I had the most interesting virtual experience today!
I belong to an online discussion group. We are an eclectic group from all over this
country, Ireland and England. This means
quite a diversity in time zones. We
discuss books, cooking, life, philosophy, pets and anything else that crosses
our thoughts.
Today was our England member’s birthday. Early in the week I proposed we have a party
today and I offered to bring champagne, lemonade, iced tea (sweet and non) and
asked one of our other members to bring the cake (she makes cake pictures with
punctuation and symbols). Everyone took
to the idea immediately and started offering other items they could “bring.” There was quite an assortment of dishes and
shared recipes, decorations and even an offer to make dogs from balloons if
someone else could blow up the balloons..
And because so many people had other commitments today, I suggested we
make the party an open house so people can come and go instead of all meeting
at the same time.
The day dawned with our birthday girl pronouncing the fun
she was having with the champagne and the cake – after all, she is 5-8 hours ahead
of most of us. Throughout the day I
checked in on the forum and discovered that everyone was indeed having a
marvelous time at the “party.” All
discussion was in the present tense and it was so inventive, it felt like we
were all together, eating, drinking and dancing. Yes, there was even music!
Everyone agreed it was the best party ever. Now, this was my first experience with an
alternate reality but I found it quite intriguing. I think it stretched my imagination. I haven’t played “pretend” for over 50
years. It got me to thinking – how would
it be to make a virtual quilt? A quilt
solely out of descriptive words.
Of course, it probably works best with a group. Anyone
game?