I had just come into possession of new digs, and I set about the daunting task of furnishing the place. I wanted a place that was functional, yet contemporary looking. A place where I could comfortably reside, without breaking the bank to do so. It was during this search that I stumbled, quite literally, on Amelia’s Coastal Treasures. As one of the newest furnishings stores sporting a Coastal theme, I happened upon Amelia, the owner, and asked if she might take a few moments out of her busy schedule and answer a few questions for the benefit of our SL Enquirer readers, and she graciously consented to do so.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB): So tell me Amelia. Can you share a little about your SL experience and your initial involvement here in the Virtual World?

Amelia Corryong (AC): I started out like many, just exploring and finding out what all SL had to offer. Learning how to walk straight, transform my orange avatar into something halfway appealing, all the things. *Laughs* I had several relationships, friendships and of course went through the various trends such as Bloodlines, dancing, club ownership, MC life-then found out I had a talent as a DJ. I got my start at Turbo DJ (The Rock) and from there went to various clubs including Wet Willies, Ohana, Big Daddy's, to name a few. I very much enjoyed DJing and although I DJed for a few smaller clubs under this avatar, I did most of my DJing through another avatar named Shannon Celestalis. I met someone in world and it evolved into real life and not only had I found my Prince Charming, but my Prince Charming's castle was 10 or 11 blocks from the beach-so two life-long dreams came together for me at once. I met my now RL husband and lived my dream of being literally a few blocks from the ocean and surrounded by all the things I love with the man I love. We knocked around on SL for a while longer, but at some point, thereafter both of us were in a place where we did not desire to be in SL. We both took fairly long hiatuses from SL and it was only when I got a little bored and wanted an outlet to create that I returned.

JB: So then, do you still DJ from time to time?

AC: Sadly, no. The only left-over from any of that is my radio station, Iron Horse Radio, which is a rock and metal themed station. I started that up whilst living in Florida. We streamed to many clubs and MC properties during that time. Once I came back regularly, I dusted off my SAM and restarted the station, although at this point it mainly just plays on my sim. Shameless plug- you can listen at

http://gostream.store:8774 .

JB: That seems like quite a direction change. How did you make the jump from DJing to creating?

AC: Initially, my interest when I returned to SL was in photography. Once I got into the photography a little deeper, I wanted to add effects to my photos and that led to my learning Photoshop. Learning PS in turn, led to the starting point of designing and creating and bringing me to where I am now.

JB: So, what was the thought process behind creating your store, Amelia's Coastal Treasures?

AC: My opinion has been that most successful money-making ventures have a niche so to speak. The business needs to offer something that sets them apart or has enough mass appeal that if there are several of you doing it, you can still have some interest and success from other residents. I thought about it and it seemed to me like most SL residents were of the same mind as me with regard to their living preferences. It seemed to me that most wanted a beach- themed property or at the very least, a water-front property of some sort. My idea was to cater to that. It was, after all, what I loved and I figured there were plenty of others who had to feel the same. During the time I really started concentrating on the store, my husband accepted a job in another (not a coastal) state, which took us away from the beach living that I so loved, so not only was I designing and creating these things for hobby purposes, but also for therapy, so to speak.

JB: In your opinion, what sets you apart from other stores that offer tropical or beach-themed items?

AC: To use your words, the fact that they offer tropical or beach themed items sets me apart from many of them. I think the sheer size of my store, variety of items and immense array of items offered is what I feel sets me apart. I have knowledge of some Tropical - themed stores in world and think they are great! I have shopped at many of them, will continue to do so and admire their work and their creativity. That being said, most of the ones I was and am familiar with, did not offer the scope or size of what I wanted to. I offer everything from coastal front door mats to coastal tp holders. Every single item such as components of living room furniture, bedroom furniture, kitchen items, etc. all have a coastal or nautical theme or color palette. At my store you can furnish and decorate literally every room in your home, top to bottom, in one shopping experience. Inside and out.

JB: Is your focus on decor and the above mentioned items, or do you also offer coastal themed homes and skyboxes?

AC: Of course I had to venture into home building! I have many coastal homes for sale and although I am planning on creating some in the future, currently I do not have any skybox homes.

JB: What is the one thing you would like people to know about you and your store?

