Sunday, March 31, 2013

A Promise Made...

Within the limitations of technology, I try my best to keep my word. The other night, I had a meeting scheduled at the same time Time Warner thought it necessary to have a Van on our street operating on cable in the area. Grrr...


But many things I can do and can keep up with, if I keep an eye on time and schedule. In this case, I received a blogging pack from Zanze and earnestly wanted to help.


A whole array of great new looks were added to Zanze just in time for Avenue Zenshi Fashion Week. This afternoon, just 3 hours ago, this event officially began.


I knew it would be beneficial to Zzoie and Zanze and Zenshi to have her entire new collection posted here, flickr and Facebook. I also knew it was a big project.


I made time each day since Friday to really pour time and energy into styling these items from the new collection. I even roped a fellow model into the process earlier today (for the pair photo that also features a new release from Image Essentials upcoming Hunt).


And now, early evening, Easter Sunday, I was able to post the final photo I took. I enjoy these challenges. More so when the situation influences good people, good friends, in a positive way for their business and their dreams. Loads of designers have new looks showcased this week at Avenue Zenshi Fashion Week, and I'm partial to this project at a personal level. I hope you're able to see what they've accomplished and all the pretty items Zanze offers you in the process.


Featured Zanze Rhianna {Abstract} (Avenue Zenshi Fashion Week)
Featured Mirror's Enigma Vanity Skintone
Featured Scandelicious Nikki Shape
Featured Chop Zuey Men's Brooch (as hair ornament)
1. EMO-tions: Lissi
2. Poetic Eyes: Autumn Moon
3. Face Paint: Anniversary Jean
4. Candy Nail: Chidori Gold
5. Joops: Gold Nail and Black Boots
6. Photos taken on site at Image Essentials - The Image Essentials Photo Booth prop is an item purchased from [Virtual Props and Poses].  
--
To Show Scandelicious Shape
7. Carrie's Lingerie: Basics Black Bra and Panty

Featured Zanze Shena Coat - Sexy Suit
Featured Mirror's Enigma Victoria Peach Skintone
Featured Mirror's Enigma Naturelle (n) Gray Eyes
1. Custom Shape
2. EMO-tions: Amnesia
3. [S H O C K]: Starshine Glitter Nails
4. Candy Nail: Bare Feet
5. Photos taken on site at Image Essentials: "This Image Essentials Prop is a combination of items purchased from various merchants as well as items created by [Kay Weston]."

Featured Zanze Shena Coat-Dress {Zebra} (Avenue Zenshi Fashion Week)
Featured Image Essentials Nubbly Snuggle
1. Custom Shape
2. EMO-tions: Winternight
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
4. Face Paint: Gidget Sky
5. Finesmith: French Nails
6. Glam Affair: Amberly
7. Chop Zuey: Angels Earth Silver Ring
8. Chop Zuey: Silver Cross Earrings

Featured Zanze Shena Pants {Onyx} (Avenue Zenshi Fashion Week)
Featured Zanze Shena Top - bra only shown - {Onyx} (Avenue Zenshi Fashion Week)
1. Custom Shape
2. EMO-tions: Bittersweet
3. Poetic Eyes: Hot Mocca
4. Natural Beauty Sculpted Lashes 6
5. Face Paint: Shiran Art
6. Quintessencia: Model Square 1
7. Glam Affair: Jadis
8. Chop Zuey: MaSonge Belly Ring and Bracelet
9. Chop Zuey: Caliban's Dream Men's Fibula (Worn as Hair Accent)
10. Juicy: Cherry
11. Taken on Location at Inside Art

Featured Zanze Suzanna Suit
1. Custom Shape
2. EMO-tions: Karma
3. Poetic Eyes: Hot Mocca
4. WoW: Diva Lashes
5. Face Paint Gems: Spring Gems 1 Under the Sea
6. Face Paint: Mix and Match
7. Mirror's Enigma: Leigh Native Skintone
8. Juicy: Classic Blackberry
9. Taken on Location at Inside Art


Look Out World, Here I Come

Do you know the theory propose by Andy Warhol? He said, "In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes." Is that true in Second Life? Is it important? I think it must be to some people, in every walk of life, on or off line. I've met a Prince from Tiny Kingdoms, a dancer from one of Second Life's premiere dance troupes, owners of some of the biggest names in fashion and Ubars who manager giant property on a fictitious sci-fi planet.


