Almost Naked -- Featuring {WearMe}, Air Ophelia, BeLoD, DANIELLE, INNUENDO, Lua's Urban Style, and Violator

I was inspired by Wicca Merlin's Flickr tonight. I actually had my computer turned so my sweetheart could see her photos from where he was sitting and for a few minutes he stopped watching football so he could do so.

I edited this one in a paint program, to see what I could do with it, to edit it to a point where it was beyond a photo and bordering on art. I think it takes time and loads of practice. I just enjoy it!

This was the original photo, so you can see where and how I edited. I see so many photos on Flickr, not just Wicca's, that look like someone used oil paints or very real art supplies to make their photos.

I pushed the edge of sensuality to the very limit. I didn't want to show everything, yet I wanted to only show the jewelry and accessories. I think it would be a little more difficult to do so at a show, but in photos, it's fun to try.

With a great bag, while standing still, I cover the bits that need the most coverage. From head to toe, I played with items, modifying them, making some glow, coloring others, till I got to this final stage. I hope you enjoy!

Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring {WearMe} **Feel**StarDustClassical Nails from J&A Expo

Featuring Air Ophelia Earrings from J&A Expo - As I modified items to create this look, some items appear in unusual places. These earrings are part of the nipple rings.

Featuring BeloD Lux Handbag Viola from J&A Expo

Featuring DANIELLE Sage Boots Bistro from J&A Expo

Featuring INNUENDO NAIKE black Italian Style Rare from J&A Expo

Featuring Lua's Urban Style Winter Shoulder Armour Purple from J&A Expo

Featuring Violator Night Light White Silver - I modified the earrings from this set and added them to the other earring set to make the nipple rings.

1. Wicca's Wardrobe Poses

2. Kyxe Skins & Shapes Orchid Skintone

3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes Ripe Grape Gloss

4. Gaeline Mesh Lashes Fantasia

5. MADesigns Eyes Confidence Subtle Ocean

6. Osmose Chignon Golden

"All The Who's Down In Whoville..." -- Featuring {WearMe}, EMO-tions, Enfant Terrible, Essenz @ J&A Expo Plus KR Couture

I love the beginning of "How A Grinch Stole Christmas" by Dr. Seuss. We get introduced to this group of people who could be you or me. Whoville represents everyone. In Whoville, the people got excited about Christmas. They prepared for a fanfare of amazement on that special day in all sorts of ways. Dr. Seuss had a way with fantasy words, elements from wild musical instruments to special gadgets.

Those Whos, whoever they are, had an antagonist in their world, not too far away, and he didn't care much for the Whos or their holiday season. At times, I feel more like I could identify with that old grumpy Grinch. Life throws all of us curve balls and sometimes they're really big. I think it could be easy to deal with the stress of the world around me and my hope shrink in the process.

*A side note here, I don't believe Dr. Seuss went to the nth degree to define Christmas as a purely singular faith type holiday.

The Grinch takes it one step further than I think I ever could. I definitely have moody holidays some years, but I don't look around me and try to take that away from others and their sentimentality. I'll go through the motions of the holiday and not feel it at times, but I wouldn't hurt others by taking away their stuff. The story says, "It came without packages, boxes or bags..." because the Grinch had decided that he could take Christmas away from the Whos by taking all their stuff.

I know that there are times when I'm disappointed that I lash out and tear into someone else, and when I'm done, for a little while, I feel bigger and better than they are. It's silly, mean spirited really, and so human. I've noticed that the competitive nature of the modeling and fashion world brings this Grinch out of us, and we use words instead of a pool stick, and we make others feel small instead of tapping all the Christmas decor into a sack.

There were Whos, and they could have been any of us. There was a Grinch and I guarantee that we've all had our grinchy ways. Every time I see the holiday special, I find I identify with Max as well. He's the very small dog who ends up being super-dog, drawing the sleigh. He's stuck, under the care of the Grinch. I think of him being the one who had no choice in the matter; not mean like the Grinch, and not sweet and innocent like the Who. He was just Max, stuck in a moment.

