1. change of physical form, structure, or substance especially by supernatural means  
2. a striking alteration in appearance, character, or circumstances
3. a typically marked and more or less abrupt developmental change in the form or structure of an animal (as a butterfly or a frog) occurring subsequent to birth or hatching

Before The Metamorphosis Began...

So, a few weeks ago, Jac and I were discussing our sim, Sol Mañanero.  We were commenting on how much we enjoyed the natural planted areas and talked about some of our favorite spots – real life and Second Life.  As we were conversing, it became evident that another change was in the air for our sim.  Jac asked me “Do we really need a commercial area?”  I replied,  “Well, when we first moved here, it was not in my top 10 wishes, but it made sense at the time…so if we don’t need to have one, I’m good with eliminating it.”   So a little time goes by (hours), and it was decided…Sol Mañanero would get back to nature.  We would have a natural beach break, no commercial, lots of plants, water features, etc.    

Within just a few days, we removed all the shops and every other prim along the shoreline and all of the public area on the sim.  We (ok…Jac is the primary terraformer and planter) got to work and started re-creating our world.  This world was to be more personal to us, designed to provide a beautiful place for people to visit and enjoy while featuring what we enjoy.    

Sol Mañanero (May 2010)

Jac didn’t do much to disturb our home, just the grounds around it.  Rocks have become a more important part of Sol Mañanero and these have added so much depth.  The elevation of our home and other parts of the sim really seem to be better displayed with a rocky shore line and hillsides.  We now have a beautiful, wild, jungly area that reaches down near the shoreline.  We have new waterfalls, and enhanced river and streams.  There are trails to follow so that you can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature including flora and fauna.  Butterflies, hummingbirds, herons, egrets, seagulls, and cormorants are all to be found near the beach and water areas.  We have put in a stables with a beautiful green grass meadow up on one of the higher elevations, as well (my major contribution was creating the stable from parts of our home) .    

Sol Stables

Sol Mañanero still offers an awesome surf break with the surf waves on the sim to the west (Playa Sol Mañanero) and if you love to dive, we still have a great area for diving as well, just under the waves.  On our main sim, you will find a few sweet little places to curl up and relax or even float in the water by the primary/central falls.  You can walk the trails and explore a bit.  The Sol Stables are reached by walking along the southern water’s edge to the most east side and then up the switch back trail.  Here you will find our llamas grazing with our horses.  Feel free to bring your own horse or if you peek into the stables, you will see that we have horses available as well. Our horses accommodate both one or two avatars.  Back down near the central waterfall nearest our entry point, we offer a kayak rezzer just down the trail.  Here you can rez either a single or double kayak and head out to explore the sims via water, so very peaceful. Truly our sim is great for an activity-filled date or outing – surfing, diving, kayaking, horseback riding, walking and relaxing – all perfect for that time spent with a friend!    

Sol Mañanero Beach (May 2010)

River Through Sol Mañanero

The Central Falls of Sol Mañanero

Birds at the Falls

Kayaks in the Stream

Kayaking Around The Southern Shoreline

We had a little “open house” party on April 25th to show off what Jac had gotten done by then, but every day … there is a change he shows me and a few that I can show him.  I can not tell you how much I’ve loved this metamorphosis … it is breath-taking in so many ways.  This is our home…Sol Mañanero…and this just simply fits us…for now *smiles*  

You should visit… and see the changes.  When you do, be sure to let us know what you think!  

’til next time, keep exploring and finding the beauty of Second Life!    

~Sunshine