Taking A Few Pictures

 

 With the future of the Sunweaver sims in doubt, been going around taking pictures of the place. One was the Sunbeamer HQ where Rita would hold occasional meetings, and place items that brought back memories.

 

 

An ariel view of SunWaterOne

 

These are just a couple of those I've taken, and others have been taking some as well.

 

In the meantime, efforts to save a little of the land continue.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Musical Tribute To Rita Mariner

"Our Little Purple Star"

 

(Verse 1)

She was a flash of violet in the morning light,
A gentle soul who made the world so bright.
Our Rita Mariner, with ears so soft and long,
You filled our quiet house with your own sweet song.
You hopped into our hearts, a wondrous shade of hue,
There will never be another bunny quite like you.

​(Chorus)
Oh, Rita, our wonderful purple friend,
We held your little paws right to the end.
Though the shadows fell and you had to slip away,
Your colorful spirit in our hearts will stay.
Rest now, sweet Rita, beyond the pain and tears,
Thank you for the magic of these beautiful years.

​(Verse 2)
It was a heavy storm that came to take your strength,
But you fought so bravely down the journey's length.
Even when the sickness tried to steal your spark,
Your bright purple light guided us through the dark.
You never lost your sweetness, never lost your grace,
Leaving tiny paw prints that time cannot erase.

​(Chorus)
Oh, Rita, our wonderful purple friend,
We held your little paws right to the end.
Though the shadows fell and you had to slip away,
Your colorful spirit in our hearts will stay.
Rest now, sweet Rita, beyond the pain and tears,
Thank you for the magic of these beautiful years.

​(Bridge)
Now we picture a meadow where the sweet clover grows,
Where the sun is always shining and a warm breeze blows.
Hop free, little Mariner, across the endless green,
The most beautiful purple bunny that heaven's ever seen.
No more tired days, no more battles to be won,
Just endless fields of dandelions sleeping in the sun.

​(Outro)
Goodnight, our dear Rita, we'll miss your velvet nose.
Sleep softly in the starlight, where the peaceful river flows.
We will love you always, our little purple star.
Rest in peace, sweet Rita, wherever you are.

 

Masane Amaha 

 

Link to music on Suno (here).

 

Reader Submitted: "One Last Picture: Midnight at the Tapestry of Time"

 

From Camden McAndrews, "Here we see XanaduCinema Resident, the projectionist at Xanadu Cinema, being whisked off to Neverwhen by the temporal distortion field of the Tapestry of Time just as the SL23B regions are shutting down.

"Footnote: The Tapestry of Time was built by Ancient Mole." 

 

Announcement: Memorial Service For Rita Mariner on Friday

 

Event: Memorial Service for Rita Mariner

 

When: Friday July 31 at 6PM SL time

 

Where: Farshore Field, Sunweaver Estates 

 
https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sunlight%20Bay/115/87/23 

 

Developing ...

 

The situation in the Sunweaver community and Estates is still developing, with more than a little chatter between residents, sometimes people who haven't spoken to one another in months, or years. We are mourning the passing of our community leader and friend, and wondering what happens next with this place online we've called home for years.

There is talk that a couple sims *might* be saved. Nothing is certain though. Much depends on Rita's family in real-life, and Linden Lab. But there's reason for cautious optimism.

 

Stay tuned for more information.

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Events This Week In SL Clubbin'

 

Due to the situation in the Sunweaver Estates, there has been a shakeup with some club schedules.

Club Cutlass: Closed temporarily

Happy Vixen: DJ Charlee, DJ Scratch, DJ Malit, DJ Khyra

Club Zero Gravity: DJ Snowy - TBA

 

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club:  Closed Indefinately (likely permanent)

Xanadu: DJ Jesse 

 

Montecito Bay:  Manic Moni, DJ Cookie, DJ Chucklepuppy, Magic Moff

 

Furry Fashion: Gold, TBA, Insects Vs. Arachnids

 

Urban Furry :  DJ Charlee, DJ Emma, DJ Emma

 

Read the schedules in SL Clubbin'

 

Sunbeamers RFL Team To Disband

 

Talking to Cynthia Farshore and Shockwave Yareach yesterday, Monday July 27, they stated with team captain Rita Mariner passing away, this will be the last year the Relay for Life's Sunbeamer team will be active. It will not be coming back for the 2027 season.

"Sunbeamers was Rita's team," Cynthia told me, "fitting to let it go." "The team can retire now," Shockwave added. 

Both are already members of Team ACTS and will be relaying under their banner next year, "ACTS can use our powers I'm sure," Shockwave commented.

 

The Sunbeamers are not the only noted team to disband this year. During the Relaystock, the Relay Rockers announced they would be closing the team after twenty years of Relaying.

Rita Mariner founded Team Sunbeamers in 2013, following the decision to officially fold the Passionate Redheads team, some months after it's captains stepped down. Over the past thirteen years, it went from a small performer to being one of the top dozen teams in terms of fundraising, "the little team that could," in it's past few years reaching Ruby Level fundraising, well over one million Linden dollars. Cynthia Farshore and Shockwave Yareach were key to the team's rise with events such as the weekly Moon Dance and annual Air Show. 