AC: If I had to pick one thing, I would have to say that I would like them to know that I do this because of the sheer joy it brings me. While it has become more profitable in the past few years for me, the impetus for me doing what I do has nothing to do with trying to make money and everything to do with loving the creating and designing side of what I am doing. Every time a customer messages me to tell me how much they love my store I take such pride and joy in hearing it. I am honored and so appreciative that people love what I do and as long as I continue to find pleasure in creating, there will continue to be an Amelia's Coastal Treasures.

JB: Where can people find your store on SL Marketplace and in-world?

AC: Sadly, probably less than five percent of my content is on my MP right now. It is something I have not kept up with and now it has snowballed to the point where it is absolutely overwhelming to think about trying to get it all uploaded to MP. It is my intention however, at some point when I can find more time, to do just that. The best option is to visit the in-world store which is located at

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fernandina%20Beach/120/255/22 .

If you are just looking at MP, you are missing the bulk of what the store offers.

JB: Thanks so much for sharing your experience and taking the time to talk with me about the store. Best of luck to you in this new adventure.

AC: Thank you as well for the opportunity and thank you to SL Enquirer as well.

So there you have it, Folks. For those of you who are in the market for some of the newest home furnishings anywhere, whether you want a full room of furniture, or accent pieces to dress up what you already have, you are sure to find something to your liking at Amelia’s Coastal Treasures. I wish to express a special Thanks also to Annalise Dawn, who aided in the completion of this article. So, hop on by. And when you do, tell ‘em Josh sent you. You’ll be glad you did.

Be there! Aloha!

JB

For nearly two decades, Thea has been a strong and creative presence in Second Life. Known for her commanding role as a Mistress, her uncompromising standards, and her bold new project The A-Club, Thea has experienced SL through all its changes. In this interview, she shares her journey, her vision, and her honest thoughts on what SL gets right, and what could still improve.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB): So Thea, thanks for agreeing to meet with me today. To begin with, I am hoping you can share something about who you are and your interests in SecondLife?

Thea Papp (TP): I’ve been a Mistress for 18 years now. Everything I’ve done in SL has been connected to domination in one way or another, and I’m still doing it.

Domination isn’t just a roleplay style for me, it’s about control, responsibility, and vision. Those same principles guide how I build and create in SL. Perfection is the only acceptable outcome. If it’s not done perfectly, it’s not ready. That’s my philosophy, and it’s what drives me now as I build The A-Club, my boldest project yet.

JB: In 18 years you certainly have a perspective that not many people have achieved. Can you share with our readers some of the changes you have seen in SL over your time here?

TP: In the beginning, it was raw, a frontier. Everyone was experimenting, trying things, and the philosophy was that anyone could build something unique and instantly find their place. It wasn’t polished, but it was alive.

Over the years, the visuals became sharper, avatars more detailed, and builds more realistic. Clubs, shops, and communities also became more structured and professional. SL is more beautiful now, but sometimes I miss the wild spirit of the early days.

JB: I understand you have a project underway called “The A-Club”. Can you tell us about that please?

TP: The A-Club is still under construction, but it’s a project I’ve been shaping for some time. It’s designed as a cathedral-inspired structure, Gothic architecture on the outside, but inside it’s all about the energy of house music and similar styles.

I don’t want another old-fashioned playlist. The A-Club will bring house, vocal house, deep house, music that feels alive, modern, and international.

The design itself is as much a statement as the music. Soaring walls, vaulted rooflines, intricate details, a space that feels historic, yet modern with its lighting and sound. It’s not just about creating a dancefloor, but about creating an atmosphere. A place where you step in and feel you’ve entered something unforgettable.

And I’m patient with it. I’ll open the doors only when it’s as perfect as I can make it. Quality over speed. That’s rare in SL, where many clubs launch quickly and fade just as fast.

JB: Based on your experience, what would you say are some of the best things about SecondLife?

TP: The best thing about SL is the freedom to create without limits. You can build a cathedral, a script, a dress, anything you imagine, and share it with others immediately. There’s nothing else like it.

I also love the way SL connects people across borders. I’ve had conversations and friendships here that never would have happened in real life. SL collapses distance. You meet people you’d never cross paths with otherwise, and you create memories together.

And one of my favorite moments is seeing my builds come alive with people inside. When you put so much work into a place and then see others enjoying it, that moment makes it worth it.

JB: And you must also have seen some things that could stand improvement? What might they be?

TP: Second Life has always been full of brilliant ideas from its residents, but the platform itself hasn’t always kept up. Things like lag and slow updates can hold us back, when we all know SL has the potential to be even better.

