platonic, but there is no middle ground -yes there are friends with benefits, but those end up in relationships or disappearing after a while of recrimination and hatred-, no grey areas to entertain. What happens however if a potential relationship was once in the works but both parties agreed to not sacrifice their idyllic friendship for fear of losing each other? Is it possible to go back to platonic grounds?

The answer would be no, you are either platonic or not, but there are always means for two people who love each other to remain good friends and that is by finding common ground where the needs of each can be met without involving romance. Sure the lack of sex and intimacy might be an issue but looking at the bigger picture, some bonds, those thicker than blood that resist the test of time, are worth fighting for.

https://www.facebook.com/spikecls


A veces hay ciertas cosas que deseamos en la vida que consideramos nos traerán la felicidad y que debido a un numero de razones, no terminan de ocurrir ó no lo hacen en la forma que esperabamos, pero cuyo resultado final es mucho mejor que el original de que lo que querías.

Esto se puede aplicar a ese amigo buenorro que llevas deseando desde que lo conociste, un trabajo soñado ó cualquier area de tu vida, pero me estoy refiriendo más específicamente a los amigos gay; igual que las amistades hetero entre un hombre y una mujer, es complejo si existe química y atracción sexual, pero no imposible.

Los gay no son tan distintos, y como regla general ó sellas la transacción con sexo ó lo mantienes todo el el plano platónico, pero no hay medias tintas -si vale, existen los amigos con derecho, pero eso siempre acaba en recriminación y odio ó en una relación en el mejor de los casos-, no hay areas grises que mantener. ¿Qué ocurre sin embargo si una relación potencial estaba formándose pero ambas partes accedieron a no sacrificar su relación de amistad bastante idilica por miedo de perderse el uno al otro? ¿Es posible de regresar al area platónica?

Mi respuesta seria negativa, ó eres platónico ó no lo eres, pero siempre hay formas de que dos personas que se aman mantengan una sólida amistad y es encontrando un terreno común, donde las necesidades de ambos sean llenadas sin involucrar el romance. Seguro que la falta de intimidad y sexo puede resultar un problema, pero al mirar todo el conjunto, algunos vínculos, aquellos más densos que la sangre que resisten la prueba del tiempo, valen la pena el esfuerzo.


https://www.facebook.com/spikecls

Think...

Due to recent events, I have come to the conclusion that when it comes to some things, people don't really consider the after effects or collaterals of their choices when it comes to others, at least not until it's too late and fixing is next to impossible.

As we were growing up, something my father always insisted on teaching me and my siblings -specially when it came to me, I was very hard headed when it came to social protocols- , was to always think of the consequences of anything we'd decide on doing at any given time, or else we'd have no ground to complain if anything our friends did affected us directly or indirectly negatively.

Second life as a social platform and simulator, gives individuals many tools and resources to learn how to socialize properly, compensate for that which they are lacking in RL -something some ABUSE at times-, explore creative areas that have been negated to you outside the grid or let loose on some intense sexual fantasy or kink you may have and would be an impossibility for a number of reasons; I think however, that the main problem here is that a certain percentage of the total number of active and not so active users don't take second life too seriously... after all is only a game right?

Social networks, as previously discussed are based on fun, first and foremost; people log in to get away from their real life issues seeking refuge on social platforms, this being second life, Facebook or any other, but fun surely doesn't give anyone license to put anyone's happiness or well being at stake if that is what it takes, specially when it comes to close friends.

Friendship, relationships or partnerships, this being in real life, a social platform or even second life is like solving a math equation, you have to put some thought into it to get the right result.

https://www.facebook.com/spikecls


A causa de eventos recientes, he llegado a la conclusión de que cuando se refiere a algunas cosas, algunas personas no se detienen a pensar en los efectos posteriores ó colaterales que sus acciones tendrán en otros, al menos no hasta que es muy tarde y arreglar las cosas es casi imposible.


Según ibamos creciendo, algo en lo que mi padre insistía en inculcar a mí y a mis hermanos -especialmente a mí, siempre fuí un poco cabeza dura cuando se trataba de protocolos sociales-, era de siempre pensar en las consecuencias de cualquier cosa que decidieramos hacer en cualquier momento, ó de lo contrario no tendríamos base para quejarnos de nada que nuestros amigos hicieran y que nos afectara de manera negativa, ya fuese directa ó indirectamente.

