Sometimes I Wonder - Featuring Fashion For Life: Prism and Deluxe Body Factory, Featuring October's 4Seasons Skin Fair 2016, Featuring NEW Chop Zuey

I read this week that Justin Bieber wore a shirt that said, "Bigger Than Satan" on the back and I just had to wonder. Even if you're someone who doesn't believe in anything except self, wouldn't you consider wearing something like that to be stirring some sort of energy and isn't the potential that you're stirring not so great energy in your teapot?

I have a very open mind when it comes to faith. It's a very personal thing for me, so I respect your right to your personal choices too. Even those choices that make me wonder. His choice to wear such a shirt, well it's his right to express himself. I've always been the type of person that thought positive energy translates to encouraging others. I just don't know how someone could do that when they were deliberately poking at the darker energy of this world. I imagine there are a kajillion things I don't understand. That's just one of them. Hmmm...

In my own little way, my positive energy gets stirred every time I come here to share something. It may be 'only' a video game but in this video game, I've seen lives changed, hearts mended, and souls soaring. I've seen people with little self esteem able to spread their wings and fly. I've seen something as serious as the fight for the cure and the American Cancer Society, Relay For Life and the in world Fashion For Life crew sponsor an event year after year that raises real money, real awareness and makes a real difference. YOU can get involved in this special event right NOW. Visit the Fashion For Life event and donate, shop, share. I'm also always quick to support friends and friendship and in so much as I can hopefully make a small difference, I happily and proudly wear ONLY October's 4Seasons skins. The one I'm sporting for this set of photos is from Skin Fair 2016, Catalina in the Papavar tone. It's the Natural skin with Dark Brown brows. It's a perfect tapestry for makeup layers like the one I chose from the Fashion For Life event. And no outfit would be complete without great jewelry. I can always and ever find something new and fun at Chop Zuey like the Love Knot earrings. I'm just one little me in a world of people doing whatever they do. I hope that the little that I do makes a warm and wonderful difference in a life today. Pass it on!

Featuring NEW Fashion For Life Items
From Deluxe Body Factory [DBF] Hunny Bunny Makeup 2.1
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fashion%20For%20Life6/86/128/24
From Prism Jasmine Coat Set by Jezzixa in Black White (Includes Boots non-Slink)
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fashion%20For%20Life8/166/87/34

Featuring NEW Skin Fair 2016
From October's 4Seasons Catalina Papavar Skin Package Natura Dark Brown
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Alanya%20Bay/232/126/22

Featuring NEW Chop Zuey Love Knot Earrings
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Chop%20Zuey/43/141/26

IKON Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale
Analog Dog Tunnel Cake
Gaeline Mesh Lashes Felicia

Raw Photos Show Just How Good October's 4Seasons NEW Catalina Really IS @ Skin Fair 2016

There are any number of reasons to touch up photos for my blog, to get the lighting just right, to make it just that much sharper, more colorful or in some way enhance the overall artistry of the photo. Sometimes little gaps occur between a SLink attachment and the original SL body and it's not so 'pretty'. It just is what it is. In this way, however, you can see how incredibly talented the skin designer October Recreant is as she creates each new skin. Drop by this year's Skin Fair 2016 and DEMO a skin tone you love and get the new Catalina today. I think she's a spicy bit of fun that beckons everyone.

October's 4Seasons Catalina Lily Skin package may be found currently at: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Alanya%20Bay/232/126/22

Fun and Fashion For A Great Cause - Featuring NEW Fashion For Life: Baboom, Glint & alskametro; Featuring NEW Skin Fair October's 4Seasons

October's 4Seasons kicks off Skin Fair 2016 today, just in time for fun this weekend. My favorite skin designer so talented and capable and maker of stunning skins takes the helm this year as primary sponsor, collaborating to bring you the best skin fair ever. This natural skin tone shown today is one of many reasons I love October's 4Seasons. I can wear it and then layer other tattoos, makeups or anything else creative I might find along my SL journey. In my Catalina Lily Skin package, I have five makeup choices, this natural skin, some cleavage options, eyebrow color choices, and trim choices for that other delicate hair that some find so enticing.

With the natural skin layer, I was able to add new items from the Fashion For Life event that's continuing this weekend. alaskametro created both the Extreme Wing II shadow and the Nadia lipstick as part of their support for the charity event designed to help raise money for the cure for cancer. I'm also modeling the new Linette Peplum Top in Black and Mira Leather Pants in Grey from Baboom and .:Glint:.'s Multi Colored Oval Charm Earrings and the Unisex Time To Heal Necklace, each items created to support this fashionable fun charity event. Fashion For Life is a branch of the Relay For Life annual drive. By shopping with Fashion For Life, you're supporting an urgent international event that will touch many lives in so many positive ways.

