By Netera Landar
Second Life plays a significant role in our lives. It offers friendship, allows us to be creative in unique ways, and consistently provides entertainment.
For KathyZog Destiny, Second Life offers a welcome form of independence that enhances the quality of her real life. Kathy is a DJ and the owner of both Wishing Well Venues and the Church of Cozy Comforts. For 18 years, she has called this virtual world home and has opened many doors to venues featuring a variety of themes.
“I was born with my disability, so I pretty much learned to adapt to everything. My family didn’t let anyone say ‘no.’ I couldn’t say I can’t do it. My family came up with adaptive ways to be included in just about anything. Second Life offers me an opportunity to have a full life without my disability. In here, when I’m dancing, it feels like I’m dancing. It feels real,” explained Kathy as we stood in her disco roller rink.
Kathy learned about Second Life through a friend from Canada who visited her and a former roommate. He said that he couldn’t visit that often. He also mentioned a virtual world called Second Life.
“So, I went there and yelled at him for not coming to see me so much. From that moment on, I truly didn’t want to leave,” Kathy admitted.
Shortly after, she became a hostess for one of her partners, who was a DJ. They met in real life and spoke via Skype. He taught her how to use the SAM Broadcaster Pro. Kathy learned the basics rather quickly. She then chose to host her own music events, because if she couldn’t come in-world, she would feel like she was letting people down. Occasionally, she will DJ at other venues and take pictures during events.
During the interview, her close companion, Kragon Vlodovic, joins us. He appears to be proud of Kathy’s accomplishments. He also informed me that he’s part of the Perfect Chaos band in Second Life.
Ask Kathy about her venue themes, and she’ll gladly tell you that, placement-wise, they are stacked vertically. She has a beach, a garden ballroom, and a ballroom in the clouds. A Halloween venue, Christmas holiday venue, ice skating rink, roller rink, Woodstock field, Mardi Gras venue, diner, cabaret, blues and jazz venue, and even a wedding venue, if someone needs a place for the reception. She can even provide the wedding service at her church.
For Kathy, some of the difficulties of being a DJ include getting the right songs. In terms of turnouts, she can get 3-5 people or up to 20. She has a subscriber for people without room for new groups. One for Wishing Well and another for DJ Kathy.
What does she love about being a DJ? She loves meeting people and finding new music she wouldn’t have ordinarily chosen for herself.
“I’m also a pastor of The Church at Cozy Comforts. I try to make our church as inclusive as possible. The service audio is pre-recorded and streamed into the land on the music stream. The service is also printed to nearby chat, where people who are deaf or hard of hearing can follow along. Having both the audio and the text available is also beneficial to those with learning disabilities,” said Kathy.
“The Church at Cozy Comforts believes that everyone should have the opportunity to hear and experience the Word of the Lord. As such, we accept all - every race, all ages, genders/gender preferences, and any shape. Many who are rejected from other churches come to our services,” she added.
Netera
Second Life plays a significant role in our lives. It offers friendship, allows us to be creative in unique ways, and consistently provides entertainment.
 |
| We begin the interview in Kathy’s disco roller rink. |
For KathyZog Destiny, Second Life offers a welcome form of independence that enhances the quality of her real life. Kathy is a DJ and the owner of both Wishing Well Venues and the Church of Cozy Comforts. For 18 years, she has called this virtual world home and has opened many doors to venues featuring a variety of themes.
“I was born with my disability, so I pretty much learned to adapt to everything. My family didn’t let anyone say ‘no.’ I couldn’t say I can’t do it. My family came up with adaptive ways to be included in just about anything. Second Life offers me an opportunity to have a full life without my disability. In here, when I’m dancing, it feels like I’m dancing. It feels real,” explained Kathy as we stood in her disco roller rink.
 |
| Woodstock Field brings you back to a time of freedom of expression |
Kathy learned about Second Life through a friend from Canada who visited her and a former roommate. He said that he couldn’t visit that often. He also mentioned a virtual world called Second Life.
“So, I went there and yelled at him for not coming to see me so much. From that moment on, I truly didn’t want to leave,” Kathy admitted.
 |
| Rock around the clock in Kathy's 50's Diner |
Shortly after, she became a hostess for one of her partners, who was a DJ. They met in real life and spoke via Skype. He taught her how to use the SAM Broadcaster Pro. Kathy learned the basics rather quickly. She then chose to host her own music events, because if she couldn’t come in-world, she would feel like she was letting people down. Occasionally, she will DJ at other venues and take pictures during events.
 |
| Kathy and Kragon give me a tour around the Halloween venue. One ghost has a habit of following guests around. |
During the interview, her close companion, Kragon Vlodovic, joins us. He appears to be proud of Kathy’s accomplishments. He also informed me that he’s part of the Perfect Chaos band in Second Life.
 |
| Enjoy long summer days on the beach listening to Kathy spin your favorite music |
Ask Kathy about her venue themes, and she’ll gladly tell you that, placement-wise, they are stacked vertically. She has a beach, a garden ballroom, and a ballroom in the clouds. A Halloween venue, Christmas holiday venue, ice skating rink, roller rink, Woodstock field, Mardi Gras venue, diner, cabaret, blues and jazz venue, and even a wedding venue, if someone needs a place for the reception. She can even provide the wedding service at her church.
For Kathy, some of the difficulties of being a DJ include getting the right songs. In terms of turnouts, she can get 3-5 people or up to 20. She has a subscriber for people without room for new groups. One for Wishing Well and another for DJ Kathy.
 |
| Put on your favorite gown and have a romantic evening at Wishing Well Garden Ballroom |
What does she love about being a DJ? She loves meeting people and finding new music she wouldn’t have ordinarily chosen for herself.
“I’m also a pastor of The Church at Cozy Comforts. I try to make our church as inclusive as possible. The service audio is pre-recorded and streamed into the land on the music stream. The service is also printed to nearby chat, where people who are deaf or hard of hearing can follow along. Having both the audio and the text available is also beneficial to those with learning disabilities,” said Kathy.
 |
| The Church at Cozy Comforts welcomes all for prayers and services |
“The Church at Cozy Comforts believes that everyone should have the opportunity to hear and experience the Word of the Lord. As such, we accept all - every race, all ages, genders/gender preferences, and any shape. Many who are rejected from other churches come to our services,” she added.
Netera
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