I prefer to have some control over my life. I have felt stuck like Max at times. I know the story was written primarily to amuse and entertain, and it does. I also think Seuss had a message in many of his stories and this one just makes me feel a lot of emotions. Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring {WearMe} *Feel* StarDustClassical Nail from J&A Expo

Featuring EMO-tions Fairytale From J&A Expo

Featuring Enfant Terrible Vintage Girl Brown Fur Hat from J&A Expo

Featuring Enfant Terrible Vintage Girl Ring from J&A Expo

Featuring Essenz Santiago Wedge Heels with HUD Color Changer from J&A Expo

Also Featuring Kastle Rock Couture Gabriella Top (Silver)

Also Featuring Kastle Rock Couture Gabriella Skirt (Rose)

Also Featuring Kastle Rock Couture Seamed Hose

Also Featuring [Mirror's Enigma] Freya Peach Skintone (Natural/LightBrow)

1. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Magical Shadow - Gold

2. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Glamour Lips - Bubble Gum

3. MADesigns: Eyes Confidence - Subtle Ocean

4. Face Paint: Black Liner

5. Gaeline: Divina

6. Manifeste Poses

"So This Is Christmas, What Have You Done?" - Featuring *AE* and AIDORU from J&A Expo Plus Carrie's Lingerie, and EMO-tions

Happy Christmas (War Is Over) seems to be an odd name for a song. Its origination came from somewhere unexpected and yet has become a Christmas Carol staple played around the world each holiday and covered by bands since it's singles debut by John Lennon in 1971.

I find it intriguing that people take messages and read what they want into them or glean what they want from them. When this song was written it was definitively done so as an anti-war song protesting the Vietnam War. John Lennon notably said, "Now I understand what you have to do. Put your political message across with a bit of honey."

Projects he took on outside of his work with the Beatles (and often including his new wife Yoko Ono) often had a political message, but his voice was heard best when he sang his protests. He wanted to write a Christmas carol with themes like unity and peaceful change, keeping the song positive and optimistic without creating something of sappy sentimentalism others associated with holiday tunes.

Times have changed. I served in a war as a member of the United States Navy in 1990-1992. I recall the very different sense of support of the military at this time. It was obvious to me that a country had learned to separate their support of a military member from a government's war. That change affected hundreds of thousands of troops at that time and to this day. Maybe protesters, the people who matched into Washing D.C. and those who use their voice like John Lennon had a part in that altered viewpoint.

Putting politics aside completely, this song came into the world with one purpose yet over time, it became a part of a culture that had nothing to do with its original meaning. The lyrics are simple. If you listen to the first recording or find a cover, it's easy to understand the message. Only the last stanza of the song reminds us of war, or peace, or a people who found themselves at war and preferred peace. I prefer peace. I may be naive to think it could ever exist, but I don't mind my naivete. I have hope.

Featuring *AE* Peace / Siver Exclusive from J&A Expo

Featuring AIDORU Exclusive Elite Pumps #2 from J&A Expo

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Webhost/123/125/21

Also Featuring Carrie's Lingerie Mia Copper VIP

Also Featuring EMO-tions Harley

1. MADesigns: Eyelashes ~ Lush Lash

2. MADesigns: Eyes Confidence ~ Subtle Ocean

3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Orchid

4. Manifeste Poses

So, this is Christmas
And what have you done?
Another year over
And a new one just begun

And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

And so this is Christmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones
The world is so wrong

And so happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let's stop all the fight

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

And so this is Christmas
And what have we done
Another year over
And a new one just begun

And so this is Christmas
We hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

War is over
If you want it
War is over
Now

Read more: John Lennon - Happy Christmas (war Is Over) Lyrics

It's a Golden Day -- Featuring EMO-tions and Belle Amie from the J&A Expo also Featuring Featuring Romance Couture and [Underscore]

I love the old version of Willy Wonka, the one where Gene Wilder played Mr. Wonka. I liked Johnny Depp's twist on the character and admired him for stepping into such an iconic role when he did it. The earlier version felt differently, something I can't quite finger point but it did.

This scene from the movie, and the song in particular, shares the energy of the most perfect thing that could possibly happen to a little boy and his grampa. A golden ticket meant they were on their way to see Mr. Willy Wonka.

As I think of the various people I've gotten to work with this year, and the continued support of some amazing sponsors, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Most recently, I've begun to blog this Jewelry and Accessory Expo, more easily abbreviated J&A Expo, and many of the items are fantastic bits of treasure. It's a golden day!

Jewelry and accessories are things I get most concerned about in Second Life. Everyone 'plays' differently and each of us have different ways we make the currency of the Linden work for us. Since I don't import Lindens, everything I use comes from something I do somewhere in Second Life. It gives me a sense of success to have some financial stability but when I have the privilege of working with an expo like this, I just feel like Charlie, the boy with the golden ticket.

