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

Halloween Fun -- Featuring Baboom!

I get attached to different people in different ways, which makes sense, as it's not that different online than off line. I get to know people I see more often better than those who's only crossed my path once or twice.

Featuring Baboom! Happy Pumpkin Dress

1. Poetic Colors: Autumn Moon Eyes

2. EMO-tions: Irina

3. Wretched Dolls: Broken Dollie Skin

4. Chop Zuey: Itsy Bitsy Spider

5. Turn`n`Talk Doll Key

6. In-Pose! Poses

From time to time I have the joy of working with people from all sorts of places in the world where their first language is something other than English and they speak/type English really well in Second Life yet spend a lot of time apologizing for not doing so. One of those neat people is Kyra Camel.

Featuring Baboom! Happy Pumpkin Dress

1. Poetic Colors: Autumn Moon Eyes

2. EMO-tions: Irina

3. Wretched Dolls: Broken Dollie Skin

4. Chop Zuey: Itsy Bitsy Spider

5. Turn`n`Talk Doll Key

6. In-Pose! Poses

Kyra creates an array of items, from gowns to casual wear, hats and shoes, and when you visit Baboom! you immediately get a sense for the talent of this neat woman. She speaks German as a first language and communicates terrifically well in English too!

Featuring Baboom! Happy Pumpkin Dress

1. Poetic Colors: Autumn Moon Eyes

2. EMO-tions: Irina

3. Wretched Dolls: Broken Dollie Skin

4. Chop Zuey: Itsy Bitsy Spider

5. Turn`n`Talk Doll Key

6. In-Pose! Poses

Summers can be difficult in Second Life business and this past summer was no different. People go on vaca, they spend time with children who are at home for the summer, and so many diversions distract them (and it's a healthy thing too!!) so they're not as avidly invested in Second Life.

Featuring Baboom! Happy Pumpkin Dress

1. Poetic Colors: Autumn Moon Eyes

2. EMO-tions: Irina

3. Wretched Dolls: Broken Dollie Skin

4. Chop Zuey: Itsy Bitsy Spider

5. Turn`n`Talk Doll Key

6. In-Pose! Poses

Sometime in late Summer, I spoke briefly with Kyra. She had been working hard, creating all that she sold and sells at Baboom! and was feeling the crunch of summer numbers not being easy and I could tell she was frustrated with it.

This last summer, a number of stores closed their doors. When that happens, the people disperse. Some leave. Some recreate themselves under new names. Some even get new names and then open new stores. I sensed for Kyra though, that this was a make or break time. I'm so glad she chose to make it work another year, and now here we are at the end of October, and she's got this amazingly crafted dress out to entice you to visit and enjoy all things Baboom!

--P.S. Some people have already asked me about the skin. I've been in Second Life a very long time. Many things people created years ago are not useful in this newer, fancier SL, but now and then items in my inventory stand the test of time. The creator 'Wretched Dolls' made outfits suitable to the Lewis Carroll version of Alice in Wonderland, and this skin was one of many items I loved and used from that designer. I don't even know if the store exists, or if the person who made the store successful is in SL at this time.

Pausing For a Moment In My World -- Featuring Liv-Glam from 24 Event, Baboom!, Pure Poison from 24 Event, and Death Rocker Bettie Crocker at 24 Event

You might find it amusing to know that I have a very hard time being still. It's true on and off line. I work hard at resting. It's one of those sayings that can't really exist, but yet I do. I really work hard at resting. And when I'm in Second Life and I'm at work somewhere, modeling, and things are quiet, I'm immediately looking for some way to use my time constructively and still accomplish my work goals.

Featuring Death Rocker Bettie Crocker Los Muertos

1. Chop Zuey: Black Storm Set

2. Purple Moon: Marlene Gloves

3. Tat by Caryn

4. [Mirror's Enigma]: Sapphire Tan Skintone

5. Face Paint: Caryn

6. *booN: QPT129

7. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

Things really haven't been quiet at the 24 Event. Every few moments someone new drops in to shop. I was on pose stand 3 yesterday and on pose stand 2 today. The change of location on the pink sim, where most of the women's wear has its home this week, allows me to pan around and look into all sorts of booths. I can window shop, say hi to new arrivals and have a blast, all the while modeling my Death Rocker Bettie Crocker look.

