New to Raglan

The Welcome of Raglan Shire

Entering any new community for the first time can be a daunting task. Are the people there friendly? Will they welcome newcomers? Are they people you’d like to mix with? Etc, etc.

I think its pretty easy to answer those, and most of the other questions in the first 10 – 15 minutes of arriving. It has to be said that first impressions count in SL. I would go as far to say that this is THE most important aspect of any community in SL.

When I entered the Shire for the first time, I was not a tiny. Nor was I a Biggie. I was somewhere in between; a small furry white tiger. I found Raglan quite by accident; and, as is obligatory I had a nose around. I wandered around the shops and stores of the Common, and Shire tree city, and was overwhelmed with the quality of builds, the attention to detail, and the inviting atmosphere I found myself in. All I had to do now was see if the locals were friendly.

I headed in the general direction of the little green dots on my mini map, and sure enough, wandered into the middle of a rather bizarre conversation about cooking. Well I thought it was about cooking. They kept mentioning waffles. Strange I thought. Here I am, standing in a tree next to a really small white tiger wearing a dress, who was talking to a rather odd looking rabbit in a coat, and yet found myself wanting to know more about these little odd creatures of the Shire.

“Hello Wil”, said the little white tiger. I’d been in the Shire for about 12 minutes at that point, and from that moment I thought that these odd little creatures might be alright. We chatted for a while and amazingly, I felt welcome. I wasn’t as small as them, and I didn’t really know what I was doing here, but I was welcome.

I continued on my adventure to explore this remarkable place, called Raglan Shire. It had an airport; a hospital; houses; pubs; clubs; and oh yes, the most amazing train set ever to be found. Of course, I was too big to ride the train, but that wasn’t going to stop me. http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilyoungblood/3032128683

Here was a remarkable place, with friendly people, lots of space and plenty to keep you occupied. I revisited the Shire over a few occasions and the more I saw the more I wanted to be a part of it. Yet something didn’t seem quite right. I couldn’t “fit” in here. I was still too tall. If I wanted to join in here and really experience the whole Raglan atmosphere, I needed to do something. I needed a new look. I needed to become … A TINY!

But where to get a tiny Avatar from? There was so much choice, so I headed for the Wharf. Now this was a place that really caught my attention.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilyoungblood/3032073319

It was while I was here that I met yet more Tinys. One of which was really helpful. Showing me all the places to get a Tiny Avatar, and clothes, and shoes, and everything I could possibly need to really enjoy my new 2nd life adventure.

And so here I am; the all new Wil Youngblood. A Tiny fox.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilyoungblood/3046596990

Now I was all set for a Tiny adventure. I could really join in now, and that’s just what I did. On the 22nd November 2008 I attended my 1st Tiny party. The Tiny Inc. 2nd Anniversary Royal Ball. Hosted by the Very Royal Prince Xerxes, and Her Royal Highness Princess Etheria, in the Grand Ballroom, of Tiny Inc. A truly magical party, with great music, fun games and even better friends.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilyoungblood/3052098053

So I thank each and every friend of the Shire, for such an amazing welcome to the community … and more importantly, to my new home. And special mentions to;

Teal Freenote; Zayn Till; Mollie Belgar; Catten Carter; Tehlorzor Scribe; Zoolie Zabelin; and of course Josephine Planer for the loving trunkslaps.

Onwards, to the next big ‘TINY’ adventure!!!