When I style for gown creators like Romance Couture, I want to have all the right pieces, modern, new and fresh to add to their work, so I might show it in the most glamorous way possible. That means new hair styles, new jewelry, shoes and every other twinkle and sparkly. By adding a few sponsors here and there, with items like this, I feel so much more able to put together an apt look for each blog. And this expo... it's icing on the cake.

I couldn't say thank you enough times to each of the people out there who've helped me build into the model/blogger I enjoy being today, but I am thankful. Every day should be a day for thanks but when a holiday nudges us, I reflect in joyful earnest. Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring EMO-tions *VERTIGO* Facemask Golden from the Jewelry and Accessory Expo

Featuring Belle Amie ~Anguinam~ Jewelry Set (Earrings, Necklace and Ring) from J&A Expo

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Webhost/123/125/21

Featuring Romance Couture }RC{ Fauve Gold

Featuring [Underscore]: Victor

1. MADesigns Eyes Confidence ~ Intense Depth

2. Kyxe Skins & Shapes Glamour II Butterscotch

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Sofia Dusk Skintone

4. Face Paint: Midas Touch Bronze

5. Manifeste Poses

I Have To Remind Myself Sometimes -- Featuring KL Couture, J&A Rock Culture from Jewelry Expo Also Featuring Evolve, EMO-tions, & Kyxe

It's especially enjoyable to me to work with designers who are already my sponsors and have them appear on the list of designers for special events. This happened yesterday for me, with more than one designer, but in this case, I'm referencing KL Couture, and KL Couture has a couple of items for the Jewelry & Accessory Expo.

I really like the girl who makes the items for KL Couture. I liked her instantly when we met and I love her consistency. It's the single greatest trait I rely on for people in Second Life. If you're simply you and consistent in behavior, action and voice, you have my support. Kyria makes amazing clothing, and when I saw she had some pieces of jewelry for this expo I was thrilled. The large photo of hands here shows the intricate detail she put into her pieces. These repeat beautifully at the ear and throat as well.

The other over sized and close up photo shows you J&A Rock Culture's heelsp, a pair of hot pink or are the crimson... they take on the color of the moment in my opinion. I've had a chance now to work with J&A Rock Culture as I've blogged a few events. I like the diversity of things I've seen contributed to the various venues because I know it means a wide variety awaits you at their main store.

There aren't enough words to convey the person behind Evolve. I should say the people behind Evolve. Not only does Reign Congrejo create item after item, she makes sure she has a staff of awesome people present to help you find just the right look for you. The dress from Evolve does not come from the Jewelry and Accessory Expo, but is a new sale item this weekend for Evolve and goes well with the other items!

Last but never least, I have to share the joy I found late yesterday when I spoke to Ms. Mirja Mills, then her blog manager about returning to EMO-tions as a blogger. I have missed Ms. Mills classy creativity. She creates styles that run the gamut from costume and frill to updo and elegant to calm to the wildest elements possible. This particular style, Edith Ombre is mesh and part of a Gacha set, with Ombre being the rare.

New items to share from the Expo, consistent designers, creative and complex artists, and a return to a sponsor whom I cherish. How could it get any better than this? Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring J&A Rock Couture Peeptoe Heels from the Jewelry & Accessory Expo

Featuring KL Couture Winterland Set Platinum from the Jewelry and Accessory Expo

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Webhost/123/125/21

Also Featuring Evolve's Gorgeous Pale Pink Dress

Also Featuring EMO-tions Edith Ombre Ultra Rare at Gacha Fling

Also Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Glamour II ~ Berries And Cream

1. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Orchid Skintone

2. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Devine Eyeshadow ~ Magic

3. Gaeline: Fantasia

4. Face Paint: Black Liner

5. MADesigns: Eyes Confidence ~ Intense Depth

6. Manifeste Poses

In Love With Love -- Featuring FINESMITH and Christmas Market Items by [CIRCA], AsMoOt, and Odelitte

Relationships on Second Life have a unique shelf life. Some of them work like a firecracker. One moment the various chemical elements realize they've met and found a good match and the very next minute, it's exploding into a wild array of color and sound.

