Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Tilting Towards Oblivion -- Featuring KMADD/Moda, Hudson's Clothing Co., Dot-Be Fashion, and [Underscore]

We know that Earth is not flat, it's not. Really. A few hundred years ago, you'd have all gasped and gone "Nooooo..." in one big collective sigh. What a conflict it caused though when it was suggested. We're better educated now as a planet of sentient beings than we were back then. It makes me wonder what truth we're missing now that some generation to come will know and point back to our history and chuckle.


Time marches on, and at times, new information tilts our world perspective. Metaphorically speaking, humanity has had many jarring realities change the world forever. I know how wonderfully warm my fireplace is this time of year and I don't really think about life prior to fire building, but something rudimentary in its time has effected all of us.


For the moment, things of the future are as fictional to us as a story that allows us to dream. Instead of getting worried when the world tilts, worrying that we face certain oblivion, I hope we can embrace it as enthusiastically as Willy Wonka and Charlie did...


Willy Wonka: "It's a Wonkavator. An elevator can only go up and down, but the Wonkavator can go sideways and slantways and longways and backways..."

Charlie: "And frontways?"

Willy Wonka: "...and squareways, and front ways, and any other ways you can think of..."

I really don't want to get stuck in a rut in my personal perspective. I want the world to tilt and change and expand our point of view. I want to know more in 10 years than I know now and just think, if that were compounded by all the people in our shared world today, we'd have so many many new things to think in 2014!

Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring KMADD Poses
Featuring KMADD Wool Pants 2 Tone
Featuring Hudson's Clothing Co. Sweet Tweed Ankle Boots Black
Featuring Dot-Be Fashion Sid Shirt from the Thanx Hunt
Featuring [Underscore] Freedom
1. Kyxe Skins & Shapes:
- Blossom Skintone
- Glamour Lips Ombre Nude
- Hypnotic Eyes Merlot
2. SLink: Elegant 1
3. Silken Moon: Shine Glowz
4. Gaeline Mesh Lashes Mysteria
5. MADesigns Eyes Attention Orange County

Monday, December 30, 2013

I Read Notices -- Featuring Hudson's Clothing Co., Kastle Rock at Frost Fair, and Chop Zuey

I know that numerous notices cross your virtual desk every day because the same is true for me. I tried something a long time ago and it helps me manage the vast weight of virtual information I'm fed in a way that I can process most of it.


I open my email first. When I do, I can read a portion of the notice there, without any disturbance from anything else online. From "New..." to "Free..." to "Closing now..." I find a whole array of word teasers meant to get my attention.


If I read all of these in world, plus the ones that shoot by at the speed of light sometimes,  just click close and don't absorb. I'm glad they ALL go to my email so that when I log off, I also have time to read through things I might not have seen.


For me, it's one small way I try to stay organized and look forward to 2014. I saw the notice for this hat from Hudson Clothing Company. I contacted the girl after I read Free Hat, and took a second to look at the photo. I love it. It's particle optional and the wand is also. What a fun way to ring in the new year.

The gown from Kastle Rock has the flexi skirt shown above, but I turned it over to see how it would lay and got this effect that reminded me of feathers fluttering. The earrings are from Chop Zuey's generous gifts during the holidays.

I continue to think of all of you, sending you warmth and positive energy as we all ring in the New Year. Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring Kastle Rock Moonstone Gown Ice Blue from Frost Fair through January 5
Featuring Hudson's Clothing Co. 2014 New Years Fireworks Top Hat Plus
Featuring Chop Zuey Men's Darkness Falls Earrings
1. Amacci Hair: Sylvia
2. MADesigns: Eyes Attention Painless
3. Face Paint: Gem Square Nails
4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes:
-- Chocolate Cosmos Skintone
-- Captivate Lipstick - Black Cherry
-- Sparkle Eyeshadow - Coffee Bean
5. Manifeste Poses

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Waiting For Time To Fly -- Featuring Evolve, Kyxe Skins & Shapes, ~ghe and Poseway Poses from Couturier's Docks *gift

It's nearly time for a new year. Many times I ascribe to a new year all the things that didn't quite happen in the year that's just occurred. I read a study mentioned recently that said we spend an average of 17% of our entire life waiting. For the study, they included waiting in line at a fast food, in traffic before and after work, and other things that probably are relevant to so many of us.


