Dove's Dream

 

It was a little more than two years ago in which the owner of the noted freebie store The Free Dove, Palomma Casanova, passed away. But the store didn't go away. It was kepr going by Shelby Monitor, who renamed it Palomma Plaza. On Palomma's birthday March 11, there was a special event in which 89 designers contributed items. Gemma Cleanslate was there to take a look.

 

Gemma Cleanslate

 

Read Gemma's article in Design. 

 

The Palomma Plaza

 

Some residents of Second Life may remember the Free Dove, a noted freebie store that didn't have just outdated and simplistic items, but quality ones that looked good. Sadly it's owner, Palomma Casanova, passed away a year and a half ago. But the store didn't go away. Shelby Monitor, who know Palmma in real life as well as Second Life, assumed ownership and kept it running under a new name: The Palomma Plaza. Gemma decided to check the place out. She would also drop by Yosemite and write about the available campsites.

 

Read Gemma's story in Design. 

SL Video: "A Tribute to Paloma - The Free Dove"

 

 

 (Click here if the video does not play)

 

 From AVTV on January 20, "⭐ A SL STORY TO TELL ⭐ AVTV - A TRIBUTE TO PALOMMA - THE FREE DOVE A Tribute to the Soul of Palomma Casanova - Founder of The Free Dove inSL The Free Dove was a go to place for thousands of Avatars and SL New Comers in Second Life Virtual World. From All of us at AVTV team, Thank You Palomma Casanova for all what you did to our SL community during the last 18 years. Definitely you will be missed. May your Soul RIP. Palomma Casanova: 2004 - 2023"

 

Reactions to Palomma Casanova's Passing

 

After the announcement that Palomma Cassanova, the owner of the Free Dove store, had died, there have been a number of reactions from Second Life residents. In Belliseria chat, there were many. "Oh so sad Palomma has been a help to all new peeps in SL for a very long time." "I was searching YT for a nice video about Free Dove and can't really find anything which is just "about" however the amount of users who have referenced Free Dove in their search terms of their sales videos is pretty amazing. Here is the oldest referenced one I found. Wow have times changed in SL's world of freebies and dollarbies. https://youtu.be/BXlHfTyti9A 8 years ago. ..." "She started her place back in 2006, thousands of people have benefited from it. Great freebies, sandbox, and you could set home there. Not a house, just 'Set home' there. The group has 150K members, plus all the ones that didn't keep it." "Yes I used to help at a place for new members years ago and we sent everyone there and often teleported them directly to Free Dove. I was often thanked by new members for showing it to them. Last time I was there was for the kittycats hunt." "The Free Dove has some of the best freebies in the grid.  I go there every few months and always recommend it to people. They also have some great hunts." "She was trying to improve the quality of freebies as back then it was hard to find good quality and original from a creator." "Very much so and they were all over the grid in the mainstores so it helped explore.♥" "She'll be missed for sure by many and I hope they do a nice memorial for her. Apparently she did not want Free Dove to continue without her."

There would be a thread in the forums for Palomma's passing, "I was sad to hear today that Palomma Casanova of the Free Dove has passed.  I'm very sad, but she is beyond suffering now, which is a blessing, as was counting her a friend throughout my time here.  Her hard work and generosity were remarkable, and SL will be the poorer without her"Patch Linden would post a comment on page 2, "I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Palomma Casanova.  My first reaction was to think through how to save the legacy she left behind, however this does seem to be in conflict with her wishes.  We will do whatever is respectfully necessary to move forward and offer any assistance where we can." Anne Brightstar would then suggest saving Palomma's Sunflower Park, at Epilais (230/197/100), "I do not think that in any way conflicts with Palomma's wishes to shut Free Dove, and it already has a touching memorial to her sister." Patch seemed to agree, "I would be absolutely supportive of that and I will explore if there is a way to preserve it and a memorial for her."

Someone in Bellisseria chat would point out this youtube made of the Free Dove some months ago. 

This youtube was made just a few days ago to honor Palomma and her store.

Considering the reaction from her fans, it's fair to say Palomma will be remembered for a long time to come.

Bixyl Shuftan

Owner of Free Dove Store, Palomma Casanova, Has Died

 

Sad news for fans of the Free Dove store. It's founder and owner, Palomma Casanova, has passed away. Dolleen McMillan, one of the store team, posted the following:

It is with great sadness and pain that I have to announce you that Palomma Casanova left us on Saturday January 14 after a long illness. This is a shock to me and a huge loss. She fought her illness with all the energy she had and endured the pain very bravely. Her passion for her work and for helping others was admirable.

Of the store's future, Dolleen explained it will be closing.

When the subject of her eventual departure was brought up, Palomma's response was that Free Dove would POOOOF when it was over for her. Free Dove was her baby, the vehicle that allowed her to express her love of people and her willingness to help them, but she didn't want it to outlive her. She had created Free Dove in 2006 and when she left, her group had reached nearly 150,000 members, a rare achievement. We will remember her as the generous woman who dedicated 17 years of her life to SL citizens.

I have no idea when Free Dove will disappear. In the meantime, I have blocked all payment boxes for Free Dove shops, I am unable to refund your last payments, but your shops can remain in place until the end comes.

 

Dropping by the store in Gallii on the mainland, the place was full of shoppers. At first the sim was full, so I had to wait to get in. As the day went on, there would be more post in the group, paying tribute to Palomma.

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Gallii/216/55/33

 

Update: For the blog, check here: https://thefreedove.com/

 

 Hat Tip: Mato (Matoazma Kazyanenko)

Bixyl Shuftan