Bright Bits -- Featuring Chop Zuey, Bits By Blue at The Promenade, and [LG] Boutique

I'm not exactly sure how I did it but as I set up for windlight and other settings, I ended up with photos that make it look like the upper line of this sweetheart dress sparkled. Instead, it's a well constructed texture that catches the light in a lovely way, no matter day or night, so you can wear it everyone and feel beautiful every time you do. Sympathique was an interesting name for a gown and a gorgeous one at that from [LG] Boutique this week. An option to wear the fluffy skirting or not to wear is truly a great one in this case, because the print goes all the way down the gown if you prefer to wear it as a sleeve sleek and sexy gown without flexi.

Attention Whore could be a negative thing, unless it's the name of huge, chic earrings from Chop Zuey. These are probably the longest earrings I've donned in a long time. I decided not to wear a necklace between it allowed for those long earrings to go all the way down til they barely graced the shoulders. Sexy!

On the right wrist and hand, a pair of items from Bits by Blue show another set provided to The Promenade as part of a Gacha set. All of those Gacha addicts need to scoot over and see what's new. Great designers have joined together and no matter where you turn, you'll see something you want desperately. Bits by Blue is just a kickstart to get you over there!

If you enter just the word Garden into SL's search feature, there are some really lovely places to visit, and perspectives on gardening that end up showing gardens from around the world. After visiting the gardens at The Lefevre Mansion, gardens that cover so much area and offer a little of this and that as you meander down the paths, I'm spoiled! These were taken on one little curve of the trail.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Lefevre%20Mansion/151/251/30

Featuring Chop Zuey Attention Whore Earrings

Featuring Bits by Blue Vintage Choker Lock & Key Silver Set Necklace, Bracelet and Ring from The Promenade

Featuring [LG] Boutique Fall 2014 Sympathique Azul

1. !Lyrical B!zarre Templates: Lies Mesh Collar

2. SLink: Elegant 1 hands

3. October's 4Seasons: Alabaster Skin Tone

-- Apple Blossom Lips Gloss

-- Shine Eyes Gold Essence

4. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes

5. Maxi Gossamer: Inverted Crown

6. Hairoin: Pheasant Phlower

7. PoSEsioN: Poses

Say Something.. Featuring ::Sweet Intoxication:: and .:JUMO:. from .PENUMBRA. Fashion Week

"Say Something" by a Great Big World

Say something, I'm giving up on you
I'll be the one, if you want me to
Anywhere I would've followed you
Say something, I'm giving up on you

And I am feeling so small
It was over my head
I know nothing at all

And I will stumble and fall I'm still learning to love Just starting to crawl

Say something, I'm giving up on you
I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you
Anywhere I would've followed you
Say something, I'm giving up on you

And I will swallow my pride
You're the one that I love
And I'm saying goodbye

Say something, I'm giving up on you
And I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you
And anywhere I would've followed you (Oh-oh-oh-oh)
Say something, I'm giving up on you

Say something, I'm giving up on you
Say something...

~Meaning (1 interpretation):

When your having trouble in a relationship and you know that things are coming to an end but you want so badly to hang and make it work. You want to be "the one" for them but only if they want to accept you as theirs. You will do anything for them, follow them wherever they go but they wont do the same. You feel like you're the only one in the relationship trying to make it work. It seems like the other person has no hope but you want them to say something, anything to make you stay and keep on fighting. All these overwhelming feelings make you feel so small. Going into the relationship you didn't know what you were getting your self into. You have never loved like this before, there are going to be obstacles, you will stumble and fall but you will learn and keep going. After all the pleading and asking them to stay you just cant keep going, you are finally giving up, you are sorry that you couldn't get them to stay. I love you but I need to swallow my pride, accept defeat, and say goodbye.

How often do you experience this? It seems to me that it happens more often online then in my life off line, but maybe that's because I'm almost house bound and so I'm more likely to seek out friends online than someone who lives out beyond their front door. It's a maudlin song, but it's so deeply meaningful, intense, and something I can easily access personally because I've been through it. I've heard it sung on The Voice. I've seen it danced on So You Think You Can Dance. I heard it on two different music awards shows, once when it was just A Great Big World singing it and then again, when Cristina Aguilara sang it with them. It's personal. It's emotional. It speaks to me.

I don't know why it's been in my heart and head all day but it has. Even as I set up for photos and styled and had my personal time on my little work dais high in the sky over Second Life, I hummed it. There's a link on my wall that I found earlier on Facebook of an older gentleman sitting at a piano and he's playing and singing, on a street corner in somewhere USA.

What am I wearing? It looks so different from the photos I often take of Caryn. ::Sweet Intoxication:: (a great name for a store I think!) created the urban outfit for .PENUMBRA. Fashion Week. And because it had a mini skirt, I got to wear heels to show you too, Riyadh heels in red from .:JUMO:. I don't know where I found the sim with the dragon painting on the wall. I went to a sim that came up when I typed in the word Urban, but dragons don't really feel urban to me, yet it felt like a great place to take the photos. I hope you enjoy the styling, and the reminiscing sort of emotion accompanying them this morning. Say something...