Featuring NEW Fashion For Life Items
From .:Glint:. Exclusive Multi Colored Oval Charm Earrings and Unisex Time To Heal Necklace
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fashion%20For%20Life8/180/127/33
From alaskametro <3 Extreme Wing II Eyeshadow Black and Nadia Lipstick Divine
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fashion%20For%20Life4/165/62/25
From Baboom Linette Peplum Top Black and Mira Leather Pants Grey
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fashion%20For%20Life4/65/62/25

Featuring NEW Items from Skin Fair 2016 OPEN NOW
October's 4Seasons Catalina Lily Skin Package Natural
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Alanya%20Bay/232/126/22

IKON Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Palce
Hair Day Heather Limited Flower Edition
Gracefully Wicked Chair

Events Galore - For All the Right Reasons - Featuring Pink Ice at Fashion For Life; October's 4Seasons and Skin Fair 2016; [SWANK] and Chop Zuey

So many things to share, so many places to visit...

#FashionForLife - join a great cause, get involved, go shopping and support this annual charitable fundraiser. Money goes to finding the cure for cancer. #RelayforLife, #AmericanCancerSociety. Designers like Pink Ice have created new and exclusive items for this very special event.

The Skin Fair 2016 - just two days away and oh what a treat October's 4Seasons stands at the helm, a terrific sponsor and leader in skins creations in Second Life.

[SWANK] and the Luck Of the Irish brings all sorts of great new items including a beautiful new release from Chop Zuey.

Featuring NEW Fashion For Life Items

From Pink Ice Exclusive Nadine

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fashion%20For%20Life4/56/102/25

Featuring NEW Items from Skin Fair 2016 (opens March 11)

From October's 4Seasons Catalina Lily Skin Package - Makeup 5

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Alanya%20Bay/232/126/22

Featuring NEW March Items From [SWANK]

Theme: Luck Of the Irish

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Manatoba/188/11/2001

Chop Zuey The Fair Olivia Set

IKON Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale Truth Dasha Gaeline Mesh Lashes Fantasia

Just Around the Corner - The Skin Fair Is Coming - Featuring NEW October's 4Seasons @ Skin Fair; Featuring NEW [SWANK] !CST Designs, Moondance Boutique & {Ana Markova}

I'm excited to share news with you about the 2016 Skin Fair. In just three short days, you'll find so many new skins and makeup and other accessories from designers all around the grid. This year, aside from making some amazing new products exclusive to this event, October's 4Seasons sponsors the whole thing. Catalina is the new beauty showcased in the event and the skin I'm modeling here Catalina Lily is one of the many options you'll find.

A new round of [SWANK] tantalizes the most diverse interests with items like the new heels from !CST Designs, the black pumps with a bow. Also I'm wearing a new pants suit called Solstice Abstract from {Ana Markova} and new earrings and bracelet from Moondance Boutique. This month's theme "Luck Of the Irish" brings out the best in every designer participating in the event.

**Special note** The designer behind Moondance Boutique expects a new bundle of beauty, a baby girl. She's experiencing some of life's more difficult moments and I encourage you to help in some small way. It's very difficult to have to choose between health and a pay check. Moondance Boutique and Kathrin Dassin always thanks every person who supports the adventure, but ever more so as she prepares for the new arrival in her world. Thank you for being a special part of her world.

Featuring NEW March Items From [SWANK]
Theme: Luck Of the Irish
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Manatoba/188/11/2001
!CST Designs Black Pumps with Bow
Moondance Boutique Briana Jewelry Set
{Ana Markova} Solstice Abstract Pants Suit

Featuring NEW Skin Fair Sponsor October's 4Seasons
Catalina Lily Skin Package Makeup 4 Option

IKON Ascension Eyes Coffee
enVOGUE Lauren Hair
Corpus Poses

Fashion For Life 2016 Photo Contest - You Could WIN!

Shop at this year's Fashion For Life event and support the fight for the cure for cancer. If you love your treasures you find at the #FashionForLife sims, snap a photo of yourself wearing them and submit to Rowena Dubrovna. You could win a swag bag filled with awesome prizes! Follow this link for more information: http://fashionforlifesl.com/2016/03/08/insert-photo-its-a-photo-contest/

Entertainment at Fashion For Life - Live Performance 5 p.m. SL

In addition to shopping like you can save lives (because YOU CAN!!) you can party the night away with great music, DJ's from around Second Life. Tonight, on the entertainment sim - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fashion%20For%20Life1/129/125/24 - drop by and enjoy the live performance of Scorpio Aeon at 5 p.m. SL. Before Scorpio, DJ Ame of Gorean Portal Radio spins tunes from 3 p.m. til 5 p.m. and following Scorpio's performance, DJ Jazmine Briel of Full Throttle Radio offers support of this great event from 6 p.m. til 8 p.m.

3 pm   DJ Ame of Gorean Portal Radio
4 pm   DJ Ame of Gorean Portal Radio
5 pm   Live Performer – Scorpio Aeon
6 pm   DJ Jazmine Briel of Full Throttle Radio
7 pm   DJ Jazmine Briel of Full Throttle Radio

Fashion For Life Waiting For You and Your Support - Featuring FFL Designer Feyline Fashions

Fashion For Life is in full swing! Feyline Fashions is just one of many amazing designers who have joined together in this annual push towards the goal of finding Cancer's cure. Fashion For Life in Second Life works together with #RelayForLife and the #AmericanCancerSociety to raise money for cancer research and finding the cure for cancer, a dream everyone everywhere can get behind. Be a part by shopping at this event. A portion of every purchase goes directly to this charity.