Despite being argued, debated and ultimately come to an point with various friends at various times on this same subject, I conjecture that most of the relationships I've seen friends dip into were very much related to those fireworks, and the moment the sparkles happened, they shared a sense of lustful fun.

The thing is, with lust, it really is vivid, flashy and fun. All the energy in the world may be exchanged. You don't even really have to know the other person.

If you can and do take longer than ten minutes to get from point a to point firecracker exploding in the air, more power to you. However, what do you do after the sparks fly and the explosion occurs? Is there something even stronger than a temporary chemical trip that lends itself well to entertainment?

One of the great ironies to me continues to be in that aftermath. I'm not trying to be gender biased, but I have spoken to far more female friends at this point in relationships than males and males could have similar experiences or completely different ones. Let's assume I have some exposure to some women after some settings that leave them 'post firecracker' trying to define the relationship.

I hear the term 'love' bandied about a lot. I've decided that rather than being in love with Mr. Firecracker-Wow-Rock-My-World, it's far more likely that my friends who continue to seek the next big explosion really never intended to find love. I think it's far more likely that they're in love with the idea of love, but in the meantime, the firecrackers prove to be a perfectly good distraction.

Featuring FINESMITH Yulia Silver Earrings, Necklace and Bracelets

Featuring AsHmOoT AW Coll Dolly Pumps from Christmas Market

Featuring Odelitte Winter Tunic White from Christmas Market

1. Kyxe Skins & Shapes:

- Orchid Skintone

- Devine Eyeshadow - Sunset

- Alabaster Lips - Golden Kiss for Pale Skin

2. Candy Nail: Enishi White

3. MADesigns:

- Eyelashes ~ Perfection

- Eyes - Confidence ~ Intense Depth

4. Truth: Amelie Streaked

+ [CIRCA] Village Holiday Cookie Tree

+ [CIRCA] Winter Holiday Modern Vase

+ [CIRCA] Winter Holiday Candle Blue

Christmas Market Open at  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Atlantis%20City%202/27/101/1224

A.F.I Designs, N@N@, AIDORU, Kyxe, KMADD, .::Shellac, [UNDERSCORE] and Yasum from Jewelry & Accessory Expo (12.6.2013)

What an eclectic group of designers I got to share with you this time. I also created a whole array of photos.

Featuring A.F.I Designs Forbidden Dress

Featuring N@N@ Caryn Set (Thank you for doing a set in my name, N@N@, I was so touched and grateful)

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Chocolate Cosmos Black Brows, Bald with Eyeshadow and Lips

Featuring MADesigns Eyelashes ~ Precision

Featuring MADesigns Eyes Confidence ~ Dark Path

Yasum Dead End Boots from the Jewelry & Accessory Expo (12.6.2013)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Webhost/125/127/21

1. Candy Nail: Harvest Beige

2. EMO-tions: Tyra *4

3. Wicca's Wardrobe: Poses

For those of you who do not know, DJAFI is one of those gals who can do anything if she sets her mind to it. She's a rad DJ and a creative designer and I'm certain she's many other things as well!

Featuring A.F.I Designs Forbidden Dress

Featuring N@N@ Caryn Set (Thank you for doing a set in my name, N@N@, I was so touched and grateful)

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Chocolate Cosmos Black Brows, Bald with Eyeshadow and Lips

Featuring MADesigns Eyelashes ~ Precision

Featuring MADesigns Eyes Confidence ~ Dark Path

Yasum Dead End Boots from the Jewelry & Accessory Expo (12.6.2013)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Webhost/125/127/21

1. Candy Nail: Harvest Beige

2. EMO-tions: Tyra *4

3. Wicca's Wardrobe: Poses

Many of her items have an edgy nature. Either they're daringly revealing like this open-fronted dress, or they're exotic in some other way. Before I even know the designer, I can often tell her pieces from others.

Featuring A.F.I Designs Forbidden Dress

Featuring N@N@ Caryn Set (Thank you for doing a set in my name, N@N@, I was so touched and grateful)

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Chocolate Cosmos Black Brows, Bald with Eyeshadow and Lips

Featuring MADesigns Eyelashes ~ Precision

Featuring MADesigns Eyes Confidence ~ Dark Path

Yasum Dead End Boots from the Jewelry & Accessory Expo (12.6.2013)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Webhost/125/127/21

1. Candy Nail: Harvest Beige

2. EMO-tions: Tyra *4

3. Wicca's Wardrobe: Poses

In addition to the great attire she's created, I get to show you these Dead End boots from Yasum. I got the chance to speak personally to the designer and I thrilled at the chance. The boots look fantastic and have a HUD that offers so many options too!