I tend to be the type of person who looks for the long road, and avoids the 15 minutes of fame. It may be possible to achieve that goal, and it may even be healthy and realistic for some. To me, it seems like a tiny droplet of time in an endless ocean, however. When someone obviously pushes to get to their pinnacle, I like to watch how they act and interact.


I'd rather get to know you and in the natural space of time and connection, energy and trust, I would prefer you invite me into your life because it matters. If I had to choose between fame and a devoted long term contribution to things I truly embraced with total belief and utter passion, I'd always choose the latter.


Sometimes it helps to make a splash. I get that. If more people know who you are, you have more ears to listen and more ways to motivate others. Today, I've talked to two people who've invested time into the fashion industry; maybe they've even had or are having their 15 minutes. They're using their celebrity to make a difference, one to promote awareness of children and young adults who need help, another to promote awareness of the overwhelming number of people across the world who live in abusive relationships and who need help.


 Just the other day, yet another shared her passion related to a program that offers aid to those who live in places where certain diseases, when not treated, lead to blindness, and the treatment isn't excessively expensive, it just needs to be administered. If you do need that 15 minutes, and create a niche as prince or top model, I find I'm most impressed by what you do with it once you've reached your pinnacle. I work hard and appreciate others who do as well.

Heath Blessed and Llyssa Serupta: Stop the Bleeding
Blue Porchers: Abuse Victims
Kim Rongyu (one of hers!): Sight Savers


Featured Zanze Ellysa {Dark} (Avenue Zenshi Fashion Week)
Featured Scandelicious Phoebe Shape
1. EMO-tions: Strangelove
2. WoW: Diva Lashes
3. Face Paint: Deadly
4. pulchino: Reyukken
5. Mirror's Enigma: Sofia Dusk Skintone (Smoky)
6. Mirror's Enigma: Naturelle (n) Crimson Eyes
7. Chop Zuey: Great Earth Bracelet and Earrings
8. Baboom: Diamond/Red Shoes
9. LAP
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Showing Scandelicious Shape
Removed Zanze dress and added Carrie's Lingerie: Obsession

Featured Zanze Joslyn {Petrified} (Avenue Zenshi Fashion Week)
1. Custom Shape
2. EMO-tions: Yvonne
3. Poetic Eyes: Hot Mocca
4. Face Paint: Moonlight
5. Sexy Mama Valentine Manicure
6. Glam Affair: Amberly
7. Indyra Originals: Kelsi Pumps

Featured Zanze Lacie {Night}/also available in {Snow} (Avenue Zenshi Fashion Week)
Featured Chop Zuey Kingdom of God Necklace and Bracelet
Featured Chop Zuey Tiger Lilly Earrings and Ring
1. Custom Shape
2. Poetic Eyes: Hot Mocca
3. booN DTU831 Chestnut
4. Face Paint Gems: Spring Gems 2
5. Face Paint: Summer Bronze
6. Mirror's Enigma: SuperbiaV3 Tan Skintone
7. Defining Boho: Beaded Flat Sandals
8. Image Essentials Photo Studio

Featured Zanze Little Miss Suit {Blanco} (Avenue Zenshi Fashion Week)
1. Custom Shape
2. EMO-tions: Lilith
3. Poetic Eyes: Oriental Pearl
4. [NikitaFride]: Long Eyelashes Ludic Drama
5. Face Paint: Lip Gloss Shiny Pink
6. Noya: Silver Music Manicure
7. Mimi's Boutique: Mya Tan
8. Chop Zuey: Cheri Amour Earrings and Bracelet + Bracelet resized as choker
9. N-Core: Eternity Dots
10. Shot on Location at Model's Workshop w/ Photography Studio Open for Group Use

Saturday, March 30, 2013

The Way You Do The Things You Do

Do you know those people who seem to be able to do everything and when they do, it looks effortless?