Another concern is the concentration of power in the hands of a few. What I notice is that many clubs and stores in SL can feel surprisingly similar, almost like they’re run from the same playbook. Sometimes you even wonder if there’s really more than one person behind it all. Either way, the effect is the same: a few big names dominate the scene, and smaller independent voices struggle to be seen. That’s far from the open, diverse spirit SL started with.

I don’t try to compete with the giants. My goal is not numbers, it’s meaning. I build for those who appreciate what I create. That, to me, feels truer to the original philosophy of SL: freedom, individuality, and diversity.

JB: Looking ahead, what do you want your role in SL to be?

TP: My focus now is on bringing The A-Club to completion. But more broadly, I see my role as a reminder that SL is still a place where vision matters.

I want people to remember that SL is not about doing the same thing everyone else does. It’s about creating something personal, something new, even if it doesn’t reach millions. That’s the magic of SL: your space can be small, but it can still be unforgettable.

Second Life is what we make of it. If we accept mediocrity, that’s what we get. But if we raise the standard, demand more, and dare to build what we dream, then SL can keep surprising us, just like it did the first time we logged in.

So there you have it, Folks. Straight from the heart of one who has been around long enough to know, and is not shy about sharing that knowledge with others. Whether you are curious about the BDSM Lifestyle in SL, or just want to see a one of the most amazingly creative builds to hit the grid in a while, “The A-Club” promises to be a build that you simply will not want to miss. And when you do, tell ‘em Josh sent ya. You’ll be glad you did..

For more information about THEA PAPP and her Build, check out the following:

SURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Thea%20Isle/75/154/23

DISCORD: https://discord.gg/gkmxBmGt5T

DISCORD: Thea Papp, 1121828066239459449,

EMAIL: theapapp@yahoo.com

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB): Hi Phe. I know how incredibly busy you are right now, but I and the SL Enquirer readers appreciate you taking a break and telling us about all you have accomplished here. How was it that The Lust House, once closed, is now open and ready for business as Midnight Muse? But this is not merely a re-opened Vegas-style nightclub. It is so much more. Tell me please, why the change?

Ƥђє (pheonix.felwitch) (PF): All of us fondly remember the "original" LustHouse.. I myself worked there & I loved it. There was no comparison to any other place like it at the time.

Then as it so happens, it changed hands.... and then changed hands again and then Tribish was offered the chance to acquire the LJH. Both of us having been veterans of the "Original, quote Los Vegas style LH" I got an IM that simply said "Phe, I have a chance to buy the Lust House. Are you in" And the rest is history.

The changes began, room by room. PBR update by update. Tribish is a Master builder and Anna and myself are his team. And as in the original... we were becoming something upscale and decadent and unlike anything else out there. We are intentional in our vision to be quite different from everyone else. Visions unfolded and builds carried out, and suddenly we were so much more than The Lust House.

We had out grown it And like a hermit crab chooses a bigger shell to accommodate its growth, It was time. And the name? So very fitting of the detail and craftsmanship that has gone into what you see here today… Do feel free to reach out for a tour.

PF: If there are any questions, in any way shape or form. Feel free at this time to Reach out to me. If the need is there to climb that last step, then I will do so.

JB: Can you tell me about some of the more interesting features that visitors can find there?

PF: One of my most favorite spots is the Space Pod. Amazing view, calming, overlooking the space platform. It's lovely. The glass house... There are 3 houses each featuring different furniture for a variety of experiences. But I love it the Glass house and I truly am hard pressed to have to choose just "1" of all there is left that I love here. Even a camping experience. And do try the picnic table <winks> the furniture is always updated and the best there is. We feel it's our duty to field test everything for quality control <nods>

JB: I see an area with hotel-style rooms. How do these rooms differ from hotel rooms elsewhere on the Grid

PF: Well, for one we have suites. That in itself explains what makes us different than any other experiences out there. Each Suite different, each to be explored. The suites off the main dance floor or the suites in the Grand Hotel. Do go and have a look for yourself. Everyone seems to have a favorite.

JB: Naked Bowling caught my eye. Where did you get the idea for THAT?

PF: It's a Bowling Lounge first and fore most and unlike any "Bowling" out on there on the grid.

Once upon a time, naked bowling was hosted at a friend’s house, and great fun was had by all! I find myself quite competitive and for me, some lanes are more "lucky" than others Yes there are exceptions for being naked for whatever reason :) Of course we will work with you! Looking for suggestions for Euro Day and time as well as the possibility of an evening States set....

