As 2011 draws to a close it is a good time to remember the year that was - on the events that happened and on the people who have made an impact on our lives. When the weather outside is cold, with winter sleet and rain, the warmth of great friendship is especially good to reflect on. While I am in this reflective… Read more

As 2011 draws to a close it is a good time to remember the year that was - on the events that happened and on the people who have made an impact on our lives. When the weather outside is cold, with winter sleet and rain, the warmth of great friendship is especially good to reflect on. While I am in this reflective mood, I would like to introduce someone who makes a positive impact on others in so many ways, enriching their lives and sharing. I also want to pay tribute to a special and lasting friendship that began some years ago when I was still relatively new in Second Life. One evening a small group of vampires decided to visit a beach. No, we weren't playing Bloodlines and we were all "of of character" so not hunting. Sunbathers were safe. The exact reason why we went there escapes me now, but I think we were visiting a friend who had a small shop nearby and taking a group snapshot. I also seem to remember I was on the look out for lycans. However, what I do remember is that I stopped looking out for lycans and started to have a really good, in-depth chat with the person stood next to me. Even though my settings were on midnight and low, it was clear that Eliza, as the person chatting to me was called, stood out for her style. After a short time chatting, it became even clearer that Eliza also stood out for her politeness, her intelligence and her knowledge about SL, which was combined with the gift of helping others in just the right way. Suddenly, I had the landmarks and knowledge I wished I had when I began Second Life. Eliza knew where to find the things I needed to improve, the creative SIMs that were unique to this virtual world. Not only that, she took the time and trouble to share her knowledge with a complete stranger on a beach. After that first meeting, our friendship grew and I gained a home in Second Life. Again, I was helped to find the right home for my first plot of land, then the bigger plot ... I then realised that my friend was also a very busy landlady; Eliza works extremely hard to maintain the appearance of the SIM I call home, making it a lovely place to live. Eliza is a dynamic and active citizen of SL who contributes a great deal behind the scenes, building up friendships, people, beautiful areas ... and despite these many demands, she always has time for others. Eliza also combines a strong aesthetic sense with great attention to detail: this is shown by her gorgeous lands in Second Life and in her images on Flickr which are fresh with lovely tones, careful lighting and precise colour. Her knowledge of Second Life and how it works remains incredible: if you need to know where to find something, Eliza will have the answer for you. If you need advice, she will share it with you honestly and will guide you. When I look back over my Second Life, I am thankful for many things, but most of all for that chance encounter on a beach. Thank you so much Eliza!

Often times as a year comes to a close some of us who are given to reflect, reflect on our families and friends and how lucky we are to have them and what they mean to us. We reflect on the ways they have enriched our lives. Eliza is such a friend of mine. Several years ago our Second Life's crossed paths and I knew… Read more

Often times as a year comes to a close some of us who are given to reflect, reflect on our families and friends and how lucky we are to have them and what they mean to us. We reflect on the ways they have enriched our lives. Eliza is such a friend of mine. Several years ago our Second Life's crossed paths and I knew after only a few short minutes that she was unlike anyone I'd met before. Informed that my profile picture was in no way acceptable she proceeded to help this poor neophyte by doing my portrait. My protestations that my picture was "ok," didn't slow her down one bit nor deter her from her task of making me a proper portrait. This was my first insight into the spirit of a person who truly does live to help others. It is not a gesture for Eliza, it is her "signature." From working tirelessly to help new people find their way to providing needed information and help through her messages to her "team," Eliza truly embodies the philosophy of "others first." Our friendship has deepened and grown over the past years and has become one of the most inspiring and encouraging jewels in that crown that is my list of people I truly call "friend." She is at one and the same time serious and funny. Her photos displayed here are evidence of her love of beauty and a sophisticated eye for how to show what is in her heart through her pictures. She is loving, caring, quirky, sentimental, romantic and intellectual. I am proud to be one of those who have been allowed to get to know these many facets of Eliza. She is a constant inspiration and strength to me and has affected my life in many positive ways. I encourage you who read this to look at her photos and read her words and get a glimpse of who she really is. I am happy to call her "friend" and as this year comes to a close, smile to myself and look forward to many more such years with Eliza.