I look to those people for inspiration. I respect them. I notice the ways they use their talents and creatively construct an exciting world all around them.


When I met Zzoiee, she had qualities I could heartily admire and learn from as well. Since I've met her, the world she exists in has grown exponentially and each step she's taken to make this so much fun to watch.


As I take photos, I feel them viscerally. It wasn't that way at first for me, but the more I do this, the more I feel it way down deep inside of me. It comes from the clothes, the designer, the experience and the art of it.


Much of my life could be expressed in song, so when things move me emotionally, I begin to hear music in my head. This series of photos come from Zanze's Avenue Zenshi Fashion Week Black and White Collection. Zzoiee, I don't even know how you do the way you things you do, but you do it brilliantly.


Featured Zanze Blair {Charcoal} Avenue Zenshi Fashion Week
Featured EMO-tions Audrey .theevent.
1. Custom Shape
2. Finesmith: French Sky Nails
3. Mirror's Enigma: Socordia V2 Skintone (Bleed)
4. Mirror's Enigma: Dreamy (n): Black Colored Eyes
5. {what next}: Rainy Day Pose Props
6. Chop Zuey: Kharma Lovers Earrings
7. Chop Zuey: Kharma Lovers Bracelet Worn as a Choker
8. DADAbeiz: Black Half Ankle Boots
9. Lace Tights by Caryn
10. Shot on Location at Image Essentials (The Maze)
11. Pose Built into Umbrella

Featured Zanze Bridgit {Checkmate} (Avenue Zenshi Fashion Week)
Featured EMO-tions Keyla (LEEZU Hunt)
1. Custom Shape
2. Gaeline: Mesh Lashes Starlia
3. Face Paint: Spring Gems Special
4. Mirror's Enigma: Dreamy (n) Black Colored Eyes
5. LAQ Tasha
6. HollyWeird: Ice Queen Piercing
7. Moonshadow: Gipsy Set
8. Bootgasm: Sleek Boots Black
9. Shot on Location at Image Essentials
10. Prop and Poses: "This Image Essentials Prop is a combination of items purchased from various merchants as well as items created by [Kay Weston]."

Featured Zanze Cinch Dress {Zebra} (Avenue Zenshi Fashion Week)
Featured EMO-tions Pola
1. Custom Shape
2. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
3. Sexy Mama Valentine Manicure
4. Mirror's Enigma: Iona Native Skintone
5. Chop Zuey: Men's Margherita Necklace
6. MIA: Rock Leather and Country Lace Cowgirl Boots
7. MIA: Rock Leather and Country Lace Cowgirl Hat
8. MIA: Rock Leather and Country Lace Cowgirl Lace Pants
9. Props and Poses: "This Image Essentials Prop is a combination of items purchased from various merchants as well as items created by [Kay Weston]."

Featured Zanze Clarice {Abstract} (Avenue Zenshi Fashion Week)
Featured EMO-tions Liberty Turquoise Earrings and Necklace
Featured Face Paint: Jessica Smoke
1. Custom Shape
2. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
3. EMO-tions: Silja
4. 17 Quintessencia Model Square 1
5. Oceane's: Rose Natural Honey Tan
6. R2: Azuli Silver
7. "This Image Essentials Prop is a combination of items purchased from various merchants as well as items created by [Kay Weston]."

Friday, March 29, 2013

Will You Be My Princess Girl?

Do you have a special someone in your life? If you do, you're one of the lucky ones. Count the blessings. Even if you have those dark moments, where you want to scream, count your blessings.


One of the greatest gifts I have are friendships that truly touch me. There are some who've known me through my incarnations from Caryn to jessika to caryn, and others I met just a few days ago.


There are men and women alike whom I cherish, respect and enjoy. People who make feel like I'm walking on sunshine. And when I look around and see those people, they make me feel like a princess. Spoiled with things? Not so much. Spoiled with health? No, not in my world. Spoiled with immeasurable love and thoughtful inspiration. Incredibly!


