Japan Fair - Candy Nail, *+Crie Style+*, +Honey+, Plus EMO-tions, {{BSD Design Studio}}, and Violator

It's Easter weekend. In the past, my whole world calendar revolved around children, when they were in class, when they were on break, how long I had to make it before they drove me crazy and put us all in the loony bin. This weekend, they're coming home for a visit, each at their own time, marching to a beat of a different drum.

The eldest continues his quest to find his niche in the right fit for him regarding leadership in a Church. He's currently volunteering while he's in Seminary but competition really seems to be steep, so he's sending out resumes, doing interviews, and all that comes with the next stage of growing up. I was a Youth Pastor for over 10 years, and at the time, he growled at having to be a 'mascot' because of course he went with us on every trip and did all the crazy stuff we did. Now he finds his interest to be -- drum roll -- wait for it -- being a Youth Pastor.

My youngest son continues to be the free spirit who refuses to stay in one place long, and one who's willing to try anything even when it's rather irksome to his mother. I know he needs to make his own choices and learn to live with them, but sometimes I wish I could still say, "Because I said so..." It just doesn't work like that anymore. His fiance and he both work two part time jobs. I wonder how often they see each other. I know I don't see either of them unless I plan a date. So Easter Sunday, they're coming over for one of those dates. I think the world of his special girl, and hope they choose to do the old fashioned thing and get married, but I do recognize that traditional weddings seem fewer and farther between in our current culture. I just want him happy.

As I prepared mentally and emotionally for their barrage, because it is that even though it's one I LOVE to feel, I sat quietly in the house, a window open, a fan blowing on my feet, and my little world of fun playing 'Barbie'. KaTink shared new poses, and the first half of the Roxeanne pose set is shared here. {{BSD Design Studio}} celebrated last weekend with a beautiful fashion show (woot!!) and I celebrate with them on their anniversary. The shoes are bright and edible pink, and called My Destiny. I love that name. Violator shared several different sets in the events this year including this silver set, NightLight. EMO-tions creator Mirja Mills might not ever sleep because she's so busy creating new looks for every style and taste; Clara is one of the newest releases. From the JAPAN FAIR 2014, I have Candy Nails Qween Rose/White, a new pair of *+Crie Style+* glasses, and a cute little cocktail dress from +Honey+. The total amount raised continues to increase and you can still help by participating, shopping, and knowing your investment goes to a good cause - Shelter Box.

Thank you to each designer who made this style possible:

Featuring KaTink Poses Roxeanne 1

Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} My Destiny Pink

Featuring Violator NightLight White/Silver

Featuring EMO-tions Clara

Featuring from Japan Fair Candy Nail Qween Rose Mist White

Featuring from Japan Fair *+Crie Style+* Sakura Miyabi/NU

Featuring from Japan Fair +Honey+ M009 Mesh Cocktail Dress

1. White Stockings by Caryn

2. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Pearl Basic Skin Tone

3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Glamour Bubble Gum Lips

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Candy Powder Blue Eyeshadow

5. KMADD/Moda: Eyes Attention

6. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Mysteria

4 Calling Birds? -- Featuring Crie Style, Image Factory, XH, MG, Son!a, In-Pose!, .::Shellac

In my little part of the world, the Southern US - South Carolina, or maybe when I was younger, influenced by people and thoughts that were more Northern, I learned the 12 Days of Christmas with the 4 Calling Birds as day four.

I had never heard of this species of bird, however, and never really paused to figure out what exactly a calling bird was. Needless to say, I was glad to find out it had nothing to do with euphemisms for things children shouldn't know!

It made me think of other things we say, things we've heard and just repeat, and how sometimes we might be repeating something uncouth or unkind and not even know it. I think that may be even more true when we share with people all over the world.

A calling bird doesn't really exist, I learned. It's an Americanization of the word 'COLLY' bird. And a colly bird doesn't have any special significance. They fly abundantly in flocks, and in the US, they're simply called black birds.

I really wasn't thinking of being a colly bird when I put this outfit together but as I talk about the children's song and the bird, and look at this unique little dress from In-Pose! I see a resemblance. And yes, I said In-Pose. Ms. Trinity Graves offers clothing as well as terrific poses now!

I used my shorter avi for this pose series and ended up taking more photos than I ever take. I just felt the fun in the moment and had one of those shutterbug moments. I love digital photography on here as well as off line, as we can take so many photos and find the best later without so much expense for film!

It's interesting, looking into the origin of words. Interesting to me anyway. I love the interaction with so many people in Second Life that I can hear phrases and word choices I never knew. I love the chance to work with designers who have great ideas, new ideas, fun ideas, and people who just enjoy life.

Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring Crie Style Caerus from J&A Expo

Featuring IMaGE Factory Message Bag Love Set from J&A Expo

Featuring XH Burbank Hat from J&A Expo

Featuring MG Necklace Tiffany Back Necklace 1 Silver from J&A Expo

Featuring Son!a Madie Earrings Silver Onyx from J&A Expo

Also Featuring In-Pose! Belle

- Belle Boots

- Belle Coatdress

Also Featuring .::Shellac Put on Your Face (Intensity)

1. [Mirror's Enigma]: Freya Peach Skintone

2. [Mirror's Enigma]: Freya Cat EyeShadow

3. MADesigns: Eyelashes - Simplicity

4. MADesigns: Eyes Confidence - Blonde Ambition

5. Face Paint: Classic Square Prim Nails

6. Amacci Hair: Celine

7. SAAL Poses

Looks Like a Party -- Featuring Dot-Be Fashion

I think a lot of people spend their lives looking at the darker parts of their lives. It's easy to do. We live in a time in history that feels overwhelming. News programs and even large governmental agencies preach doom and gloom. If this were the end of the world, wouldn't that be the best time to embrace all that life offers and glean every ounce of good out of it.

Sometimes I talk with friends who need a little nudge, a hug, a smile and a friend. We all do. It's good to share one another's burdens. When I meet some who seem to feel the weight of the world on a regular basis, quick to sigh, to look sad, even the ':(' icon we've all come to know online as a symbol of unhappiness, I try to encourage. Eventually, the only person who's able to make a difference is that person.

I put on this dress from Dot-Be Fashion and had to rave about it immediately. It takes a lot to develop new techniques in Second Life that everyone hasn't already used. So as I put on Boniefacio Boucher's Alydah dress, I was speechless. I'd seen jewelry that flickered, and I imagined that the prim that becomes mesh could potentially work like other prims in Second Life, I had no way to prove it...

...until I put this dress on and sadly, a 2d photo does nothing to show it's flicker. I put together this style to show an every day chick on the go, looking to hang out with friends by the beach. A few people gather, and have a good time sounds like a party to me. I understand the difficult moments. We all have them. I hope you'll step past them, though. Find your party in your world, and if you don't see it, ask others to join you till you make your own party happen.

Featuring Dot-Be Fashion Alydah Picasso ** Please go to Dot-Be and try on the demo of this dress! You have to see the new incredible technique that Boniefacio developed. It's wonderful.

1. EMO-tions: Megan
2. Face Paint: Nyree
3. Face Paint: Art Nails
4. N-Core: Triumph
5. Crie Style: Kabuki