Bixyl Shuftan

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club Closes Indefinately, Club Cutlass and Club Squeaks Temporarily Suspending Events

 

With the sims of the Sunweaver Estates, save one, likely to close sometime after the end of the month, this is affecting the clubs that call the place home. Yesterday, Monday July 27, Brandi Streusel announced following the event Club Squeaks had that day, the club would be closing temporarily, reopening some time in the future. 

 

turns the lights out and closes the door, stops, turns and pats the door      "We'll be back . . . "
 

Club Squeaks in recent times has had one event most weeks, on Mondays, though it hasn't been a guarantee with the DJ and owner's real life.

 

Club Cutlass, the main club of the Sunweaver community, is also having it's regular events temporarily suspended.  There will be a memorial service for Rita Mariner soon. While it may be at the club, it's equally likely it will be at a larger location. The time regular events will be resuming has not yet been decided. 

 

Club Cutlass normally has events Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 6 to 8 SL time.  

 

But one club is closing it's doors indefinitely, probably for good.  On Sunday July 26, the Bouncing Bunny Beach Club would hold one last event. In honor of Rita, DJ Snowbuns played songs such as "Angel Flight," "In The Arms of An Angel," and others. 

 

Since this was the last Sunday of the month, the sim would likely be gone. Because of this, it was talked about what to do earlier, and it was decided with too few places available to place clubs, the place would have to be shelved indefinitely, probably for good. And so after the event, hostess Kylee Gracemont gave a goodbye message.

 

Thank You for all the Fish !
Unfortunately we are sunsetting Bouncing Bunny Beach Club because of Rita's passing.
Thank You All for the great memories !
Keep on Hopping Along and See You Elsewhere Everyone ! 

 

Club Zero Gravity, Xanadu, and the Happy Vixen Beach Club, the latter which isn't considered on Sunweaver land but is a favorite of the Sunweaver Community, are unaffected. 

 

Stay tuned for more information later,

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Reader Submitted Picture: Balloon Over The SL23B

From Camden McAndrews, "SL23B. Scientific curiosity tragically overwhelmed sanity as the intrepid explorers approached the plasma beam in the temporal distortion field of the Tapestry of Time in a hot air balloon."

 

 

Fimi's Memorial Treehouse Relocated

 

 With the Sunweaver Community and it's land in an upheaval following the death of it's leader and main landholder Rita Mariner, there are some small bits of good news. Among them, whatever happens to Rita's sims, the Fimi Memorial Treehouse is safe, relocated to HV Community, the one sim on the estate that was owned by someone other than her.

 

This was the home of Artistic Fimicloud, the pink foxgirl in the early days of the Sunweaver community and Passionate Redheads Relay team, known as Stephanie Koslow in real life, an artist. Sadly she passed away from cancer in May 2008 at age 49.  But the community and Relay team remembered her, her treehouse preserved as a lasting memorial to her. Fortunately, Cynthia Fareshore had permission to move her objects, and so the tree, and the objects inside, were be able to be moved, " I took my time in edit and ctrl key looking move a bit find what wasn't selected , did that a number of times till finally had it all selected and slowly moved it over."

 

Much is still going on. Yours truly has been taking pictures of some of the land, though it seems the treehouse might not have already be the only thing picked up.  One club has announced it will be closing indefinitely, perhaps permanently. Club Cutlass and Club Squeaks are closed temporarily. The Happy Vixen, Club Zero Gravity, and Xanadu are going on as scheduled. 

 

Stay tuned for more information.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Future of Sunweaver Estates Unclear

 

 There's been plenty of talk about the passing of Rita Mariner, and not much time to write about it. But what can be stated is Rita had no backup plan for the Sunweaver Estates. Maybe the Sunweavers can get Linden Lab to pass them on to someone, or maybe not. 

 

Yours truly will have some more information soon.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

At Burn2 Conception

 

This past weekend from Friday July 24 to Sunday July 26 was Burn2's Summer Burn event, also known as Conception. This year's theme was "The First Spark."

Friday night, I dropped by for a look, and the Burners were partying. Playing music that night were Red Heaven, Elysienne Nebula, Magi, and Dre. I also heard there was a particle show scheduled.

 

Quite a lot of fun was had, the Burners telling me, "Welcome home."

 

It was quite a fun three days. But in a few months the "Octoburn," the main Burn2 event, will take place, with not just a weekend, but several days of art, music, and fun over Deep Hole and several other sims.

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Breaking News: Rita Mariner Has Died

 

From Cynthia Farshore:

 

I am saddened to report that our wonderful purple bunny Rita Mariner had passed away last Thursday from cancer. I spoke directly to Shockwave who had a direct contact with Rita’s sister who informed him. There will not be a funeral as Rita had asked to be cremated so it seems there will be no need in sending flowers or planning trips to attend a funeral.

At this time it appears that no ownership of regions has been transferred. We are not sure when the regions may go poof so do not pay any rent boxes and I urge all residents of Sunweaver Estates to begin collecting up all no copy items. I had brought up before that people need to be looking at where to move; now it is time to act on it. 