Featured EMO-tions Hollywood Gift
- Adore Me Earrings
- Aurelia Hair
- Romy Silver Dress
1. Custom Shape
2. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
3. Gaeline: Mesh Lashes Divina
4. Face Paint: Sophisticate Blue
5. Mirror's Enigma: Medow Skins
6. N-Core: Casting Boots

Thursday, March 28, 2013

A New Fundraiser: Arret Le Saigment (Stop the Bleeding)

A fella I met at a Casting sent me a 'Group' joiner request the other day and I had to read his profile to make sure I knew him, how I knew him and to better understand his group request. After he explained his purpose and his goals, I considered it a compliment that he'd sent me the request and passionately sought to help him and the others who worked with him to make his plan succeed.


In his own words, "The Cause: Anti Teen Suicide - The Charity: Kids Help Phone - As virtual development and technology rises, it is clear to see the impact it has on our children's self esteem and mental health. Bullying has been on the rise through "cyber bullying". Self esteem has been taken away by photoshop and unreal expectations (and this is where Second Life can play a negative role in the development of our youth). As these factors rise, more and more young children are taking their lives and I want them to know that they are not alone and there is help."

You can read more about this event on the website: http://arret-le-saignement.blogspot.ca/


You are also encouraged to visit the Facebook page and click Like: https://www.facebook.com/groups/227464927395499/

Heath Blessed and Llyssa Serupta began this project and will be encouraged by your support. If you have questions regarding how you might get involved, there is a lot of information on their website, but they are also very easily reached in Second Life.

Hold Me Closer Tiny Dancer

It's a little bit odd when I change shapes these days. In my Second Life history, I always played with shapes for the fun of it. As I got more involved in the fashion community, blogging and modeling, I grew far more attached to the avatar that is me.


Recently, however, I've had the fun returned to me via a neat shape designer, Catriona Dagger. She has a wide array of shapes and each time I use one of her shapes, I'm transformed into a new vision of self and my imagination ends up running at Mach 3.


This girl here, Bree, could be a show stopper up those stairs in through the glass beads to the stage. Tiny Dancer... She's an edgy little thing, dressed to attract attention, ready to entertain. I'm glad I get to break out of my Caryn mold from time to time and visit other niches in my infinite daydreams.


Featured Scandelicious (Special Discount) Bree Shape
Featured Dot-Be Fashion Shandra Dress Silver/Black
1. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis
2. EMO-tions: Jack
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
4. Gaeline: Mesh Lashes Starlia
5. Face Paint: Gidget Sky w/ Pink Lip
6. [S H O C K]: Starshine Glitter Nails
7. Blackburn's: 19th Century Classic Lace Up Booties Black
8. Wretched Dolls: Skully Tights
9. Jewelry: Black Pearly Set Anastasia
10. Image Essentials Props and Poses

I'm In a New York State of Mind

I'm partial to Snowpaws for many reasons, but one of the ones at the core of the positive emotions resounds in the relationship I've been privileged to develop over time with Carrie Snowpaw.


Way... way... back in time, she supported the Face of Face Paint contest with Eve Express, committing new outfits to the winner(s).


I had peripherally known of Snowpaws for a long time prior to March 2012, but when I won one of the spots at Face Paint thus also winning clothing from Snowpaws, I got to know it a bit more.


Ever since, I have worked with Carrie Snowpaw, writing the weekly blog, posting sales, special events, news and fashion shows she's done. All the while, besides a business relationship building trust, we also developed a welcome friendship.


She's one of those people you simply want to know because she exudes a warmth that is genuine, and in her little niche in Second Life, she's poured out that warmth to so many many people.


Not only does she participate in a half dozen or so special sales events each week, she also joins hunts and makes high quality treasures for those hunts, and then there are all the ways you can win free items.


But there's even more to it than that. Every so often, I think of the phrase, "Go the extra mile," and how it relates to her and to Snowpaws. She contributes items to a conglomeration of charity based fund raisers.


No, she's not a Saint yet, but I don't know if anyone has petitioned the new Pope Francis to recognize her as one... yet. When I get to work with and for someone who offers more of herself than she ever asks, I consider myself the lucky one.

If you've never visited Snowpaws, you should. People have so many motives in Second Life, some of them seemingly unsavory, but at Snowpaws, there's always a sense of goodness with a splash of fun and naughty in a good way. Her motives come through as crystal clear and full of hope.


