https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:11:33 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/613/letter-from-fanny-burney-to-lorsagne-de-sade https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/613 Mon, 06 Oct 2014 09:42:24 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/612/letter-from-fanny-burney-to-lorsagne-de-sade https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/612 Mon, 06 Oct 2014 09:42:24 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/611/a-virtual-letter-from-fanny-burney-to-her-father-dr-charles-burney https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/611 Sat, 27 Sep 2014 05:16:37 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/609/a-virtual-letter-from-fanny-burney-to-her-father-dr-charles-burney https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/609 Sat, 27 Sep 2014 05:16:37 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/599/the-virtual-diary-of-fanny-burney-in-italy https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/599 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 13:47:22 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/598/the-virtual-diary-of-fanny-burney-in-italy https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/598 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 13:47:22 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/595/happy-news-regarding-the-royal-retreat https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/595 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 14:55:31 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/594/happy-news-regarding-the-royal-retreat https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/594 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 14:55:31 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/593/a-virtual-letter-from-fanny-burney-to-her-sister-susan https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/593 Sun, 31 Aug 2014 18:41:12 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/592/a-virtual-letter-from-fanny-burney-to-her-sister-susan https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/592 Sun, 31 Aug 2014 18:41:12 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/589/the-virtual-diary-of-fanny-burney-in-italy https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/589 I find that I am awake at an absurd hour, it being sometime later than midnight with many hours remaining before the sun will shine through my windows. I will most certainly regret this wakefulness tomorrow when I wish to be out among the people of Sorrentina, socializing, procuring a small gift for Susan's birthday which is coming soon, and posting a letter to Marseilles. Being awake, one should put the time to good use. There are manuscripts to be edited, correspondences to be kept up. Just today I received a lengthy letter from our dear Dr. Johnson, who it seems is somewhat downtrodden. His letter was not in his usual tone and I begin to worry that he will soon be lost to us. I can only determine myself to remember at all times those wonderful conversations at Streatham Hall, those joyous jaunts to Brighton and Bath, the Dr. reciting Chaucer as no one but he is able. (Oh, I know Chaucer is not suitable literature for a young lady of good name, but I could not help but laugh along with the Dr. and the rest of our party.) I should make productive use of this quiet time but find my mind distracted from the tasks that deserve, actually demand, my attention. I think of Henri -- yes, I have taken to referring to him by his Christian name, though only in the privacy of my own thoughts and on the sacred pages of this diary. I do hope all is as he told me it would be, that he is off with his regiment serving King and country and that we will soon see one another again, and of course I hope and pray that he is kept safe from harm until the time of our reunion. Of course, I cannot help but worry that I am misguided in trusting such a man. Is it possible that I am blinded by love (for love I believe it is)? Could this be just another infatuation, a mere reverie of one so inexperienced as to be taken in by the pretty words of a pretty man? NO! I don't believe that. My heart tells me his words can be trusted. Of course, my heart said the same of George Cambridge and, in that case, my heart was wrong and led me into much suffering and folly. It is in fact what drove me away from my dear home and all my dear family. It would be comforting to believe that in my first 32 years on this Earth I have learned to tell the difference between truth and falsehood but I am realist enough to know that, when love is involved, clear vision is often clouded, if not completely obliterated. The bell tolls now on the lovely gold clock that decorates a table in my room here at the Villa. If I were a sensible woman, I would close these pages and take to my bed, where I should will myself to sleep. Instead, I will walk in the quiet of the night. That is one of the joys of Rocca Sorrentina. Here, a lady can walk without fear at any hour of night or day. Perhaps taking in the sea air will act as a tonic for sleep. The good Dr. Greymoon is soon to open an apothecary in the village. Perhaps he will stock something to empty my mind of the distraction of Henri, who crowds all logical thoughts from my consciousness. Perhaps something to make a woman sleep even when visited by so many worries. In the hours before sunrise, Fanny Looks to France. ]]> Fri, 22 Aug 2014 15:39:04 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/588/the-virtual-diary-of-fanny-burney-in-italy