El second life como plataforma social y simulador, da a las personas muchas herramientas y recursos para aprender a socializar de manera adecuada, compensar aquello que les falta en la vida real -algo que algunos ABUSAN a veces-, explorar areas creativas que han sido negadas ó están fuera de tu alcance, ó dar rienda suelta a algún fetiche sexual que bajo circunstancias normales es imposible de realizar; yo creo sin embargo, que el problema principal es que muchos usuarios no se toman el second life demasiado en serio, después de todo ¿es sólo un juego no?

Las plataformas sociales, como lo discutimos previamente están basadas en el concepto de la diversión, primero que nada; las personas se conectan para desconectar de la realidad buscando refugio en las plataformas sociales, ya sea esta el second life, Facebook o cualquier otra, pero la diversión no le dá a nadie licencia o permiso de sacrificar el bienestar ó felicidad de nadie, si es esto lo que hace falta para conseguirlo, especialmente cuando se trata de amigos cercanos.

La Amistad, las relaciones ó incluso las parejas, ya sea esta la vida real, una plataforma social ó incluso el second life es cómo resolver una ecuación matemática, tienes que ponerle algo de cabeza y pensar, para obtener el resultado adecuado.

https://www.facebook.com/spikecls

The Erotica of sports

What compels a group not particularly known for following sports, to watch an event like the super bowl? I personally don't believe in labeling communities like most people do, but when all normal activities gay men do come to a halt because of a sports event, one does wonder.

This could be due to a number of factors, maybe we do enjoy sports as a general rule? the fact that straight men -that we know of- get sweaty and out of breath while touching each other? but I think it is mostly due to the erotica of sports, I know it, you know it, they know it and it's ok, sex sells; which explains why as of late for the past number of years, key sport figures either model calendars or underwear in very insinuating poses to fuel our fantasies -and when it comes to soccer, there's the random footballer "caught accidentally" in the buff either at a public beach or in the balcony of their hotel room-

In all fairness, sport gear is not thought out or planned to be sexy neither is the interaction between team players, but most of the time the close body contact motivated by the heat of the moment while engaging a competitive sport can give way to some situations that will stimulate any type of fantasies. A big part of it is -and I firmly believe this-, that no matter how gay and how much we claim to hate sports, we are first and foremost men: testosterone driven and competitive by nature, so in the midst of our glitter and glamour fabulousness, given to us by the power invested in us by the LGBT community, we enjoy competition.

I don't actively follow sports, but there are key occasions -such as the superbowl, World cup finals or any other crowd gathering event- when I do enjoy watching it with a group of friends and letting my competitive and primal nature out, while rooting for a team.

https://www.facebook.com/spikecls


¿Qué empuja a un grupo de personas no conocidas de forma pública por seguir los eventos deportivos, a ver un evento como la super bowl? Yo no creo en poner etiquetas a grupos cómo hacen muchos, pero cuando las actividades habituales de los hombres gay, paran en seco a causa de un evento deportivo, uno se hace preguntas.

Esto podría ser debido a un número de factores, ¿a lo mejor disfrutamos de los eventos deportivos por regla general? ¿a lo mejor es el hecho de disfrutamos ver como hombres heterosexuales -que nosotros sepamos- se toquen y queden sudorosos? yo creo que es principalmente debido a la erotica de los deportes, yo lo sé, tu lo sabes, ellos lo saben y no pasa nada; el sexo vende. Esto explica el por qué, durante los últimos años, figuras deportivas importantes han decidido modelar calendarios o ropa interior en poses bastantes insisuantes para alimentar nuestras fantasías -y en cuanto se refiere al fútbol europeo, siempre hay alguno que "pillan" desnudo en alguna playa ó en el balcón de su hotel-

Para ser justos, el equipamiento deportivo no está pensado para ser erótico y tampoco lo es la interacción entre jugadores, pero la mayoría de las veces, el contacto cuerpo a cuerpo durante el calentón del momento en una competición, da pie a situaciones que estimulan cualquier tipo de fantasías. Una gran parte de ello -y soy un firme creyente de lo que voy a explicar a continuación-, es que no importa cúan gay seamos y cuanto digamos que odiamos los deportes, somos ante todo hombres; llevados por la testosterona y de naturaleza competitiva, así que en medio de nuestra fabulosidad, investida en nosotros por el poder de la comunidad LGTB, disfrutamos de la competición.