JB: I saw Three Libraries. What is THAT all about?

PF: Who doesn't love books? Each room has gaming tables and also Master chairs on the perimeter to sit and be a part of the group gaming, but not having to actually game. if you don't want to.

JB: I saw some interesting Dungeon Rooms with individual “activities” in each room. Why not just put them all in one room, like most SL Dungeons do?

PF: Excellent question! Originally a gorgeous large dungeon "Area" was there. Gleaming and licked by candle braises light like only PBR can do, however, we found the patrons reached out to Tribish and expressed the desire for a more "Traditional" feel. That resulted into what you see today. A different experience in each room to be had, and perfect for pictures.

JB: What type of guest do you expect to attract to Midnight Muse?

PF: There’s no particular 'type' we’re aiming for, when you think Midnight Muse, we want you to think Classy, Classy casual and most importantly, be kind. If you're 30 days or older, come on over and wander. Midnight Muse truly has something for everyone’s cup of tea.

JB: Where might people go to learn about events at Midnight Muse?

PF: As the staff grows, so are our sets. Our sets are posted inside the door on the events board and also listed on the formal SL Dash in events. I post to many, many groups. Watch your notices as we grow. Or, you can go to https://discord.gg/RHVRk87t

JB: Is there anything else you would like to share with our SL Enquirer readers?

PF: Stop by Midnight Muse and the venue speaks for itself. Great sets and good music and guess what? We <Gasps> Actually talk in local during sets. What a concept, right?

Shed your views of what the establishment "Used" to be and stop over for a wander. We are proudly re branded Midnight Muse. Don't we all seek to inspire as only a Muse can? <winks>

We have Discord under The Lust House name at this time, and we advertise there. We also appear on Slip Hallows Flicker as well as JoeBlobs Flicker. Do stay tuned for more as we grow!

So…there you have it folks. In a land where all adult clubs look basically the same, the new and improved Midnight Muse is truly one-of-a-kind. You simply have GOT to see this place for yourself. And when you do, tell ‘em Josh sent ya. You’ll be glad ya did.

Be there! Aloha!!

JB

After spending years as a resident in SecondLife, it is easy to develop a “Been there, Seen it all” attitude. After all, there are only a finite number of ways to design a dance club, right? Grab a few essentials – Dance floor, DJ platform, Dance Intan, some animated furniture and bar stools. Throw in a strobe light of two, and you’re ready for launch. But if you really think that is the best that SL has to offer, then, as my Dad used to say: “Ya got another think coming”. After a particularly hectic week in “That other world” I seriously needed a break from the flotsam and jetsam of life, when I stumbled upon Half Moon Bay, A delight for the eyes and relaxation for the spirit… as if Norman Rockwell and Bob Ross had designed a village.. As I strolled the winding streets of this seacoast village, I came upon Rσχу Μŷşŧīς (roxymystic) and Virgil Flowers (xvirgilflowersx). She was busy, touching up the paint on the sign over the bait shop, while he was replacing some paving stones that had broken under the weight of last winter’s snow. They graciously consented to take a break from their labors and chat with me for a bit.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB): So tell me, guys, Where did you get the idea for Half Moon Bay (HMB)and is there some history here?

Roxy Mystic (RM): As far back as I can remember, Virgil and I always had a venue; not always a public one but we both enjoy building and doing creative things. He is a SL musician and it is always nice to have a spot where he can call home to practice and play. This time around we both wanted a natural and relaxing spot. I always loved the charm of small coastal fishing towns so we hope that visitors instantly feel it too and enjoy the theme.

Virgil Flowers (VF): Roxy and I had a previous venue modeled after The Whisky, a famous live music bar in Los Angeles, and I wanted to give Her a nice gift, so when I gave this to her i was looking for names, and I used to live on the west coast so the name half moon Bay just appealed to me - it is a very image invoking the name, however,
the location in SL bears no resemblance beyond the name to the actual RL place.

JB: Did you do all this yourself? If not, who else is involved and what is/was their contribution?

VF: Roxy did 98% of this build Herself - my contributions were the half-moon sort of logo - using a moon character found on MP and then crafting the letters and sign textures...and I did a little bit on the stage area. Otherwise, this is all Her, and She is a wizard at building sims.

RM: Virgil is a very generous person with a big heart, he knows how much I love to build. We do work wonderfully together. When we take on a big project, we love to brainstorm ideas first. Both of us have RL professional backgrounds so we understand very well how to execute business and marketing plans.