A side note, about the fun nails I have on in the photo (see the zoomed in photo), these are the cleverest drops of fun ever to drip on my fingertips. The set of 10 nails each have little tea party dishes. They're some of my favorite ever from Candy Nail and they were in a Gacha machine for only 50L. Fun at a great price. Who can do better than that?


Featured Snowpaws Ava Dress (The Event)
Featured Candy Nail (Gacha, and what a deal) Tea Time Nails in Pink
1. Custom Shape
2. EMO-tions: Fame
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
4. Face Paint Gems: Spring Gems 2 A Girl's Best Friend
5. Face Paint: Midas Touch Silver v2
6. Baboom!: Bracelet from Silver Moon Outfit
7. RYCA: Platinum Earrings
8. N-Core: Triumph
9. Focus Poses
10. Avante Pose (Now called In-Pose!)

Featured Snowpaws Harlow Form Fitting Dress
1. Custom Shape
2. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
3. Truth: Soleil
4. Face Paint Gems: Spring Gems 1 Easter Basket
5. Sexy Mama Valentine Manicure
6. LAQ: Tasha Skin
7. Zuri's: My Juliet Set Bracelet
8. Angel Dessous: Dragon Fly Brooch (worn in hair)
9. Joops: Black Golden Nailed Ankle Boots

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Sing Us a Song, You're the Piano Man

Some of the most fun print work I've done has been at Image Essentials. When I show up, I never know exactly what's in store because Kay Weston offers fun, creative and often brilliant static displays all around her sim and for sale in her store.


She took several photographs to showcase the multiple pose options in her latest display, and here three of us are, singing to our heart's content. Destiny's Child or Dixie Chicks? I don't know!


Laying across the piano while a handsome fella plays seems like a fairy tale come true for me. There's a natural sexiness to it, yet also understated in its alluring qualities.


A sweetheart of a model and new friend joined us, Aely Witte, and she and I took up our mics to add another track to our song. It had to be a live performance, no?


Then Aely had a moment in the spotlight, and I thought she looked like she matched the set so well it felt a little bit like a Broadway set.


I didn't know the other gal there, but her vivacious spirit shone through and her eagerness to get the best shot and help in the overall shoot was infectious and warm. With a name like Wonk-a-licious, you know it's going to be good. I told her one of my favorite childhood stories was Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

I won't give away the Piano Man's identity. It's top secret or so I was told.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Parameshvara/147/38/43/

If you haven't visited Image Essentials, a sim that's home to three terrific pose/prop designers, you really should. Meet Kay Weston, Ally Dwyer and Nikki Wildmist each bring their own perspective to the property and have a plethora of places for natural shots, open photography studios for female, male, couple and family shots, and so much more. They also began hosting a photo competition earlier this year and that too has inspired some really neat outcomes.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Touch Me, Take Me to That Other Place

Do you have that someone special who can make you calm or in another setting make your head spin or your heart soar? Those kinds of friends are priceless. They're real. They're not wearing a mask and only saying the pretty things.


The greatest gift we have to give others is self. Selfless giving means putting other's needs ahead of our own and this type of giving can be the most exhilarating and the frustrating at the same time. There are those out there who will soak up all you have to share and then want more. In other cases, you know those who rarely ask for anything and if they ever do ask you for support, you'd do absolutely anything they ask if it were in your power.


I consider my life blessed with a rich abundance of people around me who see past themselves and give of themselves in so many different ways. I've joined with a variety of lifestyle groups, role-play groups and serious business groups and found a little smattering of healthy and unhealthy humanity in each of those settings. The joy comes from the fact that the good and goodness in others far outweighs any negatives I've faced.


My heart hopes that you too find those who can touch you and take you to that other place that U2 is singing about in this song I reference. If it's raining cats and dogs or if the sun is shining, if there's an early unexpected spring snow on the ground or you're sunbathing on the beach somewhere with fancy drinks, it's a beautiful day. I pray you don't let it slip away, but find some way to share the beauty of your day with someone else.