But I think we wait on a lot more than just the things the study addressed. We wait on news about topics that range from medical news to the birth and death of loved ones. We wait on people to change, sometimes with a skewed point of view ourselves because I've never thought that expecting someone else to change was logical, yet I've still put myself in that position throughout my life.


I don't know about others but I find it just as difficult to wait on good news as it is to wait on not so good news. I have been watching the show Breaking Bad on Netflix, and there was a scene where a man who'd been diagnosed with serious cancer was told treatments had worked and his cancer decreased by a huge margin.


His reaction to the news shocked me. He smiled pleasantly while he was in the office with the physical and family but then excused himself and went to the men's room. At that point, after assuring he was alone, he turned and punched the hand dryer so many times that it dented and his hand was in sorry shape. This reaction surprised me at first.


Sometimes, I'm waiting for something but when it finally arrives, I'm not sure what to do with it. As I pondered why he was so angry, letting go in a physical way, in that solitude of the men's room, I realized that his response was probably the way many of us would handle it. Even when we're waiting for time to fly, a certain answer, a thing we need, it doesn't always add up to what we thought it would.

The new year brings more time, and 17% of that time will be spent waiting again. I think the key here would be to fill life, wherever I am, whatever I'm doing, with goodness and kindness, so that I don't worry later about lost time. I also think it's helpful to realize that sometimes all the waiting in the world won't make a situation easier. Sometimes it complicates it.

I pray your New Year brings goodness and kindness, love, joy and peace. Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring Poseway Poses from Couturier's Docks **See Note
Featuring Evolve{SG} Zoom
Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Papaver Skintone
Featuring ~ghee White Pyper Coat
1. no. 7: Kissing Lipstick
2. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale
3. *booN: CCV788
4. WoW: Diva Lashes
5. [S H O C K]: Starshine Glitter Nails
6. [White Widow]: Face Tattoo Petale White/Black
7. {{BSD Design Studio}}: IT Girl Shining Black
8. Chop Zuey: Le Bolshevik (Christmas Gift-Thank you Ms. Belle!)

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Sittin On the Dock Of the Bay -- Featuring Carrie's Lingerie, EMO-tions, AsHmOoT, and .::Shellac

I attended a farewell party today. Mr. Frolic has sold his whole world of Second Life fashion to Ms. Reign and as they change hands this December, a lot of change presents itself. Each of them will deal with many changes over the next little while and it will generate a lot of emotion.


I get wistful at this time of year, also thinking of changes. I look at what's good from the year I've just lived. I analyze things that went awry. And then I begin planning for the new year. It's a little bit scary, letting go of things in the past. It's so easy to doubt self, and want to grasp again. Human Nature I think.


I worked with this series of photos this past couple of days as I daydreamed. As I kept framing it and trying different things, I thought about dropping something when I sit on the side of a boat or a pool, and those things disappear. Sometimes they drop accidentally and still they're gone forever. Other times it's intentional.


I lived in an apartment for a period of time, during a transition from one state to the other, and it happened to be summer so I utilized the pool for sunbathing and the occasional swim. Once, I lost my wedding ring in the pool. I didn't notice it till much later that night. The next day, I anxiously scoured the pool and with some crazy blessing of fortune, I found it.


As Mr. Frolic lets go and Ms. Reign takes charge, I hope they feel the animated sense of energy I felt when I found that ring. I felt passionately about it. I felt grateful. It was the very best thing that could have happened.

Whenever we make decisions, to let go or to grasp firmly and never let go, those decisions impact our lives intensely. As a new year dawns for all of us, I pray that each of my friends and readers have that certainty. The desire to hold on tightly or let go, with all your heart, knowing it is good and right. I hope that for you.

Live! Laugh! Love!

Thank you Carrie's Lingerie for a lovely Midnight Mania
Featuring Carrie's Lingerie Lace Devine
Featuring EMO-tions Moonshadow Necklace
Featuring AsHmOoT White Dolly Heels
Featuring .::Shellac Couture Designs Green
1. EMO-tions: Lucinda
2. MADesigns: Eyes Attention Deep
3. Candy Nail: Enishi White
4. [Mirror's Enigma]: Ashley Medium Skintone
5. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Glamour Lips Ombre Delicate
6. Poses in studio at Image Essentials

Thursday, December 26, 2013

A Lady In Time -- Featuring h.m.a.e.m., Chop Zuey, a Gift from Trin,

I took a couple of shots with this gown but came up with these two as the ones that suited me. I'm learning more about lighting, and the framing and all the details I can read and absorb about photographs. I also continue to hear really remarkable and sometimes "doh!" things about it.


