Meet the Builders: Shelby Thor
SL: Who are you, what team are you on if any?
Shelby: Shelby Thor (Shelby Olivier), 9+ years in Second Life. I am a builder and roleplayer.
I have been active in RFL in RL since the 90's and jumped on the chance to help in SL several years back. I have always been a part of the Gorean's in Relay for Life team.
SL: What motivated you to do this contest?
Shelby: This was sort of a happy accident. Kaiila, our wonderful team captain, mentioned she needed help building a memorial garden. I have done this before during past sim events for RFL and said "I would love to help!" (note: these were very tiny gardens). I have never built a garden of this size, plus it is themed. This was a huge challenge!
The RFL memorial garden has always meant so much to me because it serves as a place where we can stop for a moment and reflect on the memories of our friend's and family whom we have lost to cancer, and honor their memory.
SL: What are you most excited about?
Shelby: The Garden is called 'Every Season Has a Story Memorial Garden' . It represents the four seasons of the year and the importance of making memories year-round.
The four seasonal gardens have a whimsical feel to them and I hope they make you smile. Please take that smile with you as you enter the memorial in the center. I do not want the memorial to be a sad place. I believe the best way we can honor the memories of those we have lost is by remembering the special times we shared.
The tree in the center represents the 'Tree of Life'. It symbolizes our spiritual existence and how our life branches out in so many direction. It also represents how deep the roots of our individual story reach out and intertwine with others from all over the world.
SL: What are some tips you have for people exploring the contest?
Shelby: The garden is divided into five sections. As you enter each area the story it represents is posted outside the section.
Seasons Story Holiday
Winter Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer Winter Holiday Season
Spring Midsummers Nights Dream Mayday
Summer The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Independence Day
Fall The Thanksgiving Story Thanksgiving
Center - Memorial Garden
Incorporated into the gardens is information on the missions of the American Cancer Association. The overall message of the garden is to make cancer history so we can make more memories with friends and family affected by cancer. As a cancer survivor, this hits very close to home for me!
The gardens look great in daylight and evening so change your settings while you explore. Beware of pirates on Tom Sawyer's Island! Did I mention that island has a cave?
SL: Anyone you want to thank?
Shelby: Kaiila for giving me the opportunity to build this garden and everyone who donates time and/or $L to fight for the cure!