Featuring Pure Poison Angela Dress Blue Fantasy from 24 Event

1. R2: Azuli Blue

2. Finesmith: Lillies Set

3. VicE: Lavender Blue Hair

4. [Mirror's Enigma]: Sapphire Tan Skintone

5. Face Paint: Nail Art Manicure

6. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia

7. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

A whole array of designers are represented at the 24 Event and many of them are designers I've blogged in the past or do currently, or just good friends whom I'm glad to see having good turn out and hopefully excellent sales. Pure Poison has a number of items out and this dress Angela Blue Fantasy is just one of the gorgeous options you'll find there by PP.

Featuring Liv-Glam Alejandro from 24 Event

1. N-Core: Sense

2. Chop Zuey: Party Bright Colors

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Sapphire Tan Skintone

4. [S H O C K]: Glitter Nails

5. Bliss: Yanni

6. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

You'll feel super spoiled by Liv-Glam if you drop in on their display at 24 Event. There are a wide array of designs at all sorts of prices for so many different purse sizes. Alejandro takes the basic mesh to a fun new level with those sexy cutouts over the left hip. Vavavoom! And the name itself makes me sing the Gaga song by the same name. Ack! It's a good thing.

Featuring Baboom! Mesh Jacket Chess with Mesh Skirt Laetitia

1. N-Core: Coquette

2. Carrie's Lingerie: Cherry

3. Chop Zuey: Out Damned Spot Earrings

4. [Mirror's Enigma]: Sapphire Tan Skintone

5. Quintessencia: 17 Nails

6. Face Paint: Fall Perfect Matte Lips and Liner

7. EMO-tions: Fame

8. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia

9. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

In the midst of all the fun at 24 Event, some of my favorite designers are releasing new looks for fall, or just because and one of those designers is Kyra Camel from Baboom! The store has moved. If you haven't been by lately, drop in and see what's new and grab a landmark while you're at it.

Featuring Baboom! Mesh Jacket Chess with Mesh Skirt Laetitia

1. N-Core: Coquette

2. Carrie's Lingerie: Cherry

3. Chop Zuey: Out Damned Spot Earrings

4. [Mirror's Enigma]: Sapphire Tan Skintone

5. Quintessencia: 17 Nails

6. Face Paint: Fall Perfect Matte Lips and Liner

7. EMO-tions: Fame

8. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia

9. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

She's made a set that can be worn with mix and match, two different jackets, one called Eve, and the other called Chess and both go with the skirt Laetitia. At Baboom! you're bound to find a style you enjoy as this designer offers a very versatile array of items for her customers.

Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous -- Featuring Evolve, Glam Dreams and Banger Islands

Every so often, a show comes on television that celebrates someone rich and famous, fantasy or reality, it really doesn't mind. The ideas entice us to dream, and think of those worlds that feel so far out of reach. I don't know if everyone comes into this world with the yearning for such a life, but many of us seem enamored with it.

Evolve: Capture

Featuring Evolve Capture

1. Face Paint: Barbie

2. Wasabi Pills: Lory

3. Mirror's Enigma: Iona Native Skintone

4. Baboom: Diamond Red Shoe

5. Chop Zuey: Black Ice Set

6. Candy Nail: Resort Sunset

7. Poetic Color: Oriental Pearl

When we play hard in our Second Life, we have the opportunity to grasp those fantasy worlds, pretend to be rich or famous, and in some cases, become rich and famous. I remember Ansche Chung's first million making national news, and it was a million US Dollars! out of Second Life.

Glam Dreams Antonelli Gown

Featuring Glam Dreams Antonelli

Featuring Chop Zuey Feu Foliet Clutch Purse

1. Poetic Color: Oriental Pearl

2. [elika]: Abbey

3. Face Paint: Sophisticates

4. Candy Nail: Rose Garden Classics

5. Mirror's Enigma: Sapphire

6. Jewelry by Jake: Valencia Set

I think it would be incredibly difficult in this age of Second Life to repeat such a success, but there are still dreams. Meanwhile, we really do have the chance to visit stunning worlds of fantasy and wearing glamorous clothing; fantastic gowns and gems, pants suits and fun clothes we might otherwise never wear in our lives off line.