::Sweet Intoxication:: Female Urban Outfit 1 from .PENUMBRA. Fashion Week

.:JUMO:. Riyadh Red Heels from .PENUMBRA. Fashion Week

1. Tres Beau: Belled Necklace and Earrings Set

2. Chop Zuey: Hana-Shobu Belly Ring

3. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands

-- Female Feet High

4. OB4S: Chocolate Cosmose

5. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes

6. Face Paint: Avante Liner

-- Couture Design 1

-- LipGloss Brites Electric Purple

-- Nail Appliers Spill

7. Gaeline: Felicia

8. Hairoin: Incognito

9. [LAP]

I Need a Hero -- Featuring Wicca's Wardrobe at Gypset; Moondance Boutique, Lindy Shoes and -{ZOZ}- at Designer Showcase, and h.m.a.e.m. at Trempe

I have the jacket from her Nancy Tux on, along with the handbag for the same outfit. These items have been available at Gypset, until the end of July, so hurry! You'll also note new items from h.m.a.e.m. - the Sultana Pants in pink, new items from August's Designer Showcase - Lindy Madlin Black Heels, -{ZOZ}- (omgossshhhh I love ZOZ!!) Basic Polish nails and Moondance Boutique beautiful necklace that has a gorgeous chain in front and also drapes elegantly in back. Since you can't see the back in these photos, I'll use the necklace another time this month to share.

--- Longer Note Follows -- Featuring Heroes and Wicca Merlin Specifically

 I celebrate heroes who have impacted my life in a variety of ways. I do this in an internet/virtual world sort of way and also in the world away from the net. These heroes have come along at times in my world where I really needed them, where they really exemplified quality and character, love and compassion, intelligence and direction. These heroes helped create the me that I am today and I know that because life is ever evolving, I haven't met the last hero who will influence my life yet, and I hope I don't for a very long time.

I know she doesn't have a FB name, but she probably has numerous friends and followers and supporters who do know her via this medium. I know she has more on her blog (I'll share her links below) and more in the world we share in Second Life because she's a dynamic model, educator, blogger and above all, friend. Today, I have on some of her items and every time I wear something from Wicca's Wardrobe, I try to think like a Wicca.

Wicca Merlin offers a perspective in modeling that changed the face of pretty in Second Life. She took her sense of self, sense of aesthetic, sense of style and then embodied it. I don't know if she's ever won awards for her amazing work. I do know that I've heard her speak several times and have taken classes where she was the educator. Every time I've been in her company, I've learned something new.

When I say I try to think like Wicca, there's a catch. The thing is, I think that Wicca asserts her will and desire to be different, to break the mold, to do what feels most like self, and though she respects the middle ground, the norm, the whatever many people might call modeling, she acknowledges, and then does what works for her. Thinking like Wicca then means to me... thinking like a me. I see influences all around me. I love a few bloggers and acknowledge their influence. I've had some amazing educators and friends who've helped. Ultimately though, I had to figure out Caryn. I think maybe Wicca might have been the most instrumental in my world related to that topic.

Even if you're new to Miss Virtual World Modeling Academy and you're taking your first class, 101 and you happen to get Ms. Wicca, who will apologize profusely for not speaking English well and then speak it brilliantly for the next hour or so, you will likely see and hear what I mean. Who is this off beat, wonderfully unusual person teaching this class? Am I in the right place? Just because she doesn't look like your canned version of model doesn't mean she's not a great model. I hope many people have a chance to know her, and in that, I hope they have also a chance to know self. If you see that she's speaking somewhere, you should go and listen. And now, because she wasn't already busy enough in SL fashion, she owns her own store and it's awesome too!

Featuring from Wicca's Wardrobe Gypset July Nancy Tux Jacket and Handbag

Featuring from Moondance Boutique at Designer Showcase Oscare Drape Necklace

Featuring from Lindy Shoes at Designer Showcase Madlin Black Heels

Featuring from -{ZOZ}- Shimmer Basics Polish (Hands and Feet)

Featuring from h.m.a.e.m. at Trempe Sultana Pants Pink

1. Poetic Color: Quicksilver

2. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Lily Skin Tone (Hannah)

-- Pink Berries Matte Lips

-- Electra Barbie Eyeshadow

3. MG: Groomed Lashes

4. SLink: Mid-Feet Female

-- Hands Elegant 1

5. Hairoin: 10 Hour Hair

6. PoSeSiOn Poses

Deeply Felt Gratitude -- Featuring Silken Moon and Maxi Gossamer, Also from DOPE Fashion Week RJB Jewelry

One of my all time favorite builder/creator continues to manage several sims and add items to them from time to time. I have no idea how she created all that's for sale in her world, but if you've never visited the properties of Julia Hathor, you really should. I go back there month after month, for different seasons, different reasons, always to find another beautiful nook to pose, and enjoy the surroundings. The only down side is that you cannot run scripts. I often use a complicated but useful face light for photos, so I have to set it at home, then port over and take my pictures.

I met a designer from Robin's Jewelry Box, (RJB Jewelry) who's entered some of her pieces in DOPE Fashion Week. She had me over to her personal property, and showed me a whole array of things she'd made. Some were pieces originally crafted for friends and now being sold to any who'd find it interesting. Other pieces she created for the sake of having her own jewelry store. I was particularly fascinated by the chain (on my throat, bracelet and anklet) as she explained she'd had commissioned the link for a special someone. Getting to meet new people in this wide world of fashion remains one of my favorite parts of this thing I do, and I was glad I got to meet her. She told me while I was there, "You're the first blogger I've ever met." I shared with her a few things about me, and about how I've seen different designers make use of the blogger, and hopefully we helped one another out in the sharing.

Malicia Py sent me a little set of feisty fun pieces that are all black and all a little on the "be careful I'm dangerous" side of things. I love this. It's easy for me, and maybe anyone, to get into routines, a specific style that suits me, and I trip easily into those styles and don't think twice. I need to think, to be stimulated, to be encouraged. I played with the details and still have a few things of hers to share. There never seems to be enough time to show all that I want to share, but I hope you see the tidbits of value and creative design through my eyes and realize how wonderfully diverse and interesting these people are whom I have the privilege to work.

