*Wow, it’s so quiet here tonight!*  I’ve heard this dozens of times sitting at the Crown and Pearl just chilling out.  This out of the mouth of someone fairly new to the Crown.  Someone who sees a group of folks sitting and chatting as a *quiet night*. 

A crowded dance floor isn’t what makes the place special.  The sploder going non-stop isn’t what makes the place special(although it does help pay the bills! lol)  DJs everynight isn’t what makes the place special.

What makes the Crown special are the people who are there.  As Lands said one evening, it’s not the quantity but quality of people there that makes it a good night.  You can have 3 people in the place and have a great time or 30 and walk away feeling cold.

Now I won’t speak for other bars/clubs.  We don’t have hosts and we don’t spam everyone to tip this or that.  If you like the bar, put some lindens in the tip jar.  It helps keep the sim open and the music flowing.  If you like a particular DJ, tip them.  It doesn’t matter whether it’s one linden or a thousand.  It’s shows you appreciate what they are doing.

Some of my best memories at the Crown have come from nights we’ve just sat about chatting.  So if your a newcomer to the Crown, don’t run away if the dance floor isn’t full.  Come have a seat on the sofas.  You never know what we’ll be chatting about.  Politics, religion, sex, children, holidays, life, death, SL, linden labs, sports or general nonsense.  You really never know.

Take some time to get to know us and we’ll get to know you.  You’ll find that while the Crown is a great place for a party, it’s also a great place to just hang out and enjoy some good company.

So, the next time you stop by, before you comment on how quiet it seems to you because no one is dancing, check out the crowd sitting on the sofas.

… twice shy?  I think not!

I’m sure the majority of you have noticed the obvious changes in my appearance in the past few days.  Nope, don’t need sun.  Yes, my teeth have grown.  Yes my eyes are … different.  

There is no need to be worried, I do not eat my friends.   Cross me and all bets are off though. 

And before anyone asks, no I won’t turn you, no I don’t need slaves, and no I don’t need human servants.  Thanks for all the lovely offers but really, no.  This particular Vampire is quite happy as she is.

Let me answer a few questions shall I…

1.  Yes I wear black a lot.  I’ve always worn black a lot.  It’s nothing to do with being dead, it’s just what I like.  Oh yes it does look good against my skin, thank you for pointing that out.

2.  No, I will not burst into flames in the sun.  I live on a tropical island ffs. 

3.  No, I do not sleep in a coffin.  Nor do I sleep underground.  I’ve a nice comfy bed tyvm. 

4.  I love garlic.

5.  Just because I’m dead doesn’t mean I’m going all emo.

6.  Yes Dev knows, no I haven’t bitten him, no he doesn’t mind.

So, there you have it.  I’m a Vampire. 

Oh, don’t even try with the stake thing…  It doesn’t work, it’s a myth.

It’s been a year since Prad, Kendra and I opened the Crown and Pearl.  In that time we’ve had ups and downs.  Days when we thought it was for nothing and others when we couldn’t believe the generosity and love from those we call friends and family.

It’s been a long road but one that has been the best ride I’ve been on.  Tonight was the Black and White Ball.  So many friends old and new came by to celebrate, to dance and to try and break the sploder. LOL  I DJ’d tonight, 4 hours worth and had the best time.

I wanted to say a special thank you to everyone who came by tonight.  But I also wanted to say thank you to a few people who without their love and support I wouldn’t be in SL.

Landsy:  Although our friendship is fairly new, silly girls we are , you’ve been a source of strength and laughter on some of my darkest days.  I don’t know what I would do without you to talk to, without your shoulder to cry on.  Thank you, you’ve no idea  how much you mean to me.

Ari:  Two years have seen a lot between us.  You are my dearest friend.  No matter what life throws at us, I’ll always be there for you.  You’ve heard me laugh, cry and yell.  You’ve seen the good and the bad and through it all, we’ve always been friends and always will be.  Love you hon.

Prad:  What is  it that brings two people together that are so very different and yet become the closest of friends.  You’ve taught me much in the past year and a half.  I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again here, some day I’ll see you in the news for some amazing thing you’ve created and be able to say, “I knew him when…”.  There aren’t enough words to be able to say Thank You enough for everything you’ve done for me.  Love ya kiddo.

There are so many people I could single out and say Thank You to for everything they’ve done, said, inspired in me.  For all of you, Thank You.  You all mean so very much to me.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the last year at the Crown and Pearl.  I look forward to seeing what the next year brings us.

See you all at the Crown!

