Category: Announcements

October News…

New Arrivals

We have three additions to the Shoshin Collection:

Image credit: Cover of Refugium Quarterly Newsletter by Abinoam Norgaard

The Refugium is a meditation centre owned and managed by Shoshin friend, Abinoam Norgaard. News & updates for the Refugium community, as well as stories of the wider world of Second Life, will be shared through his seasonal publication of the same name.

A copy of the inaugural issue is available on the Book Lovers’ table. You may also retrieve a copy from Refugium – which I highly encourage – as it is a lovely, peaceful spot and well worth an in-person visit.

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/seco…/Spruce%20Woods/228/137/51

Lawrence Simon’s, 100 Words Stories, is back and available on one of the green couches near the front window. Simon writes a story a day, every day, and each is a 100 words long (hence the title!).

He started in 2005 so there are enough stories in the book to engross a reader for hours. Touching the book serves 1 story at random.

If you prefer to have the stories read to you, listen to his podcast here.

Finally, a short story entitled, “Shoshin” penned by dear friend and former Sedge neighbor, Klaus Beresnyak, is available by touching the beautiful painting (also by Klaus!) featured in the image above. Shoshin old-timers will recognize the cozy cottage as a 2018 iteration of the cafe…when it was still a cafe. Klaus’ story takes place in the original reading room at Sedge.

Forever Tourist Kiosk

Our Reading Room is one of 180 Second Life destinations featured on Operation Mainland’s “Forever Tourist” inaugural list – so be sure to stop by and get your passport stamped!

Not sure what the heck I’m talking about? Check out this video by Feorie Frimon, which describes her Forever Tourist Passport Project. Then stop by her inworld office where you can pick up a free passport – and a kiosk if you’d like to add your destination to the list.

Journal Prompts

For those of you who enjoy journaling, a book of journal prompts has been added to our Book Lovers table. Prompts are offered at random – more will be added in the near future.

October’s Book Lovers Coffee Hour

Are you a reader who enjoys chatting about books and discovering new-to-you authors? Join us for Book Lovers Coffee Hour!

Our October gathering will take place on October 10th, 1pm SLT at The Reading Room in Annelie.

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Annelie/238/147/34

Book Lovers Coffee Hour is open to anyone interested in chatting about books – no specific reading required – so feel free to bring a friend!

The Beginner’s Mind

Dear Shoshin friends,

When I began Shoshin Cafe in 2015, I was simply looking for a fresh start.

I was driving along Route 12 on Heterocera one day, when I happened upon a funky shaped parcel in a place called Sedge.

I had a few pennies so I spent it on some land.

I rezzed a few pine trees. Set out a few chairs. Found a little vintage-ish booth where I could serve coffee and a few treats.

Shoshin Cafe 2015

After awhile, folks began stopping by. A few of them became regulars.

Some of them even became neighbors.

We often gathered to contemplate life and spark curious conversations. I started a journal club that eventually fizzled out. And a field trip group that never quite got off the ground. And a book lovers coffee hour that has seen many members come and go…but somehow stuck (yay!).

Over the years, Shoshin Cafe at Sedge grew to be a very meaningful place for me and my memories at Sedge will always hold a special space in my heart.

Shoshin at Sedge, by Klaus Bereznayk

But the time has come for Shoshin Cafe to be true to its name – Beginners Mind – and take a few cautious steps down a new, yet familiar road.

A few days ago, I said a teary goodbye to Sedge and committed to re-homing our group and our gathering space to Annelie – a lovely spot along the the Circuit la Corse, on the northeastern end of the Corsica continent.

I’ve spent the last two days transforming the former “Reading Room II” into a space for travelers and book lovers and meanderers to gather…

The Reading Room by Shoshin Cafe

…including a dedicated space for Book Lovers Coffee Hour (and possibly a revival of journal club!).

Book Lovers Lounge by Shoshin Cafe

Just across the street, behind a coffee shop and beauty parlor owned by dear friends, will be the new site of Lola’s Jazz Bar.

Lola’s Jazz Bar by Shoshin Cafe

If you’re reading this, then you’ve probably guessed that I’ve also chosen to start an additional method of keeping in touch – which I hope will be especially useful for those without available group slots inworld and/or FB accounts.

I plan to post events, Book Lovers Coffee Hour summaries, and random musings here – but don’t worry, links will be shared via all of the usual pathways…IM, FB, group notices, etc.

Anyhoo, that about sums it up – enough rambling from me for now. When you have time, I hope you’ll stop by The Reading Room and Lola’s to say hi and hangout. You are always welcome – yes, I mean you!

Love, Zoe.