I used to love role-play for hours. I hate to say how many hours (meeps) but it was so much fun to immerse myself in the vivid imagination of peers, book creators, movie creators, whoever the founder of the idea was for said role-play environment, and then interact. It's been a decade now since I did so, but when I put on Feyline Fashions Joslyne Sunset, memories flooded back to me. I would have found such an outfit perfect for so many themes.

This outfit is one of several Feyline Fashions has at this year's Fashion For Life event. You can shop, enjoy the fun of the outfits, and support finding the cure for cancer all at one time. Fashion For Life works together with the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life in an annual charity event.

Featuring NEW Fashion For Life Items
From Feyline Fashions Joslyne Sunset
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ophelia%20Isle/70/62/22

IKON Ascension Eyes Coffee
EMO-tions Connor
October's 4Seasons Guiselle Lily
October's 4Seasons Kinetic Coral Kiss Lips
October's 4Seasons Splendor Brown Diamonds Shadow
Wishbox Jingle Anklets
Image Essentials Studios and Pose Stores Wall To Wall Set

It's Time To Support Something Special - Fashion For Life 2016 - Featuring Shani and Featuring Chop Zuey

 "Relay For Life. Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life event is a life-changing experience that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to Celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, Remember loved ones lost, and Fight Back against the disease."

There are thousands of ways to get involved in civic minded culturally now and relevant interests in Second Life. One of the best ways in my opinion is to get involved with charitable events. At this time of year, everyone kicks it into high gear as they prepare for the phenomenal Fashion For Life event. Each year members of Second Life, the designers and models, the bloggers and every single valued customer all work together to raise money for Relay For Life.

Chop Zuey creator Belle Roussel spoils her customers, her family, her friends and countless fans in so many ways. The Chains Of Calypso set shows just how much this month. For the cost of a little time and sleuthing skills, you can take your set home today as a part of this year's Twisted Hunt. All you have to do is find it! Good luck. It's so worth it. (This set includes beautiful bracelets with large onyx gems set in chunky gold not seen in the photos above.)

Featuring NEW Fashion For Life Items
From Shani Money For Nothing Retro Squares
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fairweather/184/43/31
Featuring NEW Chop Zuey
From Twisted Hunt - The Chains Of Calypso (Necklace and Earrings)
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Chop%20Zuey/92/128/27

IKON Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale
Analog Dog Mash Dark Blonds
Maxi Gossamer Eyelashes Party Swallow Wings Red/Black
October's 4Seasons Guiselle Lily
DE Boutique Shine Heels Black

Breathtaking Beauty at !Lyrical B!zarre Templates

Elegance and creativity continue to mark the merchandise sold at !Lyrical B!zarre Templates. Every time I see a new item, a new set, a new collection, I'm in awe that Lyric continues to turn out original mesh and a whole array of it in so many different themes. Whether you're looking for something personal or something to personalize and sell on your own, there's something new and fresh from which to choose.

Featuring NEW !Lyrical B!zarre Templates
Steam Candour Mesh from the Steam Love Collection
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Jasmine%20Hills/234/237/21

Chop Zuey Dirait-On Texture Change Set
Truth Alison
IKON Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale
Gaeline Mesh Lashes Natura
October's 4Seasons Guiselle Lily
-LOUX- Sensual Lipstick 10

Fashion For Life Begins March 6

The Fashion For Life event begins March 6, 2016. Are you ready?!

October's 4Seasons and PaleGirl Productions Brings Skin Fair 2016

October's 4Seasons Presents in association with Pale Girl Productions this year's Skin Fair, March 11 thru March 27!

Saying More Than You Think - Rihanna's Work - Featuring !Lyrical Bizarre Templates! and /Wasabi Pills/

When people write music, poetry, or even an OpEd piece in the New York Times, it seems there are multiple meanings, levels to take, places to go in your mind with the author of the poignant words. Even in an age where media boils everything to a mere sound bite, you might see one interpretation on page one and another on page twelve. It's the world we live in, and it's okay because people need the ability to say things in as many ways as they can. Expression of opinion still gets some in trouble, but if an opinion is woven into the lyrics of a song, it might speak without pointing a finger back to the person speaking.

I found an article about Rihanna's new number one song -Work- and how several lines of lyrics might mean this, or it might mean that (http://www.bustle.com/articles/144161-rihannas-work-lyrics-have-a-double-meaning-that-you-dont-want-to-miss) and I was thinking back to the recent Super Bowl 50th Half Time Show and Beyonce. I saw a beautiful lady singing a powerful song. I didn't see the music video until later. I didn't grow up with the stereotype a dark skinned woman or man in the United States has to experience everywhere and anywhere. I didn't sense how powerful the song or the moment or the music really was. I'm not sure Work by Rihanna creates a sense of multiple meanings or inspires a generation of people like Beyonce did, but I know that musicians continue to use the lyrics, and video and performance of their songs to point out things in the world around them that need a spotlight.