Love,

BL

First, thank you to everyone who stopped by the Crown last night to celebrate it’s first anniversary.  It was a spectacular party.  Ahuva posted pics on her flickr as did Natty .  The fireworks were awesome(thank you Praddles ) and I totally enjoyed DJing for all of you.

Second, please don’t forget to send me your stories and pics from the past year.  Creating a book of memories from the last year is for all of us.  We’ve said it often enough, the people make the place and you are our family(twisted and deranged, but family none the less  lol ).  Only fair to have a family album. 

We’re having a black and white ball on Sunday.  Not sure what time, probably around noonish SLT.  So get your fancy duds on and come down to the Crown.  One of the fantastic Crown DJs will be spinning tunes so you really don’t want to miss it.

The following was written by Prad Prathivi and sent out to the Crown and Pearl group.  I’m reposting it here with his permission as he has said this much better than I.

A year ago today, three people opened a new bar from the ashes of a Second Life institution known as The Three Lions Pub. Our motives for opening The Crown and Pearl were different.. Bailey Longcloth and Kendra Fallon both wanted a new venue that welcomed all the old patrons and replicated the fun atmosphere of the old pub. I just wanted to get you gits off the roof of my house.

We work hard everyday to help train and bring quality DJs and to maintain a friendly atmosphere that’s not tainted by in fighting. A large part of running a successful venue in Second Life is not just being able to make tough decisions, but knowing when you’ve been wrong. We learnt from our mistakes of the past, and we continue to learn from mistakes we make, and we adapt to make sure that the Crown remains one of the finest places in Second Life.

I’m often asked by other venue owners how we can sustain such a large group of regulars when we don’t have any income. The answer is simple.. although a lot of time, love and money goes into the Crown, the core of the place is the people. It really is you guys who make the Crown and Pearl one of the most vibrant and pleasant atmospheres to be in.

There have been good times, and incredible times. There have been times when we’ve thought about closing the non existant doors and moving on. But, simply put, the Crown is home. It’s where a bunch of friends come together to chat, laugh and be happy.. and that in itself is priceless. We’re thankful that you all enjoy hanging out in the Crown and Pearl, because you’re all friends, new and old. And together, we make the place somewhere special to be.

In a grid that’s becoming increasingly commercialised and sex-orientated, it’s nice to have somewhere you can just getaway and be yourself, without the plague of green text, camping or escorting.

So here’s to one year of The Crown and Pearl. I hope it’s as special to you as it is to us.
Bailey Longcloth
Prad Prathivi’

Thank you everyone so much for everything!!

Some of you may have noticed an increase in new residents over the last few days.  When I say increase, I mean a constant stream of new residents landing on the islands where new residents take their first steps.  If you aren’t a Mentor you may not have noticed.  I am a Mentor and spent a few hours on one of the Help Islands working with these new residents.  Why the influx?  Well apparently the media in Europe had been broadcasting about sex in SL and a RL couple getting divorced because of it.

It shouldn’t be much a surprise then to find quite a few new residents looking for sex in SL.  It happens every time one of these stories runs.  You never see this kind of coverage when for example the Crown and Pearl last year raised in the neighborhood of $3,000USD for Cancer Research.  Or when the Relay for Life raises thousands of dollars and has hundreds of people involved.  Nope, we get the big media push for sex.  I suppose people would rather read about sex than any charity.  Ok, fair enough but, if the media was really doing it’s job, it would do a bit of research.  There are positives and negatives to everything.

So, back to sex and the noob.  Sounds like a game show huh.  lol  Felt like one over the weekend, or perhaps it was a combat simulator.  In any event, I was asked more than once how to have sex, where to have sex, if I would have sex, would I teach them sex, and oh my favorite, *can I haz money to have sex with you*.  Sorry, I don’t pay people to have sex nor do I pay them to have sex with me.  I’m soooo not that desparate. LMFAO

So if you see a naked noob running around asking for sex, now you know why.

With so many rezz days and anniversaries it occurs to me how much we forget after a year.  So I’m going to collect yours(memories that is ).

The Crown and Pearl’s birthday is Wednesday and I thought what better way to share the memories of the last year than to collect them all in a book that we can all keep.  So… send me your stories.  The funny, the sad, the weird, and the ugly, I want them all.  Please just one per person though!!!  Feel free to send a pic or two along with it.   Keep in mind this book is going to be out for public viewing so if you don’t want someone else to see it or read it, don’t give it to me.