Featuring A.F.I Designs Forbidden Dress

Featuring N@N@ Caryn Set (Thank you for doing a set in my name, N@N@, I was so touched and grateful)

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Chocolate Cosmos Black Brows, Bald with Eyeshadow and Lips

Featuring MADesigns Eyelashes ~ Precision

Featuring MADesigns Eyes Confidence ~ Dark Path

Yasum Dead End Boots from the Jewelry & Accessory Expo (12.6.2013)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Webhost/125/127/21

1. Candy Nail: Harvest Beige

2. EMO-tions: Tyra *4

3. Wicca's Wardrobe: Poses

I have to say, this jewelry set called Caryn, delivered as a gift to me this morning stunned me. N@N@ sent the set and they suited me so well. I have such a sense of the balance of energy in our universe and this set spoke directly to that. Thank you so much N@N@.

Featuring A.F.I Designs Stache Jeans Outfit

-- Also A.F.I Designs Rare Gacha Design Mustache Cuff

Featuring AIDORU Starry Night Perfect Fit Flats

Featuring .::Shellac Slink Solid Darks

Featuring [Underscore] Lyon Hair

1. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands

2. MADesigns: Eyelashes ~ Fabulous Darling

2. MADesigns: Eyes Confidence ~ Cruel

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Heather Tan Skintone (Silken/Light Brow)

4. Photos Taken on Image Essentials' Sim - Poses Built Into Studio Props

A bit more fierce, this urban outlet has its own story to tell. DJAFI asked if I wanted to do this one too, and I said "Of Course!" I love being nudged out of my comfort zone.

Featuring A.F.I Designs Stache Jeans Outfit

-- Also A.F.I Designs Rare Gacha Design Mustache Cuff

Featuring AIDORU Starry Night Perfect Fit Flats

Featuring .::Shellac Slink Solid Darks

Featuring [Underscore] Lyon Hair

1. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands

2. MADesigns: Eyelashes ~ Fabulous Darling

2. MADesigns: Eyes Confidence ~ Cruel

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Heather Tan Skintone (Silken/Light Brow)

4. Photos Taken on Image Essentials' Sim - Poses Built Into Studio Props

As you can see, there's actually a third piece of the outfit, a mesh bit that's attached with chain and draped to the right hip. It's the first time I've seen a wallet like this in mesh, so that was a great addition. Also, she's gotten so clever with her mesh that she's begun to add jewelry. If you want to try her Gacha machine in the store, you could get the cuff seen in my set of photos.

Featuring A.F.I Designs Stache Jeans Outfit

-- Also A.F.I Designs Rare Gacha Design Mustache Cuff

Featuring AIDORU Starry Night Perfect Fit Flats

Featuring .::Shellac Slink Solid Darks

Featuring [Underscore] Lyon Hair

1. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands

2. MADesigns: Eyelashes ~ Fabulous Darling

2. MADesigns: Eyes Confidence ~ Cruel

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Heather Tan Skintone (Silken/Light Brow)

4. Photos Taken on Image Essentials' Sim - Poses Built Into Studio Props

I pulled a pair of AIDORU flats, the nail paint from .::Shellac, dark colors designed to wear with SLink hands, and then wore a brand new hair style Lyon from [Underscore]. It all seemed like it was meant to go together.

Featuring A.F.I Designs Stache Jeans Outfit

-- Also A.F.I Designs Rare Gacha Design Mustache Cuff

Featuring AIDORU Starry Night Perfect Fit Flats

Featuring .::Shellac Slink Solid Darks

Featuring [Underscore] Lyon Hair

1. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands

2. MADesigns: Eyelashes ~ Fabulous Darling

2. MADesigns: Eyes Confidence ~ Cruel

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Heather Tan Skintone (Silken/Light Brow)

4. Photos Taken on Image Essentials' Sim - Poses Built Into Studio Props

You can see how simple yet unique the hair style is in this close up. I absolutely love the diversity of the designer behind A.F.I Designs. Every time I get to style an outfit from her, I get to step into a new role and play for a while.

Live! Laugh! Love!