https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/588 I find that I am awake at an absurd hour, it being sometime later than midnight with many hours remaining before the sun will shine through my windows. I will most certainly regret this wakefulness tomorrow when I wish to be out among the people of Sorrentina, socializing, procuring a small gift for Susan's birthday which is coming soon, and posting a letter to Marseilles. Being awake, one should put the time to good use. There are manuscripts to be edited, correspondences to be kept up. Just today I received a lengthy letter from our dear Dr. Johnson, who it seems is somewhat downtrodden. His letter was not in his usual tone and I begin to worry that he will soon be lost to us. I can only determine myself to remember at all times those wonderful conversations at Streatham Hall, those joyous jaunts to Brighton and Bath, the Dr. reciting Chaucer as no one but he is able. (Oh, I know Chaucer is not suitable literature for a young lady of good name, but I could not help but laugh along with the Dr. and the rest of our party.) I should make productive use of this quiet time but find my mind distracted from the tasks that deserve, actually demand, my attention. I think of Henri -- yes, I have taken to referring to him by his Christian name, though only in the privacy of my own thoughts and on the sacred pages of this diary. I do hope all is as he told me it would be, that he is off with his regiment serving King and country and that we will soon see one another again, and of course I hope and pray that he is kept safe from harm until the time of our reunion. Of course, I cannot help but worry that I am misguided in trusting such a man. Is it possible that I am blinded by love (for love I believe it is)? Could this be just another infatuation, a mere reverie of one so inexperienced as to be taken in by the pretty words of a pretty man? NO! I don't believe that. My heart tells me his words can be trusted. Of course, my heart said the same of George Cambridge and, in that case, my heart was wrong and led me into much suffering and folly. It is in fact what drove me away from my dear home and all my dear family. It would be comforting to believe that in my first 32 years on this Earth I have learned to tell the difference between truth and falsehood but I am realist enough to know that, when love is involved, clear vision is often clouded, if not completely obliterated. The bell tolls now on the lovely gold clock that decorates a table in my room here at the Villa. If I were a sensible woman, I would close these pages and take to my bed, where I should will myself to sleep. Instead, I will walk in the quiet of the night. That is one of the joys of Rocca Sorrentina. Here, a lady can walk without fear at any hour of night or day. Perhaps taking in the sea air will act as a tonic for sleep. The good Dr. Greymoon is soon to open an apothecary in the village. Perhaps he will stock something to empty my mind of the distraction of Henri, who crowds all logical thoughts from my consciousness. Perhaps something to make a woman sleep even when visited by so many worries. In the hours before sunrise, Fanny Looks to France. ]]> Fri, 22 Aug 2014 15:39:04 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/583/a-virtual-letter-from-fanny-burney-to-her-sister-esther https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/583 Sat, 16 Aug 2014 07:28:15 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/582/a-virtual-letter-from-fanny-burney-to-her-sister-esther https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/582 Sat, 16 Aug 2014 07:28:15 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/580/the-virtual-diary-of-fanny-burney-in-italy https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/580 Thu, 14 Aug 2014 12:06:29 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/578/the-virtual-diary-of-fanny-burney-in-italy https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/578 Thu, 14 Aug 2014 12:06:29 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/74/nothing-quite-matches-up-to-the-entertainment-value-of-watching-18th-century-frienemies-unexpectedly-meet https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/74 Thu, 25 Jun 2015 12:19:05 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/73/the-decades-festival-and-ball-is-set-for-june-27-2015-starting-at-1201-am-slt https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/73 The Sea Witch, owned by Captain Lucerius Zefirelli is on display near the Festival landing. You are welcome to explore above and below, fore and aft. Be sure to walk the plank and swing from the mast! And don't forget to fire the cannon! Can you sink the target ship? Give it a try! GAMBLING (Observatory Ground Level)
Ladies and gentlemen! Place your bets! It is the universal cry of the croupier, the dealer, the oddsmaker. Gambling and gaming have been a part of every culture throughout history. Dice, cards, entrails, stars in the sky . . . if it exists in creation (and even in imagination) you can count on somebody somewhere betting on it. Our visual history of gambling shows how different artists have depicted men and women engaged in popular forms of gambling. Admire the art and then try your hand at roulette, the dart board, a run for the roses, poker. If you choose 52 card pickup, you can watch the cards fly! HISTORY OF HATS (Observatory 2nd Floor)
Sofia Von Essen has created a fabulously fun and educational exhibit on head gear from 1545 to 1925. You'll walk away wishing we, of the 21st century, wore hats more.