Whether you agree with Beyonce, or you think she's pushing buttons she shouldn't push, she's aware she has a voice, she's aware she has a place in the world in her NOW and she's going to use it to enunciate something significant. I grew up in a FREE United States, where the freedom to voice opinion still gets protected and someone like Rihanna or Beyonce has the right to share whatever might be of value to them.

I pray that people find peace, love and joy to share, and the anger and the hatred and the negative energy gets put away forever. I know it's one of those dreams that people dream and one of those things that feels near impossible. I also know its one of those topics hard to even understand if someone lives in another country, other than the US. That's alright. There are many authors in many nations making many points at any given time. May their voices be heard, and may yours.

This gorgeous Steam Futura dress with volume in the construction comes from !Lyrical Bizarre Templates! Steam Love Collection. Jewelry pieces are each from Chop Zuey, all pieces that originally were designed as Chop Zuey Mens pieces. I love using the chunkier bits and bobs from Chop Zuey when I have on a bigger bolder design like this dress. The Razors Edge Earrings, the Crunchy Salamander Brooch and the Midnight Express Ring are each examples of the tremendous options available from Chop Zuey that suit a man's OR woman's style. Loads of designs from Chop Zuey womens and mens items tend to be gender fluid. Speaking of gender fluidity, hair styles from a variety of designers fall in that category as well including this new style from Hairology February /Wasabi Pills/. Most of the time, I use a red or dark brown look, the color of my hair when I was in my early 20s. However, I'm one of those early grey girls and I had silvery highlights from the age of 25 onward, so tonight, I share a color option far closer to my reality. I love the silver grey tint on women or men.

Featuring NEW !Lyrical Bizarre Templates! Steam Futura from Steam Love Collection
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Jasmine%20Hills/234/237/21
Featuring NEW /Wasabi Pills/ Drew from Hairology February
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Waterton%20Way/47/178/2795

Maxi Gossamer Eyelashes Party Swallow Wings
October's 4Seasons Romance Lipsticks Rose
October's 4Seasons Guiselle Lily Skin Package from February Makeover Room
Lindy Birget Black Pattent Leather
Chop Zuey Mens Crunchy Salamander Brooch
Chop Zuey Mens Midnight Express Ring
Chop Zuey Mens The Razor's Edge Earrings

I Couldn't Stop Caring - Featuring NEW Chop Zuey and [SWANK] DC Designs

I wouldn't want to be able to stop caring, no matter what. However, I do understand the emotion behind the song by The Spiritual Machines "Couldn't Stop Caring" because I have had some really dark moments in my life where people have just let me down, and let me down, and let me down again. It's hard. I think the song speaks to the emotion of watching someone who loves drugs, probably heroin, more than they love others and more than they love self. Heroin takes everything and then some from whoever gets hooked and leaves death in its wake. It might not be actual death, but ultimately it leads there, and in the meantime the shell of what was once a person little resembles the person who was once in the body.

I've battled up my own hills and faced my own addictions. Every moment, every single second, feels like it lasts forever and then the next second finally arrives and its harsh and demanding and intense all over again. It's very hard to see beyond the addiction, beyond the pain, the pills or the powder. It's hard to feel anything for anyone. It's just immensely hard.

If you know someone who struggles, whether its prescription medications that end up ten years down the road and the person like me doesn't know what or who or where or how life got to that point... or a person who's hooked on recreational (the worst name for most drug use) drugs and cannot find their way either, you're always going to be the stronger person. They cannot care. They cannot see. They cannot feel. You want to stop caring. You want to stop seeing. You want to stop feeling. Please take a deep breath and embrace hope and love and don't stop caring.

Now I'm on the other side of the darkness, and I feel so much, see so much, hear and know and taste and care so much. Sometimes its overwhelming. I know how desperately others need this love and hope because I KNOW how much I needed someone else to love and hope for me when I was incapable of it. The song speaks to someone who wishes they could stop caring, but cannot. I hope. I care. I love. I hope the same for you.

The stunning new release from Chop Zuey dangles from my ears, shimmers across my right shoulder and chest and twinkles round my right wrist. Lumineux offers a perfect accompaniment to almost any outfit. This is the international year of the light and Lumineux means "of light". Let you light shine brightly. The Valentine's Day Belted dress comes from DC Designs, yet another designer who created something special for this month's [SWANK] event. As [SWANK] wraps up February's round, it's not too late to drop by and get this dress and many other great items.