I've done a few things from h.m.a.e.m. and visited their store this evening too. This gown was released from them and up until now, I had only thought they did jewelry and unique styling creations as accessories. I was glad I visited and got to know the designer a little better for doing so.


I have to share that a friend of mine, also a model and blogger, makes her own makeup and I'm envious. I have a little bit of experience making trinkets and tattoos but nothing special. The gift she sent this holiday is what I'm wearing and I thought it was sweet and oh lah lah glossy. Thank you Trin (Trinity Aironaut)!

Featuring h.m.a.e.m. Ladybug Dress and Bracelets
Featuring Chop Zuey Black Storm Set
Featuring Trins Christmas Face (thank you Trinity!)
1. Bliss: Meimei Hair
2. MADesigns: Eyes Attention Deep
3. Noya: Silver Music Manicure
4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Orchid Skintone
5. -POUDRE: Kenia Blonde Brows
6. Manifeste Poses

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

It's a Bevy of Gowns -- Romance Couture, #7, and Kyxe Skins & Shapes

I wanted to style a couple of gowns before the end of the year. I may do another selection before the first, but in case I don't, I put three together in similar fashion so I could show the diversity of creations available at Romance Couture.


A fluttery swatch of clothing moves with every whispered step in this gown Chocolate Caramel. The gold is understated, yet perfect in balance from shoulder to floor. It also has a pair of heels that were designed (not seen) if you're the type who likes to style with a little help from designers.


Purple and silver have a great holiday flare, but if you like to purchase for now and later, this certainly would be a great option. The royalty of the shade blended with the light reflecting surfaces glimmer without any gems to do so. I loved the cut of this gown, Roma, a deep v of seduction.


I fell in love with this gown, Pashka. It's a warm reminder of my studies in college. I went back to school when my sons were both in high school. I studied Russian history as a major. I love the cossack hat. It offered a great accessory, something different, and beautiful in my biased opinion.

Romance Couture was represented in the Miss Virtual World competition by two models, SD Damiano and Spirit Llewelyn. Both women wore the brand well and looked beautiful.

Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring Romance Couture }RC{ Chocolate Caramel Gown and Pumps
-- and Roma Purple Gown
-- and Pashka Berry Gown + Hat and Earrings
Featuring #7 Clix Lashings Lashes
Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Exotic Onyx Liner
Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Butterfly Shadow
1. Bliss: Xaphyre
2. blackLiquid: Kaja Earrings
3. MADesigns: Eyes Attention Deep
4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Orchid Skintone
5. Miamai Poses

I'm Talking To You - Featuring MADesigns, [Mirror's Enigma], Wertina, Ch's, and Kastle Rock

Sometimes I find an alter ego in the styles I create from designers who have a different point of view. This time is such an occasion. After a stretch of very fancy clothes, I put together this urban look, and enjoyed the change.


Do you ever wonder what your super power would be, if you got to choose it? Is your alter ego bolder, stronger, more intelligent? What's the rationale behind the whole super hero thing. Not only Batman and Super Man, Cat Woman and Wonder Woman... Beauty, Brains and Brawn...


I'm fairly sure the appeal of the Harry Potter series and the Twilight series and other popular bits of fiction comes under the surreal hope of an alter ego that wins those battles we otherwise know we'd lose in life. If we can't be Batman, maybe we can wizard our way out of something, or simply out live it.


Christmas is a special day and this season is special to me also. I still struggle with the stress of it. I don't ever quite get it right, and I wish I were this tough girl here, daring and bold, able to stand up to the stress, the people around me that make it sad instead of glorious, just once I do wish it.


I'm looking for the silver lining in a holiday season that's meant to be one giant silver lining. I think maybe we hear that on commercials and read it in fairy tales, though. Maybe the spirit that resides in us throughout the year helps us face all that we face, even in the moments that could overwhelm.


If you're stressed, misty-eyed with frustration or sadness as a relationship batters you about this season, take a deep breath, and smile. The only person I know I can change is me. I think that's an important point. Maybe it's the point of the novels, the fantasy, the things in our alter ego we wish we could do, and maybe it's not so bad to boldly pretend with a fiery attitude, "I'm talking to you..."