The Glory of Love -- .charme., MINT!, Essenz, Wertina and NiNight

At the end of the year, we celebrate in some way, most of us do all around the globe. Even if it's simply acknowledging the passing of one year and seeing a new one on our horizon, we hopefully look towards that horizon. It's our chance to be better, do better, live better. It means something to me.

This little tree from Ninight reminded me somehow of the moment in the story of the Grinch Who Stole Christmas, when they woke to find nothing, and still they went to the town circle and they sang. They weren't singing for things, but for the essence of the moment, the beauty in their hearts.

The glory of love may be shared a thousand ways. You could sing in that nonsense language they came up with for the televised version of the Grinch or you could do a hundred family traditions. It doesn't matter. Love comes packaged in so many ways. And for those who have lost the sense of glory that love is, I hope you find it as this year ends, and like the Grinch, may your heart grow three sizes today.

Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring .charme. Li Rose Headband (worn as a wreath instead) from the Christmas Market

Featuring Essenz Venice Black Heels from the Christmas Market

Featuring MINT! Caroline Jumpsuit from the Christmas Market

Wertina Winter Hat from the Christmas Market

NiNight Christmas Tree w/Animated Sing Pose Built In from the Christmas Market

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Atlantis%20City%202/27/101/1224

1. MADesigns: Eyes Confidence ~ Subtle Green

2. EnvyMe: Samia Skin Fair Makeup

3. Manifeste Poses (used instead of pose built in to tree for better overall display)

A Snowpaws Paw Print On My Life -- Featuring Snowpaws and FINESMITH

It's always special to reflect on the things that have been a part of our past at this time of year. Charles Dickens pointed out just how special when he took Scrooge to the various memories he'd chosen to avoid and others that had meaning.

If I were going to fly around the virtual world of my past, my present and my future, I'd begin by recognizing those who had such a special print on my past. I would not be blogging today if it weren't for Aradia Mistwood. She encouraged me to do so, and I have ever since, only pausing for a time when I was on medical hiatus.

Kim Rongyu and Spirit Llewellyn also worked at Face Paint, each having earned a spot there in a contest that Face Paint hosted at the beginning of 2012. They belonged there. They were glorious in their mad modeling skills. I was definitely the ugly duckling, and I still feel like I have not quite figured out how they got to the beautiful swan stage, but I'm still trying!

No idea why she hired me, but she did. Eve Express gave me my second modeling job. Eve had connections with the fashion world at a level that to this day makes me smile. I met Ms. Ponchi during this time, but I also got to meet some of the special designers who'd collaborated with Eve to run her contest. I'm so happy that I got to work with each of them as well. I had my very first photo shoot with Zachary Zeurfreur. If I spelled his last name incorrectly, forgive me. I always shortened it to ZZ.

 I also got to meet Carrie Snowpaw, and introduced to her world of clothing creation. She's been making amazing designs since 2006 and she's still doing it! This gorgeous green gown comes from Snowpaws. With the new Yulia Black set from FINESMITH, I feel ready to kick up my heels and dance right into 2014.

I don't forget the past. I know there are times we want to bury it or hide from it, just as Scrooge did, but when I pause, and really reflect, every step of my past had a part in making me who I am now, and helped mold me into the person I eventually hope to be.

Featuring Snowpaws Seta Emerald Silk Sparkle Gown

Featuring FINESMITH Yulia Necklace and Earring Set

1. {{BSD Design Studio}} Supermodel Shoe Collector Raw

2. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Orchid Skintone

3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Glamor Lips ~ Ombre Passion

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Hypnotic Eyeshadow ~ Apple Martini

5. FINESMITH: French Sky Nails

6. MADesigns: Eyes Confidence ~ Subtle Green

7. MADesigns: Eyelashes ~ Ball Lashes

8. Face Paint: Black Liner

9. Bliss: Sierra Hair

10. Demise of Flight: Lizzy Pose Series

There's a Tree This Year! -- Featuring [DarkWing], [Wolf&I], [F F], h.m.e.a.m., IOS Poses, J&A, .::Shellac, and AIDORU

Me and the holidays have to come to terms with one another every year. I have hope some years and tend to be a bit like Scrooge other years. Last year I didn't ever put together the tree.

When I woke from a midday nap, my tree was up and ready for decoration this year. I was like a happy child on Christmas morning. I even have special ornaments I have gotten the past two years that are from 'collectible' sites, that have never been used. I think it will be a pretty tree!