Featured Demise of Flight Kristen Lace Cami
Featured Demise of Flight Leather Mini
Featured Demise of Flight Mesh Ballet Flats
Featured Face Paint Gems: Spring Gems 2
Featured Face Paint: Jessica Purple (coming soon)
1. Custom Shape
2. [ME]: Superbia Peach Skintone
3. EMO-tions: Celie
4. WoW: Diva Lashes
5. Noya: French Tips
6. Baubles by Phe: Square Diamond Bangle
7. Cute Poison: Deathstone Necklace
8. Manifeste Poses

Pretty Girl Is Suffering While He Confesses Everything

Yesterday I was approached by Heath Blessed who asked me for support and help with a project he and his partner Ilyssa are working on and I investigated a bit then joined his team. Of all the things I can do with my time online, raising money to help others less fortunate than I makes me feel like I'm using my time wisely.


This is the information I have so far: 

  1. They want to orchestrate an event in Second Life that will include kiosks, a fair and several fashion shows.
  2. They want to donate money to the Kids Help Phone (kidshelpphone.ca) and have already contacted the agency to orchestrate this with them.
  3. They seek individuals, groups, designers and models to help them accomplish their dream.
  4. They began an in world group that you're welcome to join called ~Arret Le Saignement~ (Stop the bleeding.) and encourage you to join and get involved if you are willing and able to help.

Most of the photos I take intentionally look happy. Happy people wearing beautiful clothing makes others feel good. Today, I looked for a way to be beautiful but also to look wistful, thoughtful, even sad.


Then I found lyrics by Pink. I don't know her personal story but from the lyrics she sings, I sense that she had a very difficult childhood. I read through the lyrics of Pretty Girl and it seemed to be an apt song to associate with this fundraiser, so I used some of the lyrics to name these two photos. There are agencies around the world, not just in Canada, set up to help children similar to the Kids Helpline. I hope you're motivated to join in this and any project in our shared Second Life that touches your heart and if there is any way you can help with Heath and Ilyssa's project, I know they'd be grateful to hear from you.

Featured Mirror's Enigma Superbia v3 Medium Skintone
Featured Mirror's Enigma Demi's Denim Shorts
Featured Mirror's Enigma Demi's Tucked Shirt
1. Custom Shape
2. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
3. EMO-tions: Karen
4. Face Paint: Spring Gems 1 Easter Basket
5. Face Paint: Grace Purple
6. Candy Nail Enishi White
7. Viola Bach: Pearl Drop Earrings
8. Viviane Fashion: Sneakers No. 4 Pink
9. Focus Poses

Sunday, March 24, 2013

She's a Whole Lot Glam, Sweet Sugar, Sex and Spice

Though I have a very diverse past in Second Life, not to mention my life off line, especially in a period of my life I would reflectively call my youth, in recent years, I've been far more conservative and careful. Then I get an outfit like this one from Baboom! and I think wow, sexy, risque, pushing my envelope.



Friends from both genders don't seem to mind a little extra skin and the occasional peek of nipples, and tease me about becoming the little prude. I don't know when it happened either.



There was this fantastic club in Florida when I lived there that had a very adult themed night once a month that I wanted to visit at least once. I asked. And asked. And asked some more. Being married to the military means very strict boundaries at times, and the idea of being 'caught' in a club like that pushed too many anxiety buttons.



Somehow, eventually, I did convince him to take me. We went, and the place was incredibly crowded. It was about the size of a Waffle House with cages suspended around the room and dancer(s) in each of them. Other things happened on center stage, and everyone seemed to form a circle around the racy setting. Impulsively, I tore off my black sleeveless sweater to reveal a sexy black lace bra that matched my mini as well as the sweater had. Oh ... My ... Goodness! Yes, true story.

And if you want to know how it ended... lol. Ask me sometime!


Featured: Baboom Kylee Mesh Catsuit
1. Custom Shape
2. Poetic Eyes: Oriental Pearl
3. EMO-tions: Joshua
4. Finesmith: French Sky Nails
5. Mirror's Enigma: Medow Skins Light Skintone
6. Zuri's: Rayna Aloha Belly Jewel Baby Blue
7. ::pichi:: Adele Flat Booties
8. Vista Animation Poses