COFFEE HOUSE (Observatory Top Floor)
The coffee house will be open throughout the day of the festival for your snacking and imbibing pleasure. Help yourself to strong Italian coffee or a milk shake. Have some biscotti or a peanut butter sandwich. Or come when there is RP scheduled in the coffee house. See the events schedule for details on coffee house RP. SPOKEN WORD PERFORMANCES (Observatory Underground)
See the events schedule for details about these performances but feel free to explore any time. HISTORICAL COMMUNITIES INFO (Around the Pavilion and Balloon Launch)
A pictorial exhibit drawing attention to many historical communities in SL. Click the signs for information. HISTORICAL VEHICLES DISPLAY (On the Pavilion Patio)
From chariots to fire engines, Aldo Stern and company have gathered together vehicles from the last 2000+ years. This exhibit is a lot of fun! WHO ARE WE? (Pavilion)
If a friend is a mirror of the self, the art a culture produces is the mirror of the whole cultureand its time. From the earliest cave paintings, the human figure has always spoken to the artist. Representative artworks from all eras depict the rise (and fall, perhaps) of mankind as the measure of all things while accompanying chairs give us a seat to enjoy the view. Curated by SisterButta and Lady Leena Fandango. DECADES TOUR BALLOON (center sim)
Tour the festival in a hot air balloon! What better way to see history and beauty than floating above the melee on nothing but air? Created by Sere Timeless. THE HISTORY OF HOMES (NW corner of the sim)
This exhibit allows you to literally walk through time, starting in prehistoric times. You'll visit a cave dwelling and a French folly. In between, you'll see all manner of homes. Builder and historian, Jacon Cortes de Bexar has outdone himself! TAROT HISTORY (Northern sim edge)
This quote, hung at the exhibit entrance pretty much sums things up: "Tarot may not tell a person's future, but it tells a lot about humanity's past. Begin your journey through Tarot History through the door..." Merry Chase has built an unbelievably creative exhibit that will have you marveling at both her skill as a designer and the history of the cards. WILD BLUE: THE QUEST FOR FLIGHT 1783 TO THE PRESENT (The Hangar)
Created by a real life aero-space engineer and pilot, WIld Blue will take you through aeronautic history, hitting all its *high* points from hot air balloons to space shuttles. Find out some of the lesser known facts about flight in this exhibit created by Heximer Thane. WHAT SHALL WE WEAR? (Fashion Tent)
See the events schedule for details about the Decades fashion show. Visit the fashion tent any time for fun historical fashion facts. IN MEMORIAM (Temple and Ruins)
A small temple, the ruins of a forgotten era and emerging sunflowers stand as a reminder that while history may well be written in stone, our creations in the virtual world are not. They are ephemeral ... and sadly, some are lost forever due to lack of funds to maintain or archive them. We need your help so more great historical and educational builds can be maintained and preserved. THE EVENTS All times arePST (US Pacific Time) 1:00 AM
Ceci Dover will perform like no one but Ceci does. If you have never seen her very high energy show, this is your chance. Ceci does a wide variety of music from many eras. Her voice is dazzling. AND she is wonderful to work with. She is one of Second Life's true professionals. (Streamed)

3:00 AM
Coffee Break! Puss Applewhyte will host in the observatory coffee house. IC event. Come from your favorite time period. (Text) 4:30 AM
*Lamentations of The Sabine Women* by Stephanie Mesler, performed by Avi Choice winner, Freda Frostbite. This poem cycle based on the mythology and history of early Rome will be published this summer in Mesler's book, *GodSongs.* (Local Voice) 6:00 AM