This world of fashion and play helps my physical world more than most realize, and makes a difference in a positive way. All of you, every friend, every fellow model, every designer, those who just poke me to say hello, all of you make a difference and in the cacophony of music that is your voices, your touch, your part in my world, I'm healthier and more stable than I'd ever be were you all absent. In case I haven't said it lately, I'm grateful. For the details. For each of you. I'm grateful.

Nothing I do would work without the support of designers, sponsors who make my blog possible:

Featuring Silken Moon Rock Romance 

Featuring Maxi Gossamer Swallow Wings Red/Black Lashes

Featuring from DOPE Fashion Week Robins Jewelry Box (RJB) Jewelry Ladies Cuban

1. PoseWay Fiero Set

2. {{BSD Design Studio}}: It Girl Shining Black

3. Candy Nail: Rosey Black

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Pearl Basic Skin Tone

-- Fierce Brow Black Option 2

-- Glamour Ombre Nude

-- Shine White Silver

5. Hairoin: 10 Hour Hair

6. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes

Abra-Cadabra -- Featuring -AZUL- and [[j'adore]] from Japan Fair (opens today); Also Featuring New at FINESMITH

It's hard to talk about the opportunity to work with a designer like -AZUL- who's been creating masterpieces in Second Life for a long time and who participates in so many events, including an event like JAPAN FAIR 2014. This gown, Claro de Luna in Sapphire, flows elegantly with every step.

I worked with [[j'adore]] poses for the first time, also found at the Japan Fair, which opens today. I haven't ever had a HUD option to wear and a way to use the poses one by one. The HUD is an awesome option for someone who likes to pose EVERYwhere. I enjoyed 'meeting' a new pose maker, new to me...

Another designer who's invested a lot of time into everything Second Life is Finesmith. This set of jewelry had three options. I chose Summer Powder because of the colors.

By the time I finished putting this style together, I was feeling a little sense of power, a dark energy, or is it light. The setting with the black cat and bright blue flora offers a balance. Perhaps I till tap into one or another and create good times and mischief to be had by all!

I did not get enough time to explore this sim, Odessa SciFi Municipal. I took this last photo in a bubble that was floating up in the sky and since I used a night setting, I ended up with lights like the Aurora Borealis. New places to discover out there all the time!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Grand%20Pulse/136/136/21

My great thanks extends to each designer responsible for making this new style possible:

Featuring from Japan Fair -AZUL- Claro de Luna in Sapphire

Featuring from Japan Fair [[j'adore]] Aqua Poses

Featuring FINESMITH Summer Powder Set

1. .::Shellac: Lip Gloss Brites

2. Hairoin: Pheasant Phlower

3. KMADD/Moda: Confidence Eyes

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Alabaster Skin Tone w/ Blonde Brows

5. FINESMITH: Nails French Sky

6. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Innocence Lavender Mist

7. Floating Bubble Poses in Prop at Odessa SciFi Municipal

Wonderland - Featuring FINESMITH at SAVIAD - The Butterfly and PosESioN at SAVIAD

I seem to wind my wandering self around to Wonderland from time to time. I feel distinctly that sense of falling down the long white rabbit's hole to a world I don't quite recognize. It happens all the time. Sometimes people suddenly behave like someone I've never met, and other times it's me behaving strangely.

We all have reasons we get lost in ourselves, and lost in our world. I really loved "What the Bleep?! ~Down the Rabbit Hole" - a movie that came out about 8 years ago and a movie that addressed a whole slew of new ideas that change physics forever, quantum physics and all the theory that accompanies it. It's not so far from the experience Alice had, too big one moment, too little another, talking to a cat with no body, only a smile, and having a party with a perfectly mad hatter.

Finesmith created the Butterfly and offers it in several colors at the SAVIAD Fair. You can get the three colors I've shown here (fractal, blue and light) as well as other colors. I've used another new pose from PosESioN, the Art II series, and then wandered around !Almost Wonderland and used their poses built into props for the second two photos.

Every photo I take contains some element of Kyxe Skins & Shapes as I'm thoroughly enamored by the work of Kyxea and October. Candice released this weekend (as promised) and is set at a great price. You should drop by and try a demo. The overall look of the face feels very current to me. I think the eyebrows on this face are my favorite feature. It's not surprising that eyebrows can make or break new skin designs. These are spot on!

My sincere thanks for each designer who contributed to make this blog possible:

!Almost Wonderland http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bloomfield/148/38/503

Featuring from SAVIAD FINESMITH Butterfly (Fractal, Blue and Light Shown)

Featuring PosESioN Pose from Art II Set

1. blackLiquid: Nail Appliers Dark Floral

2. Hairoin: Chapeau

3. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia

4. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes

5. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Candice Marigold

6. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Captivate Pickle Lips

7. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Devine Sunset Eyeshadow

8. Candy Nail: Bare Feet

9. SLink: Elegant 1

10. FINESMITH: Geula Gold

A Little Sister Pestering -- Featuring Sky from Christmas Market Event, Also Kyxe Skins & Shapes, .::Shellac, and MADesigns

So how do I see myself in this modeling and fashion world. Last year, when I first began writing my blog, it was late April, and I had a huge moment of self doubt, erased the first 7 or 8 posts on my blog and was going to wait a while. A good friend, who came to mean the world to me - Eve Express - nudged me not to give up on the blog thing and also hired me to work with and for her. I miss her!