Banger Island Creations Tube Top

Featuring Banger Island Creations Gift Mesh Tube Top

1. ::B::u::B:: Jeans

2. Exquisite Abigail Ring - Unknown

3. Chinese Dreams Necklace - Unknown

4. Baubles! by Phe: Square Diamond Bangle

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Sapphire Tan Skintone

6. Face Paint: Smoke

7. Face Paint: Gem Square Prim Nails

8. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Starlia

9. Poetic Color: Oriental Pearl

10. EMO-tions: Lavina

Even when I dress it down, look around, and the world around me makes you go ooh... ahh... and more. A casual tube top fits closely and enhances that sculpted body. She (me?) must work out often to have those curves and the flat tummy. Maybe there's a secret plastic surgeon down the lane that keeps everyone's secrets in this lifestyle.

Evolve Dream Love in Green

Featuring Evolve Dream Love in Green

Featuring Poetic Color Rain Tree

1. [elika]: Breathe

2. Face Paint: Doe

3. Candy Nail: Rain Drop Green

4. Mirror's Enigma: Iona Bronze

5. Angel Necklace - Unknown

6. InPose

If I were truly a part of this strata of people in my world off line, I would pour my effort and time into the lives of those who were not as fortunate. People all around this great world struggle, with health issues beyond our imagination, lack of food, lack of shelter, worn out, used up and forgotten. I would make sure someone remembered them.

Evolve Dream Love in Green (2)

Featuring Evolve Dream Love in Green

Featuring Poetic Color Rain Tree

1. [elika]: Breathe

2. Face Paint: Doe

3. Candy Nail: Rain Drop Green

4. Mirror's Enigma: Iona Bronze

5. Angel Necklace - Unknown

6. InPose

I know it's unlikely I will attain this lifestyle. That's alright. I feel rich and rewarded simply by having family and friends. Wealth comes in many forms, and though it would be wonderful to have no financial conflicts, the ability to buy everything including hot looks, I would honestly rate those things of the heart far above those things bought and paid for in any world.

I can play at anything I want to play in Second Life. Famous or flirtatious. Playful or playgirl. There's a little something for everyone. I enjoy the dreams. I even enjoy those shows I mentioned that let us glimpse that world out of my reach. I focus on those things of no monetary value and personally know that focus would be the same if I did have a huge bank account. I feel whole only when I pour out of myself and into other's lives. I can do that in any lifestyle, at any financial strata. We all can.

Casually Making It Through Another Monday -- Featuring Baboom! and Face Paint

I'm still working my way through the mound of products that Eve created while I was away and loving every minute of it. Face Paint really has turned into a one stop avi accessories shop. If you haven't been by in a while, the build is new, many new products are on display, and you'll almost always find at least one sale item on the wall.

Combining some of my favorite gold lips with the already colorful new Destiny face art, I was able to make it more sunny and summery. With the color palette of Destiny, you'll be able to use it in multiple seasons.

I don't assume anything in Second Life, and I'm aware that places evolve, and have varied needs as they come and go along with many people coming and going. I had not expected then to have any of the same designers work with me when I returned last week. I just didn't think it would be fair to assume a spot I left vacant for two months would still be open. When some of the designers did welcome me with arms wide open, it meant more than they might even realize.

Kyra Camel does an amazing job with her store, "Baboom!" and sent me a stunning dress with heels, jewelry and a handbag. I couldn't wait to pair them with some of the Face Paint new releases. I was thrilled to be in another of Kyra's creations. She has a sleek and sexy aesthetic with a healthy dose of classy. It's the perfect blend for me. And --any-- shoes that are color changeable make me smile because then I don't have to have 20 pair of shoes!