Yo no sigo de manera activa ningún deporte, pero hay ocasiones señaladas -cómo es el caso de la superbowl, la final de la FIFA ó cualquier evento que reúna a grupos- cuando disfruto de ver un evento deportivo con un grupo de amigos y doy rienda suelta a mi instinto competitivo y básico, mientras apoyo a mi equipo.

https://www.facebook.com/spikecls

The Gay Friend

I am of the opinion and conviction that one has to adjust to every possible situation or environment exposed to when this is a foreign one, outside your comfort zone, in order to get the most out of your experience. Some people rather adjust it all to their convenience, but this doesn't always end well and can leave you frustrated when the end result is not what you wanted. Life Bruce Lee once said "be water my friend"

As a gay man -until society changes and evolves to a point it is normalized-, you are constantly coming out; when you meet new people you need, at some point bring up the sexual orientation bit to keep them from assuming wrong. As many already know, I am spending the weekend away from my usual routine at my best friend's rural hometown -beautiful volcanic island, but mostly farmers... everywhere-.

The small detail I may have left out is that she is a single mom -divorced actually-, therefore when planning our small weekend holiday, I had already expected a somewhat preventive coming out strategy; I mean she visits twice, maybe three times a year and the area must have around 60 to 80 people living in it -that's small towns for you, I've actually counted 10 people so far- so imagine the after effects  of her showing up with some random guy nobody knows and her 7 year old -she'd be the talk of the area of months, I am sure-. In order to prevent her being married to me in every farmer's word of mouth -or worse-, I gave her green light to brag about her "gay friend".

So far so good. Europeans, even the oldest generations are quite used at this point about people's sexuality. That's society evolving for you; there is hope for the world still and for future generations to achieve the equality most still fight for and a few of us enjoy. I am not ashamed of publicly announcing it, being gay is who I am; I may not brag about it in the most colorful flashy fashion, but I am proud of it anyway.

https://www.facebook.com/spikecls


Soy de la opinión y firme convición de que  uno debe ajustarse a toda situación a la que es expuesto, especialmente si esta es ajena a nuestra area de seguridad habitual, para así mejor disfrutar de todo aquello que se te ofrece. Alguna personas sin embargo, prefieren ajustarlo todo a su conveniencia, pero esto no siempre acaba bien y puede dejarte sintiendote frustrado, cuando el resultado final no es el que esperabas. Como dijo Bruce Lee una vez "se agua amigo mio"

Cómo hombre gay -hasta que la sociedad cambie a un punto en que esto sea normalizado-, estás saliendo del armario de forma constante; cuando conoces a gente nueva necesitas en algún momento, clarificar el tema para evitar asunciones erroneas. Cómo muchos ya saben, estoy pasando el fin de semana, fuera de mi rutina habitual en el pueblo natal de mi mejor amiga -una isla volcanica preciosa, pero con granjeros por TODOS lados-


El pequeño detalle que he olvidado de mencionar es que es madre soltera -divorciada en realidad-, así que cunado planificamos el viaje, ya yo tenía una estrategia para salir del armario; es decir, ella visita la zona a lo mejor dos o tres veces al año y la zona debe de tener unos 60 a 80 habitantes -así son los pueblos pequeños, yo debo de haber contado a día de hoy unos 10 a lo sumo-, así que imaginense los efectos colaterales de que ella de repente se aparezca con un hombre de la mano de su hijo de 7 años -la convertiría literalmente en la comidilla del pueblo durante meses-. Así que para prevenir que el corre ve y dile de los granjeros de la zona la casaran -o peor-, le dí luz verde para presumir de su "amigo gay"


De momento bien. Los Europeos a día de hoy, incluso las generaciones más mayores, no hacen mucho caso de la orientación sexual de nadie. Así es como las sociedades evolucionan y avanzan; así que pienso de que aún hay esperanza para que la futuras generaciones alcanzen la igualdad por la que muchos luchamos y muy pocos disfrutamos. No me averguenzo de anunciar de forma pública my sexualidad, ser gay es parte de la persona que soy; puede que no lo anuncie orgulloso de la forma más estruendosa y colorida posible, pero sigo estando orgulloso de ello.


https://www.facebook.com/spikecls

Kiss the stars

There are times in your life when you need to slow down a bit, even for a few days and stop to smell the roses or like my son Skylar says, enjoy the scenery. If you have had the chance to meet me in-world -this is the term used when you are inside the second life platform-, you'll know for a fact that I am not the slow down type; I am continuously doing something -sometimes several things at once-, I am what you would call "driven".

This weekend however, my best friend suggested we'd get away go "rural", shedding all responsibilities and just disconnecting from all modern technology -within reason I still got my laptop with me, one can only make so many compromises-, before my workload got heavier again. After a few days of sorting loose ends here and there, I felt I was ready to just go for it and take some time off for myself.