JB: What sets Half Moon Bay apart from the many other clubs out there with a similar theme?

RM: I don't even think of HMB as a club at all, I really want people to feel they can come here and just relax and enjoy themselves, in my mind that is the first priority at HMB.

VF: Well, HMB is more than a club - it is a well-laid-out place to kick back and relax - it has Virgil's Guitar Store, (also available on marketplace) MARKET PLACE: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/234018, naughty motel, a nice beach, a wharf area, restaurant, wedding chapel and the the outdoor music area, with a kind of hippy boho feel...it is a laid-back open place that accepts all.

JB: Who do you hope to attract to your build? What special group of people might Half Moon Bay appeal to?

Virgil - Anyone looking to relax and enjoy the sounds of surf or music or to take some nice pictures. Intimate rendezvous at the motel, Virgil's Guitar Shop is there as well. Come for a nice walk with a loved one, or alone to relax and meditate.

Roxy - I agree with Virgil, it offers a little something for everybody. There are interactive furniture all over the place and some are very romantic. HMB is also a perfect spot for photographer enthusiasts and bloggers. We have a Flickr page where HMB pictures can be shared: https://www.flickr.com/groups/14813696@N24/

JB: What are some of the areas that guests might enjoy during a visit to Half Moon Bay?

RM: People can come here for a bit of roleplay if they like. The restaurant for example has 80+ menu items and don't get me going about the kinky Motel! The Chapel with automated wedding services is quite quaint. Virgil and I were looking for a nice small spot to marry a few years ago and could not find anything out there that catered to small weddings so this inspired me to build a really adorable spot here at HMB. The chapel, car, arch, and bench inside the gazebo have a bunch of poses for the groom and bride. It is really perfect for a small intimate wedding.

VF: As mentioned above, HMB features a Wedding Chapel, a beach, a Wharf area with a fish and chip shack, Virgil's Guitar Shop, an Outdoor restaurant, a Motel and a Sound-stage.

JB: Do you have any special events planned?

VF: We are kicking off the opening with a Flickr photo contest, and planning a Grand Opening in July with live music. Right now, our plan is to have monthly themed events, such as Acoustic shows, Singer Songwriter original shows, Guitarist Show, and a Dueling event...there are so many talented people in SL, that we want to support

RM: All of those details will be coming soon and we will ensure to send out a press release and notices once everything is confirmed! People are welcome to join our Facebook group as well to keep up with our events FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1197517120888949

JB: And how about the future? Do you have any changes in mind?

RM: The future of HMB is hopefully a good one with lots of positive feedback. We are not officially open yet and so far we've had over 200 visitors. I think most have visited the Motel though as I keep finding dirty towels all over the rooms! Thank God Virgil is the one doing all the cleaning! Teasing aside, there are no immediate plans for changes but who knows!

JB: Are these spaces available for use by others?

VF: Absolutely - almost everything is interactive. You can use the Motel themed rooms (there are 3 rooms each with a theme, get married, eat a meal, relax on the beach….there is an interactive row boat and chairs ...so yes, a lot to do, and of course the music when we have events.

JB: What has been your greatest challenge in building Half Moon Bay?

VF: Roxy is a prolific builder, and I would come in in the mornings and She would have most of the things done, so other than designing a logo and helping Her fit buildings into spaces, there was very little challenge for me - I am sure She would say different! lol..but really, the biggest challenge is probably creating a nice sim within a strict prim count.

RM: PRIMS! I had to do a lot of creative prim combining but it all came out perfectly. I do have so many creative ideas but perhaps that will bare fruit in another build somewhere someday.

JB: Is there anything else you would like to share with our SL Enquirer Readers?

RM: Half Moon Bay was built for the SL community to enjoy. There are no fees to join the HMB group and everybody is welcome!

VF: I totally agree with Roxy, we come to SL to relax and leave the stresses of RL jobs and stuff behind for a while, HMB is a place to do exactly that.

So, there you have it folks. This place is DEFINITELY worth your time. Come for a short visit…or stay the entire season. Check out their FLICKR and FaceBook sites, then hop on over to the SURL listed below.

And when you do, Tell ‘em Josh sent ya. You’ll be glad you did

Be there! Aloha!!

JB

·SURL:http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Pleasant%20Cove/30/75/46

·FLICKR: https://www.flickr.com/groups/14813696@N24/

·FB:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1197517120888949