How could *I* be Scrooge-like? This open bit of positive energy reporting to you from a variety of places all over Second Life? Well it's not the holidays themselves. It's the expectations. Each year, to me, it has felt like holidays demand more and yet feel less personal.

I contend that the only person who can fix it, however, is me. Or you. One by one. We either let it the beautiful time of year be marred by the commercialism that detracts from its beauty or we don't. This year, I've decided I will not!

Too much about the holiday and it's not even December? Well considering I didn't really do anything that remotely looked or felt like the holiday in my world off line last year, I'm just catching up and embracing it with joy.

I wish the same to you. Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring [Dark Wing Productions] Christmas Mesh Hat from Christmas Market

Featuring [Wolf&I] Silent Night Sweater - Holly from Christmas Market

Featuring [Fashion Fears] HighWaist Leggings Black *rare from Christmas Market

Featuring h.m.a.e.m. Transom Earrings from Christmas Market

Featuring IOS Pose w/Gift Box (poses in boxes) from Christmas Market

Featuring J&A Rock Culture Mesh Scarf from Christmas Market

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Atlantis%20City%202/27/101/1224

Also Featuring .::Shellac Put On Your Face Exotical 2

Also Featuring .::Shellac Dual Shadow Blue and Grey (headshot)

Also Featuring AIDORU Anastasia Pinky Ballerina Shoe Flats

1. EMO-tions: Anna

2. Gaeline: Mysteria

3. Face Paint: Round French Nails

4. MADesigns: Eyes Confidence ~ Dark Path

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Heather Peach Skintone

6. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Kyxe Cherry Blossom Gloss

Wow! When Undies Are Edible -- Featuring OSITO, Essenz, !gO!, {{BSD}}, Persefona and Frozen Poses all from Christmas Market

**Minor Correction -- Essenz Shoes are not for Slink... sorry about the early posted information.

As I unpacked items from the Christmas Market that opens on 11.25, I found the most amusing item yet. There were all these little undies with flavorful names like Gingerbread. I couldn't help but shake my head. I'd just talked about flirtation being a bit dangerous and here I am running around in flavored... ahem.

Good naturedly, I set up on my little workshop, away from most prying eyes, and got into the cute set, and really, it is cute. I put the puzzle together, finding items that worked well together. I love the array of hair items from Persefona but I had to find hair that worked. I must confess, I'm a hair ADDICT so it wasn't a hard find!

I took all the prims up off my workshop floor so I could load up this sleigh with some of the static items in my little elf's sack. The sleight and boxes accompanied a holiday tee. The display of boxes will fit under any tree, as would the colorful sleigh.  You can also see one of the little jars {{BSD Design Studio}} has at the Christmas Market. When I unpacked the jar, I got the miniature little building there to it's left.

I'm still new to Slink shoes, but I think I'm getting the hang of them. Essenz has two pair and I chose the darker pair with the cork wedge look because it suited the overall color scheme. In my hands, you'll see another of the miniatures in a bottle from {{BSD}}.

I thought the pieces from different designers really worked harmoniously together. You'd never guess that the little bow collar and tiny bow ring were from a different designer than the short holiday top. It's a little easier, putting the puzzle pieces of the holidays together than most other times of year. Brilliant reds and greens are so prevalent!

You'll see two poses that are also from the event. This one, and the one where I'm kneeling and holding the jar both come from Frozen Poses. The other two are favorites of mine from Manifeste Poses. I love it when poses show something a little different, and these two are suited so well to the holidays.

There's more to come, so watch this space. Thank you and remember, "Live! Laugh! Love!"

OSITO from the Christmas Market

-- OSITO Christmas Outfit Red - Dress Top Only

-- OSITO Christmas Panties Gift (other panties options in Gacha)

Essenz Shoes El Paso from the Christmas Market

!gO! from the Christmas Market

-LEO- Sled 1 prim 

-Parcel of Gifts 

{{BSD Design Studio}} from the Christmas Market

-Mykonos in a bottle

-Mykonos Miniature

-Gift in hand My Dream Shoes in a Bottle

Persefona from the Christmas Market

-Collar with Bow

-Mistletoe Wreath Silver and Red

-Small Bow Earrings

Frozen Poses from Christmas Market Event (kneeling and closeup)

**Christmas Market** http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Atlantis%20City%202/27/101/1224

1. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Orchid Skintone

2. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Cherry Blossom Lips

3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Harmony Eyeshadow Seaside

4. MADesigns: Eyes Confidence ~ Dark Path

5. Gaeline: Starlia

6. Face Paint: Black Liner

7. Bliss: Fanny Hair

8. Sexy Mama Sculpted Nails

9. Manifeste Pose

Flirtation Can Be Dangerous To Your Health -- Featuring FINESMITH (55L Item), Zanze, MADesigns

Believe it or not, I'm quite shy. It's not that I can't talk to people. I do. I will work with strangers and create friends from the process. Ultimately thought, the inner me retreats and watches from the safe distance of a turtle in a shell.