Live! Love! Laugh!

Featuring MADesigns Julia Dark Blonde
Featuring [Mirror's Enigma] Kami Dread Eyeshadow
Featuring [Mirror's Enigma] Kami War Painted Lips Blight
Featuring Wertina Winter Hat
Featuring Ch's Sira Boots
Featuring Kastle Rock Leather Jacket Black
1. SLink Hands Elegant
2. MADesigns Eyes Attention Deep
3. Black Lace Tease Cut Denim Jeans Baby Blue
4. Wicca's Wardrobe Poses

Monday, December 23, 2013

One More Gown For Holiday Fun -- Evolve, [Mirror's Enigma], no. 7 [#7], Chop Zuey, MADesigns and Romance Couture

This week things will ramp up to high gear for some of you and others have a similar setting as my home, quiet and peaceful, holidays but older children and no grandchildren to enliven the Christmas morning joy level.


I have a couple of items still in folders, and I'm afraid there's no way to show all of them, but they're so pretty. Evolve's dress special this week offered this red confection that could be worn with a combination of prims and pieces for a few different looks.


I have always loved anything versatile. With this design, I can also see how this gown could easily work with other holidays as well, and all for the sake of fun and happiness. When I'm having fun and happy, not another thing in the world matters or worries me.


This last photo came as a bit of an accident and ended up a wanted accident. I love it when life does that. It's how Coca Cola was born and other fantastic ideas. Now it's how I captured a photo of me laughing. Laughter is the best medicine. It's very difficult to laugh when feeling sad.

I pray you find the joy in your world abundant. And Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring [Mirror's Enigma] Basic Heels Red
Featuring Evolve Johnny
Featuring Chop Zuey Angels Christmas Rings Red
Featuring Chop Zuey Earthlings Rejoice Set
Featuring KMADD
-- All Rounder Hairbase
-- Dora Red Hair
-- Eyes Attention Deep
Featuring #7 Kissing Lipstick Versus Limited Edition
1. [Mirror's Enigma]: Superbia Eyelashes
2. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Chocolate Cosmos
3. Romance Couture }RC{: Christmas Treasure Jeweled Bangle

Great Shoes From {{BSD Design Studio}}, EMO-tions News and Carrie's Lingerie

Usually I change angles of the whole outfit, but in recent days, I've done a lot of floor length mesh gowns and 99% of these gowns cover the feet so completely that wearing shoes with them is moot and if I do wear shoes, they hide under the gown!


This makes it difficult for me to find an opportunity to showcase a pair of {{BSD Design Studio}} shoes effectively and BabyChampagne makes some great mesh shoes that deserve their own showcase. For a while I made sure to do closeup photos of the shoes, even if they were tucked under a gown.


Besides taking at awkward angles, I had to really only do an ankle shot then, because of how alpha layers interact. I showed a couple of photos where I'd isolated the shoes and the designer said, "Yes, but I can take photos of the shoes. I really need the shoes to be attached to the rest of the outfit."


I understood what she meant. It's a desire to see clothing styled in different ways that makes a blog useful, I think. It's not styling if it's just feet with shoes. I adapted and remember her thoughts related to her shoes, but also to other items in my box. I love learning as I go, and hope it never ends.


EMO-tions shared news this week with the release of the style Maxine. I thought it was soft and feminine and it reminded me of the loose flowing hair I'd seen on several fall/winter runways off line. Chop Zuey always shares free gifts but during the holidays, her cup runneth over. This little set of earrings and necklace are just a small taste of the cornucopia that you'll find there.

Live! Love! Laugh!

Featuring EMO-tions Maxine
Featuring Carrie's Lingerie CiaoBella Pink
Featuring Chop Zuey (1 of 12 days of Christmas Gift)
Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} Thelist Boots Xmas Boots
-- {{BSD Design Studio}} Classic Beaute Black & White
-- {{BSD Design Studio}} Grey Rabbit (Winter Fair)
1. MADesigns:
- Eyelashes Moonlight
- Eyes Attention Clean
2. Kyxe Skins & Shapes:
- Orchid Skintone
- Demure Lips Cottoncandy
- Evening Splendor Eyeshadow Metallic Pink
3. [[Masoom]]: Poses

Sunday, December 22, 2013

My Holiday Card... Wherever You Are, Whatever You Do... Blessings To You!! -- Belladonna Couture, MADesigns and [AMARELA MANGO]

Here I am, at the end of a very special season. For me, it's Christmas. For others, it's Kwanza or Hanukkah. Still others focus almost completely on the end of a year and the preparation for a new one. I respect and care for the vast number of people who've supported me this year and to all of you, I want you to know you're wonderful, you're appreciated, and each of you have value.