I called myself a baby model, a model so green I had no idea what to do with myself and yet people inspired me and helped me and mentored me and gave me things to blog when I probably had no business doing it except the passion to learn and grow.

It can be very intimidating, wanting something so much and knowing no one. I wasn't going to stay in that place though. I wanted to reach out, get to know people and evolve. I remember the first time I met Ms. Ponchi. She did a favor for me, for Eve. Later, I met Mr. Frolic Juan Delgado and he helped with this and that. They both seemed larger than life.

Now here it is, over a year since I met those two, a year that was filled with joy and crushing failure, a year and a few days to pass 105, and to get certified with Miss Virtual World. What am I now? I'm sure in their ears, their IMs, their Facebook links, I'm the quintessential little sister, pestering, always asking a new question, advice, and being a nuisance. I know more people now, more people I can pester!

But honestly, I cherish these people who've invested in me. I AM at the little sister age. I think there are stages that many models pass through. Some stay and go through all of them, others only get their feet wet. It will take years, more than just this one, to get to a point where I feel like a grown up model, and the joy of that is, I'm glad for the journey! Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring Sky from the Christmas Market Event

- Sky Shooting Star Tattoo

- Sky Bow Skirt

- Sky Winter Coat Jacket

- Sky (Gacha Rare) Sneaker Boot

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

Also Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Glamour Ombre Nude

Also Featuring .::Shellac Slink Nails Autumn Palate

Also Featuring MADesigns ~ Eyelashes - Lush Lash 

Also Featuring MADesigns ~ Eyes - Dark Path

1. FINESMITH: 02 Earrings

2. FINESTITH: Tyra Necklace

3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Splendor Eyeshadow Brown Diamonds

4. SLink: Elegant 1

5. Hairoin: 10 Hour Hair

6. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Lily Skintone

7. Manifeste Poses

Looking For A Piece Of the Past -- Featuring Zanze, [Mirror's Enigma], N-Core, .::Shellac::., Lyr!cal B!zarre

This evening, I spent over an hour searching for my wedding tape. VHS. Yes. Old School. I tried to remember the name of a song, and then tried to remember who sang it, and I don't know either answer. I don't tend to collect memorabilia. I just don't. But I do wish I knew where the tape was.

It all began simply enough, one of those silly conversations that popped up last night and continued on to this evening. "What song is OUR song?" my sweetheart asked me. See, I make up little songs to sing to the Yorkies I call my bad children. I used to make up little songs for my sons when they were young.

It's certainly not by lack of connection or special things we've done in our lives. I know that we've got a lifetime of memories already, and celebrate our 24th anniversary in May. I just never had to entertain or calm my sweetheart. I created those little songs for the children and the other children out of need.

My memory may be more like memory foam, with loads of air holes where thoughts used to be, and the location of that video tape may remain hidden for a few more months or years. I don't have a little song that represents my connection to the most special man in my life.

I'm blessed. He is a piece of my past, but he's also a piece of my present and I know that as long as we both shall live, he will be a piece of my future. If the time arose where I felt a need to entertain him, or calm him with a song, I'm sure I'd come up with something.

Featuring Zanze Helen Gown Black

Featuring N-Core Venus Black

Featuring [Mirror's Enigma]: Peach Skintone and F2W Shape

Featuring .::Shellac::. Put On Your Face Mum

Featuring Lyrical Bizarre Autumnal Jewelry Set

1. IKON: Ascension Eyes Coffee

2. Hairoin: Philandra Uriel

3. Quintessencia: Nail WF Square I

4. Di's Opera Poses

5. Miamai Poses

Where Are Your Treasures? -- Featuring Tresor

If you asked me this question, I would say the answer lies all around me in real space and virtual space. The answer is a who, not a what, and you are part of that who. How could that be possible? I don't know you specifically. I know I do not. I know you make time to read this, these very words, and for that fact alone, I treasure you.

Featuring Tresor Halloween Party Dress

Featuring Finesmith Bleeding Purple Headpiece

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. *booN: QPT129

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. Face Paint Nails: Nail Art

5. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Alabaster Skintone

6. [Mirror's Enigma] Azuka Eyeshadow Shine 03

7. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Toasted Almond Lips

8. [[Masoom]] Poses

9. Wicca's Wardrobe: Poses

10. Finesmith: Cen Earrings and Necklace

As I get to know someone more, it often means I also give greater value to that person. Over time, some relationships feel bound by steel, forged in the fire of life's great ups and downs. Other relationships stick together like a spider's web. The tiny tendril of web they secrete offers one of the strongest fibers known to man.

(reminds me of a scene in Hitchcock's The Birds)

Featuring Tresor Halloween Party Dress

Featuring Finesmith Bleeding Purple Headpiece

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. *booN: QPT129

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. Face Paint Nails: Nail Art

5. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Alabaster Skintone

6. [Mirror's Enigma] Azuka Eyeshadow Shine 03

7. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Toasted Almond Lips

8. [[Masoom]] Poses

9. Wicca's Wardrobe: Poses

10. Finesmith: Cen Earrings and Necklace

Sadly, the reverse can happen. If a relationship begins in strength but finds it's tethers tested with loss of trust, the longer the relationship exists, the more it might fray or tangle. The only good I see in this comes from the fact that we know it happens and can compare the not so great moments to the great ones and realize how incredible the good moments are.