Featuring NEW Chop Zuey Lumineaux Set (Earrings, Brooch and Bracelet Shown)
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Chop%20Zuey/43/141/26
Featuring NEW February Items From [SWANK]
Theme: 50 Shades of Red
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Manatoba/188/11/2001
DC Designs Valentine Day Belted Dress

Image Essentials Studios and Pose Stores Wall V2 Set
*~Damesfly~* Kalima
MG Eyelashes Inverted Crown
October's 4Seasons Guiselle Lily Skin Package February Makeover Room
:{MV}: Liberty Heels

Find a Friend, Find a Smile - Featuring NEW Chop Zuey and [SWANK]: ~PPC~ and [Selene Creations]

Everything at Chop Zuey brings a smile. The Heart & Soul Texture Change Set gives you sparkle and shine and beauty all in one.

Live, Love, Laugh. This is a good way of life. The blocks on this shelf spell out this statement as a suggestion. Even if you come into your Second Life with a frown, find a group of friends, people who treat you like you deserve, and spend time with them. Pour out of your good energy, your good heart, your good stuff, and live, love and laugh. In no time, you'll find yourself free of your frown and feeling good once more.

Take a few minutes to check out the 50 Shades of Red theme at [SWANK] before its too late. Great deals, great new merchandise, and a whole array of options bring you many reasons to visit. Like this shelf and table from ~PPC~ and the gown Anastasia in red from [Selene Creations].

Featuring NEW Chop Zuey Heart & Soul Texture Change Set
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Chop%20Zuey/43/141/26
Featuring NEW February Items From [SWANK]
Theme: 50 Shades of Red
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Manatoba/188/11/2001
~PPC~ Love Wall Shelf
~PPC~ Serenity Table
[Selene Creations] Anastasia Red

Truth Ana
Gaeline Mesh Lashes Magnificia
October's 4Seasons Guiselle Lily Skin Package From February Makeover Room
E C R U Ritz Stilettos

A Swift Speech - Girl Power!! - Featuring Chop Zuey and [SWANK]: Lyrical Bizarre Templates and

Taylor Swift won the Album Of the Year Grammy for 1989 last night. She'd won it once previously as well, for one of her albums she released during her Country Music phase. I used to watch her on awards shows and think "Stop being so surprised! You earned this." She'd get up, say wow, I didn't think this was possible. Me? Really?

This time, when she won, she got up, a self assured young woman with the world in her grasp. She's the first woman to win the Album Of the Year award twice. She's 26. Her speech showed her growth in the industry. It was still humble, sweet and poignant, but this time, it was such a Girl Power type speech, I was impressed. 

"As the first woman to win album of the year at the Grammys twice, I want to say to all the young women out there: there are going to be people along the way who will try to undercut your success or take credit for your accomplishments or your fame. But if you just focus on the work and you don't let those people sidetrack you, someday when you get where you're going, you'll look around and you'll know it was you and the people who love you who put you there and that will be the greatest feeling in the world."

Go Taylor!

Featuring NEW Chop Zuey Dirait-on Texture Change Set

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Chop%20Zuey/43/141/26

Featuring NEW February Items From [SWANK]

Theme: 50 Shades of Red

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Manatoba/188/11/2001

Lyrical Bizarre Templates Lilly

MeshMerized Suit Hat

EMO-tions Anna

Gaeline Mesh Lashes Felicia

October's 4Seasons Guiselle Lily Skin Package for February Makeover Room

LIKE DESIGN 24 Exclusive Shoes Red

PosESioN Poses

Is It Too Late (to say I'm sorry?) - [SWANK]: Purple Moon and {AnaMarkova}

It's that LOVE holiday. Expectation seems to loom large. Urgent rush to the Hallmark card section, the florist, even the jewelry store. (He went to Jared's) We're inundated with a message that love comes in a box and when packaged prettily, anything can happen. 

Justin Bieber has not one but two songs at the top of the US pop chart. In both songs, he's talking to women, or a girl in particular. He muses in his music, "Is it too late..." and he wants the girl, whoever she is, to give him a second chance.

I'm not a strong supporter of marketing ploy based holidays. I just don't think a calendar needs to tell me when to share my love or celebrate my sense of patriotism. I don't even care for religious holidays that mean to remind me of my faith. So stating that, I'm still aware of the overwhelming need to experience life with all the bells and whistles, to feel loved, not alone, and to be special to someone.

I hope that whoever enters my life and yours finds a human soul willing, even eager, to allow for love and all its beauty and all its wonder. I also hope that you and I have the ability to forgive, to give second chances, and to know that it's really never too late to say I'm sorry. A feeling evokes powerful energy. My heart's desire leans ever towards positive powerful energy to be shared effusively with everyone. If a holiday like Valentine's day helps to encourage that powerful exchange of positive energy, so be it. Embrace it. Give yourself and others a second chance, or a hundredth. It doesn't need to be too late.

50 Shades Of Red at [SWANK] might inspire you to look and feel your most positive self as you enjoy your Valentine. The Jade Leather Dress, in Pure tone, by {AnaMarkova} and the Cameron Hat by Purple Moon are just two examples of items you can find at this monthly event. Amazingly, over 80 designers created hundreds of things, and with those numbers, you know you can find something to inspire a beautiful holiday.