Send me your stories and pictures by the end of the week.  Either send me a notecard in world or leave a comment here or email me at mayfairwtch20@hotmail.com .  Please leave me an IM if you send me something so that I don’t miss it.

I’ll put them all in a book and leave it at the Crown for everyone to see.  If you ask nicely I may even give you your own.

I have so many fond memories of the last year picking just one will be near impossible but I hope that everyone can find one they want to share.  One very special memory for me is a moonlit dance in a very crowded CnP with a very special man and not noticing anyone but him.  It was a beautiful night and one I’m not likely to forget any time soon. 

The new theme will be going up in The Gallery of Light this week as well.  You’ll just have to come by and see it for yourself.

Watch for notices to go out in the Crown and Pearl group later today.

Yesterday was my 2nd Rezz day and we had a party at the Crown and Pearl.  Prad DJ’d for about 4 hours while we celebrated not only my rezz day but the rezz days of 3 of my dearest friends, Rrishanna Regina, Bailey Dazy, and Aribeth Coronet.  These ladies are truly special.  The day was wonderful filled with great friends and good music.

Thank you everyone who came by the Crown to wish us well.

I didn’t take any pictures during the party but Ahuva did so pop over to her blog and check them out.  Go ahead, I’ll wait…..  Welcome back

I need to share my rezz day present with all of you because it is just amazing. 

Present from Prad

This is a miniature Crown and Pearl in globe and in turns!!  It’s absolutely beautiful and I totally adore it!!

There are times when you are simply speachless at the thought and love that goes into a gift.  This was one of those times. 

Thank You Prad for the lovely party and the beautiful gift.  <3

After reading Lands posts about map rights and friends lists it got me thinking.  No I didn’t hurt myself, hush up!  

I’ve been in SL for 2 years now and I’ve only cleaned out my friends list once.  It’s not even a very long list considering  how long I’ve been in world.  Where I differ with Lands is that I don’t *friend* everyone that asks.  If your on my friends list it’s because we’ve spoken before.  Now I know I could hand out calling cards instead.  What is a calling card you ask?  Go to your inventory, look at the folder up on top called calling cards.  These are all the people you have friended and anyone who has you given you  their card.  Go ahead, open one, look at it.  I’ll wait.  Welcome back.   Now, you can give these out to people instead of friending them.  It will give them a way to get in touch with you without being on the friends list.  Right click the person and select give card from the pie menu.  It’s really easy.   So, if you don’t necessarily want to add someone to your friends list, give them a calling card.

Map rights…  This one can get ugly, and I know this from personal experience.  Lets say you are dating someone.  You give them map rights.  Well one evening you are  hanging out on your sofa with someone who is not your b/f or g/f.  In comes your significant other who has mapped you and didn’t notice the 2 dots, or maybe they did.  Well Lucy, now you’ve got some ’splaining to do.  Or do you?  If I give someone map rights does that automatically mean they can pop in on me any time they like?  No it doesn’t.  It means I’ve given you rights to know where I am.  If you map me and there are 2 dots, IM me before you *drop* in.  Get your mind out of the gutter   I could simply be in the middle of a private conversation.  If I’m at the Crown, go ahead and map me.  My point here is, if I’m at the Crown or out shopping drop in, the more the merrier.   But if you map me and see one or 2 dots, how about IMing me first before you drop in.  That’s just common courtesy. 

I have map rights to a number of people.  All good friends who trust me enough to give me that privilege.  If they are at the Crown, yep I’ll cheat and map them to get there quicker.   Would I ever map them if they were somewhere else?  Nope, not unless they told me to.  Have I checked to see where people are, yep, I have.  I’ll check the map before I IM them.  If I see 2 dots, I’ll leave them alone.   

Now, lets say your are dating someone and you DON’T give them map rights.  What does that say about the relationship?  Well, either you don’t trust them, you are doing something worthy of hiding or you simply don’t trust anyone.  This happened to me.  I didn’t give him map rights, we had a huge row.  I wasn’t doing anything wrong, I just didn’t trust him.  Nor did I want him following me around everywhere I went.  Course, he didn’t trust me either which is another matter entirely.  I gave him map rights in the end.  Regretted it and eventually he and I split up. 

My point is that giving map rights means you trust that person, you have nothing to hide from them.  You are also giving them the benefit of the doubt that they’ll act responsibly.  Remember, just because someone gives you map rights, or even that they friended you doesn’t mean you can be a pest.  Rights easily given can just as easily be taken away.