In the next couple of days, I will try to style and photo a few more holiday gowns. I've had some Christmas celebration already and will have family come in and out of town for the rest of the year. I still want to show you the talent and beauty of the people who've been sponsoring me this year.


I chose this gown from Belladonna Couture particularly because it fit the colors of the setting. I thought the hair was unique and when I twisted it and angled it, it reminded me of a holiday tree. I added garland to the version I wore for the card, but the next photo shows the hair as it was when I got it, another amazing design from MADesigns.


I've been playing with colors and settings and all that was new this year with the arrival of a new laptop. I hope that the new hardware and the hard work I've invested into teaching myself and listening to friends has paid off and through this year, you've felt like you could see designs and art from the many represented here.


As with many challenging things in life, I'm at the point where I know enough to know there's so much more I need to learn. I love it, passionately - this learning experience. I love the writing and the photography and the styling. A new year dawns with more opportunity, a chance to write for a magazine or two. I'm just getting started!

I send you happy thoughts, positive energy and the warm glow of a heart that cares. Live! Love! Laugh!

Featuring Belladonna Couture Monte Carlo Gown Red
Featuring MADesigns Sia Light Blonde
Featuring [AMARELA MANGO] Silvia Set Emerald
1. MADesigns:
- Light Blonde Hairbase
- Eyes Attention Ravishing
2. Kyxe Skins & Shapes:
- Orchid Skintone
- Alabaster Lips - Cherry Blossom
- Hypnotic Eyes - Shaken Not Stirred
3. In-Pose!

Thursday, December 19, 2013

The Most Wonderful Time Of the Year - Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}}, SKY designs, FINESMITH, EMO-tions

I've collected a whole array of holiday clothing this season and it's been a blast. I hope you've enjoyed the season of diverse talent and incredible bounty as well and have visited some of the places I've visited, and met some of the great people I've met in the process.


I try to represent a cross section of fashion from Second Life and explore new boundaries as I find them. I know the designers who've given a great deal of time to their craft have earned their stripes as we used to say in the Navy.


There are also designers on the grid who've been doing their thing as a NEW thing for less than a year. They still want to grab notice of those who move and shake and make it big in their own dream version of this imagination that we all share.


I pour my heart out passionately for what I do. Since I know a bit about what it takes to do so, I admire others who do as well. If someone approaches me, I'm open minded, hopeful for their journey and supportive. What else could I do? Someone did that for me.

I wish everyone happy holidays, wherever you are in this crazy big world. If you're into fashion, I get you. If you're into other things, I get that too. Whatever you do, I hope you do it passionately, with all your heart, soul and mind.

Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} Supermodel Anjelica Black & Silver Classy
Featuring SKY Jeanies Dots Dress
Featuring FINESMITH Ice Angel Earrings, Bracelet and Wings
Featuring EMO-tions Mae made for MVW representing Portugal
2. MADesigns: Eyes Attention Ravishing
3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Latte Skintone
4. Natural Beauty Lashes
5. FINESMITH: French Sky Nails
6. In-Pose!

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss -- Featuring [[Masoom]], MADesigns and Kyxe Skins & Shapes

Many of you have heard the story of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss. It's a holiday classic. Most of you may never have heard of The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss. This story has a completely different focus but one that's so incredibly important. It tells a story of the haves and have nots. This is a story we've likely experienced at some point in our life.


When you're on the side that has value in your culture, it feels really really good. If you find yourself on the side that doesn't fit in so well, it can be very bad, depressing, and maybe push you to the edge of sanity. I can't think of a single instance where this doesn't happen. Someone thinks their way of life is the only way or the best way and tell others that the way they behave is wrong. It's a constant for humans.


