Destinations of Intrigue - Baja Norte

Early on in my relationship with Alatrina when we wanted to get away we slipped of to a Landmark that I had simply labelled "Treehouse". I honestly never knew the name of the Sim I would just land under the tree house and we'd climb up the rope for some beautiful time away. What lovely sounds and views we experienced. It was simply amazing. It was the spot we went to run away from everyone after the reception of the day we were married. After a long day of beautiful Matrimony and not so beautiful griefing we needed a little tranquility.Al explains this in detail in her Story of Us.

A few weeks ago I was talking to a friend, Shiloh Fouroux-Maverick, and she told me about this amazing Sim that we ought to visit called Baja Norte. She said it's a place where she rents a beach home and it is very romantic and the views are lovely and there is surfing...... I checked out for a second..... Surfing.... There is surfing in SL? Yes, I know I should have seen the romantic and beautiful views part - Don't judge me! Anyway I got a Landmark from Shiloh and started looking into surfing.

So, I proceeded to research my newest hobby, which I will discuss in more detail in another post, and after a few days passed and I knew I'd have a little quiet I asked Al if she wanted to come with me. She had already informed me that she was more the Beach Bunny type than the Surfer Girl. So, I asked her if she'd come and take pictures. When we rezzed I told her that this place seemed really nice and I couldn't believe we hadn't been here before..... Whoops! I was reminded that I had been here before and she couldn't believe that I had forgotten and that I ...

So, I am frantically looking around to see what landmark I might draw a clue from and then it quickly dawned on me..... Babe... is this where the tree house is?  When she said it was I told her that I never looked at the name of the Sim and that it was simply the Landmark that said "Treehouse". I never cared about the name of the place I just knew I loved being there with her. I believe I am forgiven.

What I am trying to explain is this place is BIG and BEAUTIFUL, and yes there is surfing.

As you look about you will see that there is a lot around you to enjoy. There is a membership fee that you can pay to join their group but I know they waive that if you rent a beach hut from them there. I bought the membership because I knew I would want to be able to rezz my gear there to surf.. This is definitely a place I will return to many times over. Because before I knew where it was or what it was called it was special to me. I believe you will find it one of the more relaxing places in Second Life.

I really am enjoying my Second Life and I hope you are as well. Please feel free to tell me about some of your favorite places and they may soon end up in Destinations of Intrigue.

- Stone

Check out Baja Norte here!

Alpha Males...Gentlemen or Cavemen?

The other day my friend was talking about how her guy had stepped forward when he felt she had been wronged.  I told her..."welcome to the wonderful world of living with an Alpha male"

So what's an Alpha male? NO...they are NOT cavemen dragging women around by the hair (although a little hair pulling could be fun). The Internet abounds with definitions from the funny to a serious attempt at a real definition. If you've ever used "urban dictionary" you know that definitions are supplied by their users. I found one of the funniest definitions supplied by one Nasty Nadz. His, or her, definition is...One of the 10% of males who engages in 90% of the sex.

 The following are the most common traits of Alphas, and ones I experience often on a very personal level in both Second Life and real life as I have a relationship with my Alpha in both worlds. It is surprising to many that you can find Alpha's in a virtual world, but just pay attention; it's not at all hard to spot them:

Purpose and Persistence, some even say stubborn. If you've read my story on the courtship between Stone and me, you will see that persistence in practice. In fact, I believe I even finished the article with a nod to persistence.  When an Alpha wants something, they go after it. They are super focused. While others are trying to find themselves, these guys are "creating" themselves and guiding their destinies.

Courageous. Nothing will get an Alpha's attention more than someone being treated unfairly but double that if it's their family. Alpha's are "compelled" to act; they must. Not that they will pick fights, but they also don't back away from one. This is the trait my friend was introduced to when our conversation started and one I've experienced often. My friend says we can take care of ourselves, but our knights in shining armor can't do anything BUT get involved. Although I often shake my head, it doesn't surprise me anymore. (Whispers: and, come on, isn't it a little nice to have someone who wants to take care of you?)

Leader. Throughout history, Alpha's have been our leaders and our warriors. Alphas believe in themselves. It's in the confidence they exude and the manner in which they hold themselves. People follow those who believe in them and who can make them "winners" themselves. Everyone wants to be on the winning team. You will find Alpha's do not ask of others what they themselves will not do. In Second Life, just look at the leaders of the Clans. Although you might find an occasional leader who isn't an Alpha, you would most certainly find someone behind them that is.

Hard working. Alphas are hard workers. It's the Alpha's that you often find leading companies and working late into the night. They aren't afraid of hard work and they aren't afraid of failure. An Alpha sees opportunities where others see failure. A quote from Chael Sonnen..."They’ll tell you failure is not an option. That is ridiculous. Failure is always an option. Failure is the most readily available option at all times. But it’s a choice. You can choose to fail. You can choose to succeed."


Social. An Alpha takes pride in how they look, understands what a first impression really does and knows how valuable networking can be. The Alpha has a good sense of humor. They are comfortable enough in their own skins that they can laugh at themselves.  They have stories, lots of them, to entertain those around him. People are drawn to Alpha's; they want to be around them.  They like to help others and are generous with their time and resources. I can't tell you how many times Stone and I have dressed up to "get away" for a while only to spend most of our time in IM's with someone who just needed to talk.

Knows how to treat a woman. He has respect for women. This is a guy who still holds doors open or who holds out her chairs, who orders for you. Girls, if you haven't experienced this lately, it's wonderful! Of course, after he leaves, I'm left walking into doors.  The Alpha isn't threatened by her ambition; in fact he's usually helping her achieve her dreams. It's that easy self confidence that is so darn attractive.

So, while living with an Alpha, you might think that a woman is kept under his thumb but you would be so wrong. Our femininity is a complement to his masculinity; that together we are stronger than the two parts. A woman needn't be threatened by her Alpha. A wise Alpha understands that his mate is strong and powerful, just in another way. An Alpha needs a strong and intelligent woman standing beside him.  We need to be his lover, companion and friend. There is a level of respect because we do so complement each other.

While the Alpha is focused, his woman brings the light, happiness and love to his life.  One of the biggest compliments I ever received from Stone was that I made him want to be a better man.  We are NOT trophy women but ones who stand beside him on equal ground, facing life together.

**Ever wonder why men have always held doors open for women? Comes from the days when women had big constricting outfits, such as corsets and hoop skirts. If you've ever seen a hoop skirt...oh gosh...you can't even get near a doorknob.

- Al