Featuring NEW February Items From [SWANK]
Theme: 50 Shades of Red
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Manatoba/188/11/2001
Purple Moon Cameron Hat
{AnaMarkova}Jade Leather Dress Pure

Truth Hair Paige
Chop Zuey The Razor's Edge Bracelet
Chop Zuey Glorianna Earrings
October's 4Seasons Guiselle Lily Skin Package from the Makeover Room February
Image Essentials Studios and Pose Stores Background Studios

Pop Culture, Presidents and Politics - Featuring [SWANK]: Homebase and *Js* Creations

Pop culture tells us what to like and not to like every day on social media. If something 'trends' it means a whole buncha people decided to like something. In the US, it's another political season, a time of pundits and politics, and presidential primaries. People tune in, talk and try to decide who they care about, if they care, and if they're supposed to show they care or keep it to themselves.

Because pop culture goes live every second of every minute of every hour of every day, it's in a constant state of flux. As Heidi Klum claimed about fashion design, "One minute you're in and the next minute you're out..." and sometimes it doesn't even take a minute. Manipulating emotion and the way people perceive the world around may appear easy, with so much access out there, but I think maybe it's even more difficult because while it may be easy to convince someone of something for a hot second, it's very difficult to convince anyone that something in this minute is just as important as it was in the previous minute and even more difficult to convince them to maintain an opinion about it for more than a minute into our ever changing future.

I don't know that politics and fashion are so far different from one another. They both rely on opinion, pop culture and people talking. I've noticed a lot of buzz one week for this trend, and another week, that trend disappears and another takes its place. The longer something stays current, in our social NOW, the more likely it is to succeed. I don't know what your personal taste might be, politically, but I imagine that it's an ever changing and evolving thing.

[SWANK] appeals to a wide array of interests giving itself staying power in the pop culture driven world we exist in here. More choices means more trending on more topics at any given moment. You're bound to find something you like, no matter the story you want to tell, or the way you want to express your YOU in your NOW. Items from Homebase provide decor for many settings like this Urban table set. The gown from *Js* Creations comes in multiple gem tones, the one shown here being saphire.

Featuring NEW February Items From [SWANK]
Theme: 50 Shades Of Red
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Manatoba/188/11/2001
*Js*Creations Gem Dress Saphire
Homebase Urban Table

j'adore Poses
Chop Zuey Chakra Warrior Mens Cuff
Chop Zuey Moments Mens Earrings
Chop Zuey Dragon Flight Mens Necklace
{ZoZ} Jazlyn Heels
October's 4Seasons Guiselle Lily Skin Package for February Makeover Room
October's 4Seasons Ombre Ocean Lips
October's 4Seasons Metallic Sky Evening Spendor Eyeshadow
Analog Dog Tootsie Light Browns

Imma Tell Ya Some Only Cuz I Lu Ya - Featuring [SWANK]: (Byrne) and DuJour

Sometimes it feels like I'm listening to someone speak in another language, even when I'm listening to someone speak English. I'm from the South, USA. I know there are many times I've said something with that southern drawl that others from around the world completely missed what I said, so I know it goes both ways. I love accents too, so I'm a puddle of goo when I hear some people speak. Melt. Drool. Ahhh.

I listened to Jason Derulo's latest chart topping hit, and watched him dance, which is another thing that makes me melt and swoon, and I knew what he was saying but I didn't. It was like he was speaking a new version of English. I'm sure he said, "I'm going to tell you something, only because I love you."  Except it came out a lot more like what I put in my blog title today. Imma Tell Ya Some Only Cuz I Lu You. It's alright though. Language does that morph thing, from corner to corner, across the pond (English, UK style, rocks too!), down the street and across time. If I said a sentence like the southern girls did a hundred years ago, I'm fairly sure I wouldn't understand me either. It's a good thing that music and art and people have another type of language, love and dance and all sorts of things that affect their body language. I might not always get every word, but I'm fairly sure I pick up the meaning.

Clothes speak another language. A casual outfit says something totally different than a look worn into a business meeting, and yet another outfit one chooses for a first date clearly vocalizes still another point of life. Today's look from [SWANK] continues to show the sexy brilliance of red woven through so many of the looks this month. 84 designers with hundreds of products worked their magic for every language of love, passion, friendship, and more. The Passionata dress from DuJour paired with the Miele Rouge boots by (Byrne) - one of this month's gifts found at [SWANK], communicate in a fiery feisty way the mood of the chick kicking it on a brilliant Thursday afternoon, just looking for a little mischief.

Featuring NEW February Items From [SWANK]
Theme: 50 Shades Of Red
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Manatoba/188/11/2001
(Byrne) Miele Rouge Boots
DuJour Passionata Dress

[elika] Abbey
Gaeline Mesh Lashes Starlia
MODA All In One Marilyn Makeup
Blacklace Flirt Cut Denim Jeans Dark Blue
Focus Poses
Chop Zuey Heart & Soul Jewelry Set
October's 4Seasons

Rekt Chasing Cars - Featuring [SWANK]: [Wood Works] and *GLITTER*

I knew Snow Patrol's Chasing Cars song before today. I'd heard it played on Internet radio and in the car, inundated with it for a while, and it moved into that pocket of 'I really liked that song but it's old now and something else has come along' category. Then I watched the finale of Grey's Anatomy Season 11 on Netflix and heard the song played several times in the two hour program and I was rekt.