Featured Baboom! Color Me Crazy Shoes
Featured Baboom! Handbag
Featured Baboom! Jewelry Set
Featured Baboom! Solea Mesh Dress Light
Featured Face Paint NIC Destiny
Featured Face Paint Deborah Skin Fair
Featured Face Paint Long Prim Eyelashes Brown
Featured Face Paint French Square Prim Nails
1. EMO-tions: Anna 2
2. Poetic Colors: Autumn Moon
3. Face Paint: Gold Lips

4. Poses built into prop at Face Paint

Quiet... Just a Little Longer

Just when I thought I had everything shifted into a new modus operandi, things change again. I celebrate the graduation of one son from college this coming weekend. The other comes home tomorrow and isn't sure he's going back to college. The world was quiet, for a little while, and it will be, but only a little longer.

As I perched in this tranquil setting, I pondered this loss of peace and return to full time parenting, I was thankful for the refuge that blogging and modeling has given me. I know we all escape into games or television series or Second Life, for a little vacation from reality. Even more so when our reality challenges us. I had a great time working with Baboom!'s newest release and these amazing heels from {{BSD}}. I happened to receive an array of items all at once that looked as if they were designed to make one outfit, and I celebrated. The jewelry  and hair from EMO-tions rounded out the look as I braced for the wave of reality to sweep in close and knock me to the ground. Where's the life vest? I need one nowww...


Featured Baboom! Kelly Mesh Dress
Featured EMO-tions Forever
Featured {{BSD}} Stay Cool Model
Featured EMO-tions Orion Necklace and Earrings
Featured Mirror's Enigma Azuka Tan Skintone
Featured N@N@'s Seraphine Bangles
1. Custom Shape
2. Poetic Eyes: Autumn Colors - Storm
3. Face Paint: Liner and Lash
4. Noya: Golden Sculpted Manicure
5. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Divina

It's Not Easy Being Green...

I grew up during a time where network television offered limited programming and every so often, there were specials. Every year, we tuned it to watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Mary Poppins and The Muppet Show. Those specials often meant we could stay up later, and enjoy a family night.

My favorite among the specials and shows aimed at young people was the Muppet Show. An entire set comprised of puppets of all shapes and sizes entertained us once a week. Though they were furry monsters with friendly smiles on their face, they had surprisingly human conflicts. In a song written for the famous "Kermit the Frog", Kermit emotes that it's not easy being green. I think maybe a bigger message came through that sweet innocent little tune. It's not easy being different.

In my world off line, I have dealt with physical handicaps all my life. There were times I had tubes still attached when I was sent home from a hospital, and always new scars from surgery. I stood out, in my family, in my immediate group of friends; the song resonated in my head. It's not easy being green. On a side note, when I get to wear beautiful designs in Second Life, from the incredible hair at MADesigns to the beautiful top from ::B:U:B:: as well as the sweet mesh mini from Demise of Flight, I get to be normal. I pulled this look together and smiled.

Look Out World, Here I Come

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

I'm In a New York State of Mind

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

I'm On the Edge Just Trying to Survive

It's been one of those difficult days, but in a positive way. I've been granted the privilege of representing several designers in a Model's Workshop show, and I love it... I'm overwhelmed by it, and I love it... I'm learning new things from so many people, and I love it... Many people have invested a lot of time, extra extra time, to make this show work and to encourage new models in the process. I couldn't thank Monica Balut enough for having this event in her group. I also have no words to say how thoughtful and helpful Jena Adder has been. These women are resources like a treasure trove of ideas and information.

There are also mentors, men and women who've had a great deal more time and experience working with a show helping with this one. One of these women have been a part of almost my entire modeling experience so far, Kim Rongyu. She's the type of woman who sees the best in others, and pushes and pulls to make sure she gets the most out of them in a really good way. She's demanding, but only after she's demanded the most from herself. I continue to be grateful to her, from the council she offered to me when I first began working with Face Paint a year ago to this evening, this very moment.

I chose to style one of her items she'd sent me to blog this evening because blogging is one of those safe places I go when I need to unwind and work and think. Kim Rongyu seems able to do just about anything and everything in Second Life and probably off line as well. She's hosting a fundraiser via Marketplace for Sightsavers along with a thousand other projects. I've told her many times and I say it again here. I want to grow up and be like Kim. She's an awesome person.