Featuring Tresor Halloween Party Dress

Featuring Finesmith Bleeding Purple Headpiece

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. *booN: QPT129

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. Face Paint Nails: Nail Art

5. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Alabaster Skintone

6. [Mirror's Enigma] Azuka Eyeshadow Shine 03

7. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Toasted Almond Lips

8. [[Masoom]] Poses

9. Wicca's Wardrobe: Poses

10. Finesmith: Cen Earrings and Necklace

Most metals break down. Many fibers fray. If I considered one of the metals as a treasure to me, I realize that in time, the metal would oxidize and no matter how beautiful and shiny it is now, sometime long from now, those features would no longer be true. Thankfully not all metals disintegrate. In like manner, not all fibers fray.

Featuring Tresor Kiss of the Spider Lady Gown

Featuring Finesmith Bleeding Red Headpiece

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. EMO-tions: Anna 2

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. Finesmith: French Manicure

5. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Alabaster

6. Hairoin: Day of the Dead Halloween Special

7. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Cherry Blossom Matte Lips

8. Finesmith: Love Angel Silver Set

9. BSD: Stay Cool Model - Raw

10. In-Pose! Poses

I know when I treasure something, I take good care of it. I put more time into making sure it lasts. If I put a little heart into it, I might make the treasure more valuable and able to last longer. This happens to be true for both things and people.

Featuring Tresor Kiss of the Spider Lady Gown

Featuring Finesmith Bleeding Red Headpiece

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. EMO-tions: Anna 2

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. Finesmith: French Manicure

5. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Alabaster

6. Hairoin: Day of the Dead Halloween Special

7. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Cherry Blossom Matte Lips

8. Finesmith: Love Angel Silver Set

9. BSD: Stay Cool Model - Raw

10. In-Pose! Poses

Knowing that a little effort goes a long way with easily seen visual things like tarnished silver shining once again after polishing it, I think the inference to things less easily seen might be made. I won't see a physical shine if I make time to call and talk to one of my sons, but I know it makes a difference in his life and in mine.

Featuring Tresor Kiss of the Spider Lady Gown

Featuring Finesmith Bleeding Red Headpiece

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. EMO-tions: Anna 2

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. Finesmith: French Manicure

5. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Alabaster

6. Hairoin: Day of the Dead Halloween Special

7. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Cherry Blossom Matte Lips

8. Finesmith: Love Angel Silver Set

9. BSD: Stay Cool Model - Raw

10. In-Pose! Poses

I believe some people would share different answers to the treasure question. That's okay. We're all wired differently. Wherever you find your treasure, I hope you remember its value and make time to hold it close. Keep it shiny. Make sure it knows it's treasured. Live! Laugh! Love!

Comfort Food and Other Home Remedies -- Featuring The Orange Works, Ch's, Goth1c0, [F F], Dulce Secrets

There are times where it just isn't easy to get started in a new day. It comes. The sun rises. Birds sing and all the things that announce its arrival happen and still it's difficult to make yourself move. Pull back the covers. Turn so you're no longer prone and your feet are on the ground.

Featuring TBCF

- The Orange Works - The Miri Sofa

- Ch's Warloo Boots

- Goth1c0 Vintage Shorty Shorts

- [F F] Off Shoulder Top Grey

- Dulce Secrets Starley Blac Jade Furor

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: Blair

3. Gaeline: Mysteria

4. Face Paint: Navy Liner

5. [S H O C K]: Starshine Glitter Nails

6. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Demure - Cranapple

7. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Coffee Bean Sparkle Eyeshadow

8. Pink Cherry: Silver Grey Hoops

9. Manifeste Poses

Eventually, I realize that I can't stay in bed forever, no matter how the day began or how I feel about attacking the day. Some need will overcome that first feeling, "I'm never getting out of bed again." It even sounds amusing as I type it, but these things really do happen, and eventually the day occurs.

Featuring TBCF

- The Orange Works - The Miri Sofa

- Ch's Warloo Boots

- Goth1c0 Vintage Shorty Shorts

- [F F] Off Shoulder Top Grey

- Dulce Secrets Starley Blac Jade Furor

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: Blair

3. Gaeline: Mysteria

4. Face Paint: Navy Liner

5. [S H O C K]: Starshine Glitter Nails

6. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Demure - Cranapple

7. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Coffee Bean Sparkle Eyeshadow

8. Pink Cherry: Silver Grey Hoops

9. Manifeste Poses

On the days that make everything challenging, the days where you may have a cold or went to sleep after a really unsettling argument with a family member, I find some things help just a little. Gone are the days of a mother or a maternal figure hugging me tightly and kissing a boo-boo.

Featuring TBCF

- The Orange Works - The Miri Sofa

- Ch's Warloo Boots

- Goth1c0 Vintage Shorty Shorts

- [F F] Off Shoulder Top Grey

- Dulce Secrets Starley Blac Jade Furor

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: Blair

3. Gaeline: Mysteria

4. Face Paint: Navy Liner

5. [S H O C K]: Starshine Glitter Nails

6. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Demure - Cranapple

7. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Coffee Bean Sparkle Eyeshadow

8. Pink Cherry: Silver Grey Hoops

9. Manifeste Poses

Still, I do have a few tricks up my sleeve that make the world around me a little bit better. Comfort food rates at the top of my list. I like spaghettios with franks more than any other thing when I don't feel well. I like it more than chicken soup. It's not that I dislike chicken soup. It just doesn't help fix me.