Coffee Break! Crazy lady and "mouth of the South" Trolley Trollop will get you laughing as she shares funny stories from some of her favorite Southern USA writers.. (Local Voice) 8:00 AM
Poetry from the last 2 1/2 Millenia with Sabreman Carter and Freda Frostbite. From Sapphos to Cisneros, Sabreman and Freda have selected some of their favorites to share with you in an hour of historically significant poetry at the Decades Festival. (Local Voice)

9:00 AM
Madmax Huet takes the stage with his great mix of rock and blues. We promise Max will have you shaking your groove thang, no matter what decade you are from! (Streamed) 9:00 AM
Coffee Break! Mary Von Hardenburg will host in the observatory coffee house. IC event. Come from your favorite time period. (Text)

10:00 AM
18th century physician, Dr. William Greymoon, will discuss advances in medicine and herbology. IC event. (Text) 11:00 AM
Coffee Break! Lady Aph MacBain will host in the observatory coffee house. IC event. Come from your favorite time period. (Text) 12:00 NOON
Decades Ball in The Pavilion. Freda will provide an eclectic stream of dance music from many, many time periods, from the time of the Pharaohs to the time of Lady Gaga. Come decked out in dance garb from your favorite time period. Prizes will be awarded! (Streamed) 2:30 PM
What shall I wear? Those four words must be among the first ever uttered. Our all-star fashion show produced by and Algezares Magic and Euridice Qork of aQuarela Models in Second Life will feature formal attire for both ladies and gentlemen from ancient Rome through the Boho 1970s. Come and see history walk the runway! (Streamed) 4:00 PM
Live Theater at The Decades Festival, organized by the phenomenally talented, Sere Timeless. Featuring performances from ancient Rome, the ever-so- romantic Barretts, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez by some SL's best known and loved RP and spoken word talents. (Local Voice) 5:30 PM
Wald Schridde takes the Decades Festival Stage for an hour of Renaissance and Medieval music. Wald is known throughout SL's historical RP communities. You won't want to miss this talented musician. 7:00 PM
Caledonia Skytower of the Seanchai Library (on THREE grids now) will share her unique talent as a storyteller when she performs historical prose at The Decades Festival. (Local Voice) 8:00 PM
FESTIVAL FIREWORKS Event Location: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Vahalla%20Island/158/9/24 ]]> Fri, 12 Jun 2015 12:30:44 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/72/in-another-time-and-place-she-might-have-been-a-successful-mata-hari https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/72 Thu, 11 Jun 2015 14:29:11 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/71/from-the-virtual-diary-of-hester-lynch-thrale-piozzi-dressing-for-a-festival https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/71 Fri, 05 Jun 2015 14:58:51 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/70/fanny-writes-to-her-misplaced-father https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/70 Fri, 29 May 2015 15:51:16 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/67/a-virtual-letter-from-fanny-burney-to-lorsagne-de-sade https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/67 Fri, 15 May 2015 15:27:27 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/66/a-virtual-letter-from-mrs-piozzi-to-her-daughter https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/66 Fri, 15 May 2015 13:06:00 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/62/hesters-virtual-diary-and-letters-mrs-piozzi-is-home https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/62 Sat, 02 May 2015 05:19:42 -0700 https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/61/hesters-virtual-diary-and-letters-the-only-way-forward-is-forward https://livinghistoryvw.com/stephanie-mesler/blog/61 Fri, 01 May 2015 12:53:59 -0700