My second rezz day is this weekend.  Wow.  Two years ago I entered this wacky awesome world for the first time.  I remember my first month in SL like it was yesterday.  Several names stick out too.  Names of people who are my closest friends.  Several of us all started around the same time.  Bailey Dazy, Aribeth Coronet, Rrishanna Regina and myself.  We all joined within the same 10 days.  We are all still good friends. 

When I think back on all the changes that have happened in those 2 years I’m amazed at what we take for granted now.  Can you say sculpti?   I remember the hype leading up to it.  The day they were brought in world everyone was making bowls of fruit!  The Three Lions was open then.  I remember HellspawneD and lots of others littering the floor with apples, the *default* sculpti.  LOL  Look how far sculptis have come and how much they are used.  There isn’t a piece of SL that isn’t touched by them.

What about voice?  Remember the days when it didn’t exist?  It’s not perfect, but it works. 

The Three Lions.  Good memories there.  Ari and I found it thru a wedding we crashed.   Not sure  how she found that wedding but I’m glad she did!  Ari fell right in and started working there.   I started hanging out there too.  Met some truly wonderful people.  Phill and Kai ran the place and were great.  Love them both and miss seeing them these days.  The Lions was home.  It was the first place I went to every day and likely the place I logged out from.  The parties we had were second to none.  The DJs brilliant.  Prad, Kendra and I took over the daily management of the place for awhile to let Phill and Kai focus on other stuff.   Sadly, Phill closed the Lions and sold the sim in November of last year.  We had a huge going away party that lasted a good 24 hours.   The next day, we reminisced and we cried over losing our *hangout*.  What Prad, Kendra and I realized though was that it wasn’t the *place*, it was the people.  So, we vowed to create a new *place* for those great people.  Using the same principles of the Lions, the Crown and Pearl was born.

The Crown and Pearl will be one year old next week, the 19th.  Wow, time flies.  It’s on it’s 3rd sim, and it’s last now.  We aren’t moving it again!  Well not unless Prad or I win the lottery and upgrade it to a full sim.    We’ve had our ups and downs and moments when I really thought we’d just pack it in but we survived.  One year in SL is a long time for any business let alone a BAR.  I’m proud of what Prad and I have created.  And I want to thank everyone who has helped to make it what it is today.    We really couldn’t have done any of it without your love and support.

Angel Square.  About 9 months ago I bought the sim that is now Angel Square.  It’s been a blast owning it.  The residents are wonderful folks.  All terrific people who make it a pleasure to be a landlord. 

Looking back I realize how much I’ve changed from those noob days.  New skins, hair, clothes etc are all window dressing.  I’m talking about me, Bailey the av and yes even the person behind the av.  We’ve definitely changed, hopefully for the better.  I’ve learned soo much in the last 2 years.  Building is a sometimes passion, sometimes chore but always something I enjoy.  I think I’ve gotten pretty darn good at it too.  I finally broke down and got photoshop(well, someone gave it to me yay!) and I’ve been snapping pics and photoshopping and flickring ever since.  I went nuts for awhile, doing 3, 4, 5 pics a day.  Now, I’m doing one or two as the mood strikes me.  I’ve got loads of ideas in my head for some great pics but until I’m *inspired* to take them they remain ideas.  I started DJing in the past couple months.  I’m no where near having a large music library, I DJ just for the fun of it.  Who knew it wouldn’t be that hard.

There are so many people who have touched my life in the last 2 years.  I wouldn’t know where to start with everyone.  There are a few special people though.  Without them, SL would not be what it is for me.  I can’t finish this post without mentioning them.

Ari… My oldest and dearest friend.  Thru it all, you’ve been there for me.  Your love and support have meant the world to me.  I really could not, would not do this without you.  Thank you!

Prad… What can I possibly say that hasn’t been said far too many times.  Love, trust, loyalty and respect you’ve shown me.  You’ve taught me much, listened when I needed a ear, lent a shoulder when I needed to cry and laughed with me(oh all right, AT me ).  You’ve been a great business partner and an even better friend.  Thank you!

Bailey Dazy(BD)… From the days when you were in your *hole* on Bourton, to the day I was honored to preside over the joining ceremony of you and MJ, to my wedding day, to today, there is no truer friend.  I love you dearly.  Thank you!

Rrishanna Regina… Your style and your grace have been an inspiration.  You’ve become one of my closest friends.  I’ve watched your talent develop and grow and you continue to amaze and inspire me.  Thank you!

I could go on and on about everyone I’ve ever met in 2 years but frankly, that would bore you all to death so I won’t.  Just know that every one of you have helped to shape me into the person I am.

Two years….

Here’s looking at another two….