I wander around Second Life, even to Mature or Adult locations, looking for good backgrounds, interesting shadows, and all that comes with the variety that only content creators make happen. Sometimes, especially when dressed in the sexy bolero -X- top from FINESMITH and Zanze's Forbidden corset, I'll get approached by a whole array of people.

After being approached, and it's sweet and flattering at times, I retreated to a photo studio for the other two photos in this serious. I don't mind the flirtation. I just don't know how to respond at times. Thank you but no. How sweet. But no.

I love the adventure and then I get overwhelmed with the randomness of flirtation. It really can be dangerous to my health. People tell me all the time, it's impossible to be shy and be the person you all see. But you have to trust me. I am. I love the sexy attire and FINESMITH does everything right so this great jacket invited the sensual side of me. I hope you enjoy!

Live! Laugh! Love! -- and believe me. I am shy.

Featuring: FINESMITH (55L Item) -X- Bolero Biker Jacket Blue

Featuring Zanze Forbidden

Featuring MADesigns AESOP Hair

Featuring MADesigns Hairbase ~ Hearts

1. Carrie's Lingeries: Naughty Black Lace Bra

2. FINESMITH: Saturday Gold Set

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Heather Medium Skintone

4. [Liv-Glam]: ODEUR Over Knee Boot SP1

5. Sexy Mama Sculpted Nails

6. MADesigns: Eyes Confidence ~ Dark Path

7. Poses built into furniture at store listed above

Akaesha Main Store

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Akaesha%20Island/103/240/25

I See So Much More -- Featuring CC Kre-ations and Candy Crunchers from the Christmas Market, Kyxe and AIDORU

Today, I went out without a wheelchair! I had enough energy to visit one of my favorite stores. It's a little bit of a drive, but the store is called "Fresh Market" and though it's a chain of stores across the Southeast, it's a store that's so different from the grocery, the experience is a wonderful assault on the senses in so many good ways.

I've been having fun with the holiday items in Second Life. It's a lot of brilliant colors and crazy ideas, blended together to create a bit of fantasy. In the Fresh Market, everything was also brilliant colors and bright fun ideas. They had brewing cider for tasting, and little tidbits of fresh baked goods and other things like cheese made and shipped in from all over the world.

I found the little outfit from CC Kre-ations that included a magic staff and the playful jewelry from Candy Crunchers a bit whimsical, but what other time of year would whimsical be any better? I don't think any. I went all out with some of my styling, playing with colorful hair.

Even the pale unusual skin shown here comes from the event. If you mix and match, you'll find the perfect unique items. I thrilled at the Gingerbread houses at the Fresh Market. I don't know why the story of the Gingerbread house goes with holidays any more than I understand the frolicsome items that I find sometimes in Second Life.

For me, part of the fun of the holidays means tapping into that playful unexpected side. We all have that inside us somewhere. I hope you get out into the world around you and enjoy the colorful and fun world that the holidays bring, and as you explore your Second Life, I hope the same to be true for you.

Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring CC Kre-ations from Christmas Market Event

- Winter Kiss Lolita Dress

- Jack Frost Staff

- Pure Candor Skin

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Atlantis%20City%202/27/101/1224

Featuring Candy Crunchers

- Christmas Tree Headband

- Merry Christmas Necklace

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Atlantis%20City%202/27/101/1224

Also featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Ombre Ocean

Also featuring AIDORU Kyoot Pinkette Boots

1. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Hypnotic Eyeshadow ~ Trance

2. MADesigns: Eyes Confidence ~ Dark Path

3. Face Paint: Gem Prim Nails

4. [Underscore]: Come Undone Smooth Colors

5. blackLiquid: Chen Face Golden

6. Demise of Flight: Lizzy Poses