The thing is, we believe it. We don't believe it when we're offering others advice. We tell others to blow it off, not to worry, not to get upset if they don't have a this or a that. But when we're the one missing that special thing, we grieve it. I've noticed this in the macrocosm of our wide world and in the microcosm of our Second Life. No group seems immune. You can be a Furry, a Neko or a Vampire, and you face the same thing.


I work hard on the concept of acceptance, open mindedness, and tolerance. If I want others to accept me just as I am, with my flaws and idiosyncrasies, I know I should extend the same. I don't always, however. I fail. I falter when it comes time for me to step up to the plate. I don't do it every time, but I repeat it often enough to know how fragile this sense of place and order in society is to us humans. As I spoke to a friend, to encourage them not to give up in the face of similar struggles, I thought of the Sneetches.

You'll see why if you take the time to read down the blog. I'll print a small portion of it and a link to the remaining part of the poem for you to read if you have time. I hope you take a deep breath as you read it and remember to Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring [[Masoom]] Glam Mood Dress
Featuring MADesigns Mia
Featuring MADesigns Merge Hairbase
Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Special Geisha Alabaster Skintone
1. MADesigns:
- Eyelashes Photoshoot
- Eyes Attention Ancient
2. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Evening Splendor Metallic Mint
3. *AE*: Gold Beads and Chain Set at J&A Expo
4. Poses in Studio at The Creative Loft
5. Candy Nail: Rosey Gold


The Sneetches, by Dr. Seuss

Now, the Star-Bell Sneetches had bellies with stars. 
The Plain-Belly Sneetches had none upon thars.
Those stars weren’t so big. They were really so small. 
You might think such a thing wouldn’t matter at all.

But, because they had stars, all the Star-Belly Sneetches
Would brag, “We’re the best kind of Sneetch on the beaches.”
With their snoots in the air, they would sniff and they’d snort
“We’ll have nothing to do with the Plain-Belly sort!”
And, whenever they met some, when they were out walking,
They’d hike right on past them without even talking.

When the Star-Belly children went out to play ball,
Could a Plain Belly get in the game? Not at all.
You only could play if your bellies had stars
And the Plain-Belly children had none upon thars.

When the Star Belly Sneetches had frankfurter roasts
Or picnics or parties or marshmallow toasts,
They never invited the Plain-Belly Sneetches
They left them out cold, in the dark of the beaches.
They kept them away. Never let them come near.
And that’s how they treated them year after year.

Then ONE day, it seems while the Plain-Belly Sneetches
Were moping and doping alone on the beaches,
Just sitting there wishing their bellies had stars,
A stranger zipped up in the strangest of cars!

“My friends”, he announced in a voice clear and clean,
“My name is Sylvester McMonkey McBean. 
And I’ve heard of Your troubles. I’ve heard you’re unhappy. 
But I can fix that, I’m the Fix-It-Up Chappie. 

I’ve come here to help you. 
I have what you need. 
And my prices are low. And I work with great speed. 
And my work is one hundred per cent guaranteed!”

Then, quickly, Sylvester McMonkey McBean
Put together a very peculiar machine.
And he said, “You want stars like a Star-Belly Sneetch? 
My friends, you can have them for three dollars each!...

Let It Snow - Featuring FINESMITH, G.Inc., Silken Moon and Barely Legal

The fire is so delightful. Even here in the south USA, we have fireplaces. The unwritten rules of when one might build a fire has always amused me. It's so completely based on location. When I lived in Florida, people would build a fire in the fireplace at 50 degrees. But in Massachusetts, we put on shorts and got to play outside when it was 50 degrees.


Of course it only snows at a certain temperature, with just the right climate. Everywhere I've lived on the east coast has had snow at least once while I lived there. It was an oddity and people panicked ridiculously. A whole store of goods would be bought and saved for the weather, even though the snow only amounted to a sprinkle!


Many of my unwritten rules come from southern etiquette and a staunchly conservative group of people. There are religious undertones in the south, to this day, and the parents and grandparents review the must and must'nts often with their children. Ladies and gentlemen of the south had a way of life and it was meant to be passed down even if a lot of it sounds archaic and far from reality.


I had an interesting conversation with a fella following a public request for input regarding jewelry and lingerie. In my past, I'd heard about what ladies did or didn't do and I'm certain that those expectations are both defined for only a small group of people in one part of the world and spoken in a time that has long since passed. It doesn't mean I didn't hear it though.