Featured Kim Rongyu Adele Mesh Dress Copper

1. Custom Shape

2. Mirror's Enigma Iona Native Skin Tone

3. Poetic Eyes: Hot Mocca

4. EMO-tions: Starline Darkbrown

5. Gaeline: Mesh Lashes Divina

6. Face Paint: Sinister 1

7. Sexy Mama Valentine Sculpted Nails

8. Baboom! Mesh Boots Black

9. Finesmith: Mix Copper Necklace

10. Gold Earrings AO1

11. Image Essentials Pose Frame

The Touch of the Master's Hand

There are few people I've met in Second Life who've known me and kept me close as friend through all the many incarnations of myself I've become and tried and passed on to do something new.

One of these people, Magnus Stovall, has seen me at my worst and very best. He's listened to me cry and watched me beam with joy and known when to offer advice and when to simply hold my hand or give me a shoulder on which I could cry.

The poem, "The Touch of the Master's Hand" has always been deeply moving to me. There are many things in life that get better when held in the right pair of hands. In the poem, an old dusty violin becomes a masterpiece of beauty that creates energy like nothing else.

With an amazing friend like Magnus, the world around me brightens when he pauses to 'touch' it. For a few moments, it's just as the poem speaks of, a miracle, a moment worth remembering, and a moment that makes me a better person than I was prior to that moment. My hope for all of you, in every walk of life and every experience, you find steadfast friends who touch your life like this one has touched mine.


Featured - Baboom! Zoe Vegas
Featured EMO-tions - Cosmic
1. Custom Shape
2. Mirror's Enigma: Superbia V2 Peach Skintone
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
4. Gaeline: Mesh Lashes Divina
5. Face Paint: Lip Pop 14
6. Quintessencia Nails: WF Gift Model Square I
7. By Caryn: Shear Tights
8. EMO-tions: Eternal Autumn
9. Bliensen + MaiTai Boots: Winter Waltz
10. Image Essentials (the Maze) Poses on Property

My Wild Irish Rose (Fashion for Life Day 6)

This has been the most incredible day and in the middle of all things wild and wonderful, my heart had one of those sadness moments. I use songs and lyrics for my blog titles and photo names now and when I researched Irish music, I noticed that many had a similar theme as my day has had.

Sometimes the little lows we have make us appreciate the highs even more. I was scared to death and excited at the same time during the highlight of my day. It was my very first fashion show rehearsal and I was like a doe caught in the headlights. Once I got over the fear... wait... haven't quite yet!

Maybe it gets a little easier over time or maybe it's like acting and every opening night brings on a massive round of nerves. I heard when I was part of the Thespians at school that nerves make us focus and attention to detail makes a difference between good and great. I have enough nerves to fill the Grand Canyon. I'm not quite sure if it makes me great yet, but I know I'm stepping closer to my dreams.

This week presents one of the best opportunities I know of online to support an amazing cause. I was watching Celebrity Apprentice, noting that the supposed aim of this show is to raise money and perhaps it does, but it also raises a lot of anxieties and ugliness. I think raising money for any just cause is also a cause for celebration, and certainly not for all that stress on TV.

I've wandered around the sims set up for the Fashion for Life event and run into so many different people from many lifestyles. In this moment, while we're shopping and supporting this charity, we're part of the same lifestyle for a few moments. I don't know why a good cause doesn't unify the competitive people on Apprentice. I'm glad it doesn't happen in our Second Life.


Featured Zanze Lacie Dress Buff at Fashion for Life
Featured Mirror's Enigma SuperbiaV2 Peach Skintone
Featured Mirror's Enigma Superbia Prim Lashes
Featured Mirror's Enigma Naturelle Gray Eyes
1. Custom Shape
2. Osmose: Argentina Platinum
3. Trendy Dolls: St. Patrick's Day
4. Purple Moon: Rosali Necklace
5. Baubles by Phe: Square Diamond Bangles
6. R2: Azuli Blue
7. Poses by Manifeste

Featured Baboom! Clover Gown Patrick's Day
Featured Face Paint Gidget Cotton Candy
1. Custom Shape
2. EMO-tions: Anna
3. Poetic Eyes: Autumn Moon
4. Gaeline: Mesh Lashes Starlia
5. Trendy Dolls: St. Patricks Day
6. Moonshadow: Gipsy Earrings
7. Poses by InPose