Characters from beloved books and programs become part of our world and when they feel something, if they're well written and well acted, they make us feel something. Music works magic as well, like a maestro accustomed to directing the feelings of those who hear. Couple a good character, a good story arc, a good season finale and music like Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol and WoW! I had tears QQ for days. So moved was I by the music that I did one of those teen things, shut myself away in my room and listened to it over and over and over again on Youtube. WoW! QQ

I've found that different art in other parts of my world affect me deeply. I think that's the purpose of art, truly, and when I feel something, I remember it a lot longer than something that's just meh. It's one of many reasons I love embracing the vast variety of Second Life virtual design, virtual creation, virtual art, and then making my own with it, like the photo in blue I took of today's style from [SWANK]. The shelving comes from [Wood Works], Artistry Candle Sconce and Touch Of Red Decor. The Ocean Queen gown with layers that move constantly all around, unique depth of design with mesh bits along the bodice and waist, and a see through netting cloth comes from *GLITTER*. Serenity and delicate beauty ooze from the overall look, the art connecting to me emotionally. It may be the 50 Shades of Red theme, and there's a wee bit of red in my look, but today, it's all about the music and the emotion.

Featuring NEW February Items From [SWANK]

Theme: 50 Shades Of Red

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Manatoba/188/11/2001

[Wood Works] Touch of Red Decor Shelf

[Wood Works] Artistry Candle Sconce

*GLITTER* Ocean Queen Sea/Gold

Truth Hair Fernanda

Maxi Gossamer Mesh Lashes Inverted Crown

October's 4Seasons Guiselle Lily Skin Package for February Makeover Room

NOYA White Pearls Jewelry

KMADD Poses

X-Files Swanky Back In the Day and Now - Featuring [SWANK]: LEGENDAIRE, [RnR]Swag, BluPrintz and Outside the Box

Sometimes I call styling for Second Life 'playing barbie' because it's a little like getting something new for a doll and spending the afternoon dressing your doll in all the new fun things. At other times, I like to take it to the next level and imagine what the doll will do once dressed to the nines, all swanky and ready to killit. 

One place I've noticed a lot of fancy, high end costuming occurs in really good (and really terrible) spy flicks. I'd love to be brilliant and beautiful, licensed to kill, and deviously working with my team to secure details and data that will ultimately save the day... in heels! Last night I was watching this week's new episode of the X-Files. Scully, the quintessential beauty that she is both in the 1993 and in 2016, commented that they used to do the dark AND stairs and she did them in heels! Of course a sexy spy or in her case FBI agent peering into every dark and unusual corner of the world will always have the right look and it almost always includes heels. Sexy with a side order of sexy, of course.

I had to look up [SWANK] to be sure it still meant the same thing in today's lingo as it did the last time I looked in a dictionary. Loads of words have double entendres, hidden meanings or just mean the exact opposite of what they used to mean - back in the day when I did darkness and stairs in heels. Swank still means the same thing - to display one's wealth, knowledge, or achievements in a way that is intended to impress others. Every time I prepare a new look with items from [SWANK], I keep this definition in mind. Today I have on a new dress from [RnR]Swag called Timber. The heels, because of course they must be included! are from LEGENDAIRE, from the Rose Gown set that has a gown and heels included. I put out some of the decor created by some of the [SWANK] designers as well, the hearts on the wall are two different cute 'post it note' displays called C.L. I Love You (yellow) and C.L. Heart (red) made by BluPrintz and the Hippie Shelf and Crate 2 come from Outside the Box.

My $up3r P0W3r$ - Featuring [SWANK] [R]Allure and Baboom

Super powers have been around for as long as humans have been telling tales, passing down oral tradition and letting the younger generation know what came before theirs. Sometimes it was as simple as retelling a story about a hunt, enlivening the story a bit by exaggeration, the animal so big, the creature so fast, and yet with cunning and creativity, the hunt was yet successful. Ultimately, the super power in a human boiled down to the ability to think through things to overcome obstacles. Rarely did we outclass other species with quickness or strength, but almost always, we could outthink. 

In modern society, much of life is lived within four walls. Our daydreams contain our super powers, the feats it takes to merely get through the day. We tell stories of overcoming adversity, plowing past stereotypes and winning against slurs that hurt. The phrase "what doesn't kill us makes us stronger" remains a truth. Even if much of what we battle seems far removed from those hands on moments of our forefathers, we still muster great personal energy and strength to overcome battles. We still seek within ourselves a super power, an ability to make it in our world.