May Rita find joy in the presence of Jesus 

 

More information to come later.

 

Cartoon of The Day: "Lost Bet?"

 

 Taken at the Happy Vixen on December 2025. The lines between me and Umbra were from a more recent conversation, though, which had me thinking of the scene.

 

By Bixyl Shuftan 

 

SL Video: "Sunbeamer's Bring Your Own Kiosk Moment"

 

 (click here if the music does not play)

 

From Baine Finch on May 31, a pan-around of the Sunweaver Estates, "Having some fun at a Sunbeamer's BYOK"

  

Press Release: Burn2 Conception 2026

 

 Burn2 Conception 2026: The First Spark Brings Art, Creativity, Expression to the Virtual Playa

July 22, 2026 — Burn2, the official virtual extension of Burning Man® in Second Life®, invites
residents from around the virtual world between July 24-26, to experience this
community-created art event. This year's “The First Spark” event brings together artists,
builders, musicians, performers, educators, and dreamers for an immersive celebration of
creativity, connection, and participation.

Inspired by the 10 Principles of Burning Man in the real world, Burn2 transforms an expansive
virtual desert into a temporary city filled with monumental art installations, live music, colorful
events, themed camps, interactive exhibits, and performances.

All are welcome to:
● Experience 27 live performances featuring DJs, musicians, and entertainers on the
Main Stage and BOB Stage throughout the weekend.
● Explore community-created art installations, theme camps, and interactive experiences
across Burn2’s Deep Hole region.
● Enjoy special featured events including The Burn2 Fashionistas, unique performances,
and community gatherings.
● Meet artists, performers, builders, and Burners from around the world while celebrating
the 10 Principles through creativity, participation, and shared experiences in a virtual
environment.
● Join the Lamplighters Processions and witness spectacular Fire Dance performances that
bring the spirit of Burn2 to life. Held twice on the final day, the processions immediately
precede each Effigy Burn.
● Gather with the community for The First Spark Effigy Burn, the event's signature ceremonial
feature. Held twice on the final day, it stands as the emotional high point of Burn2.

Check out the calendar at: https://www.burn2.org/event-calendar/

One of Burn2's greatest strengths is diversity. Every installation reflects the imagination and
passion of its creator, resulting in an environment where visitors can experience everything from
breathtaking architecture to immersive resident created exhibits, to thought-provoking
educational exhibits and whimsical fantasy worlds.

Burn2 encourages exploration, curiosity, and participation. Every visitor is free to wander,
interact, ask questions, meet new people, and become part of the experience.

Whether you are a longtime Burner or visiting Burn2 for the first time, the event offers a
welcoming environment where creativity, generosity, and community take center stage.

Admission is free and open to everyone with a Second Life account.

For more information about Burn2, event schedules, and participating artists, visit:
https://www.burn2.org

Also feel free to join the Burning Man 2.0 Group in Second Life

Become a volunteer for this or future events: https://www.burn2.org/volunteering-in-burn2/
About Burn2

Burn2 has hosted multiple events in Second Life® since 2008. In 2010, Burn2 became an official
virtual Regional of Burning Man. Community-built art, performances, education, and interactive
experiences, have been providing participants worldwide the opportunity to experience the spirit
of Burning Man in a virtual environment.

If you have questions or comments, feel free to contact iSkye Silverweb for general information
or Sabet Wanderer for stage and music inworld

The Ever-Turning Experience Of Joel Eilde

 

Netera Landar recently interviewed singer/songwriter Joel Eilde, who has been performing in Second Life for years. He enjoys focusing on numerous genres. He spoke with Netera about his love of creating music.

 

Read Netera's interview in People. 

 

And ... Gone. SL23B Sims Closed To Exhibitors

 

 

Yesterday, Thursday July 23, was the last day the SL23B sims were up for exhibitors, also known as "Takedown Day." If you left anything behind after Midnight, you might not get it back until next year. So naturally there was space after space empty of exhibits. 

 

 

And so this meant the SL Newser's exhibit had to come down as well. 

 

There will be one or two more articles about the SL23B, and at least one more about the Relay for Life, of which we had to all but cut off coverage due to The Birthday starting just after the Flood Party. And after that, the "Busy Time," which I often call the period of time from late May to mid to late July, finally slows back down. And August will see me catching up on a few things I put off while I focused on the big news. But if you have pictures, or a story, you'd like to share, by all means do so.

 

Have a great summer, 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Announcement: Invitation to Pioners of Machinima, 12 Noon Saturday

 

Saturday July 25th, 2026, some of the pioneers of machinima in Second Life will be on stage.
Phaylen Fairchild, Toxic Menges, Saffia Widdershins and Chantal Harvey will be interviewed by Loz and Rizzo, about the early years. And boy - do we have some stories to tell. You won't want to miss this audience Q&A and panel!

Livestream will be available, for those that cannot come in - but be early as we will take questions - and you will want to tell your friends that you were there.  

 

 https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/XD%20Machinima/152/103/3824

noon!