Featuring TBCF

- The Orange Works - The Miri Sofa

- Ch's Warloo Boots

- Goth1c0 Vintage Shorty Shorts

- [F F] Off Shoulder Top Grey

- Dulce Secrets Starley Blac Jade Furor

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: Blair

3. Gaeline: Mysteria

4. Face Paint: Navy Liner

5. [S H O C K]: Starshine Glitter Nails

6. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Demure - Cranapple

7. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Coffee Bean Sparkle Eyeshadow

8. Pink Cherry: Silver Grey Hoops

9. Manifeste Poses

I have patterns of eating that relate to the medications I take. Other people have to be careful regarding what they eat due to things like diabetes or allergies, so even when food can offer comfort, it has to be done well or it could end up making a difficult day even worse.

Featuring TBCF

- The Orange Works - The Miri Sofa

- Ch's Warloo Boots

- Goth1c0 Vintage Shorty Shorts

- [F F] Off Shoulder Top Grey

- Dulce Secrets Starley Blac Jade Furor

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: Blair

3. Gaeline: Mysteria

4. Face Paint: Navy Liner

5. [S H O C K]: Starshine Glitter Nails

6. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Demure - Cranapple

7. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Coffee Bean Sparkle Eyeshadow

8. Pink Cherry: Silver Grey Hoops

9. Manifeste Poses

I'm notorious for saying, "I don't want to be a grown up and make the right decision." when it comes to food. Actually, I say something like that when it comes to other choices I have to make when I don't want to make them also, so basically I don't want to make the grown up decisions. Period.

Featuring TBCF

- The Orange Works - The Miri Sofa

- Ch's Warloo Boots

- Goth1c0 Vintage Shorty Shorts

- [F F] Off Shoulder Top Grey

- Dulce Secrets Starley Blac Jade Furor

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: Blair

3. Gaeline: Mysteria

4. Face Paint: Navy Liner

5. [S H O C K]: Starshine Glitter Nails

6. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Demure - Cranapple

7. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Coffee Bean Sparkle Eyeshadow

8. Pink Cherry: Silver Grey Hoops

9. Manifeste Poses

Food isn't the only thing I've learned offers comfort when life feels out of balance. I love a good hot bath. Every now and then, I stumble onto new ways to make it through the day. If you have something special that works for you, I'd love to hear about it and share it with our world we have here.

Hurry Up... and Wait -- Featuring TBCF (Koi<, SSW, Leri Miles Designs and [Mirror's Enigma], also featuring Finesmith

I think this phrase may hit the nail on the head for the current generation regarding just about any topic. Everyone rushes about, doing whatever it is they do, then find themselves spending time, huge chunks of it, just waiting.

TBCF

- (Koi< Sometimes 2

- Sassy No Heels Boho

- [Mirror's Enigma] Ashley

- Leri Miles Designs Little People Slouch Bag + Pose

Also Featuring Finesmith August Queen

1. IKON Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: Incognito

3. Miamai: Catwalk Lashes

4. Sexy Mama Nails

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka EyeShadow Spring 04

6. Tintable Tights by Caryn

7. Manifeste Poses

Sitting in traffic may be the worst place to wait before or after a long day at work, and it's a necessity for so many, no way to avoid it. Lines at the bank, lines at the grocery store, lines in the Emergency Room, and lines at theme parts offer just a few examples of the many places we're forced to wait.

TBCF

- (Koi< Sometimes 2

- Sassy No Heels Boho

- [Mirror's Enigma] Ashley

- Leri Miles Designs Little People Slouch Bag + Pose

Also Featuring Finesmith August Queen

1. IKON Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: Incognito

3. Miamai: Catwalk Lashes

4. Sexy Mama Nails

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka EyeShadow Spring 04

6. Tintable Tights by Caryn

7. Manifeste Poses

Sometimes the wait makes it worth it. If you eagerly hope to try the newest roller coaster, your willingness to wait in a ridiculously long line may seem like a small price to pay. If you're eager to welcome a new child into the world, the nine months feels worth it.

TBCF

- (Koi< Sometimes 2

- Sassy No Heels Boho

- [Mirror's Enigma] Ashley

- Leri Miles Designs Little People Slouch Bag + Pose

Also Featuring Finesmith August Queen

1. IKON Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: Incognito

3. Miamai: Catwalk Lashes

4. Sexy Mama Nails

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka EyeShadow Spring 04

6. Tintable Tights by Caryn

7. Manifeste Poses

Many places have automated services, utilizing the best in technological advances, and shortened time for whatever service they supplied. I don't think anyone's created a way to speed up traffic going into or out of Washington, DC yet. I can barely imagine it.

TBCF

- (Koi< Sometimes 2

- Sassy No Heels Boho

- [Mirror's Enigma] Ashley

- Leri Miles Designs Little People Slouch Bag + Pose

Also Featuring Finesmith August Queen

1. IKON Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: Incognito

3. Miamai: Catwalk Lashes

4. Sexy Mama Nails

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka EyeShadow Spring 04

6. Tintable Tights by Caryn

7. Manifeste Poses

By the time we figure in the amount of time we've waited for something to occur against the occurrence itself, we can identify whether it was worth the wait. Some of it is mathematical and some of it is emotional, but we live and learn. Once we've decided it's not worth the wait, we try other things.

TBCF

- (Koi< Sometimes 2

- Sassy No Heels Boho

- [Mirror's Enigma] Ashley

- Leri Miles Designs Little People Slouch Bag + Pose

Also Featuring Finesmith August Queen

1. IKON Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: Incognito

3. Miamai: Catwalk Lashes

4. Sexy Mama Nails

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka EyeShadow Spring 04

6. Tintable Tights by Caryn

7. Manifeste Poses

The military uses the phrase "Hurry up and wait" from the moment you begin your first day at boot camp to the last day of your retirement. You must arrive anywhere you're expected on time. However, this does not mean THEY are ready for you and will begin on time.