Fantasy is fun. Seeing through something with X-ray vision or throwing lightning bolts with fingertips entertains us. Media saturates our world with the super-crazy shenanigans of the mighty heroes with those fantastical otherworldly powers and we cheer and root for our favorite. At the end of the day, however, I'm sure that our super powers remain in our ability to think. If more people stopped to do so, perhaps there would be less negative energy to overcome with those real super powers we exert every day. If we didn't have bias according to race and creed, sexual orientation and other stuff that doesn't define anyone honestly, all that thought and energy could go somewhere useful. I maintain that my super power is love. I wish I could say that I had the ability to love unconditionally but I still fail at times. I do my best, however, and think that in those moments when I succeed, I've truly embraced the biggest super power of them all.

This month at [SWANK], designers contributed items according to the theme 50 Shades Of Red. We celebrate St. Valentine's Day and the color red and love. As I continue to style outfits, I continue to think of my super power, and how I might touch my world with it. I'm wearing the new Red Dream dress from Baboom and beautiful Tristan heels from [R]Allure.

Featuring NEW February Items From [SWANK]

Theme: 50 Shades Of Red

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Manatoba/188/11/2001

[R]Allure Tristan High Heels Black

Baboom Red Dream

Truth Hair Freya

Gaeline Mesh Lashes Phantasmagoria

October's 4Seasons Guiselle Lily Skin Package from February's Makeover Room

Beloved Jewelry Chantelle Gold Ruby Earrings

Corpus Poses

IIGHT, Dis Tots Adorbs - Featuring [SWANK] !IT!, *HH*, EDELFABRIK and MARBS

We live in an abbreviated world. Everything flies by at the speed of life and sometimes it feels like we have to grab what we can when we can just to survive. Sometimes, though, it's alright to pause, take a deep breath, go for a long walk in the woods or find a place you've never visited and explore it.

Did you know that long before Twitter or Snapchat, the origin of abbreviations like omg and l84 comes from txt messaging on cell phones. Phone plans began including SMS (short message service) as an option in the mid 1990s but every letter of the text cost a few cents and it wouldn't take long at all for texts to cost a bundle, so abbreviations helped save money and time, and the rest is history, as they say.

I love to explore Second Life, find places that are similar to places I'd love to play and visit in my world away from virtual places if I had an unlimited pocketbook and unlimited energy. Sometimes I end up in fantastical places that would never exist in reality, places that make me think of favorite books, favorite far away lands, and places that make me laugh or smile.

When I put together this look, I was surprised by how many pieces from the [SWANK] February event I could find that worked with a gray and blue color palette. Hawker's House has this terrific beanie (with several color hair options to wear) and the high top tennis shoes, both with a muted gray tone. The tied knot top and skirt comes from MARBS, a necklace and bangles pulled from the EDELFABRIK SuperStellar box (there are multiple items in the SuperStellar box including necklace, bangles, heels, stockings and a thong). And lastly the gems from Indulge Temptations Diva design round out the overall style.

Featuring NEW February Items From [SWANK]
Theme: 50 Shades Of Red
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Manatoba/188/11/2001
EDELFABRIK SuperStellar Necklace and Bangle (Bangles, Necklace, Heels Stockings and Thong included in SuperStellar set)
!IT! (Indulge Temptations) Diva Diamonds Belly Gems
*HH* (Hawkers House) Ladies Mesh Hightop Jamin' Sneakers Gray
*HH* (Hawkers House) Ladies Mesh Knit Beanies Heather
MARBS Marynol Knotted Dress

Gaeline Mesh Lashes Starlia
October's 4Seasons Glamour Ombre Ocean Lips
October's 4Seasons Innocence Subtle Purple Eyeshadow
October's 4Seasons Guiselle Lily Skin Package from February Makeover Room

Beachy Fashion Fun Will Melt Your Popsicle - Featuring A.F.I Designs and Featuring [SWANK] Ravens Blade

Every time I try something new from A.F.I designs, I know it's going to be fun, a little daring, and a lot provocative. It's just built into every new look, just like the latest Glam Love dress. From the front, it's a cute mini, another glance reveals more.

It's a dress that begged a trip to the beach. By the time February comes round, many begin thinking about Spring Break, summer beach fun and how to get a healthy bit of sun before it arrives.

Playful heels from Ravens Blade, part of the Truffles set at [SWANK] for February, complete the look. (In addition to the shoes shown here, Truffles also includes a dress.)

Featuring A.F.I Designs Glam Love Dress
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kmadd%20Enterprise/199/39/4002
-and-
Featuring NEW February Items From [SWANK]
Theme: 50 Shades Of Red
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Manatoba/188/11/2001
Ravens Blade Truffles Heels (Dress and heels included in Truffles set)

Truth Hair Dasha
Maxi Gossamer Lashes Party Swallow Wings Red/Black
October's 4Seasons Guiselle Lily Skin from February Makeover Room
*+Crie Style+* Cantabile Glasses
.:JUMO:. Nuit Clutch Black
[Modern Couture] Jewelry Pietra Black
Gala Fashion Design Love Potion Necklace
Vestige Poses - Female Noir Set