It felt a bit strange at first, once we arrived and found ourselves in a house in the middle of nowhere with unpacking, making dinner and television to keep us occupied, but I got to experience something that a city boy like myself had long forgotten, I looked at the sky and marvelled at how many stars I could see in plain view -I truly can't remember when it was the last time I was able to simply do this, look up and see stars-. It may seem like something simple, but this fact alone proved to me that tagging along for this little break from my regular routine had been a good idea.

Sometimes, once in a while is good to just take things slow, focus on yourself and if you find yourself in the right situation to just look up, and kiss the stars.

https://www.facebook.com/spikecls

Hay veces en tu vida cuando es necesario frenar un poco, aunque sea por un par de días y parar a oler las rosas, o como dice mi hijo Skylar, disfrutar del paisaje. Si has tenido la oportunidad de verme en -in-world - este es el término utilizado cuando se está dentro del de Second Life sabrás a ciencia cierta que no soy el tipo de ir despacio, yo estoy continuamente haciendo algo - a veces varias cosas a la vez-, yo soy lo que ustedes llamarían "motivado"".

Este fin de semana sin embargo, mi mejor amiga me sugirió que nos escaparamos el fin de semana a un sitio "rural", desprendiéndonos de todas las responsabilidades y simplemente desconectar de todas las tecnologías modernas -dentro de lo razonable que todavía tengo mi portátil conmigo, uno sólo puede hacer un número de sacrificios-, preferiblemente muchos antes de mi carga de trabajoacelerara de nuevo. Después de unos días de ordenar los cabos sueltos aquí y allá, sentí que estaba listo para ir solo por ello y tomarme un tiempo libre para mí.

Me sentía un poco extraño al principio, una vez que llegamos y nos encontramos enuna casa en medio de la nada con las maletas, haciendo la cena y la televisión para mantenernos ocupados, llegué a experimentar algo que un chico de ciudad como yo había olvidado, miré al cielo y me maravilé de cuántas estrellas veía a plena vista-que realmente no recuerdo cuando fue la última vez que fuí capaz de hacer esto, simplemente, mirar hacia arriba y ver las estrellas. Puede parecer algo simple, peroeste solo hecho me demostró que apuntarme a este pequeño descanso de mi rutina habitual, había sido una buena idea.

A veces, de vez en cuando es bueno tomarse sólo las cosas con calma,concentrarse en sí mismo y si te encuentras en la situación correcta de sólo mirarpara arriba, y besar las estrellas.

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PUT THE BLAME ON MAme...

Scapegoats have always been a necessary evil since the beginning of times. Adam blamed Eve, the French Marie Antoinette (who in my honest opinion just had crappy PR and was hated from the beginning) and there a numerous examples of wrongfully projected hate over the years over the wrong individual.

Gilda was the sexy minx who got between two good friends to end up in the arms of the man she shouldn’t have left to begin with, so naturally, the blame was also put on her. When bad things happen to people, they have the natural impulse of looking around, looking for someone to put the blame for all the evils in their lives and most of the time, it happens to be the most public, obvious choice.

SL is no different, communities usually revolve around a few symbolic public figures that people lean on, rely and trust and if it comes to it, put the blame on; same goes with friendships. How many times have any of us during the course of our second lives have lost friends for the dumbest of reasons? people friend and de-friend each other with the most disturbing ease and someone always gets blamed -never mind the past or the good moments we spent together, it’s all about proving I’m right and you’re wrong-, it’s all about blaming someone anyhow.

Let’s be reminded though that during a conflict, each person is partially to blame, everyone adds something to the drama equation, is all part of that we call human interaction; so getting on a moral high horse and pointing fingers is hardly productive or functional -just gives you that fake feeling of righteousness-

What drives people to irrational hate? to put the blame on close friends for all the evils in their lives? I was discussing this with a friend recently and in second life, this phenomena has a name “projected hate” i.e. you’re doing better than me, your hair is prettier, your friends are cooler and so on, ergo all that is going wrong on my side of the game must and should be your fault.

I am not saying that I am perfectly innocent of the drama that splashes my second life on occasion , hence bringing colour and depth to the whole experience, but I get this feeling that sometimes is gratuitous and fuelled by what I just mentioned above. I really don’t mind, Andre Gide a french Novelist said “It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not”

I’ll just go on doing my thing, minding my own business, trying to have fun around my loved ones and those who don’t like it… in Gilda’s famous words can, “put the blame on maME”

https://www.facebook.com/spikecls