Time and an avid care not to waste it, nor to waste others time defines part of a whole list of things that make someone professional, appear that they care, and responsible. Online, many jobs including those in the fashion industry, expect timely participation.

And despite the hiccups of connections dropped and other techno details we cannot avoid, awareness of the value of time will help you achieve your fashion dreams, as a model, designer, or really anything else. Sometimes it will feel exactly like, "Hurry up... and wait." but it's worth it.

If Only You Believe In Miracles -- TBCF Bliensen + MaiTai, EnvyMe, and Paisley Daisy

Sometimes I ponder what our current age would look like if we were able to show it to our great grand parents. I was born in 1968. My mother was born in 1944. I think that means my grandmother on her side of the family was born around 1919.

Featuring TBCF

- Bliensen + MaiTai Woodstock Slink Shoes

- Bliensen + MaiTai Slink Nail Color

- EnvyMe Samia Skin Tan Liner Light

- Paisley Daisy Joeys Mesh Wave Gown

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: Que Bella

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Bare Feet Slink

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Eyeshadow 02 and Azuka Light Lips Fruity

6. FuLo: Fringed Bib Necklace and Earrings Gold

7. Manifeste Poses

I believe I've shared before that I'm a History fanatic and I love Sci-Fi as well. I think those are unusually situated across the aisle from one another. History already happened and Sci-Fi is what we think may happen one day.

Featuring TBCF

- Bliensen + MaiTai Woodstock Slink Shoes

- Bliensen + MaiTai Slink Nail Color

- EnvyMe Samia Skin Tan Liner Light

- Paisley Daisy Joeys Mesh Wave Gown

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: Que Bella

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Bare Feet Slink

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Eyeshadow 02 and Azuka Light Lips Fruity

6. FuLo: Fringed Bib Necklace and Earrings Gold

7. Manifeste Poses

Electronics and the eventual revolution the field created began around the turn of the 20th century. Lightbulbs were used as part of the new age of electricity when 1899 turned over the calendar to 1900. With each improvement, some people predicted terrible things and others foresaw amazing beauty.

Featuring TBCF

- Bliensen + MaiTai Woodstock Slink Shoes

- Bliensen + MaiTai Slink Nail Color

- EnvyMe Samia Skin Tan Liner Light

- Paisley Daisy Joeys Mesh Wave Gown

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: Que Bella

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Bare Feet Slink

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Eyeshadow 02 and Azuka Light Lips Fruity

6. FuLo: Fringed Bib Necklace and Earrings Gold

7. Manifeste Poses

My balance comes more easily when I have a fairly solid understanding of the world around me. I like consistency. I like patterns. I revel in repetition. A side note and bit of irony - I used to be the queen of schedules and consistency, and now I'm the anti-queen. I can't believe how much I've changed.

Featuring TBCF

- Bliensen + MaiTai Woodstock Slink Shoes

- Bliensen + MaiTai Slink Nail Color

- EnvyMe Samia Skin Tan Liner Light

- Paisley Daisy Joeys Mesh Wave Gown

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: Que Bella

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Bare Feet Slink

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Eyeshadow 02 and Azuka Light Lips Fruity

6. FuLo: Fringed Bib Necklace and Earrings Gold

7. Manifeste Poses

Our world could look very alien to those great grandparents, kin that were born around the time when electricity changed the world forever. Telegrams, and telephones, ocean liners and airplanes, cash registers and computer account management... each step, from one of these to the next had to appeal to our nature to see something new and strange and fear it or call it a miracle.

I do understand how change inspires fear. I prefer to pursue the possibility of miracles. I don't always understand the technology that flies by me left and right, and I know as I get older, the information speed will continue to increase exponentially. I embrace the radical world we helped create and can't wait to discover the one we have yet to imagine.

If my grandmother could see me, Caryn, a saucy sweet and spicy bit of female pixels and how that Caryn interacted with a world of people, part of her would want to bury it or burn it. The other inquisitive part would sit at my side and learn it. I hope one day, my grand-daughters will be so kind.

Now Open - Featuring Items from TBCF [free bird], AIDORU, Legal Insanity, [Mirror's Enigma]

I try to blog about 5 items a week. Please bare with me as I pepper you with blog posts.

Featuring TBCF Items

-[free bird] TBCF Boho Jacket

-AIDORU 70's Vintage Earrings

-Legal Insanity Rowan Long Boho Skirt

-[Mirror's Enigma] Ashley Brown Skintone

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: 10 Hour Hair

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. N@N@: Bag Butterfly Tattoo

5. Quintessencia: Square Nails

6. Manifeste Poses

I pulled a lot of items from their boxes, and still have more to unpack. That way I can mix and match some of the items.

Featuring TBCF Items

-[free bird] TBCF Boho Jacket

-AIDORU 70's Vintage Earrings

-Legal Insanity Rowan Long Boho Skirt

-[Mirror's Enigma] Ashley Brown Skintone

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: 10 Hour Hair

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. N@N@: Bag Butterfly Tattoo

5. Quintessencia: Square Nails

6. Manifeste Poses

This array of items includes new items from [free bird] - the jacket, AIDORU - the earrings, Legal Insanity - the skirt, [Mirror's Enigma] - the skin.