I can't apologize for my heritage or my naivete, nor should I. I really just share with you who I am, what I know, how I grow, and how much I love doing what I do. I got feedback that helped me feel confident that it was more than fine to blend the two, and I did so for this blog. FINESMITH jewelry, Barely Legal lingerie, a fantastic pair of boots from G.Inc. and Silken Moon's new nails made it work.

Life's a dance I learn as I go, in the rain and in the snow. I'm happy to be naive. I'm comfortable with change. I live to the edge of life. Let it snow. And Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring Silken Moon SLink/Mesh Nails Shine Glowz
Featuring FINESMITH Snow Lady the Ice Queen
Featuring Barely Legal Satisfaction Crimson from SexPo (preview, not open yet)
G.inc. Bondage Boots White
1. [elika]: Say
2. MADesigns: Eyes Attention Ignited
3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes:
- Pearl Skintone
- Glamour Ombre Delicate Lips
4. Manifeste Poses

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Upside Down and It's Okay -- Featuring Evolve, .::Shellac, EMO-tions, [#7], MADesigns

Sometimes the world feels upturned. It happens in an instant. You can be standing in line at a grocery store and realize you don't have your purse. Suddenly, you're transported far from the grocery, trying to figure out when you last saw it. It's heart racing, adrenaline pumping anxiety causing stress.


I guess that's a good way to explain how Christmas might feel about now, December 17, one week from the deadline people set for the perfect gift, the perfect hosting of a party, the perfect family reunion. No wonder it's a little like the world has shaken and ended up on its head.


Somewhere along the way, I found that I could not enjoy a holiday that felt like this. I had to figure out how to embrace the joy without absorbing the crazy. Each year, I think it's a new fight, seeking out the beauty in the midst of all that could be less than beautiful.


This year finds me close to Christmas with grown sons, one with a fiance-ish, and thankfully no grandchildren yet! I told them they have to do some more growing up first. How does one take care of a family when one still thinks that pizza is a food group?

Their age and stage suits for a calm and quiet holiday. We get to share personally but not explosively. For this year, I've had a few upturned moments, then things settled again. I think it's calm for now. Calm and bright. Like the song. If you haven't found the peace this holiday, I send you heaping scoops.

Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring Evolve After the Rain
Featuring EMO-tions Kaluha Set
Featuring .::Shellac 
- Lipstick Matte Scarlet 2
- Couture Design Set 2
- Windows Nails for Mesh Hands
Featuring [#7] Bethlehem Lashes {MC}
Featuring MADesigns Ava
1. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands
2. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Glamour Sunset
3. MADesigns: Eyes Attention Painless
4. Taken on Image Essentials Sim - Props and Poses Provided

Monday, December 16, 2013

An Incredible Friend AND... - Featuring !Lyrical B!zarre and [Mirror's Enigma]

It's become a special adventure to blog for different designers. When I began blogging, I didn't know a soul. I had a good mentor in Eve Express, a good job and a lot of determination. I begged to blog different designers, so that I could get experience.


I knew what I wanted, where I wanted to go and how I wanted to get there, but that was just the first step. I didn't really know how long it would take to get there, or where there was. That's the ironic thing. Sometimes we all set goals but we're not quite sure when it happens. At least I do.


In this crazy process of sincerely seeking out the opportunity to blog for a whole array of people, I met a whole array of incredible designers. The more I did what I loved, the more people I met and in time, those people became more than business contacts.


One of those people goes by Lyrical Bizzare and she creates some fantastic 'templates' for designers to use. This gown shows some of her latest work, as she's taught herself to create her own mesh. It's a fantastic use of mesh and shiny and glow and elegance. It's a little like Lyrical. Bright and wonderful.

I'm blessed to know the very talented designers, and to work with them and show their skills. I'm also grateful for those who have followed me. As you read this, I'm wishing you a special holiday, wherever you are, whatever your faith. Blessed New Year and everything else.

Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring !Lyrical B!zarre Poinsettia Jewelry
Featuring !Lyrical B!zarre Poised Gown
Featuring [Mirror's Enigma] Kami Dread Eyeshadow
1. EMO-tions: Harley
2. MADesigns: Eyes Attention Painless
3. Quintessencia: 17 Nails WF
4. [Mirror's Enigma]: Kami Peach Skintone
5. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Seduction Gloss
6. [LAP] Poses