Featuring TBCF Items

-[free bird] TBCF Boho Jacket

-AIDORU 70's Vintage Earrings

-Legal Insanity Rowan Long Boho Skirt

-[Mirror's Enigma] Ashley Brown Skintone

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Hairoin: 10 Hour Hair

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. N@N@: Bag Butterfly Tattoo

5. Quintessencia: Square Nails

6. Manifeste Poses

The details on the jacket and earrings really stand out even on the tiny prims needed to make earrings.

Pushing Boundaries -- Featuring A.F.I Designs and Kyxe Skins & Shapes

I have been pushing the edge of what I know to new extremes here in Second Life as well as my paint program. I use Corel Draw X4 for those who know about those details. I edit most of what I do with simple cropping, the occasional retouch of a missed pixel, but not too much of the fancy stuff.

Featuring A.F.I Designs Gold Nuvo

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Marigold Skin

-- Kyxe mesh hands

-- Kyxe mesh feet

-- Kyxe Adriana Lips Orange Gloss

-- Kyxe Green Grapes Sparkle Eye Shadow

1. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

2. Hairoin: Pheasant Phlower

3. Exodi: Silver Flicker

4. Kastle Rock: Italia Bandeau Top

5. Poses built into studio at The Creative Loft

I want to learn the fancy stuff, and I imagine that's why I'm in the process of asking questions to those I know who are already fantastic artists in this realm. Not every artist works with fashion, and that's neat too, and exposes me to other points of view. I get impatient with myself at times.

Featuring A.F.I Designs Gold Nuvo

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Marigold Skin

-- Kyxe mesh hands

-- Kyxe mesh feet

-- Kyxe Adriana Lips Orange Gloss

-- Kyxe Green Grapes Sparkle Eye Shadow

1. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

2. Hairoin: Pheasant Phlower

3. Exodi: Silver Flicker

4. Kastle Rock: Italia Bandeau Top

5. Poses built into studio at The Creative Loft

I think I've always been that type of personality. Once I set my mind to learn something, I will eventually learn it but I'm my own worst critic and I always want to know it all NOW and I want it to look GREAT the first time out of the starting gate. Both of which, of course, make no rational sense.

Featuring A.F.I Designs Gold Nuvo

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Marigold Skin

-- Kyxe mesh hands

-- Kyxe mesh feet

-- Kyxe Adriana Lips Orange Gloss

-- Kyxe Green Grapes Sparkle Eye Shadow

1. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

2. Hairoin: Pheasant Phlower

3. Exodi: Silver Flicker

4. Kastle Rock: Italia Bandeau Top

5. Poses built into studio at The Creative Loft

I've done other things in Second Life; I've done a lot of other things really. Every 4-6 months, I put one idea down and try another. I get bored easily, or have gotten bored easily in the past. This thing with fashion, and modeling, and photography and blogging though... it challenges me, and after 2 years and 2 months I'm still working towards goals. I know I have a long way to go, but I know that with each step I take, and each boundary I push, I get a little closer.

Sunday Morning Glory -- Featuring KL Couture

Each day, my little life pattern contains certain things that must happen no matter what. I get really frustrated with myself when I forget something in this category too because I'm my own harshest judge and jury.

Featuring KL Couture Lady Papillon Gown Water

Featuring KL Couture Lady Papillon Jewelry Set

Featuring (brand new designer) Sweet Wishes First Love Susan

1. IKON: Coffee

2. Hairoin: Auroral Lace V2

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. Face Paint: Goddess Mask

5. Candy Nail: Rain Drop Green

6. Kyxe Shapes & Skins: Ripe Grapes Gloss

7. Manifeste Poses

I want to present the best me possible to my sweetheart of twenty three years, my children, my extended family and I want to present the best me possible to my online friends, family, and business associates. Sometimes the challenge I have with remembering details affects my ability to do this.

Featuring KL Couture Lady Papillon Gown Water

Featuring KL Couture Lady Papillon Jewelry Set

Featuring (brand new designer) Sweet Wishes First Love Susan

1. IKON: Coffee

2. Hairoin: Auroral Lace V2

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. Face Paint: Goddess Mask

5. Candy Nail: Rain Drop Green

6. Kyxe Shapes & Skins: Ripe Grapes Gloss

7. Manifeste Poses

I've thought about hiring an assistant. I've thought about hiring a part time nurse, house cleaner, cook, and as my sweet man says, "You want to hire a new wife!" I suppose that makes sense. But the thing about an in world assistant or hiring a new wife, I still would have to be responsible enough to remember the things I needed them to focus on each day, the routine things, and the special details.

Featuring KL Couture Lady Papillon Gown Water

Featuring KL Couture Lady Papillon Jewelry Set

Featuring (brand new designer) Sweet Wishes First Love Susan

1. IKON: Coffee

2. Hairoin: Auroral Lace V2

3. Gaeline: Starlia

4. Face Paint: Goddess Mask

5. Candy Nail: Rain Drop Green

6. Kyxe Shapes & Skins: Ripe Grapes Gloss

7. Manifeste Poses

By the time I could get someone equipped enough to remember things for me, I'd be remembering them for myself. I think that could be a little like my mother who used to clean her house before a cleaning lady came to clean. I never understood, but she always said, "I can't let her see the place look like this." I don't want the people around me to see my cracks and flaws either.

I woke this bright Sunday morning. I thought it was Monday, of course, because I do it every weekend. Mr. is off on Fridays. For years, we had a traditional work week where days off began with Saturday, so I have not yet rewired my brain to know which day of the week it is. I was ready for him to get ready for work, and he chuckled and reminded me that it was only Sunday, and to top it off, he was off tomorrow for Columbus Day.

What do you celebrate on Columbus day, really?